INCENTIVE CASE STUDY

Dragonfly Africa pulls out all the stops

In this case study, Business Events Africa looks at an incentive programme managed by Dragonfly Africa.

By Yolanda Woeke, vice president: sales & marketing, Dragonfly Africa.

The Case Study Client: Financial Insurance Company from all across the United States.

The Brief: We want to take our top sales performers to celebrate their contribution to phenomenal sales years over the last couple of fiscal years. We decided to do this in southern and east Africa and choose various locations that will eventually build up to the top tier, doing something more unique and special, etc. The group had an option of pre-extending in either Victoria Falls or Cape Town, but also post extending either in Cape Town or Victoria Falls. And the highlight being Uganda — Gorilla Trekking.

Dates: May 2022.

Logistics

The main group all got together in Cape Town and in Johannesburg where they had their conference portion of this event. Everybody then went to a different game lodge. There were 18 game lodges that we used exclusively, all the same quality, standard and game viewing experience. This was a bit of a challenge, but well overcome with the amazing lodges we have in and around South Africa.

Highlights

The highlights were the fact that most people would be able to experience a Big Five game drive opportunity at a superb five-star lodge and have the opportunity to either do their own extension to the Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, or some time in Cape Town — the most beautiful city in South Africa.

Highlights, of course, will always be the food, the service, the quality of the wines and the diversity of the culture and landscapes, also including differentiating accommodations and venues in one trip, where they are able to really experience the best of what the various destinations have to offer.

The Outcomes

At each one of the destinations, whether it was Cape Town, Johannesburg, the private lodges, Zambia or the VIP group to Uganda, were just so positive. People loved it. It felt as if they were on a true safari and that they were recognised by their peers and the companies where they are employed.

Challenges

Challenges always come along, with such a large group movement. The group, in total, was 385 pax, all from the United States. It meant ensuring that the pax get to where they needed to get to, with flights still not consistent because of Covid, staffing issues, etc. But we somehow managed to get everybody together in Cape Town at the right time. Lots of sleepless nights, flight changes, lots of creative thinking, but the best of all, the support from our local teams on the ground were just phenomenal. We probably have the best support systems, teams and hospitality anywhere in the world. I suppose it also goes to show that Dragonfly Africa is still the leading destination management company when it comes to Southern and East Africa.

Legacy

Our long sustainable motto is that we treat all our suppliers with utmost respect.

This respect is earned, and once we need to work together, we all work together. It’s a team effort for all of us to make the destinations glow.

I have to say that the biggest legacy the clients left behind was visiting the women’s project in Uganda. The project focuses on teaching young ladies and widows with children how to sew, so they can create beautiful pillows, clothing, etc. to sell at a market. It is a superb project and is one of hope and empowerment. The incentive delegates were so excited, and many bought clothing and products from these women, in support of the project. Their beautiful creations and clothing are so vibrant, colourful and something unique for the delegates to take home.

One of our guests made a very generous donation to the community and it just uplifted the whole experience in Uganda. It was super exciting to be part of this.

Client feedback

As always, client feedback included the friendliness of the people, the welcoming spirit, the joy that they have to share, their magnificent country and what it has to offer. The phenomenal cuisine and hospitality; how we get it so right in perceived ‘deepest darkest Africa’.

I think a lot of people forget that yes, we are a third world country, but with very much first world infrastructure, logistics, staff and the passion we have for this continent, Africa.

We always joke that, as operators, we do it for the love, the passion, and the joy that it brings to each and every client that visits. And the fact that once you have been to Africa, means that you will always, always come back.

Partners

We cannot leave out our fantastic partners, from hotel porters to the food and beverage staff, the properties, our coach drivers, the wonderful guides, and to the amazing tenacity of our Dragonfly team, that worked so tirelessly around the clock to make this a huge success. Even with all the additional Covid protocol, etc. this was a huge success. It is our job and duty, as Dragonfly Africa and Green Route Africa, to make sure that southern and east Africa is, and will remain, the top destination for incentives travelling back to this beautiful continent of ours. Incentives are back, travel is back and South Africa and its fellow African countries are must-see destinations. We are here to assist in creating a once-in-a-lifetime incentive travel programme like no other.

About Dragonfly Africa

Dragonfly Africa Group has been involved in providing a wide range of services across a broad spectrum of tourism for almost 40 years.

Our main business is incoming tourism from all over the world, in the form of individual travellers, groups, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. We operate across 12 countries — South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda.

We are able to produce original and detailed proposals for small, exclusive groups of 20 participants to large groups of 500-1,800 participants or more. When it comes to planning those truly unforgettable itineraries, we, at the Dragonfly Africa Group, believe that everything is possible. From entertainment to adventure, natural wonder, cultural discovery, long roads to lazy days, our expert team of seasoned account managers are always on hand to ensure that your trip is perfectly tailored to meet the requirements of any group and budget.

We also provide world-class meetings and conference services, tailor-made to meet your specific requirements. From boardroom brainstorming to action-packed agendas, conventions or strategic breakaway sessions, virtual sessions, hybrid conference hosting and activation.

Dragonfly Africa’s leisure division specialises in unique, tailor-made travel programmes for the individual traveller. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime holiday or a pre/post extension of an incentive trip.

Contact us

www.dragonfly.co.za