Tourvest is southern Africa’s leading integrated tourism group, operating businesses which range from travel management companies, hotels, lodges and restaurants to craft, curio and jewellery shops, and foreign exchange bureaux, under some 60 sector-leading brands, employing more than 5 000 people.

The group was created in 1997 through the incorporation of a number of long-established tourism companies. That same year, Tourvest listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange. In August 2008, it was acquired by a black economic empowerment consortium (IDC, Old Mutual and Guma) and delisted.

Tourvest’s steady growth as a leading integrated tourism group has been driven by a commitment to exceptional quality, service and value; its people-centred business philosophy; the development of mutually rewarding partnerships; constant innovation; and world-class technology. Tourvest is based in South Africa and is a global business, with operations in southern, East and West Africa, India, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Caribbean, as well as having principals, associates, and clients throughout the world.

Tourvest is an entrepreneurial business and each division is run as an autonomous business unit with separate boards supported in its efforts by head office.

Tourvest Destination Management, with its purpose of “One team creating memorable experiences through travel”, is based in South Africa, but is a global business with offices, representatives and GSAs in 46 source markets. We serve the business-to-business environment of tour operators, travel agents, corporate companies and sporting bodies.

Partnering with Tourvest Destination Management offers authentic and memorable experiences for inbound leisure travellers to Africa. First-hand knowledge and experience of our destinations means that dedicated travel specialists are qualified to design tailor-made itineraries around the needs of the client.

Through our inbound leisure brands, we specialise in the following African destinations: Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Madagascar, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zanzibar, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

In addition to its destination management business, it also houses sports travel companies which provide tailor-made group travel packages, school sports tours, holistic skiing experiences and cultural travel programmes to various markets both locally and internationally. With a global footprint, this unit’s primary competencies are accommodation, transport, logistics, staffing, event and venue management, as well as consulting.

1. Part of an Integrated Tourism Group

Tourvest is a highly diversified, large, stable entity with a material presense throughout Africa and selective investments globally.

Our customers benefit from this diverse infrastructure through:

• Better supply chain opportunities
• Deep 360° understanding of the overall tourism ecosystem
• Material Influence in all areas of operations

2. Global Footprint

Our extensive network of offices spans key cities and exotic destinations across Africa and Europe, ensuring seamless service delivery. From our headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, to Cape Town, White River, and Windhoek, we cater to clients’ needs efficiently. Further afield, our offices in Maun, Nairobi, Mombasa, and Zanzibar provide access to East Africa’s diverse landscapes. Additionally, we have a presence in Entebbe, Antananarivo, and representation in Italy. With destinations including Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, and Tanzania, among others, we facilitate unforgettable experiences. Our reach also extends to island paradises like Madagascar, Mozambique, and Zanzibar.

3. Our People

Our people are the soul of our business, and make all the difference!

Our people do what it takes to find solutions.

The loyalty and longevity of our people deliver stability in relationships.

4. Innovation

Cutting edge event technology solution has re-imagined the way both businesses and attendees connect between multiple venues and locations around the world.

Continuous monitoring of global trends and trend setting developments within our destination (Business Development Department).

5. Ownership of product

We have developed highly researched and curated product selections to deliver expectable third-party services. We learned that being able to guarantee quality is often only possible through full ownership, as it allows for better control.

6. Mitigation of Business Risks

Being part of the Tourvest Integrated Tourism Group, Tourvest Destination Management has a comprehensive general liability cover.

Comprehensive and consistent health, hygiene and safety protocols have been adopted in all areas of operation.

7. Commitment

• To fulfill your expectations by close and in depth consultation with you.
• Make available our expertise, industry recognition and strong-founded relationships.
• To enhance your ideas with our creative, innovative and realistic approach.
• To create strong, professional relationships between our key staff and the hosts working on the project.

Tourvest is unique because we are the only organisation with a presence in every facet of the travel and tourism value chain. Due to this, the company is well-placed to assist the tourism sector in addressing issues related to conserving of our natural environment and heritage and the rising challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

Tourvest’s continued success is not just a factor of our operational or financial performance, it is a demonstration of our commitment to a positive and mutually-beneficial relationship with every stakeholder who is affected by our business and the well-being of the communities and the natural environment.

To this effect, one of Tourvest’s key strategic imperatives is to positively impact the long- term sustainability of our natural environment and society, particularly the communities in which we operate and the tourism attractions on which much of our business is based. We are responsible and accountable for our role in these communities and countries; economically, socially and environmentally. Our accountability is lived through the DNA of our core business values and through our company culture. Tourvest aims to positively contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, as outlined by the United Nations agenda 2030.

Green Seat – Travel With A Purpose: In line with the company values, the Green Seat concept was developed to allow our customers to contribute to our people, planet and wildlife.

Our Green Seat Beneficiaries

Project Lead

2nd in Charge

Finance

Transport

Admin, Inventory & Hotel Manager

Communication & Creative

WELCOME

Arrival day is dedicated to extending a warm African welcome to our guests. Our professional meet and greet team personally welcomes each guest off their flight.

The arrival service includes private family transfers from the airport to the hotel, complete with light snacks and refreshments. Every aspect of our service features personalized event branding, ensuring that every detail is meticulously handled.

Upon arrival at the hotel, each guest is greeted in true YPO style by some African entertainment and the hotel General Manager, who offers hot towels and a specially-made welcome drink. Every room features a special welcome treat, thoughtfully prepared for our guests.

MOWANA SAFARI LODGE & SPA

Situated on the banks of the mighty Chobe River, luxury exists in harmony with nature at Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa. This is a unique location from which to explore the magical wonders of untamed Africa. Plentiful wildlife, including herds of elephant, antelope, giraffe, zebras, lions, leopard and more, roam freely in the nearby Chobe Game Park. Sunrises and sunsets, with the river and Namibian flood plains as a backdrop, are the stuff of dreams.

In these tranquil surroundings, experience true comfort, superb accommodation, gourmet cuisine, Africa-inspired menus, and only the very best of personalised African hospitality.

CONNECT DINE AROUND DINNER

The event will be hosted at the homes of local members, with the group divided among three to four residences. Each home will receive an allowance to support catering, décor, and entertainment, where applicable. Each host will create their own unique dinner experience and theme for the evening. The local members will be responsible for hosting the YNG event, and we will arrange return transfers for each home.

Our second option is to host the YNG Welcome Dinner at a private venue, featuring a Botswanan Dinner Feast Evening.

BOMA DINNER: EXCLUSIVE WITH SEPERU DANCERS

Guests will enjoy a captivating Boma Dinner, highlighted by the dynamic performances of Seperu dancers. This exclusive YPO-themed evening promises an immersive cultural experience, complete with traditional entertainment and, budget permitting, engaging activities. It’s an opportunity to celebrate and connect with fellow YPO members in a memorable setting.

TRADITIONAL TOTEMS AND VILLAGE DINNER

For the last dinner, we’re planning an evening of cultural celebration for our young adults, centered around the theme of African totems. Totems are symbolic representations of a strong connection between a community and a specific animal, often reflecting historical events or deep respect for nature.

In Botswana, different groups have distinct totem animals. For example:

• The Basubiya, living along the Chobe River, revere the hippopotamus.
• The Bakwena’s totem is the crocodile.
• The Batawana hold the lion in high regard.
• The Bangwato honor the duiker, a small antelope, due to a mythological story of it saving a chief’s life.
• The Xaniqwee, part of the Banoka community, have the aardvark as their totem, symbolizing their historic journey through the Kalahari.

To conclude our retreat, we’ll focus on reflecting and resonating with our own totem animals. Participants will carve their totem animals themselves, rather than buying them, as a way to connect more deeply with the symbolism and personal meaning of their chosen animal.

BIRD RINGING EXPERIENCE

Guests will have the rare opportunity to engage in a bird ringing (or banding) exercise, where they will assist in the safe capture and tagging of birds. This hands-on experience allows participants to contribute to vital conservation efforts by helping to gather important data on bird species, migration patterns, and population health. Under the guidance of experts, guests will learn the delicate process of placing identification rings on the birds’ legs before releasing them back into the wild. This activity offers a unique and meaningful connection to wildlife, providing a deeper understanding of avian ecology and conservation.

We have carefully selected resources that align with our vision of extraordinary personal development and transformation. The professionals we have in mind are renowned for their expertise as personal development coaches, authors, and motivational speakers.

Their approach, inspired by concepts like “Living your Strongest Story,” is designed to motivate participants to live a focused and significant life story. Through an interactive and reflective process, attendees will gain clarity and direction for their lives, defining their purpose, embracing their roles, and maximizing their strengths.

What truly sets these professionals apart is their deep understanding of the YPO culture—a culture that emphasizes excellence, growth, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Their familiarity with this unique environment enables them to craft powerful experiences that resonate with our attendees on a profound level. As members of the organization themselves, they are curating a bespoke program designed specifically to inspire, challenge, and elevate our group, making them the perfect fit for this event.

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