Whether for pleasure or bleisure, this is where South Africans want to be

With the return of wanderlust, Brussels, Manchester and New York are among the top travel destinations for South Africans this year.

Travel industry experts have seen a few spots trending for travellers from this country looking to holiday overseas.

Emmanuel Menu, CCO of Air Belgium, said a new generation of South African travellers has started exploring Belgium.

This is due to the reintroduction of direct flights between the countries after more than 20 years.

“Air Belgium's twice-weekly flights between Brussels, Johannesburg and Cape Town, introduced in September 2022, have already led to a spike in visitors from South Africa,” said Menu.

“There's a lot to love about Brussels, the capital of Europe. Compared with its close cousins Amsterdam and Paris, it's smaller and less well-known. Still, it can hold its own with art, delicious local cuisine, unique museums, fantastic summer festivals, vibrant nightlife and beautiful architecture. And did we mention chocolate, beer and waffles on tap?”

Menu said March to May is the ideal time to travel there as the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds.

“What’s more, Belgium is at the heart of Europe. Travellers can catch a quick train or flight and seamlessly visit France, the Netherlands, Germany or even Italy or Switzerland.”

Bianca Mazur, general manager of Flight Centre South Africa, said Thailand is also a popular destination for South Africans.

“Thailand will shine this year and again underpin its popularity as an affordable option for the budget-conscious South African traveller,” she said.

“Bangkok and the well-known islands will always be popular, but demand for destinations conscious of protecting resources and the environment has changed.”

A recent Statista study found 81% of travellers worldwide consider sustainable travel important.

“The Tourism Association of Thailand (TAT) is making encouraging moves to prioritise sustainability, a philosophy that environmentally conscious travellers from South Africa and beyond will appreciate.

Koh Mak in Trat province is Thailand's first low-carbon destination.

The island, which was closed to tourists until 1985 and is home to the magnificent Ao Kao and Ao Suan Yai beaches, is largely privately owned by five families who carefully manage its development.

According to Antoinette Turner, also of Flight Centre, London was the most popular destination for South Africans last year.

“Manchester snuck into second place among the most-visited British cities. It's quickly gaining a reputation as one of the coolest cities in the country.

Turner attributed the popularity of the UK among South Africans to them wanting to visit family and friends who have settled there.

“But the UK also has a lot to offer culturally, historically and scenically, and those travelling for business or family also want to explore other cities in the UK,” she said.

Sean Kritzinger, executive chair of the Giltedge Group, said the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius experienced a bumper December.

“No wonder, then, that it's on the hit list of South African travellers who missed the boat during the high season. Mauritius is perennially popular with South Africans, offering options for every budget and world-class accommodation to suit all tastes, as well as a variety of activities, from watersports and golf to hiking and mountain biking,” he said.

Mauritius was named the leading destination for adventure tourism in the Indian Ocean at the 2022 World Travel Awards (WTA) and attracts more than just beach lovers to its shores. Hiking is becoming increasingly popular with travellers looking to add a touch of adrenaline to their holiday.

“Base oneself at Le Morne on the far southwestern tip of Mauritius and you'll be right on the doorstep of Le Morne Brabant, the island's most preserved and wildest mountain, and there are plenty of resorts nearby with idyllic beaches for a perfectly balanced holiday,” said Kritzinger.

When it comes to the US, New York is becoming popular for bleisure travel — business and leisure — among South Africans.

“About 60% of business travellers expand their work trips to leisure travel,” said Lance Nkwe, of Corporate Traveller.

“Bleisure travel means workers can enjoy their holidays at reduced expenses. At the same time, this kind of travelling has proven to be motivating for staff. While London is popular with South Africans, New York is also a strong market for bleisure travel and is likely to shine in 2023.”