JULIAN HARRISON – AT THE HELM:
South African-born Julian Harrison is the President and driving force behind Premier Tours, a leading company specializing in African tours and African safaris. If you are looking for a memorable safari in Africa, look no further as Harrison is highly regarded as an Africa expert.
He started his career in tourism with the South African Tourism Board and among other responsibilities, accompanied foreign journalists and television crews on assignment through wildlife areas to cover conservation related issues. In addition, he co-presented a weekly radio talk show on tourism and conservation and served as an honorary game ranger with the Natal Parks Board.
After transferring to the United States he specialized in the promotion and development of eco-tourism, and as a result has guest lectured at venues such as the Smithsonian Institution and George Washington University. He served on the environmental committee of the American Society of Travel Agents and on the North American Advisory Board for South African Tourism.
He is also a founding member of the United Nations Environment Program’s Initiative on Sustainable Tourism Development. Trips planned and arranged by him include legendary actor Paul Newman, Jack Hanna’s Animal World which has been shown on the Discovery Channel and for prestigious publications such as the Frommer’s Guide to South Africa, New York Newsday and Conde’ Nast Traveler Magazine. In the August issues of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, he was recognized as one of the top travel specialists” in North America since 2001. In addition, he was recognized in Travel & Leisure magazines “A-list” of travel specialists since 2005. Harrison is the co-author of a book entitled “African Safari” published by Fodor’s Travel Guides.
THE PREMIER TOURS TEAM:
The staff at Premier Tours, some of whom have been with the company for over ten years, are all very knowledgeable about Southern & East Africa, and have traveled to the continent numerous times in the past, and will continue to do so in the future. They have arranged everything from basic camping safaris to high profile celebrity trips. Unique safaris include weddings ceremonies on elephants and in Masai Villages. In addition, some have led tour groups as naturalist guides to several major African safari destinations African Tours & Safaris – Premier Tours
Individual experience ranges from over 30 years in the travel industry, to participation in research projects in various African countries including Botswana, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, Zaire (Congo) and Zimbabwe, as well as working with an array of African mammal, bird and reptile species while conducting behavioral and enrichment programs at the Philadelphia Zoological Society. One particular member of staff (Bob Berghaier) continues to guest lecture on travel and conservation subjects related to Africa at various institutions including Arcadia University and the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, he writes, and has had several articles published in a diverse assortment of publications over the years.
