02 June 2008 - FEDHASA

Women vie for places on tourism trip

Eighteen women from around the world are gathering in Plettenberg Bay on 30th May with the hope of being picked for an all female 34,000km expedition. The Mitsubishi Africa Adventure Cape to Cape Expedition team will be selected from a group of finalists attending an 11 day workshop. The women who make the final team will travel through Africa and Europe to promote African tourist destinations, including Plettenberg Bay and the Garden Route.

"As well as preparing for the expedition, the candidates are looking forward to experiencing Plettenberg Bay's many attractions during the selection workshop", Rachel MacRae, of the Africa Adventure Cape to Cape Expedition, said.

Monica Villalobos, one of the contestants for a place on the Cape to Cape Team, expressed her excitement about the workshop and the expedition. "This is a dream too good to become true... I can't wait to see the wonders of Africa and then tell everyone in Europe about this beautiful continent. I know for sure that my life will never be the same after this trip". MacRae said: "It has been fantastic to see the tourism sector pulling together to promote Africa and to make this expedition happen. This is a non-profit initiative so sponsorship is essential to us. Although it is the women who are going to be making the journey, we feel that the whole industry is a part of this. Without their support, we could not travel a single step."