Africa Travel Week
Sarah Cornwell is a travel industry news specialist and magazine editor, based in Cape Town. Managing Editor of Travel Industry Review (TIR) Southern Africa for more than eight years, as a freelance journalist and editor, Sarah regularly contributes to Now Media’s Travel News website, and its sister publication, Tourism Update. Sarah also produces recorded webcast interviews with travel industry leaders for Travel News.
Where did your love for travel start?
On my family’s annual December Garden Route adventures as a child. I have a million memories from those trips!
Why do you enjoy working in the industry?
The people are a huge part of what makes travel so special. I am also extremely grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded and the many memorable experiences.
What is your favourite destination/place to visit and why?
The Garden Route, for its trail runs, beaches, Wild Oats Saturday market, Outeniqua Mountains, Knysna Heads, forests and amazing national parks.
Tell us about one of your most memorable travel experiences and why it stands out.
Snowshoeing at night in a small Alpine village in the Swiss Alps stands out! The ground glittered under the moonlight, and it was the first time this Capetonian had ever been in the snow!
Give us a travel tip you don’t think anyone else gives.. or that isn’t given enough..
Book through a travel agent – things don’t always go to plan, and you need a trusty travel partner as a backup!
Based on the five senses and thinking about travelling what do you…
Like to see: mountains/new scenery!
Like to taste: A G&T sundowner in a new place at sunset
Like to feel: warm, welcome
Like to hear: local music
Like to smell: sweet tropical scents and lemongrass – Seychelles!
Suggestions on resources for other travel and tourism stakeholders.
Any websites, publications, podcasts, thought leaders you can recommend or newsletters we should sign up to? Tourism boards have great websites packages with resources and inspiration for travellers, and travel agents can help you package the best product in the best places.
Tell us something about yourself that no one else knows
‘See the Northern Lights is my entire travel bucket list.
Lastly, what do you love about Africa Travel Week (WTM Africa) and what are sentiments on the evolution of trade shows being part virtual?
Africa Travel Week is a wonderful event and delivers great content and helps showcase great products. It will be great to get back into an exhibition hall in time, but the fact that we can all still share ideas and connect online is great!
