INDUSTRY RESPONSE

CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION

22 June 2022 will be a memorable day for South Africans – it marks the lifting of the final Covid-19 restrictions. Meetings hears from a jubilant industry.

“This announcement couldn’t have come at a better time. The tourism sector has been in recovery mode since late last year and this development will give the recovery process more impetus. Hiking is now a popular activity among travellers in the country. The reason is that the pandemic locked them in for a long time and since they are now free to move freely, they chose open spaces. The travel sector is starting to see a large number of first-time hikers signing up and trying new destinations. Travellers get the health benefits of doing outdoor activities, which is commendable.”

“We understand the initial reasons for putting these measures in place. We strongly believe that the decline in the number of infections and the scientific developments support the cause for change. We hereby welcome this decision to suspend some of the remaining restrictions. These changes will allow for the sector and the economy to fully function. The removal of masks and the easing of restrictions on gatherings are quite important for tourism.” “This important development sets us on the path to economic recovery. South African music lovers cautious about attending large concerts can now attend live shows with full confidence that the shows will happen, and that the environment will be safe. We are back in business and will be announcing many more world-class tours in the coming weeks. We leave [the decision to wear a mask] to the individual concertgoer, but strongly encourage vulnerable people and those with underlying medical conditions to take appropriate health precautions.”

“We are absolutely thrilled that government has lifted the restriction of 50%-only capacity in conferences, events, exhibitions, musical events and big stadium events. This will really help our industry get back on its feet because we now have clarity and certainties. We can actually plan in advance, which is exactly what our industry needs. We’ve got lots of work to do to catch up all the events and conferences that we lost, especially in the international market, but our industry is resilient, and we really are determined to try to do that.” “This is a much-needed boost for the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. The limited capacities set at all venues posed a major commercial issue for all our businesses. We are in the business of building businesses; now we can focus on driving our industry forward again and boost economic development within our sector.”

Tshepo Matlou, head: Marketing and Communications, Jurni

Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO, Tourism Business Council of South Africa Justin van Wyk, CEO, Big Concerts

Rosemary Anderson, national chairperson, Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa Carol Weaving, CEO, RX Africa

“The return to life as we knew it before Covid-19 will go a long way in boosting the tourism sector’s growth, as travellers will be able to participate in more activities, including attending big events and gatherings that not only contribute to our country’s appeal but also to our economy.”

Lindiwe Sisulu, Minister of Tourism, South Africa

“We appreciate the fact that notwithstanding the disagreements, even leading to threats or even actual court actions, the mainframe of our collective action remained until today. We thank South Africans for resilience in internalising various measures of prevention and mitigation against the virus, some of which will help us in dealing with some older respiratory diseases such as influenza and TB but also future respiratory epidemics.”

Dr Joe Phaahla, Minister of Health, Republic of South Africa

HIP, HIP, hooray!

ANEW Hotels & Resorts celebrates five years! The hotel group shares its special news with the Meetings readers.

ANEW Hotels & Resorts has celebrated significant milestones over the past few months. And now, the brand is celebrating its fifth birthday. Stemming from a family-run business established in 1952, the ANEW brand was launched in 2017 and has become a market force in South Africa’s hospitality industry. From owning and managing only three properties three years ago, the group had grown to operate 15 hotels by May 2022, showcasing impressive growth. ANEW Resort Vulintaba Newcastle is the newest property managed by the group, while other properties added in recent years include ANEW Hotel Ocean Reef, ANEW Resort Hunters Rest, ANEW Hotel Centurion, ANEW Hotel Roodepoort, ANEW Hotel Parktonian, and ANEW Hotel Green Point.

ANEW’s success lies in the commitment of its employees to the company’s HITEC values, which is an acronym of the words honour, integrity, teamwork, excellence, and courage.

STAFF AND PATRONS COMMENDED

Group CEO Clinton Armour praised his team for delivering world-class service to guests. He says the growth of ANEW would not have been possible without a dedicated staff complement. “Our success is a direct result of the dedication of our team at ANEW Hotels & Resorts. Their commitment and support have helped us grow and expand.

“As we move forward, we intend to expand the hotel group and become the first choice for travellers. We want to express our gratitude to our loyal guests for choosing ANEW Hotels & Resorts for their travel needs,” he adds.

The celebration of ANEW’s fifth anniversary is an exciting occasion, says Alan Campbell, director: Sales and Marketing. “We’re looking forward to new challenges and new properties as we move into our sixth year. The past five years have been nothing short of amazing. Our staff and clients are responsible for our success and we are so genuinely grateful,” he says.

ABOUT ANEW HOTELS & RESORTS

ANEW Hotels & Resorts has evolved from a family business started in 1952. Family culture and attention to detail are firmly grounded in its people, and the group prides itself on the personal touch. The ANEW Hotel & Resorts Group owns and manages various properties in South Africa, with a vision to grow the brand by acquiring additional properties and management contracts in strategic locations.

A SPIRIT OF PERSEVERANCE

ANEW Hotels & Resorts received the Africa’s Travel Indaba 2022 Inspiration Award in May this year. The award recognised an individual or organisation that has inspired the community by overcoming adversity to rise and shine over the past two years.

Testament to ANEW’s perseverance during the pandemic, the hotel group employed only a few staffers at each property in KwaZulu-Natal, including a general manager, chef and maintenance worker. During this period, the small staff count contributed to the hotel’s character. Accountants cleaned hotel rooms, waiters made beds and receptionists handled room service.

“We are looking forward to strengthening the brand in the years to come and will continue to serve our guests with excellence,” says Kevin Burley, operations director at ANEW Hotels & Resorts.

REWARDS PROGRAMME

Sign up for the ANEW Rewards loyalty programme, which rewards returning and regular guests at all ANEW Hotels & Resorts locations. As an ANEW Hotels & Resorts guest, you will benefit from discounts on direct bookings and earn Wena Bucks that can be used for future stays and food and beverage orders.