Tourism Tattler Issue 2 of 2018

ISSUE 02 | Quarter 2 2018

ISSUE 02 2018 PUBLISHER TourismTattler.com PO Box 891, Umhlanga Rocks, 4320 KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Website: www.tourismtattler.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR Des Langkilde Cell: +27 (0)82 374 7260 Fax: +27 (0)86 651 8080 E-mail: editor@tourismtattler.com Skype: tourismtattler

DESTINATIONS

ADVERTISING

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Bev Langkilde Cell: +27 (0)71 224 9971 Fax: +27 (0)86 656 3860 E-mail: bev@tourismtattler.com Skype: bevtourismtattler

ENVIRONMENT

SUBSCRIPTIONS

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BACK ISSUES (Click on covers to download). ▼ OCT 2017

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HOSPITALITY ▼ SEP 2017

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PROPERTY REVIEW

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TRANSPORT

The All New Mercedes-Benz Disclaimer: Tourism Tattler is published by the sole proprietor, Desmond Langkilde, and is the official trade journal of various trade ‘Associations’ (see page 04). The information provided and opinions expressed herein are provided in good faith and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the proprietor, its ‘Associations’, its staff or its production suppliers.

Advice provided herein should not be soley relied upon as each set of circumstances may differ. Neither the proprietor, its ‘Associations’, its staff or its production suppliers can be held legally liable in any way for damages arising directly or indirectly from any facts or information provided or omitted in these pages or from any statements made or withheld or from supplied photographs or graphic images reproduced by the publication.

X-Class

Explore THE SECRET SEASON

Exploring

TRULLI ENCHANTING

Puglia AFRICA’S FASCINATING

Spiders

REAL AFRICA. REAL CLOSE TO CAPE TOWN

KWAZULU-NATAL • SOUTH AFRICA

Issue 2 of 2018

Tourism Tattler

Official Trade Journal and Media Partner to: The Africa Travel Association

Seychelles Hospitality & Tourism Association

+1.202.835.1115 • africatravelassociation.org ATA is a division of the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) and a registered non-profit trade association in the USA.

+248 432 5560 • www.shta.sc The SHTA’s primary focus is to unite all Seychelles tourism industry stakeholders under one association.

The African Travel & Tourism Association

International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP)

+44 20 7937 4408 • www.atta.travel Based in London, the Atta has members in 22 African countries and 37 worldwide.

www.tourismpartners.org ICTP is a travel and tourism coalition of global destinations committed to Quality Services and Green Growth.

National Accommodation Association of South Africa

International Institute for Peace through Tourism

+27 86 186 2272 • www.naa-sa.co.za The NAA-SA is a network of mainly smaller accommodation providers throughout South Africa.

www.iipt.org IIPT is dedicated to fostering tourism initiatives that contribute to international understanding and cooperation.

Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa +27 11 315 2420/1 • www.retosa.co.za RETOSA is responsible for tourism growth and development in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

The Hotel Show Africa 2018 TheHotelShowAfrica.com Thousands of hospitality professionals from around the world will be at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 25-27 June.

Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association

Tourism, Hotel Investment and Networking Conference 2018

manager@savrala.co.za • www.savrala.co.za SAVRALA is the representative voice of Southern Africa’s vehicle rental, leasing and fleet management sector.

Website: thincafrica.hvsconferences.com THINC Africa 2018 takes place on 5th and 6th September 2018 at Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town.

Tourism Tattler

Issue 2 of 2018

RESPONSIBLE & GUILT-FREE REHYDRATION Your 4-star family friendly Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa experience will not be impacted by the current #WaterCrisis in Cape Town. Although Touws River has minimal water restrictions, we have implemented international award-winning responsible tourism measures - which include water and energy management.

We use a mix of municipal, ground, rain and gray water systems and invite guests to come and enjoy Big 5 Safari, together with a responsible and guilt free shower and swim - only two hours’ drive from Cape Town.

Come soak in our spa and indoor swimming pools.

FACILITIES & ACTIVITIES 4-STAR ESTABLISHMENT | PREMIER, FAMILY & LUXURY COTTAGES | LODGE ROOMS | DAY TRIP SAFARI | HORSEBACK SAFARI | QUAD BIKE SAFARI STAR SAFARI | OVERNIGHT SAFARI | FLY IN SAFARI | WINE TASTING | INDOOR & OUTDOOR RESTAURANTS | OUTDOOR POOL | WET BAR | CIGAR LOUNGE CONFERENCE CENTRE | SPA | CURIO SHOP | CHILDREN’S FACILITIES & JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAMME

www.aquilasafari.com

Aquilasafari

AquilaSafaris

RESERVATIONS: +27 (0)21 430 7260 | RES@AQUILASAFARI.COM Issue 2 of 2018

Tourism Tattler

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

Tel: +27 (0)28 384 8000 | Fax: +27 (0)28 384 8042 | reservations@grootbos.co.za | www.grootbos.com

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

Exploring DESTINATIONS

TRULLI ENCHANTING

Puglia

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

A southern region forming the heel of Italy’s “boot,” Puglia is known for its distinctive “trulli” conical roofstone huts.

Tourism Tattler correspondent Adam Jacot de Boinod explored the region.

The paradise of providence. That’s how I felt about Puglia in Spring. So fertile for its dry, hot climate. So uplifting with its masseria, the whitewashed farmhouses with their singular but solid shapes and spacious courtyards.

I first stayed at Masseria Le Carrube – the passionate project and personal philosophy of Valentina De Luca and her cousin. Four years ago it was a run-down farmhouse but now there are 19 guest rooms, a dining room featuring an olive press which once was pulled in a circle by a horse and the ‘sala mangiatoia’, the room where horses were once fed, complete with its original trough. All very life-enhancing and sensually stimulating.

A stay of five days in Puglia was long enough for me to visit many of the local attractions and historic towns. On reaching Ostuni, ‘the white city’, from the west her citadel has a dramatic precipice straight down from its whitewashed walls. The town is typical of the Mediterranean with gesticular, animated spirits clapping hands and waving arms; laundry hanging out over the streets and narrow ancient passageways.

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

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TRULLI ENCHANTING

Puglia

Next along is Alberobello with its greatest concentration of ‘trulli’ from their golden age of the 19th century. These white limestone conical dwellings with keystone vaults are whitewashed with many layers.

They were constructed both as storehouses and temporary field shelters and also as permanent houses. Being built of small stones, they fit their narrow settings.

Whitewashed symbols adorn some of their roofs, typically in the form of either a cross on a heart pierced by an arrow, representing Santa Maria Addolorata, ‘Our Lady of Sorrows’, or a circle with religious connotations.

I then stayed at Masseria San Domenico.

Owned by the same family-run group as Masseria Le Carrube, Borgo Egnazia and Masseria Cimino, it’s five minutes from the shore and you enter it along the most dramatic of drives, a long avenue lined with fragrant jasmine bushes which frame ancient olive groves set in rich, fertile and vibrantly brown earth.

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

The hotel attracts many for its ‘spa-talasso’ and neighbouring golf course. The spa makes full use of the benefits of seawater and there’s a sandy beach at La Fonte. It’s all perfect walking and cycling territory: flat yet scenic.

The impressively vast outdoor swimming pool contains seawater at a natural temperature that works well with the rock formation in which it is partly set.

I sensed the real glory of the masseria’s spaciousness from several picturesque views; from the bar, from the poolside restaurant and from the outdoor courtyard where breakfast was served. There’s a liberating sense of space both inside and out.

The main building was once employed by the Knights of Malta to ward off Ottoman attacks with its 16th century watchtower, now the private quarters of the owner Marisa Melpignano who realised her dream by acquiring it in 1980 as a holiday home then to invite friends before then recognising it for its greater hospitable potential.

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

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TRULLI ENCHANTING

Puglia

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

The hotel is keen to promote the healthy benefits of the local produce: what they call the ‘Mediterranean Diet’. It’s a combination of all the food habits adopted in the region, characterised by the presence and cultivation of olive trees. It’s a tetrad of bread, cheese, oil and wine demonstrating a strong commitment to arboriculture.

The hotel’s spa promotes itself with Plato’s quotation that “the water of the sea washes away all of man’s pains and sorrows”. To the uninitiated there’s plenty to marvel at. The packages of 2-3 days, designed to promote wellbeing and happiness, offer scrubs and detoxing, oil wraps, jets and face masks with seawater and crushed seaweed providing their saline and mineral benefits. All highly restorative. All very balancing.

Back in the fields, by late April the farmhands were sowing seeds down precisely lined rows and harvest had already been gathered into hundreds of immaculately rolled golden bails of hay. Puglia in spring had ‘trulli’ enchanted all my senses!

About the author: Adam Jacot de Boinod was a researcher for the first BBC television series QI, hosted

by Stephen Fry. He wrote The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from around the World, published by Penguin Books.

Adam had support in exploring Puglia from Classic Collection Holidays, chepstowcars.com, gatwickexpress.com, and prioritypass.com.

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

ENVIRONMENT

AFRICA’S FASCINATING

Spiders

Spiders are as fascinating as they are integral to the natural ecosystems of Africa as they play an invaluable role in controlling pests. Unfortunately for arachnophobes, many species can be found indoors. But fear not – of all the spiders found in Africa, only a few are dangerous.

Jumping Spiders Jumping Spiders stalk their prey rather than spin webs. One species (Evarcha culicivora), found in Uganda and Kenya, deliberately hunt female mosquitoes which have fed on human blood.

Scientific tests show that Eva prefers bloodfilled lady mosquitoes (male mosquitoes do not suck the blood of animals) over all other insects.

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

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Rain Spiders The Common rain spider (Palystes superciliosus) is a species of huntsman spider native to southern Africa. Some species have a total leg span of up to 11 cm (4.3�).

Although the rain spider’s fangs look fearsome, its venom is weak. Symptoms resemble those of a common bee sting and bites usually heal by themselves in a matter of days.

Rain spiders are named for their habit of seeking refuge in human homes just before the start of summer rains.

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

AFRICA’S FASCINATING

Spiders

Baboon Spiders Baboon spiders (Harpactirinae) are a subfamily of tarantulas native to the continent of Africa.

They are impressive, charismatic spiders but little is known about their biogeography and ecology. You can record sightings and learn more at the Baboon Spider Atlas.

The king baboon spider (Pelinobius muticus), is native to Kenya and Tanzania and can grow up to 20 cm (7.8”) in leg span.

The Mombasa Golden Starburst tarantula (Pterinochilus murinus) are found in Angola.

Females can grow to 15 cm (6”) in size, while males typically range from 7-10 cm (3–4”).

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

Orb-weaver Spiders Orb weaver spider (Nephila komaci) females can have a body-length as large as 3.8 cm (1.5”) with legs spanning 10-12 cm (4-5”).

Golden silk orb-weaver males, being 1-4 times smaller than females, are often cannibalized during their first copulation.

Also of the orb-weaver genus, Darwin’s Bark Spider (Caerostris darwini), discovered in Madagascar in 2009, is capable of weaving webs measuring up to 28,000 cm2 (4,340 sq in). Its silk is the toughest biological material ever studied, over ten times tougher than a similarly-sized piece of Kevlar.

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

AFRICA’S FASCINATING

Spiders

Camel Spiders Although classified as Arachnids (Arachnida), Camel Spiders are neither true spiders (Araneae) nor true scorpions (Scorpiones) - they’re actually solifuges (Solifugae). In southern Africa, they are known as red romans, haarskeerders (hair cutters) and baardskeerders (beard cutters), the latter relating to the belief they use their formidable jaws to clip hair from humans and animals to line their subterranean nests.

There are over two hundred and forty species of camel spiders in South Africa.

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

Button Spiders Commonly known as Widow Spiders (Latrodectus), Button Spiders in Africa, and Black Widow Spiders in South Africa, these comparatively small spiders (1.3 cm / 0.51� in body length) pack an unusually potent venom.

Female widow spiders have large venom glands and their bite can be particularly painful. Only the bites of the females are dangerous to humans. When a widow spider is trapped, it’s unlikely to bite, preferring to play dead or flick silk at the potential threat; bites occur only when they cannot escape.

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

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PROPERTY PROFILE

REAL AFRICA. REAL CLOSE TO CAPE TOWN

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

Set in the pristine Southern Karoo Highlands against a backdrop of dramatic mountains, the

four star Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa offers an exciting taste of real Africa just two short hours from Cape Town by road.

Home to an enormous variety of game, including the Big 5, two- to three-hour game drives at Aquila are a perfect way to see the animals from four-wheel-drive vehicles, quad bikes or on horseback.

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

Aquila’s afro-chic Aquila Lodge is comprised of 3 levels, accessible by a glass panelled lift with magnificent Karoo vistas. The Lodge has an outdoor swimming pool, a pool bar, a cigar lounge and a large dining room where the chef presents a rich variety of authentic South African cuisine.

Aquila’s four-star cottages are built largely from rock, thatch and wood to blend with the environment and offer every comfort like roaring log fires, wooden viewing decks, air conditioning, crisp percale linen, rock bathrooms and, in some, alfresco rock showers.

Aquila newly opened African spa featuring; 2 large heated indoor pools, steam room, sauna, nail bar, 10 treatment rooms, a couples or group treatment room and an outdoor pool.

www.aquilasafari.com res@aquilasafari.com 0861 73-73-78-3 +27 (0)83 301 9222 For availability & bookings click here Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

Isibindi Africa Lodges PROPERTY PROFILE

KWAZULU-NATAL • SOUTH AFRICA

I sibindi Africa’s founders, Brett and Paige Gehren have a passion for protecting the

pristine and precious natural wonders of Africa. Fiercely committed to conservation and making a difference, their ethos to “tread gently on the earth” ensures that local communities share fully in their commitment to protect and promote this majestic land. This commitment has recently been acknowledged by Fair Trade Tourism through certification of their exclusive lodges.

Kosi Forest Lodge

Thonga Beach Lodge

Kosi Forest Lodge is the only private accommodation in Kosi Bay Nature Reserve a protected part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, famed for its diverse birdlife which includes forest, grassland and coastal birds.

Set on the pristine shores of the Maputaland Coast, which forms part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park - a 332 000 hectare UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thonga Beach Lodge has 24 beds on the shore of one of Africa’s last unspoilt wilderness beaches.

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

www.isibindi.co.za

res@isibindi.co.za

+27(0)35 474 1473 For availability & bookings Click Here.

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge Situated in Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge offers a choice of four room types, all nestled in the indigenous subtropical bush: two Honeymoon Villas; eight Luxury Bush Villas; four Safari Rooms; and two Safari Family Suites.

So whether it’s tracking rhino or elephant on foot, scuba diving on exquisite coral reefs, canoeing on shimmering lakes, encountering exhilarating Zulu dancers or sipping sundowners beneath an inky sky studded with a million stars, you too can be part of Isibindi Africa’s vision to protect the wild, care for its people and educate, so that future generations can enjoy Africa’s wild and untamed splendour.

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

TRANSPORT

The All New Mercedes-Benz

X-Class

By Des Langkilde.

Mercedes-Benz never does things in half measure. In keeping with the brands’ prestige image, the launch of their new X-Class – a contender in the upper-end of the South African double-cab bakkie segment – was a two-day extravaganza of epic proportions. Like the vehicle itself, the launch was meticulously researched and purpose constructed, from the venue in the midst of a recently cleared swath of commercial forest on Louvain Guest Farm near George to the boma enclosure with 3-metre high gate, the X-Village ‘glamping’ site, and the delectable cuisine prepared by the celebrated South African Chef, Bertus Basson.

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

The All New Mercedes-Benz

X-Class

The Mercedes-Benz “X-perience” set out to convince guests that the X-Class would exceed expectations both on and off the road. To prove their point, an obstacle course aptly demonstrated the electronic switch from rear-wheel drive to 4MATIC and “Low” all-wheel mode by activating the automatic low-range gearbox and the differential lock on the rear axle.

In fact, on steep descents, the vehicle takes over from the driver to better control forward and lateral sliding.

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

The X-Class’s high lateral dynamics and multi-link wheel suspension with coil springs on the rear axle proved that this bakkie can handle Cambre angles of up to 49.8o, while its 222mm ground clearance can handle dongas and rocky terrain withe ease. A 4x4 trail, chosen along a seldom-used scenic ox wagon route over the Outeniqua Mountains proved that the X-Class provides luxury comfort over the roughest of terrain.

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

The All New Mercedes-Benz

X-Class

In addition to voice control, the tablet style screen is controlled from the cleverly designed touchpad unit situated between the front seats, which provides a host of features including infotainment, navigation and communications. Unique features include 360° cameras, which show the area surrounding the vehicle – both from a bird’s-eye view and from below the window line. Rather handy for off-road driving, although I found the visuals to be disconcerting as digital rocks and potholes look more severe than they really are.

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

FAST FACTS: X-Class 250 d 4MATIC 4x4 Price: R 723,811.00 (Incl VAT & CO2 Tax) Engine: 2.3 litre, four cylinder, turbodiesel Transmission: 7-speed automatic Maximum power: 450kw @ 3750 rpm Maximum torque: 140nm @ 1500–2500 rpm Fuel consumption: 7.9 l/100km (claimed) CO2 emissions: 209 g/km Top speed: 175 km/h Acceleration: 11.6 seconds (0-100km/h) PremiumDrive: Complete maintenance plan For more info visit mercedes-benz.co.za

The LED headlights provide excellent visibility with an improved illumination of the road ahead when compared to conventional halogen headlamps. The back-end of the X-Class double-cab bakkie comes with a range of accessories for covering the bin, including a must-have moulded plastic bed liner, colour matched canopy, hardcover with automatic LED lighting, waterrepellent soft cover, or an aluminium roll-over cover. Overall, Mercedes-Benz has come up with a winner – off-road durability combined with comfort and style.

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Issue 2 of 2018

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