Africa’s rich cultural heritage and undiscovered tourism gems are gaining global recognition, redefining the continent’s travel industry.
As travelers seek authentic and unique experiences, lesser-known destinations—often referred to as “dupes” of popular hotspots—are emerging as attractive alternatives, driving a new era in African tourism.
According to chronicle.co.zw, tourists pursue unique and less crowded destinations, consequently positioning the continent’s aplomb to benefit from “destination dupes” trends.
Often, the term “dupes” means duplicates, and in this context, it is used to describe tourism destinations that offer similar adventures to ones that are renowned for being overcrowded and expensive big hitters such as Victoria Falls, Table Mountain, Sossusvlei Dunes, Quirimbas Archipelago, Okavango Delta, Pyramids of Giza, Mount Kilimanjaro and Masai Mara, etc.
Also known as “travel twins” or “destination detours”, destination dupes are tourism neologisms that entail under-crowded and hidden destination gems that offer comparable attractiveness and cultural richness.
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Destination detours denote less-known tourist places that mirror the appeal of iconic tourist attractions.
For instance, Domboshava Caves, Naletale Ruins, Mutarazi Falls, Marienfluss (Namibia), Hermanus (South Africa), Odzala-Kokoua National Park (Congo-Brazzaville), Tsingy de Bemaraha (Madagascar), Lalibela (Ethiopia), and so on, are splendid and unfrequented alternatives that vindicate a visit. It is worth mentioning that destination duping has become a travel truism.
However, it involves exploring alternative attractions or places that present an exciting opportunity for the sector and holidaymakers.
Travellers’ decisions and preferences to travel are driven by the desire to have exhilarating and memorable experiences in addition to value for money.
In spite of this, the notion of “destination dupes” is to inspire potential tourists to discover less-visited places, escaping over-touristed hotspots for equally fascinating and affordable choices. As a result, by promoting less-known destinations, African countries can attract a more diverse range of visitors, foster sustainable tourism, and support local communities.
Succinctly, destination dupes connote an inexpensive travel destination that proffers akin cultural features, escapades and scenery as a more sought-after and often more uneconomic destinations with fewer crowds. For example, Yosemite National Park in the USA is famous for its stunning landscapes, but Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe offers similar arresting granite formations, ancient rock art, and diverse wildlife encounters.
The Fish River Canyon in Namibia is less known than its American counterpart but offers picturesque views and hiking trails, making it an earnest dupe for the Grand Canyon. If you ask me, the changing socio-economic acuity of the exorbitant destination products and services, quietude, and the desire to travel will drive the evolution of this rare theory in travel and tourism.
Arguably, this “vogue trend” is premised on the conception that the original touristic places struggle with over-tourism, which encourages guests to choose less populated destinations. Over-tourism arises when too many sightseers flock to the same popular attraction or destination, triggering detrimental impacts on the environment, local communities, and visitor experience, which result in higher living costs and loss of authenticity. For that reason, many people try to escape the masses and explore destinations that are pristine with a more easygoing atmosphere.
It is, however, essential to point out that destination duping is valuable to a destination by sustainably contributing to the industry by helping to reduce the environmental impact of over-tourism. Besides, destination dupes not only help mitigate the negative impacts of over-tourism but equitably distribute economic benefits across regions.
On the whole, destination dupes offer comparable experiences, allowing travellers to enjoy related attractions, cultures, and landscapes at a fraction of the cost.
The proliferation of destination duping mirrors a significant volte-face in visitor preferences, which is compelled by the desire for authentic and value-based exposure, which in turn encourages local people to preserve their culture and heritages for posterity.
By Simbarashe Murima
