Innovation builds travel sector and empowers consumers

HARARE - At a time when the travel sector is concerned over issues such as visa conditions for visitors to South Africa, an innovative business model empowers travellers from Zimbabwe with a more fulfilling way to see the world.

Kyle Lowe, Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Business Development for WorldVentures, the home-based, direct-selling travel club says it's encouraging that the company is growing its markets in Africa at a time when the travel sector is constrained.

"Many Africans are finding it hard to travel due to weak currency, and the South African travel industry has experienced a loss of income due to the stringent new visa regulations. So a business model that enables travellers to enrich their own travel experience is especially timely."

He noted a recent report that alleges South Africa's National Consumer Commission is conducting a preliminary investigation into WorldVentures' South African operations and whether it's a pyramid scheme.

"Scrutiny such as this must be welcomed because we firmly believe it will clarify some misconceptions about our business.  We're keen to correct any such misunderstanding.

"In keeping with WorldVentures' strict ethical international business practices, all our businesses have been reviewed carefully with local advisors in each of the jurisdictions in which the company operates and we pay very high attention to the need to comply with local laws fully. Again, we will not start our business in any countries until competent approvals are obtained and all registration processes required are completed, where required," says Lowe.

WorldVentures which was founded by two direct-selling veterans Wayne Nugent and Mike Azcue, now celebrates 10 years as a leading international direct seller of vacation club memberships. The company helps people achieve a more fun, free and fulfilled travel experience by offering DreamTrips™ Memberships, which include curated vacations at reduced prices.

DreamTrips are competitively priced group vacations to some of the most coveted destinations in the world. The DreamTrips app, a new app unveiled by WorldVentures, has helped the company to emerge as a technology trendsetter in the direct-selling sector. The app enables Representatives and members to seamlessly navigate from trip planning to social media sharing.

Designed for greater ease, functionality and efficiency this is WorldVentures' ongoing efforts to enhance customer experiences and coupled with their March acquisition of a leading software platform allowing for centralized reservation management, is tangible evidence of their strides toward tailored end-to-end technology.

In addition to being named one of America's fastest-growing private companies in the Inc. 5000 list, WorldVentures was recognized at No. 47 on the Direct Selling News' DSN Global 100 list and No. 25 on the DSN North America 50 list. And recently, its core product, DreamTrips Memberships, eclipsed competitors for the coveted title of "Africa's Leading Travel Club" during the World Travel Awards.

For the second consecutive year, DreamTrips Vacation Club eclipsed competitors for the coveted title of "Africa's Leading Travel Club" during the World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony. DreamTrips' was recognized for distinguished service and product offerings in the Africa and Indian Ocean regions within the last year. Nominees in other Africa and Indian Ocean travel categories included Saint Regis, Carlton, Avis, and Air Mauritius. Previous accolades for this ground-breaking membership, DreamTrips won four regional awards in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.