Winning Atas agents explore Cape Town during prize trip

Two travel agents who won the chance to visit South Africa at last year’s Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers conference have returned from their fam trip in Cape Town.

Wai Ling Lee of Go Voyaa – part of Independent Travel Experts – and Marietta Maidman from Not Just Travel triumphed during a prize draw at the annual Atas conference in Birmingham, held on October 19-20, 2021.

They flew out earlier this month on Virgin Atlantic’s new direct service from Heathrow to Cape Town, known as the Mother City, and were hosted in the city by South African Tourism, an associate member of Atas.

The agents spent one night at One & Only and three nights at Winchester Boutique Hotel, both in Cape Town.

Their itinerary included viewing street art, gin tasting, snorkelling with seals, ziplining, a wine-tasting excursion through the vineyards of Constantia and a foodie walking tour of the city, sampling local delicacies.

They also joined other industry colleagues on a jeep safari and a boat ride.

Maidman said: “I had been to Cape Town before, but this completely opened my eyes to the diversity of activities and experiences there.

“Who knew you could cram so much into four days in this fabulous city with a view? Whatever your interests – food/wine lover, culture, adventure – this really is a city for everyone.

“We were privileged to experience so much in such a short time due to impeccable organisation and wonderfully hosted by Rachel and Carel and the team in Cape Town.

“I will definitely be recommending all the wonderful local activities we were able to experience for ourselves on our whistle-stop tour.”

Main picture, on the Jeep safari, from left: Annette Ross, Travel Stop; Wai Ling Lee, GoVoyaa/ITE; Vicky Sampson, Audley Travel; Melanie Cox, Kuoni; Richard Collis, Trailfinders;  Nicola Pells, Flight Centre; Marietta Maidman, Not Just Travel; and Rachel Lewis, South African Tourism