CSM Creates Custom Press Trip to South Africa.

Business Editors/Travel Writers

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 6, 2003

CSM, known for its work on live and televised events, recently completed a successful two-week press trip to South Africa. The trip, designed by CSM in conjunction with South African Tourism and South African Airways, will result in more than a half-dozen features in prominent titles.

CSM led a group of travel writers to specific locations in South Africa, taking the concept of the press trip to the next level. CSM showed the journalists a true adventure that included places rarely seen by travel writers. Outside, Robb Report, Playboy, Blue and Travel Weekly saw a unique side of South Africa that emphasized diversity in people and places as well as sustainable development projects.

"It quickly shaped up to be the best press trip I have ever been on," said author Bruce Northam.

Amy Marr, travel writer for Outside Magazine, added, "By far the highlight of my summer has been the trip to South Africa... (CSM) clearly put a ton of preparation and forethought into all the planning and itinerary."

Miller Matola, Portfolio Manager: Americas from South African Tourism, offered, "We appreciate their commitment to presenting the diversity of South African life and culture from a variety of viewpoints. CSM created a dynamic press trip, and we're confident that South African Tourism will benefit with increased awareness in the media."

"Our approach to designing press trips is to show the country's famous landmarks and locations, but with a twist," says CSM owner Lori Hall. "In the case of South Africa we used our insider knowledge of little-seen locations, based on several scouting trips for television programs with which we are involved."

"Tourism boards consult with us for our unique perspective," adds Hall. "That plus our hands-on approach. The reaction from the writers has been overwhelmingly positive; they really seem to appreciate our brand of press trips -- and so do their editors."

CSM is planning trips to several other international destinations for several clients, and enjoys a strong collaborative relationship with many countries and their cultural ministries around the world, most of which are looking to maximize their impact in these challenging times for the tourism and travel industry.