Top tips to prepare for Routes Africa

Routes Africa is only 3 weeks away so to ensure you’re well prepared for the event we’ve put together this check list so you can make sure you don’t forget anything vital!

Pre-Scheduled Meetings

Scheduling for this year’s Routes Africa will close on Friday 13th June, just two weeks from now! If your delegate package includes a diary of pre-scheduled meetings and you haven’t made your requests yet make sure you get them in as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as diaries are filling up fast!

The online Meeting Requests System allows delegates with an entitlement of pre-arranged meetings to log-in and submit their requests online. To begin requesting meetings, delegates should follow the below steps:

  • Register or Log-In to your free personal networking profile.
  • Enter your PRC (Personal Registration Code), which you should have received when you registered, into the box displayed on the homepage, ensuring you have selected Routes Africa on the slider.
  • Click ‘Submit PRC’ and you will be directed to your meeting request page.

Click here for more information and to begin requesting your meetings for Routes Africa 2014.

Preparing for your Meetings

The system also provides delegates with the perfect platform to prepare for their meetings at Routes Africa as, during the requesting process, access to Routesonline company profiles is available helping delegates select the right companies to meet with by providing all the information Routesonline has to offer straight to the central meeting requests page.

Company profiles on Routesonline can provide you with a wealth of information about the company you’re meeting with. Make sure your own company profile is kept up to date and start connecting with other delegates on Routesonline in the weeks leading up to the event. Initiate new, or continue existing dialogue with prospective customers ahead those all important meetings, whether pre-arranged or not, which will take place in Victoria Falls.

Connect now and start networking!

Routes Africa Awards

There is still time to vote or campaign to your airlines in the fourth regional heat of the 2014 Routes Marketing Awards.

Airlines from within the African region should consider the efficient use of marketing activities by an airport or tourism authority over the last 12 months when deciding who to nominate. The annual Routes awards are highly regarded as the most prestigious awards in the industry as they are voted for and judged by the airline network planning community. These much sought after awards provide the winning airports and destinations with a credible recognition which they can proudly talk about to their customers and other stakeholders.

Winners of the awards, which recognise the marketing performance of airports within Africa, will be announced during the Routes Africa Networking Evening which will be held on Monday 23rd June at the event in Victoria Falls.

Simply click here and log in to your Routesonline profile to nominate (in priority order) up to five airports or tourism authorities in your network within the region, irrespective of their size. Voting will remain open until Friday 6th June 2014 and shortlisted airports will be announced shortly after this deadline.

Hotel & Flight Information

If you have not yet secured your flights and hotel accommodation, you should do so as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. This year’s event will be held at Elephant Hills Hotel & Resort which is situated on a small hill overlooking the Zambezi River, 4km upstream from the Victoria Falls with advanced conference amenities and the only golf course in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Each of the rooms has excellent views of the Zambezi River and the falls allowing guests to relax in total comfort and extravagance while still experiencing the African wildlife.

There are various hotels to choose from in Victoria Falls but, during Routes Africa, we recommend staying in the official event hotel as not only will delegates benefit from preferential rates but also complimentary transfers to the networking evening and Airport.

Click here for more information and to book your Routes Africa hotel accommodation.

We are also delighted to announce the Air Zimbabwe are supporting Routes Africa as a partner airline and offering special fares to all attending delegates. The fares offered are from Johannesburg to Harare and are subject to availability. For more information and to take advantage discounted flights click here.

If you have already booked your flight and hotel accommodation for Routes Africa please ensure the details are forwarded to Victoria Jay to help facilitate event transfers.

Visa Requirements

Make sure you have all the necessary documentation to travel to Zimbabwe. Some nationalities do not require visas for social or business visits within a certain period and others will be issued with the appropriate visa upon payment at port of entry. Further information regarding which countries will require a visa to enter Zimbabwe can be found here.

In addition to the visa application form, relevant fees and photos, embassies may also require a letter of invitation from the inviting company. Delegates requiring such a document from our host, Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, should complete the electronic request form in full ensuring accuracy throughout.

Click here for further information on how to begin your visa application process and to request your invitation letter.

We’ll see you in Victoria Falls for Routes Africa 2014!

Victoria Jones

Victoria is Communications Manager for Routes, providing media support for Routes events. If you're a member of the media and wish to attend one of…