Sherwin Banda’s picks reflect his African heritage and ATI’s commitment to sustainability
October 23rd, 2017, by Joanna Bielawski
GLENDALE, Calif., Oct. 19, 2017 – For the past two years, African Travel, Inc., has been led by Sherwin Banda, a proud native of Cape Town, South Africa. Banda has spent the last 19 years working in international hospitality in destinations around the world, but remains passionately devoted to all things African.
Though Banda is thrilled with all 28 itineraries offered by African Travel, Inc. in the new 2018 brochure, several trips are particularly special to him. Some evoke fond memories of his formative years in South Africa, while others speak to his efforts to allow guests to find meaning in their travels and give back to the communities they visit.
“Africa is a special place that changes you,” said Banda. “I love that I work for a company where I get to share the magic of Africa that I know and love, while also helping guests make a difference on the continent.”
Here are some of Banda’s favorite trips for 2018, along with the reasons why he picked these particular itineraries:
Majestic South Africa: “Not only does this thrilling 10-day itinerary cover many of my favorite attractions, culinary hotspots, and hotels in my hometown, Cape Town, it also lets guests discover the beauty and wildlife of the African savanna at Shamwari Game Reserve,” said Banda. “As a child I remember being dazzled by the big game that roams there: rhinos, elephants, hippos, kudu, gemsbok, wildebeest, zebras, and hyenas, plus smaller animals and unique plant life.” Though 95 percent of the world’s rhinos have been lost to poaching in the last 40 years, Shamwari Game Reserve is committed to preserving rhino populations. When guests book this trip, African Travel, Inc. makes a contribution in their name towards construction of the reserve’s new rhino boma, a safe haven to rehabilitate injured and orphaned rhinos until they are strong enough to be released back into the wild.
ME-to-WE Adventure to Kenya: “Education is the key to uplifting African communities,” Banda said. “I am very proud to offer this culturally immersive experience in conjunction with ME to WE, on which guests can have a positive impact by working alongside community members on a sustainable development project.” During this journey guests will participate in activities that integrate them with life in the village, including helping to build a village school alongside Maasai and Kipsigi community members, learning the art of traditional Maasai beading from local women, and visiting a local market and health center to learn about the economics of the village. Also included is a trip to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage, where guests will see these fascinating animals up close, and learn what is being done to protect them.
Ultimate South Africa with Victoria Falls: “South Africa is a rainbow nation, and this trip more than any other showcases the many languages, cultures and cuisines that can be found there,” Banda said. “Guests get numerous chances to interact with local people and experience firsthand the dynamism and diversity of the new South Africa, while being surrounded by the ultimate in luxury and African hospitality.” New on the itinerary this year is The Silo, the recently refurbished Cape Town landmark which now houses a stylish hotel and an exciting new museum of contemporary African art. The trip ends at Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, where guests will explore the magnificent landmark and stay in the exquisite Victoria Falls River Lodge Island Treehouse Suites.
For more information or to book a 2018 adventure contact your favorite travel professional, call African Travel, Inc. at (800) 727-7207, or visit www.africantravelinc.com. CST 2071444-20
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About African Travel, Inc. - "We Know Africa"
For over 40 years, African Travel, Inc. has created luxury, handcrafted safaris ensuring immersive and authentic cultural encounters across the continent. “We Know Africa” because our passionate and knowledgeable experts have lived and traveled extensively throughout Africa and can craft extraordinary, life-changing vacations tailored to each guest’s individual needs and preferences, with exceptional five-star service every step of the way. For information and inspiration, visit www.AfricanTravelInc.com.
About USTOA
African Travel, Inc. shares the coverage available under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program with affiliates of TravCorp USA, Inc. In addition, TravCorp Financial Services Limited provides a guarantee of $20 Million.
About The TreadRight Foundation
Created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family of brands, The TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit that works to help ensure the environment and communities we visit remain vibrant for generations to come. Founded by Brett Tollman, Chief Executive, TTC, to date TreadRight has supported more than 40 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. As an official Diamond Sponsor of the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017, TTC is dedicated to bringing the industry together with a shared goal of benefiting local communities and the environment. To learn more about our past and current work at TreadRight, please visit us at TreadRight.org.
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Media Contact
Arnelle Kendall
Vice President of Public Relations
African Travel, Inc.
arnelle.kendall@ttc.com
561.330.0850
African Travel, Inc. is a member of the family-owned The Travel Corporation (TTC) and is renowned and trusted for its outstanding quality, service, value, reliability and financial stability.
