Travel 2014 summer by Black Business News Group

2 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

In This Issue…

Features

7 Travel Industry News 12 Star Alliance Convention Plus 16 Four Seasons Getting Down to Business 20 Memorial Tourism: Face of Freedom 24 Africa’s Top Lodging 28 City Lodge Brand Expanding East

30 Travel Africa: What to do, Where to go 35 Carry-On Tips Africa Travel Resources 36 787 for Kenya Airways 39 1 Million Tourists Expected in Zambia in 2014 40 Bike Tourism in Africa 42 Rwanda’s Akarusho Red Wine

45 4-Star Hotel for Dar es Salaam 46 Building International Attendance 49 Kenya’s Elephants Endangered 50 Cruise News 53 Travel Tools 62 I’m Black and I Travel LAX To Africa 70 Golf Africa

Culture

74 African Cuisine Food Culture in SubSaharan Africa by Fran Osseo-Asare

Kenya Airways 3 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

78 Good Travel Reads Science Fiction as E-Books by Octavia E. Butler

Connecting the USA to West Africa and Beyond

4 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2013

From the Publisher...

Earl “Skip” Cooper, II - Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Black Business News Group Sarah Harris - Associate Editor Narishima Osei - Production Manager Sarah Harris, Phallu Morgan - Graphics La Sandra Stratton - Content Administrator Lion Communications - Layout/Typesetting Black Business News Group P.O. Box 43159 Los Angeles, CA USA 90043 1-323-291-7819 info@blackbusinessnews.net www.blackbusinessnews.net View the publication at: www.bbala.org / Black Business News

his is something; to board one of the big planes to see and do Africa. To sit on the veranda of a wilderness camp tent and watch an Elephant family strole by. Yeah, this isight alonge is worth flying across the globe for. The Black Business News Group’s Travel Africa is all about enticing you to get on that air plane and visit Africa, any and all parts of Africa. In this issue we show bits Earl “Skip” Cooper, II and pieces of Kenya, Namibia, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Morocco, Zambia and more. Black Business News Group As always we include our listing of the continent’s golf facilities and a listing of some of the tourism sites in each nation. Let us know if we have enticed you to take that long flight. Send us your adventure story and maybe we will publish your tale. And thanks for reading our publication. 

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, Namibia 5 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

6 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Travel Industry News Google Calendars

oogle Calendar recently added 30 additional calendars of countryspecific and religion-specific holidays. To access this new set

previously unavailable insights that create a true competitive advantage. Read a more detailed article on Survey Anyplace on page 16.  www.meetings-conventions.com/ Savvy/Programming/SimplifiedSurveys/?cid=eltrMCSavvy

Routes Africa 2014

of calendars, go to www.google. com/calendar, click the dropdown menu next to “Other” calendars, and select “browse interesting calendars.” Several African nations are included in the listing. Contact Google to request the nation on which you would like to have some information. 

n 2014 Routes will return to Africa, June 22-24, to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls, which is a major resort easily accessible by air, road and rail, lies on the southern bank of the Zambezi River at the western end of the Victoria Falls themselves. For centuries, known and deemed sacred by the local Tonga people, as Mosi-oa-Tunya, (the smoke that thunders); this Natural World

www.google.com/calendar

Mobile Survey Tool Captures Travellers Feelings The mobile interactive survey and quiz tool Survey Anyplace (http://surveyanyplace.com) lets people provide real-time feedback with their smartphone or tablet as they’re experiencing a product, service or event. The app-less mobile surveys and quizzes provide

Wonder is shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia. This will offer a spectacular backdrop to Routes Africa, for Airports, Airlines, Tourism Authorities, Policy Leaders and Aviation Stakeholders who are interested in flying to, from and within the region to meet, do business and plan for the future.  www.traveldailymedia.com/ events/202361/routes-africa-2014

Qatar Airways 7 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Expansion Qatar Airways will expand its presence in Africa with the launch of direct services to Djibouti from Doha. The thrice-weekly non-stop flights will commence from 27 July 2014. The airline has also announced the launch of scheduled flights to Philadelphia and Larnaca in April; Edinburgh and Istanbul Sabiha in

May; Miami and Tokyo Haneda in June and Dallas/Fort Worth in July. The Doha – Djibouti route will be served with an Airbus A320 featuring up to 12 seats in business class and up to 132 seats in economy. The airline will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The flight QR1437 departs Doha at 0010 hrs, arriving in Djibouti at 0255 hrs. The return flight QR1438 will depart Djibouti at 0355 hrs, arriving in Doha at 0700 hrs.  www.traveldailymedia.com/205375/qatarairways-expands-africa-presence

Emrates Grows Africa Network

he carrier will expand services in Africa’s most populous country Nigeria, with the start of a daily linked see Travel Industry News on page 8

Travel Industry News from page 7

service to Abuja and Kano from 1 August 2014. The route will be serviced by an Airbus A340-500 offering a total of 258 seats in a three class configuration; 12 in First Class, 42 in Business Class and 204 in Economy Class. The announcement follows Emirates’ recent milestone of 10 years of successful operations to Lagos, to which the airline flies twice daily, and with joining the network, Emirates will now fly to 26 destinations in Africa. Further testament to the growing importance of Nigeria as a key Emirates market, Emirates Holidays, the tour-operating arm of Emirates, last December opened a dedicated retail office and call centre in Lagos in partnership with Tour Brokers International (TBI) Ltd, who was appointed Preferred Sales Agency (PSA) for Nigeria.  www.traveldailymedia.com/203309/abujalatest-addition-to-emirates-network

GBTA 2014

he Business Travel Event of the Year®. Network and learn with nearly 7,000

industry professionals eager to form connections and swap ideas. Be a part of the production – come experience Business In Motion. Business travel professionals from all facets of the industry and all parts of the world will gather, bringing their ideas, inventions, innovations and discoveries with them. 360 days of the year we all push forward in different directions, but July 26-30th, we will advance as one. Accelerate with us —come to GBTA Convention 2014 and experience Business In Motion.  www.gbta.org/Pages

Sousse Marriott Hotel Nejma 2017 This new Marriott hotel marks the company’s aggressive growth plans for Africa. The signing will bring total number of announced properties joining Marriott International’s Middle East and Africa portfolio by 2018 to 46 – 26 of which will be in Africa. It is also the company’s second announced property in Tunisia following the164-all-suite Ritz-Carlton Tunis-Carthage which is due to open in late 2015. The Nejma landmark is an upscale retail and residential mixed-use project that will be built city central, granting the upcoming Sousse Marriott Hotel Nejma a seafront location. Sousse is a major tourist destination in Tunisia and it is also an important industrial hub in the country. The hotel will have 220 rooms and suites, four restaurant outlets 8 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

(including a casual restaurant and a specialty restaurant); and a large lobby lounge. Recreational facilities will include a health club, Spa and pool. The hotel will also offer enough meeting space with a ballroom, individual meeting rooms and a boardroom.  www.traveldailymedia. com/201198/marriott-internationalaccelerates-african-expansion

Marriott Completes Protea Acquition

arriott International (www.marriott.com) has completed its acquisition of the 166-hotel Protea Hospitality Group, and in the process became the largetst hotel company in Africa, according to Marriott. The

deal gives Marriott another 10,148 rooms across seven African countries. Marriott’s pipeline for the region now consists of more than 65 hotels, or 14,300 rooms. The acquisition includes the Protea Hotels brand, as well as Protea Hotel Fire and Ice! (www.proteahotels.com/fire-andice/Pages/default.aspx) and the African Pride Hotels Collection (www.africanpridehotels.com).  www.meetings-conventions. com/News/Hotels-and-Resorts/ Marriott-Completes-ProteaAcquisition/?cid=eltrMidWeek

Protea Added to Marriott Reservation Booking System Marriott International (www. marriott.com) has added the 116 Protea hotels to the company’s global reservations booking system and Marriott.com. This

www.konyagi.co.tz

includes booking for the Protea brand, Protea Fire & Ice! (www. proteahotels.com/fire-and-ice/ Pages/default.aspx) and African Pride Hotels Collection (www. africanpridehotels.com).  www.meetings-conventions. com/News/Hotels-andResorts/Marriott-AddsProtea-to-ReservationsSystem/?cid=eltrMidWeek

American Express Spins Off Global Business Travel Entity American Express (www. americanexpress.com) has closed on its joint venture deal with a group of investors led by investment firm Certares to spin off American Express Global Business Travel as a separate entity, with each

party owning a 50% stake. The new company will focus heavily on technology innovation.  www.meetings-conventions.com/ News/Business-Travel/AmericanExpress-Closes-Joint-VentureDeal/?cid=eltrMidWeek

“New” Carry-on Luggage Guidelines American, Delta and United airlines recently announced new carry-on luggage size guidelines. The required dimensions are: 9 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

less than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high. One product that fits the new stringent dimensions is TravelPro’s Platinum Magna 21-Inch Expandable Spinner Suiter.  www.meetings-conventions.com/ Savvy/Business-Travel/RightSized-Carry-On/?cid=eltrMCSavvy

Hilton to Offer Expanded Check-In Features Using mobile devices, tablets and computers, guests at Hilton Worldwide hotels soon will have the ability to check-in and choose their exact room from digital floor plans, as well as customize their stay by purchasing upgrades and making special requests

Uber For Business in Nigeria and South Africa

Travel Industry News from page 9

for items to be delivered to their rooms. By the end of 2014, the technology will be available at more than 4,000 Hilton Worldwide properties across 11 brands in 80-plus countries via members’ Hilton HHonors accounts. “For nearly a century, our guests have counted on us to consistently deliver exceptional experiences around the world, and in today’s digitally connected culture, that means providing them with more choice and control over their hotel stay through technology,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, Hilton Worldwide.  www.meetings-conventions. com/News/Hotels-and-Resorts/ Hilton-to-Give-GuestsUnprecedented-Check-InAccess/?cid=eltrMidWeek

Uber for Business (www.uber. com) has been launched, allowing employees who use the rideshare service to bill their trips

directly to their companies. For businesses, employers create a business account, linking the payment method of choice, and add employees to the account; once added, employees will automatically receive an e-mail invitation to join their team or company Uber account. Trip information and other key metrics, such as the number of trips and the total amount spent on travel on a weekly, monthly and annual basis, are available for administrators. Uber rides are available in more than 90 U.S. cities and 42 countries. In Africa, the service is

operative in Lagos, Nigeria and Johnnesburg, Durbin and Cape Town, South Africa.  www.meetings-conventions. com/News/Transportation/Uberfor-Business-Now-Availablein-90-U-S--Cities-and-42Countries/?cid=eltrMidWeek

Marriott Set to Up Sites in Africa by 2020 Marriott’s International President Arne Sorenson announced their intent to grow its presence in Africa to 150 hotels by 2020. The announcement was made during the August 2014 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, DC. Marriott currently operates 130 properties on the continent making it the largest U.S.hotel company in Africa.  www.meetings-conventions. com/News/Hotels-and-Resorts/ Marriott-CEO-to-Speak-at-USAfrica-Business-Forum-ThisWeek/?cid=eltrMidWeek

www.travel-42.com

10 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Monrovia, Liberia www.rljkendejaresort.com

First-class amenities catering to international leisure travelers. For the business minded traveler, the RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas offers full service business amenities along with meeting and function space for business and personal events. Amenities include ocean front beach, pool, spa, dining room, and relaxing bar.

SAFARI SUPREME The Finest in Safari Travel Enjoy an adventure of a lifetime. Bring a friend, share a memory.

Sign up with: Julien Dothard P.O. Box 1736, Hollywood, CA 90078 E-mail: dothard@sbcglobal.net Phone: 1-818-419-8639 11 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Star Alliance Enhances Conventions Plus Program

tar Alliance, the way the Earth connects, has improved its Conventions Plus product for delegates and organisers. Delegates have a wider range of fares to select from, the booking fee for the online tool has been eliminated, organisers benefit from a new support programme and a more simplified contracting scheme has been introduced. The choice of fares available to delegates at a discount has been extended through the inclusion of more booking classes, with applicable discount levels now ranging between four and 20 percent. In principle the higher value booking classes attract a larger reduction than the lower ones. For example, the discount off a Business Class fare booked in “C” class will be greater than the one applicable to an Economy Class fare booked in “Q” or “W” class. As the fares can be interlined among the participating Star Alliance member airlines, delegates can choose from more flights when travelling to their selected convention. Star Alliance has also eliminated the EUR/USD 10 booking fee which had up to now been applied on all Conventions Plus travel booked via the dedicated online booking

tool, making it even more attractive for delegates to use the tool. For convention organisers Star Alliance has introduced a new support scheme which is now linked to the number of delegates booked. With each delegate booking, the organiser accrues credit for his or her own travel needs. In contrast to the previous scheme, the new one is more directly related to performance and at the same time allows the organisers to fully reap the benefits, as the cap from the old scheme has been removed. Following the trend for more e-enablement

in the travel industry, Star Alliance has introduced a new and simplified Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Conventions Plus product. Lead times have been reduced and the cumbersome paperwork done away with. “We have seen that the Conventions and Meetings Travel market has been one of the most 12 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

reliable market segments in our own company’s 17 year history. We have managed to achieve year-on-year growth - both in terms of contracted events and delegates travelled - ever since

we introduced Conventions Plus in 2002”, said Horst Findeisen, Vice President Commercial and Business Development at Star Alliance. “We are convinced that the enhancements announced today will be well received by organisers and delegates alike, as both parties benefit from the changes”.

With Conventions Plus, Star Alliance became the first airline alliance to introduce a dedicated conventions product, providing simplified travel solutions to major event organisers by providing access to the entire Alliance

Star Alliance launched Meetings Plus in 2009 as a further global product for the meetings market. Companies and meeting planners needing to organise gatherings with participants from different countries, have access to the

Participating Carriers. • One set of targets, which will be jointly reviewed with your contact person. • Corporations will receive one report with simplified performance tracking. Corporate Plus provides ease of contracting, streamlined communications and simple administration that saves you both time and money. For further details or to submit an RFP please see www. staralliance.com/corporateplus.

About Star Alliance:

network through one of the member airlines. Delegates and one companion are entitled to fare discounts, depending on the type of fare, class of travel and airline used. In addition, the Alliance also offers an organiser support programme. For further details on Conventions Plus please see: h t t p : / / w w w. s t a r a l l i a n c e . c o m / conventionsplus. Moreover, Star Alliance was also the first alliance to offer an online booking and ticketing service for convention delegates. Complementing traditional fulfilment channels, the new tool was launched more than two years ago and allows the convention organisers to direct delegates to a dedicated online booking and ticketing site for all air travel contracted under Star Alliance Conventions Plus. Using the online tool, delegates can check real time flight availability, price their required itinerary using the applicable discounted fare, book the corresponding flights and purchase the ticket.

Meetings Plus In addition to Conventions Plus,

entire Star Alliance network and discounted fares, by contracting their travel needs through just one Star Alliance member airline. Meetings Plus can be used for most meetings of 50 people or more, with attendees originating in at least three different countries. For further details or to submit an RFP please see www.staralliance. com/meetingsplus.

Corporate Plus Star Alliance Corporate Plus was created, to remove the stress and hassle by condensing numerous airline negotiations into just one. The magic number when it comes to simplicity is one: • One contract, covers all Star Alliance member carriers and results in only one negotiation. • One single agreement – tailored to your specific needs – replaces multiple individual airline agreements. • One single point of contact – acting on behalf of the

The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognized by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI and United. Air India has been announced as a future member airline with Avianca Brasil to join under the existing Avianca membership. Overall, the Star Alliance network offers more than 18,000 daily flights to 1,269 airports in 193 countries. 

www.staralliance.com/en/press/conventions-plus-updates-prp www.staralliance.com/meetingsplus www.staralliance.com/corporateplus 13 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

PHGMEETINGS.COM PLANNING RESOURCES FOR THE WORLDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MOST EXCEPTIONAL MEETINGS HOTELS. Preferred Hotel Group brings together over 700 individual meeting places. From breathtaking resort retreats to smart, city center hotels and boutique incentive experiences, find a unique solution to match every need. Explore the entire collection, find essential resources, access offers, and submit your RFP at PHGMeetings.com. Visit PHGMeetings.com to view properties in Cape Town, South Africa and Marrakech, Morocco.

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Four Seasons Getting Down to Business By Margie Goldsmith for Global Business Travel Association

drop-down structural point in the ceiling of a Four Seasons ballroom in Palo Alto becomes the trapeze hook for a Cirque du Soleil–type performance; a Mercedes is craned into the interior courtyard of a Four Seasons in Santa Fe; the conference room of the flagship Four Seasons in Toronto transforms into a glittering nightclub and bar. These are a few ways Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is upping the game for meetings business and with good reason. Meetings and events generate almost 30 percent of the brand’s present business volume. “Meetings business is very important to us,” says Christopher Norton, Executive Vice President, Global Product and Operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “We expect to continue to grow this part of our business and, as a result, have added three worldwide sales offices in China, the Middle East, and Latin America in order to bring our sales force closer to meeting planners in these important regions.” As the world’s largest independent international hotel chain, the Four Seasons brand has a unique global reach and, according to Norton, a clear vision of who they are and who they will be in the future. “Despite technology, people still need to spend time together, look each other in the eye, shake hands, and do business—and because of that there will still be a great need for travel and business meetings in the future,” says Norton.

The Four Seasons vision of innkeeping began 54 years ago when Isadore Sharp built a modest motor hotel in downtown Toronto for individual travelers. Three years later, Inn on the Park was the first Four Seasons to have business facilities. Now the brand has grown to 92 properties in 38 countries,

brand. “And,” says Sharp, “for the business meetings traveler, that includes adding glamour and new innovations.” To try and dazzle meeting attendees with the “wow” factor and make the events unforgettable, this luxury brand will go to just about any length. The new Four Seasons Hotel Beijing transformed a ballroom into Old Beijing, modeled on ancient courtyards and with magical red lanterns everywhere. For an international banking conference requiring 27 breakout rooms for one-on-one meetings, the hotel staff at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh converted an entire hotel floor of guest rooms

Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, Morroco with more than 60 projects in development. All the new hotels have business facilities. Sharp’s vision, to approach the business from the customer’s perspective— what do the customers consider important and what do they recognize as value—still drives the 16 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

and suites into meeting rooms and replaced all the beds with round conference tables. For an event at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, the staff took down a wall and broke down doors so cars could be moved into the ballroom. Andre Poehlker, CEO of the

international OSK Marketing & Communications Inc., often chooses Four Seasons hotels for Mercedes-Benz product launches. “The Four Seasons brand is a natural fit for Mercedes,” says Poehlker. “Both stand for luxury, contemporary style, and are known for excellent customer service.” For the launch of the Mercedes S-Class, OSK transformed part of the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto parking garage into a driving school complete with separate walls, air-conditioning, and a driving simulator. For the same event, OSK created a nightclub and bar out of the property’s largest conference room with

risers and seating for 80 people on three levels. “Large corporate hotel chains do not normally allow this kind of work to be done, and for this reason we tend to choose boutique hotels over large chain hotels,” says Poehlker. “We’ve seen a big trend in the

industry for more group spaces,” says John MacKinnon, Four Seasons Senior Vice President, Design and Construction. “And it’s not just typical meeting rooms and ballrooms,” he adds. “We’re changing into a new program of what I call free space or common space. We’ll still have the meeting spaces, but we’re trying to create spaces where people can lounge and meet informally; for instance, we might create a small coffee bar or a living room area with sofas and places to sit where you can reach in the fridge—a place like your own home, which allows business travelers to relax and use the spaces as they see fit. So far, we have these features in Four Seasons properties in Dubai, Philadelphia, Napa, São Paulo, and Madrid. It’s not just about meeting in meeting rooms, but it’s the informal meetings that are really important. So we’re changing up how we design spaces.” “Clients’ needs are constantly changing and developing, with higher demands that are driven by a rise in expectations as they experience the increased range of options available to them,” says Lucy Collins, Head of Product Development at Principal.Global Events, an international event management agency. Principal.Global has hosted events at the Four Seasons Hotel Doha, Qatar, a property with 14 meeting spaces and a ballroom. “Natural daylight is becoming a basic requirement, as

well as having all meeting space in one area within a property,” she says. “Clients are very concerned about the ‘flow’ of an event, so we look at floor plans first to anticipate the movement of people through those spaces. “For instance,” Collins continues, “if it’s a group of 1,000 people, we’re restricted as to where we can put them, but it’s crucial to get people between the plenary room and breakouts without losing them. A lot of hotels are about bedrooms with a ballroom and a meeting room, and they don’t consider what delegates need when they build these properties,” she says. “There are few hotels that start with meeting spaces and build bedrooms. For larger events, we’re inclined to choose purpose-built conference hotels because it can be easier to manage multi-room conference agendas on-site.” New Four Seasons properties are being designed with up-tothe-minute technology, sleek ergonomic furnishings, and meeting planners’ needs in mind for large dedicated meeting spaces. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, opening August 2014, has 37,000 square feet of meeting space with three ballrooms—the largest a 14,000-square-foot grand ballroom—and two outdoor spaces of 5,000 and 7,000 square feet. The new Four Seasons Hotel Beijing has 28,000 square feet, including a 10,600-square-foot ballroom and 12 meeting rooms; and the new Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou tops off with 38,000 square feet, including three ballrooms and nine meeting rooms. Older properties are reconfiguring existing space to capture a wider array of business meeting travelers. The I.M. Pei-designed Four Seasons Hotel New York has demolished the Joël Robuchon

17 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

see Four Seasons on page 18

Four Seasons

from page 17

jewelry counter and in its place is building a new bar and a new ballroom that will accommodate up to 220 people and meeting space. The project should be completed by this fall. Properties are also being fitted with more dedicated facilities, providing the ability to put data anywhere, with strong structural points that drop out of the ceiling. “Spaces need more flexibility,” MacKinnon says. “The days of the big chandeliers are finished.” A ballroom will have a glass wall that opens up to a show kitchen, for example, making it part of the drama. One business group at the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto requested a dropdown structural point be changed to a trapeze hook for a circus-style performance. “The need for additional space often excludes many hotels at pitch stage as many older properties only have the space available for a stand-up buffet lunch,” says Lucie Fox, Operations Director, First Protocol, London, an international events management agency. “Our clients frequently request a seated lunch with a keynote speaker, which results in us requiring a second space of a similar size to the plenary to host the lunch.” Fox also finds that clients prefer welcome receptions hosted onproperty rather than off-site as in the past. “Interesting space such as courtyards and roof terraces, which a hotel will open up for Food and Beverage events, is a big plus to a property,” she says. Fox often chooses Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, because of the high staff retention. “Year after year, we can work with the same

conference team, same banquet captains, managers, and kitchen team, resulting in a smooth on-site experience.” For financial services clients, Fox has arranged events for 200 to 250 persons with full-day conference sessions, keynote speaker after lunch, and small breakout sessions. “At the George V we use the Salon Vendôme ballroom for the main conference and the Vendôme Foyer combined with the Salon Chantilly to host lunch. As we use the same space for the mid-morning break, it is remarkable

connected. The Four Seasons Hotel Doha (with 17,976 square feet of business space including a ballroom and pre-function area, five spacious conference areas, and a large outdoor terrace) was the first hotel to add wi-fi in the limo so the business traveler could use the 20 minutes from the airport to get online. The property also places in-room dining menus in the back seat so that the driver can order from the car. When the guest arrives in her room, as she is unpacking, dinner is delivered. Of course, location is also

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg, re-opening December 20

to witness the turnaround of the space from a tea and coffee break to a formal seated lunch in, often, just 75 minutes,” she says. For the business traveler, nothing is more important than time; from the moment the plane lands, a traveler wants to be

important. Gillian McDonald, Head of Operations for Concerto Live, a global live events and brand communications agency, chose the Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg for a recent tech meeting of 30 attendees because the “location was great for our

program and the hotel was in the soft opening phase so we could practically guarantee guests would be some of the first to experience the property.” Adds McDonald, “The quality of the restoration of the building made it an exquisite hotel with meeting facilities of the right size for our group—plus leisure facilities.” Saving time is essential, but so is leisure time. Business planners are seeking out hotels that offer not only excellent meeting facilities but leisure activities as well. If the guest has an hour or two in

014

between meetings, he might want to take a dip in the pool or sit on an outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean or even have a massage. Also essential is 24-hour access

to a quality fitness center. Some planners, such as Concerto Life, would think twice about using a facility if there wasn’t at least a decent size gym on the property. “We think it’s essential to offer attendees the opportunity to relax and exercise,” says McDonald. As the Four Seasons establishes itself as the first global luxury brand in the sub-Saharan’s emerging market, a significant spa is one of the necessities for success. “The days of flying in Monday morning and leaving Wednesday night are disappearing, because travelers want to balance their stay to optimize their personal time,” says Sebastien Carre, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg (opening December 2014). “Having a spa is part of the travel culture. Travelers here for meetings want to pamper themselves, so they fit their leisure time in between appointments as their own private holidays even if it’s just a breakfast or dinner before the plane.” So what does this luxury cost? “Clients are incredibly rate-sensitive at the moment and we rely on hotels to come back with their best possible rate in their first offer, as we only really have one opportunity to put a hotel in front of a client in many instances,” says Principal.Global’s Collins. “We have 13 project managers sending out rates. In approximately 40 percent of cases, we will find the client will make the decision on

the first offer. They won’t negotiate; they will reject a destination or a specific hotel based on price, and that’s why we push hotels to come back with their best offer the first time. Unfortunately, we do often find that hotels would rather risk losing the business than bring the rates down.” In one industry trend, more sales managers are receiving RFPs by email or electronic platforms. “It’s harder to stand out and get through to customers when they’re putting us on a spreadsheet,” says Frank Lococo, Director of Sales at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. “Whenever possible, Four Seasons prefers the guest to experience the product and service firsthand.” If this is not possible and to remain competitive, Four Seasons offers “Great Group Values”. This exclusive program is designed to bring planners the most competitive meeting values for select dates throughout the year. The offers are updated quarterly and include value add-ons for groups such as a complimentary welcome reception or discounted spa services. With “Values” savings rates, usually 30 to 40%, meeting planners can now offer their clients luxury without the stiff price tag that usually accompanies it. For meeting planners looking for the “wow” factor— whether it’s fashioning a beach out of truckedin sand with volleyball courts or building a rain forest with towering trees and projections (and sounds) of waterfalls and babbling brooks, or any other event a planner can dream up— the Four Seasons will go to just about any length to create it, and make it unforgettable but affordable. Game on. 

www.gbta.org/magazine/Pages/GettingDownToBusiness_MayJune.aspx www.fourseasons.com/meetings_and_events/great_group_values/?c=t&_s_icmp=tmenu

Memorial Tourism: Face of Freedom By Tony Cross, August 12, 2012

ust outside Howick, some 56 miles south of Durban, South Africa, on the R102 highway, Nelson Mandela was put in handcuffs and led away to be incarcerated for the next 27 years on Robben Island. It was August 1962, and after his arrest by apartheid security forces, Mandela was charged with treason and sentenced to life imprisonment. After a campaign to free him went worldwide, he became a

symbol of the fight for equality in South Africa. After his release he led his country as President, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, and became an international statesman welcomed around the world. He is now 94, an elderly man in his late retirement. (Note: President Mandela died in the fall of 2013). It was back at that spot where his arrest took place, between farmland that once was roamed

by the Zulus, that Mandela was honoured by the unveiling of this striking sculpture on 5 August, 2012, exactly 50 years later. Created by Marco Cianfanelli, the work is made from 50 steel charcoal columns that create

Mandela’s head when viewed from a certain angle. “The front of the sculpture is a portrait of Mandela, it has vertical bars which represent his imprisonment,” said Cianfanelli. “When you walk through the structure it’s radiates like a burst of light, which symbolises the political uprising of many people and solidarity.” The unveiling was attended by the current premier Jacob Zuma,

20 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Face of Freedom from page 20

and his hope is that the site could become part of a political tourist trail for those exploring the country, and that South Africans cherish it as a heritage site. Nearby are Howick Falls, where the Umgemi River falls over 300 feet on its way to the Indian Ocean, and Howick honoured Mandela with “The Freedom of Howick” back in 1996. An older plaque marking Mandela’s imprisonment stands opposite the sculpture. Whether or not it moves onto the tourist trail, t h e

Premier Jacob Zuma viewing the Face of Freedom Sculpture.. sculpture itself will hope to maintain the memory of one of the world’s most inspiring political figures of the last century well into this one and the next.  Nelson Mandela sculpture, R102 highway outside Howick, located

on the N3 freeway, around an hour’s drive south of Durban. www.cntraveller.com/ news/2012/august/nelsonmandela-sculpture-touristguide

At the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg stands a replica of the famous sculpture that marks the site of Nelson Mandela’s arrest in Howick. This sculpture is amazing – it is made up of a number of steel rods, and only reveals Mandela’s face if you stand in the right place.

21 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Survey Anyplace Garner Client Responses ‘On The Spot’

aper surveys have probably been around since papyrus. We’ve always been interested to know what others were thinking, right? We’ve all seen the surveyors at the grocery store, armed with clipboard, pen and paper form, intercepting folks lugging bags out to their cars to ask about products and services. In-home surveys came via parcel post, in over-stuffed envelopes with any manner of surveys, from

private businesses to the city collecting opinions about new urbanization plans. As PCs became more popular, so did online surveys. But while they improved ease of distribution compare to paper, email surveys still left a lot of qualitative room for improvement. People are busy when they’re online at work, and doing any number of things on their home computer that have nothing to do with waiting to take a survey. Alas, harried shoppers, people sorting their mail and overworked employees are not ideal survey candidates. After all, the more reasons you give them to

avoid your survey the less likely you are to get valuable feedback— if you get any feedback at all.

Email surveys aren’t keeping up with the times When email surveys don’t automatically land in a recipient’s junk mail folder, they’re often ushered there by the very person it was intended for—hardly the interaction the surveyor intended. It’s no wonder that email response rates are off the wrong end of the charts these days, and getting further afield. When responses do come in, the value of the information is limited. Why? Because of the lag between the interaction with the brand and the customer actually answering the survey. The business has to collect the email address, get the email to the right department or outside resource to add to the database, and then work it into the survey stream. If the email address is an accurate one, and if the survey doesn’t land in the trash, an email survey often lingers for days before the recipient gets around to answering it. This lag works against the collection of time-sensitive consumer insights like wanting details of a customer’s experience to a car dealership or a bed-andbreakfast. Or soliciting the nuances of a meal or event. The value of the insights, and the details consumers can recall decreases as the time between their experience and answering your survey increases. It’s logical, but for too long has sufficed as the norm. Clearly, 22 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

email surveys’ role in collecting viable, valuable consumer feedback to inform marketing and other functions is limited at best. At worst, it’s a waste of time and money. It’s time for a new norm.

Use people’s mobile devices to ask them about your brand— while they’re experiencing your brand Fewer and fewer people leave their homes without a smartphone or tablet these days. Which means these powerful, familiar computers accompany them down the store aisles, into car dealerships, bedand-breakfasts, restaurants and events too. A modern, convenient mobile survey, quiz or contest during this experience can feel like a natural part of the experience itself. Without even an app to install, mobile surveys and quizzes use familiar swiping, keyboarding and taking photos that consumers do countless times a day with their mobiles. And deliver once hard-tocollect, in-the-moment insights—in real time. Consumer research has for too long been too serious. It needn’t be. With mobile surveys, you can collect invaluable insights by engaging your audience with a fun challenge, quirky quiz, contest or simply the prospect of publicity. You don’t need their email or cell phone number, just a provocative proposition.

How to learn from customers, prospects or attendees as they experience your brand: Make it easy for them to use their mobile to scan a QR code or enter a URL: • Printed on packaging • Projected onto a screen during seminars or conferences

• Printed on event signs, tickets or program materials • Included inside packaging on directions or warranty/ registration information Compel them to give their input by: • Using hosts at events to invite attendees to take your survey • Telling respondents they’ll be entered into a prize drawing • Making the invitation and quiz informal, fun and entertaining

Morocco has won the right to stage the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. With this obviously comes also a logo which incorporated the African continent and Morocco’s star which is presented on their flag. The logo creation is a personal project by *aziDesigne and not the official logo (http:// azidesigne. deviantart. com/art/ Morocco-2015can-152683581)

• Letting people know they’ll learn their score at the end • Promise a coupon or gift for completed quiz (a great way to collect additional contact info) • Installing a tablet or PC on a kiosk and ask your customers to take your survey Make the survey or quiz fun, not boring like most email surveys: • Keep it short. People will quit or will get bored after 7 questions • Incorporate photos and videos into your questions • Encourage respondents to take personal photos of your activity or the product in their homes • Brand your survey with your company logo, background image and colors • Use emoticons or other graphics instead of a numerical scale to indicate satisfaction

Customers don’t mind sharing opinions if doing so is convenient and potentially rewarding

Many studies confirm that customers are willing to tell about their experiences with brands. This willingness shouldn’t come at a price of interrupting work or diverting them from tasks they’re already engaged in. And if you think the information you seek is valuable—and in-the-moment information certainly is—happily reward those who respond. Rewards can come in the form of valuable coupons or discounts, free products and even their appearance with your product or at your event on your Facebook or Pinterest pages. The days of passive, days-later email surveys that most people couldn’t be bothered with are over. Using the mobile devices nearly everyone has, you can engage and learn from your customers and prospects as never before.  Note: this article was originally published as a guest post on wired.com http://surveyanyplace.com/mobileinstead-of-email-survey

Travelogue

Africa’s Top Lodging… Some of the Lodgings Getting High Marks Chinzombo Camp This camp represents the next generation of Zambian bush camp. Wildly luxurious, it brings a new level of style, comfort and elegance to the Luangwa Valley. The six super-luxurious villas includes one which is specially designed for families with two bedrooms. All rooms have spacious living areas that melt into the exquisite surroundings of the beautiful, tranquil site. Each has a private pool, cooled sleeping areas, spacious bathrooms and WiFi. In the shade of gigantic, ancient evergreen shade, the 60 acre riverside location teems with wildlife and offers all rooms fantastic views of the Luangwa River. www.zambiatourism.com/listings/chinzombo

Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp re-opened in April 2014 in the eastern end of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park as a very lovely, comfortable camp with large and wellappointed suites, albeit without much very conscious ‘styling’, so nothing too flashy. Its location offers the chance to enjoy outstanding wildlife in an unusually quiet and very lovely area of the Lower Zambezi National Park. www.expertafrica.com/zambia/lower-zambezinational-park/anabezi-luxury-tented-camp

see Africa’s Top Lodging page 26

Chinzombo Camp, Zambia

Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp

Africa’s Top Lodging… from page 24

Kwihala Camp Kwihala combines raw beauty with simple excellence. Situated in the new safari frontier of Ruaha in Tanzania, this is unconstrained Africa where you will find one of the most spectacular concentrations of wildlife set in a beautifully diverse landscape that ranges from baobab forests, granite kopjes and open plains to cooling rivers and woodland valleys. Largely unexplored, Ruaha is as remote as you can get in East Africa. Few have heard of it. None will forget it. Welcome to Kwihala. kwihala.asiliaafrica.com

Mahall Mzuri Mahali Mzuri opened in 2013 and is Sir Richard Branson’s Kenyan Safari Camp located in the Motorogi Conservancy within the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Mahali Mzuri has been set up in collaboration with the local Maasai communities and a limited number of other tourism partners. Our key priorities are to leave as minimal a footprint as possible on the land and to promote low density tourism which creates less pressure on the environment.

Mahall Mzuri, Kenya

Our team has been working with the Maasai since the beginning of the project to ensure their full involvement. We promote and hire from the local communities and most of our staff are from surrounding areas. Mahali Mzuri is part of Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson’s portfolio of unique retreats. www.mahalimzuri.virgin.com/en/mahali_mzuri/about_ us Mahall Mzuri, Kenya

Kwihala Camp, Tanzania

Mahall Mzuri, Kenya

South Africa’s City Lodge Brand Expanding to East Africa By Finnigan Wa Simbeye

SOUTH African hospitality brand, City Lodge Hotels plans to invest a US$ 22 million (over 36.5bn/-) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania early next year as part of plans to extend to East Africa.

to start in the first quarter of 2015. The South African company said in a statement that it would invest R475m (over 74.3bn/-) in building two new hotels in East Africa, and was looking for other opportunities to add hotels in capital cities across

Windhoek, Namibia; and Lusaka, Zambia.” The company had concluded an agreement to buy land in Nairobi for development of a 170-room City Lodge Hotel at a cost of 23 million US dollars.

the region. “We continue to explore additional opportunities in Nairobi, Kenya as well as Kampala, Uganda. Investigations are also continuing into acquiring suitable sites in Maputo, Mozambique; in

It expects construction to start in the first quarter of 2015 and to open in mid-2016. City Lodge is still developing in South Africa, where occupancies are beginning to reach more attractive levels for both South African and

City Lodge Johannesburg The South African company said in a statement it had concluded a long-term land lease to develop a 147-room City Lodge Hotel in Dar es Salaam, subject to regulatory approval. The development is expected

28 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

international hotel chains. City Lodge is developing a 149-room City Lodge Hotel at the Waterfall City precinct in Midrand at a cost

of R130m. The hotel is expected to open in December and be fully operational by February 2015, the statement

added. Construction of the company’s 90-room Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg “has been delayed”, but City Lodge said it expected the necessary approvals to be received for construction to begin in the new financial year. The company said it had concluded land and building lease agreements for the development of a 148-room City Lodge Hotel at Newtown Junction in the Johannesburg central business district, with construction “expected to commence shortly” and completion scheduled towards the end of 2015. However, the Tanzania Investment Centre said it was unaware of the plans by the City Lodge Hotels. 

Association. Hilton Worldwide’s Senior VP of Sales for the Americas, Mark Komine says HED ties into the company’s broader “Connect philosophy,” which revolves around the power of human interactions. “With HED Talks, we put that philosophy into action. These videos focus on topic areas we know meeting, event and travel planners want and need in order to engage and create memorable connections. We’ll continue to expand our Hilton Elevated Discussions library as industry

trends evolve and change.” Komine believes that Hilton HED Talks is ultimately a community where planners, coordinators and other industry insiders can access best practices, tips, fresh ideas and inspiration from both their peers and other industry thought leaders. “Our goal is to understand what’s important to our customers– tools, solutions and ideas. Hilton Elevated Discussions allow viewers to consume those insights and industry learnings from a diverse group of experts in a quick, easy-to-digest way.” 

City Lodge Johannesburg

Hilton’s HED Talks Videos in Full Swing By Johnalee Johnston

ilton Worldwide Meetings & Events is proving that the MICE industry has plenty of ideas worth spreading. A new HED Talks (Hilton Elevated Discussions) video initiative tackles everything from cloudbased event planning and eRFP systems to building connections and virtual meetings, providing meetings and events planners with thought leadership from industry influencers such as Roger Dow, president/CEO of the U.S. Travel Association and Deborah Sexton, president/CEO of the Professional Convention Management

http://connectplusathiltonworldwide.com  http://hedtalks.connectplusathiltonworldwide.com http://prevuemeetings.com/experiences/educational/hilton-hed-talks-in-full-swing 29 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Travel Africa Where To Go, What To Do Algeria Tamanrasset Camel Trekking Sahara Dune Skiing The Turquoise Coast CAPITAL: Algiers

Central Kalahari Game Reserve Transfrontier Park (Kgalafadi National Park) CAPITAL: Gaborone

www.algerie-tourisme.dz

www.botswanatourism.co.bw

Burkina Faso International Arts and Crafts Fair, Oct-Nov Ranch de Nazinga game reserve Mare aux Hippopotames CAPITAL: Ouagadougou www.ontb.bf

Burundi Ghardaia, Algeria

Angola Fort Sao Miguel Slave Depot Calandula Waterfalls Palmeirinhas Beach CAPITAL: Luanda www.angola.org

Benin Lake Village of Ganvie Nakoue Lagoon Pendjari National Park CAPITAL: Porto-Novo www.benintourisme.com

Botswana Okavango Delta

Chutes de la Kagera Waterfall Lake Tanganyika Craftwares Village at Giheta CAPITAL: Bujumbura www.burunditourisme.com

Cameroon Mandera Mountains (hiking, climbing) Bouba Ndjidah National Park Festival National des Arts et de la Culture (FENAC) in December

CAPITAL: Yaoundé www.cameroun-infotourisme.com

Cape Verde Baia das Gatas Festival Scuba Diving and Snorkelling at Boa Vista

UNESCO world heritage old fort site at Cidade Velha CAPITAL: Praia Ministry of Tourism, Praia, Santiago: +238 615 697

Central African Republic Boali Waterfalls Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park Lobaye Region CAPITAL: Bangui ministere_tourisme@yahoo.fr

Chad Camel racing in the Tibesti Mountains Galawa Beach on Grande Comore Lake Chad CAPITAL: N’Djamena Office du Tourisme, Tel: 01 45 53 36 75

The Comoros Climb Mount Karthala (active volcano) Nzwani Island Hot Sulphur Springs at Lac Salé CAPITAL: Moroni Comoros National Tourist Board Office, Tel: 269 73 3044

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Frère Gillet Botanic Gardens world-famous rare orchids Ruwenzori Range Virunga National Park CAPITAL: Kinshasa Ministère des Affaires Foncières, Environment et Tourisme, Tel: (+243) 8802093.

Côte D‛Ivoire (Ivory Coast) The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Yamoussoukro Mount Tonkoui (mountain climb) Comoë National Park CAPITAL: Yamoussoukro www.tourisme.gouv.ci

Djibouti Ganvie, Village on a Lake, Benin

Gulf of Tadjoura (snorkling/ diving) 30 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Travel Africa

Museum of African Artefacts CAPITAL: Bissau

Where To Go, What To Do African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa TOTAL Great Ethiopian Race

Egypt (Kemet) Nile River Cruise, Aswan Temple of Ranses II, Abu Simbel Alexandria CAPITAL: Cairo www.tourism.misrnet.gov.eg

Equatorial Guinea Arena Blanca Pico Malabo Volcano (mountain climbing) Cascades of Moca

CAPITAL: Malabo www.embarege-londres.org

Eritrea Dahlak Archipelago Tour of Eritrea (bicycle race) Akordat CAPITAL: Asmara eritreantourism@tse.com.er

Ethiopia Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela (New Jerusalem) Home of the Queen of Sheba, Axum

www.magicalkenya.com

www.tourismethiopia.org

Bushmen Rock Paintings Ski Lesotho Highlands (www. afriski.co.za) Sehlabathebe National ParkCAPITAL: Maseru

St Michael in Libreville Lopé-Okanda Reserve National Park (gorilla) M’Bigou (gold mines/crafts)

CAPITAL:

www.office-tourisme.dj

Mount Kenya National Park Tsavo West National Park Watamu-Malindi Marine Park CAPITAL: Nairobi

Lesotho

Cathedral of

Lake Abbé Lake Assal (windsurf on wheels) CAPITAL: Djibouti

Kenya

CAPITAL: Addis Ababa

Gabon

Comoros Islands

www.guineabissautourism.com

Libreville www.legabon.org

The Gambia Deep Sea Fishing, Atlantic Ocean Exhibition of the slave trade at Albreda and Jufureh Makasutu Culture Forest CAPITAL: Banjul www.visitthegambia.gm

Ghana Cape Coast Castle Slave Fortress Mount Afadjato and Togbo Falls (Volta Region) Kakum Nature Reserve (treetop walkway and stay in a tree house) CAPITAL: Accra www.touringghana.com

Guinea Kindia (cloth market) Kinkon Falls Îles de Los CAPITAL: Conakry www.ontguinee.com

Guinea-Bissau Bijagos Archipelago Cantanhez Natural Park 31 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

www.ltdc.org.ls

Liberia Sapo National Park Kendeja National Cultural Center Firestone Rubber Plantation CAPITAL: Monrovia www.micat.gov.lr

Libya Akakus Mountains (prehistoric rock art) Ubari Lakes (dune surfing) Leptis Magna (tribute to African Roman Emperor Septimus Severus) CAPITAL: Tripoli www.libyan-tourism.org

Madagascar Fianarantsoa (Capital of Wine) Montagne d’Arbre National Park Queen’s Palace CAPITAL: Antananarivo www.madagascar-tourisme.com

Malawi Lake Malawi Marine Park Nyika National Park Liwonde National Park CAPITAL: Lilongwe www.malawitourism.com

Mali Festival in the Desert Timbuctou La Boucle de Baoule National Park

Travel Africa Where To Go, What To Do CAPITAL: Bamako

CAPITAL: Lagos

www.le-mali.com/omatho/index.htm

www.tourism.gov.ng

Mauritania

Republic of the Congo

Parc National du Banc d’Arguin Chinguetti, a holy city of Islam Oualata CAPITAL: Nouakchott

Loufoulakari Falls Loango (main embarkation port for slaves) Congo Rapids CAPITAL: Brazzaville

www.tourisme.mr

Direction Generale du Tourisme et des Loisirs, Tel: 830 953

Mauritius

Reunion

Black River Gorges National Park Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve Rodrigues Island CAPITAL: Port Louis

Piton des Neiges Plaine d’Affouches Le Voile de la Mariée (The Bride’s Veil) CAPITAL: Saint-Denis

www.mauritius.net

Rwanda

Morocco

ot.saint-pierre@wanadoo.fr

CAPITAL: São Tomé www.saotome.st

Senegal African Renaissance Monument Retba (Pink) Lake Maison des Enclaves (House of Slaves), Goree Island

CAPITAL: Dakar sentouroffice@aol.com

Seychelles Marlin Fishing in Denis St Anne Marine National Park Aldabra CAPITAL: Victoria www.seychelles.travel

Sierra Leone Outamba-Kilimi National Park Freetown Peninsula Bunce Island, Slave Trading Station CAPITAL: Freetown www.welcometosierraleone.org

Somalia

Todra and Dades Gorges Talassemtane National Park Essaouira CAPITAL: Rabat

Cards From Africa, Kigali Parc National des Volcans Gorilla Trek Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk CAPITAL: Kigali

www.visitmorocco.com

www.rwandatourism.com/

Hargeisa National Park Neolithic Paintings Las Geel Indian Ocean Coastal Beaches CAPITAL: Mogadishu

Mozambique

São Tomé & Principe

www.somali-gov.info/Tourism/index. html

Maputo Elephant Park Gorongosa National Park Bazaruto Archipelago CAPITAL: Maputo

Bom Bom Island Deep Sea Fishing Humpback Whale Watching Agua Izé Plantation

Somaliland Hargeisa National Park Neolithic Paintings Las Geel

www.futur.org.mz/index-en.html

Namibia Mahongo Game Reserve Etosha National Park Skeleton Coast CAPITAL: Windhoek www.namibiatourism.com.na

Niger Agadez ‘W’ National Park Igouloulef CAPITAL: Algiers www.niger-tourisme.com

Nigeria Cross River National Park Emir’s Palace, Kano Benin City

Fishermen, The Gambia 32 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Travel Africa Where To Go, What To Do Reserve Usutu River (whitewater rafting) CAPITAL: Mbabane www.welcometoswaziland. com

Tanzania

he Seychelles Indian Ocean Coastal Beaches CAPITAL: Hargiesa www.somalilandgov.com (Ministry of Tourism & Culture 252-225-7917)

South Africa

Bagamoyo Slave Trail Katavi Plains National Park Ngorongoro Crater Stone Town, Zanzibar CAPITAL: Dodoma http://tanzaniatouristboard.com/

Togo Koutammakou (World Heritage

Nelson Mandela Centre of

Site)

Memory & Dialogue, Johannesburg Great White Shark Festival, Cape Town/Gansbaai The Elephant Coast, Zulu Kingdom

Whale Watching, Gulf of Benin Fosse aux Lions (Lions’ Den) National Park CAPITAL: Lomé

CAPITAL: Johannesburg

www.togo-tourisme.com

www.whitesharkfestival.org www.nelsonmandela.org www.zulu.org.za www.southafrica.net

Tunisia

South Sudan Boma National Park Nimule National Park Nile River CAPITAL: Juba

Desert Trekking from Douz Matmata (Star Wars film site) Sidi Bou Saïd CAPITAL: Tunis

Uganda

Mountains of the Moon (Mount Rwenzori National Park) Bwindi National Park (view gorilla) Source of the Nile,Owen Falls Dam, Jinja CAPITAL: Kampala http://visituganda.com/index.php

Western Sahara City of El-Aaiún Dakhla (surfing) CAPITAL: El-Aaiún dajla47@hotmail.com

Zambia Walking Safari, South Luangwa National Park Musi oa Tunya (Victoria Falls), Livingstone

Zambezi White Water Rafting CAPITAL: Lusaka www.zambiatourism.com

Zimbabwe Great Zimbabwe Lake Kariba Chizarira National Park CAPITAL: Harare www.zimbabwetourism.co.zw Sources: www.worldtravelguide.net/africa www.internationaltouristboards.com www.worldtourismdirectory.com/directory/africa/index.html

www.tourismtunisia.com

www.goss.org

Sudan Port Sudan, The Red Sea Gemmeiza Tourist Village Pyramids of Meroe CAPITAL: Khartoum www.sudan-tourism.gov.sd/english/ index.php

Swaziland Mkhaya Game Reserve Phophomyane Nature

Laayoune/El-Aaiún (A Saharan City, Western Sahara/Morocco) 33 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Carry-on Travel Tips excerpts from Travel + Leisure Magazine

Keep it Simple. Keep it Basic. • Carry-on a shawl that can double as a blanket. Plane trips can be cool and you know that your shawl has been cleaned to your standards. • Pack a pair of comfort shoes in case you need to run through the airport or will have a long, long walk to your departure gate. • Try the new “roller” carry-on luggage for ease of movement whether standing, walking or running. • When taking business paperwork, store documents in clear sleeves for easy identification and protection for coffee spills. • Personal hygiene can be maintained by packing a variety of towelettes for cleaning hands to wiping down toilet seats. • Always pack your medicines and other vital items and papers in your carry-on case or purse.

• Pack all of the cords and connectors needed for your smartphones and cameria along with your smartphones and camera. Place the cords and connectors in see-thru plastic bags, again, for ease of identification and easy access. You might even place the bags in a small soft-side case tfor neatness’ sake. • Along with your medicines, pack your make-up, cleansing gear, jewelry and fragrances. Be ready to refresh yourself prior to departing the plane and meeting your family, friends or business associates. • If you travel is over 10 hours consider packing a change of lingerie and a shirt or blouse to use as part of your refresh

Africa Travel Resources African Diaspora Tourism

Corporation

351 California St, #950, San Francisco, CA 94104 1-800-466-2719 fas@blueworldtravel.com www.AfricanDiasporaTourism.com

351 California St, #950, San Francisco, CA 94104 1-800-466-2719 fas@blueworldtravel.com www.festivalatsea.com

regimine. • And, if you will have plenty of time for reading, pack your Kindle (or your tablet loaded with Kindle software) or that great book you have been putting off reading. Travel well. 

Henderson Travel Service 7961 Eastern Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 1-301-650-5700

Safari Supreme P.O. Box 1736, Hollywood, CA 90078 1-818-419-3639 dothard@sbcglobal.net 

I’m Black and I Travel! Greg Gross @imblacknitravel

BlakGirlTravel BlackGirlTravel.com (CST #209434740) is a registered Seller of Travel under the California Seller of Travel Law. www.blackgirltravel.com

Blue World Travel www.dreamflightsintl.com 35 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Kenya Airways’ first Boeing 787 Dreamliner “Great Rift Valley” taxis at the Jomo Kenyatta Inte Airport in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, April 5, 2014. Kenya Airways held a reception ceremon delivery of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane on Saturday. It is the first of six Dreamliners th Airways expects this year. (Xinhua/Meng Chenguang)

36 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Kenya Airways Welcomes First Boeing 787 Dreamliner

ernational ny for the hat Kenya

37 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Zambia sets June 2014 as Deadline for Establishment of National Airline

he Zambian government has set June 2014 as the deadline for the establishment of a state-run airline. However, A TECHNICAL committee tasked to oversee the formation of a national airline recently finalised its work and the document is currently before Cabinet for consideration. This is a major step taken by the Government towards this critical issue that has been pending years after the demise of Zambia Airways, which was the initial airline for the country

There will be immense economic benefits for Zambia from the formation of a national airline, if well-planned. Among the beneficiaries is the tourism industry which was adversely affected following the demise of Zambia Airways. Formation of the national airline will certainly boost tourist arrivals for the country whose figure currently stands at not less than 850,000 per annum. The target is to reach more than one million tourist arrivals as

there will be direct flights readily available to them once the national airline is formed. With the refurbishment of Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone, as well as Mfuwe International Airport in Eastern Province, this will definitely boost Zambian tourism because tourists will be flown directly to these areas. Secondly, the country will increase non-traditional exports (NTEs) whose figure per annum has now hit 20%. Apart from increasing exports of fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers such as roses, for example, it will also stir up many activities such as agro processing and value-addition solely for the export market. However, the current government of President Michael Sata has vowed that it will do everything possible to ensure that a national airline is established. ď &#x2018; http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/ africa/2014-03/21/c_133204839.htm http://allafrica.com/ stories/201407211909.html

38 | bl blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL kb i /TRAVEL | S Summer 2014

will definitely impact on the numbers of international arrivals for Africa as well as Zambia,” he said. Mr. Mwansa assured international tourists that Zambia was a safe place for both local and international travellers, adding that various precautionary measures were in place to ensure Ebola did not reach Zambia. Zambia recorded an increase in the number of international arrivals by 6.7%, from 859,088 in 2012 to 912,576 in 2013. Among the tourist products that contribute to the number of international arrivals include holiday category, Meeting Incentive

Zambia Expects Tourist Arrivals to Hit one Million in 2014

AMBIA is on course to attain the projected 1.2 million international tourist arrivals by the end of the year despite the Ebola epidemic because of the various marketing measures put in place to attract more tourists this year. “The Ebola virus is a challenge to the tourism sector in Africa as a whole just by the random spreading of the virus. If you have seen a number of conferences and workshops which were supposed to be held in Africa have being cancelled or postponed. This

39 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Conferences and Events. Zambia’s key markets are South Africa, China, United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, India, Tanzania, United States of America, Kenya, Germany and Zimbabwe. Mr. Mulenga said there was need to increase of the level of awareness about Zambia as a tourist destination in the key markets.  Source: http://allafrica.com/ stories/201408201313.html

Biking Tourism in Africa? Why Not!

or those interested in a slightly different style of African vacation, consider biking tourism. If you enter “Biking in Africa” or “Cycling in Africa” in a search query many options will be revealed. Two options from two very different regions and nations on the African continent are profiled here.

Marrakech, Morocco

Kingdom of Morocco The DuVine Cycling & Adventures company (www. duvine.com) offers a varied trip, with stops at Marrakesh’s souk, Berber villages in the High Atlas Mountains, and Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot. On the last night of the six-day tour includes biking across the desert to a remote, starlit oasis. Bikers travel about 24-36 miles a day taking about four hours a day.

Morocc

Republic of Namibia The H&I Adventures company (www.mountainbikeworldwide. com/bike-tours/namibia) offers a trip during which you will spot wildlife, hike the world’s tallest sand dunes, and meet Himba tribesmen. The terrain is beginnerfriendly. The route includes touring the Skeleton Coast and stopping at inland watering holes frequented by elephants, lions, and endangered black rhinos. Bikers travel about 28 miles a day taking about three hours a day for the 12-day tour.

Bike trail, N

Travel+Leisure June 2014 40 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

Namibia

Himba woman, Namibia

Around the World in Eighty Sips — Rwanda’s

Akarusho Red One of the neatest things about wine is that it isn’t merely a beverage; it’s history and culture in liquid form. In this segment, we’ll feature a singular wine from one of the world’s nearly two hundred nations. Red, white, fortified, sparkling – whatever mood we’re in (or whatever is available) is what we’ll have to share. Saving our home in the US for last, we’ll strive to be both daring and unique, and to provide a little education about the nation of origin, its history, and its wine as well. If you’re afraid to venture beyond the Russian River Valley, this probably isn’t for you. But if you’re adventuresome and the curious type, well then, we welcome you along on the journey!

militias in league with government forces and civilians slaughtered nearly a million people, all of them Tutsi or moderate Hutus. This rift was created when Belgians, who had taken over the area from the Germans as part of the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles, divided the banyarwanda, the people of Rwanda, into groups to create a minority ruling class, the Tutsi. In 1959, Hutu extremists rose up, driving hundreds of thousands of Tutsi out of Rwanda.

From 1959 to 1994, conditions for Tutsi remaining in Rwanda were discriminatory, often violent, and in 1994, the infamous genocide claimed the lives of a million human beings. But Rwanda shouldn’t be known only for the worst one hundred days in history. It is also a place of unparalleled landscapes, exotic animals, innovative industry, beautiful people, and vibrant culture. That culture is made up of dance and drumming, basket weaving and artwork, history and tradition and, like all cultures, cuisine. In Rwanda, one will find wonderful goat and fish brochettes, dozens of tasty ways to prepare a banana, and countless other dishes unique to the tiny African state. As for drink, Rwanda is much more famous for urwagwa, the “banana beer” that many of locals brew, than it is for traditional wine. In fact, I have been traveling back and forth from Rwanda since

or our first entry in this eighty-part series, we’ll start in someplace unexpected, in the heart of Africa’s Great Lakes region. A place well-known, but not for wine: Republic of Rwanda. Affectionately nicknamed the Mille Collines, or “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is known for it’s gorgeous rolling hillsides, the famous mountain gorillas, and, of course, the genocide of 1994. Twenty years ago this April, over the course of 100 days, extremist Hutu

Rwanda is located in the center of the map, with Uganda to the north, Burundi to the south, Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) to the west, and Tanzania to the east. 42 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

2008, but it wasn’t until 2013 that I noticed Rwanda making its own grape wines for consumption and, perhaps one day, export. The wine I brought back for Sonja and I to try was Akarusho Red 2011, a dry red wine which also comes in sweet red and white varietals. On a recent trip to Rwanda to put on an educational conference about the Holocaust and the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, I noticed the bottle in a local store, got curious, and brought it back to share with Sonja. A product of parent company Urwibutso, the wine’s colorful label professes “Wine of flavour to raise appetite. Just have a taste!” So we did. And we were quite impressed! With a low alcohol content (around 7%) the wine was well balanced, and possessed many of the distinct characteristics of wine that “experiments” often lack. It had a fair level of acidity, and also tannins, and a delightful fruitiness that was not “grapey” just good. And at 7,000 Rwandan Francs per bottle (a little more than $10), well, it seems likely that Rwandan’s affinity for urwagwa and Fanta may soon be complimented by their wine palates as well. In the aftermath of the genocide of 1994, Rwanda has been transformed into one of the most successful and advanced nations in Africa. Trade has boomed, and the economy has grown steadily, bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars annually from tourists who wish to see the famous mountain gorillas, go on safari in Akagera National Park, or visit Lake Kivu, one of the largest and most scenic lakes on the continent. Rwanda is a progressive nation; plastic bags

have been banned in favor of paper or canvas, and the democratically elected parliament boasts a membership that is 64% female – the only nation in the world that can make such a claim. As part of Vision2020, the government’s official plan and pathway to the future, skyscrapers are being erected throughout the capital city of Kigali, promoting business and encouraging international investment. Rwandans themselves have moved forward admirably since their time of greatest crisis, and while many genocidaires remain incarcerated, much of the displaced Tutsi diaspora have been repatriated. Further, the terms “Hutu” and “Tutsi” have been stricken from their vocabulary, in favor of simply “Rwandan.” In the aftermath of one of the greatest tragedies ever to occur, the beautiful nation and her people move steadily forward, toward a

Urwagwa, Rwanda’s strong and tart banana beer brighter future. With all of this growth and advancement taking place, it may be reasonable to think, given the quality of the product, that wine see Akarusho Red 2011 on page 44

One of the rolling, populated hillsides of Kigali

Mark Gudgel I Thee Wine @ITheeWine http://itheewine.com/2014/03/29/around-the-world-in-eighty-sips-rwandas-akarusho-red/ www.vivino.com/wineries/urwibutso/wines/akarusho-red-2011 http://memoireonline.com/11/11/4963/m_The-role-of-SMEs-in-rwanda-from-1995-to-201025.html 43 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Akarusha Red 2011 from page 43

may play some part in the booming economy of the Mille Collines. For my part, I travel there to work with teachers, not as a tourist but as the director of a non-profit organization. In candor, I can say honestly that I have fallen in love with this amazing country. And when I’m there, I always enjoy the local cuisine, and I will enjoy it even more now that I can have, alongside my baked banana and goat brochette, a bottle of excellent, locally-sourced wine Akarusho Red 2011. 

Th Kigali Genocide Memorial, located centrally in the nation’s The capital. The memorial hosts conferences, contains an excellent ca exhibit, and is surrounded by lush gardens. It is also the final ex resting place for an estimated 250,000 Rwandans, victims of the res 1994 19 Genocide Against the Tutsi. In the background, Kigali booms; visible vis in the skyline is Kigali City Tower, one of the most modern and an impressive structures on the entire continent.

Urwibutso Enterprise.

The front label (in a www. Vivino.com scan) of Rwanda’s Akarusho Red, 2011, marking the nation’s newest endeavor into the wine making business. Vivino recommends serving red wines at 15° (59°F). This can be achieved by opening the wine and putting it into the fridge 15 min. before serving it.

U Urwibutso enterprise sstarted in 1983 by a yyoung and dynamic SINA Gerard with one employee as ccompared to 421 employees today. to It uses local human capacity and resources to develop a business which now benefits over 3,000 families. Urwibutso means something to remember. Gerard started with a small shop located half way the journey to Ruhengeri or current Musanze and the bakery started working in 1985 at Nyirangarama At embyonary stage, war and

1994 genocide disturbed the commercial activities of enterprise during two years. In 1996, the enterprise diversified its activity portfolio and is oriented towards agro pastoral activities (passion fruits, banana and pineapple, red and yellow pepper, cattle farming, pig). In 1998, as producer of great quantity of fruits particularly passion fruit, commercialized at a weak price on national market, the producer has taken a decision of introducing his proper little unit of production of commercialized juice under the mark AGASHYA. In 2002, the enterprise began the production of banana beer (urwagwa) called AKARUSHO and the conditionnement of natural honey. 

44 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Best Western Opens 4 Star Hotel in Dar Es Salaam

est Western International, the World’s Biggest Hotel Family®, adds another prestigious hotel to its East African portfolio. The four star BEST WESTERN PLUS Peninsula Hotel in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania opened its doors the first of July 2014 and is located within two kilometers of Sea Cliff Village and the Indian Ocean. The BEST WESTERN PLUS Peninsula Hotel features 45 rooms and is located only 30 minutes from Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), 7 kilometres from the city centre and the ferry terminal to Zanzibar. The hotel is perfect for both business and leisure travelers with its close proximity to the beach, local shopping district and some of the area’s best attractions; such as Botanical Gardens, National Museum and Gymkhana Golf Club. For corporate travelers, The BEST WESTERN PLUS Peninsula Hotel provides a boardroom capable of hosting up to 20 people, a business center to assist with business needs and a conference venue that can cater for banquets of up to 90. After a hard day’s work, guests can unwind and enjoy the gym and health club. The hotel also offers an excellent all day dining restaurant serving an à la carte menu from the renowned Moti Mahal restaurant brand. This hotel is extremely

thanks to contributions from the Tanzania Tourist Board and an increase in the number of airlines servicing Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania is one of Africa’s new tiger economies. The BEST WESTERN

comfortable and all rooms offer mini-bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, widescreen TV’s, airconditioning and well-apportioned bathrooms. The BEST WESTERN PLUS Peninsula

Hotel is indeed the perfect home away from home in the eastern region of Tanzania. The hotel’s ideal location, warm African hospitality, superior accommodations, tantalizing cuisine and unrivalled service makes the hotel a stand out in Dar Es Salaam. “With international arrivals continuing to grow each year,

PLUS Peninsula Hotel marks Best Westerns third hotel opening in Dar Es Salaam in the last 4 years and we look forward to many more,” said Best Western’s Senior Vice President of International Operations Suzi Yoder. For more information on Best Western International, please visit www.bestwestern.com. 

http://globenewswire.com/news-release/2014/07/11/650258/10089076/en/BEST-WESTERN-Opens-4-Star-Hotel-in-Dar-Es-SalaamBEST-WESTERN-PLUS-Peninsula-Hotel-is-the-Brand-s-Third-Hotel-in-Dar-Es-Salaam-Tanzania.html#sthash.2hTPtkqQ.dpuf

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How to Build International Attendance By Mark Chesnut

vents need people. And when a convention or meeting involves attendees from more than one country, the strategy for attracting, maintaining and coordinating a large turnout can be especially complex and crucial. These best practices can help assure success on an international level. 1. MAINTAIN A PRESENCE. An international meeting or convention may take place only once a year — or once in a lifetime. But for savvy planners, the event’s success is built atop an ongoing, never-ending quest to remain in the minds of its intended audience. Making sure that potential attendees are well aware of the event long before registration is a key strategy for the American Pet Products Association (APPA), a not-for-profit trade association that serves the interests of pet product manufacturers and importers. APPA organizes the annual Global Pet Expo, which this year brought nearly 5,600 attendees to Orlando — about 25% of which were from outside the United States. An even larger turnout is expected at its next annual event in Orlando in March 2015. To keep the event on the minds of past and potential attendees, “Global Pet Expo advertises its event in international trade publications and websites,” said Annie Rotberg, associate director, attendee services at APPA. In addition, Global Pet Expo exhibits at other international shows, and also offers its representatives as interview subjects in international publications, to increase editorial coverage and public awareness. “It’s good when staff members are in editorial features,” said Rotberg. “And typically they’re invited to speak at

Accra International Conference Center, Accra, Ghana

Kenyatta Conference Center, Nairobi, Kenya international trade events; that helps build the brand.” 2. COMMUNICATE WELL. “Increasing attendee numbers is very much dependent on selecting those communities you want to attend your event, and then finding the right way of communicating with that potential audience,” said Ben Goedegebuure, global general manager of EMEA for Maritz Travel Company. “Each conference or event needs to have a full communication plan with as wide a communication mix as possible. This should include the full range of social media, websites, web broadcasts, individual communication, etc.” Speaking the right language is important as well, according to Rotberg. “On our [Global Pet Expo] website we have a buyer qualification sheet that’s translated into nine different languages,” she noted. 3. SELL THE DESTINATION & THE EVENT. Considering the distance that many international attendees must travel, the allure of the host city is important, according to Ajay Bhojwani, the Dubaibased managing director for the Middle East office of MCI, the association, communication and event management company. “Marketing for international events needs to showcase the destination,” he said, adding that selling the destination itself “plays a huge role in a participant deciding to travel to attend a meeting outside his/her home

46 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

country.” local attractions, activities and even restaurants that To convince people to make the trip, organizers offer discounts to convention delegates. must also stress the value of the convention or 5. PARTNER WELL. Seeking the help of convention meeting, according to Bhojwani. “For existing and visitors bureaus and tourism offices that are well attendees, the marketing needs to showcase versed in dealing with international visitors can make new highlights of the meeting, in addition to what a big difference, according to Rotberg. In the case of has been happening year on year,” he said. “For Visit Orlando, for example, she said that “they have a potential new attendees, stats from previous tool on their website where it says ‘select language,’ years, testimonials of delegates, especially so attendees have access to information in their own from their country, speaker highlights from their language. Visit Orlando has also been a good resource country or region and any global trend being in terms of locating translators. We try to provide a link covered or key outcome that will impact them in in all of our email correspondence to Visit Orlando and some capacity needs to be highlighted.” all the options they provide.” For every convention, “You have to step inside of the shoes of the Visit Orlando provides online attendance building tools target audience and understand what their and special services, as well as the expertise of its reason for attending is, and then demonstrate own staff. value — measured in time, cost, result, etc. — Fast Facts: Courting International Attendees with your communications,” said Bill Reed, senior • Familiarize yourself with international business director of meetings for the American Society of Hematology, which draws more than 20,000 attendees to its annual meeting. “Today, the cost of time away from home/office is paramount.” 4. MAKE IT EASY TO ATTEND. To encourage international attendees to participate, event organizers should help to smooth the travel process. The international attendee section of Global Pet Expo’s Website, International Conference Centre in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso for example, provides information and links about the U.S. visa process and protocol. Learn the proper etiquette and how to apply for letters of invitation to the United States, intercultural communication practices of your which many foreign business travelers need for entry. potential attendees. In addition, Rotberg noted that international attendees • Put time on your side. Start early with your event often want to take advantage of the trip to enjoy messaging via a full range of media, as busy local tourist attractions, so they provide information schedules require plenty of advanced notice. and links about that as well. For its annual meeting, • Use quality communications over quantity the American Society of Hematology automates the communications. Do you know your target visa request letter as part of its registration process, audience? Zero in on key attendees’ informational and Reed said they provide the names of banks in needs and business interests. the meeting destination that can assist international • Emphasize ROI. How will your event impact attendees. their business? Use testimonials, stats, or reveal Another good example is IPW, the U.S. Travel interesting content before the event. Association’s international tourism convention that • Incorporate local flavor. Make visiting attendees returns to Orlando in 2015, bringing thousands of feel more at home with F&B choices they may buyers and suppliers from around the world. The prefer.  communications team for IPW sends out e-mails to www.meeting-notes.com/content/how-build-internationalattendees in the weeks before the event, highlighting attendance 47 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

IACC Welcomes Six New Members, Including a Property from East Africa he International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) this month welcomes six new members, including the 85-room Vipingo

meetings are the nonresidential 155 Bishopsgate in London, which accommodates groups of up to 550 people; Convene 32 Slip in New york City, a nonresidential center

meeting space and the 97-room Sundbyholms Slott in Eskilstuna, Sweden, which can host groups of up to 250.

Ridge Conference Center Mombassa, Kenya, featuring about 4,000 square feet of meetings space which opens in June 2014. Also joining the organization of properties purpose-built for

with 14,000 square feet of meeting space; Dolce CampoReal Lisboa in Portugal, with 151 guest rooms and 23,142 square feet of meeting space; the 300-room Princeton Marriott at Forestal in Princeton, NJ, with 35,000 square feet of

www.meetings-conventions.com/ News/Industry-Associations/IACCWelcomes-Six-New-Members,Including-a-Property-From-EastAfrica/?cid=eltrMidWeek

48 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Kenya’s Elephants May Be Wiped Out By 2024, New Study Shows By Gilbert Koech lephants could become extinct if illegal wildlife trade, which has reached alarming levels is not checked, a new report has warned. The study, published in yesterday’s issue of Proceedings of the National

hardest-hit part of the continent, with regional elephant population declining by 64 per cent in a decade, according to the report. It says more than 100,000 African elephants have been killed by poachers between 2010 and 2012

only about three per cent of the elephant population is expected to die every year in the absence of poaching. The study says poaching increased significantly after 2008 and was correlated strongly

Academy of Sciences, led by George Wittemyer of Colorado State University, says new elephants births are not keeping pace with the killings. Kenya has been identified as one of the leading transit routes for smuggling ivory out of Africa, with several incidents of ivory seizures and recovery of wildlife carcasses in recent days. The Central Africa is the

with 24,000 being killed in Eastern Africa, 42,000 in Central Africa and 41,000 in South Africa. According to the Kenya Wildlife Service, elephant population in early 1970s was about 167,000, but in five decades, it has plummeted to slightly more than 35,000. Conservationists have warned that if poaching continues, in 10 years, elephants in Kenya will be wiped out. The researchers said

with the local black market of ivory destined for China. The government in one of the swiftest responses to the recent reports of escalating poaching of elephants and rhinos overhauled national wildlife legislation by approving the Wildlife Bill. The study says 40,000 elephants were killed in 2011.  Source: http://allafrica.com/ stories/201408200607.html

49 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

G Adventures Extends West Africa Cruise for 2014

Adventures has extended the itinerary for its 2014 voyage up the coast of West Africa onboard its expedition vessel MS Expedition. Passengers will now journey for 32 days to 16 ports in 14 countries, including the new ports of Dakhla in Western Sahara, Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands and Agadir (for Marrakech) in Morocco. The West Africa itinerary operated for the first time in April 2013 and its success has led to G Adventures extending the trip and selling it as a single adventure cruising itinerary, whereas previously it had been broken in two sectors. Rich Heller, marine product manager, G Adventures, says the trip is rich in local cultural experiences and onboard activities that link back to the destinations visited. “We spend our days visiting local communities, villages and markets, engaging with locals and children as they go about their day-to-days lives. Then back on the ship we have historians, a wine sommelier, natural history experts and painters so the learning experience continues at sea. “When you consider all that’s included, this trip is extraordinary value. We visit 14 countries and Western Sahara in 32 days, so it appeals to those interested in culture, anthropology and geography, and is also a great way for ‘country-counters’ to check off a few hard to-get-to places,” says Heller. The 2014 West Africa Cruise visits South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Congo, Sao Tome &

32-Day Africa Crise Principe, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Senegal, Western Sahara, the Canary Islands and 50 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Morocco. Highlights from last year’s itinerary include visiting some of the most remote communities

Places Visited Angola Benin Canary Islands Congo Gambia Ghana Morocco Namibia Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Sierra Leone South Africa Togo

MS Expedition in Africa in Benin, Togo, Angola and Sierra Leone. Travellers will see the famous coffin-makers of Ghana, as well as Elmira Castle and Cape Coast Castle, where they come face-to-face with the conditions slaves endured awaiting their fate. While onboard guests also have the opportunity to support a Planeterra - G Adventures’

non-profit organisation - project, a maternal and infant health programme in Sierra Leone. The 2013 MS Expedition passengers raised more than $6,000 to provide 150 new mothers with birthing kits. After years of civil war the country is showing signs of recovery, yet infant mortality rates are still high. Supplies and sanitation packs are needed for

recovering mothers to reduce the risk of tetanus, diarrhoea, and fevers, which are the leading causes of death. Since the beginning of this programme antenatal attendance has gone from 40% to 90% helping to significantly reduce mortality.  www.gadventures.com/trips/ west-africa-cruise-cape-town-tomarrakech/XVCMDX/2014

Africa-focused Seabourn Cruises for 4th Quarter 2014

he coming year brings exciting new itineraries in these regions; in Western and Southern Africa with opportunities for safaris, exploring South Africa’s Garden Route and game parks. Seabourn offers four (4) cruise journeys on the ship Sojourn that have Africa as the central focus. The tours are 14, 32, 39, and 46 Day Tours. The cruises begin at Monaco, Barcelona and even Cape Town. Visit the Seabourn website for details on the cruise options.  www.seabourn.com

51 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

www.airnamibia.com.na

Tools for Tourist & Business Travelers Boarding Pass on Your Wrist

ueling has developed the first wearable boarding pass through an app that works with Sony SmartWatch. The Spanish airline will offer the new technology from the end of this March 2014 when an app launches on Google Play Store, where users will be able to see

eBerlitz to Learn a New Language Now you can learn a new language at home, at the office or on the road. To fit today’s hectic schedules, Berlitz offers a choice of two convenient, innovative programs: • Berlitz Virtual Classroom This web-based option brings live instruction to your desktop using the same proveneffective Berlitz Method® and course materials as traditional face-to-face instruction. • CyberTeachers by Berlitz -This state of the art e-learning solution for business language learning is accessible from anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It generates lessons that are customized to the level and needs of each individual.

Berlitz Virtual Classroom flight information and boarding passes through a 2D barcode. Vueling also allows customers to now use their own devices during all stage of the flight and will soon launch technology services for premium customers. “We have achieved this goal thanks to the huge effort that this airline, and all the people that work for it, have made in developing tech solutions that improve our customer experience,” said Samuel Lacarta, Vueling’s director of IT. Sony’s SmartWatch can interact with smartphones via Bluetooth and can put text messages, email, itineraries and social media channels.  www.traveldailymedia.com/205305/ vueling-develops-boarding-pass-onyour-wrist

Berlitz Virtual Classroom programs combine the power of the proven-effective Berlitz Method® with leading-edge information technology so you learn to speak, listen and think in your new language quickly and easily. With a headset and microphone, you interact with other students and the Berlitz Instructor online just as you would in a traditional setting.

CyberTeachers by Berlitz CyberTeachers by Berlitz is an awardwinning online program for business language learning. 53 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

The innovative platform generates lessons that are customized to each individual’s job, business sector and areas of interest. Trainees are able to use the new language in their professional environment from the very first day. Can’t wait to take the formal lessions? Then try iPhraseFrench by Berlitz Publishing. Available through the iTunes store, the language app offers: Around 2,400 words and phrases – communicate with ease in every situation; Audio pronunciation recorded by native speakers; and Organization by theme – find your phrase fast. The languages covered are: English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. There is a fee.  www.berlitz.com/CorporateSolutions-for-language-instructionand-global-leadership-training/ Language-Instruction-Testing/ eBerlitz/160 https://itunes.apple.com/ us/app/berlitz-iphrase-french/ id409321030?mt=8

i-Meet and The Events Network on BOB.tv Announce Partnership Recently i-Meet has announced a partnership with The Events Network on BOB.tv. This strategic move will enable both organizations to come together to deliver the top curated educational content to the meetings and events industry they collectively serve. Additionally, i-Meet members, along with further planners registered for the Meeting Professional Badge at www.ivebeen-there.com, will be eligible to earn credit towards “badges” by consuming specific pieces of preapproved/pre-selected content on The Events Network. John Pino, Chairman, CEO and Founder of i-Meet, stated, “This is a great step forward for the meeting and event industry. There is a great deal of excellent content available, but delivering it broadly and in an efficient way has been elusive. The Events Network, combined with our worldwide business community

at i-Meet, brings educational and career-enhancing value into focus for so many event professionals around the world. It’s the right initiative for the right time.” Eric Rozenberg, VP, Partner Development at BOB.tv stated, “As we are building a unique

content curated platform with the active support of ASAE, IAEE, MPI, and PCMA, partnering with i-Meet and its outreach to over 100,000 meeting professionals worldwide is a great opportunity for The Events Network and certainly an amazing added value for any individual in our Industry.” For more information, or to register as a member, please visit http://events.bob.tv/ or http:// www.i-meet.com/.

About the Partners i-MEET is the worldwide business community for people who plan meetings and events. With over 110,000 members in 175 countries, i-Meet brings professional networking, online marketing, and social tools to create awareness and business advantage to

planners and suppliers. I’ve Been There is a travel history and sharing application for meeting professionals and enthusiasts. The Meeting Professional Badge gives industry professionals acknowledgement and rewards for their on-the-ground experiences. BOB.tv, an already award-

winning online industry platform, aggregates content and community, organized by industry. The Events Network on BOB.tv is the most comprehensive source of curated content for the events industry. With on-demand access to interviews, keynote presentations, infographics, and highlights from your favorite industry meetings, The Events Network keeps you connected to the trends and topics that matter to you. Founding industry partners include American Society of Association Executives, Center for Exhibition Industry Research, International Association of Exhibitions and Events, Professional Convention Management Association, and the Virtual Edge Institute. BOB. tv is powered by bXb Group, LLC. Learn how bXb Group can accelerate your business-tobusiness strategy today at http:// www.bxbgroupllc.com. 

www.i-meet.info/PressReleaseBobTV.html http://events.bob.tv/ http://bob.tv/ www.ive-been-there.com/ www.i-meet.com/ www.ive-been-there.com/meetingprofessionalbadge/overview www.bxbgroupllc.com 54 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

West Africa Airways Inc. is a low-cost airfare Passenger airline offering air charter airline services along with our Partners in Aviation and the fleet of B767-300 Extended Range aircraft. The company was formed in 2004 when it reached an agreement with some of the countries in West Africa, to begin flight operations from Thurgood Marshall BaltimoreWashington International Airport, (BWI) USA.Fax: (775) 882-6818 E-mail: info@westafricaairways.com Website: www.westafricaairways.com Destinations: Roberts Field International Airport, Liberia (ROB); Dekar Yoff International Airport, Senegal (DKR); Kotoka International Airport, Ghana (ACC)

www.gov.rw

Black Cultural Travel Made Easy http://soulofamerica.com/international-guides.phtml 55 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

purchase insurance within a few weeks of putting down a deposit on your trip.

Travel Insurance: Do You Need It?

Develop an Exit Strategy

tripdoctor@travelandleisure.com

ou don’t need to be heading deep into the wild to benefit from travel health insurance: there are far less dramatic ways than something like breaking a leg that medical bills can stack up while you’re on the road. As with any kind of insurance, what you buy ultimately comes down to how risk-averse you are. But it also depends on what kind of coverage you already have, where you are traveling, and how you are traveling. Here are some ideas to keep in mind.

Find Out if You are Covered Your domestic health insurance may automatically offer you some international coverage. Many of the standard plans from big insurance providers, including Aetna, Cigna, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies, include provisions for emergency and urgent care abroad. One notable exception is Medicare, which does not cover any medical costs incurred outside the United States. For that you’ll need to buy some sort of MediGap plan (see medicare.gov for options). Even if your plan does cover emergency care overseas, be aware that your definition of an emergency may differ from that of your insurer. A bothersome rash or a toothache might put a crimp in your travels, but may not qualify as a medical condition that necessitates treatment, according to your insurer. Some managedcare plans also require you to get authorization prior to treatment. Read your policy carefully.

Get Additional Support

If you have any concerns about the quality of the medical system in your destination, you may want to buy a travel health policy, for both the additional coverage and the roadside assistance most of these plans provide. “The level of care you receive from specialized travel insurance is completely different from what you’d get with your regular provider,” says Jim Grace, president/CEO of the insurance comparison website InsureMyTrip. Travel health plans usually offer 24-hour nurse-staffed help lines; referrals for prescreened doctors around the world; prescription medication assistance; and even translation services. (Note: some premium credit cards, such as the American Express Platinum, offer similar services, but don’t include health insurance.) You can buy a stand-alone policy for as little as $10 from companies such as Frontier Medex or bundle it with coverage for trip cancellation and interruption from insurers such a Allianz or Travel Guard (See InsureMyTrip for options.) These plans can also be more generous with their coverage than primary health insurers, offering reimbursements for emergecy dental care, prescription refills, and treatment for ailments that are not potentially life-threating. Be mindful of exclusions for preexisting conditions, though. You can often get them waived if you

One of the major gaps in coverage from employer-sponsored plans is medical evacuations - the dreaded “airlift” scenario that can leave you deep in debt. None of the big managed-care companies cover such transportation costs; many travel policies do, though the benefit levels vary widely. The most basic coverage (also offered by some premium credit cards) will evacute you to the nerest “suitable” or “appropriate” hospital. At the highest level are services from special medvac companies such as Medjet Assist and On Call International that let you determine which hospital is best - even if it means chartering a medically equipped plane back to the States. These membershipbased companies also provide medical referrals and other travel assistance, though they don’t offer insurance and are not responsible for any medical hills. For almost all plans, you’ll need prior approval for any transportation arrangements.

Assess the Risks Most policies have exclusions for injuries sustained while scuba diving, parasailing, or bungeejumping. If you’re planning an adventurous trip, look for a plan with an adventure-sports rider. And by all means, don’t hurt yourself while under the influence of alcohol. If that happens, You’re on your own. 

www.dreamflightsintl.com

56 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Be in touch

Be in tune

Be independent

Nesting international standards with African hospitality.

58 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

59 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Some on US-bound Flights Must Turn on Phones By WILL LESTER, Associated Press

assengers at some overseas airports that offer U.S.-bound flights will be required to power on their electronic devices in order to board their flights, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said Sunday. The TSA said it is requiring some overseas airports to have passengers turn on devices such as cellphones before boarding. It says devices that won’t power up won’t be allowed on planes, and those travelers may have to undergo additional screening. “As the traveling public knows, all electronic devices are screened by security officers,” the TSA said in the release announcing the new steps. American intelligence officials have been concerned about new al-Qaida efforts to produce a bomb that would go undetected through airport security. There is no indication that such a bomb has been created or that there’s a specific threat to the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson recently ordered the TSA to call for extra security measures at some international airports with direct flights to the United States. TSA does not conduct screening abroad, but has

Jeh Johnson, Secretary, US Department of Homeland Security the ability to set screening criteria and processes for flights flying to the U.S. from abroad, according to a Department of Homeland Security official, who was not allowed to discuss the changes publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Secretary Johnson has declined to speculate on whether new security procedures called for overseas will be required at domestic airports in the future. “We continue to evaluate things,” he said. “The screening we have domestically from one domestic airport to another is pretty robust as the American traveling public knows. In this instance we felt that it was important to crank it up some at the last point of departure airports and we’ll continually evaluate the situation.” TSA will not disclose which airports will be conducting the additional screening, although it will be at some airports with direct flights to the U.S. Industry data show that more than 250 foreign airports offer nonstop service to the U.S. Aviation remains an attractive target to global terrorists, who are consistently looking for ways to circumvent aviation security measures, the DHS official

said. Some details on specific enhancements and locations are sensitive because U.S. officials do not want to give information “to those who would do us harm,” the official said. American intelligence officials said earlier this week that they have picked up indications that bomb makers from Yemen-based al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula have traveled to Syria to link up with the al-Qaida affiliate there. Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula long has been fixated on bringing down airplanes with hidden explosives. It was behind failed and thwarted plots involving suicide bombers with explosives designed to be hidden inside underwear and explosives secreted inside printer cartridges shipped on cargo planes. Over the past year, Americans and others from the West have traveled to Syria to join the fight against the Syrian government. The fear is that fighters with a U.S. or other Western passport, who therefore are subject to less stringent security screening, could carry such a bomb onto an American plane. 

60 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

61 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

I’m Black and I Travel! …on the radar! Greg Gross @imblacknitravel

“LAX to Africa?”

Ethiopian Airlines could become the first African air carrier to connect the Mother Continent to the US West Coast.

his time next year (2015), you may be able to fly to Africa from the West Coast

of the United States — on an African airline. Ethiopian Airlines has announced plans to begin flying out of Los Angeles (LAX) to the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa (ADD). The LAX-ADD flight would make a European stopover in Dublin, Ireland (DUB). 62 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

This is not just huge. It’s historic. Currently, the FAA allows only six African airlines to fly to and from the United States. Ethiopian will be the first to touch down anywhere west of the Mississippi. The airline already flies to ADD out of Washington Dulles (IAD). It’s but one in a series of ambitious moves signaling the intent of Ethiopian to be recognized

as a major player in the air travel industry. (NOTE: Skytrax, the British airline rating website, gives the airline three stars out of a possible five, putting it on a level at least equal to that of most US-based airlines. The highest rated African airline flying to the US is South African Airways, with four stars.) Ethiopian already is Africa’s largest airline.

Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa

For the last several years, it’s been expanding its route map to Europe and Asia, and gone to Boeing for jumbo jets with extended range, including its new state-of-the-art 787 Dreamliner. In 2017, another long-range specialist, the Airbus A350-900, will join Ethiopian’s fleet. Its arrival at LAX will definitely raise its profile among international travelers, especially in the US,

and could pave the way for the arrival of other African air carriers to the US. But they aren’t stopping there. The airline also is looking to open new routes to Madrid 63 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

and Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. Clearly, these guys are serious about taking the Ethiopian Airlines brand — and by extension, Ethiopia’s n a t i o n a l identity — to almost every corner of the world.  http://imblacknitravel.com/ lax-to-africa 07/20/2014

64 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

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Golf Africa www.golfworldmap.com/africa/#9.622414142924805,17.05078125,3

Botswana Gaborone Golf Club at the Gaborone Sun Hotel Phakalane Golf Estate Hotel Resort www.phakalane.com

Egypt Alexandria Sporting Club, Alexandria Cascades at Soma Bay Golf and Country Club www.residencedescascades.com

Dreamland Golf & Tennis Resort, Cairo www.dreamlandgolf.com

Golf City, Cairo Katemeya Heights Golf & Tennis Resort, Cairo www.katameyaheights.com

Madinat Makadi Golf Course, Madinat Makadi

Mena House Golf Course

www.madinatmakadigolf.com

Mena House Oberoi Golf Course, Cairo www.oberoihotels.com/oberoi_menahouse/index.asp

Mirage City Golf Club, Cairo www.golf.jwmarriottcairo.com/golf

Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel, Hurghada www.steigenbergeraldaubeach.com

Kenya Karen Country Club, Nairobi Kiambu Golf Club, Kiambu Leisure Lodge Beach & Golf Resort, Mombasa Muthaiga Golf Club, Nairobi Nyali Golf & Country Club, Mombasa www.nyaligolf.co.ke

Railway Golf Club, Nairobi Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Nairobi The Golf Park at the Jockey Club of Kenya, Nairobi Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, Nairobi www.windsorgolfresort.com

Mauritius Ile aux Cherfs, Trou d’Eau Douce Le Paradis Hotel & Golf Club, Le Morne Peninsula www.paradis-hotel.com

Legend Golf Course, Poste de Flacq www.bellemareplagehotel.com

Links Golf Course, Poste de Flacq www.princemaurice.com

One&Only Le Saint Géran Golf Course, Poste de Flacq http://lesaintgeran.oneandonlyresorts. com

Shandrani Golf Club, Blue Bay www.shandrani-hotel.com

Troux aux Biches Golf Club, Troux aux Biches www.trouauxbiches-hotel.com

Morocco Anfa Royal Golf Club, Casablanca Cabo Negro Royal Golf Club, Tetouan Royal Golf of Dar es Salam, Rabat

www.royalgolfdaressalam.com/english/index.cfm

Club Med les Dunes, Agadir El Jadida Royal Golf Club, El Jadida Fes Royal Golf Club, Fes Marrakech Royal Golf Club, Marrakech Meknes Royal Golf Club, Meknes Mohammedia Royal Golf Club, Mohammedia Settat University Royal Golf Club, Settat Tangier Royal Golf Club, Tangier

Nambia Keetmanshoop Golf Course, Keetmanshoop Okahandja Golf Club, Okahandja www.okahandja.net/sport/default.html

Orandjemund Golf Club, Oranjemund Rossmund Golf Course, Swakopmund Tsumeb Golf Club, Tsumeb Walvis Bay Golf Course, Walvis Bay

70 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Golf Africa www.golfworldmap.com/africa/#9.622414142924805,17.05078125,3 from Golf Africa page 70

Windhoek Country Club Resort, Windhoek www.windhoek.co.za

Nigeria

MD_1821_DAKAR_OVERVIEW

www.champagnesportsresort.com

Sierra Leone

Clovelly Country Club, Cape Town

Freetown Golf Club, Freetown

South Africa Akasia Golf Clue, Pretoria

IBB Golf Course, Abuja IITA Golf Club, Ibadan Ikeja Golf Club, Lagos

www.akasiacountryclub.co.za

www.ikejagolfclub.org

www.atlanticbeachgolfclub.co.za/ capetown/index.asp

Reunion Golf du Bassin Blue, St Gilles les Hauts Golf Club de Bourbon, Etang

Atlantic Beach Golf Club, Cape Town Bellville Golf Club, Cape Town www.bellvillegolf.co.za

Benoni Country Club,

www.clovelly.za.net

Crown Mines Golf Club, Johannesburg www.g-i.co.za/clubs/?c=274

Darling Golf Club, Darling www.darlingtourism.co.za/sportdetail. htm#golfclub

De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate, Stellenbosch www.golfdezalze.com

Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate, Stellenbosch www.devonvale.co.za

Durban Country Club, Durban

Lost Palace Golf Course South Africa

www.dcclub.co.za

Durbanville Golf Club, Durbanville www.durbanvillegolfclub.co.za

East London Golf Course, East London www.elgc.co.za

Emfuleni Golf Estate, Vanderbijlpark www.emfulenigolfestate.com

Fancourt Hotel & Country Club Estate, George www.fancourt.co.za

Gary Player Country Club Golf Course, Sun City www.suninternational.com/Destinations/Resorts/Golf/Pages/Golf.aspx

Sale les Bains www.golf-bourbon.com/spip/spip. php?lang=en

Club du Colorado, La Montagne

Senegal Golf de Saly, Mbour www.golfsaly.com/intro/presentation_fr.htm

Golf International du Technopôle, Dakar Le Méridien President Resort & Golf Club, Dakar www.starwoodhotels.com/ lemeridien/property/overview/index. html?propertyID=1821&EM=VTY_

Johannesburg

George Golf Club, George

www.benonicountryclub.co.za/pro/ Default.aspx

www.georgegolfclub.co.za

Germiston Golf Club, Germiston

Blair Atholl, Fourways

www.germistongolf.com

www.blairatholl.co.za

Glendower Golf Course, Johannesburg

Blue Valley Golf & Country Estate, Olifantsfontein

www.glendower.co.za

www.bluevalley.co.za

Hermanus Golf Club, Hermanus

Bryanston Country Club, Bryanston

www.hgc.co.za

www.bryanstoncc.co.za

www.houghton.co.za

Centurion Country Club, Centurion

Humewood Golf Club, Port Elizabeth

www.centurioncountryclub.co.za

www.humewoodgolf.co.za

Champagne Sports Resort, Winterton 71 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Houghton Golf Club, Houghton

see Golf Africa on page 72

from Golf Africa page 71

The Country Club Johannesburg, Rivonia www.ccj.co.za

Killarney Country Club, Johannesburg www.killarneycountryclub.co.za

Kingswood Golf Estate, George www.kingswood.co.za

www.kloofcountryclub.co.za www.knysnagolfclub.com

Koro Creek Bushveld Golf Estate, Nylstroom

www.leopardcreek.co.za

Lost City, Sun City www.suninternational.com/ Destinations/Resorts/Golf/Pages/Golf.

www.ptacc.co.za

Metropolitan Golf Course, Cape Town

Randpark Golf Club, Randburg

www.metropolitangolfclub.co.za

Reading Country Club, Alberton

Milnerton Golf Club, Cape Town

www.readingcc.co.za

www.milnertongolfclub.co.za

River Club Golf & Conference Center, Cape Town

www.monkscowl.co.za

Knysna Golf Club, Knysna

Leopard Creek Country Club, Malelane

www.malmesburygolfclub.co.za

Monks Cowl Coutry Club & Lodge, Winterton

Kloof Country Club, Kloof

www.langebaanestate.co.za

www.plettgolf.co.za

www.mgclub.co.za

www.kleinmondgolfclub.co.za

Langebaan County Estate Golf & Leisure, Langebaan

Plettenberg Bay

Malmesbury Golf Club, Malmesbury

Modderfontein Golf Club, Modderfontein

Kleinmond Golf Club, Kleinmond

www.korocreek.com

aspx

Mossel Bay Golf Club, Mossel Bay

Pretoria Country Club, Pretoria

www.randpark.co.za

http://riverclub.co.za

Riviera on Vaal Country Club, Vereenigning www.rovcountryclub.co.za

Royal Cape Golf Club, Cape Town www.royalcapegolf.co.za

www.mosselbaygolfclub.co.za

Royal Durban Golf Club, Durban

Mowbray Golf Club, Cape Town

www.royaldurban.co.za

www.mowbraygolfclub.co.za

Paarl Golf Course, Paarl

San Lameer Country Club, Margate

www.paarlgolfclub.co.za

www.sanlameer.co.za

Pearl Valley Signature Golf Estate and Spa, Cape Winelands

Scottburgh Golf Club, Scottburgh

www.pearlvalley.co.za

www.scottburghgolf.co.za

Pecanwood Golf & Country Club, Hartbeesportt

Selbourne Golf Estate, Pennington

www.pecanwoodgolf.co.za

www.selborne.com

Plettenberg Bay Country Club,

Silver Lakes Golf & Country

72 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Golf Africa www.golfworldmap.com/africa/#9.622414142924805,17.05078125,3 Stellenbosch www.steenberggolfclub.co.za/ Framework/index.asp

Umdoni Golf Course, Pennington www.umdonipark.com

Umhlali Country Club, Umhlali www.umhlalicountryclub.co.za

Westlake Golf Club, Cape Town www.westlakegolfclub.co.za

Wingate Park Country Club, Pretoria www.wingateparkcountryclub. co.za

Swaziland Royal Swazi Spa Country Club www.suninternational.com/ Destinations/Resorts/RoyalSwaziSpaValley/FacilitiesActivities/Pages/Golf.aspx

The Gambia Fajara Club, Fajara www.smiles.gm/fajara.htm

Tunisia Djerba Golf Club, Midoun www.djerbagolf.com

El Kantaoui Golf

Course, Port El Kantaoui www.portelkantaoui.com.tn/ golf

Flamingo Golf Course, Monastir www.golfflamingo.com/english/flamingo.htm

Golf Citrus, Hammamet from Golf Africa page 72

Club, Pretoria www.silverlakes.co.za

Somerset West Golf Club, Somerset West www.somersetwestgolfclub.co.za

St Francis Bay Golf Club, St

Francis Bay www.stfrancisgolf.co.za

St Francis Links, St Francis Bay www.stfrancislinks.com

Steenberg Golf Club, Cape Town www.steenberggolfclub.co.za/Framework/index.asp

Stellenbosch Golf Club, 73 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

www.golfcitrus.com

Palm Links Golf Course, Monastir www.golf-palmlinks.com/english/ presentation.htm

Tabarka Golf Course, Tabarka www.tabarkagolf.com/en/index.htm

Yasmine Golf Course, Mannamet www.golfyasmine.com/en/index.php 

African Cuisine! Food Culture in Sub-Saharan Africa Fran Osseo-Asare in_sub_Saharan_Africa. in html?id=1s-a7EMM6BgC. h Explore African culture before and after your b travels. Try a few of the tr rrecipies from the book. 

B Bissop Rouge (Hibiscus Drink) Western Africa D I Ingredients: 5 cups boiling water 2 cups dried hibiscus flowers ¼ cup fresh lemon grass (optional) ½ tsp vanilla or rum flavoring (or to taste) Sugar to taste (probably 1 to 2 cups)

ast African, notably, Ethiopian, cuisine is perhaps the most well-known in the United States. This volume illuminates West, Southern, and Central African cuisine as well to give students and other readers a solid understanding of how the diverse African peoples grow, cook, and eat food and how they celebrate special occasions and ceremonies with special foods. Readers will also learn about African history, religions, and ways of life plus how African and American foodways are related. For example, cooking techniques such as deep frying and ingredients such as peanuts, chili peppers, okra, watermelon, and even cola were introduced to the United States by sub-Sahara Africans who were brought as slaves. The book is available through Amazon.com in hardback and e-book format: http://books.google. com/books/about/Food_culture_

Directions: Put the hibiscus flowers (and lemon grass, if using) in a large stainless steel or glass bowl and pour 5 cups of boiling water over them. Cover the bowl, and let it steep for at least 4 hours. Place a strainer over a large

bowl and empty the liquid from the hibiscus/lemongrass mixture into the bowl. Return the herbs to the bowl they were in originally, and pour another 5 cups of boiling water into it. Stir the mixture well, and then pour it through the strainer again to add to the previously strained liquid, pushing downon the striner with a spoon to remove as much of the water as possible. Add the flavoring and sugar to taste, and chill. Store in a covered pitcher or jar in the refrigerator. Pour into a glass and add ice and/or water as desired. Note: Dried hibiscus flowers purchased in outdoor markets may need to be rinsed befor using. Also, when straining and pouring the bissap into serving containers, be sure to leave any sediment in the bottom of the bowl and discard. Variations: Mix or match any two of the following with, or in place of, the lemon grass or vanilla or rum flavorings: a cup of pineapple or orange juice; one-half cup lemon juice; a mint sprig; or one-half to one teaspoon of fresh grated ginger. Or, prepare the beverage using half the water and dilute to taste with chilled seltzer water or ginger ale when serving.

Tomato Bredie (Tomato Stew) Southern Africa Ingredients: ½ cup water 2 large onions, sliced (about 2 cups) 74 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

1½-2 lbs stewing lamb (e.g., ribs or shoulder), cut into pieces 2 Tbsp vegetable oil 6-8 large ripe tomatoes (about 2 lbs) 1 tsp sugar (or to taste) 1 tsp salt (or to taste) 1 chili pepper, finely chopped (about 1 Tbsp), or ½ tsp cayenne papper (olr to taste) 1 clove of garlic, peeled and crushed freshly ground black pepper, to taste Directions: Peel and slice the onions, and cut the lamb into chunks. Remove excess fat from the lamb. Heat oil on medium heat in a heavy pot, pan or skillet, and brown the onions and lamb until the onions are golden and the meat is

seared on all sides. Cover and simmer the mixture on the lower heat for 20-30 minutes, checking occasionally to make sure that it does not scorch. While the meat is simmering, peel the tomatoes by dropping them into a sauce of boiling water for a minute, then into a bowl of cold water. The skins will split and slip off. Slice the tomatoes into rounds about ¼ inch thick. Drain off all but about 2 Tbsp of the fat from the pan. Add the tomatoes, crushed garlic, chopped chili pepper (or cayenne papper), salt and sugar. Stir gently. Lower the heat to very low, cover the pan, and simmer for about an hour, stirring frequently to prevent the mixture from sticking and burning. Just before serving, remove the lid and spoon off any fat on the surface. Cook a few more minutes until the sauce is thick. Serve with rice or thick corn porridge.

2 cloves garlic; one peeled and crushed, one peeled but whole 2 cups plain full-cream yogurt (if available), buttermilk, or sour milk 1 medium onion, chopped 1 Tbsp curry powder 1 Tbsp coarsely chopped cashew nuts 1 bunch coriander leaves, chopped (keep a few leaves for garnish) 1 Tbsp cumin Butter for frying Salt and any tpe of pepper to taste Directions: Mix the crushed garlic clove with the yogurt and pour over the chicken pieces, stirring to coat well. Allow to marinate, covered, in a glass or ceramic bowl in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Sauté the onion and whole, peeled garlic clove in the butter over medium heat for several

Kuku no Mala (Chicken in Yogurt) East Africa Ingredients: 1 chicken or 2-3 lbs pieces, skin removed and cut into serving pieces (leave the bone in or cut the chicken from the bones, or use boneless chicken)

http://wildafricacream.blogspot.com

African Cuisine from African Cuisine page 75

minutes. Add the chopped cashew nuts and all the spices, and cook 5 minutes longer. Stir in the chicken and marinade. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the sauce is smooth, about 30 minutes depending on size of chicken pieces. Serve with rice.

1 cup water Salt and cayenne pepper to taste (about ½ to 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp or more red pepper) 4 medium sweet potatoes, unpeeled 3 Tbsp butter Directions: Peel the plantains or bananas, cut into pieces, and sprinkle with lemon juice.

Rwandan Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes - Central Africa Ingredients: 1 lb stewing beef, cubed 1 onion, chopped 3 Tbsp vegetable oil 3 small green cooking bananas or 2 medium green plantains (or substitute regular green bananas) Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 Tbsp) ¼ cup tomato sauce ¼ tsp ground sage

Peel and chop the onion, then cut the meat into cubes. Heat the oil in the pan and fry the meat and onions until the meat is browned and the onions

76 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

golden. Add the plantains or bananas, and cook them for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the tomato sauce, sage, salt and red pepper to taste, and 1 cup water. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and simmer until the meat is tender. Depending on the size of the cubes and the toughness of the meat, this may be 30 minutes to an hour. Check and stir occasionally, and add more water if necessary. While the stew cooks, rinse but do not peel the sweet potatoes and put into a pot with enough water to cover them and a little salt, if desired. Bring the water to a boil, lower it and cook the potatoes until tender, around 30 minutes. When cooked, drain them and remove the skins. Mash sweet potatoes with a potato masher or electric mixer, and season with the butter, salt and black or white peper to taste, and serve with the stew. 

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Pan-African CHILDREN’S FUND

people-to-people, church-to-church initiative to contribute to a better future for the children of Africa Please send your contribution to:

Pan-African Children’s Fund P.O. Box 8386 Los Angeles, CA 90008

323-733-1048 pacf@westa.org

The KARIDERM products for hair care, body care and facial care are made from certified organic shea butter, offering all the benefits of this African green treasure. Rich in nutritious fatty acids and regenerating vitamins, KARIDERM’s shea butter nourishes and balances the skin, giving a superior level of protection, revitalization and hydration.

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77 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

Kasamore International Calling Card Low Rates for International Calls & Domestic Calls No Contract • No Fees Quaranteed High Quality Sound

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Good Travel Reads Octavia E. Butler Books Available as E-Books Octavia E. Butler

ne of the joys of travel - time to read. Facilitating that joy is the recent technology that converts print books to digital or E-books. The good news, E-books don’t add to the weight of your checked luggage or bulk up your carry-on bag. For those that are fans of science fiction, some of the books of African American writer, Octavia Butler have been converted to digital editions.

Open Road Media hass available 14 titles from awardwinning science-fiction writer Octavia E. Butler, including the Nebula Award-winning Parable of the Talents, bringing all the titles to e-books for the first time. The e-books include an illustrated biography featuring never before seen photos. The deal was made by Betsy Mitchell, ell, Open Road’s strategic adviser for f science fiction and fantasy. The other titles are: Parable of the Sower, Wild Seed, Mind of My Mind, Clay’s Ark, Patternmaster, Dawn, Adulthood Rites, Imago,

ENJOY!! The many beers, wines and liquors of Africa. On the continent and in the U.S.A. 78 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

and Bloodchild.  ww.openroadmedia.com/ search/?q=octavia%20butler

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A new series of 12 online videos offer exporters another tool in learning about the technical aspects of exporting and dealing with the intricacies of trade rules and paperwork. In these videos, viewers see Trade Information Center (TIC) trade specialists, explaining how to fill out a NAFTA Certificate of Origin. The presenters in the videos all do customerfacing work for their Department of Commerce agencies and, thus, are intimately familiar with the subject matter of each video. The 12 export training videos are available on the Web at www.census.gov/foreign-trade/aes/ exporttraining/videos. Each video runs about three or four minutes and can be viewed online or downloaded for off-line viewing. For additional sources of export counseling, contact the Trade Information Center at 1-800-USA-TRAD(E) (1-800-872-8723); www. export.gov.

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outh Sudan is the most underdeveloped region of the world today. 85% of the population in South Sudan is illiterate. Only about 7% of teachers in the south have any professional training, and it is not uncommon to visit a school where the teachers themselves have not been educated beyond fourth grade. Some 1.5 million children who should be in school are not, due to lack of schools. The majority of schools that do exist consist of a chalkboard under a tree. Read about the camapign and contribute to the program to build over 41 schools at www.sudansunrise.org.

Southern Sudan Literacy Project (SSLP) Build a Primary School • www.thehopealliance.org/?q=node/77

he Southern Sudan Literacy Project (SSLP) is designed to build a Primary school in Dongchak Payam, Duk County, Southern Sudan. Solomon Awan, who was one of the “Lost Boys from Sudan,” now lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. He desires to help the village he is from, Duk Padiet. Villagers are just now returning after so many years of war and genocide. During the Spring of 2008, Solomon traveled back to his home village where he was reunited with his mother and sister. He met with the village community and agreed that the education of their children is the most critical need. We hope to finish building the school before the 2011 rainy season. To further this goal, SSLP has partnered with Hope Alliance, allowing our donors the benefit of a tax deduction. Please help SSLP accomplish this worthwhile project: send donations to The Hope Alliance (www.thehopealliance.org) For further information please contact: solomonawan@ yahoo.com.  80 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2014

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Friends of Festival at Sea presents our 2015 Pre Sale: A CONNOISSEUR’S CHINA 13 Night Cruise Beijing to Hong Kong featuring 3-Night Overland Package in Beijing Sail from Beijing to Yantai, Shanghai, Xiamen, and Hong Kong March 29 to April 11, 2015

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