signature travel network's horizon club celebrates top members with impactful south africa experience

$8,000 donated to support local communities and promote responsible tourism Signature Travel Network, a leading travel advisor network, recently concluded its Horizon Club trip to South Africa, recognizing and celebrating its top-performing member agencies. The exclusive event, held from May 7 to 13, 2024, in partnership with African Travel, showcased the best of South Africa while emphasizing the importance of responsible tourism and community engagement. "Our Horizon Club was one for the ages," said Alex Sharpe, President and CEO of Signature Travel Network. Not only did we get to recognize and celebrate our biggest members, but Africa is a life-changing destination and a critical piece of our portfolio. Bringing our top 50 members together gives everyone a chance to network and share best practices, which is Signature's 'super-power.' Certainly, it was a trip we will always remember!" The curated itinerary was designed by African Travel and featured the iconic Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town, a day in the Cape Winelands, and Kapama Private Game Reserve. In Africa, it's imperative to highlight the rich diversity of its people, landscapes, and destinations, enabling guests to develop a deep appreciation for the continent, said Sherwin Banda, President of African Travel, Inc. Most importantly, this type of sustainable travel contributes to the livelihood of local communities and supports wildlife conservation efforts, in helping to foster a more peaceful coexistence. Signature Travel Network is at the forefront of these efforts, and it was truly an honor and a privilege to host the 2024 Signature Horizon Club members in my native homeland, South Africa. I had the opportunity to showcase this incredible destination perfectly suited for luxury travel, which will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your clients, all in the spirit of Ubuntu." A highlight of the trip was the group's engagement with two of the 2024 Travel Elevates grant recipients based in South Africa: Uthando and Education Africa. The Horizon Club visited the Amy Foundation in Cape Town. Signature Travel Network and African Travel also donated $8,000 to help Isibane se Afrika, a project supported by Uthando, purchase a bus to expand their reach and better serve their community. The Horizon Club trip also supported Uthandos Heart of Cape Town initiative by purchasing hearts made by local artisans. This initiative aligns with Signature's commitment to responsible tourism and supporting local communities through its Travel Elevates program. Travel Elevates, a nonprofit organization founded by Signature Travel Network, enhances travel's positive impact on the world by supporting projects focusing on education, environmental sustainability, and economic development. The Horizon Club's South Africa experience exemplified the organization's mission by connecting members with local communities and supporting meaningful initiatives. Our time in South Africa with the Signature Horizon Club was rewarding in numerous ways, said Olga Placeres, President of Preferred Travel & Co. I enjoyed spending quality time with fellow members in such a unique place, in addition to connecting with the local communities and learning about their culture and history. Visiting the Amy Foundation, which is affiliated with Uthando, was the icing on the cake, as it allowed us to witness firsthand the impactful work being done to help break the cycle of poverty. The foundation teaches kids to express themselves and build confidence and self-esteem through song and dance. They performed for our group and their passion was palpable and inspiring! To learn more about Signature Travel Network and Travel Elevates, visit https://www.sigtn.com and www.travelelevates.org.