MEDIA KIT
ALLISON FOAT (nickname Diva)> I’m a former ballerina (hence the leg hoists!) turned travel journalist and lifestyle and theatre publicist -I have much less theatre work now that so many theatres have closed due to the pandemic- based in Cape Town, South Africa. My first trip overseas was at age 14 (turning 15 in London) to Monaco, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Lausanne, Nice, Cannes, Paris and London, training in 1979/80 and 1980/91 with some of the world’s finest ballet teachers and coaches while simultaneously experiencing the best in travel education a young girl could wish for. Years later, dance continued to open travel doors when as a professional ballerina, I worked with a professional ballet company in the USA, Canada, Hong Kong and back in South Africa. I now find myself, fortuitously, with a dynamic dual career as a travel and lifestyle writer and an entertainment PR. I have a passion for telling stories that will inspire others to travel and embrace an exploring life.
MY BLOG: CAPETOWNDIVA.COM
My blog shares my discoveries, both in travel and lifestyle, locally and internationally. The platform attracts women between the ages of 35 and 70, LSM 8-10, who travel frequently, stylishly and are curious and eco smart. I started my blog in 2013 as an online journal of my travel and life experiences at home and abroad and as a way to discover my writer’s voice, so to speak. My writing mentor at the outset was Pieter-Dirk Uys (my theatre PR client to this day) who encouraged me to put my adventures down in print. All my published work can be found on the blog under ‘In The Press’.
TRAVEL WRITING, JOURNALISM & PHOTOGRAPHY
I began solo travelling in earnest in 2008 with a goal to explore at least two new destinations a year and to date I’ve visited 78 cities on several continents. I’m particularly passionate about ethical and responsible travel, love immersing in different cultures and prefer to venture off the tourist track to uncover the true authenticity of a place. I take my photography seriously, shooting on a Canon DSLR and the latest iPhone. My images have been published alongside my editorials in the magazines, newspapers and online platforms to which I contribute.
EDITORIAL INTERESTS
Travel (local, Africa, international); design (creatives fashion, art, décor, architecture); hospitality (chefs, restaurants, hotels, wine, interiors); sustainability/eco (nature, vegan, social responsibility, community upliftment, upcycling and recycling, green initiatives) – all top notch and all exceptional.
I prefer to interview people in person when writing features, so engaging one-on-one with individuals is key to the accuracy, success and integrity of my editorials.
PUBLISHED WORK (South Africa) SAFREA Member No: SAF02436
I’ve been writing editorials for South African newspaper travel supplements since 2008.
Newspapers – I regularly contribute to the Sunday Times (Travel, Food, Lifestyle) and the Cape Times (news/conservation news). I’ve also written for the Daily Maverick (Food), Sunday Independent (now closed), Weekend Argus, City Press Sunday Argus, Cape Argus.
On Television, I’ve been featured and interviewed on SABC3’s Expresso Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50uHYDMH628 on SABC3 Expresso:
SABC3 Expresso Show, Avios points travel spend recommendations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czGrr7eMxbg
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On Radio, I’ve talked about my travels including responsible tourism and trends, and am a regular travel contributor on Capetalk and 702. I’ve chatted frequently on Radio Helderberg’s Passport to the Wold and been profiled on Fine music Radio.
Magazines to which I’ve contributed include Getaway, Graffiri Art Mag (Paris), House & Leisure, Khuluma inflight, Sawubona, SLOW (British Airways exclusive lounges), Indwe, Sail+Leisure, Skyways.
Online placement includes Daily Maverick, Bizcommunity, Travelupdates, iAfrica.com
ACCOLADES
Winner of the #helloweekend Blogathon in 2016 (What to do in Cape Town in 48 hours)
Winner of 2 return air tickets in Air France SA’s #letmebefrench 2014 Twitter photographic competition
Winner of Bedycasa (France) international homestay cultural competition 2018 (online)
BRAND ASSOCIATIONS & CAMPAIGNS
I work with reputable travel and lifestyle brands and PR agents that stand for sustainability and promote exceptional travel experiences. PR agencies I have worked with include Visit Britain (UK/SA), France Tourism (SA), Manley Communications, Lesley Simpson Communications, Mossel Bay Tourism, Lloyd Orr PR, Hot Oven Marketing, Le Boat, Sunsail, The Moorings, Phangan Bicycle Tours, Air France ZA, Cheapflights, Edelweiss Air, Karin Duncker PR, Franchhoek Tourism, Off the Marque PR, Atout France, Maldives Tourism Board, Seychelles Tourism Board.
Please click on the ‘Contact’ tab to get in touch about guest blogs and campaign curation through social media.
SOCIAL MEDIA STATS (as of Aug 2021)
Twitter 7316 | Instagram 5239 | Facebook CT DIVA: 2,231 | Facebook AF: 4,981 | Steller: 3720
the leg hoist