AQUILA COLLECTION'S RUSSIAN ROADSHOW WITH TURKISH AIRLINES

Aquila Collection, in a dynamic partnership with Turkish Airlines, held a highly successful Cape Town Safari Roadshow in Russia, captivating the travel industry and paving the way for increased tourism to South Africa – Cape Town – and its surrounding wildlife experiences. The mission underscored Aquila Collection’s commitment to tapping into high-potential tactical markets globally, showcasing the ease of access and extraordinary appeal of Cape Town combined with the unique safari offerings of the Aquila Collection.

The purpose of Aquila Collection’s roadshow campaigns is to target high-potential tactical markets around the world, promoting Cape Town and the Aquila Collection. These trips always include collaboration with international airlines that connect the tactical regions with Cape Town. This approach aims to break the perception of a super long-haul destination by showcasing easy and comfortable air access to Cape Town, enabling visitors to enjoy the city, the winelands, the outdoor landscapes, and the Aquila Collection – all in proximity to the international airport, creating stunning one-airport-use itineraries.

This Russian initiative forms part of Aquila’s wider tactical market programme, which includes missions to Central and Eastern Europe, China, Benelux, and South America, all aimed at unlocking new markets and increasing “bums in airline seats and heads on pillows.”

The weeklong Russian roadshow, expertly orchestrated by Aquila’s Russian PR and marketing team, Proxima Marketing, involved a series of elegant dinners, business and champagne breakfasts, interactive workshops, and strategic meetings across Moscow and St. Petersburg. Over 100 leading professionals in the Russian travel and tourism sector engaged with the Aquila Collection team.

The events featured in-depth destination presentations, beautifully paired with South African wines and Methode Cap Classique, effectively combining the allure of Cape Town, the Aquila Collection’s unique selling points, and Turkish Airlines’ seamless connectivity. The enthusiasm for South Africa was palpable, with many operators reporting guests currently travelling to Cape Town, holding substantial future bookings, or preparing to send clients to experience Aquila’s renowned safaris.

Looking back, the Russian mission in partnership with Turkish Airlines in Moscow resulted in a significant 88% YoY increase in Russian visitation to Aquila Collection’s bucket-list properties and experiences. Reflecting the adventurous spirit of the Aquila team, the journey itself was described as an “extraordinary adventure”, filled with memorable moments that highlighted their dedication to promoting Cape Town.

Some highlights of the roadshow included a fun quiz where delegates received Cape Town safari souvenirs, and three lucky delegates won a 5-night Ultimate Cape Town Safari Experience, including stays in Cape Town city, at Aquila Collection, and in the winelands.

The strategic partnership with Turkish Airlines was central to the roadshow’s message, emphasising the comfortable and convenient travel options to Cape Town. The journey included a refreshing stop at the comfortable Miles and Smiles lounge in Istanbul for Turkish tea and light bites. Turkish Airlines’ offerings, such as the TourISTanbul city tour programme for layover passengers – which the Aquila team enjoyed on their return with a visit to Galataport and a Bosphorus dinner – were showcased as significant value-adds. Furthermore, the airline’s well-timed noon arrival in Cape Town allows for a relaxed customs experience and convenient hotel check-in.

As one of the team’s updates noted, quoting a proverb, “He who doesn’t take risks doesn’t drink champagne,” encapsulating the bold and proactive approach of these market development initiatives.

Aquila Collection is confident that these dedicated efforts will translate into a significant increase in visitors eager to explore the magnificent city of Cape Town, its world-class winelands, stunning outdoor landscapes, and the unforgettable safari adventures at the Aquila Collection: all conveniently accessible from the international airport. The company is already looking forward to more “exquisite champagne and caviar gatherings” and expanding its tactical market roadshow programme throughout the year, fostering further partnerships to bring more visitors to Cape Town.