Tes Proos – driving incentives into Africa

Passionate Tes Proos, 53, president of Site Africa and founder of Crystal Events Africa, has been in this industry for over 38 years.

Her company, Crystal Events Africa provides a wide range of hands-on services for domestic and inbound groups, be it incentive travel, meetings, conferences, business launches or sporting events.

Ms Proos said: “I am privileged to have had a varied and exciting career in hospitality since my school days. I used to work holidays and weekends at my father’s hotel in Bloemfontein, never thinking that I would do it as a career. After school I studied law and hated it. My part-time work ended up being a full-time job after I left university.”

“In the 1990s, while I was working at the Sandton Sun Hotel, I got my first taste of ‘incentive travel’ as it had become ‘a thing’. Over the following years, I worked at Sun City and in Swaziland where I handled many incentive groups from an operational point of view. The transition from hospitality to incentives came naturally. When the opportunity arose in 2000, I started up a Destination Manager Company (DMC) for a Cape Town travel company.

She has worked for two major DMC’s and since then started her own business in 2009, being Crystal Events.

Ms Proos has been a member of Site since 2001, joined the Site South Africa board in 2008 and has been president three times since 2012.

“Rebranding Site South Africa to Site Africa in September 2019 was a landmark for the chapter and something I am very proud of. I look forward to more African destinations becoming really sought after for their unique incentive experiences,” she added.

Where do you see the incentive industry in South Africa at present and where do you see it heading in the future?

As we are busy trying to make sense of Covid-19, our world has been turned upside-down. It is an age of confusion and uncertainty. As a result, I believe that the incentive travel industry is going to feel the pain for a long time to come.

We need to reignite confidence and trust in our clients but can only do so if our governments make consistent and reliable decisions. Therefore, we as the private sector, need to support our governments and help guide them as to what makes sense for our sector to survive. If we can get that right, our industry has a better chance of recovery.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Welkom (Free State) and grew up in Bloemfontein.

What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in this sector?

Covid-19 has certainly turned this industry on its head.

Were you always involved in this sector?

Yes, I started in hotel operations, sales and marketing from 1985 until 2000. I was then head hunted to start up a DMC business in 2000.

Are you married?

Not married but been together with Lukas for many years. We met in 1985 and we finally got together in 2009.

What role does your family play in your life?

They are everything to me. They are my support system and keep me sane – or at least – they try to.

What would you change in your life if you could when looking back?

I would be a fighter pilot and NASA rocket scientist. But the SA Airforce would not have girls at the time.

Do you have any hobbies? Nothing unusual – golf and cooking.

Do you play any sports?

The odd game of golf and a good workout – except those took a long break during our Covid lockdowns, so I have to start from scratch!

Who is your favourite sportsman/woman?

Venus Williams. That said, I was a gymnast as a kid and Nadia Comaneci was my absolute hero.

What do you do for leisure?

Cooking and reading.

What is your secret to success?

Integrity, you can only lose your good name once. That and forging solid, good relationships.

What has been your biggest challenge in this sector?

The year 2020!

What is your pet hate?

The sound mosquitoes make.

What is the most memorable place you have ever been to, and why?

Malawi. It was an epic trip with my baby sister and a great friend and early in my discovery of how amazing Africa and its people are.

What type of holiday would you avoid at all costs?

Any seat-in coach tours. I hate being on a schedule when I have time off.

If you could be anyone for the day who would you be and why?

Yuri Gagarin – the first space traveller. I could do with a day orbiting earth and seeing its beauty from a distance.

What is your favourite city?

Kigali. It is one of the most beautiful cities and feels like one of the safest African city. Black Panther should have been filmed there!

What is your TV programme?

Any Bobby Flay cooking programme.

How do you relax?

Thai massage – painful but wonderful.

What is your favourite food?

Pork belly, if properly done, is a total winner.

Who is your favourite movie star?

Tough one – but let me go with Cate Blanchett. She is so versatile and good at every job she does.

What is the most impulsive thing you have ever done?

I hopped on a plane from Cape Town to London, for a day, to meet a client.

Who is your role model?

My mom. She is 73 years old and in much better shape than me. She has been my rock and life-saver since I can remember.

What advice do you have for anyone starting out in this industry and hoping to follow in your footsteps?

Always be true to yourself, know that you will never have a 9 – 5 job and learn to read your client’s mind.

What is your dream for the future?

Maybe this Covid pandemic is meant to bring the world together. It would be amazing to have nations and religions unite and respect each other.