The decision was made to avoid ongoing brand confusion with US-based tour operator Ker & Downey in Houston, and to position Grand Africa Safaris as the first choice for the North American market, which continues to be the strongest source market for travel to Africa.
After announcing news of an expansion earlier this year, Ker & Downey Africa DMC has continued to develop its operations in order to offer superior services to agents. The most recent development sees the Ker & Downey Africa North America DMC team merging with Grand Africa Safaris, trading in its major source market under a new name.
The decision was made to avoid ongoing brand confusion with US-based tour operator Ker & Downey in Houston, and to position Grand Africa Safaris as the first choice for the North American market, which continues to be the strongest source market for travel to Africa.
Previously the General Manager for North America at Ker & Downey Africa DMC, Marcelo Novais will be taking on the role of Business Development Manager at Grand Africa Safaris, working alongside some well-known names in the industry including expert sales manager, Emma Perrin, and California-based travel consultant, Danalee May.
“This is a major step for the company,” says Novais. “We have seen a lot of confusion around the Ker & Downey Africa brand, specifically in the North American market. Taking steps to eliminate this confusion will make it clearer for agents, allowing them to know exactly which company is providing their services.”
This exciting development sees the team almost doubling in operations and sales, with offices on the ground in both Cape Town and Arusha. Consultants are available around the clock in Africa as well as the United States, creating an even more robust offering of expert travel assistance to agents.
Trading in the North American market, the new Grand Africa Safaris DMC operation will be elevating their offering to core destinations in both Southern and East Africa.
“Grand Africa Safaris has always been the DMC of choice for East Africa with very specialized consultants who have in-depth knowledge of the core destinations in that region,” says Novais. “This merge brings experts in both Southern and East Africa together, making Grand Africa Safaris the DMC of choice for creating world-class safari expeditions on the African continent.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
