Poor PR at Travel Indaba

One of the best things about being in media is the experience. It’s also – without question – one of the worst things. You get invited on a “trip” only to be used as an unpaid PR intern.

Case in point: the Travel Indaba expo in Durban last week, hosted by SA National Parks, a government entity.

On paper, this sounded like an informative jaunt into the travel industry’s current state.

What did we get? A press release with legs and a suspicious agenda. The experience kicked off with what should’ve been casual introductions and insightful chats with experts.

Some were warm, while others looked at us like we’d wandered there without permission.

“Please wait for a formal introduction from SANParks comms,” they barked. Protocol, darling. Then came the kicker. We were flown down “to interview the CEO”, but just before the presser, we were informed: “No interviews. Just bring your smartphones. We need photos of a memorandum being signed.”

ALSO READ: Are more South Africans travelling again since the pandemic? Tips for travel agencies to stay ahead

In case you forgot what press freedom looked like, it certainly wasn’t there.

There’s a curious irony in how government bodies treat the media: they invite us, then act like we crashed the party.

We had to hunt for the SANParks stand ourselves—there was no signage, no greeting, just cold shoulders. The staff seemed less interested in hosting and more in herding, and disdain dripped from every interaction.

The press conference, which started late, only drove the point home. The panel? A testosterone-heavy line-up in a country that loves to parade the word “transformation” like a shiny medal. Where were the women? The fresh voices? Instead of engagement, we got indifference. Instead of collaboration, condescension.

It’s a shame, because if government entities truly want their message heard, they must start by treating the messengers like professionals, not intruders.

Oh, and for the record: the Nigerian PR firm that hosted us in Dubai for the Dubai expo? Respectful, transparent, and professional.

Maybe we can swap a rhino for a few manners.

NOW READ: Travel alert: Two less visa-free entries for SA passport holders