Southern African Tourism Update October 09

SOUT H ERN AFRI C AN

October/November 2009 I Issue 209 I www.tourismupdate.co.za

for organisers of tours

WTM 2009

All the news from Southern Africa

+ Are our packages getting stale?

+ Gauteng doesn’t always mean business + Industry positive as Zim airlift increases

Western Cape Hotels, hotels and more hotels

Around the world in 4 days Explore a world of business opportunities at WTM 2009 World Travel Market cemented its position as the premier global event for the travel industry with a massive 11% increase in visitor attendance and a 4% rise in exhibiting companies in 2008. Be part of an even bigger World Travel Market this year and: • • • • •

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ExCeL London 9-12 Nov 2009 Register for free entry at www.wtmlondon.com/satu Official Supporting Publication

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October / November 2009

a serious adjustment

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2 IN THE NEWS look at the latest tourism, destination and eco news from A Southern Africa 2 Are our packages getting stale?

4 2010 – The cruise ships are coming 7 I ncreased Zim air services a positive sign

10 World Travel Market 2009

All the latest news from Southern African exhibitors

20 Game Lodges

Photographic safaris gain popularity

24 Responsible Tourism Still a popular option?

27 Profile: Holiday Inn Sandton An urban shoppers’ paradise

29 Gauteng

Not all about business

31 Western Cape

Hotels, hotels and more hotels

34 The Goal Post

Accommodation options increase for independent travellers

36 Moore on tourism Monkey business

Publisher David Marsh Managing Editor Natalia Thomson nataliat@nowmedia.co.za Deputy Editor Kate Els Sub Editor Ann Braun Contributors Sue Lewitton, Natasha Tippel, SATI c 5/19/09 2:13 PM Page 1

Nteboheng Phakisi, Melody Brandon, Jeanette Phillips Advertising Sales Claire Storey, Lara Denysschen advertising@tourismupdate.co.za Advertising Co-ordinator Lana Sachs Photographer Tijana Huysamen

fundamental attitude shift; that’s what we need to get our issues with service quality sorted. We’ve been whinging about it for a very long time.

And when you visit a country like Thailand you get a good sense of just how lacklustre our service in South Africa can sometimes be.

The Thais are renowned for their generosity of spirit and selfless service. Not only are those involved in the tourism sector keenly attuned to the needs of tourists who visit the country but so too are all its citizens.

They may not have a wonderful command of English, but you get a sense that they genuinely care about others without being overly subservient.

And arriving back in South Africa, within minutes the lack of service culture is glaringly obvious. Ask a question, you’ll get the predictable shrug and look of disinterest. “It’s not my problem” is written all over their face.

We seem to have a problem in SA with the notion of ‘serving others’. Perhaps it’s our past ghosts that have left a bitter taste in our mouth? Perhaps, there’s a perception that serving others means we are subservient to others? Or perhaps as performance consultant Angela James suggests, it has nothing to do with subservience and everything to do with being empowered and a deeper level of awareness.

As we embark on this most recent initiative to revamp our service culture in South Africa with the assistance of the Disney Institute, I find myself agreeing with Angela’s rather unorthodox solution to changing attitudes as they relate to service. Angela believes we should be looking locally for the solution. She uses story-telling to empower people to play a service role. Her ‘The Way of the Service Warrior’ programme champions excellent service experiences as a ‘cause’.

I’m afraid the jury’s out on whether or not an overseas institution can tell us where we’re going wrong with our service culture. But if service excellence is one of the key ways tourists will experience the destination it’s worth doing whatever we can to fix it.

And if ubuntu (I am because you are) is the mantra by which South Africans live, we should have no problem delivering good service in abundant supply!

I’ll always remember that selfless Thai service and will want to go back to experience it again. I hope visitors to South Africa will be able to say the same…

SUBSCRIPTION RATES R295 RSA full price R875 Foreign (airmail) full price R655 Neighbouring Africa tvlsubs@nowmedia.co.za

Design Brendon Bester Printed by JUKA PRINTING (Pty) Ltd Published by Lugan Investments (Pty) Ltd trading as Now Media Tel: +27-11 327-4062 Fax: +27-11 327-4094 www.nowmedia.co.za C

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Are our packages getting stale?

Both European and North American tour operators are clear in their request to South African tourism businesses – ‘We want new and innovative experiences and products to sell!’.

This was the message expressed in Tourism Update’s Marketing Index, conducted with the help of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) and Grant Thornton.

Overseas operators said they wished their trade partners in SA would move away from the generic combinations so regularly packaged together. But some overseas operators feel their local counterparts are doing a good enough job as it is. James Westrip, Director of Africa Collection based in the UK, says he believes every destination has a ‘highlights tour’ and tour operators mostly feature these. “In a sense they are the daily bread of our business and they allow us to then market the other areas and more esoteric offerings.”

Westrip says Cape Town and the Garden Route with some kind of safari offering, either in the Kruger National Park or the Eastern Cape, is still the most popular route and what clients are asking for. “You could argue that they are led to demand this by marketing, but I believe it is simply a commercial inevitability.”

Helga Eickmann, Owner of Cape Tours

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Sue Lewitton

TIRED?... The Kruger National Park tends to feature on local operators’ itineraries, while some international operators want new experiences to offer their clients. based in Germany, says first-time visitors are usually keen to see the most well-known destinations in SA and only look to spend time elsewhere if budget and time allow. “Repeaters are likely to concentrate on one or two provinces, often Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape or Western Cape, and then travel by car so that they can spend more time in each destination.”

She adds that she believes tour operators are making an effort to include deviations from the standard route, including trips

into neighbouring countries, for example Johannesburg via Lesotho to Durban.

Although unusual itineraries are available in some ‘off the beaten track’ destinations around Southern Africa, operators say these won’t necessarily sell. Eickmann says several products don’t work at all for the German market, including birding tours, golf tours, Battlefield trips and, surprisingly, township tours. “Most people are still frightened and prefer to exclude the poor side of the country.”

On the 12th December 2009 at 18h00, Nelson Mandela Square will play host to Carols on the Square.

Seating is free but profits from the sale of Carols sheets, candles and Aids ribbons are in aid of THE TOMORROW TRUST. So bring your family and loved ones, to let others share in your joy this Christmas.

Carols on the Square with Richard Cock, The JFO Brass Ensemble and The Symphony Choir of Johannesburg.

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Sue Lewitton Over the last few years, tour operators and the accommodation sector have both reported a noticeable increase in late bookings.

The industry feels that several factors have contributed to this, including technology, the recession and the general pace of the modern world.

Tourism Update’s marketing index, conducted with the help of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) and Grant Thornton, revealed that the general opinion of the industry was that late bookings would continue into the foreseeable future. But it appears that certain markets are far more inclined to make late bookings than others.

Davide Bomben, Marketing and Product Development Manager for Italian tour operator, Il Diamante, says the Italian market is particularly well known for late bookings on account of their impulsive approach to booking holidays. “Italians tend to choose their travel destinations by reading magazines, by watching television programmes, or even just by chance,” says Bomben. “This is the reason why we are working on a television marketing campaign – they are strongly promotion orientated.

“We have received a large quantity of last-minute requests, but while our normal transformation ratio is around 25 per cent, the late bookings have only a mere 12 per cent ratio,” says Bomben. “This is sometimes because people are

just shopping around.”

As the Italian market has shown a tendency for late bookings for quite some time, Italian tour operators are well prepared to deal with the trend. Bomben says: “We work with allotments, so it’s very easy for us to accommodate even late bookings. Most of the time we finish our allotments in advance but, as a result of the economic crisis, it’s been very easy to implement allotments and find availability.”

Other markets that are more inclined towards late bookings include Latin travellers. André Laget, MD of Akilanga and Kawango, says this trend has really taken a hold as a result of the Internet. Laget echoes Bomben’s sentiments, as he has also encountered a small increase of late bookings mainly from “opportunistic shoppers” hunting for the best deal. His company has also been well-positioned to handle the last-minute requests as the yield management systems of airlines and hotels has forced Akilanga and Kawango to reply to clients within 24 hours or less, regardless of their arrival dates.

Other markets seem to continue to resist the late booking trend. Janet Dearing, a Tour Consultant for African Pride based in the UK, says although she does get calls about special offers, her business is not about late bookings and she hasn’t noticed an increase in requests since the economic crisis took hold.

In addition, Helga Eickmann, Owner of Cape Tours in Germany, says German customers tend to book many months in advance and the situation has not changed in recent months.

Kenya suppliers at Indaba?

Kate Els South Africa’s Minster of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, has signed an agreement with Kenya that will see the two countries working closer together with regard to tourism promotion among other things.

The agreement makes provision, in general terms, for South Africa and Kenya to promote, develop and increase co-operation in the field of tourism.

“It does not contain any reference to Kenya’s participation at Indaba,” says Ronel Bester, spokesperson for the Minister. “This is, however, a matter that the Kenyan Minister has indicated he would like to raise with Minister Van Schalkwyk as part of their discussions.”

Rumours have been rife in the tourism industry since this year’s Indaba that Kenyan product owners and suppliers would have the opportunity to exhibit at Indaba from next year.

THOMPSONS AFRICA

Late bookings – a fleeting trend or here to stay?

HAPPY HELPER... FTTSA is set to study best practice for voluntourism operators.

FTTSA broaches voluntourism Kate Els Voluntourism is a fast growing niche market in the global tourism industry and while it represents an enormous resource for socio-economic development and conservation in post-apartheid South Africa, there are a number of challenges that must be managed to optimise benefits for the destination says Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA).

Building on a Code of Good Practice formalised in 2008 by industry, FTTSA has carried out a series of consultations to test the need for third-party certification in the field of voluntourism. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and has led to FTTSA seeking funding for a wider study to establish standards for the sector.

FTTSA will develop voluntourism standards through research, consultation, field testing and benchmarking against local and international best practice. A number of voluntourism operators have already communicated interest in becoming certified once the standards have been set, and FTTSA hopes to have certified at least three voluntourism products by April 2010.

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Cape Town Tourism

Credit card spend up in SA Hilka Birns

SEA LEGS... Soccer fans will now have the opportunity to stay aboard floating hotels visiting Cape Town harbour during the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

2010 – The cruise ships are coming Kate Els Two of the world’s biggest and most luxurious cruise ships are set to dock at South Africa’s harbours during the 2010 Soccer World Cup. The MS Noordam and MS Westerdam, each with more than 950 cabins, will head for Durban and Port Elizabeth harbours respectively for the full month of the World Cup in a unique cruise experience that gives passengers a chance to live aboard the ship and experience harbour life, while also enjoying the soccer matches in the cities they dock at.

Munich-based company, Moltke Promotion GmbH, has partnered with Cape Town-based tour operator, iKapa Tours & Travel to provide transport solutions and day tours for ship passengers during their stay in South Africa.

“We are looking forward to playing host to visitors during 2010 and we believe that our extensive tours will offer enriching experiences for those who come to South Africa,” says Kobus van Heerden, Managing Director of iKapa Tours & Travel.

Chartered by One Ocean Club, a subsidiary of Moltke Promotion GmBH, the two cruise liners will complement the current luxury accommodation in the three coastal host cities – Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town – and will provide a safe and controlled environment.

Clients can enjoy the beauty of the cities and surroundings by taking day and half-day tours offered by iKapa Tours & Travel and its partners.

The MS Noordam, the vessel that will be based in Durban harbour, will also visit the Port Elizabeth harbour twice – for the quarterfinal and for the play-off for the third and fourth place.

The MS Westerdam will be moored in Port Elizabeth harbour for the first 14 days of the tournament and will then be cruising between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town for the rest of the tournament.

The One Ocean Club team has extensive experience of utilising passenger vessels as floating hotels during major sporting events, and was involved with the Olympic Games in Sydney and Athens.

International travellers to South Africa are spending more, according to a new survey by credit card company Visa Inc. Paul Wilke, Visa’s senior business leader global corporate relations, says more than 13m transactions totalling US$1,8bn were made by international visitors to South Africa in 2008, up 11per cent from 2007. Nearly half of the transactions came from UK and US cardholders, who contributed more than US$812m to the South African economy last year, followed by cardholders from Germany, France, Australia, Namibia, Canada, Botswana, Mozambique and Switzerland.

He was presenting the results of ‘Tourism Outlook: South Africa’, a publication that details the spending of 5 539 international Visa cardholders who visited South Africa over the past two years.

Wilke said the positive trends were continuing in 2009. In the first quarter of 2009, international Visa cardholders spent about US$500m in South Africa.

Zim accepts Visa

Visa credit cards are again accepted in Zimbabwe. Meikles Hotel and the Victoria Falls Hotel have received the go-ahead from Standard Chartered Bank and Visa credit card machines were installed on August 31.

Maropeng unveils fossil exhibition

Maropeng has launched a new fossil display entitled Evolution: digging for an understanding.

The exhibition, which runs from September until the end of November, illustrates and explains Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Also included are a number of significant pieces of fossil evidence and modern anatomical evidence.

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Vuvuzela – eat and sleep the township flava Visitors looking for authentic African culinary experiences can now add Vuvuzela Eat & Sleep in Cullinan, Gauteng, to their agendas.

The initiative is based on current South African township experiences, but takes the concept one step further by really involving guests. Vuvuzela Eat & Sleep provides traditional African cooking and sleeping in rooms modelled on real township homes.

“The idea was born several years ago during a visit to a local B&B in Khayelitsha.

Since then, the model has been refined substantially to now offer visitors not only the opportunity to taste traditional food but for the first time ever in South Africa, to make it themselves.

“Guests will be able to learn the intricacies involved in selecting ingredients and preparing and serving authentic African cuisine,” says Portia Paledi, Metseding Entrepreneurial Development Centre (MEDC) project manager.

Accommodation available includes four rooms decorated in a township theme.

En-suite bathrooms feature zinc basins and

corrugated iron-look showers, while the beds come complete with ‘ingubo’, a Zulu word for blanket. All materials were sourced locally and décor items were specifically produced for the venue by local artisans.

Overnight visitors will also be able to listen to African folklore, as traditional stories, myths and legends of the local tribes are shared with guests around the fire at night.

Once guests have mastered the art of township cooking, they are issued recipe cards, a branded Vuvuzela apron and a certificate that proudly celebrates their traditional African cooking prowess.

Vuvuzela is located in the heart of the Metsweding district, which provides a wealth of day-trip tourism experiences for guests, from the Premier Mine, where the Cullinan diamond was found, to local arts and crafts shops; historical tours; museums; game and nature reserves; eateries and adventure activities such as hot-air ballooning, hiking and quad bike trails.

Regular steam train rides from Pretoria to Cullinan add to the accessibility of this destination for day visitors.

Comprising four individual, 5-Star lodges each with its own identity and look and feel, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve offers close-encounter, Big 5 safaris combined with unparalleled luxury and a unique brand of excellent service and African hospitality. Sustainable conservation practices mean a reserve that is a hotspot of biodiversity, making Sabi Sabi home to an astonishing diversity of wildlife and a dream safari Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve P.O Box 52665, Saxonwold, 2132 South Africa TU4644

Ka’Ingo doubles reserve area Ka’Ingo Private Game Reserve, part of the Zorgvliet Portfolio, has dropped its shared fences with the Mokolo River Nature Reserve.

The new 16 000-hectare property will be called the Greater Mokolo Nature Reserve.

Says Zorgvliet CEO Mac Van der Merwe: “We hope that this fence dropping will be the start of something really big here in the Waterberg and kick-off a process to create a self-sustainable core area for game, and ultimately a public-private partnership stretching all the way to Mokolo Dam and beyond. Conservation is of the utmost importance but if we can’t bring conservation and commercial viability together it will be in vain. This is a big challenge.”

Day visitors to both Ka’Ingo and Dinkweng Safari Camp (a fenced part of Ka’Ingo offering luxury self-catering lodges) are encouraged.

Ka’Ingo Private Game Reserve is located just three hours north of Johannesburg, or 35 minutes by light aircraft to the 1,2km landing strip on the property in the malaria-free Waterberg.

destination. Selati Camp is intimate, romantic and olde-worlde; Bush Lodge a meeting place for friends in a beautiful contemporary setting; Little Bush Camp small, secluded and following the Bush Lodge style; and the ultra-luxurious Earth Lodge a celebration of organic architecture and rich textures inspired by Nature. ‘Consistently voted one of the world’s top destinations by discerning travelers’.

4 Jameson Avenue, Melrose Estate, 2196 Tel: +27 11 447 7172 Fax: +27 11 442 0728 E-mail: res@sabisabi.com www.sabisabi.com

Voted one of the world’s top destinations by discerning travelers Voted 3rd Best Luxury Hotel in the World Voted Best Safari Spa in South Africa Voted Best Service in South Africa

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GREAT PLAINS CONSERVATION

Rezidor announces Hotel Missoni Cape Town Hilka Birns

Friendly Ellie... The new log-jam hide located at Ol Donyo Wuas.

Up close and personal with Kenya lodge Great Plains Conservation’s Ol Donyo Wuas, near Tsavo National Park, Kenya, has finished its ‘log-jam’ hide that allows guests to get even closer to wildlife.

This open-air wildlife viewing facility is located just below the lodge. The hide is a mass of heavy logs that have been stacked up to create a square enclosure, where guests can safely and quietly view animals at exceptionally close range as they visit the waterhole.

The ‘log-jam’ hide can either be a short activity or it can become a full morning or afternoon’s activity, depending on guest interests.

Opening of the Ibis Antananarivo IBIS, a brand of the Accor group, has opened in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Just 30 minutes from the international airport Ivato, Hotel ibis Antananarivo is located in the centre of the Ankorondrano business district, close to the Ivandry residential area and embassies and 10 minutes from the Avenue de l’Indépendance.

The hotel’s 174 rooms – including 12 superior rooms and 24 interconnecting rooms – are equipped with satellite television, flatscreen TVs, and free Internet connection.

Guests can lunch and dine at the Table

Rouge restaurant or on the terrace bordering the heated swimming pool.

Ibis has developed a ‘non-stop eight-hour’ breakfast to accommodate all guests. For early risers, breakfast is available from 04h00 to 06h30 while the breakfast buffet can be enjoyed from 06h30 to 10h00. Late-risers can eat from 10h00 to midday. Hot and cold snacks can also be ordered from the bar 24/7.

For business trips, there are two 30 sqm meeting rooms available and Wi-Fi Internet connection is provided in the lobby, bar, restaurant and meeting rooms.

A see-through cantilevered pool hanging over the edge of a rooftop terrace is just one of the traffic-stopping features of the R340m new five-star Hotel Missoni Cape Town due to open after the World Cup in 2010.

The luxury lifestyle and designer hotel will bring the iconic Italian fashion brand, Missoni, to South Africa. It will form part of the Rezidor Hotel Group’s new lifestyle hotel concept aimed at attracting new revenue from target markets such as the film, fashion and related industries, well-heeled FITs, “Black Diamonds” and the young and brand conscious.

The 157-bedroom Hotel Missoni Cape Town will be located on the corners of Castle and Burg Streets in the Cape Town CBD, about 50m from Greenmarket Square.

Each room’s furnishings will cost €186 000.

Facilities will include a small wellness spa, an Italian restaurant, a bar and small meeting and conference facilities. Hallmarks will be strong design and attention to detail as expressed by Missoni’s Creative Director, Rosita Missoni, who visited Cape Town recently to work with a South African design team on the project.

Like any new fashion line, details of the interior are being kept under wraps until the opening.

But in keeping with the fashion label, the look promises to be bold and bright!

The first Hotel Missoni was launched on June 1 this year in Edinburgh and is trading well after just three months, says Andrew McLachlan, Rezidor’s Vice President for Business Development in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. He says future destinations for Hotel Missoni include Kuwait City, Kuwait; Jebel Sifah, Oman; Ilha de Cajaiba, Brazil; with 10 more sites under consideration worldwide.

“In Africa, we are looking at the Seychelles, Mauritius and possibly Sandton (Johannesburg).

Another logical place to take the brand is the luxury safari lodge segment. The development of Hotel Missoni targets both city centres and resort opportunities. We are quite opportunistic in our expansion plans.”

Experience the African Bush, feel the beat of the Venda drums in the beat of the scenic Soutpansberg Mountains. ● Authentic cultural and nature experience ● Wilderness Foundation Gold Leaf property ● Ideally situated for the 2010 world cup Tel/Fax: 012 991 6930 Email: info@mashovhela.com www.mashovhela.com

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Increased Zim air services a positive sign Kate Els Various airline announcements detailing increased air services to Zimbabwe are a positive indication of its tourist growth.

This includes a new Zimbabwe-based airline start-up, Fly Kumba. Operating domestic and regional routes, the airline is to compete with state-owned Air Zimbabwe.

Airline Chief Executive, Lloyd Muchaka, said the main route would be Harare-Johannesburg.

Muchaka says Fly Kumba has been modelled along the lines of low-cost carriers in Europe and elsewhere and says he is confident of securing viable business in the market segment.

LonZim Plc has also announced that it is to commence operations for Fly540, an airline based in Zimbabwe to service both the domestic and regional markets, as well as emerging local and connecting traffic.

Fly540 Zimbabwe will operate flights ‘low cost’ from

Harare International Airport and is scheduled to operate flights to Bulawayo and Victoria Falls on a domestic basis and Lubumbashi, Lilongwe, Lusaka and Beira on an international basis. Once it is established, the route network will be expanded.

Federal Air has announced that it has extended its route network and will offer flights within Zimbabwe, effective October 1. Business or leisure passengers will be able to charter flights directly from Federal Air’s new office opening in the domestic terminal of Harare International Airport.

In addition to this, Federal Air will launch a shuttle service from Harare to Kariba. A ‘lodge hopping’ service will also be offered for passengers travelling to Air Seychelles, Johannesburg lodges located within the general Kariba area. Low-cost Tel: (011) 452 0244 ● Fax: (011) 609 0063 carrier, 1time, will open bookings for its new scheduled Email: deon@airseychelles.co.za Livingstone flights in November. This will provide www.airseychelles.com 25045 BATSA SAT AD rev 3/10/09 2:44 PM *Page 1 Excl. taxes. Valid until 31 October 2009. passengers with easy access into Zimbabwe from C M Y CM MY CY CMY K TU1413SD Zambia.

BA to reduce London-Cape Town service

British Airways has announced that it will reduce its frequency between London and Cape Town from 14 to 13 flights per week, effective October 27. Flights BA34/42 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays will be cancelled as a result of the airline’s decision to introduce an additional Luanda service. Passengers booked on these flights will be re-accommodated. The airline will increase flights between Heathrow and Luanda, Angola, from one a week to two, from October 6.

We were delighted to hear recently that we had won the 2008 ACSA FEATHER AWARD for customer service at all four of South Africa’s major airports.

We were doubly pleased when we also won the 2008 ASK AFRICA ORANGE INDEX AWARD for, well, customer service. But what really brought a smile to our faces was that both awards were voted for by you. Thank you. Dankie.

Siyabonga. Re a leboga.

Inkomu. Re a leboha.

Ro livhuwa. Siyabulela.

Airlines slow to take up frequencies

While the SA Department of Transport believes it has created enough capacity to meet demand for the next 15 to 20 years, it says airlines have yet to take up the frequencies. The Airshift Strategy, which was approved by the government in 2006 and aimed to create capacity ahead of demand, has seen South Africa showing a more liberal approach to competition. Among its key successes is the recent conclusion of an agreement between South Africa and Canada. For the first time since negotiations began in 1977, the agreement allows three frequencies from this year, increasing to five in 2012 and daily flights in 2015.

Upgrade to

V Australia heading to Jo’burg

Flights operated by Comair Limited

Zambezi Airlines adds fourth NLA-JNB service

Zambezi Airlines has introduced a fourth frequency on Saturdays on its Ndola-Johannesburg route, effective August 8. Flights depart Johannesburg at 11h20, arriving in Ndola at 13h35. The return service departs Ndola at 14h10, arriving in Johannesburg 16h25.

OOW (Cape) 25045/REV

V Australia has announced twice weekly flights to Johannesburg as a new destination in its second phase of expansion. The airline expects to launch direct flights to and from Johannesburg from March 13, 2010, operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays, subject to regulatory approval.

ba.com

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Central Reservations - Tel: (+267) 395 1921/390 5500. Fax: (+267) 3

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395 3928. Johannesburg Reservations - Tel: (+27) 11 390 3070/1/2/3

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World Travel Market

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It’s that time of year again, when travel industry professionals from around the world pack their bags and head over to ExCel in London for World Travel Market.

Sue Lewitton brings you all you need to know if you’re attending this year’s event…

WTM celebrates 30 years

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HIS year, World Travel Market (WTM) is celebrating its 30th event. A 30-year theme will be applied to the entire show, with events looking towards the next 30 years of travel trends. For example, the technology programme will be looking at the next 30 years of travel technology.

In addition, the International Centre for Tourism and Hospitality Research at Bournemouth University will host its annual WTM forum with the theme ‘Tourism Frontiers 3030’. The session will look back on the past 30 years and provide insights into the future dimensions of the tourism industry. Academic and professional tourism experts will encourage debates and discussions on the subject. Subjects will include major trends in tourism demand and supply, ensuring the sustainability of resources and understanding the economics of tourism.

New additions to this year’s WTM include the ‘Get Funded Show’ on November 11 and 12. Organised by EyeforTravel, the Get Funded Show is a high-profile platform where innovators of the industry will present ideas that could shape the future of travel. Business people will be able to meet with investors, senior executives and serial entrepreneurs and pitch their ideas. Participants will also receive oneto-one mentoring from them leading up to WTM. This year will also see WTM’s first sports press conference on November 9, which will include a presentation from South Africa 2010. Professor Time Coles, Director for Sport, Leisure and Tourism Research at the University of Exeter, will be the official speaker and he will discuss the growing sports tourism market. www.tourismupdate.co.za

Reed Exhibitions

Diarise this!

November 10

● Adventure Tourism Industry Trends, Product Development and Marketing, 11h00-12h00 North Gallery Room 13.

This session will provide insights from 2009 research on the adventure travel market. Attendees will learn how to attract this market, along with how to reach the right customers. ● WTM Global Trends Report, 12h30-13h30 North Gallery Rooms 6 & 7.

An overview of the WTM Global Trends Report 2009 which will explore the leading new trends emerging within the industry focusing on key regions and topics. ● Take the Money, 14h00-15h00 North Gallery Rooms 4 & 5.

A seminar that will help travel companies wishing to take online payments. Learn how best to implement this and how to protect against fraud.

November 11

● Eye for Travel – Travel Technology Summit, 10h00-18h00 South Gallery Rooms 25 & 26.

This event will show how to reduce distribution costs, open up more profitable channels, increase conversions and focus on maximum return on investment through innovations in travel technology.

● Tourism and Social Responsibility – Increase your profit by doing good, 11h00-12h00 North Gallery Rooms 4 & 5.

Learn how to use sustainable tourism as a way to market and promote your product and overcome the economic downturn. ● Tourism’s Responsibility for Climate Change, 14h00-15h00 Platinum Suite 4. Focus on what the tourism industry can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and examine how to reduce carbon pollution. ● Travel & Tourism’s Top 10 Emerging Markets, 15h30-16h30 North Gallery Rooms 4 & 5. This session will examine the findings of Tourism Intelligence International’s report on emerging markets. Attendees will find out more about the travel potential of these markets and learn about key aspects of their travel behaviour.

November 12

● Into the future, 11h00-12h00 North Gallery Rooms 4 & 5.

What should the travel industry expect from the future – is further great change on the way and what form will it take? ● Tourism Frontiers 3030, 14h00-15h30 North Gallery Rooms 6 & 7.

A forum reflecting on the past 30 years, looking forward to future dimension of the tourism industry.

WTM at a glance Where: ExCel London When:10h00-18h00 – November 9-11 10h00-17h00 – November 12

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worldtravelmarket Latest news from the exhibitors more news on page 14

Luxury river safari launched on Chobe Stand AF2260 ZAMBEZI Queen, a luxury riverboat safari, will launch in November this year.

The 45m riverboat will operate on the Chobe River, which divides Botswana’s Chobe National Park from Namibia’s Caprivi Strip.

The boat will offer 14 suites, four of which are master suites. Each suite will have a private balcony, fans, sliding shutters for privacy and mosquito screens. Sustainable and responsible tourism is at the heart of this project and the

boat has been designed and built to specific requirements. Zambezi Queen does not use conventional propellers but a jet propulsion system that reduces damage to the river bed and enables the boat to operate in very shallow water. At night it switches over to a low emission power system for lighting, refrigerators and other requirements so that guests can hear the sounds of the bush without the sounds of modern technology.

Hot water is provided by solar panels and taps and showers incorporate water-saving designs. All used water is stored in holding tanks to prevent discharging it directly into the river.

Manor House reopens after refurbishment THE De Hoop Collection, which offers a portfolio of properties in the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape, has announced the opening of The Manor House following the completion of a restoration project. The house offers three en-suite rooms, each with Victorian-styled bathrooms. Rooms can be booked for individual couples, or for a group of six adults.

“The opening of Manor House means that we are now able to offer a fully catered option to guests for the first time,” says Kate Naughton, Marketing Manager for the De Hoop Collection. “This is ideal for people who want to enjoy the peace of De Hoop Nature Reserve in luxurious accommodation, without having to worry about taking care of their own meals.”

Guests staying in the Manor House will be able to take their meals at the Fig Tree restaurant, a short walk from their rooms. The Fig Tree offers à la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner menus and a terrace with views of the reserve.

In other news, De Hoop Nature Reserve has also just opened its conferencing facilities (see page 33). The venue is set in the historic Langhuis, which has been restored and fitted with audiovisual and conferencing equipment.

Lukimbi is now offering full day walking safaris.

Check our website for more details.

www.lukimbi.com ● info@lukimbi.com Telephone + 27 11 431 1120 ● Fax: + 27 11 431 3597

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...WORLD TR AVEL MARKET LEADS ...ON ALL THE TOP ISSUES ...

ExCeL London 9 – 12 Nov 2009 Register for free entry at www.wtmlondon.com/satu

2010 Football World Cup throws South Africa into the WTM Spotlight

Official Supporting Publication

World Travel Market improves admission policy WORLD TRAVEL MARKET, the premier global event for the travel industry, has improved its existing admission policy giving exhibitors greater choice over who attends on the first day of the event (Monday 9 November) and all WTM delegates more flexibility over when to attend.

The admission policy sees: Monday 9 November: WTM open to all Exhibitors, Exhibitor Invitees, Ministers and Press Tuesday 10 November: WTM Seminar Conference & Event Programme open to all Exhibitors, Meridian Club members, Travel Trade Professionals, Exhibitor Invitees, Ministers and Press Wednesday 11 November and Thursday 12 November: WTM Seminar Conference & Event Programme open to all Exhibitors, Exhibitor Invitees, Meridian Club members, Travel Trade Professionals, Ministers and Press. Following exhibitor and participant feedback the deadline for Exhibitor Invitation submissions has been extended to Monday 14 September.

The new My Invitations database initiative has also been launched. If an exhibitor invites 50% or more of their invitee allocation before the deadline, they will have free access to the My Invitations database.

T

he 2010 football World Cup is set to make South Africa a key focus of World Travel Market 2009.

The tournament is expected to change the face of the South African tourism industry with three million football fans set to inject around R21.3 Billion in to the country’s economy.

South Africa has this year warmed up for the world’s second biggest sporting event behind the Olympics by hosting the Indian Premier League 20/20 cricket tournament and the British Lions rugby tour.

South African Tourism Minister Marthinus Van Schalkwyk believes the World Cup will lead to more than 10 million overseas tourists visiting the country in 2010. Around 9.5 million overseas tourists visited South Africa in 2008 increasing direct foreign spend by an estimated 23.5%.

“Our successful hosting of these events will also entrench South Africa both as a capable

South Africa’s hosting of these events will also entrench South Africa both as a capable and a desirable leisure destination

and a desirable leisure destination,” he said.

World Travel Market Chairman Fiona Jeffery said: “WTM 2009 is the perfect opportunity for the South African tourism to showcase itself to the industry prior to the World Cup. “Previous hosts Germany recorded a 31% increase in overseas leisure tourists for the

12 months following the end of the World Cup. While business and convention tourism increased by 49% in Berlin for the same period.

“These are very exciting times for the South African tourism industry and WTM is the place the global travel and tourism industry can find out about its plans.”

South African Travel and Tourism Industry supports largest ever WTM

Charity swimmer braves shark infested waters for Just A Drop

THE SOUTH AFRICAN travel and tourism industry was out in force at last year’s World Travel Market helping to make it the best attended event ever.

WTM 2008 saw a 7% increase in South African participants* helping to increase overall event participants to a record 49,963 – an increase of 4%.* South African visitors took part in the largest ever WTM, which included almost 100 new exhibitors taking the overall total to 5,615.

The event was so successful a massive 97% of exhibitors said they are likely to return to the

REX SAFARIS Sales Manager Ian Taplin is looking for the travel industry to sponsor him as he braves Shark-infested waters for WTM’s official water charity Just A Drop.

Taplin is in training to swim the dangerous Straits of Gibraltar, considered one of the toughest swimming challenges in the world, in August.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/swim2africa

premier global event for the travel industry in 2009, to help WTM celebrate its 30th anniversary.

WTM 2008 saw an increase of 11% of trade visitors, industry buyers and decision makers to 26,446. More than 8,200 appointments were requested by WTM visitors, while 92 seminars, conferences and events were held over the four days attracting 5,659 delegates.

An impressive 95% of visitors said they are likely to return to WTM in 2009, with nine out of ten seeing WTM as important to their business. *WTM audited figures

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Good morning!... Giraffe Manor has undergone refurbishment.

New developments at the Safari Collection

Three Cities announces new coastal properties

Stand AF2260

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THE Safari Collection, comprising three camps in Kenya, will be launching several changes at its properties at WTM this year.

The newly acquired Giraffe Manor in Nairobi has just undergone an extensive refurbishment by new owners, Mikey and Tanya CarrHartley and Michiel Hoogerwerf.

Sasaab, in Samburu on the Northern Frontier has launched a spa – SpaSaab. It is located on the edge of the Ewaso Nyiro River and offers two treatment rooms and wrap-around pool.

An organic skincare range has been developed for the spa by Liz Earle, incorporating indigenous herbs and plants.

Three Cities has announced the development of two new coastal properties in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

Set to open in April 2010, the Ballito Ambassador is expected to be one of Ballito’s finest holiday destinations, says the group.

Located close to Ballito’s beaches and the hills of the KZN North Coast, the hotel promises to provide business and leisure travellers the ideal place to spend time away from home.

Ballito Ambassador will have 36 suites featuring contemporary décor, dark wood tones and earthy textures. The hotel is in close proximity to La Mercy and main highways.

May 2010 will bring with it the opening of the much anticipated new Three Cities property – The Square Boutique Hotel and Spa. Located in the heart of Umhlanga, it offers easy access to the surrounding corporate offices, the beaches of Umhlanga, Gateway Theatre of Shopping and the new international airport.

This new 50-room sophisticated boutique hotel will offer the ultimate in exclusivity for business travellers and family vacationers alike.

The trendy hotel will incorporate natural cool colours creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxation.

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Telephone: +27 11 431 1120 Fax: +27 11 431 3597 TU4640

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Simola reopens golf course Simola Hotel Country Club & Spa in Knysna has advised that the grass on its 18 new greens is growing well and that the golf course reopened on August 1.

The course closed in April to allow the rebuilding and replanting of all the greens as well as to upgrade and flush out the drainage system of all the bunkers.

more news on page 16

New championship tees have been constructed on holes 14, 15 and 17 as well as a new ladies’ tee on hole number 2. To enhance the course, 1 000 new indigenous trees have been planted.

The clubhouse has also undergone a minor upgrade with the inclusion of a 30-seater Club Cafe for golfers and visitors who are looking for a more relaxed environment to mingle in.

Peermont rings in the changes Stand AF3200 PEERMONT has just relaunched Mmabatho Palms near Mafikeng, following an extensive make-over. The resort was previously known as Tusk Mmabatho, but has been renamed in line with Peermont’s branding strategy.

All public areas have been completely upgraded, with new entertainment, relaxation and business facilities. The make-over also included an upgrade and rebrand of the fourstar Peermont Walmont hotel, a refurbishment of the casino, the addition of a conferencing facility called the Bagosing Room and the revamping of the Motswedi Terrace Restaurant and Bar. DeH_adSATour.pdf 1 2009/09/09 1:51 The theme behind the refurbishment is

the celebration of the local BaTswana people and their culture. “Before embarking on the refurbishment project, the Peermont team conducted extensive research into the local culture and surrounding area which is saturated with history,” says Anthony Puttergill, CEO of Peermont. “Elements of the SeTswana culture and tradition are represented in all the design components and we have renamed all the resort’s facilities in line with the local language, SeTswana,” says Puttergill.

In other news, Peermont’s Rio Casino, Hotel and Convention Resort in Klerksdrop, has just added a Salon Privé to its offering. This is an extension to the existing casino that will allow for personalised service, a variety of 46 slot machines, two game tables, cash desk and PM service bar.

Changes at Singita Sabora Stand AF1600 & AF2270 SINGITA’s Sabora Tented Camp in the Grumeti Reserves in Tanzania has undergone changes to expand its accommodation offering.

Three 1920s-styled tented suites have been added to the six existing tented suites, increasing guest capacity from 12 to 18. The tents are air-conditioned and offer en-suite bathrooms with open-air showers, period baths and viewing decks with views of the Serengeti plains.

A second tented lounge has been constructed to allow for more room for guests to relax. It is adjacent to the existing lounge, but is independently accessible and furnished with antique mahogany travel chests, Persian rugs and silk curtains.

A health and fitness facility has also been added, designed to provide guests with views of the wilderness while training. It is located close to the spa with its heated plunge pool.

The pool deck has been extended to allow for better views and an unfenced clay tennis court has been constructed on the western corner of the camp.

De Hoop - Jewel of the Cape • Luxury self-catering accommodation • Weddings • Conferences • Restaurant

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In partnership with:

www.dehoopcollection.co.za info@dehoopcollection.co.za, 0861 DE HOOP (33 4667) or + 27 28 5421253

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Queensgate introduces ‘ladies-only’ concept

Exclusive-use option introduced at Bushcamp Company

Stand AF2200

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Currently under construction and set to open in April, Queensgate Hotels & Leisure’s Upper East Side Hotel in Woodstock, Cape Town, will introduce a ‘ladies-only’ floor concept, intended to give women travellers a sense of security and privacy.

With 14 rooms designed for modern business women or leisure guests, the ladies floor will have female-friendly facilities and services including a hairdryer, hair straightener, make-up mirror, jewellery box and ladies’ magazines among others.

Security will be stationed at an entrance to the floor. Double locks on bedroom doors and extra security cameras in lifts, lobbies and corridors will provide maximum protection.

Upper East Side Hotel is a 176-room hotel, complete with eight conferencing rooms offering state-of-the-art audio visual technology.

It also features 15 club suites for business travellers with separate concierge services and an interactive food quarter providing a fusion of African cuisine. A new spa will also be incorporated.

BUSHCAMP Company’s Chamilandu Camp in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia can now be booked as a private, exclusive-use camp by groups of four or more. The camp offers three secluded 2m-high tree-house chalets. Activities include morning and evening walks and combinations of day and night drives.

BUSHCAMP COMPANY

worldtravelmarket

10203 FIRETREE e&oe

Discover the world on our doorstep...

Experience the diversity of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

From berg, beach, bush to battlefields, Gooderson Leisure has the Great Escape just for you!

Tropicana Hotel • Beach Hotel • Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort • Bushlands Game Lodge • DumaZulu Lodge & Traditional Village Natal Spa Hot Springs & Leisure Resort • SanRock Resort & Conference Centre (Modimolle, Limpopo) www.goodersonleisure.co.za • tel: +27 31 337 4222 • fax: +27 31 368 2322 • email: reservations@goodersons.co.za TU1414SD

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GOODERSON LEISURE

&Beyond to showcase responsible tourism Stand AF2540

PEACEFUL LIMPOPO… The newly acquired Sanrock Resort & Conference Centre.

Gooderson acquires new property Gooderson Leisure has recently acquired the SanRock Resort & Conference Centre in Limpopo, South Africa.

SanRock offers a variety of three-star accommodation options, including bed & breakfast and self-catering chalets. The resort boasts a host of spacious and varied fully furbished accommodation fitted with all the modern conveniences.

A variety of sport and recreational facilities are available on the resort including the communal lounge, two swimming pools, adventure golf, tennis courts, volleyball and the Wild Fig Bar & Gardens and boma entertainment area.

Serena expands East Africa circuit Stand AF4600 SERENA Hotels has taken over the operations and management of two new boutique properties in Tanzania. Both properties, the Mivumo River Lodge and the Selous Wildlife Lodge are located within the Selous Game Reserve in Southern Tanzania.

Mivumo River Lodge comprises 12 superior rooms and three premium luxury suites.

Each superior room includes a bedroom and lounge with a private balcony. The rooms

also have an indoor bathroom and outdoor shower and plunge pool. The lodge offers spa treatments and a variety of activities including game viewing river cruises, guided walks, bush picnics, game drives and sundowner river cruises.

Selous Wildlife Lodge is a luxury tented camp on the eastern bank of the Simbazi River. The camp comprises 12 tents, a dining area and guest lounge overlooking a waterhole. There is also an outside viewing deck and swimming pool.

AT WTM this year, &Beyond will be showcasing the strides it’s made in conservation and sustainable community development.

Over the past financial year, &Beyond has made an effort to achieve and record its triple bottom line results, economically, socially and environmentally.

A new system was launched to measure the company’s ‘Eco Overheads’ and each lodge manager was tasked with reducing the negative impact of their operations while doing more to improve the living conditions of the communities neighbouring their reserves.

“The first step to reduce our impact is to understand it, measure it and then find ways to reduce it.

“From the data we are receiving, it looks like we have managed to reduce our CO2 emissions by about 15 per cent this year.

“Every day we constantly look at ways to give more to the planet and take less,” says Claire Howse, &Beyond Sustainability Director.

City Lodge signs up for Cradle City development The City Lodge Hotel Group has committed to the acquisition of a site at Cradle City Business Park, with the intention of developing one of the group’s hotel brands.

Cradle City situated on land surrounding Lanseria International Airport, north of Johannesburg, is a sustainable green-driven development and will comprise a mix of residential, commercial, office, hotel, resort, and entertainment elements.

Cradle City will draw on the value of the nearby Cradle of Humankind, its proximity to the Magaliesberg and the numerous surrounding tourism and conservation areas. ■

Combine luxury and tranquility to create an unforgettable wilderness experience.

Visit for a time. Reminisce for eternity.

South Africa: T +27 11 2349997 | info@islandsinafrica.com Namibia: T +264 61 401047 | reservations@islandsinafrica.com www.islandsinafrica.com Impalila Island Lodge | Ntwala Island Lodge | Susuwe Island Lodge | Hobatere Lodge | Ndumo Pans Lodge | Sosa Garden Villa

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gamelodges

on the wild side Luxurious and life-changing, Southern Africa’s game lodges are constantly evolving to ensure visitors can enjoy a vast array of experiences. Sue Lewitton gets the lowdown on the latest developments in the game lodge industry…

Point… aim and shoot!

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S the global shift towards sustainable and responsible tourism takes hold, many tourists are favouring a more eco-friendly form of shooting wildlife – with their camera. Lodges around Southern African are sitting up and taking notice of the lucrative photographic safari market.

Nicki Mahony, Marketing Manager for Isibindi Africa Lodges, says Isibindi’s Rhino Walking Safaris has just held its first photographic workshop with award-winning photographer, Roger de la Harpe. The workshop was such a success that Isibindi is considering holding another workshop in early 2010.

Barbara De Kock, Three Cities Group Marketing Manager, says there’s definitely potential for the growth of photographic safaris in Southern Africa. It’s of particular interest as the market tends to be between LSM 8 and LSM 10 and stretches across a broad range of age groups. According to Mahony, the type of traveller most interested in photographic safaris is high end and usually travelling alone.

“Photographic safaris offer many advantages over hunting safaris as obviously nothing gets killed. The animals are protected, so it’s much better from a responsible tourism aspect,” Mahony says. “Guests also learn about the game, flora and fauna.”

In agreement, Shane de Lange, GM of Shishangeni Private Lodge in the Kruger National Park, says photographic safaris are the perfect solution for travellers who want to get close to nature and still preserve it for future generations.

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more news on page 22

Suggest these photographic safaris ● &Beyond offers tailor-made photographic safaris to fulfil guests’ wish lists of photographic subjects. An &Beyond ranger specialising in photography and private safari vehicle will be provided, allowing photographers to capture as many wildlife moments as they can. This safari is offered on special request at most of the &Beyond lodges, subject to availability of specialist ranger and tracker at a rate of R6 120 (€550) per day, excluding accommodation, for a maximum of six guests. ● Sabi Sabi is offering expert wildlife photographic tuition to guests while on safari at the reserve. Albert Froneman and Chris van Rooyen, both respected wildlife photographers have set up Afrimage Photography. Together with Sabi Sabi, Afrimage Photography will set up your camera for wildlife photography, introduce the principle of wildlife photography from a game drive vehicle, provide personalised step-by-step tuition, process and optimise the photographs for computer viewing and discuss and give a critique on the photographs taken. Rates are available on request.

On Trail... Guides will accompany guests and take note of any special interests.

Full-day walks from Lukimbi LUKIMBI Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park has just introduced full-day walking trails for the winter season. There are two trails to choose from, the Wagon Trail and the Lwakahle Trail. Each departs at 07h00 and returns at 17h00.

Lukimbi can take a maximum of eight guests from the age of 16 years and over. Guests do need to request the full-day walk at the time of reservation as it is subject to availability. There will be no additional charge for the walks as they will be included in the day rate.

There are emergency evacuation points along the route should a problem arise. Walkers should bring along binoculars, sunscreenSATU and wear a hat, comfortable walking Ad 7/6/09 2:02 PM Page 1 shoes and neutral clothes. Guests must advise the lodge of any special interests, for example tracks and signs, birding or Ygeology.

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A portfolio of lodges in Madikwe - for every need • Situated in Malaria free, Big Five Madikwe Game Reserve, North West Province, SA • 6 unique lodges: Tuningi Safari Lodge Motswiri Private Safari Lodge Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge Thakadu River Camp The Bush House Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge • Tailor-made safaris for honeymoons, families, conferences, incentive travel • World-class chefs to ensure an unforgettable culinary experience • Easily accessed from Johannesburg by road or daily air shuttles from OR Tambo International.

Unforgettable www.madikwecollection.com Tel: +27 11 805 9995 reservations@madikwecollection.com

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gamelodges Two cheetahs for Nkomazi Nkomazi Game Reserve in Mpumalanga has just received two male cheetah rescued from a cattle ranch in Limpopo.

These are the first predators to be released in the reserve which will eventually see the reintroduction of other wildlife such as elephant and lion.

Facelift for Chiawa Camp Guests and guide... Singita is sending its guests packing with its overnight horseback safaris.

Horseback wildlife encounters with Singita SINGITA has introduced overnight horseback safaris in Tanzania’s Singita Grumeti Reserves.

The four-night safaris will offer experienced riders the opportunity to view the annual wildebeest migration on horseback. Guests will depart from Singita Sasakwa Lodge, where riders will be kitted out at the equestrian centre. A maximum of six riders will go out per safari, accompanied by two guides.

Over the course of the next three days, their journey will take them through the Grumeti Reserve for up-close wildlife encounters. Rates start from US$5 990 per rider, which includes four nights’ accommodation at Sasakwa Lodge and Faru Faru Lodge, gear, all meals, drinks and activities.

CHIAWA Camp in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, has relaunched following an extensive refurbishment. The camp now includes six new superior tents, bringing the total number to nine.

The new accommodation is in insect-proof safari tents set on wooden decks with canvas flysheets and en-suite facilities. The tents are taller, lighter and broader than before and teak floors have been installed throughout. There is also a split-level deck at the front of each tent, with a day bed, armchairs and verandas.

Bathroom facilities include indoor and outdoor showers, double vanity washbasins and ball and claw slipper bath with views of the Zambezi.

PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

Main Lodge

www.kapama.co.za

The latest addition to Kapama is the luxurious wellness centre. Exquisitely nestled in the African bush is a piece of paradise designed to uplift your mind, body and soul. While connecting with the call of the wild indulge in an array of uniquely designed spa treatments. Reconnect with your inner beauty and strength as you lose yourself in an African panoramic vista.

Central Reservations: Tel +27 12 368 0600 TU1336SD

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Tau Game Lodge

“Arrive as a visitor and leave as a friend”

Merchant banker turns Motswari

SCHOOLING THE KIDS... Tau director, Clifford Green, helps to plant trees.

Tau extends rooms and gets involved Tau Game Lodge, located in the Madikwe Game Reserve, has completed its fourth room extension and now boasts four de-luxe suites, each extended by nine sqm, making them ideal for families.

All chalets at Tau have their own private deck,

en-suite bathroom and outdoor shower.

Tau has also embarked on a community and conservation project in co-operation with Trees for Africa. So far 22 trees have been planted at the Supingstad Primary School in the North West, and a further 120 are still to be planted in the vicinity.

Mashovhela Lodge upgrades website Mashovhela Lodge in Louis Trichardt in the Soutpansberg Mountains has launched its new website. The website lists several packages, giving travellers the option to explore Venda and have a big game experience, as well as 2010 opportunities for football fans.

“Our new website offers much more information not only on the loge, but also on the surrounding area. We have also incorporated an online real-time booking system for our guests' convenience,” says Peter Morrison, marketing and

reservations manager.

The website further contains information on the Venda culture, covering topics such as an overview of traditional Venda dress, Venda dance and music, the sacred Lake Fundudzi and Mashovhela rock pool.

“One of the greatest features of our website is that we can add and make changes to it ourselves, at any stage. This not only keeps our website totally up to date, but we can continuously add interesting content”.

New property for Islands in Africa

Gondwana launches Lehele Lodge

ISLANDS in Africa has added Ndumo Pans Lodge in KZN (previously Ndumo Wilderness Camp owned by Wilderness Safaris) to its portfolio.

The lodge will be refurbished this year with the intention of having all work finished by 2010.

The lodge will comprise 11 raised tents, two of which have a shared platform, ideally suited to honeymooners, families and also guests who prefer self-catering.

Gondwana Game Reserve in the Garden Route has opened the newly completed Lehele Lodge.

The lodge will be used for conferences and functions, as there are meeting facilities for up to 50 delegates.

The reserve is now working on the construction of Royal Kraal Lodge which will comprise 15 suites and offer private game drives and rangers. ■

Southern African Tourism Update

Imagine swapping a loft apartment in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village for a Zozo hut in the bush.

Yet that is precisely the trade Motswari Private Game Reserve General Manager, Kathy Bergs, made in late 1985, when she left merchant banking for an adventure in the South African lowveld.

Some 24 years later, she remains as passionate about this land and its people as the day she first arrived.

Aside from an unshakable love of the bush, Kathy’s passion is for the upliftment of the staff.

Current initiatives include ABET (literacy and numeracy) classes, participation in the Hlokomela Wellness Programme, the training of a Peer Counsellor to combat the spread of HIV/AIDs, and skills development of both the staff and their families, with Kathy qualifying as a Skills Development Facilitator.

Kathy recently wrote a book about the 20 other women who are employed by Motswari. Proceeds of all book sales will go to the women themselves. This is simply Kathy’s way to say “inkomu swinene” – thank you very much!

Private Game Reserve

Tel +27 11 463 1990 Fax +27 11 463 1992 Email: reservations@motswari.co.za Website: www.motswari.co.za TU4642

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responsibletourism

Sustain

respons tourism

Many properties around Southern Africa have placed a great deal of emphasis on responsible tourism initiatives, ranging from conservation projects to community upliftment programmes. Sue Lewitton takes a look at this trend and finds out where it’s headed in the future…

Is responsible tourism on the way out?

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F there was a buzz phrase for 2008, it was responsible tourism.

It was near impossible to attend a tourism conference or expo or read a tourism report that didn’t feature those two words in abundance. For 2009, the same can be said of the economic crisis.

But can the two co-exist, or has one pushed the other out of the limelight?

In Tourism Update’s Marketing Index, conducted with the assistance of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) and Grant Thornton, responsible tourism did not feature prominently on the list of factors that would help overseas tour operators increase business. Other factors such as crime reduction and improved economic outlook had much higher rankings than responsible tourism which featured last on every source market’s list, with the exception of Europe.

Contrary to evidence in the Marketing Index, tourism stakeholders remain confident that responsible tourism remains as popular as ever. Peter Morrison, Marketing Consultant for Mashovhela Lodge, says he has found that more and more agents and tour operators are looking for product that has responsible tourism policies in place.

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Mark Jakins, Chief Commercial Officer for Peermont, believes the ‘green debate’ and support for companies that practise responsible tourism are gaining momentum.

“There is an encouraging level of support for our resorts from travellers residing in the UK and other European countries who believe in ethical consumerism.”

Tau Game Lodge, in Madikwe Game Reserve, has also not noted a decrease in interest in responsible tourism. Jackie Diack, Head of Marketing and Reservations at Tau, says by including conservation and community-related activities into team-building activities, the lodge has been able to increase its contribution to the environment and the community, while educating guests about the area at the same time. “We find that groups are more likely to be interested in responsible tourism than individuals,” says Diack.

But the recession may force responsible tourism to take a back seat as it becomes difficult to fund projects. Morrison says the economic climate has affected the whole tourism industry as there’s less money available for human elements such as community projects. “There is less money available for staff training and fewer

employment opportunities for casual staff,” says Morrison. “Environment development projects are also slowed or put on hold for financial reasons.”

Jakins says the difficult global tourism trading environment is affecting all forms of tourism, not just tourists purchasing ‘green’ or ‘social welfare’. But he believes this could perhaps even impact positively on responsible tourism.

He says: “I think expenditure by tourism companies will be compromised as they cut down nice-to-haves in the pursuit of these noble endeavours.”

According to Claire Howse, &Beyond Sustainability Director, the recession will impact on responsible tourism initiatives in any business that hasn’t got a robust commercial framework. “There are many operators whose operations may have been weak in their business model to start with and they are now under extra high pressure during the economic downturn,” says Howse. “For the last decade we’ve seen a lot of businesses collapse, particularly community-based tourism ventures, because they underestimated the challenges in running a tourism business and, most importantly, attracting customers and guests.” www.tourismupdate.co.za

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The River Club chosen as Eco Luxury Retreat

Vineyard runs green power

The River Club in Zambia has recently been chosen to join the ranks of Eco Luxury Retreats, which recognises world’s retreats combining ecotourism with luxury.

The selection criteria for properties include community involvement, wildlife, energy initiatives, local businesses and recycling. Another key focus of the concept is that guests are encouraged to see and experience community projects in which the lodges are involved.

Since 2000, The River Club has been closely involved with Simonga Village, carrying out a range of projects funded by donations in conjunction with the Wilderness Safaris Wildlife Trust. Focus areas to date include water supplies (since 2006, the water project has provided 50 000 litres of water per day to Simonga’s inhabitants).

Cape Town’s Vineyard Hotel & Spa Conference Centre has become the first in Africa to run on certified ‘Green Power’.

The Green Power strategy is a key component of the hotel’s overall plan for more sustainable operations and carbon emission reductions.

GreenX Energy has issued the hotel with Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), which certify that every MWh of Green Power produced offsets and saves coal and water and prevents the emission of ash, air pollutants and carbon emissions that would otherwise be produced by South Africa’s coal-powered power stations.

The Renewable Energy Certficate (REC) approach is used in Europe and the USA. The South African Department of Energy (DOE) is developing this approach for South Africa in association with Green Power suppliers and producers.

The benefit for clients of the Vineyard Conference Centre is that they are now able to declare their event as being run on certified Green Power and to have reduced the carbon emissions associated with the energy consumption of the event, without having to resort to carbon offsetting.

Which types of responsible tourism get the thumbs up?

According to industry stakeholders, these forms of responsible tourism are most popular with international markets: ● Community interaction, for example visits to local villages ● In-house eco-friendly practices like recycling projects ● Hands-on conservation initiatives, like wildlife tagging ● Produce sourced from local markets

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Walk and stalk cheetah in the Little Karoo BLAAUWBOSCH Private Game Reserve in the Little Karoo is now offering a ‘walk and stalk’ cheetah activity.

The reserve introduced a conservation and diversity programme a few years ago that

included the reintroduction of cheetah into the reserve. This led to the establishment of a cheetah breeding and relocation programme at Blaauwbosch.

Cheetah are monitored on a regular basis to

Singita launches sustainable tourism brochure

Bobo Campers goes green

SINGITA Game Reserves has introduced a brochure showcasing its approach to sustainable tourism. It also provides an overview of the key conservation projects and community programmes that Singita spearheads and supports in each of its wildlife reserves. The brochure highlights Singita’s focus on three pillars of sustainable development – wildlife conservation, ecofriendly tourism and community support.

It reveals the positive effects of ecophilanthropy in Africa and guides and directs interested parties to specific projects they may wish to support.

BOBO Campers has obtained the latest low-emission Euro 4 engines in its Discoverer 4 and 5 models.

These engines are the latest in the strict European-regulated low emission standards.

All Iveco-based chassis that have been ordered since 2007 have been supplied with these engines, ensuring Bobo Campers does its bit to keep greenhouse gases and carbon emissions to a minimum.

The fuel economy has also been increased by implementing lightweight construction technology in its motorhome shells, decreasing the overall weight of the vehicle.

learn more about their behaviour and breeding patterns. Guests can learn more about the cheetah during ‘walk and stalk’ safaris in which they will be able to have close interaction with these creatures while on foot.

FTTSA certifies The Dunes The Dunes Country House in St Francis Bay has just received Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) certification. This is on account of its commitment to the preservation of coastal fynbos and wetlands.

The property also facilitates a variety of initiatives to ensure staff are treated fairly and local economic benefits are realised.

Kurland gives back Kurland, a polo field and hotel development near Plettenberg Bay, has begun construction on the first project for its ‘Mind the Gap’ social responsibility programme. An assembly hall is being built in the local primary school.

Plans are in place to build on a kitchen and change rooms as funding permits. ■

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HOLIDAY INN SANDTON, Rivonia road

profileholidayinnsandton

TRENDY AND STYLISH... Guests can enjoy the sights from the Skye Bar on the ninth floor of the Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road.

In the heart of Jo’burg...

L

ocated among some of Johannesburg’s most prestigious businesses, the Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road is an ideal location for guests looking for a stylish urban getaway.

The hotel boasts a number of key attractions in the popular Sandton node that are right on its doorstep, including Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton Convention Centre and the Village Walk Shopping Centre. The property is also ideally located to offer guests a host of nightlife options ranging from restaurants and bars to clubs and theatre shows.

Guests will also be able to make use of the new Gautrain station situated nearby the hotel. The new service will offer ideal transfers to and from the OR Tambo International Airport when it launches in 2010.

Celebrating its first birthday this September, the property still stands out in the area as a contemporary option comprising 301 rooms. Each room features a work desk, mini bar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, laptop safe and Wi-Fi access among others. The rooms are configured as 279 standard rooms, eight superior rooms, seven deluxe rooms and seven executive rooms.

A highlight of the property is the Skye Bar which overlooks Johannesburg’s northern suburbs and the hotel’s outdoor heated swimming pool. A fitness centre lies adjacent.

The Lettuce & Lime restaurant is located on the ground floor and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. A unique feature of the restaurant is the individual LCD television channels found at selected tables. Lettuce & Lime offers an à la carte menu.

Services at the Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road include 24-hour room service, a concierge and travel desk, secure covered parking, laundry, and valet services. The hotel’s business centre offers services including copying, a courier service, highspeed Internet access, and secretarial services between 06h00 and 22h00.

The Holiday Inn Sandton, Rivonia Road has been built according to the latest Holiday Inn specifications and already incorporates the brand’s revised standards, which will soon be launched in their other properties worldwide. ■

Southern African Tourism Update

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so much more than

Gauteng continues to fight the perception that it’s a business-only destination. Through the hosting of major events and ensuring it stays at the cutting edge of hospitality trends and developments, the province is fighting to makes its mark with a global audience.

Sue Lewitton finds out more…

Putting the spotlight on events

G

AUTENG’s event calendar for 2009 has been jam packed with large scale sporting tournaments, festivals and expos.

Events have become the province’s bread and butter, bringing in large numbers of visitors and filling up hotels during the week and out of season.

According to Mark Jakins, Chief Commercial Officer for Peermont, thousands of hotel rooms were reserved during the IPL and Confederations Cup this year. “Especially within metropolitan areas where the games took place,” says Jakins.

Deloitte confirmed that revenue per available room (revPAR) was up 5,8 per cent during June across SA as hoteliers benefited from an increase in tourism due to the FIFA Confederations Cup and the Lions rugby tour. Johannesburg hosted

one rugby and five football matches in June and revPAR was up 9,9 per cent to R832 (€76), the strongest revPAR this year. RevPAR for Pretoria was not as positive, with a drop of 12,8 per cent down to R476 (€43).

Jakins says the hospitality sector tends to benefit more from international sporting events than cultural events. “Major international conventions and exhibitions, alongside government initiated platforms, also generate excellent tourism benefits – the multiplier effect also applies as many of these forums generate additional trade and investment that is beyond the scope of tourism.”

Lindiwe Mahlangu, CEO of the Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC), says Gauteng is particularly well placed to take advantage of the lucrative events market on account of

its infrastructure. “We’re looking at sporting events, MICE and festivals that engage the entire globe and give back to local communities,” says Mahlangu. “We need to take ordinary events and use them as platforms to showcase the destination.”

The Joburg Shopping Festival, spearheaded by the JTC and the City of Johannesburg, was an example of this type of event. The inaugural event was held in September this year with the theme ‘Spring into Joburg and Shop in the City with the Golden Touch’.

It is hoped that spin-offs from the event will include the promotion of Johannesburg’s status as an African regional shopping hub. It also coincided with several other annual events, including the Arts Alive Festival and City of Johannesburg Soweto Festival.

Southern African Tourism Update October/november 2009

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Gauteng tourism

Gauteng

destinationgauteng

destinationgauteng

PROTEA Hotels is set to open the new Protea Hotel OR Tambo in November. The new 213-bedroom fourstar hotel at the airport will cater for the needs of both local and international business travellers on account of its convenient location, facilities and services.

It will offer two multi-use conferencing rooms, able to accommodate up to 120 people at a time, as well as a selection of executive boardrooms and small meeting rooms catering for between 12 and 20 delegates.

The hotel will feature an industrial aviation theme throughout with pieces from airport hangars and old aircraft adorning the walls.

Ample parking will be available for travellers, conference delegates and for those visiting guests. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served in the hotel’s restaurant and other facilities will include a pool with sun loungers, bar lounge, informal deli and fitness centre.

Danny Bryer, Group Marketing and Revenue Director at Protea Hotels says: “We like to put thought into all of our new developments and understand that business people spend five times more time in their hotel rooms than leisure travellers do.”

Johannesburg has just appointed Marc van Rooyen as its new Executive Chef.

Van Rooyen has worked at several private game reserves and luxury hotels in the past including the Lanzerac Manor and Winery in Stellenbosch, Singita and Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge.

Van Rooyen says his menus will be based on a classic European style infused with clean cut and contemporary South African flavours that diners can relate to. “My strong belief and philosophy with food is to use the freshest, locally sourced, organic produce available in season – letting the ingredients speak for themselves, not masking them in strong flavours,” he adds.

Van Rooyen will also be involved in the general management of the boutique hotel.

The restaurant will be open to the public from Monday to Friday for lunch from 12h00, and dinner from 19h00 in an exclusive capacity, allowing only five external table reservations per evening.

In other news AtholPlace owner, Sumari Krige, now offers guests staying at the property the opportunity to book a personalised shopping excursion hosted by a retail specialist. ■

ATHOLPLACE

New chef and activities on offer Protea OR Tambo set at AtholPlace for November launch ATHOLPLACE boutique hotel in

GOOD EATING… AtholPlace offers true flavour.

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destinationwesterncape Cape touwn tourism

Business ooming

The Western Cape has always been a top destination for inbound tourists.

Kate Els investigates new developments across the province...

Hotel explosion in time for December

T

he Western Cape is currently experiencing large amounts of development, especially in and around Cape Town and on the Garden Route, and many large hotels are expected to come online in time for the December holiday period.

And although the province has experienced quite a tough winter season coupled with the pinch of the economic recession, hoteliers are optimistic there will be a large influx of international tourists over the holiday period.

Rey Franco, Vice Chairperson of the Cape branch of the Federated Hospitality Association (Fedhasa), says although winter has been tough, there is an overall positive sentiment for the region because of the run-up to the 2010 Soccer World Cup. While Three Cities has also been battling a difficult market, Garnet Basson, Regional Operations Manager – Western Cape, says there is light at the end of the tunnel. The match draw for the tournament is reason to

smile, says Basson. “The draw in December will be a big help to the industry,” he says. “It falls within the traditional early December lull we have here and will hopefully lift bookings in this period.”

Other large properties expected to be coming online over the next few months included the Taj Cape Town, Protea Hotel’s 15 on Orange and Crystal Towers. But current properties do not intend being pushed out of the limelight with many announcing large refurbishments and extensions for properties.

These include the Vineyard Hotel and Spa, which will be launching a new wing, and Protea Hotel’s Fire & Ice, which will not only increase its room numbers but also its facilities.

Findings of a survey commissioned by Cape Town Tourism (CTT) during the Confederations Cup revealed that visitors, 52 per cent of those surveyed, planned to visit Cape Town during their stay, proving the popularity of the province to international visitors.

Southern African Tourism Update

Mossel Bay secures World Cup team The Paraguayan Football Federation will base itself in the Garden Route’s harbour town of Mossel Bay for next year’s FIFA World Cup. This follows an earlier announcement that the Eden Region’s Media Hub would be established in Mossel Bay. Mossel Bay’s 2010 Co-ordinator, Louis Harris, said the team would stay at The Point Hotel, and practise on the Extension 23 Pitch, while the media hub would be set up at the town’s other beach-side four-star establishment, the Diaz Beach Hotel and Resort. “We’re training a broad crosssection of the community – from hospitality staff, to police officers, traffic officers, and paramedics – to speak Spanish so that we’ll be able to welcome our guests properly, and to serve them in their home language,” said Harris. He explained that there was powerful competition among towns that had registered base camp hotels – because there were 52 potential venues for the 32 teams that will be coming to the tournament.

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Cape town tourism

destinationwesterncape

Home from Home grows portfolio Home from Home Hospitality (HHH) has expanded its portfolio of self-catering apartments at the Cape Town Marina.

Known for its individually graded high-end apartments, the group has added new apartments in the Canal Quays to its collection and now offers two locations for guests.

To increase business over Cape Town’s notoriously quiet period, HHH is offering 40 per cent commission on its rack rates for Marina Residential properties until the end of October. Bookings with Canal Quays offer a 20 per cent commission on rack rates.

Cape Town Tourism extends contact centre hours Cape Town Tourism has extended its contact centre hours in preparation for the 2010 Fifa World Cup. The centres will now be open from 08h00 to 21h00 seven days a week, offering visitors general information on all topics ranging from attractions to special offers and events.

Table Mountain goes online The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has introduced a ticketing system that allows visitors to purchase tickets online. This avoids them having to wait in queues at the ticket office and lets them go straight to the cable car. Online tickets are available from www.tablemountain.net and are valid for seven days after purchase. During the seven-day period, full refunds are available, or visitors can extend the ticket for a further three weeks and forego a refund.

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12 Apostles introduces vegetarian delights

The Vanilla Restaurant, brainchild of Cape Town restaurateur, Nigel Newhouse, will open in early October.

The restaurant, located at the new Cape Quarter Extension in Cape Town, will be opened

by Newhouse with his wife and chef son. Breakfast, lunch and

The 12 Apostles Hotel just outside Camps Bay, Cape Town, has introduced a vegetarian menu option for guests who are either looking for something a little different or those with a vegetarian lifestyle.

Brainchild of Executive Chef, Roberto de Carvalho, the vegetarian menu offers a wide selection of vegetarian options that can also be served as a ‘taster menu’. Guests are served a sample portion of each of the vegetarian dishes on one plate (pictured here).

De Carvalho says the menu promotes a healthy lifestyle and offers something a little different. “I think a menu dedicated to not only the vegetarian diner but those that want a healthier, more nutritional and organic choice is well overdue, so we’ve created something unique that is sure to A GOOD START... the tasting menu give vegetarians an incomparable for starters. dining experience with us.” ■

fine-dining dinner menus will take inspiration from around the globe.

Other highlights will include a glass staircase leading to a second floor where a baby grand piano will take centre stage. Live background music, varying from soirées of soft jazz to classical, will be played every evening.

De Hoop prepared for conference delegates Corporates can now enjoy the unique attractions of the De Hoop Nature Reserve, located on the southern Cape coast, as the De Hoop Collection announces the opening of its conferencing facilities.

“After a great deal of restoration work, we are thrilled to announce to the business community the opening of our conference facility at De Hoop,” says Kate Naughton, Marketing Manager for the De Hoop Collection.

The venue is set in the Langhuis, which has been restored and fitted out with the latest audiovisual and conferencing equipment. The venue caters for between 20 and 80 conference delegates and can

be partitioned off to provide a more intimate setting for smaller groups.

The De Hoop Collection will be offering specially created conference packages, inclusive of meals, conferencing facilities and accommodation, should conferences run for more than a day. The Fig Tree restaurant on site provides a breakfast, lunch and dinner à la carte menu and will cater for all conference meals.

“The De Hoop Collection also offers a range of guided walks and ecotourism activities, which are well-suited to team-building events, should conference groups require these. In addition, we are busy developing additional team-building offerings,” says Naughton.

Singita, One&Only Cape Town and Pezula Resort Hotel and Spa in Knysna have joined to offer an 11-night travel package.

The package includes four nights’ accommodation at the Book it!

One&Only Hotel and Resort in Cape Town, three nights at Pezula Resort Hotel and Spa and four nights at Singita Kruger National Park.

The package includes all transfers between Cape Town International Airport and One&Only Cape Town, George Airport and Pezula, and Satara airstrip and Singita. Additional benefits include spa treatments at each property, a Chef’s Experience and wine pairing at Pezula’s gourmet restaurant Zachary’s, and all meals and drinks, including premier brand wines, and game drives at Singita, where guests will stay at either Lebombo or Sweni Lodge.

Point Road, Mossel Bay

Superbly positioned on the rocks at Mossel Bay’s famous St. Blaize lighthouse, 52 Sea facing, en-suite rooms with private balconies overlooking the Indian Ocean from where you can watch the Humpback and Southern Right whales or dolphins passing. A tidal pool offers safe bathing.

Spectacular surfing spot. A 15km trail along the coast starts at the hotel. The Lighthouse Restaurant and bar cater for all tastes and appetites.

Tel: (044) 691-3512 Fax: (044) 691-3513 Email: thepoint@pointhotel.co.za www.pointhotel.co.za Southern African Tourism Update

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12 Apostles

‘Vanilla’ Restaurant to open in October

thegoalpost A monthly round-up of everything about football going on in and around South Africa in preparation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup media club south africa

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34 l October/November 2009

The 2010 Soccer World Cup Local Organising Committee (LOC) says it feels there is a gap in the market for a central accommodation inventory portal. In a presentation on the successes and challenges of the 2009 Confederations Cup, the LOC noted that although there had been adequate supply of accommodation for the 2009 tournament, there was a need to create a central portal for accessing information on accommodation for spectators who purchased tickets independently. Other areas of focus noted by the LOC for 2010 included creating a network of visitor centres to ensure fans receive adequate guidance through dedicated event services as well as ensuring that the greater tourism sector as a whole benefited from the tournament, highlighting SMMEs. For more tourism-related 2010 Soccer World Cup news and developments, visit tourismupdate.co.za

s debate rages on regarding whether South Africa will have enough accommodation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, some entrepreneurs have taken the lead and introduced alternatives to the official FIFA accommodation programme managed by MATCH Hospitality.

It has been pointed out by many industry stakeholders that soccer fans travelling to South Africa for the tournament may not be looking for high-end accommodation and would much prefer a comfortable bed with a good breakfast.

Seeff Properties and soccer icon Gary Bailey have joined forces in an innovative joint venture that will see South African property owners score by letting their homes to alleviate a predicted shortage of accommodation during the event.

“As we count down to the most historic event this country is likely to see since the inauguration of Nelson Mandela, we realised that the fact that 55 000 fans still have nowhere to stay, presented a business opportunity worth an estimated R400 million (€36m) for the property market,” said Seeff Properties Chairman, Samuel Seeff.

Seeff said homes in good condition close to stadiums were most likely to be snapped up early by fans.

Because educational institutions will be closed during the event, those with homes in prime positions could consider moving out or even taking a holiday and letting their properties.

Seeff said this venture had drawn a favourable response from organisers. “We have approached people within the Local Organising Committee and MATCH and also checked with lawyers protecting FIFA’s rights.

Everyone is comfortable and has encouraged what we are doing.

They understand the problem we are trying to address and appreciate the efforts we are making.”

Neville Robinson, Marketing & Business Development Manager for new venture Simplebedzzz, says the company has contracted university accommodation to offer beds within close proximity to stadiums.

Robinson says the company has already contracted 8 654 beds and is looking to add another 4 000 to its inventory for the tournament.

This accommodation is open to both FIT and tour operator bookings.

Those fans that choose to stay at any of the university accommodation hubs will also have full access to facilities normally on offer to students. “Some campuses have also agreed to pub facilities,” says Robinson, describing public-viewing facilities including big-screen TVs. www.tourismupdate.co.za

mooreontourism

fromsatsa

our expert traveller shares her views on tourism

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CLASSIFIEDS

I was left openmouthed and distinctly unbanana-ed

was once privileged to visit Madagascar as part of a travel delegation, and one of the items on the itinerary was a day visit to Nosy Komba, the Island of Lemurs. Visitors arrive by boat and go on a guided trip through a tropical forest to view Madagascar’s strange and interesting flora. There is a traditional village famous for its handcrafts, but the real attraction here is the lemurs.

The first thing you do when you arrive on the beach is buy a couple of bananas from one of the local vendors. Then you walk through the forest, find a likely spot, present your banana and watch the lemurs come out of the trees. Except it did not quite work out that way.

I was standing in a clearing along with a few other guests, intent on peeling a banana to put on a rock as an offering, when I was suddenly ‘klapped’ on the side of the head by something soft and furry and my banana disappeared, leaving me holding only the peel, and speckled with bits of banana. According to eyewitnesses, a brown and black lemur had jumped on my shoulder, grabbed the fruit and vanished back into the trees. I was left open-mouthed and distinctly unbanana-ed.

The episode caused a lot of hilarity among my fellow tourists, and I have to report with chagrin that no one else got mugged by these furry bandits, but it has left me with a hugely soft spot for lemurs and other members of the primate and pre-primate species. So I was delighted to hear about a place near Hartbeespoort Dam called the Bush Baby Monkey Sanctuary, and made haste to interview the owner, Craig Saunders. Craig’s love affair with monkeys began in a similar fashion to mine – he was visiting the Monkeyland sanctuary near Plettenberg Bay when a monkey jumped on him and proceeded to turn him inside out – checking his pockets, delving inside his clothing, possibly even looking for fleas in his hair.

Craig went back to his property in Hartbeespoort, where he already had an Elephant Sanctuary to rehabilitate elephants, and began to build a simian sanctuary on an adjacent piece of land.

But this is not a zoo or a circus. Craig has a conservation background and, even though he believes in the essential ‘humanity’ of animals, he does not believe in anthropomorphising them.

The Bush Baby Monkey Sanctuary, therefore, is not a petting park. It is an educational facility where interaction is not encouraged between the people and the primates. Instead, visitors are taken on a guided tour through the enclosure and taught about monkeys while viewing them in an environment close to their natural habitat.

“Our eventual goal is wild release,” says Craig. “Our tours can be called ‘Monkeys on Safari’ – it is like primate spotting in the company of a knowledgeable and experienced guide. We don’t take in sick or injured monkeys – we are not a shelter in that sense: we are rather an educational facility with the long-term solution of allowing monkeys to go back to being wild monkeys.”

The nine-hectare park is not only a haven for monkeys, it is also a haven for visitors. “The land is beautiful,” says Craig. “There is a little stream, a lot of pristine bush – it is a wonderful and very educational walk through prime habitat. People who have done the tour say that it has completely changed their view of primates and they feel enriched by that knowledge.” A full tour of the sanctuary should take about an hour and a half, and there is a coffee shop for refreshments and a curio shop for keepsakes. If you feel like a fascinating day trip, head out to Hartbeespoort Dam and look for the Bush Baby Monkey Sanctuary alongside the Elephant Sanctuary. Just make sure that you leave your bananas at home.

Our SATSA National Conference was very successful (some attendees have told me that they believe that it was one of the best, if not the best ever). Thank you to all involved from delivery to attendance – especially the sponsors and speakers who really did us proud. All who attended went home with some great new ideas.

At last year’s conference, SATSA was urged to investigate ways of improving the reputation of SATSA and its members to our customers and potential customers overseas.

Given our limited resources (which precludes us from taking exhibition stands at international shows), the most promising approach that we could develop was to partner with, or at least communicate with, the various outbound associations in source markets for our tourists. This builds both the brand reputation of our members and the destination and builds and reinforces the channel. To this end, we, as well as our partner associations within TBCSA, have been using our contacts to try and develop relationships. The first success was due to ASATA and SAT involving us with ASTA (the American Society of Travel Agents), which opened opportunities for members to participate in the successful ASTA IDE at Sun City, and brought out many American travel agents to see SA for themselves.

The second successful breakthrough is now with TAFI (the Travel Agents Federation of India), and we are working on others that may soon follow. I travelled with our president, Mike Speed, to India at the invitation of TAFI for a very productive meeting. We were also delighted that both SA Tourism’s and SAA’s offices in India bought into the plan completely – so we had all the partners working actively together!

We need to make it work like this in all markets, and this is part of the longer term plan.

For more information contact: Marjorie Dean Tel: +27 86 12 728 72 Fax: +27 11 886 7557 Email: communications@satsa.co.za Website: www.satsa.co.za Physical Address: 3rd Floor Petrob House 343 Surrey Avenue Ferndale Postal Address: PO Box 900 Ferndale, 2160

"SatsA means business"

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Come stay and play at Africa’s leading casino resort 2009 may be winding down, but with Emperors Palace, your guests can end it on a high note.

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Guests will relax in comfort and safety at one of our four award-winning resort hotels. These include the classical 5-star Peermont D’oreale Grande Hotel, the generous 4-star Peermont Mondior Hotel, the new 3-star Peermont Metcourt Suites and the chic new 3-star Peermont Metcourt Hotel.

Only Emperors Palace offers world-class conferencing, hotels, gaming, entertainment and dining - all in one extraordinary setting.

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