Tourism Tattler September 2013

Contents Issue 9 (September) 2013 PUBLISHER Tourism Tattler (Pty) Ltd. PO Box 891, Umhlanga Rocks, 4320 KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Company Reg.No.: 2006/015252/07 Website: www.tourismtattler.co.za MANAGING EDITOR Des Langkilde Tel: +27 (0)87 727 8631 Cell: +27 (0)82 374 7260 Fax: +27 (0)86 651 8080 E-mail: editor@tourismtattler.co.za Skype: tourismtattler EDITOR Marjorie Dean Tel: +27 (0)11 886 9996 Fax: +27 (0)11 886 7557 E-mail: communications@satsa.co.za Skype: satsa-comms ADVERTISING MANAGER Bev Langkilde Tel: +27 (0)87 727 8643 Fax: +27 (0)86 656 3860 Cell: +27 (0)71 224 9971 E-mail: bev@tourismtattler.co.za Skype: bevtourismtattler SUBSCRIPTIONS Email: subscriptions@tourismtattler.co.za Skype: subscribetourismtattler Official Media Partner to:

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Competition: 2 Nights at Kwandwe for 2

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Business: Starting a Tourism Business

Marketing: Social Media Marketing

Environment: Ecotourism

Property Review: Kwandwe Game Reserve

Niche Tourism: Film Tourism

IN THIS ISSUE

Official Travel Trade Journal of:

The Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (RETOSA) Tel: +2711 315 2420/1 Fax: +2711 315 2422 Webite: www.retosa.co.za

National Accommodation Association of South Africa (NAA-SA) Tel: +2786 186 2272 Fax: +2786 225 9858 Website: www.naa-sa.co.za

EDITORIAL 03 Cover Story 06 Article Discussions

BUSINESS 08 Guide to starting a tourism business 09 South Africa’s 20 years of gain

CONSERVATION 10 Rhino Knights Update

COMPETITION 11 Kwandwe Private Game Reserve ENVIRONMENT 12 Mtunzini Conservancy under threat 13 Environmental Tourism - Part 2

EVENTS 17 TIES13 Conference -Kenya 18 THE SUMMIT Conference 2013 - SA

Adv. Louis Nel Claire Fess Des Langkilde Gavin Courtenay The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) Tel: +2786 127 2872 Fax: +2711 886 755 Webite: www.satsa.com

Seychelles Hospitality & Tourism Association Tel: +248 432 5560 Fax: +248 422 5718 Website: www.shta.sc

SATSA PROUD SPONSOR

02 SATIB Insurance Brokers 04 Avis 04 Globe Lotter Tours 04 Heritage Clothing 04 Neil’s Transfers

19 World Tourism Day HOSPITALITY 20 SA’s Welcome Campaign 21 Property Review - Kwandwe

LEGAL 26 ‘POPI’ Act - Part 5

MARKETING 27 SATSA Market Intelligence Report 28 Social Media Marketing - Part 2

RISK 30 Insurance for Tour Operators

NICHE TOURISM 31 Film Tourism

TRADE NEWS

Visit our website for daily travel news

in and to Africa.

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Isabel Wolf-Gillespie Martin Jansen van Vuuren Jeannie Burns Pieter Philipse John Young Leonie Berning MAGAZINE SPONSORS 04 Sports & Events Tourism Exchange 04 White Shark Projects 16 SATSA 29 Savage Jooste & Adams Attorneys 33 Kondwana Marketing

Disclaimer: The Tourism Tattler is published by Tourism Tattler (Pty) Ltd and is the official trade journal of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA).

The Tourism Tattler digital e-zine, is distributed free of charge to bona fide tourism stakeholders. Letters to the Editor are assumed intended for publication in whole or part and may therefore be used for such purpose. The information provided and opinions expressed in this publication are provided in good faith and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Tourism Tattler (Pty) Ltd, SATSA, its staff and its production suppliers. Advice provided herein should not be soley relied upon as each set of circumstances may differ. Professional advice should be sought in each instance. Neither Tourism Tattler (Pty) Ltd, SATSA, its staff and its production suppliers can be held legally liable in any way for damages of any kind whatsoever 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.

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CLASSIFIEDS

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• Email: bev@tourismtattler.co.za • Skype: bevtourismtattler

cover story

EDITORIAL

resources are, in global terms, scarce and extremely limited. The country has no truly large or navigable rivers, and the combined flow of all the rivers in the country amounts to approximately 49 000 million cubic metres per year (m³/a), less than half of that of the Zambezi River, the closest large river to South Africa.

The South African Department of Water Affairs and Forestry is currently responsible for water resources management at national level. The National Water Resource Strategy Act requires the Department to ensure that its programmes are in accordance with government policy and are co-ordinated with relevant programmes of other national departments.

The English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, may well have seen the future when he wrote the lines - Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink, in his book The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, published in 1798.

It is estimated that by 2025 more than half of the world population will be facing water-based vulnerability. A recent report (November 2009) suggests that by 2030, in some developing regions of the world, water demand will exceed supply by 50%.

Water covers 71% of the Earth’s surface, and is vital for all known forms of life. On Earth, 96.5% of the planet’s water is found in seas and oceans, 1.7% in groundwater, 1.7% in glaciers and the ice caps of Antarctica and Greenland, a small fraction in other large water bodies, and 0.001% in the air as vapour, clouds (formed of solid and liquid water particles suspended in air), and rain. Only 2.5% of the Earth’s water is freshwater, and 98.8% of that water is in ice and groundwater. Less than 0.3% of all freshwater is in rivers, lakes, and the atmosphere, and an even smaller amount of the Earth’s freshwater (0.003%) is contained within biological bodies and manufactured products.

One such department is the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), Its Marine Tourism and Leisure division is responsible for three marine tourism clusters, namely; the boating and cruising cluster (includes yachting, cruising, ferrying, as well as hospitality and entertainment), the sports and recreation cluster (includes marine activities, diving, swimming and sailing), and the leisure cluster (includes eco-marine tourism, real estate, as well as adventure and viewing, such as whale watching and shark cage diving).

SAMSA engaged with the tourism industry at the 2012 South African Travel and Tourism Industry Conference (SATTIC), which was convened at the Protea Hotel OR Tambo from 0204 September. A breakaway session on the second day of the conference, in which the CEO of SAMSA, Commander Tsietsi Mokhele participated as a panel speaker, debated marine tourism and produced one of the most significant findings: namely that South Africa has the potential and the assets to become an important marine tourism destination.

“Whilst SAMSA recognizes that South Africa has a National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS), the strategy is silent on marine tourism issues. The NTSS covers marine tourism from a cruise point of view but does not integrate other elements of marine tourism. The marine tourism sector is largely underdeveloped and unexplored, yet we have not integrated these marine resources in the national tourism strategies”, said Mokhele.

With these facts in mind it’s particularly appropriate that in support of United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has adopted Water as its theme for World Tourism Day, which will be celebrated globally on 27 September (see page 19).

Commenting at the conclusion of the SATTIC conference, the CEO of the Tourism Business Council (TBCSA), Mmatšatši Marobe, said that this issue needs to be incorporated into the NTSS – even though this might be a challenging process, since the NTSS has already been approved by the national cabinet.

For more on tourism’s impact on the environment, read our series on Environmental Tourism on pages 12-13.

It will certainly be interesting to see if this debate is followed through at this years South African Travel and Tourism Industry Conference, which has been renamed as THE SUMMIT 2013, in partnership with Gauteng Tourism and will be held at the Maslow Hotel, in Sandton, Johannesburg from 14 to 15 October see page 18 for more details.

South Africa is located in a predominantly semi-arid part of the world. The climate varies from desert and semi-desert in the west to sub-humid along the eastern coastal area, with an average rainfall for the country of about 450 mm per year (mm/a), well below the world average of about 860 mm/a, while evaporation is comparatively high. As a result, South Africa’s water

Yours in tourism, Des Langkilde - Executive Editor SEPTEMBER 2013

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ARTICLE DISCUSSIONS

Article Comments Article Comments from August BUSINESS South Africa’s Traffic Officers Damaging Tourism www.tourismtattler.co.za/?p=5956

Submitted on 2013/08/14 at 7:38 am Just wanted to comment on above. Over the last two years I have had reports of clients of ours, mostly from the Netherlands that they have been stopped and received a fine for something they did not do. The officers all offered them a less higher fine if they where to pay them in cash (bribe). I advise all our clients now to tell the officers that they have no cash and that if there is a problem they would like to have his name and want to speak to his/her superior. Specific they area around Hazyview / Panorama Route is bad. What a pity because clients feel intimidated and they will get back to their countries and spread the news ! South Africa’s has a “bad”reputation overseas as it is, I think action is due.

Leony Hoogland - Afrika Online - Netherlands • Submitted on 2013/08/28 at 12:03 pm

Submitted on 2013/08/12 at 8:39 pm Very relevant article. The question is, what can be done about it?

What recourse do drivers and tour operators have?

I can share many more such stories. Fines paid but not processed, and the cops wanting to arrest my driver for unpaid fines which were in fact paid. Driver without any passengers fined for driving 114 km/h in a 120 zone. Driver physically assaulted (punched) and arrested for unpaid fine of R300 which we never received, and then the vehicle full of valuables left right there by the side of the highway. When we finally got back to it, hours later, the roadblock had been packed up and the vehicle just left there along a deserted highway.

It is very true that such behaviour is hurting tourism and our global reputation. Would be helpful to have some kind of task team and helpline set up that drivers and tour operators can call if they are pulled over and dealing with a corrupt or uninformed cop. A number of them are outright criminals who love to bully and intimidate, and enrich themselves from bribes or spot fines because a tour operator cannot afford the delays or embarrassment in front of guests to deal with idiots like these. Less hassle to just pay and get out of there.

This has been going on for years and it is getting worse. My view is that the minister of tourism needs to have a meeting with the minister of transport to discuss ways to educate cops, prevent abuse and empower drivers with on-the-spot recourse. A list of cell numbers of regional heads of traffic will also be handy. Phone the boss, report the problem. A naive suggestion, I know. But mere words will not solve this. We need action.

Onne Vegter - Wild Wings Safaris - South Africa

Congratulations Onne!

Your comment has been chosen as the prize winner for August. Your prize of Two Stainless Steel Wine Goblets will be delivered to you with the compliments of Livingstones Supply Co – suppliers of the finest products to the hospitality Industry. Editor.

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The inconsistencies in procedures and the incredible delays by transport board almost forces one to operate illegally. For instance I am an accredited operator of many years standing yet whilst waiting for the Mpumalanga transport board to sit and approve my transport permit, I and several others who bought new vehicles are forced to obtain an emergency transport permit every 14 days, a huge waste of time and money. No traffic officials seems to have any idea about tourism. We also have traffic official corruption and harassment in Mpumalanga.

Greg Meaker - African Safari Adventures - South Africa • Submitted on 2013/08/15 at 12:28 pm Can’t we go public with this article (newspapers or Carte Blanche). I have been harassed 3 times already – does it take more cases where tourists are inconvenienced and we as guides arrested before action is taken?

Well done!

Peter Zangerle - Tour Guide - South Africa • Submitted on 2013/08/15 at 9:06 pm My concern is that the public media will simply sensationalise the issue, thus creating unnecessary concern among consumers (tourists) and perhaps even impact negatively on Tour and Transport Operator bookings.

Far better to lobby government to take remedial action and educate traffic officers. SATSA has already brought the issues highlighted in this article to the Minister of Tourism’s attention and SATSA have in fact been working with the DoT for many years to have the yet-tobe-formed National Public Transport Regulator process implemented correctly.

I hope to write a follow-up article on exactly what and how Government are planning to address these issues soon.

Des Langkilde - Tourism Tattler - South Africa

ARTICLE DISCUSSIONS

GUIDING

TRADE NEWS

Tourist Guides in South Africa

Staff awarded for long service at 10 2nd Ave Houghton Estate hotel www.tourismtattler.co.za/?p=6076

http://www.tourismtattler.co.za/?p=2474

Submitted on 2013/08/03 at 10:17 pm I have completed a level 1 field guide course. Why is it so difficult to get work? And so expensive to continue studying. Is there a learnership / apprenticeship programme for those of us who cannot afford the fees, but are passionate about getting into this field of work?

Submitted on 2013/08/15 at 8:30 am This is a great example for the small hotel industry – well done, Anita!

Tilly Smith-Dix - Tilly Smith PR - South Africa •

Tsogo Sun’s Hotel Complex brings new culinary hotspot to Durban

Cezanne Stevens - South Africa

www.tourismtattler.co.za/?p=5586

•

Submitted on 2013/07/28 at 12:34 pm This is another reason why you should be able to visit South Africa, new culinary hotspot in Durban, it’s something you would love to discover while you are enjoying your travel get away to South Africa.

Michael Rodrigues - Ubuntu Stay - South Africa

Submitted on 2013/08/26 at 12:18 pm We are looking for Tourist Guiding Trainers and Assessors. If you are interested please call ProServ SA for details on 011 700 0400.

Sarah - ProServ SA - South Africa •

TRANSPORT Luxury Ground Transport gets a raw deal www.tourismtattler.co.za/?p=5830

Submitted on 2013/08/13 at 1:51 pm Fanie, there are many of your comments that are certainly applicable to the small vehicle operators as well (up to 7 seats). It is astounding what some people think private transfers in the 1 – 7 pax bracket should cost, without having a clue of the costs involved in operating the vehicle profitably! While the cost ratios may differ, many of the principles you mention remain the same.

Eugene Armer - Wilro Tours - South Africa

Wi n

The winning comment posted on the Tattler website during the month of September 2013 will receive Two Stainless Steel Wine Goblets with the compliments of Livingstones Supply Co – Suppliers of the Finest Products to the Hospitality Industry.

Isobecher Stainless Steel Double Wall Mug with Lid Price: R127.27 Design mug 0,4L. - Firmly closing plastic cover with drinking lid - Plastic handle - insulating, non-slip rubber base - Foam insulated to increase performance

For more information visit: www.livingstonessupplyco.co.za

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BUSINESS

Beginners Guide to Starting a Tourism Business Tourists are people who travel outside of their home-base environments in order to spend time visiting a different environment in either a business or leisure capacity. Both vacationers and those on business trips are considered tourists, and they may be touring either domestically (within their home country) or internationally. A tourism business is any business that centres on catering to tourists’ needs. Writing for WikiHow, Claire Fess provides eight steps on how to start a tourism business.

Step 1: Decide on which sector of tourism you would like to focus. You have several options to choose from when it comes to establishing a business in tourism: • Transportation service. This sector involves transporting tourists to, from and around the tourist destination.

• Travel agencies. Travel agencies are the 1-stop-shop for everything involved with visiting a place, including transportation, accommodations and attractions.

• Tour Operator. A tour operator typically combines tour and travel components to create a holiday. They prepare itinerary.

• Destination Management Company. A DMC possesses extensive local knowledge, expertise and resources, specialising in the design and implementation of events, activities, tours, transportation and program logistics.

• Accommodation. These include hotels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, hostels, rental houses, lodges and any other place tourists may stay while travelling.

• Guided tours and tourist guide. A guided tour service or professional tourist guide is a tourism business that specializes in providing informative and entertaining tours through an area’s local attractions.

• Hospitality. A hospitality business pertains to any food or beverage establishment that tourists may frequent.

Step 2: Take your geographical location into account. Your local tourist attractions are good indicators of what would and would not make a successful tourism business venture. For example, if your area is secluded from the populace and dense with wineries, then guided winery tours, local bed and breakfasts, and airport transportation services are all viable business options.

Step 3: Size up the competition. Thoroughly research the tourism businesses in your area before you decide which business in tourism is right for you. You will want to choose a tourism sector that is not overly congested, and one that you can contribute something unique to.

Step 4: Write a business plan. Your business plan is the blueprint for your tourism business, and should include the following sections: • Executive summary. Describe your business’s purpose, name, 08

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• • • • •

location, personnel needs, tourism business management staff, market sector, competition, marketing plan and financial projections.

Tourism business summary. This should detail how the business’s ownership will be distributed and the start up requirements (funding, assets and location).

Products and/or services. You need to outline the products and/ or services your business will be providing for tourists.

Analysis of the market. Provide information about your target market and your competition.

Tourism business strategy. Describe how you plan on running your business, marketing your business and pricing your product or service.

Financial summary. State your projections for your business’s expenses and income.

Step 5: Procure the necessary funds. Present your business plan to potential lenders and/or business partners in order to obtain the start up and operating capital you will need to run your business in tourism.

Step 6: Select a business location.

Step 7: Obtain all applicable business licenses. Get the necessary business licensing through your local government’s business regulatory agency.

Step 8: Market your tourism business.

• Use social networking sites. Set up accounts/pages on free social networking sites.

• Create a website for your tourism business. Be sure to hire a specialist for search engine optimization (SEO) in order to maximize your site’s online presence. List your business on all applicable online directories and review websites.

• Advertise in print mediums. Take out ad space in newspapers, magazines and trade/lifestyle publications.

Source: www.wikihow.com/Develop-a-Tourism-Business Note: The important requirement of insurance cover has not been addressed in this article. For more information see page 30. Editor.

BUSINESS

South Africa The gains made in 20 years Remarkable strides have been made since South Africa embraced democracy, writes John Young.

When Nelson Mandela took the oath of office as the first president of democratic South Africa on 10 May 1994, anything seemed possible.

Moments of glory came South Africa’s way as the world celebrated with the national rugby team when it won the global title on home soil in 1995, and when South Africa successfully hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup. South Africa has also hosted large and important United Nations’ conferences.

In 2014, twenty years will have passed since the world’s most inspirational leader set ambitious goals for a new nation. The passing of two decades presents an opportunity to reflect.

The 2011 Census reveals major gains in delivering essential services to previously neglected communities: Access to

1996

2011

Piped water

80.3%

91.2%

Electricity

58.2% 84.6%

Flush toilet

82.9%

90.6%

Politics A key factor in South Africa twenty years on from 1994 is stability.

This could by no means be taken for granted in the run-up to the first democratic elections. Bombings and violent attacks threatened to unleash a civil war, but through negotiation and compromise South Africans found a way to start building something new.

In the years since 1994, South Africa has had four presidents, and regular elections, run by an independent body, are regarded as completely credible. The country’s founding constitution is widely admired around the world. The Dinokeng Scenarios brought together 35 leading South Africans to debate how the country was going to look in 2020. In reflecting on the achievements to date, Dinokeng noted: There have been few countries where sitting Presidents and Deputy Presidents have appeared before the Constitutional Court, or where one arm of the administration (the National Prosecuting Authority) has gone to court against another arm (the South African Police Service) – an indication that the system of checks and balances is working.

It was further noted that as the media and civil society is strong, a military coup is ‘very unlikely’. However, the Protection of State Information Bill, adopted by the ANC in parliament after the Dinokeng Scenarios were published, is very controversial and its critics claim that it will stifle investigative journalism.

Business and economy South African companies are not only making their mark around the world but they have shown an ability to create value that is truly world-class. The 100 biggest companies on the JSE, are doing better than the global average for median cash-flow return on investment (CFROI).

The Sunday Times in 2012 published a set of economic indicators that showed a decline between 1994 and 2012 in household savings to disposable income, and a concomitant rise in household debt. In every other category it was good news: Indicator Prime interest rate Inflation rate GDP growth rate GDP per capita (constant 2005 prices) Gross fixed capital formation to GDP Disposable income per capita

1994 2012 16.25% 09.00% 09.20% 06.00% 03.20% 03.20% R28 536 R37 442 15.20% 19.90% R17 320 R24 490

Other indicators About two-million houses have been built by the state, life expectancy is starting to improve again (60 years in 2011 compared to 56.5 in 2009), and about four-million jobs have been added (JP Landman).

Approximately 18-million people receive grants such as disability or pensions, and anti-retroviral treatment is administered to two-million people (Jonny Steinberg).

The big increase in the number of black senior managers is an indication of the success of black-empowerment legislation and company activity.

About the Author: John Young writes for South African Business.

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CONSERVATION

Rhino Knights Update

After traversing South Africa, Namibia and Botswana Isabel Wolf-Gillespie reports on her progress from Zimbabwe, since departing on her 10,000km journey in May to raise awareness of the plight of Africa’s dwindling rhino population.

We got to Victoria Falls on 09 August and networked with a local anti-poaching organisation and the media, we re-stocked our supplies and planned the next stretch ahead. Our plan is to proceed to Hwange National Park and Bulawayo before heading back into Botswana at Francistown as we don´t want to leave out the Khama Rhino Sanctuary just outside Serowe and the Tuli Block.

Today (11 August) is exactly twelve days since leaving Maun and moving on without my husband Lloyd. To be honest the first couple of days have been very strange without him! His gentle and experienced guidance that’s always there was missing and it has taken me time to get used to that. At the same time Rappi and I had to adjust to new found responsibilities and tasks that Lloyd took care of daily, which suddenly seemed bigger and heavier once they weren´t carried anymore. I am not an anxious person, but two girls and a ridgeback on their own travelling through areas that are teaming with wildlife, require me to be aware and to pay attention all the time! When camping in the bush on the side of the road, we have to be very aware of elephants, lion, hyena and more. For some extra protection we have been given a trick by an old timer, who told us to walk a 30m circle with chilli powder around our camp as elephants hate the smell and will stay well away from it! Having Mr P, our guardian angel, with us is a true blessing as he looks after us and keeps us safe at all times. (At nighttime he is the lucky one that sleeps safely on the backseat of the bakkie though).

Botswana is a safe country, some say it’s one of the safest countries in Africa, and I have to agree with them. Since leaving Durban on May 1st we have never felt threatened or unsafe and whilst travelling through Botswana, the goodness of people became even more evident. No one showed contempt, distrust or negativity and the warm and hospitable people we met on route from all race groups are testament to that.

Our route took us from Maun through the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park to Nata. From there we headed south to Francistown, as we wanted to use the opportunity to address more school kids before the holidays start! After two great talks we made our way back to Nata to head north to Kasane and the Kazungula border into Zimbabwe and to Victoria Falls. To date I have run and cycled over 6200km through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and now Zimbabwe. We are well over halfway and are slowly looking at completion and into organising an event for it!

Sometimes people ask whether we are making a difference and I can say with certainty, “yes we are.” The feedback we are receiving from pupils, parents and teachers after we have been to a school is amazing and truly is a sign that we are on the right path.

We have just uploaded two new Episodes (10 & 11) to our Rhino Knights Youtube Channel after a long silence due to a lack of upload opportunities. We hope you enjoy watching them and please do share them!

Stay well & happy!

Isabel, Raphaela, Lloyd and Mr P Information on dates for fun runs and the proposed route can be found at www.earthawareness.co.za. If you would like to get involved in the campaign, become a sponsor, or to show your support email rhinoknights@gmail.com Or follow on FaceBook at www.facebook.com/RhinoKnights Donations for as little as R10 ($1.13USD) can be sent via SMS to 48716 with the words RHINOKNIGHTS in the text field.

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Left: Isabel and Raphaela posing at Vic Falls on the Zimbabwe side.

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COMPETITION

2 Nights at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve To find the answer to the question, read the Kwandwe Property Review on pages 25-29.

To enter this competition, simply find the answer to the following question (the answer can be found in the text below) and subscribe to the free Tourism Tattler Newsletter by clicking HERE to enter.

(URL: www.tourismtattler.co.za/?p=6540).

“What are the names of the four accommodation options at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve?”

The first correct entry drawn after the closing date of 28 September 2013 will win a two-night fully inclusive stay for two adults sharing at either Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge or Kwandwe Ecca Lodge. The prize, which is valued at R21,800 includes accommodation, all meals and refreshments and safari activities (2 game drives daily and guided nature walks).

Nestled in the heart of South Africa’s unspoilt Eastern Cape province lies Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, a world-class Big Five safari experience in 22 000 hectares (54 000 acres) of malaria-free pristine private wilderness.

Renowned for understated luxury, exquisite scenery and the thousands of animals and wildlife that call the Reserve home, their four awardwinning Lodges offer a range of accommodation options and activities to make every African Dream come true.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve flanks both the north and south banks of the Great Fish River, which meanders for 30km (19 miles) through this pristine, private wilderness where the Big Five once again roam freely.

Kwandwe’s vast landscape is affected by the ocean, with south-facing slopes capturing moisture from the sea breezes, resulting in denser or taller vegetation and brightly coloured lichens. In contrast, the northfacing slopes tend to be drier and more open, and feature striking aloes which flower in spectacular profusion during the winter months (June to August). Forest-like thickets of Euphorbia trees grow on the steep, south-facing slopes. These spiny plants are immune to destruction from most animal species thanks to the poisonous milky latex they exude.

The wide open spaces and tranquil scenery belie the area’s turbulent history, and relics of the area’s rich historical and cultural legacy can be found both on the Reserve and nearby.

This is the ultimate historic Big Five Safari.

Community Upliftment Kwandwe empowers communities in the Eastern through the Angus Gillis Foundation. Over 100 people from rural communities are employed on the reserve, at least half of whom are women. The Foundation funded the construction of a formal primary school within 2 km of Kwandwe’s Eastern boundary and have donated land for the development of an agri-village. Over 60 members of staff have been through an accredited leadership programme. Needless to say, is ideally positioned to cater for Voluntourism.

Reservations Office Tel : +27 (0)46 603 3400.

Email : reservations@kwandwe.co.za Website : www.kwandwe.com Note: Read the Terms and Conditions of this competition, which can be downloaded at: www.tourismtattler.co.za/downloads/KwandweCompetition-TermsConditions.pdf

WINNER OF THE DUGONG BEACH LODGE COMPETITION FROM THE AUGUST 2013 EDITION CONGRATULATIONS to Hannah Deall of Cape Town Tourism, South Africa whose competition entry was the first to be drawn. Hannah has won a three-night fully inclusive stay for two adults sharing a at Dugong Beach Lodge, with the compliments of Legend Lodges, Hotels & Resorts. The prize is valued at R30,000.00 www.legendlodges.co.za SEPTEMBER 2013

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DESTINATIONS

- Mtunzini -

From unspoilt ecotourism hub to dusty, mining town in 10 years?

Image courtesy of Explorers B&B - www.explorersbedandbreakfast.com

The proposed mining of the area south of Mtunzini in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has been on the cards for more than 13 years, but following an appeal by the Mtunzini Conservancy having been rejected by the MEC for Agriculture and Environmental Affairs, KZN in August, this idealic tourism destination may soon resemble a red lunar-like landscape.

Tourism brochures boast about its ‘pristine coastline’ and ‘zig-zagging rivers and streams’ in a ‘clean and safe environment’. They also mention its commitment to the ‘preservation of its natural heritage’.

But if mining giant Exxaro / Tronox gets its way, all this could be lost for future generations who may well wonder how a village like Mtunzini and its ravaged, dusty surroundings was ever known as the Jewel of the Zululand coast.

Exxaro / Tronox were due to start mining the 4 000-hectare Fairbreeze site in 2013, but the Mtunzini Conservancy have delayed this to 2015, following lobby action due to the water use licences not having been granted.

The minerals to be mined include titanium, ilmenite and zircon, with the richest deposits found in Fairbreeze C Extension adjacent the Xaxaza Leisure Park at the end of Mimosa Street where Exxaro / Tronox hopes to start mining.

All Hillendale staff will transfer to Fairbreeze and only 26 new permanent jobs will be created. Exxaro / Tronox claims that just over 1 000 temporary jobs will be created in the construction phase – mostly when the plant is physically lifted off the Hillendale site and moved along the N2 (the bridges will be lifted to allow the plant to pass underneath) to Fairbreeze and later when the plant is enlarged.

Once Exxaro / Tronox gets the go-ahead to mine, the present vegetation on the mine site will be bulldozed and burnt, exposing large areas of soil which will then be broken down by a high-powered hydraulic process requiring 48 million litres of water a day running 24 hours a day.

The minerals are then extracted from this slurry and the waste pumped to two slimes dams about 5kms away on the inland side of the N2.

One of the main concerns of the Mtunzini Conservancy and the Mtunzini Residents Association (MRA) who are opposing the mining is that these mega-dumps, as they are also known, are not only enormous (600 hectares in size, 5 kms long and 1,4 kms wide) but are sited on environmentally sensitive wetlands, and will never be able to be rehabilitated. These dumps will become a permanent eyesore at the entrance to Mtunzini.

To understand the size of these slimes dams, you have to imagine 17 golf courses the size of Mtunzini Country Club placed side by 12

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side. “There is no evidence in the Basic Assessment Report (BAR), or elsewhere that we know of, to support the claim by Exxaro / Tronox that such slimes dams can be successfully rehabilitated to economic timber production – or any other crop,’ said a spokesperson for SOS (Save Our Sands) which represents the interests of the Conservancy and the MRA. “It appears that the slimes dams could be a threat to safety, and blot our landscape forever. A literature search indicates that 30m high dam walls are at the upper safe limit for slimes dams. The planned Fairbreeze slimes dams will be 37m high in places.

“There is also no evidence to support the claim by Exxaro / Tronox that the soil hydraulically shattered by the process can be ‘reconstituted’ and returned to the highly productive agriculture and forestry that is currently in place.

“Exxaro / Tronox claims that the existing Hillendale mine operation is supposed to provide all the answers with respect to rehabilitation of the mined area and the slimes dams and that lessons learned at Hillendale will be applied at the proposed Fairbreeze mine.

“From our perspective, there is nothing to suggest that they have learned how to do anything at Hillendale. From recent visits to Hillendale, Google Earth images, and several aerial surveys there is scant evidence of successful rehabilitation work that has been completed and reported on and/or published in reputable journals.”

“If Exxaro / Tronox doesn’t get this right, we could be left with a wasteland,” says Jim Chedzey who leads the SOS campaign.

Not only a wasteland but a town which has lost its allure and with little chance of future investment.

According to the municipal valuation roll, the village of Mtunzini represents an investment of R1-billion with an annual rates base of R12-million. In contrast, Exxaro / Tronox is expected to make R1,2-billion profit annually in the twelve years that it will mine at Fairbreeze and is expected to pay uMlalazi Municipality only R1,6m in annual rates.

Since King Cetshwayo’s white chief, John Dunn, discovered its charms in the 19th Century, Mtunzini has always been an attractive place to live or holiday in one of its many guest houses.

Today it is just a hop off the N2 with easy access to Richards Bay, the famous game reserves of Zululand, King Shaka International Airport and Durban. It’s the kind of village where one will meet a zebra at the pedestrian crossing or a Woollynecked Stork at the stop street.

It has a history of respecting its environment and sense of place.

In the 1940s the local civic authority handed over large portions of the coastal forest to the Natal Parks Board as it was concerned about the high level of poaching taking place.

A decade later Ian Garland moved to a neighbouring farm where he pioneered stream rehabilitation and started the first environmental

DESTINATIONS

The Mtunzini Conservancy’s future?

These before and after images of the Exxaro open-cast mining operation at nearby Hillendale, provide a clue.

education centre in South Africa. By the millennium, Mtunzini had become the first urban area to be granted conservancy status and it had received many accolades and conservation awards for its work in the clearing of alien invasive plants.

Its residents are fiercely protective of its eco-estate lifestyle and have fought many hard battles to keep it that way but the proposed mining is without a doubt its biggest challenge - taking up many voluntary hours of research, meetings, canvassing and fund-raising to cover legal fees.

But for residents the stakes are high. Property owners have been offered naught for their comfort - only the fear that their life savings will drop and devalue as Mtunzini becomes a less than attractive place to live or visit. At present, there are more than 100 houses on the market.

Residents are mostly concerned about the fine dust which will blow from an open-cast mine 100 metres away, as well as the noise levels of a 24-hour a day, seven days a week operation. They are also concerned about their water supply and water quality.

The mine will use more water in a day than the town uses in a month.

Who can predict how this will affect this already critical resource, ten years down the road?

One of the toxic slimes dams is situated in the catchment of the Siyaya River which flows into the Umlalazi Nature Reserve, another dam falls within the catchment of the Nyezane River which flows into another protected area, the Amatikulu Nature Reserve.

Not to mention, the main drainage lines on the Fairbreeze site which flow directly into the wetlands behind the sand dunes in the Siyaya Coastal Park.

The shock troops of this total onslaught on the town, are the residents of Xaxaza Leisure Park - a small community of 65 retired pensioners who will bear the worst brunt of the mining.

This quiet, shady warren of narrow lanes lined with modest cabins and a popular caravan park only has a 100-metre barrier of nine-yearold trees between it and one of the dirtiest mining operations seen on the South African coast.

“It’s absolutely dreadful,” says Xaxaza co-owner Merle Muller about the prospect of mining right opposite her entrance. “I spoke to the owner of Harbour Lights [a caravan park on the Hillendale site] and he said: ‘Merle, the day they start mining you may as well close your business because no one is going to stay at your caravan park and the permanent residents certainly won’t want to live under those conditions.

“He said it was so dirty and dusty that residents had to wash everything every day if it had been left outside. We all wrote letters to Exxaro / Tronox and the Minister begging them to move the mine a safe distance away from us. I posted 65 letters but it seems to have

been a waste of time because we haven’t received a single reply. Not even an acknowledgement from Exxaro / Tronox. And what’s it going to do to our health? We’re all pensioners here.”

Also of huge concern is the future of the Twinstreams Environmental Education Centre situated just above the confluence of the Siyaya and Amanzimnyama streams.

Begun 60 years ago by sugarcane farmer, the late Ian Garland, who foresaw the threat faced by the environment long before the present debate on climate change, Twinstreams is now run jointly by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) and Mondi (the present owners of the land to be mined).

Every year, more than 4 000 school children pass through the Centre where they have the chance to explore several pristine, diverse ecosystems, study riverine rehabilitation, the impact of humans on catchments as well as enjoy fun activities such as hiking along the beach and canoeing in the estuary. Because of Ian Garland’s proud legacy, Twinstreams has always been a valuable lesson to all who pass through it that individuals can make a vital difference.

But to many, having an environmental education centre on the edge of a mine is a bizarre and abhorrent mental image.

In its answer to the concerns raised about the future of Twinstreams Centre, the Addendum Report noted only that Exxaro ‘should financially assist with investigating suitable alternative sites’.

In his lifetime, Ian Garland estimated that he had planted over 60 000 indigenous trees – not only on his own farm but along most of the watercourses on the Fairbreeze site and wherever he felt the landscape needed a bit of ‘cheering up’.

Mtunzini’s sense of place owes much to his voluntary tree-planting, enthusiastic guidance, first-hand knowledge and foresight. At his funeral in 2007, all the tributes referred to his life’s work of creating a forest along the Siyaya as his living monument. Who knows how this monument will look in 2020 if the mining goes ahead?

“Many of us learnt some valuable life lessons from Ian Garland and we saw what a lonely battle he fought most of his life to try and save the Siyaya catchment,” says longtime resident and farmer Bruce Hopwood.

“It’s painful for us to be in the Fairbreeze area and ponder the future of his extraordinary legacy. He only wanted to leave the world a better place than he found it and now we’re faced with its plunder by a faceless multi-national company that only sees profits and will never know what we have lost.”

The Mtunzini Conservancy is a registered NPC / PBO with Section 18A tax status and can issue tax certificates for donations made.

Email Barbara on jbchedz@global.co.za or visit: www.mtunzini. co.za SEPTEMBER 2013

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ENVIRONMENT

Environmental Tourism - Part 2 -

Part 1 in this series can be found in the August edition and covered environmental impacts. Part 2, which has been extracted with acknowledgement to the United Nations Environment Programme, deals with the environmental impacts of tourism from a global perspective, writes Des Langkilde.

Environmental Impacts of Tourism - Global Level Loss of Biological Diversity Biological diversity is the term given to the variety of life on Earth and the natural patterns it forms.

The effects of loss of biodiversity: • It threatens our food supplies, opportunities for recreation and tourism, and sources of wood, medicines and energy.

• It interferes with essential ecological functions such as species balance, soil formation, and greenhouse gas absorption.

• It reduces the productivity of ecosystems, thereby shrinking nature’s basket of goods and services, from which we constantly draw.

• It destabilises ecosystems and weakens their ability to deal with natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and hurricanes, and with human-caused stresses, such as pollution and climate change.

Tourism, especially nature tourism, is closely linked to biodiversity and the attractions created by a rich and varied environment. It can also cause loss of biodiversity when land and resources are strained by excessive use, and when impacts on vegetation, wildlife, mountain, marine and coastal environments and water resources exceed the carrying capacity. This loss of biodiversity in fact means loss of tourism potential.

Introduction of exotic species Tourists and suppliers - often unwittingly - can bring in species (insects, wild and cultivated plants and diseases) that are not native to the local environment and that can cause enormous disruption and even destruction of ecosystems.

Depletion of the Ozone Layer The ozone layer, which is situated in the upper atmosphere (or 14

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stratosphere) at an altitude of 12-50 kilometres, protects life on earth by absorbing the harmful wavelengths of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which in high doses is dangerous to humans and animals.

For instance, one of the reasons scientists have put forward for the global decrease of amphibian populations is increased exposure to UV radiation.

Ozone depleting substances (ODSs) such as CFCs (chlorofluorocarbon) and halons have contributed to the destruction of this layer. The tourism industry may be part of the problem; direct impacts start with the construction of new developments and continue during daily management and operations. Refrigerators, air conditioners and propellants in aerosol spray cans, amongst others, contain ODSs and are widely used in the hotel and tourism industry. Emissions from jet aircraft are also a significant source of ODSs. According to Tourism Concern, scientists predict that by 2015 half of the annual destruction of the ozone layer will be caused by air travel. UNEP’s OzonAction Programme works with governments and industries, including the tourism industry, to phase out ODSs and find safer alternatives. UNEP has developed extensive information and guidance on how many types of businesses can eliminate ODSs and contribute to preservation of the ozone layer. For further reading see the publication How the Hotel and Tourism Industry can Protect the Ozone Layer.

Climate Change Climate scientists now generally agree that the Earth’s surface temperatures have risen steadily in recent years because of an increase in the so-called greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which trap heat from the sun. One of the most significant of these gases is carbon dioxide (CO2), which is generated when fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas are burned (e.g. in industry, electricity generation, and automobiles) and when there are changes in land use, such as deforestation. In the long run, the accumulation of CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere can cause global climate change - a process that may already be occurring.

Global tourism is closely linked to climate change. Tourism involves the movement of people from their homes to other destinations and accounts for about 50% of traffic movements; rapidly expanding air traffic contributes about 2.5% of the production of CO2. Tourism is thus a significant contributor to the increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. (Source: Mountain Forum)

ENVIRONMENT

Satellite image of ship tracks - clouds created by the exhaust fumes of ship smokestacks.

Source: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_id=16907

Air travel itself is a major contributor to the greenhouse effect.

Passenger jets are the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions. The number of international travellers is expected to increase from 594 million in 1996 to 1.6 billion by 2020, adding greatly to the problem unless steps are taken to reduce emissions.

(Source: WWF)

These negative impacts can keep tourists away from the holiday destinations. Global warming may cause:

For more information on the relationship between energy and the environment, see UNEP’s Energy Programme, which provides information and publications on energy efficiency and alternative energy sources to reduce the environmental impacts of energy use and of transportation.

• Harm to vulnerable ecosystems such as rainforests and coral reefs because of rising temperatures and less rainfall. A major risk to coral reefs is bleaching, which occurs when coral is stressed by temperature increases, high or low levels of salinity, lower water quality, and an increase in suspended sediments. These conditions cause the zooxanthallae (the single-celled algae which forms the colours within the coral) to leave the coral. Without the algae, the coral appears white, or “bleached” - and rapidly dies. The Great Barrier Reef, which supports a US$ 640 million tourism industry, has been experiencing coral bleaching events for the last 20 years.

(Source: EXN)

How Global Environmental Impacts affect Tourism Natural disasters. Catastrophes like floods, earthquakes, wildfires, volcanoes, avalanches, drought and diseases can have a serious effect on inbound and domestic tourism and thus on local tourism industries. The outbreak of the foot and mouth disease epidemic in England earlier this year (2001), for instance, has severely affected Great Britain’s inbound tourism market. A BHA/Barclays Hospitality Business Trends Survey found that 75% of hotels in England, 81% in Scotland and 85% in Wales continued to be affected by the foot and mouth outbreak, and over 60% forecast a decline in business in the June-September 2001 period.

Climate Change. Tourism not only contributes to climate change, but is affected by it as well. Climate change is likely to increase the severity and frequency of storms and severe weather events, which can have disastrous effects on tourism in the affected regions. Some of the other impacts that the world risks as a result of global warming are drought, diseases and heat waves.

Malaria, the world’s largest killer, has resurfaced in Spain, and it is estimated that changes in climate will result in parts of the country becoming a suitable habitat for malaria-carrying species of mosquito by the 2020s. Source: WWF [PDF]

• Less snowfall at ski resorts, meaning a shorter skiing seasons in the Alpine region. In already hot areas like Asia and the Mediterranean, tourists will stay away because of immense heat, and out of fear of diseases and water shortages.

• Rising sea levels, the result of melting glaciers and polar ice. Higher sea levels will threaten coastal and marine areas with widespread floods in low-lying countries and island states, increasing the loss of coastal land. Beaches and islands that are major tourism attractions may be the first areas to be affected.

• Increased events of extreme weather, such as tornadoes, hurricanes and typhoons. These are already becoming more prevalent in tourist areas in the Caribbean and South East Asia.

Hurricane Mitch in 1998, for instance, heavily affected tourism in the Caribbean. Wind damage, storm waves, heavy rains and flooding caused major losses in the local tourism sector.

This article has been published with acknowledgement to the United Nations Environment Programme www.unep.org

About the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Tourism and Environment Programme. Aware of and concerned about the negative environmental and social impacts of tourism, as well as the opportunities it offers, Ministers of the Environment have decided to give due consideration to this major issue with the aim of creating the adequate policy context to make the tourism industry sustainable. To that end, UNEP has been appointed by the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) as the Interagency Coordinator or lead agency responsible for implementation of Agenda 21 issues on tourism. Together with the World Tourism Organization, UNEP is the main focal point on sustainable tourism for CSD and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

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Find a Business Travel Partner Fast

Download the SATSA Desktop Widget www.satsa.com/widget/widget.html Whether you are looking for a Destination Management Company, a Professional Conference and Event Organiser, an Airline, a Shuttle Service, Car Hire or City and Safari Lodge Accommodation, SATSA members are just a click away - right on your desktop in fact.

Besides the member search function, the SATSA Widget will also keep you updated on local travel trade news, events and topical information relating to the region.

By doing business with a SATSA member, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your selected travel trade partner in southern Africa adheres to strict annual compliance criteria in terms of legal, financial and insurance credibility. And you’ll find it reassuring to know that our members are Bonded* to cover advance deposits against your booking.

For more information visit: www.satsa.com or contact: 086 12 SATSA (72872) E-mail: membership@satsa.co.za * The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) is the only inbound tourism NGO to have established a Lost Advances Fund whereby members, and clients of members, have access to a measure of financial protection to cover forward booking deposits in case of the involuntary liquidation of a member. We call this SATSA Bonded (Terms and conditions apply).

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Your Credible Tourism Partners in Southern Africa

EVENTS

The Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC), taking place in Nairobi, Kenya from 24 to 27 September, aims to explore how tourism can help to alleviate poverty and achieve sustainable development.

The seventh annual ESTC, organised by The International Ecotourism Society, co-hosted by the Kenya Tourist Board and Ecotourism Kenya and in cooperation with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), is a leading platform for industry stakeholders engaged in ecotourism and sustainable tourism. The ESTC aims to strengthen commitment to the recent UN resolution, “Promotion of ecotourism for poverty eradication and environment protection”, which recognizes tourism’s role in sustainable community development efforts.

“In a significant acknowledgment of tourism as a tool for promoting sustainable development, this milestone resolution stressing ecotourism’s role in the fight against poverty and the protection of the environment was unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly on 21 December 2012,” states Luigi Cabrini, UNWTO’s Director for Sustainable Development of Tourism.

destinations are utilising tourism to support sustainable development at local to global levels. The tourism industry is increasingly being recognised as an important player in contributing to the world’s sustainable development goals, which focus on conservation and communities. We hope to harness this momentum, and together with our partners and members from across the globe, work to effect positive change in our industry through the ESTC and other collaborative efforts.”

In honour of the UN International Year of Water Cooperation and of World Tourism Day to be celebrated on 27 September, the ESTC13 program will also highlight opportunities for tourism to promote sustainable water management, support education and cooperation around issues related to water, and improve access to safe drinking water in communities around the world.

For more information visit: www.ecotourismconference.org

“Sponsored by a record 105 delegations, the resolution draws on the recommendations contained in a substantive report prepared by UNWTO, with contributions from over fifty States and several other organisations, and calls on governments to promote investment in ecotourism, such as microcredit initiatives for the poor, a recommendation that is contained in the outcome document of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (RIO+20). The development of ecotourism, within the framework of sustainable tourism, can have a positive impact on income generation, job creation and education, and thus on the fighting against poverty and hunger, protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development, contributing to achieve the Millennium Development Goals,” concludes Luigi Cabrini.

Building on discussions held during previous years’ conferences, as well as continued online dialogue among ESTC participants, the conference program will feature ideas, opportunities and solutions for the tourism industry to assist in conserving natural areas, alleviating poverty, empowering women, enhancing education, and improving the health and well-being of local communities. By minimizing negative footprint and maximizing positive impact, tourism can play an active role in contributing to these goals, which are outlined in the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the world’s time-bound commitment to fighting poverty and achieving a just, sustainable, and healthier future.

“TIES collaboration with UNWTO and our partners in Kenya and East Africa enhances the ability to provide a unique ESTC experience this September,” says Dr. Kelly Bricker, Chair, TIES Board of Directors. “The ESTC13 will be an opportunity to learn first-hand how businesses and SEPTEMBER 2013

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EVENTS

TRAVEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY CONFERENCE 14 - 15 OCTOBER | MASLOW HOTEL | SANDTON | JOHANNESBURG | SOUTH AFRICA The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) has joined forces with Gauteng Tourism to merge this years South African Travel and Tourism Industry Conference (SATTIC) and the Gauteng Summit under one banner called THE SUMMIT 2013.

“The idea to merge the two events is in line with one of SATTIC main objectives of reducing the proliferation of conferences by associations in the travel and tourism industry, and collaborating with relevant stakeholders to capitalise on available resources, says TBCSA CEO”, Mmatšatši Ramawela.

The Summit will provide a much needed platform for top dialogue, decision making and action planning regarding all elements influencing the sustainable and dynamic growth of South Africa’s Travel and Tourism economy. The event comprises of two (2) days of networking with an expanded programme allowing for delegate interaction. An estimated 350 delegates are expected to attend.

“As the Gauteng Tourism Authority leads the implementation of the revised Gauteng Tourism Sector Strategy, we have recognised the need to strengthen partnerships with other Gauteng Provincial Government agencies as well as key industry bodies and stakeholders in order to leverage off each others’ resources and to ensure the competitiveness of the tourism sector” says the CEO of the Gauteng Tourism Authority Dawn Robertson.

“By working together at all levels, growth can be planned as a shared pursuit of long term prosperity, not only to develop the sector’s potential, but also to defend it against severe disruption due to external events beyond its direct control.

THE SUMMIT 2013 creates an opportunity for engagement and constructive debate between tourism leaders and will facilitate greater stakeholder alignment and initiate workable solutions for tourism in Gauteng” concludes Robertson.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES THE SUMMIT 2013 provides an ideal opportunity for travel trade suppliers and product owners to profile their services to both delegates and the travel industry in general. In addition to branding, the available sponsorship levels offer complimentary delegate registrations, strategic profiling in pre and post conference communications and advertising space in the October edition of the Tourism Tattler Trade Journal, which will be the official conference magazine.

The Sponsorship Prospectus can be downloaded at: www.tourismtattler.co.za/downloads/The-Summit-Sponsorship-Prospectus-2013.pdf

DELEGATE REGISTRATIONS To register for THE SUMMIT 2013 at a very reasonable registration fee of just R1,500 contact Ms Maggie Moeketsi on 011 0852500 or email maggie@gauteng.net

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EVENTS

In support of United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation, World Tourism Day (WTD) 2013 is being held under the theme Tourism and Water: Protecting our Common Future.

This year’s theme highlights tourism’s role in water access and shines a spotlight on the actions currently being taken by the sector in order to contribute to a more sustainable water future, as well as the challenges ahead.

Official WTD celebrations will take place in The Maldives on September 27, but UNWTO will be addressing the many links between tourism and water all year.

Photo Competition UNWTO has launched a 2013 World Tourism Day Photo Competition under the theme “Tourism and Water: Protecting our Common Future” and participants stand the chance of winning a digital camera, and promoting their tourism destination, product or attraction.

What kind of photos are WTO looking for?

To tie-in with the theme, images must reflect the importance of water to the tourism sector, and tourism’s role in achieving a more

sustainable water future. Pictures must capture one or several of the following aspects: • How the tourism sector is implementing new ideas to decrease water consumption and pollution in its operations • How tourism is improving access to clean freshwater and/or strengthening water management in local communities • How you, as a tourist, are taking concrete actions towards a more sustainable water future • How tourism is working to help the preservation of water destinations (coastal areas, lakes, rivers, etc) • The great diversity of water destinations around the world and their importance for tourism.

Link: http://wtd.unwto.org/en/content/photo-competition (You have to create an account or log in to participate).

Don’t forget to comment under this article on the Tourism Tattler website (URL: www.tourismtattler.co.za/?p=6636) to share what you will be doing to celebrate Tourism Month.

Suggested World Tourism Day Activities Be an informed traveler What better way to celebrate WTD 2013 than enjoying being a tourist yourself? WTD is the perfect time to reflect upon your responsibilities and impact as a traveler and commit to a more sustainable water future.

Simple steps such as taking a shower instead of a bath, or choosing not to have your bed linen and towels changed and washed every day can make a huge difference and will avoid unnecessary use of water and chemicals.

Try to know if your destination faces water and electricity power shortage. Your long shower could mean lack of water to local community. If possible, select accommodations with efficient equipment that allow for the rational use of water.

Respect the sites you visit, do not litter or take home souvenirs such as shells from the natural environment. At the beach, use waterresistant sun block to avoid polluting the sea and damaging marine fauna.

Report any incident or irregularity you have observed. You are part of the process of environmental, social and economic improvement of the destination.

Wherever you choose to go, remember to read the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism before you leave to make sure your trip is as sustainable and responsible as possible.

Launch a competition A competition – essays, paintings, videos – on tourism and water is a fun and simple way to get involved in World Tourism Day. UNWTO will be running three of its own competitions throughout the year, the WTD Photo Competition, the WTD Twitter Competition, and the WTD Essay Competition.

Hold an event The relationship between tourism and water is complex, but it is also one of the most exciting areas of research and action in the tourism sector. Conferences, seminars or academic presentations on the 2013 theme will help shed light on the water initiatives already in place in the tourism sector, and communicate what more can be done.

Above all, World Tourism Day is a celebration. So concerts, festivals, shows and parades are a great way to take part. The official WTD celebrations, including the Think Tank on the 2013 theme with the participation of top experts in the field of tourism and water, will be streamed live on the WTD website.

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HOSPITALITY

SA’s Welcome Challenge

South African Tourism is inviting the tourism trade to take the Welcome Challenge on its Welcome website and learn how to welcome tourists in special ways.

South African Tourism’s Welcome Campaign aims to inspire and educate South Africa’s tourism role players and everyday South Africans on how to exceed tourists’ expectations when it comes to service delivery.

Toolkit includes a Welcome letter and gift ideas, a Welcome video, a Welcome corporate identity guide, and Welcome logos for your use in advertisement co-branding. All these are available for free download.

By taking the Welcome Challenge – a fun quiz designed to improve Welcome Wall your knowledge of how to make guests from around the world feel welcome and “Being welcoming and helping with the special – you will gain valuable insights little things is the first step to service into welcoming tourists from different excellence, and is key to delivering markets and the nuances associated with on South Africa’s brand promise and these markets. growing the tourism industry”

There’s also a ‘Welcome Wall’ where your “little thing that makes a big difference” suggestion is placed after completing the quiz. Here’s a couple of suggestions from the wall:

“I like to allow my guests to pick their Jan Hutton, SAT chief marketing officer, Jan Hutton, SAT chief marketing officer bottle of wine from our cellar, it’s a says the organisation is encouraging its personal touch that always makes them trade partners to take the Welcome Challenge and make use of feel special.” Julie Webb - Willow Hills B&B. the Welcome website, which is packed with useful information, “Friendly staff, unparalleled service and excellent facilities creates marketing collateral and innovative ideas on how to be welcoming. a ‘feel right at home’ perception with every guest that enters our “We want to hear from the trade about how they welcome tourists. resort.” Dorie Olivier - Emperors Palace.

Once they’ve gone through the Welcome Challenge and have given “We have a herb garden right outside our front door and we invite insights on how they welcome tourists, they will be automatically conference delegates to take some fresh herbs from our garden entered into a random draw in which they have a chance of winning home with them after a long conference day.” Bronwen Cadle de an iPad mini,” says Hutton.

Ponte - CSIR International Convention Centre.

The Welcome Challenge promotion runs over nine weeks, from For more information visit: www.welcome.southafrica.net the beginning of September 2013, with the winners announced in December 2013. There are nine iPad minis up for grabs.

“Being welcoming and helping with the little things is the first step to service excellence, and is key to delivering on South Africa’s brand promise and growing the tourism industry,” says Hutton.

The website has a Knowledge Centre with recipes and restaurant guides that will give you the edge when it comes to hosting Indian and Chinese tourists. Here you’ll also find videos on wine pairing and general wine etiquette, and you can learn more about adventure tourism.

The site also offers in-depth marketing booklets designed to improve your knowledge about markets around the world. The Welcome 20

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Enter the Welcome Challenge and stand a chance of winning one of nine iPad minis. www.welcome.southafrica.net/#step1

PROPERTY REVIEW - HOSPITALITY

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

The word ‘Kwandwe’ is derived from the isiXhosa language and means “Place of the Blue Crane”, which is appropriate given that this endangered species is South Africa’s national bird, and ties-in well with the Private Game Reserve’s environmental and conservation philosophy, writes Jeannie Burns.

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HOSPITALITY - PROPERTY REVIEW

My husband Keith and I visited Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, near Grahamstown during August, so we just missed viewing the Blue Crane as it migrates to the Karoo in the North Western Cape during May returning in September. The Blue Crane is but one of over three hundred bird species to be found on the reserve, making this an ideal Aviatourism attraction.

On arrival at Kwandwe, we were warmly welcomed by resident hostess Jennifer Clack and given a refreshing glass of homemade lemon juice while the field ranger, Chase Crampton parked our car, transferred our baggage to a safari vehicle and drove us to the Great Fish River Lodge. Although Chase had only recently joined the ‘Kwandwe Team’ he was most knowledgeable and imparted information and answered questions like a seasoned pro.

Having arrived at dusk, we saw the lights of the Lodge twinkling as we descended from the top of the hills towards the banks of the Great Fish River. We could not have asked for a warmer welcome as the Operations Manager, Bongi Totsa greeted us with open arms inside the elegant but earthy stone and thatch lodge building. Relaxing in front of a cozy log fire with a glass of South African brand sherry in hand, our African Safari experience was about to begin.

From Dream to Reality Kwandwe covers 22,000Ha (54,000 acres) of pristine wilderness through which the Great Fish River meanders for approximately 30kms as it flows eastward to the Indian Ocean. The land was originally made up of several private farms, each struggling along breeding small stock, which included sheep, goats and ostriches.

Two American entrepreneurs and a naturalist guide, Angus SholtoDouglas and his wife Tracy brought about the re-birth of the land and its return to a natural wilderness state. Their dream started around a campfire discussion one evening and soon became a reality but not without an intensive programme of restoration, re-structuring and hard work.

The Eastern Cape was very much a neglected part of South Africa back then, so here was an opportunity to open up an overlooked part of the country and reveal a breathtakingly beautiful wilderness

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area. A hidden treasure that holds significant historical value as the Great Fish River formed the boundary that created friction between the 1820 Settlers of the British and the Dutch and the indigenous Xhosa people, as it formed the border of the Cape Colony. War raged and much blood was shed between the Xhosa nation and the Cape colonials (late 1700’s till late 1800’s). Since then, the water flow of the Great Fish has been boosted by water diverted from the Orange River, in a project, which now enables the Great Fish to flow all year round.

Diverse Climate, Fauna and Flora Climatically the Eastern Cape is a transition area, which results in a diverse climate, relying on the influence of the Mediterranean climate to its South West and Sub-Tropical climate to its North East.

Hence tourists can experience all four seasons in one day! In the winter months, be prepared for chilly to very cold early mornings and evenings, and warm sunny days. Summers are usually very hot (as high as 35 degrees C.) and mild warm evenings. Weather can be unpredictable with as much as 20 degrees C. range of temperature in 24 hours. Rainfall varies, the south facing slopes wetter than the other areas. Annual average precipitation, with a summer maximum is 400mm. However when the cold fronts move up from the S.W. Cape, winter rainfall is welcomed! Then, too, snowfalls on the mountains in the North can be experienced.

Flora have adapted to the unique climatic conditions, which is starkly evident when traversing the diverse landscape on game drives. The more thickly vegetated mountainous and high ground areas are in stark contrast to the sprawling open central plains where vegetation is less dense. The great variety of flora, in turn attracts a diverse spectrum of fauna. Several species of the cactus-like, almost spikey, spiny looking, Euphorbia, are found throughout the reserve. They contain a milky latex, which is toxic to humans, but a valuable source of nutrition providing the animals with moisture and food. Some animals, it is said, experience an intoxicating, narcotic effect as a result of eating large quantities of the plant!

We were very fortunate to travel and spend time during our Safari experience with Graeme Mann, the General Manager of the

PROPERTY REVIEW - HOSPITALITY

Reserve. He is passionate about his work and committed to ensuring exceptionally high standards. A very interesting topic he spoke about was the vegetation. He pointed out a dominant plant, commonly known as ‘Spekboom’ or ‘Porkbush’, botanically listed as the Portulacaria afra. This plant is not only the favourite food of several large species of Herbivores, such as the African elephant, black rhino and Greater kudu, but plays a huge significant role in conservation.

It has the unique ability to extract and store great amounts of carbon from the atmosphere, through photosynthesis during the night.

Recent research suggests that the ‘Spekboom’ is capable of removing up to 4.2 tons of carbon per hectare annually. This amazing plant makes up nearly 40% of the vegetation covering the reserve.

Game Drives

a Yellow Mongoose, a Waterbuck, Vervet Monkeys and a Bat-eared Fox were spotted in quick succession.

Then Doc received a call on the two- way radio. Two Cheetahs had been spotted. We promptly drove off to the area where the two brothers were enjoying a peaceful morning, sunning themselves.

What beautiful Cats! Doc mentioned that the Cheetahs were collared and are being monitored by Rhodes University students. In fact there is a great deal of interaction with Rhodes University and Kwandwe, in several areas of conservation research.

In true African safari style, lunch was set out on the top of one of the hillsides overlooking a panoramic view and just like a movie set, the chefs and catering staff treated us to an amazing spread, cuisine of the highest standard, presented under a clear African sky.

The highlight of a Safari experience is the game drive. At Kwandwe, there are two drives a day (morning and afternoon), with your personal ranger and tracker in one of the open-sided game viewing vehicles. Departure times differ in summer and winter months. In winter, a “wake-up” call is at 7.00am, with a hearty buffet style breakfast at 7.30am. In a group of no more than six, our group set off just after 8.30am under the care and guidance of our Safari Team Leaders, Doc the ranger and Siza the tracker.

Back to the game drives, an Ostrich kill by Cheetahs was a highlight on our final game drive. Each game drive culminates with ‘sundowners’, whilst the sun sets in the west. In winter, afternoon game drives depart from the lodge (or each respective lodge), at around 3:30pm.

There is always tea/coffee/hot chocolate and tempting cookies and cakes, to be enjoyed before leaving on a drive.

During the day the weather was perfect, clear skies, warm and sunny.

The animals only emerge from the thicket when the land warms up.

I noticed as we were driving that, unlike other game reserves that I have visited, there were no signposts anywhere in the reserve. The first to greet us on the drive were several giraffe, gracefully moving in the denser thickets, appearing above the stunted trees. A variety of birds, all with their distinctive calls, broke the serene silence of the bushveld. The Bokmakierie, with its “tring….tring….” and the Fiscal Flycatcher serenading us as we observed him unperturbed at the top of a Cape Candelabra tree. A colourful Malachite Sunbird flew by, the African Goshawk, the Southern Black Korhaan, RedBilled Oxpecker, Starlings (red winged & cape glossy), Mousebirds, a large group of Helmeted Guineafowl and the cheeky Common Fiscal Shrike, were but a few of the bird species viewed. On the animal side, several Steenbok, groups of Springbok leaping and pronking about, Warthogs with their tails held erect, Black Wildebeest, Zebra,

The catering is of a very high standard. Diet preferences are catered for while breakfast offers something for everyone. Lunches have a wide choice of tasty light dishes and pre-dinner snacks and drinks are served in the lounge, an informal, relaxed, comfortable time to chat about the day’s experiences sitting around the beautiful log fire.

Here, I must mention that the wood used in the hearth is an alien wattle timber indigenous to Australia. Every time a log is burnt, it allows more space for our local indigenous vegetation to grow!

Food and Beverages

The chef who has prepared it presents the menu at every evening meal, verbally. The individuality and personal input by each respective chef is most evident by their passion in presenting excellent food with a difference and relevant to the bushveld surroundings. The first meal that Keith and I enjoyed on the night of our arrival has left memories of lasting tastes. Palatable red/white house wines are served with all meals.

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HOSPITALITY - PROPERTY REVIEW

Uplands Homestead. This is one of the restored farmhouses on the reserve (circa 1905). Suitable for private Safari experiences, the farmhouse, with its rolling lawns and a swimming pool, can accommodate a party or family of six.

Accommodation Four accommodation options are offered at Kwandwe: The Great Fish River Lodge. Ideally situated along the banks of the Fish River, there are nine private suites constructed of stone, thatch and glass.

Each suite has its own splash pool and deck with elegant, natural and earthy interior décor that imbues one with a feeling of peace and tranquility. Welllit walkways (escorted at night by a guard) connect the suites to the heart of the Lodge.

Ecca Lodge. Built in a more modern design feel with burnt orange and olive tones, these suites are suitable for a family with children and have wooden decks, a plunge pool and a living area that inter-links with the bedrooms. Special activities are organised for the children.

Melton Manor Is the second of the contemporary frontier farmhouses, this one having been renovated with a modern touch and suitable for families or a group of friends accommodating eight guests.

Activities and Social Responsibility There are other activities besides game viewing and bird spotting.

Guests have the opportunity of experiencing a Rhino darting Safari.

Your ranger can organise fishing in the Great Fish River. A visit to the Mgcamabele Community Centre, where the Angus Gillis Foundation, in partnership with Kwandwe, has initiated many social development schemes, is worth a visit. Here a group of ladies sew and create products which can be purchased e.g. the beautiful Safari Dolls.

The way Kwandwe operates is a model to be followed by other tourist

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resorts and also businesses. Social responsibility, which sustains tourism, is an important factor for the success of any business.

Conservation, environmental impact, employment, upliftment of the local communities, power and water usages, healthy interaction with the surrounding communities and education opportunities created for families of those employed on the reserve. The Kwandwe ‘Team’ transparently achieves all of these objectives.

For example, Kwandwe provides housing for all those employed in the Reserve. A Community Centre provides a crèche and place of

PROPERTY REVIEW - HOSPITALITY

learning for children up to seven years of age and two nutritious meals are provided daily. The staff is encouraged to learn new skills and acquire knowledge. The children of the staff who attend school outside of the reserve are assisted with transport daily and encouraged to achieve good results at school. The most noticeable fact about the staff is how happy and proud they are to be part of the Kwandwe Team. It is this aspect of caring and giving that makes Kwandwe unique.

After Fort Beaufort, and as the sun set in the west we crossed the Great Fish River and then left the R67 turning right to travel on well maintained dirt roads to the entrance of the Game Reserve where we proceeded to the Reception at Heatherton Towers, one of the restored historical buildings.

Getting There Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is located equidistant from Port Elizabeth and East London international airports but Kwandwe does have its own airstrip for light aircraft.

A flight from Port Elizabeth directly to the Kwandwe Airstrip takes approximately 30 minutes. Flights directly to the Game Reserve are scheduled for early afternoon, to allow arriving guests to enjoy an afternoon game drive on their day of arrival. Note that luggage is generally limited to 20kg per person.

Guests are advised to fly to Port Elizabeth and proceed to Kwandwe by road or air transfer. The distance from Port Elizabeth to Kwandwe is 160km (100 miles) and can be comfortably covered by road in 1 hour and 45 minutes. On arrival, guests will leave their vehicle at the car park at Heatherton Towers and will be transferred to the Lodge of their choice by an open safari vehicle.

We decided on a scenic self-drive route from KwaZulu-Natal. Our journey started from Ballito on the Dolphin Coast, from where we took the N2 South to Port Shepstone, then via Harding to Kokstad.

We meandered along Route 6 to Matatiele, passing through the towns of Mount Fletcher, Maclear and Elliot, via Cala to Queenstown.

The majestic mountains of the Southern Drakensberg Range can be seen on the northern side as farmlands sweep down the plains of the southern slopes. The Route 6, a very well constructed motorway with a smooth surface, made driving a pleasure and especially as the amount of traffic either way was minimal. Leaving Queenstown we headed south on the R67 to Fort Beaufort, driving through the Nico Malan Pass, the Katberg on our right and the Hogsback on the left, drawing closer to our destination.

KWANDWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE FACT SHEET AT A GLANCE Location: Eastern Cape, South Africa. 160km from Port Elizabeth.

Type: Private Game Reserve and Lodges Star rating: No Accreditation: Relais & Chateaux Eco Certification: Indalo, PROA, LIMF, WRSA TOMSA registered: No Wheelchair friendly: No Accommodation: 15 suites in 2 lodges; 2 sole-use villas (3 and 4 bedrooms) Capacity: Maximum of 44 guests on the reserve at any one time STO Rates: Available on application Facilities: Each lodge has a main dining and living area plus a lodge pool with large decks overlooking the reserve; each suite has its own private plunge pool on a private deck, en-suite bathrooms, indoor/outdoor showers etc. Each villa has a dining room, lounge area, library, main pool and is fenced to allow children to explore the surrounding bush veld in safety; the villas also include dedicated staff (private chef, ranger and tracker team with vehicle) Services: Tours and Transfers by arrangement Activities: Morning, afternoon/ evening and night game drives in private open safari vehicle, guided bushwalks, morning visits to the Mgcamabele Community Centre, bush sundowners and picnics on the Reserve, bush breakfasts/ dinners, fishing, specialised safari activities (rhino conservation safari, Big Game walks) Spa: In-room massages/ manis/ pedis are available Gym: No Parking: Secure on-site parking WiFi: Wireless Internet available Restaurants / Bars: Each lodge has its own dining and bar area, as well as outdoor dining options; all meals and house wines are included Conference facilities: No Wedding facilities: No SEPTEMBER 2013

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LEGAL

• Explicitly defined (Bear in mind the CPA requirement of ‘plain language’); • Disclosed to the person whose information it is i.e. the date subject (‘DS’) (as provided for in Principle 6).

The NEW ‘POPI’ aka PROTECTION

OF PERSONAL INFORMATION ACT – PART 5 – PRINCIPLE #3 – PURPOSE SPECIFICATION: PART 1

The purpose for which Personal Information (‘PI’) is collected must be: • Lawful; • Specific (i.e. not excessive as far as the purpose is concerned what it is to be used for); • Related to the function or activity of the Responsible Peron (‘RP’) i.e. collector of the PI;

PI must not be kept for any longer than is required to ‘achieve the purpose for which it was collected OR subsequently processed’, UNLESS: • It is required/authorized by law for example for tax purposes; • It is reasonably required to do so for a function or activity of the RP; • It is required to do so in terms of a contract with the DS; • The DS consented to the retention; • It is for ‘historical, statistical or research purposes’ (However compare Japanese whale hunting in the name of so called ‘scientific research’ so it may well be open to abuse?) BUT only if RP has ‘established appropriate safeguards’ against abuse.

PR must ‘destroy or delete’ PI: • ‘as soon as reasonably practicable’ after authority has expired; • in such a manner that ‘prevents its reconstruction in an intelligible form’; • Read with right of DS to request deletion i.e. DS can at any point request the RP to destroy his/her PI held by the RP.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide a brief overview of legal matters pertaining to the travel and tourism industry and is not intended as legal advice. © Adv Louis Nel, BENCHMARK, September 2013.

Debt collection. Cashflow is the lifeblood of any business - bad debts threaten viability.

SJA assists, from issueing summonses to executing judgements.

Contact: tinal@savage.co.za

Commercial. Registration of companies, trademarks & searches. Drawing up of contracts - leases, sales of business, joint ventures, partnerships & franchises.

Contact: jonathanh@savage.co.za

Liabilities. Specialising in Professional Indemnity, Insurance Law, Travel and Tourism liability.

Contact: waynef@savage.co.za

Commercial. Corporate Advisory Services, Liquidations, Commercial Contracts, Company Registrations and Intellectual Property Law. Contact: hennies@savage.co.za Labour and Administrative Law. Specialising in Labour Law as well as public and private partnerships in the environmental context.

Contact: mariuss@savage.co.za

Personal Injury. SJA’s specialist departments have many years of experience with the Road Accident Fund and this area of the law.

Contact: robh@savage.co.za Property. Specialising in Sectional Title and Game Lodge development conveyancing matters.

Contact: marleeng@savage.co.za

Johannesburg: Pretoria: (011) 325 0830 (012) 452 8200 E-mail: info@savage.co.za

www.savage.co.za

26

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

SEPTEMBER 2013

MARKETING

Market Intelligence Report The information below was extracted from data available as at 26 August 2013, by Martin Jansen van Vuuren of Grant Thornton.

ARRIVALS The latest available data from Statistics South Africa is for January to April 2013: Current period

Change over same period last year

UK

163 756

-3.6%

Germany

107 332

11.3%

96 731

3.1%

USA India

35 107

14.6%

China

53 702

30.5%

885 792

5.5%

African Arrivals

Overseas Arrivals (excl same day visitors)

2 291 942

3.1%

Total Foreign Arrivals

3 185 078

3.7%

NB: African Arrivals plus Overseas Arrivals do not add up to Total Foreign Arrivals due to the exclusion of unspecified arrivals, which cannot be allocated to either African or Overseas.

HOTEL STATS The latest available data from STR Global is for January to June 2013: Current period

Average Room Occupancy (ARO)

Average Room Rate (ARR)

Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR)

All Hotels in SA

60.6%

R 963

R 584

All 5-star hotels in SA

61.9%

R 1 707

R 1 056

All 4-star hotels in SA

60.6%

R 927

R 562

All 3-star hotels in SA

60.0%

R 759

R 455

Change over same period last year All Hotels in SA

4.6%

8.6%

13.5%

All 5-star hotels in SA

8.1%

7.7%

16.4%

All 4-star hotels in SA

3.2%

8.9%

12.5%

All 3-star hotels in SA

4.7%

8.0%

13.1%

Passengers arriving on Regional Flights

Passengers arriving on Domestic Flights

4.7%

5.0%

-4.6%

Cape Town International

-5.9%

-5.2%

-2.7%

King Shaka International

16.4%

N/A

-7.2%

ACSA DATA

The latest available data from ACSA is for January to July 2013:

Change over same period last year Passengers arriving on

International Flights OR Tambo International

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR MY BUSINESS An analysis of the foreign tourist arrivals for April 2013 by purpose of visit and mode of transport as reported by Statistics South Africa can be viewed at (www.tourismtattler.co.za/?p=6622). The analysis shows that around 6% of all foreign tourist arrivals to South Africa are transit visitors. These visitors have spent a night in South Africa and are classified as tourists. Tourism enterprises providing accommodation close to international airports would benefit from these tourists, while rural tourism enterprises would not.

Around 29% of Chinese tourists and 13% of Indian tourists are passing through South Africa to another destination. This trend, however, is not limited to the new emerging markets with around 23% of German tourists arriving in South Africa during April 2013 declaring themselves as transit tourists.

Around 71% of all foreign tourist arrivals, arrived in South Africa by road in April 2013. 90% of African arrivals arrived by road, with around 10% of overseas arrivals having arrived by road. A concern has been raised that the overseas tourist arrivals by road may be tourists on a tour to South Africa who are double counted, one when they arrive by plane to South Africa and again when they cross the border of a neighbouring country which is part of their tour.

For more information contact Martin at Grant Thornton on +27 (0)21 417 8838 or visit: http://www.gt.co.za SEPTEMBER 2013

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MARKETING

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING – PART 2 –

Where to start?

In part two of this series Pieter Philipse asks some pertinent questions that should be answered before embarking on a social media journey.

Introduction Before we set of on our journey from a business point of view we need to realize that we are dealing with two major factors effecting our success rates. First of all it is important to realize that Social media marketing is based on long term brand – to market engagement, this doesn’t mean that you can’t campaign for a specific product, but it does mean that you can’t raid the metaphorically placed cookie jar in a way that is not accepted by your target audience. Quick killings can be made, but have to be dealt with responsibly “and importantly” with the right amount of support. Secondly, you are not alone here, there are no barriers for others to compete and challenge your brand.

Known as “Digital Disruption” this effects your social market-share and ROI. What stands against this is your superior knowledge of your audience, the superior methods you use to engage your audience, and the superior technology you use to communicate and process information.

So let’s begin!

Famous Quote: Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

Saint Francis of Asissi Step 1

Move on to the following two questions and again answer them using the same completion method that you used previously: 3) What does your present business model look like and how adaptable is it operationally towards social media marketing?

4) What channels do you presently sell through. How do they support social media or vice versa how are they supported by social media?

At first we are not going to be talking about what platforms and technological solutions there are, or that your business should use or be on because that relies entirely on the kind of products you have and the platforms they are suited for.. instead , everyone starting from this point has to ask and answer these four basic questions!

Completing this will give you an idea about how in general terms your business is at present ready to engage social media. Write down your answers and store them in a document; your findings present a fresh and perfect outlook from which to start.

1) What do you want to gain and obtain from social media?

Journey of Discovery

2) What does your business offer that people would want to discuss?

In the next article we’ll focus our attention on people behaviour.

We’ll start to rigorously get involved with researching our audiences and prepare to set our social media marketing goals and objectives.

The easiest thing to do at this point is to discuss solutions, however we really want to obtain knowledge and information on a variety of subjects before this becomes relevant.

At the outset it is vital to start with a clear picture of what your business looks like socially...

You need to think about what interest you would like to gain and how you envisage that your target audience wants to discuss about it. A good way to at first implement this is to talk with your nearest 28

colleagues and your management team (don’t contact any of your audience or clients at this time).

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SEPTEMBER 2013

If you have any questions in the mean time, comment me on this social media article on the Tourism Tattler website, contact me at philipse@kondwana.com or leave a message at: www.kondwana.com.

Continued in next month’s Tourism Tattler: Social Media Marketing, Part 3 - People Behaviour.

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RISK

7

Insurance policies that every Tour Operator should consider

All tour operators will require insurance protection, but there are some types of cover that you may not have considered, but could be essential to mitigating the risks associated with your tour company, writes Gavin Courtenay.

Here are the top seven types of insurance cover that every tour operator should consider:

1

General Public Liability Insurance (GPL)

A GPL Insurance policy is the first cover that is considered mandatory by most tour operators. This type of policy protects your company against bodily injury or property damage claims by third parties (third parties include clients and the general public), which arise out of your business’s activities or operations. GPL insurance also covers the legal cost of defending the company against third party claims.

3

4

Cyber Liability Insurance

Kidnap and Ransom Insurance

Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Crime Insurance

Do your employees handle company money or have access to important documents? Crime Insurance policies are designed to protect businesses from financial loss due to crimes of theft by employees. A commercial crime policy typically provides several different types of crime coverage including: employee dishonesty coverage; forgery or alteration coverage; computer fraud coverage; funds transfer fraud coverage; money and securities coverage; and money orders and counterfeit money coverage.

Does your tour company own and operate vehicles? You can protect all your vehicles, including cars, trucks, vans and trailers, with motor fleet insurance. This includes coverage for: • Third-party liability costs for bodily injury and property damages.

• Physical damage to your vehicle arising from collision with another vehicle or object.

• Medical expenses for the insured in case of an accident.

• Fare Paying Passengers. Either passenger liability cover; passenger personal accident cover; or a combination of both covers can be arranged.

Do your employees lead or work on tours themselves, either locally or overseas? If so, they could be exposed to domestic or international threats, such as kidnapping and extortion. Kidnap and Ransom 30

5

Commercial Motor Fleet Insurance

Do you book or sell tours online? Do you enable clients to enter their personal information on your website or do you receive personal information via email? Cyber Liability Insurance is a coverage that is considered more and more important for tour operators, especially with the increase in doing business over the Internet, including selling tours and accepting payments online. In today’s technological environments, you probably accesses many forms of electronic data services that can put your company at risk of cyber hacking or by disclosing the private information of our clients and companies with which you do business. Costs for repairs as well as legal costs of settling claims of privacy infringement can be crippling, so it’s important to consider Cyber Liability Insurance as part of your portfolio.

6

2 Errors and Omissions

The second type of policy that should be seriously considered by all tour operators is Errors and Omissions, which is sometimes referred to as Professional Indemnity Insurance. Errors and Omissions Insurance protects the insured against claims that can arise from errors or failure to perform work specified in a contract, or omissions in the performance of professional duties. Tour operators are often required to carry Errors and Omissions Insurance in order to comply with professional association requirements, professional standards legislation or to meet the requirements of their clients.

Insurance can help mitigate your risks and cover you from losses arising from the kidnapping and holding of an insured person for ransom, or from the threat to do harm to a person or property, if a ransom is not paid. Coverage can include kidnapping, the threat to kidnap, injure or kill an insured person, property damage extortion, wrongful detention or hijacking.

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7

Property Insurance

If you own or rent office space, then property insurance is important to consider. After all, your buildings and improvements, stock and equipment are all assets to your business, and any loss will cost you both financially and in terms of time if you’re not adequately protected.

About the Author. Gavin Courteany is the Managing Director of SATIB Insurance Brokers, a registered financial services company and accredited SATSA member who have been providing tailor-made insurance cover for the tourism industry for over 23 years. SATIB cater to the tourism trade’s unique risk transfer needs through six specialised business units: Tourism & Leisure, Wildlife & Agriculture, Life & Investments.

Domestic, Commercial & Industrial and Sport & Leisure. SATIB is a level 3 BBE status company.

For more information visit: www.satib.com

NICHE TOURISM

Film Festivals as a Marketing Tool for FILM TOURISM Considering the limited marketing budgets that most tourism organisations face, film festivals and film productions can be leveraged as an alternative marketing medium, as they do their own promotional campaigns, thereby reaching a wider audience through indirect publicity, writes Leonie Berning.

“Location, location, location.” Or perhaps for the purpose of this article, “destination”. The term “destination” is defined by the United Nations World Tourism Organization as a place that is significant to the purpose of the trip, for example a business meeting.

In the case of film, it relates to a location intended for the production of a film or alternatively as a film location intended as part of a holiday or for recreational purposes. (UNTWO 2008). It further states that it can only achieve the status of a destination, through marketing and promotion (Morgan, Pritchard & Pride 2011).

Which brings to surface a significant platform for film and film tourism marketing: Film Festivals.

Every year during the month of July, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban more specifically, rolls out the red carpet to the national and international film production world, by hosting the Durban International Film Festival, Durban Film Mart, and this year a welcomed sight and a personal favourite, the return of Wild Talk Africa International Documentary Film Festival. It is a cross pollinated platform featuring Producers, Directors, Location Scouts, Film Commissions and investors from every corner of the globe, negotiating, promoting and marketing their products.

Having attended a share of festivals, nationally and internationally, I’m becoming more aware of certain areas within the film and tourism industry, not being exposed for the potential it holds for tourism in general, especially at film festivals. Could it be a general misconception that, aside from the screening of films that Joe and Jane Public is able to partake in, a film festival to be purely for “film people”? Perhaps. Perhaps film festivals have never truly been deemed a platform to market tourism establishments or services individually.

Tourism enterprises should recognise the unique value of marketing their locations to visiting productions as “film friendly” destinations.

That being said, with the full understanding of what being “film friendly” pertains. Not only is there a possibility to secure future film crews making use of accommodation services but also perhaps even feature as a possible film location itself. By offering unique incentives to film productions, such as discount package

deals, unique tours or supporting services such as transport from and to the nearest airport, it could also lure future film business. Good customer service travels faster by word of mouth. Those who have been involved in active film productions, would benefit tremendously by marketing themselves at film festivals, taking into consideration their experience with film crews.

“Just like product placement can affect a viewers’ opinion about the product, place placement can have the same outcome. Product or Place placement is considered a more subtle way of marketing compared to aggressive straightforward marketing campaigns and the viewers can be more receptive to the promotional messages that are sent through them. Especially through films, powerful and emotional connections with a place can be created and consumer’s expectations of a place moulded. (Hudson & Richie 2006,387; Roesch 2009, 27).

Films are a great way to shape the potential visitor’s perception of reality and create a new kind of trust and respect. During economic challenges the consumers travel decision might bend towards the Country which has the best offer to escape reality and embrace the recreation of fantasy (Morgan et. Al. 2011, 3, 239).

In order to offer a service of any kind, it is essential to understand who that client is, and the industry he or she works in. Be it through feature films, commercials, television or documentaries, there is an opportunity to benefit both the film sector as well as the tourism sector through film festivals as a marketing platform.

All filming aside, there is much festivity too. From award winning ceremonies, workshop sessions with experts to sipping sundowners on the beach with the latest blockbuster on the block or even sharing awe inspiring laughs through experiences shared by documentary filmmakers that range from diving with dragons to surfing with sharks, film festivals are also about being people friendly!

As a very good friend of mine quoted recently: “Only in Durban can you throw a cocktail party on the beach, have a photo exhibition in an aquarium, access local cinemas within a kilometre and send international delegates to some of Africa’s finest game reserves - all in winter. When our festival delegates weren’t pitching films to TV commissioners, they were shark diving and swimming in the sea... what a success this festival year has been!” – Shani van Straaten, Wild Talk Africa Film Festival Manager.

About the Author. Leonie Berning is the Executive Director of Limelight-Africa Film Foundation. www.limelight-africa.com SEPTEMBER 2013

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