Issue 5 2011

08Win a R17,000 travel package

5/2011 03SATSA /RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Win a R17,000 travel package

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DisclaimerThe 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.

CONTRIBUTORS

ADVERTISE IN THE TOURISM TATTLERReach over 19 000 subscribers in the southern Africa tourism trade. Published alternate monthly (6 issues per year) in Jan/Feb, Mar/April, May/Jun, July/Aug, Sept/Oct and Nov/Dec. Back issues available for download 365 days a year at www.tourismtattler.co.za Contact our National Sales DirectorBeverley Langkilde on +27 (0)32 947 2554 / +27 (0)71 224 9971 / [email protected]

Africa Strategy Group Marjorie Dean Adv. Louis Nel Michelle Baran Des Langkilde Mmatsatsi MarobeDr. Nikki Forster Nadja BrandtDr. Peter Tarlow Prof. Barney JordaanGavin Courtenay Rafael NambalKirsten Whitfield Reinhart MecklenbergLynette Ntuli

Issue 5 of 2011 (Sept/Oct)

The Tourism Tattler distribution is certified by the Audit Bureau

of Circulations

CONTENTS

15Combined conference date set

LETTERS / EDITORIAL04 Letters to the Editor05 From the Editor’s Desk / Cover Story06 Message from the RETOSA Chairman07 Message from the SATSA President

COMPETITIONS08 Win a White Shark cage dive

ACHIEVEMENTS & ACCOLADES09 Tourism Sparkler - Ncumisa Tyaliti BUSINESS & FINANCE10-11 Sub−Saharan Africa infrastructure gap12 Tough Trading conditions - TBI13 Leisure stakeholders meet to solve crisis14 Market Intelligence Report14 World tourist growth should continue

EVENTS15 TT&H Conference16 Minister acknowledges industry woes16 EMIT Conference17 NCape Skateboarding Champs18-19 Tour de Tuli

HOSPITALITY20 Tough 2011 for hospitality22 Smoking kids and pets23 How to save on linen costs

INVESTMENT24 Durban seeks partners

LEGAL & LEGISLATION 25 Indemnities, disclaimers and the CPA26 Affirmative action and the law MARKETING27 Learning about emerging markets28-30 The German Leisure Market #2

PROCUREMENT33 Soft branding

RISK34 What is Public Liability insurance?

REGIONAL TOURISM36 Lesotho37 Malawi38 Mozambique

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM & CONSERVATION39 Rhino Protection Initiative

TECHNOLOGY40 Tourism and technology

TRADE NEWS 41-42 Snippets

ADVERTISERS

Official Trade Journal of:The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA)PO Box 900, Ferndale, 2160Tel: +2786 127 2872Fax: +2711 886 755Webite: www.satsa.com

The Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (RETOSA)PO Box 7381, Half Way House, 1685Tel: +2711 315 2420/1Fax: +2711 315 2422Webite: www.retosa.co.za

02 Maloof Money Cup 09 Savage, Jooste & Adams Attorneys21 Tourism Grading Council of South Africa24 Durban Invest35 SATIB Insurance Brokers43 Ceracoat Ceramics44 Mercedes

Combined conference date set

24

2526

2728-30

33

34

36 37 38

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM & CONSERVATION39

TECHNOLOGY40

TRADE NEWS41-42

020921 24354344

04

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters to the EditorLetters to the Editor

Win

Letters to the Editor

WinWinWinWin

Dear EditorI recently returned from a two week trip to UK, one of South

Africa’s biggest suppliers of inbound tourists. While they are

clearly in tough times, it is also clear that some are doing well

and experiencing an increase in travel. Keen to look for new

business we concentrated on those doing well, and also tried

to get behind the reasons for poor travel to SA as it affects our

businesses!

In total I met with 31 UK suppliers on a two-week sales trip, from

smaller independent operators to medium and boutique-styled

operators (who account for quite a number of UK visitors these

days) and the big boys - traditional wholesalers producing high

volumes. My comments as follows:

• Economic downturn has had an obvious effect as the UK is still

struggling out of recession - there are less people travelling to

more destinations with more hotel rooms available.

• Exchange rate is a problem but not really the true problem, as it

remains very good value (or at least once you get off the plane!).

• The ever increasing cost of flights is a problem especially

airport taxes and fuel surcharges portion, but this is a reality on

all long haul destinations. While it certainly affects us to a fair

degree, it is not the only reason.

Although all of the above factors do play a significant role, it was

interesting to see that there were clearly two types of clientele

travelling to South Africa:

1. Those who are price conscious, who cannot afford expensive

flights to long haul destinations and who feel the effect of the

strong rand. They would typically choose an alternative such

as Kenya for a safari or Tanzania and Zanzibar for a ‘bush and

beach’ holiday. This is affecting the SA game lodges as they

can visit East Africa at half the cost.

Price is an issue. For the price-conscious traveller this has

become an attractive alternative. The World Cup in SA, the

non-availability of flights, inflated prices all round ‘forced’

these clients to such alternative destinations. Now these

clients and countries are loving it, riding a wave of ‘flavour

of the month’. This was evident in the ‘bursting at the seams’

meetings at Indaba for the East Africa destinations

2. What perplexed me was the increase in travel to other so called

‘expensive’ destinations like Australia, which is doing very well

from the UK. What does not make sense is that their flights

are even more expensive, and the AUD has gained more in

percentage than the ZAR against the GBP. So clearly they are

doing something right. There seems to be a large segment of

the market that is fairly resistant against the currency

fluctuations and flights which only seems to

affect the more price

conscious segment.

There is obviously much to do in the more price-conscious

market who are now rather travelling to ‘East Africa and

Zanzibar’ instead of ‘Kruger and Mauritius’, and this should

not be ignored. The cost of flights is a deterrent (more

competition would certainly help!) and lower exchange rate

would really help.

What concerns me more is why are we losing out to other

destinations like Australia (and Canada is also doing very well).

From all the discussions it became clear that the their tourism

authorities are a lot more effective, spending a lot more on

the correct advertising by sending out the correct message (in

addition to their national carriers and their national tourism

authorities working a lot closer together which we are sadly

really lacking). In addition there also seemed to have been a

lack of effective advertising following the World Cup and a

belief the PR would have been enough - it wasn’t.

One of the huge factors, which seemed to undermine the

marketing of South Africa is differentiation. I received strong

feedback from my recent sales trip to Australia, US and now

the UK (which I have been doing yearly for the past 6 years) that

South Africa and South African Tourism has not differentiated

itself over the past decade from the rest of Africa.

What I believe SA tourism as a whole needs to focus on is

that which the rest of Africa does not offer - Table Mountain,

Garden Route, some of the most beautiful beaches in the

world, modern infrastructure, the Karoo, the game, self drive

- what a novel idea! In short SA has a lot more to offer than

any other African country and this message does not seem

to get through in the marketing efforts. Simply put, the Big

5 is not iconic for South Africa. You see an advertisement for

Australia and the Sydney Opera House and the outback with a

kangaroo in the background is depicted (without fail). That is

what we need - something the rest of the world simply cannot

offer. Serious sums of money have been spent on infrastructure

during the World Cup - ride that wave! The world out there

still has a very limited view of a primitive South Africa. We can

successfully marry the Cape Town, Garden Route and Kruger

in the marketing efforts - a country that has a lot more to offer

than any other African country can dream of, or even Australia

- yet they all seem to beat us to the post.

Economic factors cannot be discounted, and most certainly

will affect us, but I sincerely believe we cannot blame this for

the record low numbers we are experiencing. Post World Cup,

we are sending the wrong message!

Regards,Jean-Pierre Snyman

Managing Director Franschhoek Country House & Villas

and Shumbalala Game Lodge

Winning Letter

CONGRATULATIONS to Jean-Pierre Snyman Managing Director Franschhoek Country House & Villas and Shumbalala Game Lodge whose winning letter has been published in this edition and wins a copy of the book ‘Man–eaters, Mambas and Marula Madness’ with the complements of Livingstones Supply Co - Suppliers of the Finest Products to the Hospitality Industry.

For more information visit their website at www.livingstonessupplyco.co.za

The winning letter for the next edition of the Tourism Tattler (Nov / Dec) edition will receive a copy of the book Man–eaters, Mambas and Marula Madness. Letters should be sent to [email protected]

5/2011SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

05

EDITORIAL

It’s Tourism month again, and all over South Africa, events will be held to mark the event. But this takes place against the background of an industry facing a real crisis.

If the sheer volume of talking shops that have been taking place could solve our problems we’d be well on the way already. But I suspect that most of the talkshops are just that – all talk and no action. And action is what we desperately need. It’s easy to whinge, much harder to get up off your comfy chair and do something.

One thing is becoming increasingly clear – as residents on the African continent we need to work together much more closely to address our problems. It’s no use solving South African difficulties if our tourists hit problems as soon as they try to cross borders.

This is one reason why Tourism Tattler has signed an MOU with RETOSA, the Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa. We all need to know what is going down in tourism throughout southern Africa, not just within our own borders. And we plan to bring that information to you.

Much has been made of the research results that show that today’s tourists are looking for an experience, rather than a holiday. And what they want to experience is Africa. Not any one particular country, but Africa. By that, most mean southern Africa, as the north African experience is very different. In the same way, many southern Africans flying north are looking to experience Europe, not

just one country. Coach tours and rail tours as well as cruises and self–drive deals, offer that chance and have been very popular for years. With clever packaging, a multi-destination trip can work out to be no more expensive than a one destination trip, as many of us have found. In Africa the companies that offer overland trips have got it right, but travellers other than gap year kids and students also want that experience.

And that is where we fall down. Travel between countries in southern Africa is too complicated, too expensive and often too difficult. Each country looks only towards what are perceived as its own interests, and inter-government co-operation proceeds, if it proceeds at all, at a pace which the average snail would regard as slow. Why does it take so long to be able to organise multicountry visas? Why is air travel between African countries still so expensive? Why can’t we agree on documentation and health requirements?

The talk shops on such issues have been dragging on for years. Governments want tourism to create jobs. That can only happen when tourism is a profitable industry. And governments themselves are often the biggest stumbling block to that happening. But then we are only one industry among many for whom that is true. The biggest enemies to tourism, as to other industries, are red tape, ill-conceived taxes and onerous labour legislation. So let’s stand up and say so.

The logjam has to be broken, so that the river of tourism can flow.

Marjorie

From the Editor’s Desk

Our front cover for this edition celebrates the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SATSA and RETOSA, whereby the Tourism Tattler will be the Official Trade Journal of both organisations, beginning with this edition, in order to jointly enhance tourism trade communications in the Southern Africa region.

In 2006 SATSA expanded the Tourism Tattler from an in–house magazine sent to SATSA members only, into a fully fledged tourism trade journal open to all trade stakeholders. Based on the number of enquiries from non-members that SATSA’s front office deal with on a daily basis, SATSA saw the need for providing the tourism trade with information that may help them to gain a better understanding of tourism issues, such as legal and risk aspects that impact on tourism, and explanations of marketing and business principles that may help them to become knowledgeable and credible providers of services to tourists who visit the Southern Africa region. The SATSA / RETOSA alliance is a logical next step in the Tattler’s evolution.

Commenting on the alliance, SATSA CEO Michael Tatalias said; “We have long known that in the mind of the consumer the tourism product is not seen as compartmentalised into narrow geo–political definitions. Rather the customer (and critically - the potential customer) is focused on the excitement and thrill of potential experiences and structuring a trip to take in the well–known icons and places of interest. The industry in the SADC region needs to accept this and work far more closely together. It is to our mutual benefit. Happily we are seeing a political acceptance of this, and high-level co–operation starting to develop. Thus from the private

sector level, we need to drive this to a new level. It is in this light that SATSA is thrilled to be creating a strategic alliance with RETOSA, a significant player focused on developing tourism in the SADC region. The more we talk together and share information, the better the tourism product will be, and the more tourists (domestic, regional and international) we will attract. The more tourists we attract and have travelling around our region spending money into the formal industry - crucially the more jobs we will create, and the healthier our businesses will be. I look forward to working with RETOSA”.

Kwakye Donkor, Director: Marketing and Communications at RETOSA added; “For the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to succeed in driving economic growth and boosting job creation throughout the economies of member states, it is imperative that the tourism trade has access to information on internationally acceptable standards of service in tourism operations. As SATSA is the acknowledged association representing the private sector of in–bound tourism operators in terms of quality and credibility standards, this is an excellent fit and an appropriate medium through which to communicate to the region’s tourism trade”.

Cover Story

5/2011 SATSA/RETOSATourismTattlerTradeJournal

06

EDITORIAL

Message from RETOSA

The Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (RETOSA) is a SADC body responsible for the development of tourism through marketing and promotion of sustainable regional tourism in SADC member countries. The organisation aims to work closely with member states, institutions and societies to ascertain their interests and priorities, to help identify potential counterparts and promote tourism growth and development by marketing the region as a multi–faceted but single destination.

The partnership between SATSA and RETOSA presents an ideal opportunity for public–private sector collaboration and is a true reflection of RETOSA’s determination and willingness

to forge meaningful collaboration with the private sector in the SADC region.

Such relationships will enable the private sector to actively contribute to the visibility of the region on the global stage thereby making the region attract more visitors to the destination. The region must grow its global tourism share to 5 per cent by 2020 (which is an average annual growth of 9 per cent) and the

private sector has a critical role to play to achieve this goal. Similar partnerships with the private sector in all the SADC Member States are on the table but it is only proper, we believe, that RETOSA had to start partnering first with the private sector in South Africa, RETOSA’s host country.

I therefore encourage both the tourism authorities and the private sector in each of the SADC regions to share their respective knowledge and expertise with readers of the SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal. It is only through communication and debate that we can hope to achieve the growth in tourism arrivals to our respective regions as alluded to. Francis MfuneExecutive Director RETOSA

About RETOSA

SADC Ministers responsible for Tourism, RETOSA Board and Senior Officials including Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executive Officers of Tourism during a recent meeting.


07

EDITORIAL

The President’s MessageThere is an old adage that says - the only thing you can be sure of is change! Nothing can be so true in the South African tourism industry today, where so many changes are taking place - from staff downsizing to hotels closing

doors on a weekly basis due to very low unsustainable occupancies. Notwithstanding the above comments, I look back on my fifteen years in the tourism industry and I am reminded that we have been through even tougher times and yet we have always bounced back, so this phase we are all going through is no different to then, given - we are reeling from a global economic crisis, and South Africa in many ways is feeling the tail end of this, but we will recover. We must not become complacent and just sit back and wait for something to happen. Now is the time to become proactive instead of reactive - reinvent yourself, your products your services, take a deeper look at your costing models - entice tourists back to South Africa by adding more value into their baskets of choice. South Africa currently has a great infrastructure to offer to the world, we have superb, world class airports. Internal air connections are good, cheap and friendly. Our roads are brilliant, particularly the tourist routes, and accommodation facilities are world class. We have the best wines in the world, cheap and wonderful restaurants compared to the rest of the world. We are the only country in the world to have hosted three successful world cups in fifteen years of our young democracy (rugby, cricket and soccer). Already there are indications that the business and domestic travel

market is steadily on the increase locally; this will continue and assist supplementing the leisure tourism economy until inbound cycles turn again in the future. Already in my own business and at SATSA we hear inbound numbers are looking promising for October - November this year (traditional high season months in South Africa). These are great indicators to look forward to, but more importantly we must harness this and work on them for the next high season phase. I am off to China in two weeks time to have a look at some new coach/bus vehicles for our own operations. We are starting to re–invent our position looking at different cost effective products as opposed to traditional channels we may have used in the past. In conclusion, now is the time to re–market, re-invent, re–group, re–introduce your products, your company, and your country. From SATSA’s side we will continue behind the scenes and in front of the scenes hammering away and taking on initiatives to add value to your business and our tourism industry and country as a whole.

‘The only thing you can be sure of is change’ – be architects of your own change, good luck and happy re–inventing.

Yours in tourism,

Craig Drysdale, CMP SATSA President CEO – Springbok Atlas – Transport Operations, South Africa & Namibia

SATSA has been the Hallmark of Quality Tourism in Southern Africa for more than 40 years.

Our Vision is to be the most recognised and sought after endorsement of good business practice in the Southern Africa Tourism Industry. Our Purpose is to provide domestic and international tourism buyers with quality advice and reliable information on credible tourism partners in Southern Africa. Our Aim is to help our members manage successful, profitable businesses that are part of a vibrant and sustainable inbound tourism industry.

We achieve this by focusing on:LOBBYING - We champion the interests of our members with Government to ensure South Africa has a legislative and fiscal framework that allows their businesses to grow and prosper.PROFESSIONALISM - We promote best practice and encourage lifelong learning. We facilitate through mentoring of newcomers to the tourism industry, and other means, the provision of vocational and management training that will improve quality, encourage staff development and provide the prospect of a fulfilling and rewarding career path in inbound tourism. To ensure standards are maintained, SATSA members are required to update all their information every year.NETWORKING - SATSA is a trans-national organisation, but provinces in South Africa have their own Chapters, with a Chair and Committee. This allows members to be more involved in provincial matters at a local level. The chapter structure also enables SATSA to obtain detailed feedback from its members on issues affecting the tourism

SATSA - Tourism’s 20/20 Visionindustry. Through our Chapter meetings and annual conference we provide opportunities for our members to develop relationships with tourism suppliers, buyers and partners both abroad and in Southern Africa through a programme of business and social events.

SATSA has an Executive Committee (ExCo), elected by members, that is charged with making policy decisions concerning the running of the organisation. The National Office is managed on a day−to−day basis by an appointed CEO, COO and staff.SATSA is committed to enhancing quality in tourism throughout Southern Africa and has signed an MoU with RETOSA to facilitate this objective.SATSA is committed to transformation in the industry and has signed an MoU with the Tourism Empowerment Council of South Africa to this effect.SATSA promotes Responsible TourismSATSA is the only inbound non-government organisation whose members are bonded against involuntary liquidation of other members.SATSA offers members a variety of benefits from an excellent provident fund, insurance and specialist legal advice, to arbitration in case of disputes.SATSA looks after the interests of the private sector and private enterprise by lobbying government on behalf of its members - and others in the industry.SATSA works with other tourism organisations to promote and run various national recognition programmes.SATSA promotes education in tourism through its Annual Conference, its bi−weekly electronic newsletter SATSA RAP and its journal, The Tourism Tattler, which is available in both online and print versions.


08

COMPETITIONS

To enter this competition, simply ensure that you are opted−in to the Tourism Tattler mailing list by subscribing at http://www.tourismtattler.co.za/subscribe and answer the following question via e-mail:WHICH TWO NEW REGIONAL ROUTES WILL BRITISH AIRWAYS/COMAIR OPERATE FROM 01 SEPTEMBER?

E-mail your answer with White Shark Cage Dive Competition in the Subject field to [email protected] by 21 September 2011. Remember to include your contact details. The first correct e-mail received will win the Prize. The Rules, Terms and Conditions of this competition can be viewed here: http://www.tourismtattler.co.za/downloads/Terms_and_Conditions.pdf

WIN A FABULOUS TRIP TO CAPE TOWN AND HERMANUS VALUED AT OVER R17 000. The prize includes return flights to Cape Town departing from either Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth or Durban, with the compliments of British Airways / Comair, airport road transfers and a White Shark Cage Dive with a personalised DVD of your day the compliments of White Shark Projects and a two-night stay in a luxury garden suite with a dinner and breakfasts at Schulphoek Seafront Guesthouse in Sandbaai, Hermanus.

READER COMPETITIONS

Schulphoek Seafront Guesthouse is located minutes away from Hermanus town center in Sandbaai and within one hour of Cape Town International Airport. There are a number of qualities that you will find, each unique and offering guests a sense of comfort and repose. The setting, a beautifully

Winners of the Issue 3 & 4 edition competitionsVaal Meander Wine Route Competition – Issue 3 (May/June) editionCongratulations to Mrs S. Velayudan from Johannesburg, Mrs J. Viktorin from Edenvale and Mr Mike Poxon from Pretoria, who each won a package consisting of 2 nights B&B accommodation, a Spa treatment, a wine tasting tour and wine pairing lunch plus a hamper of wines.

George Cheese Festival Competition – Issue 4 (Jul/Aug) editionCongratulations to Roelf Hamman, Gill Maskell of Africa 2000 Tours and Pat Raab of First Resorts who each received a mixed case of Deetlef’s Estate Wines.

You need to bring …

• Suntan lotion, a cap and

sunglasses • Sea-sickness tablets (take

two hours before launch)

• A warm jacket • A swimming costume and

towel • Comfortable shoes

SATSA member, Comair Limited is a leading South African aviation company that is listed on the Johannesburg Stock exchange (JSE:COM).The company has for the past fifteen years operated local and regional flights under a franchise agreement with British Airways and regional destinations from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg include Mauritius, Livingstone, Harare, Victoria Falls and Windhoek. From 01 September, two new regional routes will be launched departing from Lanseria Airport to Maputo and Gaborone.

SATSA member, White Shark Projects is arguably the most successful white shark diving organisation in the world: Working in the unique marine area off the southern Cape coast, their skippers log more contact with great white sharks than anyone else worldwide.Shark Team is an 11−metre, 4−ton catamaran with all the latest electronic and safety equipment. The company complies with strict regulations laid down by Marine Coastal Management and local governing authorities and they carry comprehensive public and passenger liability insurance. White Shark Projects has set a benchmark for responsible tourism in the industry. This involves sharing the country's natural and cultural riches, whilst contributing positively to the preservation and growth of the local community and environment.

protected bay, offers uninterrupted sea views, and is a favourite spot for viewing Southern Right Whales from June to early December. The Schulphoek Guesthouse Restaurant is well known for its delectable food. Fresh seafood and in-season shellfish as well as venison are our favourites. Patrons can pair their meal from a collection of over 12 000 bottles of South African and French red and white wine.

Comair also operates kulula om, which was launched 10 years ago as the first Low Cost airline in South Africa. This quirky brand has since inception revolutionalised air travel in South Africa by making flying much easier and affordable to customers. Launched in 1946 Comair has made global aviation history by having posted 65 years of operating profit; an aviation record that is held by no other airline.


09

She writes: On 28 May we delivered a VIP client to Cape Town International Airport. My husband Robert was driving, and upon arrival at the drop−off zone, he said goodbye to the client very professionally and then whispered to me that he was not well. It was a difficult situation since I had no idea how serious it was, and I also needed to check the client in.

As we went inside I stopped to ask Ncumisa to please keep an eye on Robert.

Our Tourism Sparkler this month is Ncumisa Tyaliti, of SAS Security, nominated by past SATSA Chair Cheryl Mulder-Verbruggen, of Cape Courtesy. The client’s vat refund took longer than expected (irritatingly due to stores not completing invoices properly) and so did the check in (due to excellent service from SAA that resulted in a little chit−chat too). I tried calling Robert, but had no success. By the time I got back outside I was very worried, especially due to the no−stopping policy and his inability to drive. Ncumisa had not only insisted that he be allowed to wait there, but even organised a can of coca- cola for him. She was also very patient and kind while I layered him with more clothes since he was shivering, and put him into the passenger seat. What we now know is that although that was the start of a bad cold combined with sinus problems, it was all aggravated by a massive growth in his head that was partially lodged in his sinuses. The short version of a traumatic story is that on 12 June he developed a terrible headache - the first ever sign of this ghastly growth

- and ended up in Panorama Mediclinic. There a brilliant medical team removed the very unusual pituitary growth during two operations. Robert has made a remarkable recovery and with the exception of his left eye that is still closed (due to the nerve being squashed by the growth), there is no sign of this serious and life−changing experience. He has now been discharged from hospital and is making good progress.It is our opinion that Ncumisa should be acknowledged for her discretion and the manner in which she handled, and assisted, on 28 May. So often we only hear negative comments about the staff working in the drop off zones and that makes Ncumisa’s actions even more praiseworthy.

Ncumisa has been recognised for her devotion to duty both by her own company and also Airports Company South Africa in Cape Town. Ed

ACSA staffer goes the extra mile

ACHIEVEMENTS & ACCOLADES

5/2011 SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

12

BUSINESS & FINANCE

BI is an initiative of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), sponsored by First National Bank (FNB) and compiled by Grant Thornton (GT). The index provides a national indication of the current and likely future

performance, of the various businesses operating within the South African travel and tourism sector.

For the second quarter of 2011, TBI registered a performance index of 74.5 against a normal of 100. When compared to the expected industry performance index of 94.1 for the second quarter, the industry performed significantly worse than expected and somewhat worse than in the first quarter of the year. “The latest TBI results are certainly a confirmation of what we are witnessing on the ground,” says Mmatšatši Marobe, Chief Executive Officer of the TBCSA. “However, given the extremely difficult operating environment, we are still encouraged to note that the majority of businesses in the sector are working hard to ensure that jobs are not lost” she said. Insufficient overseas arrivals, insufficient domestic leisure and business demand, the strong currency and the rising cost of inputs have been highlighted as some of the key factors having a negative impact on the sector’s performance. Other factors cited to have contributed negatively to the sector’s performance in the second quarter include the changing travel

Trading conditions remain tough - Tourism Business Index Business in the Travel and Tourism sector continued to operate under heavy strain in the second quarter of 2011. This is according to the results of the July edition of the TBCSA FNB Tourism Business Index (‘TBI’).

patterns, high fuel prices, and the many public holidays that failed to deliver the expected travel spend in terms of domestic travel.Pieter de Bruin Head of Tourism at FNB Commercial says “These results provide an insight to what people need in order to make the right decisions in this industry, such as the decision to

expand or not to expand. The ultimate aim of the TBI is to ensure that informed decisions are made where it matters as we gain traction with more participation.”The release of the TBI was a timely one, as the industry prepared to meet in August for the Annual General Meeting of the TBCSA. The AGM will incorporate the Second Industry Summit to ‘Take Stock’ of where the Industry find itself and to decide on how to get back on track to achieve the long term National Tourism Sector strategy deliverables. “The first Summit held in January, identified some crucial issues which industry felt needed attention in order to improve the operating environment for the travel and tourism businesses, explains Marobe. “Industry is now convening again for the Second Summit to assess the level of progress in this regard and the TBI will serve as a valuable information tool for the Summit”.

T

IN CONCLUSION, Marobe said she was pleased to see the growing number of

businesses who are participating in the TBI surveys. “As highlighted in the TBI report, the responses from the airlines, scheduled coach operators and the vehicle car rental companies are still too few to allow for the development of a tourism transport sub−index and we will be engaging with the relevant bodies to encourage more participation. However, overall, we are pleased with the growing number of businesses who are participating in the TBI. She stressed the importance of ensuring that participation is consistent by all businesses in the sector.

The next TBI surveys will be distributed on 27 September 2011. The current index can be downloaded from the TBCSA website www.tbcsa.travel.


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BUSINESS & FINANCE

Leisure Tourism stakeholders meet to solve crisisA Leisure Tourism Stakeholder Meeting was held on 28 June 2011, when around 70 senior tourism stakeholders met informally to discuss the current crisis in the leisure tourism industry and to come up with solutions, writes Gavin Courtenay, Managing Director of SATIB Insurance Brokers who attended the meeting.

Chaired by Malcolm McCulloch of SATIB’S client Wilderness Safaris and presented by Colin Bell (Wilderness Safaris founder) and Peter Anderson (SATIB client and strategic partner, Livingstones Group), the meeting confirmed that there is a crisis in the tourism industry and that many establishments have closed down resulting in job losses.

The key points agreed upon at the meeting were (in no particular order of importance):-1. That all tourism stakeholders familiarise themselves with

the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) document. (Download the NTSS document from link below and send to as many of your contacts in the tourism industry as possible).

http://www.tourismtattler.co.za/downloads/NTSS_Strategy_Tattler.pdf

2. To motivate operators to contribute to the TOMSA levy to (a) to put more money into marketing SA and (b) to increase the influence that TBCSA has on SAT.

3. Change the method of tourism arrival statistics data collection to take place on the tourist’s departure from SA rather than on arrival;

4. SAT needs to take a number of steps to market SA more effectively, by:-

a) Focusing its efforts on the best producing markets - primarily the top 10 or 12 markets;

b) Lobby Government to increase the SAT budget in this time of job crisis;

c) Increase SAT spend of its budget closer to 50 per cent and spend less on admin, overheads, research and outsourcing;

d) Ensure that each of the key SAT offices are given revised targets and budgets to double their ‘overseas leisure tourist’ arrival numbers;

e) Measure the effectiveness of SAT’s PR companies around the world and end agreements with those that are ineffective or inefficient;

f) Eliminate negative tag lines and commit to consistent, positive long term branding of SA;

g) Keep the TBCSA regularly informed of marketing campaigns launched by SAT.

h) Involve the TBCSA in headhunting a competent candidate to fill SAT’s currently vacant position of CEO.

5. Provide benchmarking statistics to serve as a guideline to ensure that

we charge our tourists at competitive rates in relation to the rest of the world.

6. Encourage the trade to better react to the TBCSA quarterly business index surveys.

7. Not ignore the domestic tourism market, which is inevitably called on to sustain the industry when downturns take place.

8. The trade and TBCSA must hold SAT and their boards accountable for their performance and delivery.

9. SAA and SAT should combine budgets and campaigns to aggressively market SA.

10. Address the visa issue with Home Affairs.

Subsequent to the above meeting, the resolutions were discussed at a meeting between the TBCSA and SA Tourism held on 11 July. As a result of this meeting, the TBCSA invited all stakeholders who attended the Tourism Stakeholder Meeting to attend the TBCSA AGM, which took place on 04 August, where SA Tourism presented their business plan for 2012/2013.

N.B. Some of these points are already being worked on by mid August. Ed.


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BUSINESS & FINANCE

Introduction:Welcome to SATSA’s MIR for August 2011. Below we aim to provide you with market intelligence on the tourism industry. Arrivals:The latest available data from Statistics South Africa shows that South Africa received 718 379 overnight arrivals (excluding same day visitors) from overseas between January and April 2011, which was a 9.7 per cent increase over January to April 2010. When assessing South Africa’s main overseas source markets we see that overnight arrivals from the UK declined by 0.2 per cent (to 162 415 overnight arrivals) between January and April 2011 over the same period in 2011, while overnight arrivals from Germany recorded 13.4 per cent growth (to 86 140 arrivals).The USA also achieved growth (15.7 per cent to 80 122 arrivals) for the same period. Overall total foreign arrivals were up 7.5 per cent to 2 750 175 with overnight arrivals from Africa being up 7.3 per cent to 2 024 186.Hotel Stats:The impact of the Soccer World Cup is clearly visible in the data from STR Global for June 2011. The data indicates that in June 2011, all hotels in South Africa achieved an average occupancy of 51.7 per cent which was down 23 per cent on June 2011. The average room rate (ARR) decreased by 45.7 per cent to R802 and the RevPar decreased by 58.1 per cent to R414. During June 2011 five star hotels achieved an average occupancy of 45.5 per cent (down 24.9 per cent on June 2010), with four star hotels achieving 50.3 per cent (down 22.3 per cent) and three star hotels achieving 54.5 per cent (down 20.5 per cent).ARR in June 2011 were down for all grades of hotels with five star hotels being down 55 per cent (to R1 448), four star hotels being down 44 per cent (to R786) and three star hotels being down 35 per cent (to R663).RevPar were also down for all grades of hotels with five star hotels being

Satsa Market Intelligence Report

Passengers Passengers Passengers arriving on arriving on arriving onJan & June 2011 International Regional Domestic Jan & June 2010 Flights Flights Flights

OR Tambo 1% 9.4% 6.6%

Cape Town International −1.8% 1.8% 4.1%

Durban International 3.3% N/A 8.3%

It should be kept in mind that the ACSA data included all arrivals on for example an international flight which may carry international visitors to South Africa as well as South Africans returning from abroad. Similarly the passengers arriving on domestic flights include international and domestic travellers.What this means for my business:Despite an increase in visitor numbers, tourism enterprises are not experiencing an increase in demand as the length of stay as well as the average spend of tourists have decreased. Tourism enterprises are urged to read the message from SATSA CEO on the SATSA RAP of 28 July 2011 as it offers valuable advice on markets that could be targeted. Read the message here: http://www.tourismtattler.co.za/downloads/SATSA_RAP-12_28July2011.pdf

(MIR – August 2011) down 66.2 per cent (to R659), four star hotels being down 56.5 per cent (to R395) and three stat hotels being down 48.6 per cent (to R361).For the period January to June 2011, the average occupancy of all hotels were down by 1.4 per cent (to 53.6 per cent), with ARR being down 5.8 per cent (to R854) and RevPar being down 7.5 per cent (to R457). ACSA data:The data from ACSA for the January to June in 2011 indicate increases in passengers arriving on international, regional and domestic flights for all three major airports, except for passengers arriving on international flights to Cape Town.

International tourist arrivals grew by 4.5 per cent in the first four months of 2011, according to the latest issue of the UNWTO report.“Global tourism continues to consolidate the recovery of 2010 despite the impact of recent developments in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as the tragic events in Japan, which are temporarily affecting travel flows to these regions,” said UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai.In the Americas, international tourist arrivals increased by 5 per cent, driven by the strong results of South America, which contrasted with the below average growth of North and Central American destinations, according to the Barometer.The Barometer found growth in all regions with the exception of the Middle East.Some sub-regions achieved double-digit growth: South America (+17 per cent), South Asia (+14 per cent), and Southeast Asia (+10 per cent).Between January and April 2011, destinations worldwide recorded 268 million international tourist arrivals, some 12 million more compared to the 256 million registered in the same period in 2010. April was the strongest month with an estimated increase of 6 per cent. Europe exceeded expectations (+6 per cent) and posted the highest growth in the first four months of 2011.“As the peak tourist season gets underway in the northern hemisphere, short-term prospects remain positive,” the barometer predicts.UNWTO maintains its forecast for international tourist arrivals in 2011 at

Report finds world tourist growth should continueWorld tourist destinations that have been slow to recover from the economic downturn can expect to see more demand towards the end of the year, according to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer.

between 4 per cent and 5 per cent, slightly above the long−term average and in line with previous assessments. The developments in the Middle East, North Africa, and Japan are not expected to significantly alter the global forecast. SOURCE: TRAVEL MOLE, David Wilkening,


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EVENTS

But even more exciting is the active collaboration that the TBCSA continues to have with its members to spearhead the drive for development and growth. Our latest venture is called the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Conference Southern Africa.

In partnership with five of our member associations, the Association of South African Travel Agents (ASATA), the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA), the National Accommodation Association of South Africa (NAA-SA), the South African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (SAVRALA) and the Southern African Tourism Services Association (SATSA), the TBCSA will be hosting the inaugural Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Conference Southern Africa from 23 to 25 October 2011. The event will be held at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg.

Through this event we will be combining the annual conferences of the TBCSA member associations into a single platform. Furthermore, our partners in government, the National Department of Tourism will participate in the event. It will be the central platform where members can address industry specific issues, as well as the challenges affecting the entire industry.

What will be discussed?

Based on the theme ‘2020 vision for Travel and Tourism - From Strategy to Action’ - the conference will take an in−depth look at the current state of the industry and explore the role of the

Tourism Associations Join Forces To Host One Industry ConferenceFor a sector which is often described as fragmented, South Africa’s travel and tourism sector has made great strides in unifying the voice of business. This sense of unity is evident in the kind of recognition the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) along with its member associations currently enjoy within the public and private sector, writes Mmatšatši Marobe, CEO, Tourism Business Council of SA.

private sector in the implementation of the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS).

Linked to the NTSS, the conference program will cover crucial issues such as:

• The collective management of messages about destination South Africa for domestic and international distribution;

• Simplifying the visa and immigration processes;• The need for timely and accurate industry statistics and• Making travel to and within the country easier and affordable• How to best respond to the financial crisis• Taking action is the best way forward

So why should you attend this conference? As a member of a participating association and/or an industry stakeholder, this is the ideal platform for you to voice your views and share your ideas of how we can best accelerate the pace of economic recovery within our sector.

The conference will comprise of two−and−a−half days of discussions, exhibitions and networking with an expanded programme allowing for delegate interaction. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to interact with delegates from across the entire spectrum of travel and tourism sector within the SADC region - be it travel, hospitality, business tourism, attractions or transport.

ConclusionOnce and for all, it is time that we do away with this persisting perception of a fragmented sector. Let us all embrace the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Conference Southern Africa as a new platform for all of us to engage, debate and plan for delivering the future.

Diarise these dates now!

TTHC Conference

23 to 25 October2011

Indaba HotelFourways

Johannesburg


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EVENTS

“South Africa’s status as a premier global leisure tourism destination is now firmly entrenched. The year 2010 was, in this regard, an exceptionally good one. On the back of the FIFA World Cup our global visibility reached unprecedented levels. We have demonstrated that we have the capabilities; the welcoming culture; and the authentic offerings that the world’s ever more discerning travellers demand. Indeed, we made our mark.

The success story of our hosting of this mega−event was showcased to a global audience of potential business travellers. They have seen our impressive infrastructure, our organisational skills and our natural beauty. They have shared in our success.

What remains is for us to continually enhance and leverage this global positioning. As a country we have already secured more than 200 events for the next five years. These events will attract some 300 000 delegates to our major business tourism cities and will contribute significantly to foreign direct spend into our economy.

In the aftermath of the economic recession, global buyers have become increasingly adept at driving down costs. Our task is to carefully nurture our value−for−money reputation and present diversified offerings to the business traveler. I appreciate the fact that you are at the coalface of our industry and deal with the triumphs, but also the challenges we face every day. I do understand that while the long−term trends for tourism are extremely positive, these trends are not necessarily translating into immediate profitability across the board. Upon analysis, however, this is quite understandable.

We are operating in an environment with increased capacity in terms of amongst others our accommodation offering, and we are still feeling the effects of the global economic crisis. I want you to know we understand these challenges. And I want to give you my assurance that these are transient issues that will not disrupt our long−term positive growth

Minister acknowledges industry woes at SAACI ConferenceAddressing delegates at the South African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) 2011 Conference held at the NH Lord Charles Hotel in Someset West, Cape Town from 24 to 26 July, the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, showed empathy towards the fact that our industry is bleeding, and that he is feeling our pain. This is a start. His unbridled confidence recently was confusing people, members and outsiders - he is now far more in−tune with the Tourism Business Index (refer page 12). An edited version of the Ministers speech is published below – Ed.

prospects. I want to appeal to you to not lose faith and keep your eyes firmly focused on the many wins we have already chalked up.

The National Department of Tourism is absolutely committed to working with you in developing the potential of business tourism. One of the most important building blocks we have put in place as part of our new growth plans has been the first ever National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS), which was approved by Cabinet on 2 March. This ambitious strategy represents our commitment to intelligent planning and policy formulation.

The NTSS is a document that the entire sector is committed to. We have worked hard to ensure that our ambitious targets are coordinated and credible. The strategy rests on three pillars, namely driving the tourism economy, enhancing visitor experiences and ensuring sustainability and good governance in the industry.

We aim to increase the number of foreign tourist arrivals to South Africa from 7 million in 2009 to 15 million by 2020, tourism’s total contribution to the economy from R189 billion in 2009 to R499 billion by 2020, the number of domestic tourists from 14.6 million in 2009 to 18 million by 2020 and to create 225 000 new jobs by 2020.

Under the auspices of the National Department of Tourism, the new National Conventions Bureau (NCB) to be established within SA Tourism will make a significant impact in terms of coordinating and strengthening efforts to attract meetings and conventions to South Africa. We will also have to find a way, in consultation with industry, to strengthen the current accreditation of professional conference organisers.

It is up to all of us to pool our significant resources; our experience; our depth of knowledge; and our creativity to collectively market our destination to an exceptionally lucrative global business tourism market.The dedication, ingenuity and propensity for hard, productive work by all of you confirm that our optimism is well grounded”.

The Environmental Management in Tourism (EMIT) conference takes place at the Sandton Sun Conference Centre from 9 -10 November 2011. It is the first of its kind to offer a dedicated platform for debate on sustainable tourism, says Virginia McManus, of The Heritage Environmental Management Company. The conference is supported by SATSA.

The conference is targeted at the tourism, travel, leisure, and event management sectors and aims to raise awareness of the impacts of tourism on our environment and the need for change to a more sustainable and responsible way of managing this important industry. Wednesday, 9 November is particularly relevant as it is also recognised as World Responsible Tourism Day and it marks the annual Imvelo Responsible Tourism Awards, which this year celebrates its tenth anniversary.

We have already confirmed a range of speakers from across all aspects of environmental management and travel including: Joyce DiMascio, who was responsible for the successful implementation of a turnaround strategy to position Australia as an environmentally responsible business destination Dr Anthony Turton (water management)Professor Alan Brent (energy and the environment)Linda Godfrey (waste implications)Thomas Roth, USA (profiling the green traveller, USA)

EMIT conference offers platform for debate on sustainable tourism

Gillian Saunders (2023 - future of tourism)Jennifer Seif (ethical consumerism and tourism)Paul Salinger, USA (green meetings and events)Georgina Coombs (green marketing and communications)Jan Peter Bergkvist, Sweden (hospitality perspective)Dr Joel Houdet (biodiversity footprint of the SA tourism industry) and have also invited Professor Geoffrey Lipmann, (UNWTO) Belgium, and Mounkaila Goumandakoyi, (Regional Director, UNEP (Africa). Well−known environmental scientist Simon Gear is the event’s MC.

The conference is supported by; FEDHASA, SATSA, Fair Trade in Tourism (South Africa), the Event Greening Forum, SACCI; and partnered with WTM’s World Responsible Tourism Day and Green Globe International. The Hotel and Restaurant is our media partner and Southern Sun the venue sponsor. The Gauteng Tourism Authority is our gold category sponsor.

EMiT is being organised as a not−for−profit initiative for the tourism industry and any income remaining after the conference will be donated to a worthwhile environmental project.

For more information please check: www.emitconference.com or e-mail: [email protected]


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This will be the first time in the history of the event that it leaves the borders of the United States of America. With a total prize purse of US $500 000, this event will not only turn the global media spotlight on the Northern Cape, but also serve as a catalyst for sports and youth development in the province. The four day skateboarding spectacular will feature exhilarating skateboarding action as skateboarders battle it out for the coveted title as well as an exciting line−up of live entertainment. A benefit concert featuring American rap superstar Lil Jon and top South African groups on Saturday, 1 October, will definitely be one of the highlights of the weekend.

Sport tourism has become one of the fastest growing areas of the global travel and tourism industry and can play an integral part in the socio−economic development of the host region. The Northern Cape recently launched a new marketing campaign under the brand pillar of Extreme Experiences to establish its reputation as the extreme sports capital of the country.

According to Sharron Lewis, CEO of the Northern Cape Tourism Authority, this event is an ideal opportunity to showcase the unique tourism offerings presented by the Northern Cape. “Visitors to the Northern Cape during this period will not only see the world’s greatest skating talent, but will also be able

Northern Cape To Host The World’s Greatest Skateboarding ExtravaganzaThe world’s greatest and richest skateboarding event is coming to South Africa and will be hosted in the Northern Cape in September this year. The Maloof Money Cup presented by Kumba Iron Ore is the premier exhibition for amateur and professional skateboarding and will be hosted in Kimberley from 29 September to 2 October 2011.

to explore Kimberley and surrounds during day trips. Kimberley boasts a wide range of tourist attractions such as the historic Diamond District, museums and historical walks, while game viewing safaris, a multitude of water sports and the scenic vistas of the Kalahari and the floral kingdom of the Namaqua lie on its doorstep. The natural beauty and versatility of the Northern Cape is guaranteed to appeal to a wide tourism audience. We are expecting to realise close to 5000 room nights during the Maloof Money Cup and would like to encourage tourism role players such as travel agents and tour operators to be pro−active in compiling and securing packages to the Northern Cape Province during this period,” mentions Lewis.

The Maloof Money Cup is being utilised by the Northern Cape Province as a vehicle to launch the Northern Cape Extreme brand and to entrench the brand in the minds of local, national and international communities. It is expected that the 2011 Maloof Money Cup will see a large contingent of professional skateboarders from the United States, South America, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, China and Nigeria converging on the City of Diamonds to compete in the event, while hundreds of supporters and a big international media delegation will form part of the tourist influx. Top South African amateur skaters will also be able to participate in the championships.

The Maloof Money Cup is being viewed as a long term legacy project focused on youth development and community upliftment. The province introduced the Skateboarding for Hope initiative to promote skateboarding as a positive, active lifestyle for the youth of South Africa, contribute to education and build healthy communities. This community outreach programme has been travelling throughout the country to present skateboarding clinics and workshops to introduce skateboarding as an affordable, accessible leisure activity. The clinics and training classes will include the history of skateboarding, skateboard deck construction, building of ramps as well as associated music and graffiti.

Construction is currently underway for a 15000 square feet concrete skate park, which was designed to pay tribute to Kimberley’s heritage. The famous Kimberley diamond

has been incorporated into the course design by design team Joe Ciaglia and Geoff Rowley from California Skate Parks. The skate park will be located next to the Kimberley International Convention Centre and adjacent to the Big Hole in Kimberley’s Diamond District. Construction started in July and will be completed in September. The skate park is seen as a lasting legacy of the Maloof Money Cup as it will be donated to the local community after the event.

For more information, visit www.experiencenortherncape.com or contact the Northern Cape Tourism Authority on 053 833 1434.


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“While the accommodation sector in South Africa should see growth in the coming years, occupancy rates are not expected to match those seen prior to 2009 and growth in average room rates will be low” says Dr. Nikki Forster, PwC SA Hospitality and Gaming Leader. “While the trend for the remainder of 2011 is gloomy, the accommodation sector will see good returns into the medium term future, but these will be lower than experienced in the past.”Commenting on the findings of the recent PwC South African Accommodation Report, Forster says that all key industry players have reduced costs as far as possible. “Their strategy now is to maximise occupancy levels while carefully monitoring average room rates.”

FINDINGS The PwC South African Accommodation Report analyses revenue from this segment of the hospitality industry (covering hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfast establishments, guest farms, caravan sites, camping sites, bush lodges), and excludes revenue from food, beverage and other services. It provides a synopsis of historical performance for the 2006-2010 period and forecasts key revenue indicators for 2011-2015.Forster highlights the positive trend in the domestic tourism and travel market, starting in early 2004, with the number of overnight visitors, and within, South Africa nearly doubling between 2004 and 2006 to 10,23 million. It then rose by an additional 940 000 between 2006 and 2008 to 11,17 million. “Matching the trend in the broader SA economy, growth in travel and tourism boosted hotel visits, raised occupancy rates and fuelled accommodation revenue.”In response to this positive cycle and in anticipation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the supply side of the industry, specifically the hotel subsector, responded to the growing demand for rooms. “But because of the significant time lag - generally three to five years from decision to build to opening for business - between 2005 and 2008, a modest 1 600 rooms were added. The supply surge came between 2008 and 2010, when approximately 9 700 additional hotel rooms were added, being able to accommodate an additional 3,5 million visitors annually” says Forster. “But by the time these new rooms came on stream, economic conditions had worsened and tourism slowed. Even if the economy had continued to

A tough 2011 for the local accommodation sector A review of the Price Waterhouse Cooper South African Accommodation Report 2011 by

Dr. Nikki Forster, PwC SA Hospitality and Gaming Leader.

expand at a healthy rate, the increase in the supply of hotel rooms would have exceeded any reasonable expectations of growth in demand.”

2010 DISTORTIONIn analysing trends in the accommodation sector, Forster notes the distorting spike that comes from the 2010 FIFA World Cup. “Last year, the number of foreign overnight visitors rose 15.1 per cent to 8,07 million, and domestic visitors increased 14.3 per cent to 5,13 million (13,2 million in total). If there had been no FIFA World Cup in 2010, we estimate that total accommodation spending would have risen by 4.2 per cent, instead of the 16.7 per cent increase that actually occurred; the average occupancy rate would have fallen to 46.4 per cent instead of increasing to 47.8 per cent; and rather than increasing 12.6 per cent to R699 during 2010, the average room rate would have advanced just 3.7 per cent to R644.”In the year immediately following the World Cup, the number of visitors is expected to decline by an estimated 8.7 per cent to around 12 million in 2011. Thereafter, aided by an improving economic climate, the total number of annual visitors in South Africa should rise to 14,8 million by 2015, a 2.3 per cent compound annual increase from 2010, but a stronger 5.35 per cent gain compounded annually from 2011. “This growth in travel and tourism will have a positive impact on the accommodation industry” says Forster.

OTHER FINDINGSOther findings in the report include:• Number of rooms - As expansion is no longer warranted by the soft

market, the number of available rooms across all accommodation providers is predicted to increase to an estimated 121 900 by 2015, from 113 400 in 2010, a compound annual increase of just 1.5 per cent.

• Occupancy rates - From the 2010 occupancy rate of 47.8 per cent, there should be a decrease to a medium−term trough in 2011. Thereafter, occupancy rates for hotels should begin to increase and those for caravan/camping sites, bush lodges and other accommodation should resume their upward path. Beginning 2013, demand for rooms will again grow faster than supply, and the overall occupancy rate will begin to increase, to reach a forecast average 48.5 per cent in 2015.

• Room rates - The average room across all grades of accommodation will cost R813 in 2015, up 3.1 per cent on a compound annual basis from 2010 (R699) and 5.1 per cent compounded annually from 2011 (R667).

• Room revenue - Total room revenue is expected to reach R17,6 billion in 2015, an 8.1 per cent compound annual increase from 2011’s expected R12,9 billion, and 4.9 per cent compounded annually from 2010’s R13,9 billion. Hotels will continue to generate the majority of accommodation revenue during the next five years, but their share of total room revenue will drop to 70.9 per cent in 2015 from 74.5 per cent in 2010.

• Hotels - In the hotel sector (which accounts for just over half of the available rooms in South Africa in 2010, and three−quarters of total spending), an oversupply saw the average hotel occupancy rate down from 70.3 per cent in 2006 to 53.1 per cent in 2010, discouraging further plans to expand. By 2015, there will be an estimated 66 000 hotel rooms available in South Africa, an increase of 2.3 per cent compounded annually from the 58 800 rooms in 2010. The 2015 predicted hotel occupancy rate is 52,7 per cent (after hitting a low of 48,3 per cent in 2011, and still far off the 71,8 per cent of 2007). In 2015, the average hotel room will cost R980 (R905 in 2010), after falling to R835 in 2011, from R905 in 2010, returning to an upward path beginning in 2012. Hotel room revenue is forecast to expand at a 3.8 per cent compound annual rate from a base R10,3 billion in 2010 to R12,4 billion in 2015.

THE FUTUREIn the short-term, the accommodation sector is a challenging one. “We project accommodation spend to fall 7.9 per cent in 2011 to R12,7 billion, from R13,9 billion in the year of the World Cup” says Forster. “We then expect the market to rebound as the positive effects of the improving economic environment and an accompanying rise in international and domestic travel to South Africa take their effect on the accommodation market.”


he issue is whether or not you will allow smoking, pets or children in your establishment. If you do decide

to allow one or more of these things, you will have to make provision for them, and take measures toward keeping them under control.

You need to decide on what kind of establishment you want to open. If you are after a higher−end guest house, it is not advisable to allow children and pets, and should rather be marketed as a place for couples to get away from that sort of thing. However, if you would prefer a more family−oriented spot, then of course you will allow children and can consider allowing pets. However, you will need to be even more careful about where you situate smoking areas or if you plan to have them at all.

CHILDRENIf you do decide to allow children, you will have to make provision for them in your establishment. Offer cots and changing facilities to families with small babies, and high chairs in the dining areas. It might also be nice to keep a basket of toys in the communal area, and a bowl of sweets on your front desk, to make them feel welcome and special.Taking care of the needs of the children will not only ensure that they have a better time, but will also add to the enjoyment and relaxation of the parents.If you do intend to allow children, this should be clearly advertised in any marketing material you put out, along with the minimum age of children allowed, if you intend to impose such a restriction. This factor will most likely attract

Smoking, kids and pets in a guest houseSo you want to open a guest house? There are lots of things to consider. Among these things is an issue that might seem fairly trivial alongside the massive financial and logistical decisions facing you, but it is more fundamental than you’d think, and will affect other areas of your planning, writes Kirsten Whitfield.

guests to your establishment, so you will do well to advertise it.

PETSThis issue is slightly more difficult as some guests will be put off by being surrounded by other people’s pets, and allowing animals into your establishment means that you will have to be even more organised about keeping things clean and hygienic. There’s nothing more off putting than a couch or bed covered in animal hair, or smelling of dogs!However, certain holiday−goers will be overjoyed to see that you accept pets, as few guest houses do. Be sure to set down some good rules for animal owners, such as where they should keep their pets at night, and where they should be fed. Usually it is wiser not to allow pets into areas where food is prepared or served. Owners should definitely clean up after their own animals, so make this known to them in your marketing material and when they arrive. If you have animals of your own, be sure to monitor their interaction with the other animals, so as to avoid any accidents.You might decide to impose a restriction on the size of the animals you allow (specifically in the case of dogs) and this must be clearly laid out in any marketing you do. It’s also probably wise to find out if the animal has any problems with strangers being around their owners ,or in their rooms. (Staff will have to go in to clean, make beds and so on.)

SMOKINGThere already are a number of legal restrictions placed on smoking that you cannot go against. For instance, South Africa’s smoking laws dictate that people cannot smoke outside in front of open windows and doors, and that any indoor smoking in a building meant for public use will have to be done in specific smoking areas.Indoor smoking areas have to be in line with a complicated set of laws, so it is advisable to rather force any smoking activity to the outside of your establishment. This will also mean that you avoid odours getting into the non−smoking part of the building. In fact, outdoor areas are preferred by many smokers, since indoor smoking areas can be quite unpleasant.If you do take this path, be sure to place outdoor heaters in the smoking area for the colder months, along with the chairs, tables and ashtrays that should be there all year round.There should be visible signs demarcating smoking areas and all ‘no smoking’ signs must legally include the warning, “Any person who fails to comply with this notice shall be prosecuted and may be liable to a fine”.If you decide to allow all three of the above at once, animals, kids and smoking, be sure to keep the smoking away from the children and animals (some dogs eat cigarette ends), and take measures to ensure that these elements can exist harmoniously with each other.The part−time University of Cape Town Guest House Management short course is presented online throughout South Africa. Contact Kerry on 021 447 7565 or visit www.getsmarter.co.za for more information.

T


HOSPITALITY

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HOSPITALITY

Cleanliness and hygiene are of the utmost importance in the hospitality industry. Nobody wants to sleep in someone else’s soiled bed linen, use a grubby towel, eat at a table adorned with a soiled tablecloth or wipe their mouth with a stained napkin. For this reason linens are washed daily, usually at high temperature to kill bacterial germs and with high strength chemical detergents added to break down grease and partially remove stains. Over time, the textile fibers break down resulting in limp, tatty fabrics. To overcome this, starch is added at the rinse cycle of the cleaning process, which may give the item a crisp feel and lessen the effect of stains but does hasten the breakdown of the fibers even more.

Nanotechnology has provided a solution to this age−old problem. By treating fabrics with a ceramic nanoparticle surface protectant, linens need only be rinsed with water to clean – no abrasive and environmentally harmful detergents needed. The treated fabric becomes highly hydrophobic (water repellent), anti bacterial, ultra−violet stable and stain resistant. In addition, the appearance, tactile feel, porosity (breathing) and colour of the fabric is not affected in any way.

How is this possible, I hear you ask? According to Dr. Elio Keller, the founder of Ceracoat Ceramic in Switzerland, the coating contains inorganic nanoparticles bound in a matrix (film) that increases the contact angle between the surface and water. The larger the contact angle, the more water repellent the surface becomes, until the water droplet forms a near-spherical shape, which collects dirt as it rolls off the surface. This self-cleaning and waterproof property is known as the ‘lotus effect,’ and is named after the same properties found on the lotus leaf.

How to save on linen replacementMany accommodation establishments and restaurants replace their linens (collective term for tablecloths, napkins, sheets, pillow slips, towels, etc) on a far too regular basis, primarily due to unsightly stains and frayed fabric, writes Des Langkilde.

Through molecular self−organisation, the nanometric building blocks of the nano−sealant bonds downward, upward and sideward in a three dimensional structure to form an invisible protective layer. When applied to the surface of any substrate the nanoparticles act as an invisible barrier to protect the surface from exterior influences such as dirt, liquid, bacteria, temperature, odour and abrasion without affecting the aesthetic look, feel or porosity of the substrate.

Due to its anti−adherence properties, treated fabrics need only be wiped or washed with water to remove dirt and grime. This translates to enormous cost savings for hospitality establishments in cleaning and washing detergent expenditure, while also extending the durability and replacement frequency of treated items.

As a result of its microscopic composition, the ceramic nanoparticle surface protectant has incredible coverage. Just 200ml of sprayed on application will waterproof about 10m2 of fabric and will remain active after 20 washes, even at 60oC. The product can also be added to the fabric conditioner compartment of washing machines during the last programme cycle. Just 100ml is sufficient to waterproof 3kg of fabric. Thermal dying such as tumble-drying or ironing enhances the waterproofing properties.

From a cost point of view, nano−treating your linen is more than self−funded through savings gained in detergent expenditure and in less frequent linen replacement costs. Do the sums and try it yourself - the proof is in the pudding as they say.

For more information telephone +27 32 946 2554 / +27 82 374 7260 or e-mail des@ceracoatsouthafrica or visit the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ceracoat-South-Africa/204796156231758


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INVESTMENT

Established in 2009, the Durban Business Enhancement Initiative (Durban Invest) has been created by the private business fraternity to leverage the organisational capacity of the private and public sector with the intention of facilitating growth, activity and sustainability in the various target sectors and areas of the local economy. The initiative further wishes to enhance the cooperation between all business stakeholders in ensuring that sufficient support programmes are in place for the business sector in the City.

Durban Invest differentiates itself from existing business formations and development agencies by being in existence for business, by business and implementing measurable interventions. Their aim is to combine the influence, expertise and connectivity of local business both large and small, to effectively strive a vibrant economy and deliver on long−term objectives of business success for Durban and the region.

PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS

Business Development and Innovation ProgrammeWhilst there are a number of bodies promoting the cause of emerging entrepreneurs, Durban Invest can play a pivotal role in providing realised linkages in development and promotion for the business economy of the City.

Business Investment and National Business ProgrammeMany Durban based industries and businesses are not adequately represented at key business and economic gatherings, thus placing the local economy in a position of limited access to information and opportunities. This programme thus provides:• Representation and information sharing via existing bodies• Business delegations to varied locations and events• Exposure to emerging and accelerated business to international markets• Research and venture creation opportunities

Durban Business Enhancement Initiative seeks partners

In alignment with the objectives and programme areas, Durban Invest are looking for business partners to engage them on concept development, growth plans, implementation of projects, sharing of information and adding value to business activity in Durban, writes Lynette Ntuli.

Business IntelligenceThis programme utilises various mediums to communicate with stakeholders, including:Business Connect - forums that ‘think globally but act locally’ to allow businesses to communicate matters of importance and to interact with their audience on these.Business Leadership Roundtables - biannual events to bring together business leadership with business interests in the City (resident and non−resident) to discuss the economic and investment climate of the region, and outline how business can contribute to and challenge the environment it operates in.Publications - Durban Invest endeavours to be the custodian of relevant, updated business research and publications and a business inventory database.

Catalytic Development SeriesThis initiative aims to act as an interactive series of presentations and facilitated discussions on activities and developments that will grow and sustain Durban over the next ten, twenty and thirty years.

Corporate social InvestmentA key objective of Durban Invest is to demonstrate corporate social responsibility by promoting social economic cohesion for the benefit of all. We look forward to partnering with business with this ultimate goal in mind, to benefit the economy with our communities’ needs and challenges in mind.

WORK WITH USGain exposure - to local, national and international businesses via our publications, events and deliverables.Join Durban Connect - an interactive hub created to enhance networking utilising smart technologies, social networking, virtual meetings, events and information sharing.Submit proposals - have a brave business idea or devised a way to work smarter? Can we mutually benefit from your idea? Talk to us.

For more information contact Durban Invest on +27 31 336 2676 or e-mail [email protected] or visit their website at www.durbaninvest.co.za


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LEGAL & LEGISLATION

The leading case when the new CPA era dawned on us was (and still is) the case of Strydom (‘S’) vs Afrox (‘A’). The key issues were tested at all levels of the High Court and ultimately at the very top by the Supreme Court of Appeal (‘SCA’ - the former ‘Appelate Division’: ‘AD’). S, upon admission to one of the hospitals owned by A, was required to sign extremely one−sided terms and conditions (‘the A T&C’). He felt aggrieved and decided to challenge the validity if the A T&C and ‘attacked’ the A T&C on various bases. These are detailed below - he lost on each aspect. • The uneven bargaining power of the parties• The A T&C are unconstitutional• The A T&C are one−sided• The A T&C are hard to understand• The size of the font used in the A T&C• The ‘duress’ at the time of his admission

Status of indemnities and disclaimers since CPA/April 01 2011The CPA now specifically states that you may not exclude or limit your liability for/to gross negligence, whether you do so by means of an indemnity or disclaimer - Section 51.1 (c) prohibits any such term or condition if it has the effect to: ‘limit or exempt a supplier of goods or services from liability for any loss directly or indirectly attributable to the gross negligence of the supplier or any person acting for or controlled by the supplier’:• Regulation 45 deals with terms and conditions that are not fair and reasonable and regulation 45.3 determines that the following clauses

will be deemed to be unfair:• excluding or limiting the liability of the supplier for death or personal

injury caused to the consumer through an act or omission of that supplier subject to section 61 (1) of the Act

• limiting, or having the effect of limiting, the supplier’s vicarious liability for its agents

• forcing the consumer to indemnify the supplier against liability incurred by it to third parties

What does section 61 (1) state and what does ‘deemed to be unfair’ mean and what are the implications?• Section 61 (1) pertains to absolute (no fault or strict) liability arising from

unsafe goods, product failure, hazard or defect (Defined in section 53) and inadequate warnings or instructions (You should bear in mind the wide definition of ‘goods’)

• If the body adjudicating the dispute or complaint upholds the unfairness i.e. agrees with the ‘deeming’ thereof, it can make a number of findings in terms of section 52.3, i.e. it can:◊ Rule the clause/term/condition invalid/void/unenforceable◊ Make this same ruling with regard to the entire agreement◊ Order the offending party to reimburse the consumer and costs and expenses incurred in pursuing the complaint and the agreement per se◊s ‘any further order that is just and reasonable in the circumstances’

As matters stood before the CPA came into effect on April 01 2011, you could indemnify yourself or disclaim liability completely, including for your own acts, omissions and negligence. So much so that you could in fact exclude liability for your gross negligence (or conversely limit your liability to causes of action arising from or due to your gross negligence!), writes Adv Louis Nel.

FROM THE

With Advocate Louis NelBENCHMARK ©

You can contact Adv. Louis Nel at: louis.nel@c◊◊

Disclaimer: Please note that the above is a very brief overview of your rights vis a vis your guests and photos – there are ‘whole host’ of surrounding privacy issues surrounding your guests that have to be addressed with the reference to the statutes alluded to before your embark on the use of any guest information and data and specific legal advice must be sought in that regard before embarking on such use.

Status of indemnitiesand disclaimers prior to CPA

I am sure you’ll agree with me the above can have a major impact on your business!

Sections 48 and 49 regulates disclaimers and indemnities and how these should be dealt with - The former requires of suppliers of goods or services only do any of the following if it is fair, reasonable and just AND not a precondition to enter into the contract i.e. when the consumer is to• waive any rights• waive any liability of the supplier

Even if your waiver or disclaimer is reasonable, just and fairly worded, you still need to do the following in terms of section 49:• Draw any of the following to the attention of the consumer in plain

language and in a conspicuous manner:• limit in any way the risk or liability of the supplier or any other person;◊ constitute an assumption of risk or liability by the consumer;◊ impose an obligation on the consumer to indemnify the supplier or

any other person for any cause◊ be an acknowledgement of any fact by the consumer

Spell out the ‘nature and potential effect of that risk’ of any of the following pertaining to the activity or premises and the consumer must acknowledge it by signing for it, i.e. if the risk:• Is of an unusual character or nature ◊ the presence of which the consumer could not reasonably be expected to be aware or notice ◊ an ordinarily alert consumer could not reasonably be expected to

notice or contemplate in the circumstances ◊ could result in serious injury or death• The above must be done so that the consumer can comprehend it (49.5)

and must be done at the earliest of when the contract is entered into, payment is made, the consumer participates in the activity or enters the premises in question (49.4).

It should be borne in mind that the body adjudicating a dispute will be required to consider (in terms of section 52) inter alia the following aspects so it is important to bear this in mind in training your sales force and in your dealings with the consumer:• the fair value of the goods or services in question• the nature of the parties to that transaction or agreement, their

relationship to each other and their relative capacity, education, experience, sophistication and bargaining position

• those circumstances of the transaction or agreement that existed or were reasonably foreseeable at the time that the conduct or transaction occurred or agreement was made, irrespective of whether this Act was in force at that time

• the conduct of the supplier and the consumer, respectively• whether there was any negotiation between the supplier and the

consumer, and if so, the extent of that negotiation.

What you have to do about (1) your current and (2) future documentationThe first thing to bear in mind is that making your indemnities, waivers and terms and conditions CPA compliant is not the be all and end all of the CPA. It goes much wider and you have to vet all your promotional material, contracts, documentation (pertaining to your Critical Transactional Path),signage, instructions and your physical transactional path and contracts with all suppliers and marketers of your products and services. Change as soon as possible as you run a risk if you e.g. try and use up your current documentation. Assuming you will ultimately do all the above but want to start with your disclaimers and and indemnities, then do the following:• Deal with gross negligence - delete• Ensure the wording is plain, comprehensive and understandable• All signage must, over and above the aforesaid, be conspicuous and

rather be over than under used• Train your staff to have a good understanding of the CPA and to have a

consistent approach to clients• Comply with sections 48 and 49 i.e. don’t try and ‘sweep the indemnity/

disclaimer under the carpet’ otherwise it will haunt you if there is ever complaint - bring it to the attention of the client as required and if, in addition, there are risks that you have to explain, do so!

• Discuss the above with your insurance broker


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LEGAL & LEGISLATION

For now it would appear that the proposed changes (as well as proposed changes to the LRA and the BCEA) will not be passed in law in their current form. We are likely to see, at some point in the not too distant future, better considered and drafted proposals for change.One can expect that greater emphasis will be placed on employers’ obligations with respect to affirmative action, contained in Chapter 3 of the EEA. Employers in the private sector will have to contend with two opposing pressures, one coming from organised labour and government for quicker transformation and the other from the labour market. This is likely to result not only in greater and more frequent demands from trade unions in particular but probably also an increase in the Department of Labour’s vigilance and in litigation around affirmative action issues.

THE COURTSSo what have the courts said so far about affirmative action? Herewith a summary of the principles the courts have developed in the numerous cases over the years dealing with affirmative action:• those acting in a higher position do not

have a right to be promoted to it, but must be treated fairly;

• where internal applicants are involved, the decision not to appoint them must comply with internal procedures and be based on rational grounds, e.g. suitability, skill or promotion of representivity;

• internal applicants may be able to challenge their non−appointment to a higher position on the basis of unfair discrimination and unfair labour practice;

• the absence of a plan is not fatal to an employer’s reliance on affirmative action, but may create evidentiary problems for it;

• when applying affirmative action, employers should not only focus on past disadvantage, but also the retention of skill and the efficient operation of the organisation or, in the public sector, service delivery and good administration;

• the mere fact that a white person is

Affirmative action: where the law stands at presentThe recently proposed amendments to the Employment Equity Act (‘EEA’) created much discussion and concern, writes Prof. Barney Jordaan of Maserumule Employment Consultancy for Labourwise. The concern arose from both the substance of some of the proposals and the poor manner in which they were drafted.

appointed to a position and that the unsuccessful candidate happens to belong to a different race does not necessarily constitute race discrimination under the EEA;

• there is no right to affirmative action in our law;

• because there is no right to affirmative action, designated person cannot demand, as of right, to be retained in a retrenchment exercise in favour of persons from non−designated groups who have skills better suited to available positions;

• mechanical compliance with the prescribed processes of the EEA is not genuine compliance with the letter and spirit of the EEA;

• compliance is not an end in itself - employers must systematically develop the workforce out of a life of disadvantage;

• there are special requirements to be met before one can succeed in a claim for discrimination based on a ground not listed in the EEA;

• provided the requirement is genuine, there is nothing wrong with an employer requiring proven managerial experience in the filling of senior posts, even if that excludes members of the designated groups;

• where an affirmative action plan contains a ‘sunset clause’, the exclusion of non−designated candidates in favour of less qualified persons from the designated groups may constitute unfair discrimination if equity targets have been achieved in a particular job category; and

• designated persons who are not appointed because they fell out of consideration following a fair selection process and in terms of which a more suitable non−designated person was selected, cannot claim unfair discrimination;

• the extent to which the implementation of an employment equity plan could discriminate or adversely affect individuals is limited by law;

• in implementing employment equity,

the affected employee’s right to equal treatment before the law and to dignity must be recognised;

• where a suitable person from an under−represented group cannot be found, the promotion of someone from a different group should not be denied without a clear and satisfactory explanation; and

• there has to be a rational connection between the provisions of the employment equity plan and the measures adopted to implement its provisions. In the case of the State, due regard must be given to the efficient operation of the public service;

• it has not yet been decided whether an employer is entitled, rather than obliged, to take race or gender into account when selecting the employees to be dismissed in a retrenchment exercise.

SUMMARYIn summary then, the courts have been seeking to find a balance between the competing needs for greater representivity of designated groups at all levels in the workplace on the one hand, and the right to equality of individuals from the excluded groups (minorities among the designated categories or non−designated people, i.e. able−bodied white males).

This article is by Prof. Barney Jordaan of Maserumule Employment Consultancy for www.labourwise.co.za

Labourwise is an on−line labour relations service aimed at assisting employers with the implementation of effective labour relations. They can be contacted via www.labourwise.co.za or [email protected]


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MARKETING

These are countries with cultures and traditions very different from our own, and what we have come to regard over the years as our major markets. But these are the countries that are not fighting rampant debt, that have increasingly wealthy middle classes eager to see the world, exactly the people we need to boost our tourism figures, and more importantly, tourism spend.

South Africa is not alone in looking to these markets. In major tourism destinations around the world, conferences and workshops are busy researching and analysing data to see what needs to be done to make visitors from these countries feel welcome. International travel newsletters are publishing some of their findings, which we have collected together to see if we can form our own opinions.

CHINAOur big tourism rivals, Australia have been very busy. They have some big advantages over us in terms of geography for China. We may have some advantages over them in dealing with Brazil and India. So far the Russians seem to be very busy travelling mainly to the fleshpots of Europe and the USA. But we can at least make a start. Some findings may seem blindingly obvious, others may have us scratching our heads.

From Australia, as reported in Travel Mole, an analysis of guest reviews by TripAdvisor and social media trends analyst Circos Brand Karma has revealed that not all nationalities think the same way in their assessment of Australian hotels. A review of Asia Pacific visitors staying at hotels in Australia’s most popular cities indicates that guests from Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand are likely to be the most satisfied. The complaints they posted on TripAdvisor related largely to price, staff and the size of their rooms. The least satisfied hotel customers were from China, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan. The complaints left on the Chinese site, Dao Dao, related to peacefulness and ambience of the room, followed by size and price of the room.

“Two out of the top five complaints related to mood and feeling about the room among Chinese guests,” said Alvin Ch’ng, TripAdvisor commercial director, Asia Pacific.

Travel Mole also reported that the days of wealthy Chinese tourists buying armfuls of Rolex watches and Louis Vuitton handbags may not be over, but there is an emerging shift in what Chinese travellers want to experience on overseas trips.

“Consumer spending is shifting from products to services,” said Fritz Demopoulous, CEO of Qunar, the travel search engine in China (Qunar means Where You Going ). Chinese consumers are still price sensitive, but 70 per cent of our customers now value factors other than price. Services are only now resonating with consumers,” he said.

Learning more about emerging marketsThe current buzzword among those engaged in marketing tourism to southern Africa is ‘emerging markets’. By that most mean the economies of the other members of BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India and China, says Marjorie Dean.

Demopoulous said online travel bookings in China were just 10 per cent of the market compared with 50 - 60 per cent in developed markets. The online market would grow rapidly among China’s 750 million–plus mobile phone subscribers, and up to 500 million Internet users, he added.

“Now is the time to promote your brand, your destination and your services in China,” he said. “Brand preferences are not yet fully established in China, so there is a great opportunity to be first.”

Demopoulous said there was “no one right way” to achieve business success in China. “You have to find out for yourself”. A good start, he added, would be “to park yourself in China and have dedicated staff to understand what’s happening in the country.”

OPPORTUNITIES INSIDE CHINA The Chinese tourists wandering through Paris’s Louvre this summer, or shopping along New York’s Fifth Avenue, are part of the nearly 65 million Chinese who will travel abroad this year, according to estimates by the China Tourism Authority. These tourists are among China’s wealthy. But consider this: More than 20 times that number of Chinese citizens will travel within China this year. That’s a huge business opportunity, says Pauline Chiou, a CNN correspondent based in Hong Kong.

As a group, the Chinese low–to–middle market travellers are formidable. Marriott International’s COO and President Arne Sorenson is fully aware of this. In a recent interview, he said the most interesting change he’s seeing in China’s hotel industry is the face of the guests.

“In virtually every one of our hotels in China today, the most significant guest - in terms of percentage of guests in the hotel - are Chinese travellers. That gets us into a different business than we were in, certainly 10 years ago. Marriott is constructing budget hotels in China very rapidly.” “Most domestic travellers are still on a rather low budget,” says Chak Wong, finance professor at Chinese University of Hong Kong. “I can see specialised hotels catering to the low–end benefiting from the boom. However, there are not yet a lot of specialised chains providing clean, cheap and efficient hotels like those in Europe.”

Sam Goodman is an entrepreneur and author of Where East Eats West, a foreigner’s how–to–guide on doing business in China. “If you’re not focusing on the high–end, then you need to focus on the low–end and go with the Chinese saying ‘bo li duo xiao’ which means ‘small profit, high volume,’” says Goodman. “As an entrepreneur, I look for ideas that are scalable. Travel, as a whole, is a very large industry, but extremely fragmented. The larger brands go to where the money already is and have no real desire to nurture and wait for the smaller players to develop the market.”Expect the travel landscape to change as the Chinese budget traveller finds strength in numbers.

Next issue we’ll look at the vast market that is India.

Part 1


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This article is published with acknowledgement to the Anerkannte Spezialisten fur Afrika-Reisen (ASA) and is extracted from the ASA Market Mirror 2011 edition, which is compiled on behalf of ASA by Reinhart Mecklenburg. This is part two of the article. Part one was published in Issue four. Ed.

The GermanLong Haul Leisure Market

Fact & Figures

PART 2

Amongst many international travellers from Germany there is a suspicion about being unloved in the world, only being accepted when there is money with us and not being able to be proud of Germany without being called a Nazi.

Below is how Walter Dammann, ex–manager of Satour in Frankfurt, pretty aptly described the Germans in his 1998 Market Guide to Germany:

“Viewed by some as a nation of robots whose language sounds like something in the drains, whose cars outperform all others and whose football team seldom loses, the Germans seem unassailable. But behind the facade lies a nation distinctly uncertain where it is, where it is going, even how it got there.

Generally speaking, the Germans regard themselves as modest, rather ordinary people. Usually they are not greedy, do not expect something for nothing, and pay their bills on time. The emotions which Germans arouse in others oscillate between admiration and fear. They are said to be either at your feet or at your throat. They are thought of as efficient, self−obsessed, arrogant and domineering.

The Germans themselves would like to be respected for their devotion to truth and honesty. They are surprised that this is sometimes taken as tactless or worse. After all, if I know you to be in error, surely it is my duty to correct you? Contrary to popular belief, the Germans do not know everything, they just know everything better! Surely the truth is more important than pretending to like your ghastly lodge interior? Foreigners just cannot seem to appreciate this. A good German wears his Weltschmerz (world–pain) on his sleeve and does not really mind being misunderstood.”

On the lighter side, believe me: Germans also know how to have a hearty laugh, enjoy a good party or an evening in their favourite pub.

German 'Group Individuality'In a mature tourism market such as Germany, individuality is increasingly emphasized by identifying with a particular lifestyle group. Not so much: 'I am an Individual', as one might think, but rather: 'We are Individuals'. Strange: Despite the longing for a unique and individual lifestyle, a strong desire for orientation and belonging remains. A possible reason: Individualisation gives people unimaginable freedom and choice, yet also creates insecurity and disorientation.

The longing for peers is probably a typical German need. Compared to the Netherlands, France or the UK, Germans are NOT very experienced long–haul travellers and they are fully aware that more often than not they aren’t regarded as the most popular guests.

Just imagine a couple from Utrecht would be addressed by a Lodge receptionist in German: “Sind Sie Deutsch?” “No, no, no - we are from Holland” would be the reply - not very amused. The other way around, if the receptionist greets a

couple from Frankfurt: “Bent u Nederlands?” The German guests would probably feel tickled pink and mumble something like: “Ehhh, not really - we are from Germany, but don’t worry we aren’t typical German tourists”.

Amazing: 89,5 per cent of German tourists prefer to view themselves as non–typical German Tourists.

Despite that, they still want to be together with their 'peers'. However, their longing for peers does not mean “longing for other Germans”. In our globalised world it means likeminded people from a similar lifestyle group, sharing similar values.

User Imagery & Product ImageryIn this sense the choice of destinations and products is composed as much of 'user imagery' as of 'product imagery'. The user imagery question: 'Who are the other tourists we will meet on holiday?' plays a very important part when determining whether a country or a hotel is regarded as suitable for 'my' vacation. German tourists may have the most nebulous ideas about South Africa, Namibia, Thailand, Dubai or Iceland. Right or wrong: They


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German tourists may have the most nebulous ideas about South Africa, Namibia, Thailand, Dubai or Iceland. Right or wrong: They often have very accurate ideas about who else will be going there! Ideally, hosts and all their different guests share similar values and lifestyles. What a wonderful experience!

Is our 'Country of Origin' Segmentation outdated ?

Have you ever read Simon Anholt’s mindboggling book* on Destination Marketing? Simon has coined the phrase 'Nation Branding' and he shows us in detail what countries or regions can do to build and sustain their competitive identity. The book is not about catchy slogans, flashy new logos and standard product promotions. Instead it offers expert guidance on how the techniques of commercial brand management can be applied to destination marketing.*The book titled 'Competitive Identity' is published by Palgrave MacMillan (UK) and you can order it from Amazon.

Most Southern African National and Regional Tourism Organisations (not all, I am afraid!) have accepted that mass audience marketing isn’t for them, and they have decided on a well researched segmented approach in order to promote their products to the most appropriate visitor or target audience. Most NTO’s are still segmenting primarily by country of origin and thereafter by mode of travel, style of travel and distribution channel.

However - as our Australian competitors have found out - the key characteristics which group people into segments are psychographic, and include factors such as personal motivations and lifestyle drivers. Plenty of common segments exist across national borders. The travel motivations and attitudes in relation to travel are more similar across nationalities than their respective cultural differences. These common characteristics are then transferable into experience preferences. I cannot scientifically substantiate it, but I am almost sure that the 'German NSSA’s' (see below) are NOT typically German, but part of a huge international group of well–educated, well–behaved, well–travelled, high yielding 'Plus 55' visitors that share similar values - across different languages and cultures.

Focus on the 'Next Stop South Africa' (NSSA) target group

A few years ago SAT has commissioned a market research institute to provide some detailed insight into the German traveller’s soul. The researcher’s aim was to examine the entire market and not only the small section of 'Fans' you are seeing in Southern Africa today.

Three positive focus segments were identified:The Senior Explorers, the Wanderlusters and the 'NSSA’s'. The latter ones probably represent the largest potential target

segment for Southern Africa. If not, they are certainly the most experienced longhaul travellers and they are willing and able to spend the most. In fact the price of the trip isn’t the most important influencer. Their average age is between 50 and 60 and they book their holiday trip via a trusted retail agent. If 'their' agent moves to another travel agency, they probably follow.

Of course they use the web extensively and they may even book their airline tickets online. However the complete land portion is usually booked through their relationship agent. Judging from the various consumer travel fairs I have attended since the beginning of this year, I am convinced that this particular target group is not only the fastest growing one (demographics), but also the one that is most interested in nature, landscape, foreign cultures, good wines and friendly people.

Lucky devils: They have time and money and have already visited most of our competing destinations! First the rest, then the best! But be careful: Those 'NSSA' guys are not looking for accommodation. They look for experience!

How does the German Travel Trade tick?

Tour operators have changed their distribution tactics. Following many years of frantic online fixation, the good old retail travel agencies are once again their darlings. The high–yielding long haul leisure travellers are remarkably loyal to their retail agency. Marketing people call them 'Ropo’s': Research Online - Purchase Offline.

The traditional sales channel's revival isn't happening without reason. Although the number of travel agencies in Germany declined from over 16 000 in 1995 to under 10 500 today, their sales figures are considerably up because the total sales volume is split among fewer agencies. The decline in high street travel agencies wasn’t mainly due to internet competition.

The main reason was the extremely low return on investment after airlines abolished commission and tour operators and car rental companies reduced commissions and/or demanded unreachable turnover performance for their particular brand.

Speaking in figures this means that a total of 10 370 registered street level agencies grossed roughly 20,2 billion Euros during the past fiscal year.

Online Business is stagnating

Growth rates for fully and partly organised package tourism services (air tickets excluded) in the online business are stagnating and partly declining. After last year's happenings the end user


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has fully understood that travel agencies offer more than expertise and bookings. When volcanic ash clouds, strikes, political unrest situations or driving snow threatened to put a vacation trip at risk, travel agencies provided help and assistance, whilst people on selforganised tours which they booked online with suppliers at the destination got stuck. Tour Operator and Travel Agency representatives managed to get this message featured on German TV almost every evening during whatever crisis.

Customer retention is essential

Yet, nobody forgets more quickly than customers do. Customer retention therefore needs to be right at the top of the agenda. Travel agencies offer mailings and bonus cards, customer evening events or small–scale travel fairs. Many play Tour Operator and organise their own local package tours. This excellent initiative is rather new in Germany. The German legislation made it almost impossible for retail agents to operate their own tours. The commercial risk, the very tough liability clauses and the challenging EU rules and regulations prevented most retailers from operating customised tours for their local clients. Recently the entry obstacles have been slightly lowered and a clever insurance broker has introduced a very affordable insurance system that protects the operating retailer against the legal pitfalls of tour operating.

Unique Travel Products

Obviously most operating retailers chose unique travel products like special interest and/or special event travel which sets them apart from competitors. Nature and Culture orientated tours to Southern Africa for homogeneous little groups are part of this product range. Some retailers operate directly, whilst others utilize the expert service offered by established what we call 'Paketer'. That’s licensed tour operators who do all the operational work for the retailers.

A few successfully operated FIT’s and Mini Groups help them enormously to bolster up their usual lowmargin agency business. At the final count self–organised tours bring in far more cash. Presently the majority of German travel agencies have no reason to lament. They are pleased with the retail performance index of almost 120 points. If everything works out as planned, travel agency managers count on a significant turnover and profit increase for 2011.

About the ASA

The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Southern and East Africa (ASA) - was founded in Germany in 1988 by a handful of enthusiastic Tourism Professionals. Their aim was to combine marketing forces, to exchange views and to exploit synergies where ever possible. 'Where possible' because the members consisted to a large extent of daring competitors.

Soon the 'nasty competitors' became colleagues - even good friends. Our collective passion for Africa was much stronger than any rivalry. In the following years ASA conducted a number of remarkable promotional events.

Today ASA boasts some 150 members - including airlines, tourism boards, European tour operators, African DMC’s, service providers as well as many representatives from the hospitality industry.

For further information please contact ASA’s secretariat in Germany: Petra Gotta at [email protected] or visit the website at www.asa-africa.co


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MARKETING

According to a recent article by Michelle Baran, published in the USA, in surveys filled out by single travellers over the last few years, Abercrombie & Kent found that they “ranked the destination, the itinerary, the travel company’s reputation all ahead of the cost of the single supplement in terms of importance. But, 72 per cent of respondents said that if the single supplement were waived, that would be the main reason for them to travel more.”

Consequently, this year A&K waived or reduced the single supplement on the destinations and itineraries ranked highly by single travellers in past years. The company is offering 30 ‘solo savings’ departures on 13 of its itineraries, including to China, East Africa, Egypt and Turkey.

Other US companies have announced they would be reducing single supplements by 50 per cent on some of their small-group itineraries, representing savings of between US$500 and US$1,000 per traveller.

How it’s doneCompanies have said they were able to offer the lower single supplement through a combination of absorbing additional costs themselves and renegotiating with suppliers. Everyone has to give a little in order to make this work. It can’t be just on low season tours, and it can’t be seen as a simple discount. To make it work, tour companies have to go back to suppliers and renegotiate. Call it an ‘inventory management strategy’ – nobody is always 100 per cent full.

What suppliers need to understand is that a room occupied by a single traveller

Single travellers need to get better dealsThere are both challenges and opportunities for the travel and tourism industries in dealing with people who travel alone. But this group of travellers still has both money and a wish to travel, so that tour operators are increasingly looking at solo travellers as a marketing opportunity. Around the world, these operators have been expanding their efforts with suppliers to create more affordable solo travel product and to reduce the seemingly unfair, and much resented, single supplement.

has to be better than an unoccupied room. But it is easier to negotiate a compromise on prices where the tour company can promise consistent volume. For many large tour operators, single travellers make up about 10 per cent of total passengers. And there is room to expand that number considerably.

Alternative Gap Adventures, a Canadian company, touts a ‘no single supplement’ policy, whereby it will match single travellers, which make up 40 per cent of Gap’s customer base, with same−sex roommates to help them avoid additional costs. However that approach does not always work, particularly with older, affluent travellers, who do not want to share. Companies who specialise in solo travellers say that , it is a constant battle to get reduced single−supplement rates and to find singles−friendly products - even in times of economic recession, when hotels, tours and cruises have spare capacity.

Which is suprising. If you think about it logically, single people usually have more discretionary income, because they have lower ‘running costs’ such as no school or college fees, lower accommodation costs and so on. And they are free to travel when they want to go.

But because they travel alone, does not mean they don’t want to join a group, where they can make new friends and connections, with whom they have interests in common. Experience has shown that first−time single travellers choose a company or a vacation based on the time they can travel. The second time they travel is often based on the people they met on the first trip.

Interestingly cruise lines have proven to be the most amenable to making arrangements for solo travellers - and they are getting repeat business.

Who are solo travellers?According to A&K’s survey, 32 per cent of single travellers were unmarried singles, 25 per cent were divorced, 18 per cent were married and 15 per cent were widows or widowers. And more people are choosing to travel alone even if they are in a committed relationship, especially on special interest trips. A&K found that 70 per cent of its solo travellers were women, and 50 per cent were between the age of 40 and 60. More than 55 per cent of solo travellers have taken four or more overseas trips in the last three years. Of those trips, three were taken solo.

This is a market with opportunity because of pent−up demand.


32

MARKETING

Most people have their favorites. Nike’s ‘Just Do It.’ Wendy’s ‘Where’s the Beef?’ Verizon’s ‘Can You Hear Me Now?’ Avis’ ‘We Try Harder.’ (In South Africa, ‘It’s not inside it’s on top’ from Cremora.) These are taglines that have endured the test of time and memory.

That’s what you want for your tagline. Everybody remembers South Africa as ‘A World in One Country’ - later taglines have been kind of forgettable. Can you remember what we used a couple of years ago? – And I’m still puzzled about ‘It’s possible’ - what is? And remember Standard Bank’s great tagline ‘Simpler, Better, Faster’ - just what you want from a bank. Anybody remember the tagline that they replaced it with? Now you’re getting the idea.

Marcia Yudkin specializes in creating taglines, as well as ad slogans, business names and product names. A tagline is basically a slogan, she says. “It’s a short group of words that position you and help you stand for something and stand out.”

Make your tagline one you’ll be happy with for 10 or 15 years, and don’t change it just because you’re tired of it. The tagline is for your customers, not you, said Yudkin, whose firm, Named at Last, is in Goshen, Mass., USA.

Here are more tagline dos and don’ts - as well as Yudkin’s hold–nothing–back critique of tourism taglines that, in her opinion, flopped. A tagline is like a hook. It’s something that everything else hangs on. If it’s memorable, then it calls up a whole lot of images, feelings, memories, hopes, and so on, in the minds of the people that you want to have an impact on. A tagline gives you the opportunity to say a lot in just a few words, so any place where you don’t have enough space to give your whole message, the tagline evokes the whole message. A good tagline would require your company to become clear about how they want to be perceived and what they want to stand for. Do they want to be perceived as friendly? As knowledgeable? As getting the best price, maybe being very aggressive about that? It’s a characteristic that you want people to associate with you. You can’t position yourself as everything, so you have to choose.

A tagline has to be clear about what it means. The US state of Alabama used - ‘Stars Fell on Alabama.’ I have no idea what that refers to and it means nothing to me. It probably gives people in Alabama a warm, fuzzy feeling. If it were intended for tourists, it would be a complete dud. The best tourism slogan that Yudkin says she has heard in

Is Yours a Brand Booster or a Flop?Here’s a fun exercise says US advertising and marketing guru Marcia Yudkin in a recent US Travel Market Report. Ask your friends to name the first five or 10 taglines that pop into their minds.

recent years is, ‘What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas.’ It couldn’t possibly refer to any other place. It calls up an image that is very appealing because it’s kind of salacious; it’s suggestive. It’s highly emotional. And it’s the kind of thing you would say with a wink.

A good test of one of these tourism slogans is: would people pay money to have that slogan on a T-shirt and connect themselves with it? I think the answer for the Las Vegas slogan is yes. Another successful one is ‘I ♥ New York.’ I’ve seen that on so many T-shirts, bumper stickers and almost everything else! People feel that way about companies, too. Think about walking down the street where a lot of people are wearing T-shirts. Some of them are about brands, beer brands or music. Sometimes it’s not the music they like, but the lifestyle evoked by it.

9 STEPS TO A TERRIFIC TAGLINE

1. Brainstormatleast50to100wordsandphrases.Letyourmindgo.2. Inasecondsession,lookthrougheverythingyoubrainstormed,

thenbrainstormagain.“You’llcomeupwithnewideas,becauseifyouhaven’tseenitinawhile,yourmindwillgooffindifferentdirections.”

3. Identifythestrongest,mostappealingandmostdistinctiveideas.4. Testyourtaglineagainstcriteriathatyou’veestablished.For

instance:Doesitspeaktoyouraudience?Doesithaveemotionalimpact?Isitpositive?Doesithaverhythm?Doesitrolloffthetongue?Doesunderstandingitrequirebackgroundknowledgethattheaudiencemightnothave?

5. Getinputfromothers.“Ifyoutestyoursloganonfivepeopleandonlyonepersongetsit,that’sabadsign.Ifyouhavetoexplainit,that’snotgood,”Yudkinsaid.

6. DoaGooglesearchtomakesurenobodyelseinyourmarketisusingit.Noteverybodytrademarkstheirtaglines,butit’sneveragoodideatousethesametaglineassomeoneelse’s,orevenonethat’ssimilar.

7. Considerhowyou’lluseyourtagline.Ifyouhavesignage,talktoyourdesigneraboutwhatwouldwork.Ifyou’llbedoingalotofradioadvertising,“youmightwantsomethingthatrhymesorisverysnappyforsound.”

8. Beawareofanylanguageconstraintsyouraudiencemayhave.IfyoulivewhereEnglishisasecondlanguageformanypeople,takecaretousewordsandidiomsthatwillbeunderstandabletothem.

9. Becautiousabouthumour.“Sometimeshumourdoesn’tcomeacrosswell,becauseit’sinsiderinformation.”

Terrific Taglines:



34

RISK

When guests or visitors are on your premises and they are injured or become ill as a result of you or your staff’s negligence, which results in them suffering financial loss, and subsequently lodging a claim for compensation from you, public liability insurance will pay for your legal defence costs and if the court finds in the complainant’s favour, the costs of the claim up to the indemnity limit.

WHAT IS PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE?

Certain funding bodies, tourism trade associations such as the Southern African Tourism Services Association (SATSA) and certain government regulations require tourism businesses to have public liability insurance in place. If a tourist were to institute a claim against a tourism service provider who does not have liability insurance then both the owners of the business and their employees’ financial future may be in trouble. Added to this is the fact that a claim that is not honoured may have a negative effect on both the tourism industry and the country as a whole.

General Public (and Products) Liability insurance covers a range of accidents or incidents that might occur while guests or visitors are on your premises, where you have been judged to be negligent. You may be deemed to be negligent if you do (or fail to do) something without a reasonable amount of care, or fail to prevent an accident because you did not take enough care to avoid the accident occurring. Liability claims will be influenced by:• Whether negligence can be proven -

was your company at fault?• Whether an indemnity form was

signed - was the client made aware of any risk and did they sign the indemnity form?

• Whether everything is accurately recorded and statements that are made are comprehensive - how did your company handle the situation after the event?

• Whether a company complies with all the local laws of the industry - are you licensed appropriately and do your staff have the necessary training?

• Whether a company admits guilt. IN A NUTSHELL:Public Liability Insurance• Transfers the risk of being sued for

negligence. • Covers you for damage to third party

property. • The amount of cover (indemnity)

needed depends on affordability - rather over insure than under insure i.e. more is better than less.

CASE STUDY:A guest walks into a hotel lobby and slips on a wet floor. He is injured and no signage is present to warn that the floor is wet and slippery. He claims financial compensation for his hospital bills from the hotel. GPL would pay for this situation.

GLOSSARY:Accident - an unexpected and undesirable event, especially one resulting in damage or harmCompensation - money, in payment for lossGuilt - responsibility for wrongdoingIncident - an event that has potentially serious resultsIndemnity - a sum of money paid in compensationInsurance - financial protection against loss or harmLiability - obligation under lawNegligence - civil wrong causing injury or harmPremium - cost of insuranceThird party - somebody involved by chance

Article contributed by SATIB Insurance Brokers. For more information contact 0861 SATIB4U or visit www.satib.co.za

Liability insurance provides cover for your business against the financial risk of being sued by a member of the public, writes Gavin Courtenay, Managing Director of SATIB Insurance Brokers.

TIP: As liability insurance

is negligence based (i.e.

negligence must be proven

in a court of law), it is

important to ensure that

the policy does not cap

(limit) legal costs.

TIP: Contact the services

of a tourism–specific

emergency response call

center as your liability for

decisions made in a crisis

will then be transferred

and the incident recorded

for future reference.


36

REGIONAL TOURISM

Think of Lesotho; nature and adventure immediately come to mind. From the high altitude mountain passes - challenging and remote, to the mountain rivers with their fast flowing, crystal clear waters, Lesotho provides opportunities for outdoor pursuits, adventure and eco–tourism like no other place in Southern Africa. The uniqueness of the Mountain Kingdom is reflected in the unusual product mix that includes skiing, a variety of outdoor adventure activities such as pony trekking, hiking, mountain biking and off–road driving through the scenic beauty of the mountains. You can also take the plunge at the 206m Guinness World record highest organised abseil at the Maletsunyane falls for sheer adrenaline.

NATURE RESERVEThree of the country’s nature reserves in the highlands are any nature lover’s dream, with overnight trail huts and camping, set among unique flora and fauna endemic to afro–alpine regions, clear mountain streams, and clear blue or star-studded skies. Blessed with four distinct seasons of the year, the high altitude and proximity to a number of South African cities makes it possible to experience a variety of seasonal treats with ease. Autumn paints Lesotho with displays of cosmos flowers and red–hot pokers in the foothills and mountain valleys respectively.

MASERUA complete Lesotho adventure will begin or end in Maseru the capital. Maseru is an intriguing blend of contrasts of age–old sandstone buildings and recent additions of the same sandstone tastefully blended with modern building materials to give the city a very distinct feel and identity of its own. Visits to historic monuments take you to pre–colonial times of King Moshoeshoe I and his diplomatic exploits, and to relics of the years when Lesotho was a British protectorate. Close by the city, cultural attractions are Kome cave village with its community of cave dwellers, Thaba Bosiu fortress (Night Mountain, where the nation of Basotho was founded, and Morija which serves as custodian and place where the annual cultural festival is held.

PONIESAs you leave the city, you soon realise that it is not only in the city that this blend of old and new manifests itself. In the countryside, the Basotho pony and its engine–propelled, four–wheeled counterparts share rural roads and park side by side at remote trading posts. In these outposts, men and women clad in western outfits rub shoulders with dignified Basotho horsemen in blankets, gumboots, and colourful mohair or grass hats. When the roads narrow to simple trails impossible to negotiate in a vehicle the Basotho pony takes over and with sure–footed ease and gentleness, the animal delivers passengers to the most tranquil areas of scenic beauty and stunning waterfalls. Here there is often plenty to look forward to for both beast and passenger(s). There is the lush green

LESOTHO MOUNTAIN KINGDOM“The authentic nature and eco–tourism destination”

grass for the beast of burden to feed on while the passenger(s) enjoy a refreshing swim in crystal clear natural pools, take in the clean mountain air and absorb the rugged, but engaging natural landscapes.

A COUNTRY OF MANY RECORDSAnd when it comes to records - Lesotho holds her head high. It boasts the highest mountain in Southern Africa, Thabana Ntlenyana (3482m), which can be accessed from the Sani Pass, home to the Sani Top Chalet - the highest pub in Southern Africa. The Letseng–la–Terai is a diamond mine that has produced the 15th largest diamond this century. The highest man–made dam in Africa, the Katse Dam, is an engineering marvel of huge

proportions with a dam wall that is a heady 185m, 710m across and stretches 60km upstream. Maletsunyane waterfall lays claim to a 192m single drop which is unequalled by any waterfall in the region. Close to the waterfall is the Guinness Book of Records world’s highest commercial abseil - Semokong Lodge will rope you up and send

you down a 204m drop by the falls. Lesotho is about the only country in Africa that has a skiing slope.

MALETSUNYANE WATERFALLMaletsunyane waterfall and its nearby abseiling cliff set in surrounding natural beauty, provides a fitting environment to leisure activities for those who like hiking and more, for those who seek laid back relaxation, solitude and quietness. Fishing in crystal clear waters of mountain rivers flanked by unspoiled banks, or bird watching are some of the preferred ways to pass time and unwind. The Mountain Kingdom boasts rare species which are only found in Lesotho. For those who like fishing there are minnow fish and for birders there are also lamargayer vultures (bearded). Basotho people are very friendly, welcoming and boast their rich cultural heritage.

Tel: +2711 315 2420/1.Fax: +2711 315 2422Web: www.retosa.co.zaE-mail: [email protected]


For more information contact:Lesotho Tourism Development CorporationP.O. Box 1378. Maseru 100. Lesotho. Southern AfricaTel: +266 22312238. Fax: +266 22310189Or visit: www.visitlesotho.travel

37

REGIONAL NEWS

International acts Foals and Freshlyground will headline this year’s Lake of Stars Festival on 30th September to 2nd October in Malawi, Africa. Joining the amazing international headliners will be a brilliant line up of Malawian talent including reggae stars Black Missionaries, afropop legend Lucius Banda plus hot new stars Maskal and Skeffa Chimoto.

Festival founder Will Jameson says “It’s hard to imagine a better festival than last year - our biggest and best to date. This year will be justly global, truly Malawian, showcasing a diverse mix of traditional and new African music, art, poetry, fashion, markets, food and more.”

“I encourage you to come and experience first–hand what is being talked about from London to Cape Town. Where else can you see over 70 live acts from Africa and Europe, playing everything from indie to kwaito to reggae and dubstep in a location that Wanderlust travel magazine hails as one of the Top Ten emerging travel destinations in the world.” says Jameson.

In 2009 British band the Maccabees came to Malawi for their African debut and brought the UK indie noise to the shores of Lake Malawi and last year saw Noisettes fly out and perform with a Malawian choir. Now it’s the turn of the brilliant Foals to bring their unique sound to the warm heart of Africa. Mercury prize nominees, with their track Spanish Sahara voted as Single of the Year by NME magazine in 2010, this is one of the greatest live acts from the UK. Get ready for their huge, rising anthems to hit the waves of Lake Malawi.

Hugely popular South African act, Freshlyground are guaranteed to get the crowd moving with their infectious blend of afropop, jazz and rock. The group have won numerous awards including an MTV Europe Music Award for ‘Best African Act’ and performed at the World Cup last year, collaborating with Shakira on ‘Waka Waka’ which has become the highest selling World Cup anthem of all time.

“The festival was borne from a desire to raise money for a developing economy, promote Malawi as a top travel destination and expose Malawian

FOALS TO HEADLINE FINEST FESTIVAL IN THE WORLD

artists to international crowds, as well as putting on an amazing event that now forms part of the global festival circuit.” says Jameson.

This year we are proud to partner with DHL Express Malawi, Access Communications and Kenya Airways. We also continue to work with our UK technical partners Audile, Funktion One, Studiocare, STS Touring and Brentwood Communications who provide essential equipment and volunteers to run the event. The project would not happen without assistance from these companies, we look forward to delivering a successful event with their support.

For line up announcements and further information, visit www.lakeofstars.org To book your tickets visit our travel partner VentureCo http://www.ventureco-worldwide.com Malawi: e-mail: [email protected]: www.malawitourism.co.za and/or tel: Malawi High Commission (SA)+27 (0) 11 803 4917 or +27 (0)73 829 8276

IMPACT FACTS:• The festival has exposed over 200 million people to Malawi

through its media coverage, notably on global news networks

(BB, CNN) and online

• The festival is Malawi’s number one tourist event of the year.

It has been contributing to the development of tourism and

the arts in Malawi since 2004

• In 2010 the festival generated $1,000,000 of local spend with

around a third being in foreign currency

• 100 plus local people were employed, more than a 1000 hotel

beds were slept in providing a major boost to local families

and businesses in 2010 alone.

• The new Development Village area in the festival put NGO’s,

the private sector and charities into a space together to spread

awareness of their activities and engage with the public.

• 3000+ people came to the 2010 festival, with the majority

being Malawian residents but also a healthy mix of regional

and international travellers attracted to the unique event.

• The festival provides a positive story for Malawi and Africa

and its key role in countering prevailing negative media

messages about the continent is recognised through Lake of

Stars being asked by Comic Relief to join their new See Africa

Differently advisory group.

we look forward to delivering a successful

For line up announcements and further

To book your tickets visit our travel partner

Tel: +2711 315 2420/1Fax: +2711 315 2422Web: www.retosa.co.za. E-mail: [email protected]


38

REGIONAL TOURISM

The decision of the Government of Mozambique last June, to extend the limits of the Maputo Special Reserve (REM), to cover the Futi Corridor, to ensure the protection of local communities, forest and wildlife resources, as well as representative and unique habitats situated along the Futi river, and also accommodate the development of Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area, between Mozambique, South Africa and Swaziland, gives the opportunity to develop several new income–generating projects within the Reserve and in buffer zones as well, that will benefit local communities and the conservation of biodiversity itself. These projects range from building lodges to game farms and agriculture in a way that will help increase communities’ income, writes Rafael Nambal.

MOZAMBIQUE - MAPUTO SPECIAL RESERVE

One of the immediate gains for communities is job creation, since the Futi Corridor, which is now attached to the Reserve, was a major source of income for those communities, as it is on the banks of the river, where they used to develop agricultural activities, and fetch water for consumption and for livestock.

According to the Manager of the Maputo Special Reserve, Mrs. Custodia Banze, community projects can be considered as one of the important alternatives that the Park administration found for compensation of local communities, to minimise the impact of the integration of the Futi Corridor in the Conservation Area. The Projects are budgeted at more than US$ 4 million.

Mrs. Custodia Banze said that on one of the sides of Futi River, in Guengo community, a horse–breeding project is at an advanced stage of implementation, involving the use of horses for safaris, which can also be used for patrolling activities. This project is a joint initiative between the community and the private sector, with an initial investment of US$ 200,000 in cash, and the requirement that community has the ownership of land and half of the investment (US$ 100,000). On the eastern side, one of the most ambitious projects is in the pipeline, which comprises the establishment of a community lodge estimated at US$ 2,5 million, in the Ponta Chemucane, a pristine tourism site in Maputo Special Reserve. This project is also an example of partnership between the local community and the private sector. However, unlike the others, it has the peculiarity of involving three communities namely: Muvukza, Tsolombane and Mabuluko, who benefited from the support of the Government (US$ 500,000) to get involved in the project, and a loan of US$ 500,000 from the African Safari Lodge, through the Ford Foundation, which will also provide them capacity building in tourism and hotel management. More projects are in the pipeline, such as the tourist resorts in Ponta Milibangalala and Mamoli, other prestigious sites for tourism development, in Maputo Special Reserve.

Maputo Special Reserve in Mozambique integrates the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area, including South Africa through the park and Ndumo Tembe, and Swaziland through the Usutho Tembe Gorge. Mozambique: e-mail: [email protected]: www.mozambiquetourism.co.zaand/or tel: (258) 213 073 20/1

Local communities in partnership with private

sector investing in tourism projects

Local communities in partnership with private

sector investing in tourism projects

Tel: +2711 315 2420/1Fax: +2711 315 2422

Web: www.retosa.co.za. E-mail: [email protected]


39

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM & CONSERVATION

Internationally Volkswagen has developed strategy around a responsible approach to environmental issues called ‘Think Blue’. It begins with the range of highly efficient low emission BlueMotion cars, to energy efficient production plants and the support of appropriate environmental projects such as the Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative.

“Volkswagen is in the process of rolling out ‘Think Blue’ strategy in South Africa. Our current model range includes BlueMotion Touaregs, Tiguans, Golfs and Polos. Similarly, we have ground breaking initiatives at our production plant in Uitenhage and the Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative is the first of four environment projects we will be announcing in the next few months,” said Matt Gennrich, General Manager: Communications at Volkswagen Group South Africa.

The Amaroks were handed over to the conservation agencies in high priority areas of Mpumalanga, North West, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal. The conservation agencies that will benefit from the partnership are SANPARKS, North West Parks & Tourism Board, Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency, KZN Wildlife and Eastern Cape Private Game Reserves Association (Indalo). The vehicles will be primarily used in proactive rhino protection and anti–poaching activities.

The partnership with the Wilderness Foundation supports Volkswagen’s ‘Think Blue’ philosophy which promotes cooperation with organisations that are environmentally conscious and work towards the sustainability of endangered species. The latest reports show that one rhino is poached every day in South Africa. To date over 170 rhinos have been poached this year. To put the scale of the problem into perspective; in 2007 only 13 rhinos were poached, in 2009 the number increased to 124 and in 2010 it rocketed to 335.

In the past 40 years, South Africa has achieved unprecedented success with the preservation of the rhino population. As a

VW donates to Rhino Protection InitiativeVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced the sponsorship of six Volkswagen Amarok bakkies to the Rhino Protection Initiative. The R2 million sponsorship is part of the partnership between Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and the Wilderness Foundation, the pioneers and administrators of the Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative.

result, South Africa is now home to over 90 per cent of all rhinos in the world.

Dr Ian Player, the founder of the Wilderness Foundation said: “I have always been an optimist but a realistic one and in the depth of my being I believe we shall succeed in saving the rhino. But do not let us be deluded, we are up against terrible dark forces that threaten to overwhelm us. In the world of wildlife conservation the White and Black rhino have been spiritual beacons of hope. All our children now look to us in our generation to ensure that the prehistoric remnants of the dinosaur age continue to exist on our Planet. Our first priority must be to give all the possible support to the conservation agencies and private land owners in their protection of the rhino. There is no doubt that a war is being waged and information is of critical importance, so that conservation agencies can be forewarned of where poaching is likely to occur. We have also got to look at every other alternative for the rhino survival.”

The Wilderness Foundation’s Forever Wild Initiative is concerned with maintaining populations of free ranging rhino within state and privately managed conservation areas. The campaign supports conservation agencies and organised private game reserves to protect their rhino populations as part of functioning natural ecosystems. The campaign also aims to focus the attention of politicians and decision makers and to encourage them to apply pressure both nationally and abroad to address the issue of the illegal trade in rhino horn and other wildlife products.

For more information on the ForeverWild Campaign, visit www.wildernessfoundation.co.za and click on the ForeverWild logo.


40

TECHNOLOGY

ow do you draw the line between technology and personal service? There is no doubt that technology

plays an important role in tourism. Most of us are used to booking our airline reservations on–line, dealing with telephone trees and other cost saving devices. These technological advances have allowed corporations to save on manpower while at the same time empowering customers to make their own decisions. On the other side of the equation, travellers use more technology than ever before and often the tourism industry has taken advantage of this desire (need) to stay in touch with its clientele. Although many hotels do provide free internet services, many of the ‘better’ hotels have added additional charges for local calls, for internet access and a per page fee to receive a fax. These additional charges combined with less personalised service often means that tourists have the idea that technology has become a one–way street. Technology is used to provide less personalised service and at the same time to generate additional revenue at hotels, on airplanes, and at transportation hubs.

Despite the misuse of technology, tourism is highly dependent on technology, and its use has made life a whole lot easier. There is no doubt that the cell phone has become a major part of our lives. And although technology etiquette may lag behind technology machinery, the inconvenience of someone speaking too loud on a cell phone is more than outweighed by the safety, security and convenience that cell phones bring to most of us. The dawn of the computer age permits us to know weather forecasts around the world, allows business travellers to stay in touch with their offices and to supersede the problem of cross time zones negotiation, but can be used to destroy air travel.

Tourism in a World of TechnologyTechnology has the great advantage that it allows tourism industries to replace expensive human labour with technological labour, thus not only reducing labour costs but also avoiding issues of customer service. Yet technology may produce a whole new set of unintended consequences, writes Dr. Peter Tarlow.

To help you decide how much or how little technology is right for your tourism business, Tourism Tattler offers the following suggestions:- Remember that tourism is about people

‘interfacing’ with other people. No matter how good your technology may be, technology does not provide human warmth of take–home experiences. Be mindful that tourism is about the selling of memories and then ask yourself at what point are you willing to sacrifice memories for efficiency.

- Make sure that your employees are well trained in the use of technology. Technology is only as good as the people who use it. Often tourism centers hire people who simply are not up to the task, misuse the technology and create more problems than they solve. Train, train and then train your people some more. Do not update so often that your employees’ knowledge base lags behind the technology’s capabilities.

- Use technology wisely: While even the best computer can never substitute the care and love that comes from another human being, technology if

H used properly can solve many a problem in tourism. Among these are:

* Issues of time. Nothing upsets the tourism industry’s clientele as much as the misuse of time. The proper use of computers to facilitate both check–in and check–out of places such as hotels, allows the person–on–duty to attend to other problems.

* Clarity and consistency. In an interrelated multi–lingual world a great deal of information can be provided to guests in their own language without linguistic, pronunciation or grammatical errors.

* Ease of place. Use technology and social networks to allow visitors to research from home and to gather basic information. However, many hotels and transportation companies seem to hide telephone numbers on their web sites. Combine basic information that can be given on a computer with the human side of information. Remember that if the tourist can never reach you, then you may find that your customer has found a more user–friendly location.

Whether we like it or not, technology touches almost every aspect of the tourism industry. If we are smart enough to use the benefits of technology such as convenience, speed, and accuracy and avoid some of the pitfalls such as lack of human contact, user friendliness and size of lettering, then technology can be a great time and cost saver. But if the tourism industry forgets the importance of the human element and that tourism is all about the experience then it is making a major error.

Published with acknowledgement to Tourism & More Inc’s Tourism Tidbits, published monthly in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Turkish. For more information contact Dr. Peter E. Tarlow at [email protected]


41

TRADE NEWS

Thompsons’ Namibian Discovery Tours enhancedThompson’s Africa has enhanced its seven and 10–day Namibian Discovery Tours to include two nights in Etosha National Park, two nights in Twyfelfontein, Namibia’s only World Heritage, and one of the largest concentrations of ancient rock engravings in Africa, as well as a visit to the Petrified Forest. Previously guests were accommodated outside the Park, but since the camps have undergone an extensive refurbishment campaign, accommodation here can confidently be described as good three–star. The tours start on a Sunday in Windhoek, with 2 nights in Etosha, and continues through Damaraland, one of the last true wilderness areas in Africa, before reaching the Petrified Forest, where fossilised trunks of trees about 280 million years old can be seen. Two nights are spent in Twyfelfontein with visits to its famous rock engravings, most of which are well preserved, and fascinating geological features such as the Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain. An early afternoon arrival in Swakopmund gives the 7–day option guests some time to explore this charming coastal resort before setting off first thing the next morning. Optional attractions in Swakopmund, which is a two–night stay, include a visit to the museum, the aquarium, the crystal gallery or for the more adventurous, a harbour cruise or scenic flight. The next two nights are spent in Sossusvlei, where the highest and most spectacular dunes in the world can be found. Other natural wonders include the ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis plant, the Kuiseb Canon and

the Gaub Pass. The tour ends on day 10 back in Windhoek after a scenic drive through the Spreetshoogte Pass.Tours are fully escorted by professional English–speaking Tour Guides and accommodation is of three–star standard, with private facilities throughout.

By helicopter to the Okavango&Beyond is offering your guests a spectacular opportunity to see the Okavango Delta in a whole new way. Scenic and direct transfers by helicopter are now available between Maun and any of &Beyond’s lodges in the Delta. Your guests can now arrive directly at their chosen lodge, beginning their Delta experience from a breathtaking new perspective.Helicopter transfer rates vary depending on the routing and are priced from US$850 per helicopter. The helicopter can take two to three guests, depending on the weight of their luggage. Please contact us for the detailed rate sheet, which includes a breakdown of all the different transfer routings. Scenic helicopter flights are now also possible as optional activities from all the &Beyond lodges in the Okavango Delta. Guests can choose between a 30 minute, 45 minute or 1 hour scenic flight. These helicopter experiences offer an extraordinary opportunity to see the beauty of the Delta from above, as well as to indulge in aerial photography. For scenic flights, the helicopter can accommodate a maximum of four guests.“The people of Gansbaai should be lauded for their vision and perseverance and it is our hope that they succeed in this attempt to enhance the town’s reputation and this way draw greater crowds of tourists to discover the many tourism gems not only in Gansbaai, but the whole Cape Overberg region,” says Alan Winde, MEC of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism.

Legacy’s junior ranger programmeLegacy’s Bakubung and Kwa Maritane Bush Lodges have now introduced a fabulous new activity programme that not only engages the enquiring minds of children, but simultaneously teaches them valuable information about the natural environment.

Known as the Junior Ranger programme, parents staying at either of the two lodges, are invited to enrol their children in this educational and fun experience. Activities within the programme are geared towards natural resource protection, environmental education and responsible recreation. Children are encouraged to explore the Pilanesburg National Park according to a structured activity programme created by Legacy’s professional game rangers.From learning about the history of the Pilanesberg National Park as well as the fauna and flora of the area, the kids are also taken on expertly guided wildlife walks and game drives in this pristine and unspoilt region. Once all 8 activities have been successfully completed, each child will be presented with activity badges and stickers. A Junior Ranger pledge ceremony will be held whereby the Kwa Maritane and Bakubung Junior Rangers are given a certificate indicating that they are now a part of the resource protection, environmental education and responsible recreation initiative. For further information regarding enrolment please contact Bakubung or Kwa Maritane on (014) 552-6000 / (014) 552-5100 respectively.


Kulua flies the highwayTo remind people about the delights of flying, kulula.com has added a new set of wheels to its fleet of 10 trusty planes. But unlike its airborne sisters, this one–of–a–kind ride enjoys cruising the highways instead of the high skies.

Nadine Damen, marketing manager at kulula.com says, “Flying is as commonplace these days as driving to and from work; it’s just part of our regular commute. So, to put the fun back into flying, and make it seem less of a chore, we’ve revamped an old-school 1976 Chrysler Special Edition with our striking signature style and let it loose on the highway

Whale Watching boosts Port Alfred and Sunshine Coast TourismIn a boost for tourism in Port Alfred and along the Sunshine Coast, a whale watching permit has been granted for an operator working out of Port Alfred and Kenton on Sea.Dive Expert Tours is the only company with both whale watching and sardine run permits in the Eastern Cape, and founders Petra and Rainer Schimpf are excited about being able to offer whale watching trips and tours in the heart of the Sunshine Coast. Dive Expert Tours has been granted a licence to conduct boat–based whale watching tours from Port Alfred in the East to Bird Island in Algoa Bay.In addition, there are several species of dolphin, seals, sunfish, whale sharks, penguins, sharks and large numbers of sea birds to be seen off the coast.Dive Expert–Tours have received a ‘Project of Excellence and Innovation’ award from the Tourism Business Council of South Africa for the pioneering work the company has done in developing the Eastern Cape’s own sardine run tourism industry. The sardine run experience attracts nature lovers and film crews from around the world, and they are confident that the Sunshine Coast has what it takes to become a globally recognised base for boat–based whale watching.Guests will, in fact, mostly stay in partner game reserves and guest houses near the launch site in Port Alfred. There will be daily launches in Port Alfred/Kenton on Sea - weather permitting. In addition to attracting tourists, the newly opened whale watching route will also raise the profile of the Sunshine Coast.For more information contact:[email protected]

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TRADE NEWS

around Mzanzi to hopefully make a few fans smile.”The car has all the special features of a regular plane like drop–down oxygen masks and adjustable reading lights. It even lets passengers know where the ejector seat is. And, while the kulula car was spotted in Fish Hoek Main Road last weekend - inducing many curious stares from onlookers - “it isn’t the first in a new fleet of kulula cars to take fans to and from the airport; it’s just there to remind South Africans how fun flying with us can be,” quips Nadine.To catch the kulula car on its ride around South Africa, visit kulula’s Facebook page on: www.facebook.com/iflykulula

Avis introduces Honda’s sassy Jazz hybridAvis has added the new Honda Jazz Hybrid to its rental fleet, the second of its green vehicle options after the Toyota Prius which was first introduced in 2007. The Honda Jazz Hybrid, at 104gCO2/km the cleanest automatic in the B segment currently available in South Africa, is a new step towards more affordable ‘green driving’.The new Honda Jazz is versatile, practical and reliable and enhances fuel economy while reducing carbon emissions. Not only is the vehicle itself environmentally friendly, but it is manufactured in the environmentally responsible Suzuka factory which is surrounded by 100 000 Honda–planted trees, that absorb 800 tons of CO2 per year. The factory roof also features an extensive array of electricity–generating Honda Solec solar panels to reduce grid electricity demands and decrease the carbon footprint.The Honda Jazz hybrid boasts a 65kW petrol engine with automatic CVT gearbox assisted by a 10kW electric motor. No electricity charging is required since the process is fully automated. At 104g/km, the Jazz Hybrid’s CO2 emissions are the lowest for an automatic petrol vehicle in its segment, making hybrid and low emission cars more affordable to the

motorist.The Honda Jazz Hybrid can be booked online at www.avis.co.za under the Group H category within Avis fleet options or via the Avis call centre at 0861-021-111 or through your nearest travel agent.

Osamu Iwaisako - Marketing Manager Automobiles (middle) and Graham Eagle - Sales and Marketing Director Honda Motor Southern Africa (right) handing over the Honda Hybrid to Corne Langenhoven, Executive - Operations, Avis Rent a Car (left)

Johannesburg Third Most Visited City - MasterCard IndexIn a new survey released by MasterCard - The MasterCard Index of Global Destination Cities - Johannesburg is the third–most visited destination city in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, and the most visited sub–Saharan city, with 3 million visitors in 2011. From the point of view of visitor expenditure, Johannesburg ranked fifth (out of ten) in the region with US$3,3bn expected to be spent by inbound passengers in 2011. The Index ranks cities by their total international visitor arrivals and the cross-border spending by these same visitors in the destination cities, and gives visitor and passenger growth forecasts for 2011. Cities measured in the MEA region included: Dubai, Cairo, Johannesburg, Tel Aviv, Casablanca, Abu Dhabi, Nairobi, Riyadh, Amman, Beirut and Tunis. For the full report go to: www.masterintelligence.com

National Geographic Channel introduce aspects of South Africa South African Tourism’s embedded partnership with National Geographic takes a step forward as it adds two new destination vignettes to its global Through the Lens campaign with the global media giant. The vignettes have been created to add additional depth and texture to the brand positioning South Africa already conveys to National Geographic’s global audiences. National Geographic delivers an audience of more than 300 million households and web surfers to destination South Africa. These are people, says South African Tourism Chief Marketing Officer, Roshene Singh, who are adventurers at heart; who are curious about different cultures and people; and who enjoy travelling to explore the world beyond the ambit of their homes and cities. The campaign is broadcast into north America, the Asia-Pacific region and across Europe, giving destination marketers a truly global footprint and building awareness about a destination that’s incomparable and that has already won numerous accolades this year as the best holiday destination in the world. The larger campaign was launched in 2005 and features vignettes by David Doubilet (Cape Town); Annie Griffiths-Bell (Khayelitsha); Landon Nordeman (Johannesburg); Kim Wolhuter (Kgalagadi); Mattias Klum (St Lucia); Karen Kusmauski (Nieu Bathesda); and Peter Magubane (Mthambothini).

South Africans can view the vignettes by tuning into National Geographic on channel 260 of the DSTV bouquet. The vignettes may also be viewed online at www.adventuresouthafrica.net (click on ‘Through the Lens’)

Your Africa, ambassadors for South Africa at SAT workshops in JapanYour Africa, one of Tourvest Destination Management’s (TDM) flagship brands re–confirmed their focus and commitment to the Japanese market at the South African Tourism workshops held recently in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan.

(From left to right): Mr Gert Grobler (SA Ambassador to Japan), Miss Kyoto Saotome (All About Media), Mr Jerry Khalo (Sabi Sabi), Mr Takayuki Suzuki (Your Africa), Mr Johan Herbst (Your Africa), Mrs Hanlie Kotze (Blue Train) and Mr Bradley Brouwer (SA Tourism Regional Manager Asia Pacific)

Cape Town Bike Festival to Rock the City this DecemberThe Cape Town Bike Festival (CTBF) is the first of its kind in South Africa, combining the world of bikes with live entertainment in the form of international and local bands, unique product displays and a daring dirt bike extravaganza over the three–day event. The Festival will take place at Cape Town Stadium from 16 to 18 December 2011 and will attract not only the biking fraternity, but additional non–biking music fans, women, children and visitors from around the globe. The Cape Town Bike Festival is set to become an international highlight on the South African calendar, which will ensure the economic development of the event and the city through the attraction of some of the world’s most popular performing artists. The entire pitch of the Cape Town Stadium is being removed to accommodate the Supercross / Freestyle track and an adjacent spectator viewing area. The grass will be replaced after the event. Ticket sales are launching on Computicket in July. 3-day Package tickets are already available on the Cape Town Bike Festival website www.capetownbikefestival.com Braai4Heritage on 24 SeptemberCelebrate South Africa’s common heritage with our favourite pastime. Gather around fires and Braai4Heritage on 24 September. The celebration of the nation. National Braai Day is an initiative driven by Jan Braai (Jan Scannell) for the past six years with the objective of encouraging all South Africans to braai on 24 September each year, thus creating a national day celebration. “We believe that the Braai4Heritage initiative has the very real possibility to succeed within our lifetime in uniting all South Africans, around braai fires, one day per year” says Jan Braai.For more information visit www.braai.com or e-mail Frans De Villiers [email protected]

Jan Braai’s top 10 tips1. Nothing beats a real wood fire.2. Gas is Afrikaans for a guest at your braai, not something you braai with.3. Braaing is the only fat–negative way of cooking food. Even when you

steam food the fat in it stays behind. When you braai the fat drips out.4. Try to never braai with indigenous wood. Alien vegetation like

Rooikrantz and Blackwattle drink lots of ground water and besides, it feels good burning Australian rubbish.

5. Braaing is a direct form of energy use, from the coals, to your meat. With conventional electricity there is a lot spillage between the power plant, power lines, electricity box, wires, stove and pan. If you love the earth, braai.

6. Have enough ice at your braai. To put in Klipdrift and Coke, to keep beer cold, and to treat burn wounds with.

7. Smoke flies to pretty people, so send them to the kitchen to go and make salad.

8. Animals eat grass, leaves and vegetables all their lives and convert it to meat. Eating meat is therefore like eating vitamin pills.

9. A cow must only be killed once. Do not braai your steak until the flavor is dead.

10. A braaibroodjie is your chance in life to have your bread buttered on both sides.

For more insights, visit www.braai.com or follow Jan Braai on Twitter @janbraai.


Documents

Issue 5 2011