The dynamic Chief Executive Officer of Anywhere In Africa Safaris, Kirsty Gordon has spent the last three decades curating luxury travel experiences across the African continent and the Indian Ocean Islands. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, she has owned and managed various travel companies, with Anywhere In Africa Safaris being her most personal and ambitious venture.
Her journey has been shaped by an adventurous spirit, including a stint in competitive horse riding in the UK before she returned in 2008 to launch Anywhere In Africa Safaris in 2009. Kirsty’s ability to craft ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ travel experiences, ensuring impeccable logistics and top-tier service, has earned her an outstanding reputation. Today, her company thrives on repeat and referral business, a testament to the trust and excellence she fosters in her relationships with clients.
Anywhere In Africa Safaris, headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, is a premier tour operator specializing in luxury African travel. Established in 2009, the company provides meticulously tailored itineraries for travelers eager to explore the wonders of Africa and the enchanting Indian Ocean Islands.
A boutique concierge travel service, Anywhere In Africa Safaris focuses on personalized, high-end travel experiences, catering to discerning clients who seek unique, life-changing adventures. Whether exploring the pristine landscapes of Southern, East, or North Africa, or indulging in the luxury of the Indian Ocean Islands, the company ensures that each trip is customized to align with clients’ budgets, interests, and preferences.
Unlike standard travel packages, the itineraries curated by Anywhere In Africa Safaris offer an elevated level of exclusivity and precision. Guests can experience thrilling game drives, scenic hot air balloon rides over breathtaking terrains, intimate gorilla trekking excursions, or even private island weddings. The emphasis on detail, personalization, and seamless execution ensures that clients receive an unparalleled travel experience, marked by trust, care, and creativity.
Defining Success in the Luxury Travel Industry
Success, for Kirsty and Anywhere In Africa Safaris, is measured by the loyalty and satisfaction of their clients. With an astonishing 80% of their business stemming from repeat and referral clients, Kirsty believes that true success lies in building strong, lasting relationships. She takes immense pride in the fact that her clients return to her time and again, entrusting her with their most cherished travel experiences and confidently recommending her services to friends and family.
This sustained trust and reputation reflect the dedication, professionalism, and personalized care that define Anywhere In Africa Safaris. Kirsty’s business philosophy revolves around fostering connections, providing impeccable service, and ensuring that every journey planned is not just a trip but a transformative experience.
The CEO’s Role in Business Strategy
As the CEO, Kirsty firmly believes in the necessity of active engagement in business strategy. She emphasizes the importance of a well-defined strategic plan to achieve both short-term and long-term objectives, ensuring competitiveness and continuous growth.
Her approach to strategy encompasses multiple facets, including:
- Vision & Mission: Defining the core principles that guide the company’s operations and services.
- Customer Experience Enhancement: Ensuring clients receive exceptional service and meticulously planned itineraries.
- Financial Competitiveness: Adapting to economic shifts and maintaining a profitable yet customer-centric business model.
- Innovation & Adaptability: Staying ahead of industry trends, incorporating new technology, and refining logistics.
- Team Development: Encouraging her team to think creatively and strategically while maintaining efficiency.
- Social Media & Digital Optimization: Leveraging online platforms to enhance outreach and brand presence.
- Product Positioning & Training: Ensuring her team is well-trained and continuously improving their expertise in luxury travel.
For Kirsty, success in leadership is not just about overseeing operations but actively shaping the company’s growth trajectory through strategic decision-making and innovation.
Building a High-Performing Team in the Travel Industry
With decades of experience in travel and hospitality, Kirsty recognizes that a passionate and dedicated team is essential to success. She actively engages with young industry professionals at trade shows, networking events, and educational forums, sharing insights and fostering new talent. While industry knowledge and logistics expertise can be taught, she believes the most critical attributes in building a strong team are passion for travel, attention to detail, customer care, enthusiasm, loyalty, and trust. These qualities form the foundation of a team that can deliver the extraordinary experiences Anywhere In Africa Safaris is known for.
Advice for Young Women in the Travel Industry
Tourism is a dynamic and rewarding industry that offers a vast array of career opportunities, from guiding and travel planning to hotel management, event coordination, and culinary arts. Kirsty highlights that those willing to embrace challenges, think creatively, and remain committed to excellence will thrive in this field.
She encourages young women to embrace the industry’s potential, emphasizing the following principles:
- Believe in Yourself: Recognize your unique strengths and talents, and pursue your dreams with confidence.
- Break Stereotypes: Challenge traditional gender roles and embrace leadership opportunities.
- Education & Experience: Formal education provides a strong foundation, while hands-on experience, internships, and apprenticeships refine practical skills.
- Adaptability: The travel industry is ever-changing, requiring flexibility and resilience in handling challenges like seasonality and irregular working hours.
- Passion for Travel: A deep love for exploring new cultures and destinations is essential for success.
- Problem-Solving Skills: The industry demands quick thinking and the ability to handle unforeseen circumstances with grace and efficiency.
Kirsty believes that women have an innate ability to adapt and excel in tourism, making them invaluable contributors to the industry’s growth and innovation. Her final message to aspiring professionals is simple yet profound: “If you are a dedicated and ambitious individual, the tourism industry offers an exciting and fulfilling space to build a successful career. Approach each challenge with resilience, and let your passion for travel guide your journey to success.”
