Africa Travel Week
Brenda’s journey into the travel industry began “when airline tickets were still issued in-house,” she laughs. While working as a travel agent at Rennie’s Travel, she was bitten by the marketing and travel bug.
After furthering her studies in marketing and business, she continued her career in the UK, dabbling in investment banking and recruitment before pursuing her greatest passion – marketing in the travel and tourism industry.
The beautiful The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa in Bergville now benefits from Brenda’s energy and ideas. But, she says, she’s the lucky one. “Not only is The Cavern one of the most beautiful resorts in the northern Drakensberg, but it also has an incredible outreach programme that has been very rewarding to work on,” she says. The programme supports schools, daycare centres and the communities in the amaZizi area.
Brenda believes the “universe had a plan” for her when it connected her with The Cavern. We asked her about the role that travel and her experiences have played in this process.
Q & A with Brenda:
Where did your love of travel begin?
Growing up, my parents would take us camping in different provinces in South Africa, from the bush to the beach. As much as I enjoyed the destination, I also enjoyed the journey.
Why do you enjoy working in the tourism industry?
I feel fulfilled when I can contribute to an important sector in the South African economy. The people involved in it are enthusiastic about life, and the industry is exciting.
What is your favourite place to visit?
Kruger National Park. It’s basic and local, and I have been visiting Kruger for over 30 years!
What is one of your most memorable travel experiences?
I travelled to New York to participate in the New York Marathon. The next day we went shopping; there was no time for aching legs or stiff joints!
Your best travel tip?
When packing your suitcase, make sure your clothes are rolled and not stacked on top of each other. This way, you can save space.
Based on the five senses and thinking about travel, what do you…
- Like to see: wild animals
- Like to taste: wine
- Like to feel: relaxed
- Like to hear: silence
- Like to smell: fresh air
Your favourite sources for travel news?
I like Getaway Magazine and The Travel Diaries Holly Rubenstein podcast; and I follow inspirational author Simon Sinek.
