VENUE NEWS

Danny Bryer.

Well-known hotel executive takes on new role at Kruger Gate Hotel

Few people in the South African tourism sector are better positioned than Danny Bryer to assist the newly independent Kruger Gate Hotel move into a new era, post its separation from the Protea by Marriott brand. Known for his innovative ways of optimising revenue, Mr Bryer is a strong asset for the Kruger Gate team.

With effect from 1 September, The Kruger Gate Hotel assumed management of its own operations under the stewardship of chief executive officer, Anton Gillis. Mr Bryer has seen the growth of both the hotel and of Mr Gillis during his more than 30 years as the head of Protea’s sales and marketing and is the logical choice to serve as consultant for the hotel as it works through its transition.

After leaving Protea, Mr Bryer launched his own project management company, Hospitality Intelligence, and over the past two years has worked with a variety of properties from large hotels to boutique accommodation, as well as lodges and airlines. He is now set to share his expertise with the management team of the Kruger Gate Hotel to ensure its visibility in global markets and to leverage its unique selling proposition and take advantage of the greater domestic demand for experiential holidays and of increased airline capacity into SA.

“The Kruger Gate Hotel leaves Marriott with world-class systems and the entire management team and staff complement intact, so operationally the move to an independent hotel will be seamless,” Mr Bryer said. “My focus will be on the rebranding objective for a new clientele, pricing models and revenue optimisation,” he added. “Most critical is the hotel’s accessibility through online reservation and distribution systems, with a user-friendly website that provides an exceptional user experience even before the guest arrives at the hotel.”

Contracts with new and existing service providers are currently being signed, including more sourcing from the local community in the area of the hotel’s location, and a sales team with a new focus will be out on the road in domestic and international markets.

“With 145 rooms and two unique venues in the conference space and executive suites, the hotel has a competitive edge in the meetings and incentive market, as well as offering an intimate lodge experience for independent travellers. Its location on the border of the world-renowned Kruger National Park means that game viewing is possible without leaving the property — although, of course, game drive options are always available.”

A shift in the demographic of world travellers post-Covid-19 means that the Kruger Gate Hotel is anticipating a younger, more affluent guest profile as well as more families. Mr Bryer expressed his optimism for incoming tourism figures, as a number of airlines recommit to routes into Africa and South Africa, including British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Delta and United from the USA. America is currently the largest revenue generator for the sector in South Africa, and the Kruger Gate Hotel will work hard for its share of this lucrative market.

Mr Bryer’s biggest concern for the sector is the current cost of travel. “Whilst the Kruger Gate Hotel offers excellent value, the cost for overseas visitors to make a long-haul trip given existing oil and fuel prices is potentially damaging for us as a destination.” he said.

“However, supply and demand for airline seats has the potential to drive the cost of air tickets down, and so I remain optimistic for inbound tourism.”

Mr Bryer asserted that South Africa has world-class standards when it comes to accommodation and, as a destination that provides great value as well as a vast range of experiences from which to choose, it has the potential to enjoy repeat business as travellers are drawn back to the country’s unique value proposition.

“The Kruger Gate Hotel has an amazing offering, with a brand new spa, boma, rim-flow pool and rooms that are being refurbished to meet the demands of discerning guests, and so we are confident that, once visitors have experienced the hotel for themselves, they will be ambassadors for the property when they return home,” Mr Bryer said.

Guest loyalty, however, is never a given and Mr Bryer and the Kruger Gate Hotel team will be working hard to ensure the longevity of the hotel’s success. This includes leveraging datadriven relationship marketing, greater personalisation of communications with specific market segments, and listening to the ever-changing needs of its customers.

“The massive shift in behaviour and attitudes post-Covid, coupled with the rapid adoption of technology, means we must always be learning and moving forward,” Mr Bryer said. “This means not only keeping up with the times but being ahead of them. It is essential that we are forward thinking, constantly aware of new platforms and channels on which the hotel needs to be visible to the world,” he said.

With Anton Gillis at the helm and Mr Bryer project managing the move to full independence, the Kruger Gate is a hotel for now and for the future.