South African Tourism partners with Google to launch virtual travel experiences

South African Tourism partners with Google to launch virtual travel experiences

South African Tourism and Google Arts & Culture and have announced the launch of ‘South Africa: An Explorer’s Paradise’, an online exhibition where visitors can explore the country through a collection of 500 images and videos, 55 Street Views and 20 digital stories.

The project marks the first phase in a long-term collaboration to celebrate South Africa’s diverse people, its rich cultural heritage and its breathtaking landscapes.

COVID-19 has put pressure on the tourism industry in South Africa and globally, and the project offers audiences the opportunity to virtually discover the best of the country.

“South Africa has been aptly described as a microcosm of the world, a place where civilisations meet,” Google South Africa country director Alistair Mokoena said.

With its spectacular views, stunning wildlife and unbeatable biodiversity, bustling modern cities, and vibrant economy, South Africa is often described as “A world in one country”.

“In 2019, more than 10 million people visited,” Mokoena said.

“In 2020, on average, arrivals were substantially lower – October 2020 saw 91 per cent fewer arrivals than October 2019, for example.

“We wanted to promote South Africa’s heritage and destinations in a way that hasn’t been done before to tempt them to visit in person as soon as they can.”

For South African Tourism, the launch of the virtual tourism project marks the start of formalising a relationship and partnership that will play a crucial part in the sector’s recovery.

“The Google Arts & Culture platform does a great job in creating awareness for the rest of the world to get a spectacular glimpse of South Africa, but what also excites me is the potential of the partnership to grow the sector on the digital front,” South African Tourism CEO Sisa Ntshona said.

“We know that digitally-led is the norm and, through our partnership, we hope to equip the sector with the necessary skills to thrive and adapt in a digital environment.

“We have already started introducing some of Google’s offerings at our nationwide SMME workshops and will continue with this and more throughout this year.”

 

Google Arts & Culture director Amit Sood is thrilled to see the project kick off.

“I am excited that South African Tourism and Google Arts & Culture are starting their collaboration today,” Sood said.

“The first phase of our partnership is now online to showcase incredible locations, hidden gems and adventurous activities across South Africa.

“We are looking forward to the next steps together with South African Tourism, and we hope that anyone, anywhere will get a glimpse of what the country has to offer.”

To experience South Africa and explore to your hearts’ content, visit g.co/sharesouthafrica, or download the Google Arts & Culture app on the Android or iOS store.

Latest News

  • Conferences
  • Travel Agents

Travellers Choice award winners 2024 announced

This year’s Travellers Choice award winners were announced at the gala dinner at Sydney Town Hall last night. The winners are: 2024 Leading Agency Award winner: Travel and Cruise Professionals (South Australia) The Travellers Choice Leading Agency Award distinguishes a member who has enjoyed outstanding success in their individual agency business, has contributed significantly to […]

  • Conferences
  • Travel Agents

Emotional Travellers Choice Conference that wasn’t hard to bear

If Day 1 of the 2024 Travellers Choice Conference in Sydney, the first in the Harbour City for 25 years, was filled with laughter and cocktails then Day 2 of “Travelution” was an emotional roller coaster. Travellers Choice MD and new ATIA chair Christian Hunter opened the three-day conference by announcing two new initiatives. In […]

  • Tourism

ATEC celebrates industry excellence with annual awards 

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has announced the winners of its prestigious annual awards, recognising exceptional contributions from across our tourism export industry. These awards, announced during ATEC’s annual Meeting Place event last Wednesday, highlight individuals, businesses, and partnerships which have shown outstanding leadership, dedication, and innovation in promoting Australian tourism. Captain Trevor Haworth […]

  • Hotels
  • Luxury

Accor announces the signing of Sofitel Sapa Hotel and residences

Accor has announced the signing of Sofitel Sapa Hotel & Residences, a landmark luxury development set to bring Sofitel’s French elegance to the highlands of Northern Vietnam. The project is a combination of 176 rooms and 436 branded residences. It is expected to open its doors in 2030, making another milestone in the expansion of […]

  • Events

ICC Sydney celebrates 100 events in record-breaking year

International Convention Centre Sydney, managed by ASM Global, is set to break the record for number of live events in a single year with 100 shows. The James Blunt concert taking place on 23 November marks the venue’s 100th live entertainment event in a single year. To celebrate this historic achievement, ICC Sydney is giving […]

  • Travel Agents

Last chance to win Globus family of brands’ $1K a Day Giveaway

Agents are reminded they can still enter an unmissable giveaway by making a deposited booking with Globus, Cosmos and Avalon Waterways for departures in 2025. The trade incentive will remain open to agents until 30 November. To take advantage of the offer, agents simply need to make a deposited booking with either Avalon Waterways, Globus […]

  • Events

Intrepid Travel champions responsible business at UN Global Compact Sustainability Event

Intrepid Travel championed the agenda for responsible business at the United Nations Global Compact’s UNiting Business Live Australia conference this week. During her visit to Australia, UN Global Compact assistant secretary-general, Sanda Ojiambo, met with Intrepid CEO James Thornton, where they discussed the future of sustainable practices in the travel industry. Thornton and Ojiambo discussed […]

  • Hotels

Fusion launches GLOW Bangkok Riverside

Fusion Hotel Group has opened GLOW Bangkok Riverside, a new hotel overlooking the Thai capital’s Chaophraya River from the city’s Dusit district. The modern 5-storey property features 126 rooms and suites, ranging from the Superior Room at 19-22sqm to the 40sqm River Suite. All rooms have either king-sized or twin beds, and are tastefully decorated […]

  • Hotels

Nesuto Apartment Hotels launches summer secret offers

Nesuto Hotels and Apartments has launched its summer campaign with a 25 per cent off discount across its 13 neighbourhood properties across Australia and New Zealand. Nesuto’s “unveil summer’s best kept secrets” campaign offer is valid for bookings made from 1 November 2024 until 30 March 2025, for stays until 30 June 2025. In addition […]

  • Aviation
  • Travel Agents

ATAC’s signs exclusive deal with Helloworld’s Air Tickets for enhanced air consolidation services 

Australian Travel Agents Co-operative (ATAC) has appointed Helloworld Travel’s Air Tickets as its sole and exclusive air consolidator following comprehensive market assessment on best value for its members. ATAC chairman Jack Taylor said that the appointment, effective 1 January 2025, reflects the co-operative’s commitment to securing the best value for all members. “ATAC has ambitious […]