Destination report South Africa is a special edition of MIM Europe Magazine - August 2011 published by Meeting Media Company (Belgium) press@mimmagazine.eu - www.mimmagazine.eu
SPECIAL MIM EUROPE SUPPLEMENT
Afgiftekantoor-Bureau de d茅p么t: 2800 Mechelen 1
Celebrating Incentives in
south africa
South Africa > introduction
Incentives in South Africa One-of-a-kind experiences
Messina LIMPOPO
Johannesburg NORTH WEST PROVINCE NORTHERN CAPE
FREE STATE
SOUTH AFRICA EASTERN CAPE Cape Town
WESTERN CAPE
Port Elizabeth
Contents Introduction Adventures Green & Sustainable Unforgettable Experiences Team building & Meetings Incentives Contacts
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MPUMALANGA Pretoria
It’s quite easy to gather why South Africa is such a fascinating incentives destination: great weather, 0 jet lag for European tourists, nearly 3000km of coastline, diverse cultures, adventure credentials, historic Freedom Struggle, lively urban rhythms, award-winning food and wine, luxury accommodation, natural wonders, spirit of ubuntu (or respect for the dignity of all and emphasis on partnerships), fascinating wildlife and welcoming nature, you name it they have it! Text Rémi Dévé Pictures South African Tourism
Lately South Africa has been increasingly promoting itself as a prime conference destination. Maybe because they thought it’s not the perception that planners have of this great Durban country and that’s why it needed promotion in this specific area. But when it comes to incentives, many organizers can naturally feel the allure of South Africa. Now is the right time to take a closer look at this formidable country as it has become a firm favourite with incentive groups - especially since there is no time difference between South Africa and Europe, a definite plus for participants who can be fully operational in a heartbeat!
KWAZULU NATAL
To start with, the sheer beauty of South Africa’s landscape, people and culture is simply enchanting. From mountains to crystal blue oceans, South Africa has an abundance of spectacular surroundings and, at the same time, offers a world-class infrastructure, accommodation and meeting facilities combined with the excitement, passion and cultural diversity of Africa. It is the juxtaposition of these contrasts which makes South Africa such an exhilarating incentive destination: cosmopolitan city life is followed by the raw wilderness of the bush; relaxing beach resorts mixed with adventurous pursuits in awe-inspiring scenery. Whether you are stargazing in Sutherland, hunting for fossils in the Free State province, searching for San rock art deep in the caves of the Drakensberg mountains, cage diving with Great White Sharks, having cocktails in the trunk of an ancient baobab tree, planting a vegetable garden for orphans, camping deep in the bush surrounded by wildlife, or doing the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee, South Africa is more than an incentive, it’s an enriching life experience. This MIM special supplement will of course not be an exhaustive inventory of what South Africa can offer to incentives planners. We have tried to take a large picture of the country, with all its special incentive flavours. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact Tina Herold, Business Tourism Manager, Europe, at South African Tourism (tina@afriquedusud-tourisme.fr / Direct line (+33) 1 45 61 64 41) or feel free to contact any suppliers whose contact you’ll find at the end of this supplement.
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Seidelberg Wine Estate, Cape Wine Route, Paarl, Western Cape Province
South Africa > adventures
Adventures in South Africa
A heady mix
Elephant Back Safaris, Eastern Cape
With a wide variety of adventure around every corner, South Africa is arguably the adventure capital of the world. It’s all about pushing individual boundaries and personal growth. For some, adventure is going on a game drive, a walking trail or a hot-air balloon ride, for others an adrenaline rush is leaping off a bridge, mountain or waterfall. No matter the skill, inclination or interest, there is an adventure to thrill all in South Africa. Into the wild South Africa is one of the most successful countries in the world when it comes to the conservation of bush, wilderness and wildlife on a sustainable basis. With no less than 19 national parks, numerous game and nature reserves, and a range of eco-systems, it’s the ideal place to get in touch with nature, go on a safari, shooting images to remember. Not only does South Africa have the Big 5 (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino), they also have an incredible array of bird and plant life. Kruger National Park game reserve, for instance, has more species of wild mammals than any game reserve in
Africa. Worth noting also are the birding opportunities in South Africa, which are internationally acclaimed. Among these unforgettable wilderness and wildlife experiences are hands-on ‘green hunting’ for conservation (darting and relocation of wild animals), walking tours and game drives amongst elephants, giraffes or zebras, sleeping in the bush under the stars, and enjoying a private jacuzzi overlooking a waterhole. After a long day of tracking wild animals in the bush, you can also sip on sundowners as you watch the animals of the wild
quench their thirsts at a watering hole. And if you still haven’t got enough, going on a night drive is a special experience. Exclusive bush experiences for corporate groupes are also possible: just book your team on a tented safari in a private wilderness area. Staying in a tree-top retreat of wood, reed and thatch built high above the ground surrounded by giant trees is another accommodation option that’s hard to beat. You can also take a guided walk along a wilderness trail learning about the animals, trees and vegetation you see along the way from an experienced guide; have
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South Africa > adventures
Canopy tree top tours, Tsitsikamma Forest, Garden Route, Western Cape Province
Legends Golf Estate, Limpopo Province
Outdoor and adventure highlights • Bloukrans Bungee jumping in the Eastern Cape • Whale-watching along the Overberg and Garden Route • Diving with tiger sharks and raggies (Ragged Tooth Sharks) at Aliwal Shoal along the Elephant Coast • Abseiling Blyde (Motlatse) River Canyon • Hiking along the rugged Wild Coast • Horse-riding along Noordhoek Beach • Enjoying a turtle safari in Kosi Bay • Hot-air ballooning over the Magaliesberg • Cycling Long Tom’s Pass in Mpumalanga • Climbing an icy waterfall in the Drakensberg in winter
Golf highlights • Playing the legendary Gary Player golf courses at Sun City • Watching the whales frolic as you putt in Hermanus • Sneaking in some game viewing as you take on the fairways in Mpumalanga • Following in the footsteps of Gary Player, Retief Goosen and Ernie Els as you play on South Africa’s championship golf courses • Paying a visit to the Arabella Country Club in Kleinmond, Western Cape - bordering on a scenic lagoon and home to the Nelson Mandela Invitational • Enjoying 18 holes designed by Jack Nicklaus in the gorgeous Cape Winelands
Kayaking, Durban
a bushveld dinner in a boma under the stars around a large outdoor fire; or go on rhino walking, stargazing, birding or treespotting safaris. In short: South Africa’s wild life and wilderness will be served to you on a plate!
A shot of adrenaline South Africa is second to none as an adventure destination. Mzansi, as the country is affectionately known by its people, offers a wide range of world-class options to impress any traveler, regardless of extraordinary tastes. For those craving hardcore sporting activities, South Africa may well be heaven on earth, as outdoor and adventure activities are extremely popular there. Whether you’re playing on a championship golf course, free diving with tiger sharks, abseiling off Lion’s Head or river-rafting down the Thukela - there’s an outdoor adventure activity for everyone. At South Africa’s southernmost tip - Cape Agulhas -, aquamarine seas, white beaches, dolphins, whales and turtles provide moments of pleasure for those who are brave enough to take on the elements. For the adventurers out there there’s abseiling, paragliding, micro-lighting, canyoning (kloofing) and diving with predators such as great white sharks and crocodiles. For those who prefer milder
adventures, horse-riding on the beach, hot air ballooning over the mountains, walking through forests, and hiking in our national parks are some activities to savour. Fishing, angling, surfing and water sports are also on offer and with nearly 3000km of coastline, those who enjoy the water are spoilt for choice. Why not go scuba diving in Sodwana, deepsea fishing in St Lucia, surfing in Jeffrey’s Bay or whalespotting in Hermanus? For those who love bird-watching, there are so many excellent places to get your fix, such as Nylsvley in Limpopo (a renowned RAMSAR site), Ndumo Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal and, again, the world-famous Kruger National Park. Cycling, canoeing, swimming and running marathons are also highly recommended, with the country hosting annual international and extreme marathons such as the Pick n Pay Argus Cycle Tour, the Comrades Marathon, the Berg River Canoe Marathon, the Midmar Mile, the Absa Cape Epic Cycle Race and the Two Oceans Marathon. South Africa has produced some of the top golfing greats, and has some of the best golf courses in the world. There are more than 500 golf courses in South Africa with many a fairway overlooking the ocean or surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, some with wildlife wandering around and even an ‘extreme’ golf course.
South Africa > adventures
case study
Sun City and Tented Camp
Sun City
Into Africa offered a Danish advertising company the opportunity to ‘go wild’ for a staff incentive trip to Sun City and the Pilanesberg Game Reserve coupled with a stay in the tented camp located at Vaalkop Nature Reserve, in the North West and Gauteng provinces. The angle was to see Sun City and the Pilanesberg as you have never seen it before, with a focus on nature and wildlife! Appreciating the importance of the first impression Into Africa decided to go BIG and the 80 participants reveled in the close interaction they had with Africa’s gentle giants, the elephants at the Sun City Elephant Sanctuary. The group enjoyed full exposure of the Sun City resort in the form of an Amazing Race, where delegates were tested to the limit having to ‘outplay’, ‘outrun, and ‘out-think’ each other from one end of the Sun City Complex to the other. In keeping with the informal and relaxed style of the day, lunch was a picnic on the lawns adjacent to the lake. An early morning game drive within the Pilanesberg National Park gave delegates the chance to appreciate the vast, 55,000 hectares of pristine unspoiled natural beauty. The game drive was made very special by the fact that they sighted both black and white rhino. Into Africa used this opportunity to introduce the delegates to one of the community projects they have been involved in. This was well received as CSR has become an ever more important consideration
when planning events. It was great to revisit a community for whom Into Africa has facilitated much needed upliftment in their lives with massive improvements to their impoverished schooling facilities. Delegates were treated a precious opportunity to participate in an interaction with African Wild Dogs. The Wild Dog is very rarely seen in its natural habitat today, and is one of southern Africa’s most highly endangered mammal species. Delegates were driven into the enclosure by 4 wheel drive and could at close proximity study the hierarchy of their social structure at play as they fed. The tented camp was located at Vaalkop, which is adjacent to the reserve, and being predator free, is ideal. Once everyone was settled in the camp, a highlight of the trip was a 1.5 hours canoe trip to Bird Island. Being non-motorised, the canoes provided an opportune platform for birdwatching, of which the variety was impressive. The camp provided all the creature comforts enjoyed by seasoned travelers, including their own en-suite bathrooms with hot
showers. Delegates relaxed under the star scattered African night sky and relish a meal around the camp fire. An early morning mountain bike ride through Vaalkop seemed to have been the favourite activity for this group. While the ride itself was not at all strenuous, delegates seemed to particularly enjoy the freedom of roaming through the reserve on their own steam and the closeness to nature they experienced. The transfer back to OR Tambo International Airport was broken with a fascinating stop off at The Cradle of Humankind. The Cradle of Humankind achieved ‘World Heritage Site’ status because of the significance of the discoveries that were made there, particularly at the Sterkfontein Caves. Within the caves, scientists have discovered many hominid and other animal fossils, dating back more than 4-million years, to the birth of humanity. Lunch was pure indulgence with delectable dishes inspired by French, African and Asian influences. Headed by French Chef Patron, Philippe Wagenfuhrer and his team, the Forum Homini is renowned as one of Johannesburg’s top fine dining restaurants. Aptly named ‘Roots’ the restaurant offers beautiful views of this Heritage Site. www.intoafrica.com
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South Africa > green & sustainable
Sustainable business tourism
Greening your incentives in South Africa Sustainability is the keyword in the meetings industry nowadays. Whether experiencing thrilling green adventures, exploring South Africa’s rich cultural heritage, enjoying delicious organic fare or getting involved in conservation and responsible tourism projects, there are plenty of options if you want to be green in the land of the Big Five.
Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga
wine tasting adventure, going spoor tracking in the wild; or learning Zulu dancing in a Zulu cultural village, the options for hosting a green incentive in South Africa are almost endless. Many game lodges and other accommodation establishments in South Africa have introduced environmental initiatives to minimise their environmental impact while offering green meeting and incentive options. Accommodation at Serenity Forest Lodge, Mpumalanga
With the environment being top of mind for many incentive travelers, the choice for green incentives in South Africa will more than meet your wish-list. From green adventures to green accommodation options and meeting facilities, South Africa offers plenty to choose from.
Abseiling, exploring, building Whether abseiling a rocky outcrop or exploring San rock art in the Drakensberg or Cederberg Mountains, exploring Soweto’s historical attractions by bicycle, building a classroom or house in one of South Africa’s vulnerable communities, going on a Cape winelands mountain bike
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These can be combined with stays in ecofriendly accommodation establishments that take their environmental responsibilities seriously and have implemented environmental management practices. Three South African lodges were named among the world’s top 50 eco-lodges in National Geographic Adventure magazine in 2009. These lodges are ideal green incentive destinations where guests can witness environmental practices at work - from wildlife conservation, to the lodge’s involvement with the local community, which derives economic benefit from its association with the lodge. Cape Town, a popular destination for international incentives, has launched a green map which shows the city’s green
spaces, nature reserves, organic eateries, farmers’ markets, recycling drop-off points, sustainable living projects, eco-products and other green choices. In Cape Town there are also eco-friendly transport solutions. The Green Cab’s vehicles run on liquefied petroleum gas and bio-diesel which reduces harmful emissions by 87% and enable clients to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying green incentives in South Africa. Among the many eco-friendly adventure activities one can enjoy are eco-hikes, guided walks, mountain climbing, wildlife experiences, birding, mountain biking, wild dog tracking, tree canopying, scuba diving, cycle tours, horse riding, touring historical sites and more. South Africa’s biodiversity can also be explored. Awarded for the 9th time in 2010, the Imvelo Responsible Tourism Awards, administered by the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA), recognise tourism and hospitality businesses that make a sustained and measurable contribution to responsible tourism. Imvelo is supported by the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme, a programme of the Heritage Environmental Management
South Africa > green & sustainable
In South Africa the idea that tourism can be sustainable is part of the on-going dialogue on sustainable development
Programme, which provides businesses with effective environmental management and certification solutions. Heritage is one of 3 ‘green’ certification organisations in South Africa. The others include the Green Leaf Environmental Standard, that assesses hotels, game lodges and country estates in the tourism sector, and aims to reduce the effects of consumption on our environment, and Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA), which promotes sustainable tourism development and offers Fair Trade certification. Business travelers who stay in FTTSA-certified establishments, are assured their travel is benefiting local communities and economies, and that the tourism business is operating ethically and in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.
Bigger picture In South Africa the idea that tourism can be sustainable is part of the on-going dialogue on sustainable development, with a goal where development meets the needs of tourists and locals, while protecting any future opportunities. South African Tourism is striving make sure that tourism contributes to making a difference in the lives of our people.
With its intoxicating mix of vast open spaces, wonderful wildlife and fascinating indigenous and modern cultures being such a powerful draw for international visitors, the potential for successful sustainable tourism development in South Africa is immense. Several new initiatives have been launched, including communityowned lodges, township home stays, volunteering opportunities and a variety of other products that will appeal to the modern breed of environmentally and socially-conscious traveller. Thanks to a unique partnership between the above-mentioned Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) and South Africa’s National Development Agency, six new community-based tourism experiences are now being offered to tourists visiting South Africa. The initiatives are creating jobs and stimulating sustainable economic development in a way that compliments the local environment. As well as having excellent green credentials, each of the projects also has enormous appeal to an international marketplace on account of the interesting and ‘real’ travel experiences that they offer.
Accolades Some of the accolades have been awarded to South Africa in the incentives tourism realm: + O.R. Tambo International Airport has been named the Best Airport in Africa at this year’s 2011 World Airport Awards in Denmark + Cape Town International Airport was awarded Best Airport in Africa and Best Improved Airport in Africa by the Airports Council International - Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards 2010 + Several 2010 World Travel Awards including the world’s leading conservation company, game resort and safari for Shamwari, Eastern Cape and the world’s leading luxury train for the Blue Train + Cape Town was voted Best Incentive Destination in the inaugural Conference and Incentive Travel magazine’s 2009 Hot List + S. Pellegrino 100 World’s Best Restaurant put two South African restaurants in its 2010 top 50: La Colombe in Constantia and Le Quartier Francais in Franschoek
For an incentive to remember, who could ask for more?
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South Africa > green & sustainable
case study
Oracle EMEA’s sustainable incentive in Cape Town Augrabies National Park, Northern Cape
Make a difference with ubuntu Ubuntu is an African philosophy that states ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’. The successful hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, was ubuntu on a grand scale. South Africa, as a nation, pulled together to put on a mega-event, from building and renovating stadiums in time for kick-off, to upgrading roads and airports, making the teams and fans from around the world feel welcome and showing their hospitality and deeply-felt patriotism to the world. Looking after the collective is looking after the self. This is something that every visitor can learn when coming here and making a difference, whether it’s that their booking is creating tourism jobs or whether it’s physically making a difference in the communities and to the wildlife by supporting conservation and social upliftment initiatives.
Golden Gate National Park, Free State
Oracle rewarded top sales personnel and their partners from more than 20 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa by including them in the company’s Club Excellence program and inviting them on an elite group travel event. Oracle tasked Carlson Marketing with planning the travel event, and stipulated that an essential requirement was to incorporate elements that would give back to the host destination’s community. This incentive program won SITE’s ‘Most Sustainable Incentive’ Crystal Award. Beyond providing the design, development, creative communications branding, website, on-line registration, air ticketing and on site management for 350 top sales personnel (and their guests) within EMEA, the end in mind was to also leave behind a positive legacy in Cape Town. They were able to achieve this by sourcing all room gifts locally. The ‘Gone Rural’ weaving group, ‘Abacus’ Jane Bedford’s contemporary beadwork, the ‘Orange Farm Maranatha Revival Ministries’, and the ‘Mamelodi Wire Works’ all benefited financially and were able to grow and prosper. The large orders placed with each of these artisans provided employment for an additional 25-30 people in the months leading up to the incentive event. DMC partner, Walthers DMC, was instrumental in making arrangements for the gala dinner outfits. Ladies received a sarong and men a colorful Madiba shirt. The income generated from this order allowed Orange Farm to purchase another
Oracle Awards ceremony
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six industrial sewing machines and employ another 39 people permanently. Walthers worked closely with Carlson Marketing Europe to meet the brief to incorporate elements that would give back to the host destination. One ‘supplier’, a church group was tasked to produce over 700 garments to be worn at the gala dinner. This was a learning process for the 27 women who laboured around the clock for three months to complete the order. However the experience has enabled the church to build a sustainable garment manufacturing business providing some 39 full time jobs for previously unemployed women. ‘This project showed us that with a committed client, a serious impact can be made on our local communities with over R500,000 sourced from the four projects involved. Traditionally many of these items would have been purchased overseas and freighted in’, said, Daryl Keywood, Walthers DMC’s Managing Director. www.walthers.co.za
South Africa > unforgettable experiences
Cape Town
Unforgettable experiences in South Africa Your incentive tour to South Africa will have a unique flair and flavour that can entice and excite even the bestheeled traveller. The country has a flair for the unusual; a penchant for the decidedly different. Whether they are historical, cultural, urban or culinary, many of South Africa’s experiences will be for sure unforgettable. The distinct cultural groups that make up South Africa’s Rainbow Nation, is as rich as the country’s history. South Africa gives visitors a chance to immerse themselves in these unique cultures through exploring cultural villages and art and craft markets, indulging in local cuisine at township restaurants, watching traditional dances or ceremonies, listening to real stories at interactive museums, and talking to the people, who are willing to teach their customs and phrases to international guests.
South Africans are a diverse group and there is no one particular way to define the beauty and complexity of South African culture and heritage
Heritage and culture South Africans are a diverse group and there is no one particular way to define the beauty and complexity of South African culture and heritage. A cultural immersion into South-African culture is both fascinating and insightful. It can open one’s eyes to different ways of doing things, or to new insights into corporate structures, conflict resolution and leadership styles.
Whether it’s following a Hindu procession down Durban’s streets during the Diwali festival, meeting a sangoma (traditional healer) at a traditional cultural village, or learning all about kwaito (South African house music) at a local township bar (known as a shebeen), your incentives will be infused with life-changing experiences. Especially when it comes to South Africa’s incredible
history and fight for freedom from oppression, it can teach you all about being open, accommodating and welcoming to all. South Africa’s cultures are rich and diverse - an incentive trip could give you the opportunity to learn all about the Zulu, Xhosa, Tswana, Ndebele, Venda and Sotho traditions, amongst many others. And understand why South Africans wouldn’t want a life be without a traditional Cape Malay curry, rusks from an Afrikaans kitchen, a bunny chow from the corner café, or a pap ‘n vleis (maize porridge and meat) just the way Gogo (granny) used to make it… The country’s many cultural and historical sites provide insights into its fascinating past - from Cape Dutch and Cape Malay heritage, the Gold Rush trail in Mpumalanga, the battlefields of KwaZuluNatal - where the Zulu tribe defeated the
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South Africa > unforgettable experiences
Hluhluwe, Thanda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal
British Empire - to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela and other great leaders of South Africa’s liberation struggle were incarcerated. You can also take a township tour to Soweto, Alexandra or Kyaelitsha; visit the sacred sites of Venda, where you can learn about sacred fossils and python gods; taste chisa nyama for the first time followed with traditional African beer; imbibe the ancient history of the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape; explore the Freedom Struggle history; visit the outdoor art galleries of the Ndebele; shop for spices in Durban’s busy Victoria Street; attend an Afrikaans music festival; and trace your DNA at the Origins Centre in Johannesburg.
talking here about a good old-fashioned braai (barbeque) with all the trimmings, a Cape Malay curry to make your heart sing, an enormous platter of piri piri prawns served up with a view of the ocean and an array of Afrikaner specialities such as boerewors. You’ll find a number of township restaurants serving up chisa nyama, chakalaka and home-brewed beer. African restaurants are also popular, where music, art and traditional face painting mix well with the hospitable atmoshpere. While in South Africa, make sure you take advantage of our great natural settings. You can eat with your feet in the sand, in caves overlooking the ocean, under the
In South Africa, superb cuisine is paired with exquisite, award-winning wines. And incentives also go through your belly. You’ll find a wide range of fabulous restaurants in our major cities, specialising in anything from Italian and Indian to Thai and Chinese and everything in-between. But, you’d be missing out if you didn’t try the country’s homegrown cuisine - we’re
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For those longing for good wines, look no further than the Cape Winelands, where you can follow wine routes in Stellenbosch, Paarl or Franschhoek and buy spectacular bottles of local Pinotage, a uniquely South African grape variety, bred there since 1925, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay to take back home. Many of the wine estates boast award-winning restaurants where you can taste world-class local cuisine, or book a picnic basket...
Most popular city centres Johannesburg
Cultural tours are popular as well and there are a wide variety of options from Basotho cultural villages, to the Zulu, Xhosa, Shangaan, Pedi, and Ndebele villages. Here you can experience colourfully decorated mud and dung thatched huts; women adorned with beadwork grinding maize; singing, dancing and drumming; and folklore around a campfire with traditional foods.
Food and wine
starry skies in the middle of the bush, with sharks swimming in the background, at the edge of a cliff, on a luxury yacht, the options are numerous... and quite difficult to find elsewhere!
Food and wine highlights • A good old South African braai • Cape Malay cuisine • Chisa nyama at a township tavern • A gourmet tour in Franschhoek • A wine tasting sojourn along Route 62 • Biltong, boerewors and bobotie • Wine-tasting in Stellenbosch
Fondly known as Jo’burg or Jozi to the locals, Johannesburg is the capital of South Africa, with a great concentration of banks and business centres. It was the official host to the massive 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and developed its infrastructures to raise to the occasion: the Gautrain, linking Johannesburg and Pretoria to the O.R. Tambo International Airport, and several meeting facilities saw the light of day. No wonder the area is the economic hub of the country, and arguably the continent, and plays host to most major local and international business meeting, incentives, expos and conferences.
Cape Town The second-most populous city in South Africa, Cape Town us the legislative capital of South Africa, where the National Parliament and many government offices
South Africa > unforgettable experiences
BMW Car Launch in Cape Town
Johannesburg
are located. The city is famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape Town floral kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. The shining jewel in South Africa, Cape Town is also Africa’s most popular tourist destination; during the World Cup tourism revenue increased 220% for the period. Each year, it attracts the most local and foreign visitors than any other location in the country.
The Bavarian car manufacturer BMW introduced its new dream car, the BMW Series 6 Convertible, for the first time from the 17th of January to the 5th of February 2011 in the gorgeous scenery of the Southern African Cape region. The country offers a wide variety of nature and western infrastructure which are ideal conditions for event and incentive projects with a holiday twist. The view was one-of-a-kind: the relentless waves of the Indian Ocean reflected on the metallic finish of the brand new sports car with the classic blue-white logo. In the background, the cristalline, sunny blue sky only highlighted the coastal roads of Cape Town. The new BMW 6-series convertible seemed to be at home cruising the South African province - the launch was praised by journalists and car experts alike.
Durban Located in the Zulu kingdom, Durban offers world class facilities, beautiful Blue Flag beaches, scenery and friendly people, and warm oceans with phenomenal surfing and outdoor activities. The province is also known for its all-year-round warm climate as well as two UNESCO Heritage Sites. Once home to the legendary King Shaka, KwaZulu-Natal has one of the largest Indian communities outside India and a strong British colonial heritage. As a city, Durban experienced the 3rd highest occupancy levels in the country during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.
Silke and Craig Marshall, of M&M Solutions, the destination management company in charge of the event, have more than 25 years experience in the business. They say: ‘South Africa - and especially the province of Cape Town offered the ideal setting for an exclusive car launch like this.’ Together with their team and their unique destination knowledge, their creative abilities and their organisational talents of the highest standard, they delivered a flawless event attended by more than 345 media representatives, expert and PR clients, a mixture which is very rare and always asked for. Established in 2005, M&M Solutions, took over the entire organization of the launch with its, as Silke Marshall likes to say, ‘thousand and one tasks’. From the choice of location to the film permits, hostesses, catering, security, medical insurance, audiovisual equipement, transfers, they made sure that everything took place in the smoothest way possible. As M&M Solutions put it: ‘We are finding solutions while others are still discussing the problems’ - and that surely meant delivery of the highest level. www.m-m-solutions.com Durban
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South Africa > unforgettable experiences
case study
A European Life Insurance Company in South Africa Salt River Biscuit Mill Market, Cape Town, Western Cape Province Cape Dutch House, Franschoek, Cape Wine Route, Western Cape Province
Last March, a European life insurance company chose South Africa to run an incentive for or all about 100 of its employees and partners. They also took this opportunity to celebrate the company’s 20th birthday. The initial brief listed the criteria as ‘wanting luxury & unexpected surprises’. The aim was to make the trips inspirational and give the employees a five-star experience. Initial thoughts were safari, Mozambique and Namibia as potential destinations. After consideration the client eventually chose the unique combination of the luxurious Rovos Rail from Pretoria to Durban, and 2 nights at the Fairmont Zimbali Lodge on the Kwa-Zulu Natal North coast. The focus was on exceptional cuisine, unique cultural experiences and a luxury accommodation. The programme was run with 2 groups, back to back, due to limitation of accommodation on the Rovos Rail. Upon arrival in South Africa, the group was whisked off to Rovos Rail’s private station in Pretoria. Guests got to experience the extravagant elegance of rail travel on the most luxurious train in the world. Rovos Rail’s unique train safaris through the heart of Africa combine some of the most magnificent scenery with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of rail travel.
Phezulu Safari Park, Valley of a Thousand Hills, KwaZulu-Natal
The first day and evening guests had a chance to relax, enjoy a wonderful dinner and acclimatise to their new home for the next 2 nights. The next morning the guests had an early start, with a game drive through the Nambiti Conservancy, a Big Five private bush retreat set on 20,000 acres of malaria-free bushveld. In the afternoon guests disembarked the train and headed to Spionkop Lodge. Situated on an expansive game farm, the lodge which adjoins an 11,000 acre nature reserve is the perfect base for exploring the berg, bush, birds and battlefields of the region. Guests were given the option of a second game drive or, a tour of the Battlefields by a renowned historian. On day three the train wound its way through the verdant valleys of the Natal
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Province, heading towards the coastal city of Durban, home of the Zulus. Guests were treated to an informal talk on the birth of the Zulu nation in the lounge car to set the scene. En-route guests had the option of stopping at Ardmore Ceramic Art which tells the story of Zulu people. After lunch guests headed to Fairmont Zimbali Lodge, a luxury seaside resort situated on KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast. Over the next three days guests were presented with numerous optional activities. These ranged from golf, deep sea fishing, boat-based Dolphin watching, micro lighting and surfing lessons to a shopping and cultural city tour. Durban, home of many diverse cultures, is a melting pot of colour, taste and smells. The Victoria Street Market, on the corner of Queen and Victoria Streets in Durban, is rather like stepping into another world, with its blend Indian and African cultures. Spices and incense fill the air in which more than 170 stalls sell their goods. The final Gala dinner was held in the Crowned Eagle Country Club which is part of the Zimbali Golf Estate. Guests were treated to traditional Zulu dancers upon arrival and danced to night away to the sounds of a local band. At the end of the meal each table was presented with a beautiful birthday cake to commemorate the company’s 20th birthday. The group had a fantastic time and all the criteria were met. Chartering the luxury Rovos Rail allowed time for the company to bond in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. During their stay at Fairmont Zimbali, the multitude of activities meant that there was ‘something for everybody’, from the very active to those wanting a more cultural experience. www.greenroute.co.za
South Africa > team building & meetings
Team building activities and meetings are often an integral part of an incentive. In this particular area, what South Africa offers is hard to beat. Several South African game lodges offer small meeting facilities and have innovative team building programmes designed to motivate participants.
Tour of KWV Cathedral Cellar at the Paarl Wine Emporium, Western Cape Province
Building your team in South Africa Increasingly we’ve seen a new trend emerging in business tourism - the inclusion of a team building and meetings component into the incentive itinerary. Some planners appear to have moved away from them in the past year, but we today observe a real comeback of any activity designed to create bonding within a group. This indeed gives companies the possibility to gain value from incentives and ultimately improve the bottom line rather than just giving employees a reward for meeting sales targets or for good performance - but be aware that incentives are often considered benefit in kind and therefore subject to taxation.
Game lodges and wild animals South Africa is the perfect place to host an incentive that includes a team building or meetings element. Most hotels, game
lodges, resorts, and golfing estates have small to large meeting venues, while several offer innovative team building programmes that are designed to inspire and motivate participants to go the extra mile to reach their full potential. A bush breakaway is a wonderful South African incentive that combines meetings in the bush with luxury lodge accommodation and big game viewing - a popular option among international incentive travellers to South Africa. Meetings can be held outdoors in the wild or in bush meeting venues. Several game lodges offer excellent team building programmes, some of which are linked to their conservation activities - for example, Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. Here team-building participants can work together to track
wild animals, help vets with darting programmes and assist with the release of animals into the wild. Four-by-four driving lessons and wine tasting are also on offer. Shamwari offers meeting facilities for 35 delegates. At the luxury Lion Sands Private Game Reserve in Mpumalanga, guests can hold meetings for up to 40 delegates and participate in team building activities like riverbed crossing, bush navigation and blind walking, to name a few. The Cape Winelands and Garden Route also provide great incentive, meeting and team building opportunities. Many wine and golf estates have meeting facilities why not combine a wine, golf, and safari incentive with a meeting on a golf estate or in the bush? Many other team building activities are available in South Africa. These include
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South Africa > team building & meetings
river rafting, quad biking challenges, corporate puzzles, car racing, archery, survival challenges, abseiling, go-karting, drumming, business game, sports days, movie making, amazing races, clay pigeon shooting, and raft building and racing.
Popular teambuildings We won’t talk here about photographic safaris, as it the most obvious one! Team adventure caving - Caving is becoming a very popular team-building activity and the caves in Oudtshoorn are the perfect venue for such an exercise. A scenic road trip will be required to reach this part of the Western Cape, where adventures in the dark await those who are brave enough. TBI Adventures, based in Oudtshoorn, offer a variety of adventure and team-building packages, including team adventure caving. Groups of between 2 and 10 people can be accommodated per session. The caving experience will last between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the ability of those in the group. This is real caving with helmets, overalls and headlamps and it involves a lot of crawling through narrow spaces and sometimes through a bit of water as well. This is real adventure stuff and a trip with memories that will last a long time. Drumming workshops - it offers participants the opportunity to get together with like-minded souls and enjoy a few hours pounding away on African drums. There are a number of private companies who will organise drumming workshops for
Vineyard, Western Cape
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groups, usually at an outdoor location. These drumming workshops in South Africa work around the theme of raising one’s vibration by pounding away at a djembe or a variety of different African drums. The facilitators of these workshops will guide you in the basics of drummings so it’s not quite a free for all - and then as a group you will make a unified sound talk about togetherness and sense of belonging!
South Africa is the perfect place to host an incentive that includes a team building or meetings element Veterinary game capture adventure - it takes you behind the scenes of wildlife conservation for a hoof-and-dust escapade that will have your heart beating as fast as the animal you’ve recently helped capture. Once the animal is immobilised, the real work behind the adventure begins. Typically, as a guest, you’ll track the animal by 4x4, an adrenaline pumping ride as the support vehicle tears through the bush to keep pace with the (usually) fleeing patient. It’s a race against time as the animal must be tracked, brought down without injury at
the point of immobilisation, and treated or relocated before the animal suffers any harm - just like you’ve seen on TV! Winemaker interaction tours - There are literally thousands of tour options for travellers wishing to discover the glories of the Cape winelands. Tours can seem impersonal, those wishing to interact with the people making the wine should consider the following options. For instance, Vineyard Ventures are the oldest and most established wine tour company in the Cape. They tailor make wine tours but expect private cellar tours and tastings at private premier wine producers.
Award-winning accommodation South Africa’s accommodation establishments are continuously winning prestigious, global awards for luxury, facilities and service, and location, location, location. The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa is the national grading body that ensures consistent, highest quality standards are met. So, whether it’s a Big 5 game lodge, art hotel, urban apartments, ecofriendly rooms, or traditional huts in a cultural village you’re looking for, guests can rest assured.
South Africa > contacts
Incentive contacts There are a number of organisations in South Africa that can provide you with information about hosting incentive tours in South Africa. Here is a list of useful contacts. • South African Tourism Tina Herold - Business Tourism manager Europe > tina@afriquedusud-tourisme.fr / www.southafrica.net • Society of Incentive and Travel Executives (Site) - South Africa Chapter SITE provides educational seminars and information services to those who work in the field of meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE). > +27 (0)11 467-8867 / daryl@walthers.co.za / www.siteglobal.com Madikwe Game Lodge, North West Province
• Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) ACTE is a not-for-profit association providing executive level global education to business travel leaders in 82 countries. > +27 (0)11 888-8178 / mea@acte.org / www.acte.org • South African Tourism Services Organisation (SATSA) SATSA is a member-driven association dedicated to providing and maintaining the highest possible standards in the South African tourism industry. > +27 (0)11 8869996 / jennym@satsa.co.za / www.satsa.co.za • Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) SAACI is dedicated to maintaining and improving the standards of efficiency and professionalism for the conference and events industry in Southern Africa. It has a strategic alliance with Meeting Planners International (MPI). > +27 (0)11 805-7272 / info@saaci.co.za / www.saaci.co.za
Kango Caves, Oudtshoorn, Western Cape Province
How to get to SA Travelling to South Africa from any part of the world is easily achieved. Most countries offer flights to O.R. Tambo International Airport outside Johannesburg, and, increasingly, to Durban International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. South Africa’s international airports are of world-class standards and handle more than 20 million passengers a year. More than 70 international carriers service South Africa (including Air France, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar, British Airways, KLM, Virgin Atlantic among many others), with numerous daily and weekly flights. O.R. Tambo International Airport is considered the gateway to South Africa and receives the most direct international flights. Even though Johannesburg is often the hub for daily international arrivals, domestic flights are quickly and easily arranged thanks to more than 800 domestic flights servicing the country’s 10 principal airports (including the 3 major airports in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban). South Africa also boasts a number of smaller airports that receive charter and cross-border flights from other African countries. As a matter of fact, it is often possible to charter a flight directly into a game reserve.
• Johannesburg Tourism Company Convention Bureau Linda Ngcipe - Convention and Events Bureau Manager > +27(0)11 214-0700 / lindan@joburgtourism.com www.joburgtourism.com • KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau James Seymour - Interim CEO Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau > +27 (0)31 3601170 / james@durbankzncb.co.za / www.durbankzncb.co.za • Cape Town Convention Bureau Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo > +27 (0)21 487-4800 / AMANDA@tourismcapetown.co.za + Meetings Africa Meetings Africa is South Africa’s premier business tourism exhibition and the ideal opportunity for incentive and meeting planners to discover South Africa’s diverse incentive offering. > Meetings Africa will take place in Johannesburg, at the Sandton Convention Centre from 28 February - 1 March 2012 > For the opportunity to attend Meetings Africa 2012 as a hosted buyer, visit www.meetingsafrica.co.za
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