Cheetah Plains strengthens global trade engagement with new sales, PR and marketing leadership

SABI SAND, SOUTH AFRICA – Cheetah Plains, the ultra-luxury private villa safari experience in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, has announced a strengthened commercial strategy for 2026 with the appointment of key leaders in sales, marketing and communications. The new team – Commercial Manager Belinda Morrison, Head of Sales Daniek Rose, and Marketing, PR & Communications Manager Michelle Monk – marks the beginning of a more trade-focused era for the brand.

The lodge is known for its contemporary private villas, fully inclusive model, and zero-emission electric safari vehicles, and is now expanding its global engagement to offer travel advisors deeper support and more personalised communication.

Greater trade visibility and global presence

In 2026, Cheetah Plains will significantly increase its in-market activity, participating in major global shows including Pure Life Experiences (Marrakesh), WAA South Africa, Do Not Disturb, ILTM Cannes, and African roadshows in São Paulo and Mexico City. The aim is to strengthen industry relationships and ensure advisors can engage directly with the commercial team.

“Our goal is to provide the trade with everything they need to confidently present Cheetah Plains as the premier villa safari experience in South Africa,” said Belinda Morrison, Commercial Manager. “We are bringing renewed energy to the market with more frequent communication, increased training opportunities, and a tailored approach to supporting each partner’s needs.”

Focus on ultra-high-net-worth markets

Cheetah Plains’ 2026 strategy prioritises UHNW travellers across key regions including the United States, United Kingdom, South America, the UAE, and Europe. Advisors in these markets will see increased outreach, dedicated training sessions, webinars and personalised support.

The brand is also seeking new partnerships with complementary luxury lodges and global travel brands to enhance itinerary building and reinforce Cheetah Plains’ position within the top tier of high-end safari offerings.

Strengthening multi-generational travel

The lodge is expanding its programme for multi-generational families, a key growth segment in luxury safari travel. Services include child-friendly safaris, child-minding, guided bush activities, baking and pizza-making sessions, and catch-and-release fishing. To support advisors, Cheetah Plains has extended its Kids Stay Free offer until 31 May 2026.

Contrary to common perception, Cheetah Plains is not exclusively a full-villa buyout product. During green season, Karula and Mvula Villas can be booked for groups as small as four to six guests.

New accessibility and neurodiversity resources for advisors

Cheetah Plains has launched enhanced tools to support advisors serving travellers with disabilities or neurodivergent needs. These include detailed fact sheets covering:

• wheelchair accessibility and mobility support
• hearing- and vision-impairment accommodations
• sensory-aware amenities
• low-stimulus environments supported by electric safari vehicles
• flexible scheduling and private dining
• pre-arrival questionnaires for personalised adjustments

All villas are disability-friendly, and Mvula Villa offers the easiest movement due to level flooring. Additional equipment such as ramps, shower chairs, and sensory tools can be provided on request.

The new leadership team

• Belinda Morrison, Commercial Manager – brings over 15 years of luxury hospitality experience from senior roles at The Vineyard Hotel Group, Taj Cape Town and Sun International.
• Daniek Rose, Head of Sales – previously with Pepperclub Hotel and Cape Royal Luxury Hotel & Spa, focused on deepening global travel-trade relationships.
• Michelle Monk, Marketing, PR & Communications Manager – with experience at One&Only Cape Town and multiple agencies, she will lead brand storytelling and oversee U.S. media relations through REYA Communications.

Travel advisors can expect increased in-market visits, more training, expanded trade resources and improved day-to-day communication. With its refreshed leadership team and strengthened commercial strategy, Cheetah Plains aims to make trade collaboration easier, more responsive and more aligned with advisor needs heading into 2026.

The article Cheetah Plains strengthens global trade engagement with new sales, PR and marketing leadership first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The post Cheetah Plains strengthens global trade engagement with new sales, PR and marketing leadership appeared first on Travel Daily News