Derek Houston celebrates 60 years in the tourism industry

Derek Houston, the Managing Director of Houston Travel Marketing, is proudly celebrating an impressive 60 years in the tourism industry. His remarkable journey began in January 1965 when he took his first position with SATOUR in Pretoria. Over the decades, Derek has emerged as a key figure in promoting Intra-Africa travel, significantly shaping the landscape of tourism across the continent.

Together with his wife, Janet, Derek has been instrumental in organizing the acclaimed Spotlight on Africa Travel Workshops for the past 25 years. These workshops have become a vital platform for networking and collaboration, having been held in 43 cities across Africa and Europe. Throughout these events, they have engaged with over 15,000 travel professionals, fostering connections that enhance the African travel trade.

The Spotlight Travel Expos are set to continue this year with an exciting lineup of events. Kicking off the program, the first Spotlight show will take place in Arusha, Tanzania, on January 23rd. This event is expected to feature 42 exhibitors and attract more than 400 trade representatives, providing an excellent opportunity for networking and showcasing the best of African tourism.

Following Arusha, the expos will move to Gaborone in February and Windhoek in March, further expanding the reach of these influential workshops. One of the highlights of the year will be the Nairobi Spotlight Travel Expo, which will celebrate its 18th edition from May 27-29. This iconic event will host 35 exhibitors from Southern and Eastern Africa, connecting them with over 400 trade professionals from Kenya.

Kenya stands out as one of the largest air travel markets for South Africa, with more than 50,000 Kenyan visitors traveling to South Africa each year. This strong demand underscores the importance of these expos in facilitating partnerships and promoting travel opportunities between the two nations.

Derek Houston’s unwavering commitment to the tourism sector has not only advanced the promotion of African travel but has also created a wealth of opportunities for collaboration among industry stakeholders. As the Spotlight Travel Expos continue to thrive, they serve as a testament to Derek’s vision and dedication to enhancing the African travel landscape.

For more information about the Spotlight Travel Expos and their comprehensive program for 2025, visit houstonmarketing.co.za.