The group visited all the members of EduSA, which comprises English language schools in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Jeffreys Bay, to discover first-hand the English language learning opportunities on offer.

Gavin Eyre told The PIE News, “The agents were really good, some smaller companies as well as some larger ones. They had not been to South Africa before and the feedback we received was that they were really impressed by all the schools, quality of trips organised and standard of accommodation.”

Co-Organiser Eyre is MD of IH Cape Town and also a board member of  broader regional tourism association SAYTC, which EduSA belongs to.

He added, “Some of the agents said they had been apprehensive before about recommending South Africa because of the security situation but now they said would definitely be pushing South Africa as a preferred destination.”

Brazil is already an important source market for many schools in the country, accounting for up to 20% of enrolments at peak times of the year such as January.

Jorge Baron, Marketing Manager for Latin America at Good Hope Studies, confirmed that Brazil is a key source country at this school.

“All in all, the trip was a great success and we are sure that the results of the trip will again see a surge in the Brazilian market in South Africa,” said Baron.

Carlos Robles, President of BELTA and Director of IEP Brazil confirmed that the trip served to “strengthen partnerships, expand courses with specific skills, and get an idea of the destination”.

“BELTA is strengthened by the South African Association and the exchange of providers and agents is for the greater benefit of our clients,” he added.

Besides visiting several schools in Cape Town and the other cities, the education agents were treated to some fine dining in the evenings and several excursions which included game drives, a Cape Peninsula Tour, wine tasting, a visit to Soweto township and a trip up Table Mountain.

Education South Africa (EduSA) has 13 full members that agree to adhere to ethical guidelines and quality standards. Turkey may be the next market it targets with a fam tour for education agencies.