Bench Africa celebrates 50 years by taking its staff on safari

Bench Africa celebrates 50 years by taking its staff on safari
By Alexandra Coulton


Bench Africa invited the trade to celebrate its 50th birthday yesterday with a long lunch at Sydney’s Quay restaurant.

The celebrations began with a heartfelt thank you from Bench Africa chairman Mike Kirkland, who bought the company, then known as Bench International, from Charles Bench in 2007.

“Making it to 50 years in any business is an enormous milestone and we don’t take it for granted. This is especially the case working in an industry and with a destination that we all know is temperamental in nature,” Kirkland said.

“Thank you for all the work that you do in inspiring travellers to Africa. The abundance of natural beauty and rich heritage is something that I truly believe every traveller should have the chance to experience at least once in their lifetime and I guarantee, they too will become ambassadors and in turn, safeguard the future of these captivating African countries.”

Attendees were entertained by a Kenyan dancer and a Guinean jembe player – or as he called it, an “African mobile phone”.

Perhaps the highlight moment was general manager Martin Edwards’ announcement that Bench Africa will be taking its hardworking staff on an African safari to say thank you for their contributions to the company.

Long-time safari partners Sabi Sabi Game Reserve are also celebrating their 40 year anniversary and it was decided to surprise the Bench Africa staff with a joint anniversary celebration to be held in the luxurious Sabi Sabi private lodges.

Announced to all staff last Friday on Bench’s 50th anniversary, this trip will see the company fly to South Africa on a whirlwind 5 day trip including safaris, fine food and many raised glasses to Bench’s 50 years.

“50 years is a remarkable achievement in any industry, especially one that can be as temperamental as African travel,” Edwards said.

“We all share a passion for Africa so for this special occasion why not share this experience with each other?”

Latest News

  • Appointments
  • Hotels

Kerzner International announce key leadership appointments

Kerzner International has announced two significant leadership appointments as part of a brand-new management structure designed to position the company for continued growth and success. Brand verticals Kerzner is renowned for creating pioneering brands from the larger-than-life Atlantis to the ultra-luxury One&Only Resorts, and recently an industry-first with the launch of SIRO, the ultimate fitness […]

  • Hotels

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour welcomes Santa Clause

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour has welcomed Santa Clause to bring early Christmas presents to the children of the Royal Far West Charity. Royal Far West is one of the charities supported by hotel owner, Dr. Jerry Schwartz, who organised for high-rise window cleaning entrepreneur Edvaldo Godoy of Updown Access to “sleigh” down the face of […]

  • Travel Agents

Digital marketer says travel operators are missing out on free cash

Travel operators are missing out on free cash for marketing, says Sam Patton, founder of The Social Spider, Australia’s first digital marketing agency dedicated to the travel sector. Some savvy travel companies are successful in accessing “magical” marketing funds from government and private sources but many were unaware of available cash or unwilling to spend the […]

  • Food & Beverage
  • Hotels

Banyan Tree offers special Christmas dining options

Banyan Tree has announced a host of 5-star gourmet Christmas and New Year dining experiences for each of its restaurants across the festive season. Here’s a selection: Banyan Tree Krabi Gala Dinner The Banyan Tree Krabi is hosting a sumptuous Christmas Eve Gala Dinner at its popular restaurant, The Naga Kitchen. Guests can enjoy an […]