Southern African Tourism Update Aprilmay 2010

soutHern afriCan

april/May 2010 i issue 212 i www.tourismupdate.co.za

for organisers of tours

Namibia Grading scheme leaves accommodation high and dry

Indaba 2010

Focus on the World Cup

Survey: Post 2010 business forecast low + Voluntourism certification launched + SAA granted Beijing rights + Airports ready for 2010

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2 In the news

A look at the latest tourism, destination and eco news from Southern Africa 2 Exclusive survey: Post 2010 looking ‘average’ 6 Lesotho suppliers join forces to welcome football fans 10 SAA granted rights for Beijing service

13 Indaba 2010

All the latest news from products in the Southern African region for this year’s Indaba

43 namIbIa

Red tape holds up new grading scheme accreditation

46 north west

Tour operators agree that Sun City is ‘dated’

50 Goal Post

South Africa’s airports prepared for 2010

24 moore on tourIsm Three trees on a hill

Cover photo: Skeleton Coast Safaris

Melody Brandon, Hilka Birns Jeanette Phillips, Max Marx AdvERTISINg SAlES Claire Storey, Lara Denysschen advertising@tourismupdate.co.za AdvERTISINg CO-ORdINATOR Natalie Walker PhOTOgRAPhER Tijana Huysamen

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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PUBlIShER David Marsh MANAgINg EdITOR nataliat@nowmedia.co.za Natalia Thomson dEPUTy EdITOR Kate Els SUB EdITOR Ann Braun CONTRIBUTORS K15c 14/12/07 09:16 Page 1 Sue Lewitton, Natasha Tippel,

t really doesn’t matter where I go, South Africa has become synonymous with one thing: the 2010 World Cup. On a recent visit to France to accompany the first commercial A380 flight to Johannesburg, I was struck by how visible SA had become.

Isabelle, one of our tourist guides on the Air France trip, summed it up: “Souf Efrica really ees ze flavour of ze month in France.”

This was even more true as I caught a glimpse of a French reality show called La Ferme (the farm) on Canal 1 while I was there, where several wannabe (read has-been) French celebs had been thrown together on a farm somewhere in South Africa. Anyway, amid much arguing and trying to outdo one another in the wildlife stakes, the French celebs managed to stimulate the interest of their fellow countrymen in the destination. Good news for Air France as it now faces filling a 538-seater A380 seven days a week from April!

The landing of Air France’s A380 is truly one of the most significant events to happen in SA’s aviation history. In fact it’s right up there with SAA’s first B747 landing in Johannesburg in November 1971.

And it would appear the crowds of onlookers lining the runway and greeting the aircraft with true African hospitality as it landed in Johannesburg understood its significance. Wide-eyed passengers arriving on the A380 were overwhelmed by the warmth of that greeting.

After years of writing about 2010 and all that could go wrong with the event, it became abundantly clear that even more important than all these possible issues was the energy, honesty and warmth with which we welcomed and hosted our visitors. We have to engage with them, make them part of the experience, so they can tell people “I was there”.

In March in Toronto I watched how the Canadians rallied around their icehockey team against the Americans in the final. I will confess I have neither a fascination for, nor an understanding of, ice hockey but I’ve never seen a bunch of more patriotic Canadians in my life.

I’ve been led to believe the Canadians generally frown upon public displays of patriotism. But as far as the eye could see there were the telltale signs: Canadian red, the maple leaf symbol, flags on cars, flags waving from balconies. The Canadians got behind their team, and the event. And I felt a part of it! That’s what I’ll take away from my visit to Canada. How they engaged with me and made me a part of the experience so I can tell people ‘I was there’. Will you be?

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2 Tourism News 6 Destination News 10 Aviation News

Post-2010 looking ‘average’ Exclusive tour operator survey reveals negative operator perceptions of 2010 World Cup, reports Natalia Thomson As a result, operators predict that between 20 per cent and 75 per cent of bookings are lost.

Logistical concerns highlighted by operators include transfers at night, congestion at airports and getting close enough to stadiums to drop off and pick up guests.

There appears to be little in the way of pre- and post-event bookings as 41 per cent of tour operators surveyed said less than 20 per cent of their visitors had booked travel before and after the event. And generally this preand post-travel is limited to a sevennight stay, mostly in South Africa.

The Kruger National Park gets the thumbs up, with a significant number of operators saying this is where their clients are headed.

The outlook for the rest of 2010 and 2011 looks average if operators’ perceptions are to be believed.

Following the event (August to December), only 30 per cent say business will be good, with 45 per cent saying it will be average. For 2011, operators become even more pessimistic, with as much as 30 per cent of operators saying bookings will be poor.

Operators are divided on whether buying patterns will change as a result of the event. Said one: “The World Cup has impacted business badly.

High-end clients have a perception that the destination is going to be crowded and the middle to high-end clients do not want to pay the rip-off prices.”

Many agree, however, that if South Africa gets labelled as a “rip-off” destination, once the perception is there it’ll be difficult to shift.

Restrictive terms and conditions and exorbitant pricing have several local and overseas tour operators lowering their business expectations following the 2010 World Cup. A survey run by SA Tourism Update among almost 100 local and overseas tour operators revealed that perceptions of pricing and safety and security were among the key concerns of travellers in their market.

While most travellers, they say, have booked their travel during 2009 and 2010, only 30 per cent believe more bookings will be forthcoming in the run-up to the event, with the average size of the group being between two and five passengers.

Accommodation establishments and coach operators have received the most criticism as 76 per cent of operators say the price of accommodation is overpriced, followed by 63 per cent who believe coach prices are excessive.

Similarly, the terms and conditions for accommodation establishments (76%) and airline bookings (77%), say the majority of operators, are unreasonable.

Said one tour operator: “Accommodation establishments have made unrealistic demands like insisting we pay deposits or even the full amount when booking, which is not usually the case.”

As much as 60 per cent of operators say the pricing of bookings for SA’s World Cup is more expensive than major events elsewhere in the world, and 89 per cent say it is certainly more expensive than other major events held in South Africa.

What is the outlook for the rest of 2010 and 2011?

Very good 9% Good 21%

March to June 2010

Average 35% Poor 35% Very good 6%

August to December 2010

Good 30% Average 45%

Poor 19% Very good 4%

Good 30%

January to June 2011

Average 42%

Poor 24% Very good 4%

July to December 2011

Good 24% Poor 30%

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Average 42%

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South Africa invests in Scandinavian market Kate Els With Sweden at its core, the Scandinavian market holds great potential for the South African tourism industry and has shown promise in recent years to rival other European markets.

Says Fiona Buchner, Regional Director: Europe South African Tourism: “Sweden is considered an investment for South African Tourism and leads in the Scandinavian market. Recently, awareness of South Africa as a destination has been increased by initiatives such as Joint Marketing Agreements.”

Although the current economic situation may have taken its toll on arrival numbers from this region, 2008 saw a high of just over 100 000 visitors from Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway.

Henk Graaff, Managing Director of SW Africa, a destination management company dealing with the Scandinavian market, says road shows to the area organised by his company are increasingly successful. “Our road shows always aim to add in another city that hasn’t been covered by tourism suppliers, for instance this year we will be visiting Riga in Latvia.”

Both Graaff and Buchner expect this market to grow substantially in the years to come and believe there is great potential for forging ties with Scandinavian-based trade members but that air access has often proved to be problematic with no direct flights coming from the region.

Says Graaff: “South African Airways had announced a few years back that it would be starting a Copenhagen service but cancelled it before it began. This definitely hindered the Southern African trade who had invested in marketing efforts.”

Nordic arrivals over period 2005 2006 2007 84 557 94 514 98 658

2008 101 243

www.tourismupdate.co.za

Tour ops feel snubbed by SAA brochure launch Sue Lewitton The recent launch of an elaborate 164-page brochure by South African Airways in the Middle East has been met with criticism by tour operators who feel that taxpayers’ money is being used to compete directly with them.

The brochure features tours and packages for South Africa with extensions into Southern Africa.

The launch of the brochure also coincided with the launch of a website, flysaaholidays.com, which includes the same content as the brochure. This was announced at an elaborate launch party in Dubai, where 20 travel agents were invited to participate as models in a fashion show.

SAA Acting Head Group Corporate Affairs, Vimla Maistry, says the launch of the brochure and website was in response to a call for more information from agents based in the UAE. “Tours and packages were included to give comprehensive options to the trade as well as the end users to guide them as to what they can do in South Africa and Southern Africa.”

But local tour operators see the initiative in a different light.

African Pride Tours Director, Rikus Badenhorst, and MD, Trevor Hewett, feel that the brochure may leave agents with the impression that the tours and itineraries are operated

by SAA, or a division of the airline.

“By producing an SAA Holidays brochure, SAA is effectively trying to be a tour operator instead of concentrating its efforts on its core business,” says Badenhorst. “The direct consequence of this is that they are creating confusion in the market, as many of our existing and potential clients are now led to believe they will get better deals with regard to flights should they book tours directly with SAA Holidays.”

Badenhorst and Hewett believe their business, and that of other privately funded tour operators that target Middle Eastern markets, stand to lose out on business as a result of the expensive brochure campaign undertaken by SAA. “It is impossible to produce the type and quality of brochure we have seen from SAA

unless funding is not an issue,” says Badenhorst.

In response, SAA says that, as the packages have not been published with any pricing and they do not have any tour operator tags to them, South African ground handlers and tour operators should not feel threatened by the brochure. Maistry says: “SAA does not bind end consumers to use any one of the tour operators or suppliers and leaves it at the discretion of the customer to choose their service provider.” However, flysaaholidays.com does feature a link enabling customers to request a ‘quick quote’. Details of which tour operators have been selected as partners for this service are not provided by the airline.

Although Badenhorst understands SAA’s intention to increase the flow of passengers from the UAE into South Africa, he believes its marketing budget could be better spent working with, rather than against, established tour operators. “Examples of co-operation could include free or subsidised flights for marketing purposes and subsidised fares for special promotions.”

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inbrief Airport staff to learn the lingos for 2010

Airports Company South Africa has been teaching staff several foreign languages to facilitate foreign passengers over the period of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Languages that have been taught to staff include Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Tanzania gets new tourist destination

SECURING TIES… Qandisa’s Robert de Vries (left) alongside Marthinus van Schalkwyk, South African Minister of Tourism at this year’s Vakantiebeurs.

Trade reports good sentiment from Dutch market Kate Els Dutch tourists are optimistic about visiting South Africa and with the bolstered marketing of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it is expected the increased awareness will result directly in bookings.

So says Robert de Vries of Qandisa Hospitality, an international representation company in The Netherlands.

“There is generally a great feeling [towards South Africa], and having spoken to lots of operators, there are a lot of requests coming in for the end of this year and already

Vakantiebeurs 2010

for 2011.”

“We found that the people we spoke to are ready and willing to travel but, ironically, that the biggest constraint at the moment seems to be the FIFA World Cup. People seem to think that they could be subjected to price gouging and that prices could be inflated because of the event – although many of them said this happened in every country that hosted these large events and that this wasn’t a criticism of South Africa alone,” said Mossel Bay Tourism’s Chief Operations Officer, Marcia Holm,

See Cape Town by bicycle who attended this year’s Vakantiebeurs.

But, says de Vries, skewed perceptions are often a hindrance for this market: “The media in The Netherlands are often negative about South Africa and always only seem to focus on the crime. By inviting Dutch media to South Africa for educationals or perhaps hosting a Dutch television show in South Africa (something similar to Survivor) would obviously give some positive exposure and might change the perception of South Africa.

●17 335 people visited the show this year ● 600 exhibitors from 160 countries were promoting their destination ●The six-day show attracted about 20 000 tourism and travel professionals ●Vakantiebeurs 2011 will be held from January 12-16

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The Tanzanian ministry of Tourism has declared Songea Town in the Tanzanian highlands, a new tourist site. A national museum has been built in the town, which is famous for its history of the first African resistance against German colonisation over 100 years ago. Other tourist attractions include the Matongo Forest Reserve and the German Boma (castle).

Cape Town has welcomed a new way for tourists to get around – by bicycle.

Three orange cycle cabs, similar to those found in Bangkok, have taken to the streets. The cabs can be found at the top of Adderley Street at the entrance to Government Avenue, and are part of a Dutch/South African social engagement and commuter project to prepare the city for the arrival of the Dutch national soccer team for the World Cup. The cabs run as a hop-on and hop-off service, can be hailed on the streets and will cost around R10 to R20 (€1-€2) depending on the destination.

Franschhoek Pass closed until further notice

The Francshhoek Pass will remain closed until further notice following widespread uncontrollable fires in the area. Firefighters have been battling the blaze – reportedly started by workers using an open fire to cook food – since the weekend. Weather conditions are also making it difficult to put the fire out. www.tourismupdate.co.za

Certification to minimise exploitation of volunteers Max Marx Volunteer tourism is a growing industry in Southern Africa and, although it creates resources that otherwise would not exist and can be a positive force for development, it needs some form of self-regulation to protect both volunteers and vulnerable communities from unscrupulous operators out to make a quick buck. So say Jennifer Seif, Executive Director of Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa, and various specialist volunteer tour operators in South Africa.

Some issues of concern for credible operators like Voluntours, Calabash Tours, and AVIVA as well as FTTSA are: ● Are communities being properly consulted about their needs? ● Are volunteers being overcharged by unscrupulous

agencies? ● Are volunteers being placed in proper programmes or just dumped to volunteer in places without adequate supervision? ● How much of the money being charged by volunteer agencies abroad actually filters down to local communities? ● Are volunteers displacing local unskilled labour, thereby robbing them of a livelihood?

Seif says volunteers must undergo proper screening before being allowed to volunteer.

“Volunteers often get involved with the vulnerable members of our society – children, women, HIV-positive people – and if they’re not screened properly, what’s to stop a paedophile from getting placed as a volunteer in a primary school?”

Jeremy Stafford, co-founder of Voluntours, says it’s important that volunteers bring needed skills and resources that they can

transfer to communities rather than taking employment away from poor people.

He says a worrying development is mainstream tour operators who are offering half-day and one-day volunteer programmes as part of a tour.

“There’s no reference checking or screening of clients, and it’s not possible to transfer skills properly in just one day.”

There is a lot of irresponsible volunteering happening and many unhappy volunteers leave South Africa because they’ve been in poorly planned placements, says Paul Miedema co-owner of Calabash Tours.

“Many of the agencies abroad selling programmes don’t care about sustainability.”

He adds that while volunteer tourism is about doing good and contributing to sustainable development, there’s also an economic imperative for those

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who practise it. “So it’s about balancing those, and that’s where a Code of Conduct that talks about minimum standards of fair practice would manage that better.”

FTTSA has recently developed voluntourism standards and a certification programme for volunteer tour operators who meet certain minimum criteria, to assist the industry with self regulation.

“If volunteers coming from abroad really want to ensure their contribution benefits South Africa in the right way, they’ll look for the kind of experiences offered by organisations that carry the FTTSA stamp of approval,” says Seif.

Ed Scott, AVIVA’s Director, advises volunteers to do proper research on the volunteer agencies they plan to deal with in their home markets to avoid being exploited.

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Sue Lewitton In a bid to ensure Lesotho benefits from the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a group of tourism partners have banded together to form a unified inbound tour operator, Lesotho2010.

Together, the partners will offer complete packages for visiting tourists, which will include transfers from the major South African host cities, internal transport, accommodation, meals and activities specifically designed with soccer fans in mind.

Tom Newton-Lewis, MD of Lesotho2010, says the World Cup presents a fantastic opportunity for Lesotho to show the world what an incredible tourism destination it is. “Lesotho is still not widely known as a tourist destination. We are trying to use the spotlight of the World Cup to raise Lesotho’s profile as a tourism destination so that tourism takes off in the long term.”

Lesotho 2010 is working in conjunction with tourism players in the private sector in Lesotho as well as tour operators in the Free State, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal. “One of the aims of the enterprise is to try and form lasting partnerships with South African companies that will continue to bring tourists in after the World Cup,” says Newton-Lewis.

Packages on offer include day, overnight, and multi-day trips to Lesotho from Bloemfontein.

Overnight trips to Lesotho from Durban up the Sani Pass are also on offer, along with all-inclusive overland trips between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg or

Bloemfontein, through Lesotho and synchronised around the World Cup schedule. “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to visit Lesotho,” adds Newton-Lewis.

Many of the activities are well suited to adventure tourists and include pony trekking, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, quad biking, motor biking, 4x4 trails, abseiling and hiking.

Newton-Lewis emphasises that there is also a strong social aspect to the Lesotho2010 initiative.

“In a country where only 45 per cent of people are in employment at any given time, growth in the tourism sector is the best chance of providing sustainable livelihoods, especially in rural areas.”

Lesotho2010 has teamed up with Kick4Life, a local charity that offers tourists the chance to play football with or against local sides during the World Cup. The charity, which is supported

by Prince Harry, Fabio Capello and the English football team, provides sports-based health education, voluntary testing for HIV, life skills development and support for children to enter into education and eventually employment.

“With Kick4Life we are offering a variety of day trips and overnight packages for individuals and groups,” says Newton-Lewis.

“These include a football match, participation in Kick4Life’s vital HIV testing and educational activities and a donation to Kick4Life, enough to fund the testing of five children who, if found positive, are immediately referred to life-saving antiretroviral therapy.”

Gautrain

Lesotho suppliers join forces to welcome football fans

Airport-Sandton Gautrain route ‘may be ready’ for World Cup The rapid rail Gautrain link between OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and the business hub of Sandton may be complete in time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, construction company, Bombela has said. Jerome Govender, CEO of the Bombela Concession Company has announced that it has taken the initiative and, subject to approval by Gauteng Province, Bombela has stated its willingness to commission a modified scope phase one rail service between OR Tambo International Airport and Sandton Station, including intermediate commuter stations, in time for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup.

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Incentives shrink as budgets tighten Sue Lewitton Companies around the world are sending fewer employees on incentives and South Africa has begun to feel the pinch. During the 1990s and early 2000s, huge incentive groups were the trend, but in recent years this has tailed off. Many incentive organisers believe the recession is to blame. Kirsty Gordon, Owner of Zabwino African Travel, says the global economic situation has definitely led to companies cutting down on the size of their incentive groups.

Paul Stephen, MD of DMC South Africa, says the recession has meant that companies have had to make budget cuts and take a much more conservative approach to incentive travel.

“They are also not travelling long-haul as much, so that puts South Africa’s reputation as a choice destination under added pressure,” adds Stephen.

But others believe that the

trend towards smaller incentive groups took hold even prior to the recession. Paul Evans, who heads up Dragonfly’s UK office, says clients were endeavouring to stretch their budgets even before the global economic crisis hit. “Rather than one large annual incentive, many clients would look at operating three or four smaller ones, perhaps quarterly,” says Evans. “This is actually sometimes a false economy for corporate clients as several trips generally turn out to be more expensive than one big event.”

Reasons for opting for smaller incentive groups may not purely be financial. Evans says smaller incentives provide a much greater sense of bespoke exclusivity. “Some unique programmes are more attainable with smaller groups, which some corporates prefer,” he adds.

Most incentive organisers are optimistic that demand for larger incentive groups will pick up in the near future. Gordon

says she expects incentive travel to bounce back as early as the end of this year. “The Fifa World Cup in South Africa is a great worldwide marketing opportunity and I expect that incentive groups’ size will increase as a result. In the meantime, it’s important for incentive organisers to stay in touch with their corporate clients and help them with their needs as they arise,” says Gordon.

“When they are more financially comfortable they will allocate more budget for incentives.”

Evans isn’t quite as optimistic.

He believes the trend for smaller incentive groups is here to stay but adds that they probably won’t get any smaller than they already are. “I don’t anticipate group sizes getting any smaller.

Rather they may alternate between group incentive programmes and individual incentive prizes, such as voucher awards or individual travel prizes.”

Tourist visa for East Africa?

The introduction of a single tourist visa for East Africa could be implemented as early as June. The East African Community (EAC) ministerial council on Tourism and Wildlife Management at a recent meeting considered a report on the study for the introduction of the single tourist visa in the East African community. The ministers directed the secretariat to expedite the process for the implementation to June this year.

Zim increases park fees

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority National Parks has announced an increase in park fees effective May 1. Increases range between US$5 and US$10.

Botswana increases VAT

The Botswana government has announced that as of April 1, Value Added Tax (VAT) will be increased from 10 per cent to 12 per cent. Look out for our Botswana feature in the June/July issue of SA Tourism Update for more information.

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aviationnews For Free daily news updates: www.tourismupdate.co.za

SAA granted rights for Beijing service Daily service for India Jet Airways has confirmed that its scheduled daily service between Mumbai and Johannesburg will start on April 15, subject to regulatory approval.

The airline will operate an A330-200 aircraft configured in two classes, offering 30 seats in Première (business class) and 190 seats in economy class.

Première passengers will enjoy a 180-degree flat bed with lumbar support and massage systems, oversized table, laptop power, telephone, SMS, email and live text news and on-demand in-flight entertainment.

Flights will depart Mumbai at 02h05, arriving in Johannesburg at 07h35. The return service will depart Johannesburg at 11h00, arriving in Mumbai at 23h30.

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South African Airways has been granted the rights for a thriceweekly service to Beijing according to a Government Gazette.

The gazette notice allows for flights from Beijing to OR Tambo, Cape Town and Durban international airports but SAA has been unable to confirm or deny that it will be launching the route.

South African Tourism Country Manager, Bradley Brouwer, says it will be a most welcome relief for Chinese outbound tourists, as they currently have to travel through Hong Kong, which makes for a longer overall routing.

He says: “SAA must urgently pursue the three times a week flight opportunity to Beijing. This will see the market grow even more as there is no direct flight to China at present from South Africa and, with the current growth out of China, it simply makes sense to start as soon as possible. It will most likely be one of the most profitable routes for SAA.” He adds that both South African Tourism and the travel trade involved with that market will welcome a direct flight and, as a consequence, awareness of South Africa will be increased.

“The whole world is targeting Chinese outbound travel and we must do the right thing now and not try and penetrate the market when slots are not available,” he concluded.

The Chinese market has been volatile over the past months, mainly attributable to the global economic recession, but has shown promising potential in the past. In the latest arrivals statistics released by Statistics SA for that market, it has shown 40,5 per cent growth in October 2009 with 4 155 visitors, compared with 2 958 visitors in October 2008.

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SAA Appoints new CEO After months of deliberation, South African Airways has announced the appointment of Siza Mzimela as the airline’s new CEO. The move has been welcomed by local travel trade who have often questioned the strategic direction of the airline.

Michael Tatalias, CEO of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Assocation (SATSA), said of the appointment: “Ms Mzimela was previously CEO of SA Express. She ran that carrier well and profitably so it is great news that SAA now has a CEO with the hands-on relevant experience and the business acumen to run a successful airline. This appointment is an indication that Government has heeded the call from both the public and private sector, to fill important positions that currently lie vacant in the different parastatals with experienced people.”

Bateleur to operate daily between Jo’burg and Sabi Sand Effective May 1, 2010, charter airline Bateleur will launch daily charter flights between Johannesburg and selected game lodges within the Sabi Sand region.

Destinations include MalaMala, Londolozi, Singita, Sabi Sabi, Ulusaba (servicing Ulusaba, Leopard Hills, Inyati, Idube, and Exeter) and Skukuza

(servicing Lion Sands, Tinga, Nottens, Kirkman’s Camp and Rhino Walking Safaris).

Flights are scheduled to depart from approximately 11h00 daily to the selected destination. Flights will be operated by a Beechcraft King Air 200, 1900 and Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft.

The airline is offering a special

introductory offer of R3 200pp (€311), including taxes, to the listed lodges. This includes return flights, complimentary transfers between OR Tambo International Airport’s main terminal buildings and the Bateleur VIP lounge as well as free luggage storage for the duration of passengers’ stay at the bush lodge.

Air Zim resumes JNB/Vic Falls service

Effective March 30, Air Zimbabwe will resume scheduled services between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls. Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, departing Johannesburg at 09h30, arriving in Victoria Falls at 11h15.

The return service will depart Victoria Falls at 12h30, arriving in Johannesburg at 14h15. Flights will be operated with a B737 aircraft.

Airlink increases Zambia frequency

Airlink has confirmed that it will again be increasing the frequency of its daily service between Johannesburg and Ndola to double daily, effective March 1.

MH doubles flights ex-JNB

Malaysia Airlines will launch two new weekly non-stop flights from Johannesburg to Kuala Lumpur from March 30, bringing to four the number of flights per week operating from South Africa.

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Central Reservations: 0861 00 1120 / Tel: +27(21) 976-9655 • Fax: +27(21) 976-5597 • email: info@statushotels.co.za

SoutheRn AfRIcAn touRISM uPdAte

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Welcome 2010

WELCOMING THE WORLD TO SOUTH AFRICA Collaboration between SA Tourism and the Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP) has resulted in the ‘Welcome 2010 Toolkit’ – a booklet, endorsed by FIFA that educates the reader about soccer, celebrates what’s great about South Africa and teaches a few everyday phrases in foreign languages.

TEP’s Chief Executive, Siva Pillay, explains the relevance of such a guide: “We have been revving the 2010 readiness gear amongst small businesses in the tourism sector so this really was the next logical step for us to take. This booklet will make it possible for ordinary citizens, whether directly or indirectly involved in tourism, to become true brand ambassadors for South Africa.”

© 2005 FIFA TM

Besides information on all the teams participating in the World Cup, the booklet also explores cultural aspects unique to South Africa as well as different ways to make all of the tournament’s visitors feel right at home.

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SA Tourism CEO, Thandiwe January-Mclean, adds: “Tourism really is everybody’s business. We already know that for every eight foreign visitors one new job is created in this country. It is everybody’s opportunity to contribute to South Africa’s growth by welcoming visitors while they are here.”

Welcome 2010 Ambassador training workshops will also be offered to those interacting face to face with visitors throughout the tournament.

For more information on the Welcome 2010 Toolkit or training workshops call TEP on 011 880 3790 or visit www.welcome2010.co.za

indaba2010 For Free daily news updates: www.tourismupdate.co.za

Indaba 2 1

At a glance

I

This year’s Indaba promises to celebrate South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and is bound to offer a great platform for tourism and travel business in Southern Africa…

IN THE NEWS

more news on page 14

New Durban hotels geared for World Cup boom Durban Point Waterfront in KwaZulu Natal will soon welcome two new hotels, which will be ready for the World Cup, to its mixed-use development.

Construction began on The Docklands Hotel and The Anchorage Hotel last year. The Docklands is expected to open in May and The Anchorage, which is part of the Life Hotels brand, will open in the latter part of the year.

“It was a natural progression to have hospitality developments in this regeneration precinct, as a number of nearby

attractions and the beaches lend themselves to attracting both leisure and business tourists,” said Alan Vels, Managing Director of Signature Life Hotels.

The four-star Docklands Hotel has 81 rooms, a restaurant and four conference rooms with capacity for 400 people. The R110m (€10,8m) hotel is urban, trendy and modern and has striking views over the Indian Ocean and harbour.

The Anchorage Hotel has 63 rooms, a restaurant and a conference room that seats 400 people. Together, the

Southern AfricAn touriSm updAte

hotels can accommodate 304 resident guests and 800 in the conference and banqueting suites.

Durban Point Waterfront is adjacent to uShaka Marine Theme Park, a major tourist attraction. The Waterfront offers easy access to the beachfront and Indian Ocean, and is within a 10 kilometre radius of the Moses Mabhida stadium.

The area is also accessible via a range of transportation modes that include pedestrian, road, rail and sea, allowing for more accessible local, national and international connections.

ndaba brings together a showcase of Southern African tourism products and services for the international travel trade. Exhibitors in the DEC (Durban Exhibition Centre) include provincial authorities and provincial products.

In the ICC (International Convention Centre), exhibitor categories include accommodation, tour operators, game lodges, transport, online travel, media publications and industry associations.

Outdoor exhibitors include transport, camping and safari companies.

● Date: May 8-11, 2010 ● Venue: Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (Durban ICC) and the Durban Exhibition Centre (DEC) ● Times: 09h00-18h00 on May 8-10 09h00-16h00 on May 11 ● Exhibitors can enter the halls from 08h00 ● Website: www.indaba-southafrica.co.za www.indaba-southafrica.co.z

Indaba events 2010 ● May 7

ETEYA Awards Venue: Main auditorium Time: 14h00-20h00

● May 8

Opening ceremony Venue: Main auditorium Time: 17h00-18h30

● May 9

Global Media Face Off Venue: Main auditorium Time: 10h00-11h00 Welcome Awards Venue: Main auditorium Time: 14h00-20h00 ApriL/mAY 2010

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indaba2010

MOLOKO HOTELS & RESORTS

For free daily news updates: www.tourismupdate.co.za

GARDEN VIEW… An impression of one of the rooms at the new Moloko Strathavon Hotel.

Moloko to open Sandton boutique hotel Moloko Strathavon Hotel, a new five-star boutique hotel under the Moloko Hotels & Resorts brand, opens in May in the Sandton (Johannesburg) suburb of Strathavon.

Designed with ‘green principles’ in mind (it has solar panels for heating), the Moloko Strathavon provides a tranquil sanctuary for discerning business and leisure travellers.

Its 24 rooms, 20 suites, six executive suites and three presidential suites (all with high-speed Internet access) are set in indigenous landscaped gardens with water features and ponds offering the tranquillity of a country retreat in the heart of the city.

All bedrooms have their own private terraces, standard suites have a lounge area and kitchenette and presidential suites have private access.

Guests can host meetings in the conference centre that caters for 200 delegates, enjoy gourmet meals in the fine dining restaurant, relax in the cigar lounge, around the pool or in the Moloko Spa.

Sabi Sabi opens children’s centre

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Sabi Sabi’s family offering is about to reach a new level with the development of a children’s centre.

It caters for toddlers to teenagers, with age-appropriate facilities, fun programmes and ‘edutainment’, all run around a bushveld theme. Children can choose between energetic activities such as climbing and jumping or quieter ones such as drawing, painting, reading, puzzle making and creative construction.

All activities are supervised by a professional team.

The centre was designed by a childcare professional, who has created a space that is fun, safe and educational, where children can relax and create while their parents rest, view game, enjoy a spa treatment or simply soak up the lodge atmosphere.

A large, enclosed area of lawn allows children to run around, and programmes include examining animal spoor, learning Shangaan words for animals, drumming and identifying different bird and animal species. www.tourismupdate.co.za

IN THE NEWS

more news on page 16

AtholPlace to increase room numbers AtholPlace, the five-star boutique hotel in Atholl, Sandton, will be changing its name to Moloko AtholPlace in the second half of this year.

In September the hotel was acquired by Moloko Hotels & Resorts, which has since bought the adjacent property to expand the hotel.

Moloko Hotels & Resorts’ Advocate Richard Thabo Moloko, said while AtholPlace might be under new management, the product remained the same. “Our vision is to provide an unprecedented level of comfort and service that goes beyond the conventional five-star offering.”

The expansion will see the number of suites increase from 10 to 20, and the addition of a luxury spa, fine-dining restaurant and conference centre catering for 30 delegates.

The current offering includes stylish suites with underfloor heating, en-suite bathrooms, a 42-inch flat-screen TV, laptop-size safes and complimentary wireless ADSL. There is also a meeting room for 10, a library and pool.

Construction is expected to begin in August.

Air Botswana introduces online ticketing Air Botswana has launched online ticketing facilities on its website, enabling passengers worldwide to book and buy seats on its flights.

The introduction of ecommerce follows Air Botswana’s successful switch to electronic ticketing, explains acting General Manager, Mphi Tlhomelang. “Air Botswana has also

made it possible for the passenger to make the seat reservation personally and pay for it by credit or debit card at the same time.”

Among the benefits, says the airline, is that the system is “entirely secure” and implementation “will enable cheaper fares” on the airline.

Kapama launches new flagship Karula Lodge is based on the recently acquired Gwalagwala camp.

Each tent and chalet features his and hers basins, inside and outside showers and sliding doors that wrap around 360 degrees, offering unrestricted views.

Kapama Game Reserve has launched its new flagship Karula Lodge on the banks of the Klaserie River in Limpopo.

Karula Lodge offers seven luxury tents and five exclusive chalets and

The chalets are also air-conditioned.

The lodge also features a new lounge, dining room, bar, pool and pool deck as well as other guest entertainment areas, all with views of the Klaserie River.

AKILANGA_2010_Layout 1 2010/02/03 1:16 PM Page 1

AKILANGA

&

KAWANGO

D.M.C for Southern Africa

J’adore!

MAURITIUS

MOZAMBIQUE

NAMIBIA

SOUTH AFRICA

ZAMBIA

ZIMBABWE

INDABA 2010 ICC D001

International Calls Tel: +27 (0) 11 326 4172

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indaba2010

For free daily news updates: www.tourismupdate.co.za

more news on page 18 PEERMONT

IN THE NEWS

ARTIST’S IMPRESSION… The entrance of the redeveloped Tusk Umfolozi.

Tusk Umfolozi announces major upgrades Peermont’s Tusk Umfolozi in KwaZulu Natal has announced its R110m (€10,5m) transformation for the property.

Forming part of the developments are a new Peermont Metcourt hotel with 44 rooms and suites, a conference centre, multi-purpose entertainment and events arena, sports bar and outdoor facilities.

In addition, the existing casino interiors will be upgraded and the restaurant will be revamped and enlarged.

With the expansion, the resort will take on a new identity as the Umfolozi Hotel Casino and Convention Resort.

The property will have two levels – the upper level features the newly revamped Shaka’s Grill,

while the lower level overlooks a landscaped central courtyard. The sapphire-blue swimming pool will be part of the hotel, providing guests with a place to enjoy a cocktail or a swim.

A shaded walkway will take guests to a conference facility that can seat 600 people cinema-style.

It will also include a climbing wall and a unique event facility, ideal

for corporate functions and teambuilding sessions.

Guests will have direct access through shaded walkways to the new Salon Privé adjacent to the gaming floor. It will feature slot machines and roulette and blackjack tables. There is exclusive parking for Salon Privé guests, including a separate entrance into the gaming area.

African Anthology launches new brands

EXPERIENCE PESTANA EXPERIENCE PARADISE

Tel +27 11 462 1714 • Fax +27 11 462 1807 • res.southafrica@pestana.com • www.pestana.com TU1461SD

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An African Anthology has announced the launch of its new brand, Island Anthology. The brand specialises in the hospitality management of island hotels and resorts. The current portfolio consists of Azanzi Beach Hotel in Zanzibar. The boutique hotel features 35 rooms and is located on the eastern side of the island with a variety of accommodation and activities.

New to the Island Anthology stable is the Mauritian-based Veranda Resorts and Heritage Resorts. These hotels are situated

around the island and offer a range of accommodation to suit all market segments including threeand five-star hotels as well as an 18-hole golf course.

The second brand launched, Individual Anthology, comprises a portfolio of boutique hotels and game lodges. These include Impodimo Game Lodge, Rhulani Safari Lodge, Kapama Buffalo Camp, Kapama Karula Camp, Shibula Lodge and Bush Spa, Nungubane Game Lodge, Mhondoro Lodge and African Rock Hotels. www.tourismupdate.co.za

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indaba2010

Hilka Birns

For free daily news updates: www.tourismupdate.co.za

Walkersons adds honeymoon suite Walkersons Hotel and Spa, part of An African Anthology’s portfolio, has recently built a new honeymoon suite.

The large contemporary suite has an extralength king-size four-poster bed and has two bathrooms, twin inside shower and Jacuzzi bath, fireplace, flat-screen TV, DVD player and DVD library in the bedroom and lounge area. The suite also has a kitchenette with microwave.

New management couple for Idube Idube Private Game Lodge in the Sabi Sand has welcomed new managers: Rudi and Melinda Hulshof (pictured above).

Rudi and Melinda are well known to the trade and have spent some time in the Sabi Sand.

Home and dry... Showing off the creature comforts at the newly opened Coral International Cape Town is Director of Sales and Marketing, Cindy Valentine.

Cape Town’s first ‘dry’ hotel opens It may be Cape Town’s first alcohol-free hotel, but the newly opened five-star Coral International Cape Town is not for Muslims only.

“We’re Muslim-friendly, offering prayer rooms and halaal food, but we also cater for all nationalities, be they from Europe, the Middle East or Asia,” says Sales and Marketing Director, Cindy Valentine.

Managed by Coral Hotels and Resorts it is, however, the first Gulf hotel brand to enter South Africa. The Dubai-based holding company HMH (Hospitality Management Holdings) is one of the fastest growing hotel management and development companies in the Middle East. HMH is looking to expand its network of 33 hotels by opening another 15 establishments in South Africa (Durban and Johannesburg) and in the rest of Africa.

They may not all be five-star, says Valentine, but could be part of the other brands in the stable, including EWA hotel apartments, ECOS budget hotels and Corp Executive Hotels.

The R280m (€28m) hotel is centrally located on the corner of Buitengracht and Wale Street, adjacent to the colourful Cape Malay Bokaap and close to mosques.

The property has 137 rooms averaging 42 sqm in size and eight suites of 120 sqm, all with en-suite bathrooms and freestanding

oval baths. The overall look is traditional with Arabic undertones. All rooms are decorated in muted colours of browns and beige with white Egyptian cotton on beds, wooden floors and an eclectic combination of old and new furnishings.

There are eight conference rooms with a maximum capacity of 110 people and one executive boardroom, all equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment and interactive plasma televisions. Other facilities include a business centre with Internet stations and secretarial services, WiFi, an outdoor pool, a gym with sauna and steam rooms, a hair salon and nail bar, valet parking and all the usual comforts associated with a five-star establishment.

There are two restaurants, one serving international and the other Indian cuisine, with an outdoor entertainment area near the pool offering traditional Arabic water pipes or shishas.

Valentine says the target market is predominantly corporate but also leisure because of the impending Soccer World Cup. So far, the hotel has taken three group bookings for the World Cup and hopes to fill up for the event. With nine other five-star hotels in the immediate environment, the hotel is positioning itself mid-range in terms of published rack rates.

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Get

wild on Safari in tHe SaBi SanD

Find out more about Sir Richard Branson’s award-winning game reserve plus our tempting offers by visiting stand DECFOO2 at Indaba 2010 www.ulusaba.virgin.com TU1467SD

SA Tourism2010 60x190 ad_100304 ARTWORK.indd 18 VLE l APRIL/MAY

1

5/3/10 09:12:56 www.tourismupdate.co.za

IN THE NEWS

more news on page 22

Cape Town and Pretoria venues for Moyo The Moyo Group has announced the latest additions to its portfolio with the opening of the Moyo Blouberg in Cape Town and Moyo Fountains in Pretoria.

The Moyo Fountains is surrounded by private gardens and is only accessible via two bridges.

The new venue also forms the foundation of the redevelopment of the Fountains Park in Pretoria.

The restaurant has indoor seating for 200 guests and outdoor dining for an additional 150 guests. The large lawns surrounding the restaurant are also ideal for picnics, teambuilding, concerts or large marquee events.

The Groenkloof Nature Reserve surrounding the venue is ideal for mountain biking and 4x4 adventure activities.

Moyo also has rights to cater anywhere within the reserve.

The four-storey Moyo Blouberg restaurant is just metres from the beach and can seat 300 diners. Guests can enjoy dining either at the long surfboard in a shallow pool, at a large circular pool that offers seats inside for the more adventurous, smaller private dining areas and a rooftop bar.

Royal African Discoveries launches new booking tool Tour operator and DMC, Royal African Discoveries, has developed a new tool, Experience Creator, to further enhance personalised service to its clients.

The tool forms part of the company’s new website. Managing Director, Johan Groenewald, explains: “Despite the size of our operation, we still tailor-make the bulk of all programmes based on the requirements of our clients.

“The company prides itself on going beyond prepackaged sightseeing tours to create personalised encounters with Africa and its people. But this presents a challenge. We’ve grown to have quite a large and diverse client base and Southern Africa has grown to offer a seemingly endless variety of hotels, game lodges, activities and experiences.

“In order to facilitate the process further, our

‘Experience Creator’ allows our clients to search for suitable product on our website, taking into consideration the reasons for the trip or programme being designed.”

Experience Creator is not a booking engine but a search engine to assist wholesale and South African specialist partners overseas to ensure that travellers are given the choice of the most suitable hotel or safari lodge.

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“I last saw them in the 70’s so that’s quite a while ago ... 40 years nearly. I’m very glad they’re still around in this area ’cause they’re completely unique and they’re really lovely animals. “What a magnificent sight!’

“They’re just as white as the ones we had, it’s exactly the same phenomenon....”

Chris McBride.

Author: ‘The White Lions of Timbavati’

Competition “Up for grabs is a weekend away at the magnificent Motswari Private Game Reserve.”

What is the meaning of the name Motswari? (see website for details) Send entries to Marketing@motswari.co.za Entries close 11 May 2010

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neW

at motswari Although Motswari is known for its sense of nostalgia, as one of the only game lodges with a 34 year history, there are always developments that capture the interest of friends, both old and new.

Motswari’s staff development in the past year has focused on ABET (Adult Basic Education & Training), particularly meaningful for those staff that never had an opportunity for formal schooling, and we continue to provide learnerships for staff family members.

Motswari also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hlokomela Wellness Project, providing our staff with free access to primary health care as well as counselling, testing and treatment for HIV/AIDS. Hlokomela is training Motswari tracker, Marka Mashele, as a Nompilo (Peer Counsellor) and he has established a Focus Group at Motswari to take the message of healthy living to the staff and their families.

The Motswari conference room received an upgrade, opening out onto a lovely river facing deck, and boasting a new flat screen TV! The 5 year dry cycle was broken as Motswari received 560mm of rain in the last 4 months, allowing the river in front of camp to flow! The dams in our traversing area are full and the grass thick and lush, drawing immense herds of wildlife.

The “cherry on the cake” has to be the 2 white lion cubs born to the Timbavati pride. These Kubasa Ngala, now about 10 months old, are regularly viewed by visitors to Motswari.

Did you know?

The Timbavati road is now tarred.

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

indaba2010

For free daily news updates: www.tourismupdate.co.za

AFRICA ON FOOT

Elephant Valley Lodge upgrades luxury tents Elephant Valley Lodge has recently had an extensive upgrade to its luxury tents, including new screed floors, canvas and bathrooms. The lodge now has eight new tents overlooking the valley and waterhole, an additional 12 new tents and a family tent.

Breakfasts, lunches and high teas are served on the expansive new deck that overlooks the active waterhole.

Status raises inbound game The Status Hotels group will be expanding its current local corporate and government business focus to include the inbound tourism market.

Sales and Marketing Director, Reg Ferreira, who launched Sable Hospitality (which now forms part of Status Hotels) in 1998, says some of the portfolio’s properties are well suited to the needs of the inbound market.

“Properties like Kleine Zalze and De Noordhoek Hotel in the Western Cape, and Ingwenyama Conference & Sport Resort in Nelspruit are ideal for the international traveller. In fact, Ingwenyama has just undergone an upgrade to its sports facilities as it prepares to host the Chile team for 2010.”

Status Hotels is a group of individually owned hotels and holiday resorts throughout South Africa. In addition to looking after the sales and marketing of these properties, in some cases Status is also responsible for their management.

Properties represented in the Western Cape include Blue Bay Lodge, Aquila Safari Game Reserve and Sunstays Lagoon Beach Apartments. While in Gauteng, the group represents Times Square Executive Suites and Cedar Park Hotel and Conference Centre as well as Manor Hotel and Aluvi House Boutique Hotel and Spa in Pretoria.

In Bloemfontein, the group represents Black Mountain Leisure and Conference Hotel and in Namibia, Safari Court Hotel and Hotel Safari in Windhoek fall under its portfolio.

According to Ferreira, several properties will be added to the portfolio this year, including two in Gauteng. “Our focus in the next few months will be to expand on the management and reservation side.

“Our properties generally did not contract with MATCH and we still have availability at some.”

The group has a 30 per cent BEE ownership profile with African Women’s Consolidated Investments, a black-owned company owned by a broadbased women’s group aimed at promoting and aiding women in business and undeveloped communities.

22 l APRIL/MAY 2010

Similar... The new camp will be based on another Africa on Foot camp, Tree Lodge.

New camp for Africa on Foot Africa on Foot Camp will open a new camp, nThambo Tree Camp, in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve in the Kruger National Park.

The new camp will be able to accommodate eight guests in four tree ‘chalets’ and will also feature a main area with lounge, dining room, bar and boma. Activities will include morning game drives and afternoon/night drives. Guests wishing to walk will be able to do so from Africa on Foot Camp.

Reservations and marketing for the camp will be handled by the Africa on Foot reservations office in Cape Town.

Safari Adventure Company adds two camps Safari Adventure Company has announced a number of welcome additions to its portfolio of camps. These include Banoka Bush Camp in Botswana and Davison’s Camp in Zimbabwe.

Banoka Bush Camp, due to open in August, will comprise 10 tented units and is located in the Khwai Concession in northern Botswana.

Davison’s Camp in Hwange National Park is situated in the shade of a grove of

false mopane trees. The nine-roomed camp can also accommodate children of six years and older.

Davison’s Camp is situated within easy distance – by road or air – of the Victoria Falls.

This accessibility allows for an excellent self-drive circuit that takes in two prime areas in Zimbabwe. The drive between Victoria Falls and Davison’s is roughly four and a half hours and a minimum stay of three nights is recommended.

The self-drive circuit in Botswana is equally exciting.

Guests spend three nights in Kalahari Plains Camp in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve before driving straight to Banoka Bush Camp. This is a full day’s drive and is recommended for the intrepid traveller. A more relaxing option is to overnight in Maun at a lodge in between the two – it’s six hours to Maun and four hours to Banoka the following day. www.tourismupdate.co.za

UMSISI HOUSE

IN THE NEWS

more news on page 24

New properties for Explorations Camps Explorations Camps, part of the Wilderness Safaris portfolio, has announced two new camps – Khwai Adventurer Camp and Khwai Discoverer Camp.

Explorations will no longer be travelling to Lechwe Camp on Migration Routes and Motswiri Camp on the Great Wilderness Journey but will instead make use of the new camps.

Both camps are located in the exclusive Khwai Concession that adjoins Moremi Game Reserve. The Khwai Concession is one of the most diverse areas in northern Botswana.

The Khwai area consists of a wide range of wildlife habitats, including a blend of forests, floodplain, wetland and grasslands. The narrow Khwai Channel is home to large mammals such as hippo and crocodile with buffalo and red lechwe often seen grazing along the fringe.

The riverine woodland found along the river provides further sanctuary for birds, primates and leopard. Elusive roan antelope often come to the river to drink.

NEAR KRUGER… umSisi House offers exclusivity just outside the famed park.

New African Villa concept launched in Mpumalanga Paddy and Amanda Bond Gunning opened their new African Villa concept, umSisi, in mid-January. umSisi House, located near the Kruger National Park, has been created to appeal to the discerning traveller who values exclusivity. This includes small groups of family or friends up to 10 people, looking for privacy and flexibility to

explore the bushveld and its surrounding attractions.

Facilities include three en-suite bedrooms in the farmhouse and a cottage with an additional two bedrooms sharing a double shower.

The property will also have a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi in the rock garden, a covered veranda with dining area and charcoal-fired oven, a library,

TV room and media room with wireless connectivity.

The Lucky Bean Kids’ Club, for children of all ages, offers activities such as game viewing and visits to the local village.

The property is also close to Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route. Translated, umSisi means The Lucky Bean Tree, an indigenous tree that grows in the area.

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indaba2010

For Free daily news updates: www.tourismupdate.co.za

more news on page 29 BUDGET CAR AND VAN RENTAL

IN THE NEWS

Bobo Campers celebrates two decades Next year, Bobo Campers will celebrate its 20th anniversary and in celebration of the event the company will have its special Anniversary Edition motorhome on display for 2011 at Indaba 2010 at the company’s outdoor stand.

This will be a limited edition with many extra features and is available on a firstcome, first-served basis. It will be called the Discoverer Anniversary. Extra features include: standard GPS, special branding stickers, 2010 models only, latest Iveco face-lifted chassis, trip computer, special interior colour schemes, DVD/LCD TV and more. Some surprises are also waiting.

Welcome Tourism Services launches ‘Twist Brochure’

THREE TimEs bETTER… The new upgraded budget facilities will have three trading sections: Fastbreak, Domestic leisure and international arrivals.

Budget refurbishes key branches Budget Car and Van Rental has embarked on a R44m (€4,2m) facility upgrade at OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), Cape Town International Airport, Port Elizabeth Airport and the new King Shaka International Airport in KwaZulu Natal. The investment is to accommodate the high service expectations of the group’s customers,

including the 2010 FIFA World Cup international customer influx.

Each of the new facilities will have access allocated for three trading segments, namely Fastbreak, Domestic leisure and International arrivals.

For customers’ convenience, GPSs, baby seats and paraplegic hand controls are also available

at these locations. It should be noted that this equipment must be booked in advance.

At Cape Town International and OR Tambo airports, Budget has introduced a fleet of ‘Cool Cars’ – Peugeot 207s and Mini Coopers. Looking ahead, the fleet will include new products launched by the vehicle manufacturers, for example the new VW Polo.

Welcome Tourism Services, part of Tourvest Inbound Operations (TIO), has announced the launch of its new Twist Brochure.

It features travel twists, unusual experiences, specific to South Africa that can be added to an existing itinerary ensuring an unforgettable experience for inbound travellers.

Comprising Twisting Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Western Cape and Mpumalanga, activities range from up close and personal encounters above and below the water line, to wine stomping, bottling and personalised labelling, landing an ocean catch, or even panning for gold. The travel twists have been created to capture the imagination of travellers, allowing for an interactive, participatory visit or experience at a number of specialised venues throughout the country.

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www.tourismupdate.co.za

Tourism Enterprise Partnership Investing in small business tourism growth

OVERVIEW The Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP) is a Section 21 (not-for-profit) company that utilises funding from corporate South Africa and Government to facilitate the growth, development and sustainability of small tourism businesses in South Africa.

With the idea that everyone should have an equal chance of success and prosperity at the core of TEP’s philosophy, the organisation invests millions in the expansion of these businesses across South Africa each year. TEP has developed a unique enterprise development model that allows small businesses to graduate upwards and overcome the credibility crises suffered by many. At each step of the process TEP has a number of programmes that offer hands-on, step-by-step support to improve product quality, operational efficiency, and provide greater market access.

The Tourism Enterprise Programme was initially launched by the Business Trust in July 2000 as a four-year job creation programme in the tourism industry. Following good performance it was extended and expanded with additional funding from the Business Trust and what has become the National Department of Tourism, evolving into a highly successful job creation programme in the tourism sector. Since 2000, TEP has assisted more than 5,000 small tourism businesses to expand and improve business operations, facilitating the creation of over 50,000 jobs in the tourism industry.

TEP is led by a prominent board of directors and managed by a small but effective management team that delivers innovative leadership in tourism development projects through offices in all nine provinces of South Africa.

Board of Directors • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Mr Rick Mennell, CEO – TSC Advisory (Pty) Ltd (Chairman) Mr Bernard Marobe, Managing Director - Mankwe Safaris Mr Brian Whittaker, Chief Executive – Business Trust Dr Crispian Olver, Businessman and former Director General – DEAT Mr Grant Gelink, CEO – Deloitte & Touche Ms Itumeleng Dlamini, Head of African Legacy & Special Projects – 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee SA Mr Clifford Ross, Chief Executive – City Lodge Hotels Limited Mr Jabulane Mabuza, CEO – Tsogo Sun Group Mr Moeketsi Mosola, CEO – Imperial Holdings Tourism Division Ms Pamela Yako, Director General – Dept Water Affairs & Forestry Ms Sindiswa Nhlumayo, Deputy Director General – Department of Tourism Mr Tami Sokutu, Executive Director – African Bank Investment Limited Mr Vusi Khanyile, Chairman – Thebe Investment Corporation (Pty) Ltd

TEP Management Team • • • •

Siva Pillay Lisa Hosking Paula Bester Hannelie du Toit

TOURISM ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP

TEP initiated and funded by

www.environment.gov.za

www.btrust.org.za TU1459SDa

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TEP offers a portfolio of services and solutions for small tourism businesses, corporate South Africa and government institutions, as well as local and international tourists.

Small Tourism Business Development With a particular focus on businesses that are owned and managed by previously disadvantaged individuals or groups, TEP identifies suitable small businesses and takes them through various levels of a graduation model. Through a step-by-step assistance process these businesses graduate as sustainable, growing tourism businesses.

TEP’s assists both financially and non-financially, while reviewing the business’s product or service, skills levels, systems and, finally, its marketing and market access needs.

Tourism Skills Development Skills development forms a critical component of TEP’s strategy for the growth and development of small tourism business. TEP offers training workshops on a national basis that includes TEP Toolkits, SA Host, Business Skills and Mentorship.

Enterprise Development Portfolio™ Organisations wishing to contribute to the development and transformation of the South African tourism industry can now channel funds through TEP’s Enterprise Development Portfolio™ (EDP) and earn their B-BBEE points for Enterprise Development.

Innovative and unique, EDP is a verified and audited development fund that is used to assist the over 3,000 previously disadvantaged small and medium South African tourism enterprises registered with TEP. It offers confidential direct access, personalised reports and information on the deployment of participant funds through a custom designed IT management system.

EDP™ is verified by Empowerdex and audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Gobodo.

For more information contact edp@tep.co.za.

Research TEP commissioned a major study of small tourism businesses with the aim to identify and gauge their readiness to participate in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. A total of 4 547 enterprises covering Host Cities, Satellite Areas and GCP (Global Competitiveness Programme) areas, were surveyed - collectively offering around 6 660 attractions and activities.

Visit the TEP website for more information or to download the research reports Tel: 011 880 3790 E-mail: info@tep.co.za Website: www.tep.co.za

TOURISM ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP

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SOUTH AFRICAN HIDDEN TREASURES™ South African Hidden Treasures™ Experience South African Hidden Treasures™ is of TEP’s most exciting and innovative tourism initiatives. Hidden Treasures consists of unique crafts and tourism experiences that provide visitors with an authentic taste of South Africa's rich and varied history and culture, identified and developed under the capable eye of TEP. South African Hidden Treasures™ Experience add that ‘special something’ - often a personal experience - to any itinerary.

Whether it be a township tour or trip down memory lane with an anti-apartheid activist, these unique encounters are world-class, yet unmistakably South African.

Hidden Treasures offers experiences that engage the senses and stimulate the mind. The Experience portfolio comprises unique activities that are designed to connect with tourists on an emotional, spiritual or intellectual level. Experiences may include artists, performers, tour guides, cuisine offerings, cultural and heritage products that add a unique and authentic flavour to any tourism itinerary.

Add flavour to your tour package with SOUTH AFRICAN HIDDEN TREASURES™ - offering performing artists, storytellers , local crafts, cultural and heritage products, authentic cuisine and the people of South Africa.

Visit the HIDDEN TREASURES website or e-mail us for more information www.sahiddentreasures.co.za experience@sahiddentreasures.co.za Musina

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Gauteng - Soweto Hidden Treasures™ Kwa-zulu Natal - Durban Hidden Treasures™ Mpumalanga - Nelspruit Hidden Treasures™ Western Cape - Cape Town Hidden Treasures™

Eastern Cape

Indian Ocean East London

Western Cape Cape Town

Table Mountain

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HIDDEN TREASURES

TEP initiated and funded by TM

Experience & Craft

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indaba2010 For Free daily news updates: www.tourismupdate.co.za

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OCEAN VIEW HOUSE

IN THE NEWS

INDOOR BLISS… One of the new rooms at Ocean View House.

Gondwana Game Reserve to introduce luxury huts

Ocean View House in Cape Town recently completed two new rooms.

The rooms are individually designed and furnished to meet all guests’ needs.

The new rooms have underground parking with separate entrances to allow for complete privacy.

De Hoop Collection partners with CapeNature The De Hoop Collection and CapeNature have signed the first public-private partnership in the tourism sector, which has been worked on since 2004, establishing the De Hoop Nature Reserve.

The partnership will see the De Hoop Collection offer a wide range of accommodation options to guests, while CapeNature will continue to manage the conservation

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Gondwana Game Reserve in the Western Cape, part of the Southern Spoor portfolio, will soon open its luxury Kwena Huts.

The 14 luxury huts will add a new element to the accommodation offering at the reserve. The huts are Khoi San inspired in design and will offer guests a 180-degree view of the landscape.

The main lodge will feature an interlinking public dining room and lounge area, a reception area, a spa, a bar, curio shop and an outdoor pool area.

Gondwana is also now offering a threenight walking safari package for the more active safari adventurer. A trails field guide will be assigned to all guests on this package and it includes full board, two game drives and a private in-suite massage.

Ocean View House completes new rooms

aspects of the reserve.

This public private partnership is the first of its kind in the tourism sector that follows the official phases as detailed in the tourism toolkit.

Gate entry fees, tourism levies and an agreed percentage of the De Hoop Collection’s turnover are channelled through to CapeNature and this income contributes to CapeNature’s ongoing

conservation capacity.

The De Hoop Collection offers a range of accommodation types, from affordable, self-catering to luxury fully catered options.

The Fig Tree restaurant, state-of-the-art conferencing facilities, superb wedding venue and range of activities for all ages make it the perfect destination for business or leisure.

CIRCE LAUNCHES

‘Seal Island’ Cruises - HOUT BAY

Glass bottomed passenger boat ● Daily Departures ● Closest Views ● Best Value

Tel: +27 21 790 1040 Fax: +27 21 790 5722 E-mail: info@circelaunches.co.za www.circelaunches.co.za

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ORIGINS

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more news on page 32

Origins to offer 2010 visitors a ‘rocking’ experience

New Three Cities property to open in Umhlanga

Live adventure. Love the wild.

The Square Boutique Hotel & Spa, a brand-new Three Cities hotel in Umhlanga Ridge, is set to open during April/May. The hotel is close to the latest developments such as the Umhlanga Medical Centre, offices that house most of Durban’s blue-chip and multinational companies, motor dealerships, the Crescent lifestyle centre, and upmarket residential developments.

It is within easy reach of the Moses Mabhida Soccer stadium.

The hotel has 50 rooms with airconditioning, satellite TV, telephone, Internet and email, mini bar, room safes, fold-out sofas for children under 12, and laundry service.

The onsite Dish restaurant serves all types of cuisine, à la carte and buffet style, and is open for breakfasts, lunches and dinners. The Square Boutique Hotel & Spa has its own spa and a compact fitness centre.

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3D… One of the displays at the Origins Centre relates stories about cultures past.

The Origins Centre at Johannesburg’s University of the Witwatersrand will aim to please over the period of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, offering its visitors a multimedia experience about evolution, San culture and rock art and the other ethnic groups that followed thereafter.

The museum has multimedia content such as information touch screens, short films and interactive displays. This provides a progressive experience for visitors who will also be able to send videos and information to their personal email addresses after their time at the museum.

Although guides are available for groups of 10 or more, visitors can also utilise an audio guide and move through the museum at their own pace. The museum complex includes a coffee shop and curio store and can take guests up to half a day to explore.

Accessibility

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www.tourismupdate.co.za

Transformation is Responsible Tourism One of the key objectives of Responsible Tourism is the involvement and participation of host communities to enhance the value proposition of a destination.

The gazetted Tourism Charter and Scorecard provides implementation guidelines for the industry to achieve Broad Based BEE compliance. Through compliance the Tourism industry will lead the way in demonstrating how shared economic benefits can create further sustainable growth for an industry.

Engage us on how as a Responsible Tourism Enterprise B-BBEE enhances your compliance score.

Contact us at +27 12 310 3766 or info@tourismbeecharter.co.za www.tourismbeecharter.co.za

indaba2010 THOMPSONS

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Point Hotel introduces in-room massage The Point Hotel in Mossel Bay has introduced an in-room massage service for its guests.

A qualified massage therapist will perform the hotel spa’s treatments in the privacy of the guest’s room on request from reception.

Maui/Britz to support trade business and 2010 fans Specialist vehicle rental company, Maui/Britz, has said that while it has experienced an increase in enquiries for its motor-home vehicles over the period of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it is being very careful to ‘balance’ supply between its consistent trade clientele and soccer fans.

“Coming out of the global recession, it is all too easy to fall into a recovery mindset of quickly getting in, making your money and then getting out after the event,” says Grant Groen, MD. “While service providers in this leisure vehicle rental segment see a golden opportunity in that they provide a combined package of both mobility and accommodation at an affordable price, the trick is to align your product with the somewhat unusual demands of the football enthusiast.”

Groen goes on to say that the company is also planning to take special measures to ensure that soccer fans over that period know that camping facilities and conditions are structured in South Africa and motorhomes cannot be parked just anywhere.

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BYGONE ERA… The Great Zimbabwe Ruins at Masvingo.

Thompsons to launch Zimbabwe overland tour Thompsons Touring and Safaris is launching a new Zimbabwe Overland Tour at Indaba this year.

The fully escorted 10-night tour starts at Harare Airport on day one, with a drive through the capital city, followed by an afternoon of leisure or an optional city tour. On day two travellers will head through the Eastern Highlands to Nyanga. Day three is spent at leisure with an option of a full-day Nyanga National Park Tour. On day four the tour will travel to Masvingo, the Ancient City, to view the ruins of Great Zimbabwe.

Day six is spent exploring the cave paintings and panoramas of the Matopo Hills. The next two days are spent in Hwange and include open-vehicle game drives in the Hwange National Park.

Before leaving Hwange for Victoria Falls on day nine, the tour stops at the Painted Dog Conservation Centre to learn about Wild Dogs and the Centre’s efforts to protect the species from extinction.

The town of Victoria Falls offers a large variety of land and water activities and attractions that can be enjoyed on the afternoon of arrival, followed by an

optional sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.

The next morning, a visit to a secluded and unspoilt Zimbabwean village to meet a traditional medicine healer and witness age-old customs and way of life is followed by a tour of the Falls. On the final day, the tour transfers to Victoria Falls Airport after breakfast.

The tour runs once a month and is in an air-conditioned sedan, mini or midi coaches, dependent on passenger numbers.

All accommodation has private facilities and most meals are included.

Updated map for Gauteng’s West Rand published West Rand Tourism in Gauteng has updated its tourism map of the West Rand area, first published and issued for Indaba 2009.

The initial West Rand Tourism map only featured the areas of Randfontein, Westonaria and Mogale City, focusing on the townships, unlike the updated map which adds the entire Cradle of Humankind area, providing a detailed overview of the tourist attractions found throughout the West Rand.

All establishments and attractions have current telephone numbers listed, along with their GPS co-ordinates.

The updated map thus provides a comprehensive ‘one-stop-shop’ information resource for visitors planning to sample the tourism delights on offer in the West Rand.

Included are all the township products that can be visited in the above areas, including Merafong City. www.tourismupdate.co.za

IN THE NEWS

more news on page 34

Jo’burg routes developed for 2010 tourists The Johannesburg Development Agency has developed five new routes for those visitors who will be staying in Johannesburg over the period of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The routes have been developed to range between two-and-a-half and four hours in total and are suitable for groups of between 10 and 22.

The tours are as follows: Mining, Financial District & Government Precinct

Newtown Arts & Cultural Tour

Starting at the Nelson Mandela Bridge, this tour continues through Gandhi Square and on to the Carlton Centre. It will incorporate the historic mining district as well as new developments such as Mapungubwe, the Dogon and Ashanti Hotels and Apartments and the Main Street Mall in which the mining heritage of the city is preserved and the history of gold clearly documented for tourists and residents to explore further.

The tour will look at public art, urban renewal and heritage in the historic Newtown Precinct established at the turn of the 20th century. This tour starts at the Nelson Mandela Bridge and ends at Zurich Insurance Building in the inner city. It incorporates Newtown, Diagonal Street, Turbine Square, the SAB World of Beer, the Workers’ Museum and Moving Into Dance.

It focuses on Arts and Culture in keeping with the rejuvenated area.

Johannesburg Inner City Urban Renewal

Sporting Precinct

Focusing on the changes within certain income groups, this tour addresses issues regarding residential, institutional and commercial structures. This tour involves mixed-use developments, as well as the city’s future plans such as the Park Station Interchange and the Gauteng Provincial Government Precinct.

Situated on the eastern side of the city, near the Coca-Cola stadium, which has been redeveloped for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, this tour explores the precinct including various sporting facilities like the Maurice Freeman Cricket Oval, the Standard Bank Arena and tennis courts. This precinct is a celebration of historic and sporting art.

Art & Eat

The Johannesburg CBD boasts the strongest public art in South Africa. There are a number of eateries that have emerged in this cosmopolitan city.

This tour allows the visitor to see various art on selected routes and also appreciate art cuisine.

It incorporates city favourites like Darkie Café, Arts on Main, Nerina Trojon, The Pink Flamingo at the Troyeville Hotel, and Gramadoelas, to name a few.

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For Free daily news updates: www.tourismupdate.co.za

IN THE NEWS

more news on page 36

Sanctuary Lodges has upgraded the main area at Stanley’s Camp in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.

There is a dedicated bar area and a new library and curio shop with shelving and display areas within the main area. Guests are also able to access the Internet on the camp’s laptop or make use of the wireless connectivity with their own laptops in the main area.

In addition, the accommodation tents, have received a mini upgrade where the front zip and flaps have been replaced with a wooden frame with gauze fronts and door entrance into the tents.

The open bathrooms also have a partition separating the toilet from the interior of the bathroom.

Sanctuary LodgeS

Sanctuary Lodges upgrades main area at Stanley’s

RELAX… The newly upgraded main area at Stanley’s Camp.

Battling to find accommodation for Indaba? South African Tourism has a comprehensive list of accommodation establishments in nearby proximity to the exhibition on its website. Visit www.indaba-southafrica.co.za and click the ‘travel and accommodation’ tab.

The Outpost introduces hiking trails The Outpost, a luxury lodge in Limpopo, part of the Southern Spoor portfolio, has introduced hiking trails.

These trails will be conducted by qualified and experienced guides and will leave in the early morning and late afternoon either from the lodge or a designated venue. In association with Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge and Mashovhela Lodge, the Outpost has also created a self-drive itinerary for more adventurous guests.

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 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 Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve P.O Box 52665, Saxonwold, 2132 South Africa

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 TU4646

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Singita introduces multi-property promotional package Singita will be highlighting one of its new products at Indaba this year – a seven-night promotional package.

The package showcases a choice of any of the four Singita lodges in the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in South Africa as well as Malilangwe Conservancy in southeastern Zimbabwe.

The package also includes flights between the South African lodges. Guests stay for two nights at Singita’s Ebony or Boulders lodges in the Sabi Sand, followed

by two nights at either Lebombo or Sweni lodges in Singita’s private concession within the Kruger National Park.

The seven-night safari ends in Zimbabwe at Singita Pamushana, the latest addition to the Singita stable of lodges.

Also to be featured at Indaba will be the release of a range of guest offerings at Singita Grumeti Reserves in the Serengeti, Tanzania, which for 2010/11 will include day tour flight options from the lodges for guests to prime migration sites. www.tourismupdate.co.za

indaba2010 TEP

For free daily news updates: www.tourismupdate.co.za

Uncovering South Africa’s hidden treasures

WELCOME… Yusuf Larney, Owner of the restaurant Bo-Kaap Kombuis, has been selected as a hidden treasure that tourists should experience in TEP’s new programme. and Nelspruit – over 100 businesses, including game lodges, B&Bs and guesthouses, tour operators, restaurants, craft markets and museums. Another four clusters have been identified and will be added in time for the FIFA World Cup. They are Mthatha and Qunu in the Eastern Cape, the west coast of the Western Cape, greater Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg.

Art & Eat Tour

Newtown Arts & Cultural Tour

Sporting Precinct Tour

enjoyed by larger operators. At the same time they provide local and international visitors with an affordable option.

In addition, TEP has partnered with large tour operator, Thebe Tourism, allowing it to access Thebe’s cutting-edge electronic reservation system.

So far, four clusters have been established in and around Soweto, Cape Town, Durban

Johannesburg Inner City Urban Renewal Tour

Mining, Financial District & Government Precinct Tour

The Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP) has launched its Hidden Treasures Programme, which will give tour operators the opportunity to send their guests to unexplored tourism products in South Africa.

The programme groups a wide variety of tourism businesses into heritage clusters within a region. The rationale behind it is clear: many of the smaller hospitality businesses such as B&Bs and guesthouses run at a mere 30 per cent to 50 per cent occupancy and most smaller wheels operators just manage to eke out a living. An individual B&B trying to sell itself on the world stage is unlikely to have the same pull as a larger operator but grouping several businesses together and branding them as a product provides similar economies of scale to those

Come experience the Johannesburg Inner City Choose one of our five routes that cover the art, culture and heritage of the City.

City of Johannesburg JDA The Bus Factory 3 President Street Newtown Johannesburg

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PO Box 61877 Marshalltown 2107

Tel +27 11 688-7851 Email info@jda.org.za www.jda.org.za TU1474SD

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PROTEA HOTELs

IN THE NEWS

NOT JUST BLACK AND WHITE… A thousand words could not describe the new Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! in Melrose Arch.

Protea heats up Melrose Arch Opening in April, Protea Hotels’ chic Fire & Ice! brand comes to Johannesburg’s Melrose Arch precinct.

The Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! will follow on the success of its predecessor in Cape Town and will signal the opening of the group’s second hotel at Melrose Arch. tourism update04.p 3/8/10 1:37 PM Page 1

“Many people are under the impression that the hotel will be a clone of Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! in Cape Town but they are in for a great surprise!

The chic décor concept is strictly under wraps,” said Danny Bryer, Marketing and Revenue Director, Protea Hotels. Offering up 197 rooms in an urban environment, this property will also

includes other facilities such as its own restaurant and a street-level deli and four multi-functional conference rooms, four meeting rooms and a business centre. Like its Cape Town counterpart, the hotel will offer three-star rates but service levels and features normally associated with a higher star grading.

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For free daily news updates: www.tourismupdate.co.za

Taj Cape Town reports good 2010 bookings Bookings are looking good for one of Cape Town’s newest five-star hotels, the R500m (€51m) Taj Cape Town, which welcomed its first guests at the beginning of the year.

Sales and Marketing Manager, Theo Cromhout, says the Taj is already fully booked for the second half of the World Cup. “We had 50 bookings within 12 hours of GDS bookings opening.”

The 176-room hotel is positioned between old and new at the top of St George’s Mall, linking St George’s Cathedral, Company Gardens and Parliament with the cafés, shops and night clubs of Long Street.

The hotel comprises three buildings: the restored SA Reserve Bank and Temple Chambers, plus a new 17-storey Towers block. The old banking hall now forms the hotel lobby with a lounge, cocktail bar, cigar bar, shops and the all-day Mint restaurant leading off it. The ground floor of the Temple Chambers now forms a finedining Indian restaurant and seafood and champagne bar.

The first floor houses seven conference and meeting rooms with the latest technology, catering for up to 110 people.

There are 11 room types, all with en-suite marble bathrooms, either in the more expensive Heritage wing or in the modern Tower, the latter with panoramic views over the city. The Taj Club floor has a private lounge and dedicated butlers.

A fitness centre, heated indoor pool, saunas and a JivaSpa offering Indian Ayurveda treatments complete the picture.

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White lion cubs a draw card for visitors to Motswari Motswari, located in Limpopo, is bound to attract flocks of visitors this year with the birth of a fourth set of white lion cubs in the Timbavati. Chris McBride, white lion specialist, says the Timbavati is the only place on earth where white lions have occurred naturally. Motswari has also reported that it will be busy over the period of the 2010 FIFA

World Cup but does still have availability for those soccer fans who want to add a safari experience on to their trip. “We are offering guests our normal high-season rates and tour operators will still get their same commission from Motswari,” says Marketing Manager, Evelyn Millard.

The Saxon extends with new villas With the purchase of an adjacent property, The Saxon boutique hotel has announced the development of three luxury villas comprising 29 additional suites.

Expected to be completed in May, the villas will more than double the establishment’s number of suites which will now total 53. Each villa will have its own pool, terrace and lounge as well as a boardroom that can be converted into a dining room, a satellite kitchen and butler service.

Villa One will offer seven interconnecting suites on one level. The suites will be similar to the open

plan design of the hotel’s popular Egoli Suites.

Villa Two and Villa Three will be two storeys each, with the ground level providing seven interconnecting suites as in Villa One. The upper level of each will contain four onebedroom Presidential Suites that can be converted into two two-bedroom Platinum Suites, as well as a Spa Suite.

Additional parking will be available with 200 underground parking bays. Each villa will have its own underground lift to transfer guests from the parking lot.

Fly Assist lends a helping hand A new company, Fly Assist, which was launched in January, offers clients professional, assisted travelling, from departure at the airport to their arrival destination and back.

The service is available to passengers with special physical and medical conditions as well as minors travelling on their own or parents travelling with infants and small children who may need assistance.

Fly Assist will meet the

client at drop off, escort them until they are safely in their seat and support the client for the duration of the flight.

On arrival, Fly Assist will help clients with collecting their luggage, moving through customs and finding transport from the airport.

According to Founder, Juanita Oosthuizen, a comprehensive questionnaire and discussion of the passenger’s needs and interests

will be conducted prior to the flight. “Every passenger who needs specialised attention during the flight will receive individualised attention geared towards his or her specific needs.” Trained professionals, such as occupational therapists with a diploma in first-aid care, provide clients with individual attention and assistance.

Fly Assist offers services for domestic flights in South Africa and international flights. www.tourismupdate.co.za

IN THE NEWS

more news on page 40

French lessons for Pezula staff South African Tourism has joined the ranks of others in social media by launching an ‘Indaba South Africa’ Facebook group. Join this group to interact with others in the Southern African tourism industry and find out news from suppliers and organisers alike.

Staff at Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa in Knysna are taking French lessons in preparation for hosting the French football team in June. Lessons started in February and will continue until the end of May. Some 150 staff members, including some of the managers from the golf club, are attending lessons twice a week for between two and four hours. Karen Brand, Human Resources Manager, said the staff were loving it. “It’s completely different to any training they have received before and although there are a couple of staff members who already know a little French, generally everyone has begun on the same level. Classes include staff members from all different departments, from front of house to kitchen, to administration.”

● Affordable Kruger Safari Camp ● Full walking safaris as well as game drives offered every morning ● Afternoon and night game drives ● Family friendly camp

reservations@africaonfoot.com ● +27 21 4218433 ● www.africaonfoot.com

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Rand Coach adds vehicles and new tours

Quarry Lake Inn adds wheelchair-friendly facilities Quarry Lake Inn’s new wheelchair-friendly facilities – including bedroom and en-suite bathroom adapted specially for disabled guests – have proved to be in high demand as the word spreads through the industry.

Idube Game Reserve welcomes all Indaba delegates and invites you to visit us on stand F004 in DEC. Email: info@idube.com and website www.idube.com TU4656

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Rand Coach Tours and Transfers is now offering a 38-seater coach for charter by its clients.

Also updated on the company’s website are rates for existing tours as well as the addition of new tours, namely a 14-day tour to Namibia in May, an annual 10-day Namaqualand Tour in late August, a six-day tour to the Spring Festival, Magoebaskloof, in September and a four-day tour to the Cherry Festival in Ficksburg in November.

Lukimbi Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park welcomes all Indaba delegates and invites them to visit us on stand F004 in DEC. For more information contact info@lukimbi.com and www.lukimbi.com TU4657

www.tourismupdate.co.za

Meikles Hotel now accepts Amex

Meikles Hotel in Harare has introduced payment by American Express credit card. The hotel now accepts both Visa and Amex.

Wild Horizons to manage and market Imbabala

Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) has announced that Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge will now be managed and marketed by Wild Horizons in Victoria Falls.

This is part of the new adventure activity development shift taking place in the tourism industry in Victoria Falls, Livingstone (Zambia) and Chobe (Botswana). As a result of this integration, AAT will no longer be involved in the management, sales and marketing of Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge.

Hilton

Sibuya River Camp refurb complete

Renovation and refurbishment at River Camp at Sibuya Tented Camp in the Eastern Cape are now complete. The camp has been closed since the middle of last year to allow the work to be undertaken. The common area is now on one level and the four en-suite tented rooms are much larger, airier and more luxurious than before. The modified layout also maximises views of the river. The camp is ideally suited for families, offering fold-out sofa beds in the suites and an entertainment tent for children.

New eco-friendly lounge opens at Sanbona

Mantis property, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve in the Western Cape, has announced the opening of its new eco-welcome lounge. On arrival at Sanbona, guests who have booked lodge transfers will be directed to the lounge where they can enjoy refreshments while waiting for their driver.

In keeping with environmental and conservation principles, the lounge is powered by wind energy and the restroom facilities are eco-friendly.

BUSINESS OR LEISURE… A newly refurbished King Suite at the Hilton Sandton.

Hilton Sandton unveils revamped guest rooms The Hilton Sandton is in the process of introducing a new level of de-luxe guest rooms for both the leisure and corporate traveller. The de-luxe suites, king and twin rooms on the hotel’s second and third floors will be completed by the end of May. The refurbished rooms offer new contemporary design principles with dedicated zones aimed at meeting the comfort and functional requirements of Hilton guests. Three zones divide the area into a work space, a relaxation space and a sleep/rest space.

“The concept of specifically differentiating these three spaces in the new rooms was vital to how the room came together from an installation point of view,” said Axel Hauser, General Manager of the Hilton Sandton. “Every item installed in the room was moulded to reflect the zone theory and how best each space would work for the guest.”

Hilton Sandton is also making substantial headway towards achieving its goal of

reducing energy consumption by 20 per cent. The refurbished rooms will consume 50 per cent less energy than previously. This reduction is made possible through the sealing of the windows to control temperature, compact fluorescent lighting and the installation of appliances in the room that draw substantially less power. The mini-bar in the room is remote controlled to run for only a few hours during the day.

The rooms offer new technologies for business travellers, allowing guests to plug their laptop display into a data point for the flat-screen TV. This, says Hauser, is ideal for businessmen who need to practise a presentation or would prefer to work on a bigger screen. The rooms offer conveniences such as UK, US and European power outlets, iron and ironing board facilities, automatic lights in the wardrobe, individual reading lights above the bed, a security safe and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

Southern African Tourism Update

Kids stay free at Ulusaba in 2010

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, has announced that children up to 11 years of age can stay free at Ulusaba in 2010 – a saving of R2 000 (€200) per child per night. Also, until May 31 as well as from July 16 to December 31, up to two children travelling with one or more adults can stay at Rock Lodge at no extra cost.

Ulusaba’s Cubs’ Club offers specially tailored programmes for children as well as family rooms. Ulusaba also recently introduced a ‘Family Sports Day’ where the whole family can get together to enjoy a picnic in the bush and participate in a variety of sports such as tug of war, water balloon fights, egg and spoon race and a three-legged race. Pride ’n Purpose and Ulusaba Cubs’ Club have joined together to find ways for children to be more involved in the local community by supporting the schools in the adjacent villages.

One of these initiatives includes giving children the opportunity to become an Ulusaba community pen pal and write to another child at a local school, helping them learn more about different cultures. There’s also the chance for Cubs to sponsor the orphanage or sponsor a tree for food.

Premier Hotel Cascades opens in East London

The Premier Hotel Cascades, located adjacent to the East London International Convention Centre (ELICC), has opened. The 261-room hotel features a spa, hi-tech gym, swimming pool, restaurant, free Wi-Fi connection, business centre, public and VIP lounges, on-site parking and 24-hour room service. Rooms range from de-luxe rooms to one-bedroom suites with their own lounges, catering for convention and touring groups as well as leisure travellers.

Sun International completes R140m upgrade in Lesotho

Sun International has announced the opening of the newly refurbished Lesotho Casino and Hotel following a R140m (€14m) upgrade that was sponsored by the hotel group and the Lesotho Government. The upgrade started last May and includes refurbishment of the casino, 158 guest rooms, the conference area, reception foyer, bars, buffet restaurant, kitchen and pool area, as well as the gym and spa. The 158 air-conditioned rooms include two royal suites, four duplex rooms and 14 luxury rooms. All guest rooms feature en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, digital safe and high-speed Internet access. Dining options consist of a buffet restaurant, two walk-up bars and room service. For business guests, the property offers conferencing facilities for up to 320 people. ■ APRIL/MAY 2010

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destinationekurhuleni EKURHULENI MUNICIPALITY

For free daily news updates: www.tourismupdate.co.za

Ekurhuleni Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, is touting itself as an ideal 2010 FIFA World Cup destination.

Nteboheng Phakisi finds out why…

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eritage and the Struggle for Freedom are the two tourism mainstays Ekurhuleni has to offer visitors during the upcoming 2010 tournament.

“Think of the Chris Hani Memorial and the OR Tambo Museum,” says Executive Manager at Ekurhuleni Tourism, NomaXhosa Jongilanga.

Chris Hani’s grave and the OR Tambo Memorial

A tour of Ekurhuleni is incomplete without a visit to the memorial sites of South Africa’s renowned anti-apartheid activists – Chris Hani, Oliver Reginald Tambo and his wife, Adelaide Tambo. The tour is complemented by a visit to Hani’s house, where he was shot. The house is open to guests who want to know more about him and his life.

The OR Tambo Memorial in Wattville is the resting place of Oliver and Adelaide Tambo. A tourist guide gives a brief background of the Tambos and then the tour can be continued to the OR Tambo Museum, which houses some of his possessions and gives a history of his life.

Tembisa Township Tour

Tembisa is an ideal place to experience township life, from the time of the political struggle to the present day. A highlight of the tour is a visit to the hostels built by the apartheid government to accommodate black migrant workers who came from rural areas to work in Johannesburg.

A tourist guide and the hostel dwellers relate stories of violence resulting from the apartheid laws and ethnic conflicts that took place from 1991-1994. Another highlight is a visit to

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Chill out… Ekurhuleni offers visitors an escape from the urban Gauteng landscape.

Emanzini – a spring that is believed to have healing powers.

Guests can enjoy lunch at The View Guest House and Conference Centre, a four-star guesthouse. After lunch, the tour continues to the Swazi Inn Corridor, where visitors can buy items ranging from shoes and clothes to hair products from informal traders. If tourists can spend 24 hours in Tembisa, suggest dancing the night away at The Caprivi Jazz Club and experiencing township jazz and South African cultural music.

The Kathorus Route

This route comprises a tour around the three most popular Ekurhuleni townships – Katlehong, Vosloorus and Thokoza.

The tour begins at Katlehong Resources Centre, which features modern township art. Ke-Ditselana Multi-cultural Village is the ideal place to experience the way of life of the various South African cultures. Guests can enjoy live cultural shows at the amphitheatre.

The village has a cultural and education centre, tourist information centre, an exhibition and African library and a curio shop.

The tour continues to Vosloorus where guests can enjoy light snacks and drinks at Norah’s Pub and Restaurant while being entertained by dancers performing cultural dances. The Kathorus Route ends at Thokoza Khumalo Street, a former battlefield for political rivals where many people lost their lives.

The Thokoza Monument, a memorial for fallen apartheid activists, houses pictures taken during the apartheid era and visitors get to read about how the apartheid laws were resisted.

Bird watching in Ekurhuleni

Kopanong Hotel hosts the South African National Bird of Prey Centre on its premises, home to species such as the African barn owls, Jackal buzzards and various species of eagles. A guide gives a detailed background of each bird.

Sarah the cheetah is also a resident at the centre and visitors are treated to a brief educational lecture about her.

Marievale Bird Sanctuary

Another birding experience for guests is this reserve consisting of a large pan, which is home to more than 300 bird species. Viewing areas include the Flamingo hide, Hadeda hide, Old Bridge and Otter hide.

The reserve’s diverse birdlife can be further explored on a self-guided trail that meanders around the pan.

The sanctuary has a conference centre that can accommodate up to 20 people and four chalets accommodating eight people. There is also a picnic site where guests can relax and view different bird species and the surrounding areas.

The Aviation Museum of South Africa

The museum at Rand Airport showcases aircraft and aviation memorabilia from South Africa and provides a detailed history of aviation, from its inception to the present day. Visitors can go inside the aircraft and a guide gives in-depth descriptions of all the exhibits.

Housed in the display hall and library is an array of artefacts, photographs and documents depicting the development of civil aviation in South Africa. ■ www.tourismupdate.co.za

destinationnamibia SXC.HU

For Free daily news updates: www.tourismupdate.co.za

Sluggish progress for grading scheme

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he gradual process of developing a new grading scheme for Namibia is still under way after four years of work by the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) with the help of the Scottish Tourism Board. At this stage there is only a draft copy of the new grading criteria, which remains unofficial as a result of limited capacity within the NTB. Gitta Paetzold, CEO of the Hospitality Association of Namibia, says although the draft copy of the new grading criteria has been accepted by the industry, delays have crept in as a result of the time it takes to train new inspectors to carry out the grading. This means that it’s unlikely the new system will be introduced ahead of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, as originally planned. “This has been a matter of grave concern to some of our establishments who feel strongly that their marketing drive is infringed upon, due to their inability to market themselves as a fully graded establishment,” says Paetzold.

Even if the new system is officially introduced before the World Cup, the actual process of star grading will take a while to complete. Paetzold says this will certainly not be in time for the Soccer World Cup. The decision was initially taken to revise Namibia’s star-grading system as the old system meant that accommodation was graded only according to tangible things such as infrastructure, food and facilities. Paetzold

Naturally Namibia From the urban appeal of Windhoek to the remote north-west, Namibia has something to suit every traveller.

Sue Lewitton unearths the latest tourism developments in this land of contrasts…

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says no consideration was given for service quality and atmosphere.

“Also, only hotels, motels, guest farms and rest camps were graded,” says Paetzold. No mention was made of lodges, resorts and pensions as they all developed after the old dispensation and ordinances of 1967 and 1974. Grading was done according to a score sheet out of 1 000 for hotels and guest farms and rest camps could only score between one and three stars. “It was thus a very rigid and superficial system and judged by a once-off inspection only.”

This grading system will remain in place until the new one is implemented. The new grading system will be voluntary as properties can opt for an extra inspection by NTB inspectors to be part of the new scheme.

The primary objectives of the new scheme include providing visitors with the means to identify accommodation establishments that provide quality of facilities and services. The scheme also aims to help establishments market themselves more effectively by providing an official independent endorsement of their accommodation.

“The new system promises to put much more emphasis on the intangible,” says Paetzold. This will include ambience, atmosphere, service and quality. “We hope that quality and service will improve drastically with the implementation of the new scheme which is based on intrinsic quality.”

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destinationnamibia

For free daily news updates: www.tourismupdate.co.za

HOTEL HEINITZBURG

IN THE NEWS

SILVER SERVICE… The refurbished restaurant at Hotel Heinitzburg.

New look for Windhoek hotel Hotel Heinitzburg in Windhoek has just completed a refurbishment of its 16 rooms. The new décor represents Windhoek in its glory days and each room differs in colour, style and decoration.

Old pictures of Windhoek and the rest of Namibia decorate the rooms, reminding guests of

the city’s vibrant history.

Leo’s at the Castle Restaurant has also been refurbished and enlarged. The restaurant still features crystal chandeliers but a splash of red has been added. The layout has been planned so that diners can take in the views of the city below.

New entrance gate for Etosha Namibia Wildlife Resorts has opened a fourth public entrance in the western section of the Etosha National Park. A fifth lodge is to be developed in the area to cater for the expected increase in visitors.

“By opening up the western section, a link will be created between the Skeleton Coast Park and Etosha, making it the biggest tourist attraction in

Namibia,” said the Namibian Tourism Board in an e-mail newsletter.

The Dolomite Zebra Camp, as it is expected to be called, will be the second facility developed inside the park using environmentally friendly building practices.

The new entrance will be the old Galton gate that leads to the Otjovasandu MET ward station.

Comair to expand into Namibia Comair will be expanding its African route network and will soon start scheduled flights from Johannesburg to Walvis Bay in Namibia.

The group was granted the rights by the South African Air Licensing Council and the flights will add to Comair’s existing

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Johannesburg-Windhoek service.

“The granting of the new licence will bring much-needed competition to the regional African routes, which have been dominated by governmentowned airlines. This increased competition will also make for more competitive fare

pricing, improvement in service levels and additional choice for customers,” said Stuart Cochrane, Comair’s Executive Manager for Sales and Route Development.

Comair is in the process of finalising schedules for the new route.

Starry nights at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge &Beyond’s Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in the NamibRand Nature Reserve has finished work on its observatory, complete with a Meade LX200R 12-inch telescope for stargazing.

The lodge has one of the world’s five darkest skies. The nearest town is 140km away, meaning there are no sources of light pollution. The clearest skies are in winter, from April to October. During this time, guests will be able to view the Milky Way, with star clusters, galaxies and the southern constellations of Scorpius and Sagittarius.

However, summer also offers guests a huge selection of night sights.

Caroline Beevis, the resident astronomer at Sossusvlei, says: “There is an amazing array of southern celestial objects to view through the telescope in summer, including the stunning globular cluster known as 47 Tucanae, a several-billionyear-old cluster of over a million stars.” www.tourismupdate.co.za

KHOWARIB LODGE

Protea Hotel Moon Mountain Lodge opened The new four-star Protea Hotel Moon Mountain Lodge has opened en-route to Sossusvlei.

The property features 12 luxury chalets and five honeymoon suites, all with plunge pools and views of the surrounding landscapes. The main complex has a bar, a 42-seat restaurant, library, media room and elevated sun deck. The lodge is situated en-route to Sossusvlei, 40km from the main gate.

Hobas Viewpoint gets new look Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) and the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism have announced changes to Hobas Viewpoint.

The vantage point to the Fish River Canyon currently has modest huts that provide shade for visitors, but once the redevelopment is complete it will offer more shade as well as more seating and picnic options for visitors to the area.

The project is expected to be completed by May.

Open-top bus tours now available in Windhoek Open-top bus sightseeing has been introduced to Windhoek with the launch of the Sense of Africa City Bus. An open-air double-decker has been restored and will be used for two-hour-long tours for tourists to take in the historical, cultural and architectural aspects of the city.

Tourists will view

Tintenpalast, the Alte Feste, the shebeens of Katutura, Klein Windhoek Funkytown and the old location, the architecture of Independence Avenue and a panoramic view of the city.

Tours depart twice daily, at 09h30 and 14h30 from the Independence Avenue parking area. Sundowner tours will be introduced at a later stage.

SECLUSION… The newly developed Khowarib Lodge.

New lodge for remote north-west Namibia A new lodge, Khowarib Lodge, has opened in Kaokoland, in the remote north-west of Namibia.

The property lies on the banks of the Hoanib River in the Khowarib Gorge. It has 14 canvas chalets projecting on stilts over the river bed. The chalets each have either a twin or double bed, and each has a viewing platform.

From the lodge, guests can explore the north-west of Namibia, either independently or on one of the lodge’s guided tours. These include searches for desert elephant in the Hoanib River area, rhino tracking, nature walks, cultural experiences with the indigenous, nomadic Himbas, half-day birding drives and rock art excursions. ■

Conservancy Safaris launches new Namibian safari circuit Conservancy Safaris has launched its new high-quality safari circuit operated in five conservancies in the Kunene region of Namibia, on the south-west coast of Africa.

This innovative tourism initiative is supported by the IRNDC and WWF and the local people have done much to protect the region with the long-term goal of conservation.

Additionally, this new safari experience is 100 per cent owned by the local Himba/Herero communities, which signals an exciting new business model for the safari industry.

“Conservancy Safaris appeals to the discerning traveller who wants to make his or her ecological footprint count by taking part in one of the most successful community conservation initiatives in Africa,” explains CEO, Russell Vinjevold. “Our guests are looking to avoid a prepackaged

holiday and seek a real African experience. The combination of exceptional quality, wildlife, and authentic cultural interaction combine to create a totally new Southern Africa safari experience.”

This extensive partnering during the product development process and local empowerment throughout the safari experience have created an open environment in which the local community is thrilled to share their world with travellers.

Activities include exploring these remote areas, both on foot and in vehicles; searching for desert-adapted lions and elephants; joining wildlife releases; rhino tracking; visiting local traditional leaders and villagers and participating in their everyday activities and celebrations.

The participating conservancies are Puros, Orupembe, Sanitatas, Okonjombo and Marienfluss.

Southern African Tourism Update

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destinationnorthwest SA TOURISM

For Free daily news updates: www.tourismupdate.co.za

The golden ciTy Tyy...

Ty ... For decades Sun city was synonymous with fun, glitz and glamour. But operators say its glamour is fading.

Has the sun set on Sun City?

I It’s too artificial for a country blessed with natural beauty

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nternational tour operators claim they have grown tired of Sun City, an attraction that in its heyday drew thousands to its gates. In Tourism Update’s Marketing Index, conducted in conjunction with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) and Grant Thornton, Sun City was ranked as one of Southern Africa’s destinations with the worst feedback from clients.

In last November’s Marketing Index, tour operators said Sun City had become over commercialised and tired and that service levels were not up to scratch. In January this year, operators said it had also become overpriced.

Many overseas operators say they no longer include Sun City in their itineraries. Martina Freyer, Owner of Germany-based Uhambo eAfrica Touristik GmbH, says she only rarely sends clients to Sun City, usually golfers, and only when requested. “Sun City is out of the normal travelling route and is too artificial for a country that is blessed with natural beauty wherever one goes,” says Freyer. “It’s no

wonder that most guests are disappointed by four huge hotel complexes in the middle of nowhere – if they expect a little Las Vegas, as Sun City is often named, then they have definitely come with the wrong expectations.”

Negative comments from clients are also on the rise, says John Knighton, Sales and Marketing Manager for UK-based African Pride. In a recent example, one of his clients said they found Sun City “a bit disappointing and not how we remembered it”. The complaint went on to state that the attraction had gone down market, hotels were running at low occupancies and that food was of an unacceptable standard.

Despite leisure tourists increasingly choosing to stay away from Sun City, tour operators believe there is still a significant market for the attraction, just not with the majority of their clients. James Westrip, Owner of UK-based Africa Collection, says Sun City is great for big conferences and keen golfers. Freyer agrees and says her clients feel the golf courses remain among the best in the country. www.tourismupdate.co.za

Digging into the Platinum Province Despite being off the typical tourist route, the North West Province has more than its fair share of interesting tourists attractions. Sue Lewitton gets the lowdown on a few…

MADIKWE RIVER LODGE

IN THE NEWS

TRANQUILLITY… The Madikwe River Lodge on the banks of the Groot Marico River.

Upgrade for Madikwe River Lodge Madikwe River Lodge, on the banks of the Groot Marico River, has begun work on a major refurbishment programme for its Main Lodge, which will continue for the next five months.

The revamp involves demolition of the existing bathrooms of the property’s 16 splitlevel suites. An open-view window will be added along with new bathroom fittings and fixtures.

The bedrooms will also undergo a mini upgrade with the addition of new soft furnishings, the repainting of the interior and

exterior of the rooms, new light fittings and wall prints. The exterior deck of the lodge will get new chairs and tables.

The lodge says the strict protocol of the North West Parks will be followed during the revamp, with no negative impact on the surrounding ecology. Noise levels will be minimal as no heavy machinery will be used.

Normal guest services, amenities and game activities will not be disturbed or affected by the work.

Fair Trade seal of approval for Tuningi Safari Lodge Fair Trade in Tourism (FTTSA) has just certified Tuningi Safari Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve, bringing Madikwe Collection’s total of certified lodges to three. Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge and Thakadu River Lodge received Fair Trade in Tourism status in late 2009.

FTTSA rewards fair and responsible business practice

by South African tourism establishments. The qualifying criteria include fair wages Southern African Tourism Update

and working conditions; fair operations; purchasing and distribution benefits; ethical business practice; and respect for human rights, culture and the environment.

“Receiving Fair Trade status is indeed an honour of the highest order and reflects the ethos of fairness and the ‘give-back’ philosophy that underpins not only our community-owned lodges but all the establishments in the

Madikwe Collection,” says Kate Naughton, Marketing Director for The Madikwe Collection. “Fair trade practices benefit the lodges as well as the communities. The FTTSA stamp of approval puts these three lodges on the global Fair Trade map, providing them with a key differentiator and opening up a new market of Fair Trade followers and community-minded tourists. It makes good business sense.”

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destinationnorthwest PROTEA HOTELS

For free daily news updates: www.tourismupdate.co.za

Protea Hotel Mafikeng upgrades The four-star Protea Hotel Mafikeng has recently upgraded the wooden flooring in all its rooms as well as installed a water purifying system and a solar power system.

The hotel has 99 air-conditioned and en-suite rooms, a 70-seater restaurant and a Coffee and Cocktail bar. The conference venue, fully equipped, seats up to 100 delegates.

POOLSIDE… An exterior view of the Protea Hotel Mafikeng.

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 TU1144SD

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Seeff offers central accommodation for 2010 In anticipation of the 450 000 projected visitors for the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup expected over June and July, Seeff Properties is bridging the accommodation gap by offering houses for lease on Pecanwood Golf Estate as well as Birdwood and Xanadu security estates.

Seeff Properties has teamed up with Manchester United and England soccer player, Gary Bailey, who will be marketing Seeff accommodation to his contacts in the United Kingdom and Europe as part of an exclusive agreement with the estate agency.

“These estates are located near Hartbeespoort Dam and are ideally situated less than an hour’s drive from several of the main stadiums – Soccer City, Ellis Park, Loftus and the Rustenburg Stadium in North West Province,” says Graham Blanckenberg, MD for Seeff Properties Hartbeespoort.

Those visitors who want to experience more than

just soccer are an easy drive from major attractions such as Sun City, the Big Five Pilanesberg National Park, the Elephant Sanctuary and De Wildt Cheetah Sanctuary in Hartbeespoort, says the agency, “and can enjoy a game of golf at one of the many golf courses in the vicinity”.

The homes on offer within the estates range from three to six bedrooms and can be leased for a period of a week or up to two months.

Seeff Properties’ Meet and Greet team will be on hand to ensure guests are welcomed at the resorts, provided with an information pack detailing the various attractions in the area and how to go about booking a tour or activity.

A daily maid service is also provided. The houses available for lease will be listed on the dedicated Seeff 2010 website and accommodation options can be viewed and booked online. www.tourismupdate.co.za

Royal Marang Hotel joins An African Anthology

Facelift for Tau Tau Game Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve has just upgraded several chalets. The rooms have been enlarged as well as refurbished. The lounge and dining areas also underwent a soft refurbishment.

The Royal Marang Hotel at the Bafokeng Sports Campus has joined An African Anthology’s portfolio.

The hotel can accommodate 164 people in 82 rooms, consisting of 76 standard rooms, four Presidential suites and two King suites.

The rooms are in two separate wings – one for the visiting public and one for dignitaries, celebrities

Looking for Rustenburg transfers?

Listed as one of the host cities for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Rustenburg, which lies close to the hub of Johannesburg, has been touted as problematic for fans looking to get there.

Below is a list of ground operators that will be offering transfers to Rustenburg over the period of the tournament: ● African Outposts – reservations@africanoutposts.co.za ● Wilro Tours & Transfers – reservations@wilrotours.co.za ● Astra Tours – hilaryc@astratravel.co.za ● A2Btransfers.com – admin@a2btransfers.com ● Gauteng Tour Operators’ Association – gatoa.info@gmail.co.za ● West Chauffeurs – info@westchauffeurs.com ● Cook’s Air Tours & Safaris – william@cooksairtours.co.za ● Bono Tours and Safaris – info@bonosafaris.com ● Safari Lodge Shuttle – info@safarilodgeshuttle.co.za

SATU Ad 7/6/09 2:02 PM Page 1

and sports professionals.

Room facilities include kingsize beds, plasma TVs, luxury bathrooms, tea- and coffeemaking facilities and mini bar, Internet access and international plug converters.

In the main hotel there is a leisure gym for recreational use, featuring state-of-the-art fitness equipment. The hotel also has a spa and sauna. ■ C

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Two pygmy hippos for Kedar comfort, careful preparation of a natural habitat for the hippos took place at Kedar, together with partners at the Pretoria and Johannesburg zoos and the Cango Wildlife Ranch. Kedar hopes to develop a successful pygmy hippo breeding programme. At present the only known breeding pairs are in zoos.

KEDAR COUNTRY HOTEL

Kedar Country Hotel, Conference Centre & Spa on Boekenhoutfontein, the farm of former president, Paul Kruger, has released two young pygmy hippos in their grounds.

Pygmy hippos are an endangered species with a population of about 3 000 worldwide. To ensure their

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thegoalpost A round-up of everything about football going on in and around South Africa in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

SA airports ready for World Cup Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has reported on its readiness for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and has finalised its plans to facilitate the flow of passengers, which will be above the normal capacity of the airports.

Acsa says to date projects at OR Tambo International, the key entry point, have been completed. At Cape Town International Airport the departures level is 80 per cent complete. The reconfigured and upgraded access roads, multi-storey parkade and central terminal building were due to be completed in March.

King Shaka International Airport will be operational on May 1.

Acsa also said that smaller airports were seen as an integral part of the overall aviation network.

“Many of them will also play a significant role during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. A runway revamp and terminal expansion at Bloemfontein International Airport are complete, the terminal upgrade and expansion at East London Airport are almost complete as are the terminal upgrades and expansions at Kimberley and Upington airports. A runway refurbishment at Port Elizabeth International Airport is also complete.”

Acsa expects the ‘golden triangle’ routes, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, to be the busiest throughout the tournament. Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth airports are expected to be busy on match days.

To accommodate the additional traffic, Acsa is building temporary terminal buildings at these two airports.

However, Chris Hlekane, GM OR Tambo International, said to complete the operational plan, finalisation of ticket sales indicating the volume of international spectator purchases, confirmation of accommodation by spectator groups and airline slot uptake for the period of the World Cup, were still required.

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Diski! Diski!

Cape Town Tourism recently celebrated only 100 days to go for the 2010 FIFA World Cup by organising a mass Diski Dance outside the new Greenpoint Stadium. Lianne Burton, Spokesperson for Cape Town Tourism, said: “In just over three months, Cape Town will be on the centre stage of the sporting world. Now, more than ever we need to join in their enthusiasm in welcoming our visitors.”

Tourism Update Online has launched a ‘2010 Good Guys’ initiative that allows operators to search for those tourism suppliers that are not being overly greedy for the period of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and are offering reasonable rates. Listed suppliers in this database include mainly accommodation establishments, tour operators and tourist attractions. Log on to www.tourismupdate.co.za/2010GoodGuys.aspx to see what you could find for your FIT clients over that period.

Avis is ready for kick-off Avis Rent a Car has placed its final vehicle orders for the Soccer World Cup period and plans to increase its fleet by around 10 per cent to 15 per cent compared with the same period last year.

According to Wayne Duvenage, Avis Chief Executive, the company’s fleet requirement has been largely based on projections relating to the number of inbound visitors to South Africa during the 2010 FIFA World Cup combined with clearer insight into the reduced local segment’s travel plans during the event.

Duvenage said Avis expected a significant drop

in demand by the local corporate market during the event and was therefore releasing a “sizeable” portion of its fleet for visitors and fans. He added that the challenge was to call the expected number of visitors, with predictions ranging between 150 000 and 450 000.

The company also stated that it would not be overpricing its products for the World Cup period and that normal price yielding would be in effect. “Rates will be no higher than is the case during local peak demand events such as the Cape Argus and summer season demand.” www.tourismupdate.co.za

Jo’burg to host sport tourism expo

Soccer’s City Soccer City in Johannesburg is the flagship stadium for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and will host the opening and final ceremonies of the tournament. This stadium was redeveloped especially for the World Cup and is meant to represent a pot on a fire by night when it is lit up. Located in southern Johannesburg it can be accessed from main highways. Around the stadium, hotels and other facilities have been developed for the tournament.

Two million tickets sold for 2010 FIFA World Cup After three of the five ticketing sales phases for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, twothirds of the available tickets have been sold.

The third ticketing sales phase, which concluded with a random draw for oversubscribed matches on February 1, saw a total of 1 206 865 applications received from 192 countries.

Six matches are currently oversubscribed (in all categories), among them the semi-finals and the final.

There was huge interest

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D A O uurberg Mountain Village once again opens her C • E A S T E R N heart and welcomes you home to the spectacular beauty of the surroundings and the 360˙ views over the Addo Elephant NP. Refurbished in an Edwardian architectural style, our village exudes a sense of welcoming and charm. The rich historic heratige, attentive staff and the country cuisine will ensure your stay will be filled with memories. A large variety of activities on offer, will infuse your days with enjoyment and laughter.

Come to Zuurberg Mountain Village and experience hospitality in a new light.

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Reports of sluggish sales for 2010 Fifa World Cup tickets and the release of thousands of rooms by MATCH have caused concerns that the event may yield very disappointing results for the local tourism industry.

Despite this, many are optimistic that South Africa will experience a last-minute surge in demand for tickets. We asked our Tourism Update Online readers whether they were holding out hope for a surge in last minute bookings.

The vote was almost evenly split, with the majority (51%) of respondents saying they were not holding out hope for a surge in last-minute bookings, while the remaining 49 per cent were.

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(15 523), Mexico (14 804), Germany (14 647) and Brazil (10 767). Increased interest was also noted in the neighbouring countries of South Africa – Botswana leading with 2 519 ticket applications followed by Mozambique (1 795) and Namibia (1 191).

The next ticketing sales phase started on February 9 and ends on April 7. During these 58 days more than 400 000 tickets will be made available on a first-come, firstserved basis.

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from South African residents, who accounted for 79 per cent of the total applications received (958 381) in this phase. This represents an increase of 24,9 per cent in applications from South African residents in the third sales phase when compared with the earlier ticketing stages.

Apart from the host country, the USA led the ticketing standings for the third phase with 50 217 applications, followed by the UK (41 529), Australia

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Johannesburg is set to host the World Sport Destination Expo in July in the midst of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The expo is the first global business forum dedicated to showcasing the full spectrum of sport tourism-related products and services, say organisers. “The landmark exhibition and conference programme will give centre ground to the most rapidly growing sector in the global travel and tourism industry. At a time when some traditional tourism trends are in decline, sport tourism continues to flourish – currently worth an astonishing US$600 billion a year – and is set to grow exponentially in the next decade.”

Co-located alongside the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Johannesburg, the world’s most sought-after sporting destinations, bidding cities and nations, resorts and hotels, tour operators, specialist event organisers, sporting bid committees, financial investors and elite buyers will meet to showcase their capabilities and sell and sign new contracts over five dedicated business days from July 5-9.

World Sport Destination Expo attendance is strictly by VIP invitation and only qualified industry buyers, sporting bodies and leading suppliers will be permitted to attend the business-to-business days on July 5-7.

Invitations for attendance on July 8-9 will be extended to the wider sport tourism industry.

Sion Rapson, Director – Global Business World Sport Destination Expo, says sports tourism is the fastest growing tourism sector in recent years, with a projected growth of 14 per cent for 2010. He says it can be divided into two sectors: mega events such the FIFA World Cup, and participatory sports tourism such as holidays that include sports activities.

Rapson says a growing trend is for more active holidays that involve sports, for example a golfing holiday where the whole family is involved. He also says that this type of tourist is more likely to stay longer and have a greater spend per person.

T. +27 (0)42 233 8300 • e-m. zuurberg@addo.co.za • www.addo.co.za TU1470SD

APRIL/MAY 2010

l 51

fromsatsa

mooreontourism

Tourism on show

Three trees on a hill

W

The peace and quiet are almost like an extra guest.

hatever I expected, it wasn’t this. The place was Three Tree Hill Lodge and I had a vague idea it was close to the famous Boer War battlefield of Spionkop. Getting there took two and a half hours from Durban, with a final flourish on a short dirt road.

The setting is rather spectacular – to the west is the lilac-hued cut out of the Drakensberg massif, to the east is the broken line of Spionkop Hill.

But I had eyes only for the cluster of dark-green buildings under graceful paper-bark thorn trees. It was extraordinary – as if I had stumbled upon something out of White Mischief, where you expect an old-fashioned gramophone to be playing a Chopin prelude and a leaping Jack Russell terrier greeting you at the gate.

A series of small chalets, corrugated-iron on the outside, cream-painted tongue-and-groove panelling on the inside, peaked roofs and ceiling fans, cool polished cement floors, sash windows, wide wrap-around verandahs and French doors – the buildings reminded me irresistibly of a diamondrush town from the last century-but-one that had gone astray and settled comfortably in the breeze-stirred hills around Ladysmith.

The other-worldly feel of the place is underscored by solid old-fashioned furniture – the kind of pick ’n mix that would be found in a Boer War command post.

This is Cecil John Rhodes on campaign: claw-footed baths, olive-oil soaps, candlesticks and dishes of bath salts. There is an unobtrusive luxury, an attention to detail, which is most gratifying – a tiny fridge in the room with fresh milk for your coffee, generous plug points, the bowl of fresh fruit, the library of dog-eared books, the basket of swim towels in the spacious walk-in cupboard. There are fireplaces and hot-water bottles for the chilly nights, and insect repellent for the summer mosquitoes.

What I liked most about the lodge were the communal meals around a long scrubbed dining-room table, where guests could chat about the day’s tours while tucking in to extraordinarily good food.

The second-best part is the swimming pool recessed into a wooden deck under a vast paper-bark tree, tactfully away from the chalets and with the most stupendous view of valleys and hills.

The lodge is about the Boer War – or more specifically the Siege of Ladysmith. Guests come here who not only want to visit the battlefields but would also like to live the lifestyle of 100 years ago.

A unique attraction at Three Tree Hill is a horseback tour of Spionkop. The trail winds out from the lodge, with the brooding and dramatic line of the Drakensberg on the left, the peaks silhouetted against the sky from the Sentinel right down to Giant’s Castle.

But apart from the battles and the history that soak into the very soil around the lodge, this is also an admirable place for a mere escape from the rat race. The peace and quiet is almost like an extra guest, with small sounds like the clicking of the corrugated iron as it heats and cools; the twitter of birds, the far-off yip of a jackal. The lodge overlooks the Spionkop Game Reserve, so there is plenty of game and bird viewing from the verandah, if not closer up.

Equidistant from Johannesburg and Durban, this is a small and intimate lodge with impeccable service, an old-fashioned ambience in the best possible way – the added frisson of history, enough activities to keep one busy for a few days but a relaxed atmosphere that lends itself to putting feet up on the verandah with a good book or a chatty companion.

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Meetings Africa was a great event. The show itself has grown over the year, and is a serious event, with some serious buying and negotiating. But it was the surrounding events that have turned it into a mad week of must-do activities. The conference had a number of useful speakers, and helped to launch the additional marketing pillar of sports tourism, to complement the existing pillars of business tourism and leisure tourism.

Sports fits in nicely with attracting mega events, and with 2010 almost upon us, shows the long term of keeping our shiny new stadiums busy. We have proved our abilities in hosting massive and complex conferences, plus hosting key sporting events like the Rugby, Cricket and now Soccer world cups, and specials such as the IPL – hosted very successfully with little more than three weeks’ lead-time; at exactly the same time as arranging the Confed Cup and the British and Irish Lions tour!

We have the skill, willpower and infrastructure to go to the world as a sports and events destination.

The scope of the support within cabinet was made clear by the attendance of the deputy minister and DG of Sport and Recreation.

But the most important event was by far the inaugural T20 meeting, called by the new and dynamic Secretary General of UNWTO, Taleb Rifai.

His goal is to finally give travel & tourism the recognition it deserves in world economic thinking, and also to make clear the possibilities that tourism has to help rebuild the global economy. The event called together the tourism ministers of the G20 economies, as well as from other countries, and get tourism on the map, instead of being perceived as a fluffy niche business.

And also to realise the duty of governments to reduce throwing up hindrances to the growth of tourism and the efficient flow of people. More power to the SecGen’s elbow! And full marks to our own minister Van Schalkwyk for seizing the opportunity and hosting the very first of these significant events in South Africa – keeping SA firmly within the G20 and keeping our industry in the mainstream.

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

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