Ken Hermer, an accomplished travel consultant, has joined the expanding team of recognized travel experts at Ker & Downey Africa DMC, a leading luxury destination management business specializing in Africa.
Kenneth has a distinguished history in the field, having spent many years working as a representative for various top African luxury resorts. Because he will be based in California, he will be able to give professional help to agents around the country. “We are happy to have Ken on board and look forward to seeing the Ker & Downey Africa DMC brand go even further in the North American market,” says Marcelo Novais, General Manager, North America Market. “Ken brings a wealth of experience to the company.”
Kenyan-born Ken joins the team with over 35 years of expertise in destination training as well as the worldwide marketing of East African safari lodges and luxury boutique hotels in the region. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, he has lived in the United States for over two decades, where he has represented more than 50 top brands in Southern and East Africa, including Singita Private Game Reserves, Ellerman House, The Collection by Liz McGrath, Tintswalo Safari Portfolio, and Thanda Private Game Reserve, among others.
“I have dedicated my whole professional life to hospitality, exceptional customer service, opulent wildlife safaris, and high-end leisure trips. No experience brings me more joy than hearing from people who have returned from an African journey and have said that their lives have been permanently transformed in a favorable manner. Kenneth comments, “I am aware that the skilled teams of Ker & Downey Africa are committed to the same ideals, which I find extremely interesting.”
The company has also expanded into new markets, including Russia/Eastern Europe, French- and Spanish-speaking markets. Ker & Downey Africa has also grown its specialized team of travel experts and expanded its existing operations in North America, Latin America, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, China, and Hong Kong, among other places. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the company has launched an innovative growth plan, and it is well-positioned to gain from the increase in revenue from important source markets such as the United States.
“For more than two years, our trip plans have been put on wait for the whole family. The fact that there is a light at the end of this lengthy tunnel gives North Americans renewed confidence in their ability to go out and travel again. According to Ken, “Safaris and luxury holidays in Africa have always been an experience that people just had to chase, and this massive market is reawakening once again.”
South Africa, East Africa, North Africa, and Indian Ocean island locations are among the specialties of Ker & Downey Africa, a super-luxury destination management firm that specializes in tailor-made travel to these regions.