By Victoria Naidu

Activitar Distribution Manager: An Interview with Erin Slater

Erin Slater, a Distribution Manager at Activitar, Shares Insights into the Role of Distribution, the Importance of OTA Partnerships, and the Future of Global Connectivity.

Background & Inspiration

What initially drew you to the travel and tourism industry, and how did you find your way to Activitar?

I’ve always been captivated by the thrill of travel and the allure of exploring new destinations. Whether it’s planning my own adventures or sharing my experiences with others, my passion for tourism runs deep. At the same time, I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of business and technology, fascinated by how innovation can transform industries.

It’s entirely possible that I had unknowingly used the Activitar system in the past to book unforgettable activities and experiences without even realizing it. Activitar eventually found me—the company actively recruits through LinkedIn, and I was shortlisted for an opportunity that immediately sparked my interest.

Going through the interview process, I was excited by the idea of empowering activity companies to reach global markets. It resonated with my entrepreneurial spirit and love for travel. Without hesitation, I jumped on this incredible opportunity and haven’t looked back since.

Can you share a fulfilling experience or achievement during your time at Activitar that has shaped your perspective on the company’s mission and goals?

In my two years working in the Distribution department, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with leading OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) worldwide and within South Africa. Engaging with business teams across various companies, I’ve built and maintained strong relationships that have been instrumental in expanding opportunities for our suppliers.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role has been acting as an advocate for Activitar to OTAs while also championing these platforms to our suppliers. By pitching the OTAs we integrate with, I help suppliers recognize the local and international opportunities available to them. This work fosters a three-way partnership—between the supplier, the OTA, and Activitar—creating a network of trust and collaboration.

Beyond simply making connections, I take pride in breaking down industry misunderstandings and helping suppliers see the value in OTA integrations. Through these conversations, I not only build enthusiasm for suppliers to expand their reach but also reinforce Activitar’s mission of empowering businesses to grow on a global scale.

Core Values Alignment

Can you describe a specific instance where you’ve witnessed Activitar’s core values in action within the distribution team?

At Activitar, integrity, collaboration, and innovation aren’t just words—we live by them. These values are especially evident within the Distribution Team, where growth and teamwork have shaped a new dynamic.

Before March of this year, I worked alone in my department, navigating challenges and collaborating across different teams. Working independently reinforced my commitment to integrity—I knew I had to uphold Activitar’s high standards on my own.

Then, everything changed. With two new team members, our department evolved into a space of open communication, shared problem-solving, and collective success. We built a culture where honesty, transparency, and collaboration drive everything we do.

As Activitar continues to grow, so does our commitment to fostering a workplace where every challenge is met with teamwork, and every success is shared.

Benefits of OTAs & Customer Care

Which OTAs are Activitar affiliated with, and can you expand on the loading fee?

Activitar is affiliated with GetYourGuide, Viator, Manawa, Musement, ExperienceGifts, Tabl, Activity Awaits, ActivityHub, The Inside Guide, and Hejju.

Our relationships with these OTAs begin in different ways—sometimes Activitar reaches out to explore potential collaborations, while other times OTAs approach Activitar with the same intent. Once mutual interest is established, discussions begin to outline the next steps.

A key part of this process is the technical integration, which is crucial for seamless connectivity. The OTA provides an API, and Activitar builds the integration to manage descriptions, pricing, availability, and inventory. This ensures that bookings are processed efficiently while keeping inventory updated in real-time for guests. Maintaining these integrations is an ongoing process, ensuring that suppliers and OTAs can continue to work together smoothly.

Why is it imperative for a supplier that wants to grow their business to be engaged with OTAs?

Being listed on multiple OTA platforms unlocks new revenue streams and significantly expands a supplier’s reach. By tapping into global and local client pools, suppliers make their products visible and bookable to a much wider audience.

Connecting with OTAs ensures that their offerings are seen by diverse travelers from around the world, increasing booking potential and business growth. To maximize these benefits, it’s essential for suppliers to actively engage with OTAs and take full advantage of the opportunities available to them.

How does Activitar prioritize the customer experience throughout the distribution process, and what measures are in place to ensure supplier satisfaction?

Every supplier that requires the Distribution team’s assistance in setting up and creating their products on these platforms is assigned an agent dedicated to their account. Our agent then helps the supplier with their wholesaler contracts, pricing, and product loading for these platforms.

Our agents maintain constant communication with the supplier to ensure that the work done on their behalf meets high standards and that they are satisfied with the quality of their listings.

Distribution Approach

What is Activitar’s strategy for building and maintaining strong relationships with OTAs?

For a successful partnership with an OTA, a reliable and efficient technical integration is essential. Activitar focuses on building fast, functional integrations that eliminate transactional errors, facilitate speedy data flows, and maintain the lowest possible error rates. OTAs need to trust Activitar technically, knowing that our system ensures seamless operations.

Beyond the technology, strong relationships are built through consistent and proactive communication. Activitar works hard to relay OTA opportunities to suppliers, ensuring they understand the benefits and potential growth avenues. This dedication to bridging the gap between OTAs and suppliers results in high conversions and mutually beneficial partnerships, something that OTAs truly appreciate.

How does Activitar differentiate itself from other distribution companies in terms of its offerings and services to suppliers?

Activitar stands out as the leading provider of African inventory, offering an unparalleled selection of high-value, quality experiences. Our platform hosts a vast range of premium suppliers, ensuring that travelers can access the most authentic and exceptional activities available.

One of our key differentiators is our dominance in major adventure and heritage destinations. For example, in Victoria Falls, over 80% of experiences are available through Activitar, making us the go-to platform for this world-renowned location. Additionally, we carry the majority of inventory in South Africa’s Garden Route and National Safari Parks, further solidifying our position as the top choice for African adventure and cultural experiences.

Leadership & Team Dynamics

What leadership qualities or approaches do you find most effective in managing the distribution team at Activitar? How do you foster a collaborative and supportive team environment within the distribution department?

Growing up and attending an all-girls school, I encountered different situations and people, which shaped my leadership style. Now, working in a team consisting of several women, I lead with honesty, love, directness, and empathy.

I find that having an open-door policy fosters healthy communication, allowing team members to share concerns in a respectful yet assertive manner. As someone who genuinely cares for others, I strive to humanize my team members, guiding them in a way that is both appreciated and effective.

Even though I lead a team, I firmly believe that every leader must also be willing to be led and taught by those around them. A symbiotic leadership approach creates fertile ground for growth and collaboration.

Future Outlook & Personal Connection

What are your long-term goals for the distribution team at Activitar, and how do you envision the company’s growth and development in the future?

I would love to see more OTAs partnering with Activitar, giving our suppliers access to an even wider customer base. Additionally, I hope to see more suppliers joining our platform, allowing us to support even more businesses in their growth.

I envision Activitar expanding into more countries, with suppliers from new regions joining our platform. More payment gateways integrating with us would also be a great step toward supporting global transactions and supplier accessibility.

What activities do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I have been athletically inclined since childhood, so I enjoy playing water polo with my club, running, Pilates, and going to the gym. I am highly family-oriented and consider my friends as such, so spending time with them and creating new memories is a must.

I also have a creative side and enjoy painting, poetry, singing, making music, and playing instruments.