www.cushman.co.za

AUGUST 2012 03SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

EDITORIAL04 Letters to the Editor05 From the Editors Desk / Cover Story 06 Competition ACHIEVEMENTS & ACCOLADES07 First Resorts shine at RCI Awards08 Safari Awards finalists09 Trade Awards BUSINESS & FINANCE11 African Resources and Geopolitics12 Beyond the limits of cash or credit13 Debt Reduction CONSERVATION14 TRACKS for Giants journey update15 Rhino experience DESTINATIONS16 A trade persepective on Mauritius EVENTS19 SATTIC Conference

PUBLISHERTourism Tattler (Pty) Ltd.PO Box 891, Umhlanga Rocks, 4320KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.Company Reg.No.: 2006/015252/07Website: www.tourismtattler.co.za

MANAGING EDITOR Des LangkildeTel: +27 (0)32 947 2554Cell: +27 (0)82 374 7260Fax: +27 (0)86 651 8080E-mail: editor@tourismtattler.co.zaSkype: tourismtattler

EDITOR Marjorie DeanTel: +27 (0)11 886 9996Fax: +27 (0)11 886 7557E-mail: communications@satsa.co.za Skype: satsa-comms

ADVERTISING MANAGER Bev LangkildeTel: +27 (0)87 727 8643 / 31Fax: +27 (0)86 656 3860Cell: +27 (0)71 224 9971E-mail: bev@tourismtattler.co.zaSkype: bevtourismtattler

SUBSCRIPTIONSEmail: subscriptions@tourismtattler.co.za Skype: subscribetourismtattler

Issue 5 (August) 2012

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

Disclaimer: The Tourism Tattler is published by Tourism Tattler (Pty) Ltd and is the official trade journal of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA). The Tourism Tattler digital e-zine, is distributed free of charge to bona fide tourism stakeholders. Letters to the Editor are assumed intended for publication in whole or part and may therefore be used for such purpose. The information provided and opinions expressed in this publication are provided in good faith and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Tourism Tattler (Pty) Ltd, SATSA, its staff and its production suppliers. Advice provided herein should not be soley relied upon as each set of circumstances may differ. Professional advice should be sought in each instance. Neither Tourism Tattler (Pty) Ltd, SATSA, its staff and its production suppliers can be held legally liable in any way for damages of any kind whatsoever arising directly or indirectly from any facts or information provided or omitted in these pages or from any statements made or withheld or from supplied photographs or graphic images reproduced by the publication.

Adv. Louis NelBenjamin GisinBeverley LangkildeClaire Warneke Des LangkildeDr. E Danile KinnearGavin Courtenay Lauren Laing Lilianne Osterberger

Contents

20 TAFI Convention / VINDABA Exhibition21 SETE Exhibition & Conference HOSPITALITY22 Vacation ownership growth23 Green mobility LEGAL24 From the Bench MARKETING25 SATSA Market Intelligence Report26 Tips on website landing pages NICHE TOURISM28 A guide to Cultural Tourism30 Cruise Tourism RISK & INSURANCE31 Protecting your business TECHNOLOGY32 Gadgets & Gizmos TRADE NEWS33 Trade Snippets

25Market Intelligence Report

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

Official Trade Journal of:

02 Cushman E-Z-GO07 First Resorts21 Thebe Special Projects - SETE

Marjorie DeanMartin Jansen van VuurenMichael BertramNigel WillmottPieter PhilipseRene StaackTeri RoweYvonne Nhuta

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

SPONSORS

SATSA PROUD SPONSOR

23 SATIB Insurance Brokers24 Savage, Jooste & Adams Attorneys36 TransMedia Barter

MEDIA PARTNER

06Win a RUGGED Smart Phone

16Mauritius Carnival & Shopping Fiesta

28Cultural Tourism

EDITORIAL

READER COMPETITION

WINNER OF THE LEGAL ADVICE COMPETITION FROM ISSUE 5 (JULY) 2012 EDITION

CONGRATULATIONS to Cecil Harley of CLIMAX Tourism Services, whose competition entry was the first to be drawn by Adv. Nel.

Cecil has won a six month legal advise contract valued at R9,000 with the compliments of Adv. Louis Nel.

For more information call +27 (0)11 463 4556 or email louis.nel@corporateoptions.co.za

To enter this reader 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 by email:

“What is the operating system on the Titan Rugged Smartphone?”

Email your answer with Titan Rugged Smartphone Competition in the Subject field to editor@tourismtattler.co.za by 22 August 2012. Remember to include your contact details (Name, company trading name, telephone numbers, city/town, province and country).

The first correct entry drawn will win a Titan Rugged Smartphone valued at R3,599.00 with the compliments of Rugged Smartphones.

Titan Operating system

The Titan runs Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread) giving you access to over 450,000 applications based on any requirements you may have. You can connect it to your email account such as Gmail or Microsoft Exchange and access the Internet via its built-in web browser. Android also gives you access to Google Maps with turn by turn navigation and Google Latitude so you can mark off all those places you visit.

What makes the Titan tough?

The Titan can handle any working environment or outdoor activity Boasting an IP-67 Rating, the Titan can survive under water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of up to 1 metre.

In dry and dusty conditions the Titan will also resist any intrusion that may harm its operation. IP-67 is one of the toughest ratings that can be awarded to smartphones. This means that you can take your Android anywhere your life or job takes you.

The Titan is compliant with US military standard, MIL-STD-810g, which assesses the viability of a product across a broad range of environmental conditions:• low pressure for altitude testing• exposure to high and low temperatures plus temperature shock• rain (including wind-blown and freezing rain)• humidity, fungus, salt fog for rust testing• sand and dust exposure• explosive atmosphere• acceleration• shock and transport shock• gunfire vibration and random vibration.

The Titan features a 3.5-inch touch-LCD with hardened glass, no more cracks when you accidently drop the phone, taking it out of your pocket or bumping it off a table.

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

COMPETITION RULES

The Terms and Conditions of this competition can be downloaded at:http://www.tourismtattler.co.za /competition/titansmartphone/pdf

smart phone

Wina TitanRugged

AUGUST 201204 SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

EDITORIAL

From the Editor’s Desk

Cover Story

This month’s issue has a great letter from John Addison of Wild Frontiers. Very often we forget the old saying that “every little helps”, and to read about the amount of money ploughed back into African countries by one fairly small company is very heartening. It underscores the importance of tourism

to Africa. Another great thing to read is about all the companies and individuals who have earned awards of all kinds (pages 07 to 10). This recognition by our peers is always an encouragement to those who have made the extra effort to excel.

As always we look at conservation and wildlife - the backbone of our industry, and it’s great to read about initiatives that create awareness of the plight of Africa’s wildlife (pages 14 & 15). Under the Business section we summarise a paper by renowned author Dr. E. Daniel Kinnear on the exploitation of Africa’s resources, which, though political in nature, could impact on tourism over the long term. We also have some practical financial advice on

AUGUST 2012 05SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

how to avoid using cash or credit and reduce debt in tough times (pages 11 to 13).

And we feature the beautiful Ile Maurice as a destination report. With all that sand, sea and sunshine, one might not think of the island as a shopping destination. But anyone I know who has been there has come back with some great bargains.

There are tips on how to set up your website to make the most of your “Landing pages”. Don’t know what that means? Well go to page 26 and find some very useful information from an expert in the field.

In Niche Tourism we look at culture and cruising – and they need not be mutually exclusive. Lastly we have a couple of really special events coming up. The inaugural South African Travel and Tourism Industry Conference and the second Sports and Events Tourism Exchange in September and the arrival of Indian travel agents for the SATSA-sponsored TAFI Convention in October (pages 19 to 21).

Marjorie

Our cover for this edition features the tropical island of Mauritius – a RETOSA member, and also, with Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte, Comoros and Seychelles, a member of the new Vanilla Islands online marketing group. Mauritius has a wide selection of resorts to choose from, with pristine beaches and inviting azure waters, as our cover image clearly shows.

Mauritius has a long history of offering superior products in the luxury island holiday market and offers a level of refinement that leads the way in this category in the Indian Ocean. In recent years Mauritius has built many new and exciting resorts, thus increasing the choice available to all prospective visitors and tour operators wanting to bring their clients to this lovely island.

But Mauritius does not rely on its natural assets alone to attract tourists. The Mauritius Tourism promotion Authority has this year launched an innovative shopping fiesta and carnival that runs from 29 June to 05 August. The island has over the years built up quite a reputation for the production and export of luxury textiles and other good eagerly sought by visitors.

The Mauritius Shopping Fiesta provides discounted prices on a wide range of products (local and international brands) and services with special pre-arranged benefits for buyers, including weekly

prizes ranging from luxury cars to catamaran trips, hotel stays and much more. Star prizes include a Porsche cayman2.7 and a BMW Cabriolet Series 3.

Mauritius retains its popularity as an upmarket holiday destination by offering quality products and services. But it is broadening its tourism appeal, as are the other Vanilla Islands, by including among its attraction its wildlife, such as the very rare and endangered pink pigeon and the Mauritius kestrel. With many beautiful Nature Parks to explore, as well as the opportunity to venture under the seas in its crystal waters, nature has never been so close or so lovely. The island also has a long and romantic history, connected with its Indian Ocean location, and visitors are encouraged to visit sites associated with

its many and varied ethnic groups.

On this beautiful island, every visitor enjoys personal attention. Every encounter is an opportunity to discover a friendly face. Behind each smile lies the promise of a unique holiday. Mauritius, a melting pot where past and present are smoothly blended together, and offers an essential beauty that will compel visitors to return to its shores

time and time again.

Read more in our special RETOSA member country destination feature on pages 16, 17 and 18.

Dear Tattler readers,

Wild Frontiers pays USD 1.6 million to Parks

OK, the above is a joke! We, as a company, did NOT give this money to Conservation - YOU did.

You, and your guests, have paid over to the respective authorities in Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, over USD 1.6 million in park entry, camp fees, lease fees, and activity fees (gorilla permits etc.) in the last financial year. There is about another USD 200 000 paid into other countries’ parks, where we do not own our own operations.

This is, of course, on top of the salaries, taxes, insurances etc. our operations pay to our over 150 staff, in these countries, as well as the many other local community projects, charity efforts etc. we are involved in over the year. This shows the economic value of tourism to African countries. It also shows how vital tourists are to us.

It is a great effort, and we thank you for this. As a small company, I am amazed at this amount - and please note that there are many great companies like Wilderness Safaris who pay out a lot more than this, respect to them.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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

Win The winning letter published in the Tourism Tattler Issue 6 (September) 2012 edition will receive a copy of National Geographic’s ‘Relentless Enemies’ DVD with the compliments of Livingstones

Supply Co – Suppliers of the Finest Products to the Hospitality Industry.

Letters should be sent by 15 August 2012 to editor@tourismtattler.co.za

This 55 minute film by Derek and Beverly Joubert is about lions and hyenas and how they wage war on each other. For ages the story of the ancient rivalry between two of Africas most bitter eternal enemies has been shrouded in the secrecy of darkness. Each night is like a battlefield as this war of wits plays itself out between the hyenas and the lions of Sauti in Botswana.This has become one of the most popular wildlife shows ever produced with estimates of a quarter of a billion viewers so far, achieving almost cult status in many countries.

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Dear Editor

The tragedy of rhino poaching continues unabated! A great sadness for our planet! Soon our majestic rhinos will be no more! Please pass this tragic story on (A short e-book: This is what poachers do, written by Dr William Fowlds can be downloaded at www.tourismtattler.co.za/poachers.pdf - Ed).

Maybe, somewhere, somehow, those in power will realise that this painful story is one of many taking place in our beautiful country on

Together, all of us as Tour Operators, lodge owners etc., DO make a difference - this income is vital to protect these amazing parts of the planet we call home.

Personally, and as a Company, I like paying these fees - it’s a bit like voting - if you don’t vote, then you cannot complain if you get a bad government.

I also like to see where the money is being spent, and it gives me great pleasure to see work being done on roads, new uniforms for rangers, more anti-poaching patrols in our parks and saying to myself : “We/you paid for that!”

So, well done to all of you and your guests for helping us to help conserve these areas for our / your kids, and their kids, and their kids ……

Regards,

John AddisonDirector - Wild Frontiers http://www.wildfrontiers.com/

Congratulations, John.

Your letter has been chosen as the winning letter for the August edition. A copy of National Geographic’s ‘Eye of the Leopard’ DVD will be delivered to you with the compliments of Livingstones Supply Co – suppliers of the finest products to the hospitality Industry.

Ed.

a daily basis. They have the will and the might to stop it NOW! My heart bleeds for mankind. Greed and ignorance is going to destroy this planet. We cannot afford to give up! It is our duty to destroy the enemy.

PROTECT OUR RHINOS PLEASE!!

Noelle BoltonPlettenberg Bay(Submitted by Gerhard Smit - Ed.)

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ACHIEVEMENTS & ACCOLADES

Salamander Resort situated in Umhlanga received two awards: Hospitality Resort of the Year and Lifestyle Resort of the Year (tied with Pearly Shells). Managing Director of First Resorts, Johann Jordaan had this to say: “The achievement in hospitality and guest entertainment forms an integral part of our core business practices. First Resorts regards this as one of our strengths, considering the strong effort made this past year to alter the way in which all the properties are managed”.

Jordaan added: “We are exceptionally pleased that First Resorts was recognised for its input and presented with the award for Most Sustainable Business Practice at this year’s RCI OSCAS. This award is given to companies that have invested substantially in the Timeshare Industry. First Resorts has placed transformation and hospitality at the top of its priority list. We endeavour to change the simple timeshare holiday flat into a destination, through entertainment, added facilities and listening to what our guests are telling us they need to make their time with us memorable”.

First Resorts outshone the rest at the RCI annual OSCAS awards ceremony held in Johannesburg on 9 June 2012, with seven resorts as well as the management company being nominated in various categories. First Resorts in the end walked away with eight out of the 14 awards presented

during the evening, writes Teri Row.

First Resorts properties shine at

RCI Awards

It is clear from the results of the OSCAS that First Resort’s new focus and direction will have a positive influence on the timeshare industry. Ten of the resorts managed by First Resorts won Gold Crown and another ten were awarded Silver Crown. Top achievers of the evening included the luxury South Coast resort, La Côte d’ Azur, which was awarded Gold Crown Resort of the Year(Medium) as well as Top Housekeeping. Gold Crown Resort of the Year (Large) went to Breakers Resort in Umhlanga (tied with The Peninsula in Cape Town), whose manager, Ian Hume, also walked away with the award for Resort General Manager of the Year, and Club Hacienda on the KZN South Coast won Silver Crown Resort of the Year.

Ian Hume of Breakers Resort receives the RCI Oscas General Manager of the Year Award from Dimitris Manikis and Ravani Naicker of RCI.

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ACHIEVEMENTS & ACCOLADES

The Safari Awards recognise the very best Safari Operations in the industry, as voted for by the industry. The Awards Finalists were named back in May at Indaba in South Africa, and the winners will be announced at a gala dinner in the awe-inspiring Natural History Museum, London, UK, on 5th November 2012.

To find out about tickets to the gala dinner with the Safari Industry’s VIPs visit: http://www.safariawards.com/order_tickets/

BEST SAFARI PROPERTY IN SOUTHERN AFRICAChiawa Camp - Zambia Tafika Lodge - ZambiaJacks Camp - Botswana Zarafa Camp - BotswanaOld Mondoro - Zambia

BEST SAFARI PROPERTY IN EAST AFRICABeho Beho - Tanzania Sayari Camp - TanzaniaGreystoke Mahale - Tanzania Singita Faru Faru Lodge - TanzaniaRekero Camp - Kenya

BEST ECOLOGICAL SAFARI PROPERTY IN AFRICAExplore Gorongosa - Mozambique Nkwichi Lodge - MozambiqueGrootbos Forest Lodge - South Africa Zarafa Camp - BotswanaKaren Blixen Camp - Kenya

BEST COMMUNITY SAFARI PROPERTY IN AFRICAGuludo Beach Lodge - Mozambique Sarara Tented Camp - Kenya Il Ngwesi Group Ranch - Kenya Singita Pamushana - Zimbabwe Nkwichi Lodge - Mozambique

BEST SAFARI ACCOMMODATION GROUP IN AFRICAAfrican Bush Camps - Zimbabwe Singita - South AfricaAsilia Africa - Tanzania Wilderness Safaris - South AfricaGreat Plains Conservation - South Africa

BEST WILDLIFE CHARITY OPERATING IN AFRICAAfriCat Foundation - Namibia Uthando - South AfricaChildren in the Wilderness - South Africa Wilderness Wildlife Trust - South AfricaTusk Trust - United Kingdom

BEST SAFARI GUIDING TEAM IN AFRICAChiawa Camp - Zambia Rekero Camp - KenyaJack’s Camp - Botswana Skeleton Coast Safaris - NamibiaNomad Tanzania Mobile Safaris - Tanzania

BEST RIDING SAFARI OPERATOR IN AFRICAAfrican Horseback Safaris - Botswana Okavango Horse Safaris - BotswanaAnt’s Riding Safaris - South Africa Offbeat Safaris - KenyaSingita Grumeti Reserves Riding Safaris - Tanzania

2012 Finalists

BEST BEACH SAFARI PROPERTY IN AFRICAAlfajiri Villas - Kenya North Island - SeychellesKaya Mawa - Malawi Vamizi Island - Mozambiqueandbeyond Mnemba Island Lodge - Tanzania

BEST SAFARI SPA IN AFRICAAzura Retreat - Mozambique Sasaab - KenyaKarkloof Spa - South Africa Singita Faru Faru Lodge - TanzaniaRoyal Malewane - South Africa

BEST SAFARI CUISINE IN AFRICALondo Lodge - Mozambique Singita Pamushana - ZimbabweSingita Faru Faru Lodge - Mozambique Singita Sabora Tented Camp - Tanzania Singita Lebombo Lodge - South Africa

BEST SAFARI HOUSE IN AFRICAChongwe River House - Zambia Singita Castleton Camp - South AfricaLoisaba Cottage - Kenya Tarkuni Tswalu - South AfricaLuangwa Safari House - Zambia

BEST NEW SAFARI CAMP IN AFRICAAzura at Quilalea - Mozambique Naboisho Camp - KenyaElephant Camp - Zimbabwe Singita Explore Camp - TanzaniaLamai Serengeti - Tanzania

BEST MOBILE SAFARI OPERATOR IN AFRICAKarisia Walking Safaris Singita Explore Mobile Safaris Nomad Tanzania Mobile Safaris Selinda Canoe TrailUncharted Africa Mobile Safari Expeditions

BEST AFRICAN TOURISM BOARD IN AFRICABotswana Tourism Board Namibia Tourist Board Kenya Tourism Board South African Tourism Malawi Tourism

BEST PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION TO SAFARI TOURISMBeks Ndhlovu (African Bush Camps) Gert & Mandla (Amakhosi Safari Lodge) Jake Grieves-Cook (Kenya Tourism Board)Luke Bailes (Singita Grumeti Reserves)Robin & Jo Pope

BEST PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION TO WILDLIFE CONSERVATIONColin Bell Daphne Sheldrick (David Sheldrick Trust) Dr Iain Douglas Hamilton (Save the Elephants) Grant Cumings (Conservations Lower Zambezi)Richard Leakey

For more information visit: http://www.safariawards.com/

KENYASaruni Samburu awarded silver eco-rating Saruni Samburu has been awarded a Silver Eco-Rating by Ecotourism Kenya, for demonstrating a move towards ecotourism excellence; showing innovation in responsible resource use, environmental conservation and socio-economic investment.

Saruni Samburu is a unique ‘design’ lodge located in Kalama Conservancy, Samburu. Perched on top of a spectacular viewpoint and featuring only five spacious villas, Saruni guests enjoy a feeling of complete exclusivity, elegant comfort and personalized service. Led by professional Samburu guides, the traditions and heritage of the local Samburu people are an important part of the experience.

Saruni Mara has already been accredited with the same high standard of Eco-Rating, as well as Elsa’s Kopje, Joy’s Camp, Kitich Camp and Tortilis Camp (not forgetting Elephant Pepper Camp’s Gold Eco-Rating) - making for quite an impressive Portfolio of sustainable eco-practices!

For more information visit: http://www.sarunisamburu.com

Cheli & Peacock and Tortilis Camp win at the Kenya Tourism Awards 2012 At an impressive gala ceremony held on Friday 22nd June 2012, attended by the Kenya Assistant Minister for Tourism, the President of the Morocco Tourism Federation and many other local and international dignitaries, Cheli & Peacock was honoured to receive two awards: Cheli & Peacock as Best Tour Operator and Tortilis Camp as Best Small Lodge.

The Kenya Tourism Awards aim to highlight companies which demonstate innovative, sustainable, and responsible tourism practices - altogether contributing towards Kenya’s growth and development.

For more information visit: http://www.tortilis.com/

ACHIEVEMENTS & ACCOLADES

MADAGASCARMadagascar is number 8 on the top 10 TripAdvisor Island DestinationsJenman Safaris couldn’t agree more with tripadvisor and we are sure that by next year they will be even higher on the list. There are many reasons that make Madagascar (the fourth largest island in the world) such a stunning island. We share with you our “Top 5 Reasons” why you have to visit Madagascar:

1. Wildlife and Lemurs: 80% of the animals in Madagascar are found nowhere else in the world;

2. Wonderland of Nature: Madagascar has an astounding total of eight plant families, four bird families, and five primate families! Seven of the world’s eight species of baobabs are found on the Island, and to date over 1000 species of orchids ;

3. Rich Cultural Heritage and History: there are more than 20 different ethnic groups in Madagascar. Malagasy people are mostly of mixed Asian and African origins;

4. Adventure Activities: One of the most popular places to partake in these activities is on the large Island of Nosy Be located 15km from the north-western coast of Madagascar;

5. Malagasy Cuisine: Malagasy cuisine encompasses the many diverse culinary traditions of the Indian Ocean Island of Madagascar.

For more information visit: www.travel2madagascar.com or email: info@jenmansafaris.com

SOUTH AFRICA

Taj Cape Town Wins Illustrious AwardThe luxury five-star Taj Cape Town hotel has been awarded a “best in business” Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor. The prestigious award recognises hospitality providers who receive consistently high reviews, with the Taj Cape Town having received TripAdvisor’s top accolade for their overall rating of 4.5 out of 5.

The Taj Cape Town, overlooking the Company Gardens beneath Table Mountain, is a jewel within the inner city. From its oasis of calm, guests can amble through the city taking a two-hour guided walking tour to discover the Mother City’s historical and cultural riches. “Our guests desire a truly memorable experience and, to this end, we are delighted to offer them the best of bespoke service,” says Willie Williams, Director of Sales and Marketing.

The award-winning five-star hotel consistently strives to provide guests with a high standard of service, world-class cuisine, amenities and personal touches – all adding to the unique experience that makes the Taj Cape Town a unique experience.

For more information visit: http://www.tajcapetown.co.za

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▼ Tortilis Camp Family Tent. Image courtesy Cheli & Peacock

Tsogo Sun’s Jacqueline Williams wins Rising Star AwardThere is only one way to describe Jackie - a go getter with a heart of gold. The judges of the Rising Star Recognition and Development Programme agreed and Jackie, Director of Sales: Tsogo Sun hotels won the award as the most talented individual in the Hospitality and Tourism category.

The Rising Star initiative distinguishes unique talent, under the age of 40, across 10 business sectors in South Africa. Blackbark Productions and the Human Capital Institute of South Africa (HCI Africa), in partnership with many of the country’s leading organisations, launched the programme to enhance talent recognition in South Africa.

Jackie won an online management training package that will enhance her career growth and potential. She is also an essential member of the Rising Star Summit, where the winners in the various categories will be guided to enhance their potential. The Summit also provides a unique platform for South Africa’s organisations to begin a cohesive and inclusive discussion on talent recognition and promotion. Additionally, the award also provides access to a network of finalists, judges and mentors for on-going support and development.

For more information visit: http://www.tsogosunhotels.com

EThekwini Municipality wins premier environmental award in partnership with Wildlands Conservation TrustAt the Mail & Guardian Greening the Future Awards the eThekwini Municipality was recognised for governance excellence for their leadership in the development and implementation of the Durban CEBA initiative.

The Durban CEBA Initiative (Community Ecosystems-Based Adaptation) was conceptualised in partnership with the Wildlands Conservation Trust. The project will also help to enhance the city’s climate change adaptation efforts by restoring an important part of the uMbilo River catchment, underwriting the welfare of these communities, reducing collective vulnerability to climate change and by creating ‘green jobs’ for those employed in the project. The initiative is supported by eThekwini Municipality, Bonitas Medical Fund and the KZN Provincial Government through the Integrated Greening Programme.

For more information visit: http://www.wildlands.co.za/ and http://www.ethekwini.gov.za

Holiday Inn wins Icon Brand Award for second year runningThe Icon Brand Awards is the largest programme of its kind in South Africa. To determine winners, the usage of over 8,000 brands is measured across 41 product categories and through 15,000 face to face interviews. Icon Brand Award winners are brands that are loved by, and have a durable and timeless relationship with, the South African public.

“We are delighted that we were selected as the hotel brand of choice amongst the 15,000 South Africans surveyed. It is an honour and we look forward to providing many more years of warm and friendly service,” says Ignace Bauwens, Intercontinental Hotels Group’s Vice President of Operations for United Arab Emirates, Near East and Africa.

The Holiday Inn is the largest midscale hotel brand in the world and a familiar favourite amongst South Africans. The hotel group celebrates its 60th Anniversary next month, a reaffirmation of its strength both locally and abroad.

For more information visit: http://www.holidayinn.com

TANZANIA

Serena hotels named Best Hospitality, Travel And Tourism Company in Africa – African Business Awards 2012

ACHIEVEMENTS & ACCOLADES

AUGUST 201210 SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

To be featured in the Trade Awards section email: editor@tourismtattler.co.za

Serena Hotels was named this year’s winner of the coveted “Best Hospitality, Travel and Tourism in Africa” Award at the exclusive African Business Awards 2012 gala event held on 7 June 2012 at Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Now in its fifth year, the African Business Awards is the key annual event for the African Business World and is the most sought after award by Africa’s leading companies and entrepreneurs. Organized by the African Business Magazine (ABM) and the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC), the African Business Awards has become a platform to celebrate excellence and best practice in African business and recognises organisations that have driven Africa’s rapidly transforming economy.

For more information visit: http://www.serenahotels.com/

▼Image courtesy of Luke Pallet

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

Acknowledgements: 1. International Relations and Security Network (ISN), 2011 2. Resource Wealth and Political Regimes in Africa, Macmillan Center African Studies, 2011. 3. The African Safari: Understanding the Sino-Indian Competition in Africa Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), 2011. 4. China and Africa: A Mutually Opportunistic Partnership? Elcano Royal Institute of International and Strategic Studies, 2010. 5. China Returns to Africa: A Rising Power and a Continent Embrace Chris Alden, Daniel Large and Ricardo Soared de Oliveira (Eds), 2008. 6. Political Risk in Africa: Perceptions and Reality. Africa Strategy Group, 2011.

This paper was previously published in the AfricaStrategtGroup’s (www.africastrategygroup.com) ExecutiveBrief series, Volume 4 Number 1 - Jan/Feb 2012. Source: Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) - ViewsWire and Africa Strategy Group Research).

The terms “Great Game” or “Tournament of Shadows” in Russia were terms for the strategic rivalry and conflict between the British Empire and the Russian Empire for supremacy in Central Asia. The term “The Great Game” is usually attributed to Arthur Conolly (1807–1842), an intelligence officer of the British East India Company’s Sixth Bengal Light Cavalry.[1] It was introduced into mainstream consciousness by British novelist Rudyard Kipling in his novel Kim (1901).

Friedbert Pflüger’s “A New Great Game: The EU, China and the era of energy imperialism” argues that Africa is potentially the site of a ‘new Great Game’ that will ultimately afflict all resource-rich regions of the international system. Jennifer Giroux’s “Africa’s Growing Strategic Relevance”, on the other hand, is more sceptical about the actual intensity of geopolitical competition within Africa. Yes, the West may have vested interests in safeguarding its natural resource supplies from competing demands, but there are other, non-resources-based issues that influence its policies towards the Continent. Finally, Saferworld’s report on “China’s growing role in African peace and security” casts a thoroughly pragmatic eye over China’s activities in Africa. In doing so, the Saferworld argue that Africa could be the site for increased cooperation between global and local stakeholders alike.

Friedbert Pflüger argues that ‘a new Great Game’ is already in full swing in all resource-rich parts of the world and it features new and emerging players like Brazil, India and Canada – all of whom have joined the scramble for natural resources in the past two decades. However, Pflüger, like others, is particularly concerned about China’s increasing demand for energy. Given this necessity, Pflüger sees China’s recent expansion into Africa as a predictor of what is yet to come to any place in the world where natural resources are found, especially Central Asia. And indeed, there are reasonable grounds for his assumption. The IEA, for example, predicts that by 2035 China will consume nearly 70 per cent more energy than the United States.

Pflüger also contends that China pursues its own interests in Africa without any regard for international agreements. Pflüger predicts that there will sooner or later be serious geopolitical collisions if these recent developments continue.

If Pfügler’s geopolitical future for Africa is bleak, then Jennifer Giroux’s analysis of Africa’s growing strategic relevance is gray. Giroux argues that warnings of an upcoming Sino-American geopolitical confrontation in Africa seem premature. While she acknowledges that competition among external powers for Africa’s natural resources has indeed intensified, she also shows that Africa’s strategic relevance is not limited to just natural resources. The U.S., for example, remains concerned about the numerous weak states in Africa that do (and might) provide refuge for Islamist terrorist groups. (To begin addressing the problem, Washington set up the U.S. Africa Command in 2007.) But instead of interpreting this added concern

African Resources and Colliding Geopolitics

Is Africa the object of a new Great Game among natural resource “expansionism” through new and foreign-owned “plantations”, or does the Continent offer opportunities for cooperation between global and local stakeholders?

This paper presents three different views, ranging from the darkly geopolitical to the geopolitically benign; offering perspectives on this growing phenomenon on natural resource politics in Africa, writes Dr. E Daniel Kinnear.

as a clear sign of expanding geopolitical conflict, Giroux argues that the results of a vigorous re-engagement by the U.S. and others in Africa remain to be seen.

Like Pflüger, Giroux also confirms that there are several issues that have caused tensions between different internal and external actors in sub-Saharan Africa. China and the West, for example, employ different approaches to engagement with their African counterparts. As a result, Western initiatives that promote democracy and good governance in Africa are roundly criticized by Beijing. It argues that instead of adopting the patronizing methods of former colonial powers, it prefers to stick to its policy of non-interference abroad. China’s policy towards Sudan exemplifies this approach.

The potential problem with the above criticisms is not that they are unjustified, but rather that they represent only one side of a complex story. Also, from a Chinese point of view, European criticisms are likely to be perceived as geopolitical rhetoric aimed at stopping China from legitimately doing business with Africa.

Conclusion

Despite apparent differences of opinion regarding the prospect of Africa becoming the theatre for a ‘new Great Game’, there is an acknowledgement, for example, that geopolitical competition on the African continent has increased. And underpinning this competition is the desire to obtain and safeguard access to Africa’s natural resources. The authors also appear to acknowledge that “geographical causation” is a major driver of foreign powers’ strategic calculations regarding Africa. China does not make a secret of the fact that it is interested in improving trade relations to meet its demand for natural resources. Likewise, most Western governments do not engage with Africa simply because they want to promote human rights and good governance. Instead, the West promotes these standards because they also share the same cluster of geopolitical interests in Africa as China.

But will these various acknowledgements result in a “new Great Game” sweeping across the African continent? Despite the geopolitical frictions at play here, needs are not necessarily destiny. In the case of Africa, geopolitical analysis remains relevant not necessarily because of its predictive qualities, but because of its explanatory value. Geopolitics explains why the continent has been of growing strategic relevance in recent years, if not necessarily how this is happening.

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Beyond the Limits of Cash or Credit

In modern economics, we have been taught to think in terms of using cash or credit in our economic lives. So much so to the exclusion of everything else, writes

Benjamin Gisin.

It is surprising that the world’s largest equity transfers (via mergers and acquisitions) are accomplished in large part not with cash or credit, but a trading of stock. The world’s largest concentrations of capital were materially accomplished with barter trades. Are small and medium businesses missing an opportunity to grow and augment their economic activity?

Another big surprise is the USD 2 trillion annual volume of trade between nations that is facilitated by barter popularly called

countertrade. “A series of massive arms sales by the United Kingdom to Saudi Arabia has been the most impressive (nation to nation barter) because of the astronomical size of the deal,” Meyer said. “It was paid

for by the delivery of up to 600,000 barrels of oil per day to the UK government. Al Yamamah (The Dove) is the name given to the huge deal, which has never been fully clarified, but has been described as ‘the biggest United Kingdom sale of anything to anyone.’ Al Yamamah prime contractor BAE systems revealed in 2005 that they, along with predecessor British Aerospace, had earned £43 billion in twenty years from the contracts.”

In a world of nations and consumers frothing in debt, USD 3.7 trillion in annual economic activity facilitated by barter concepts stands to grow. Counter-intuitive as it may seem, the growth of barter concepts and the economic activity they facilitate is not limited by money, but inspired and propelled by a lack of money. With that said, bartering stands to grow a lot.

Benjamin Gisin is the publisher of http://www.touchthesoil.com

For hospitality and media barter trading opportunities in Southern Africa contact +27(0)87 272 4453, email des@transmediabarter.com or visit: http://www.transmediabarter.com/

Global Barter Estimates Amount in USD

Individual trades through barter companies plus one-on-one individual trades 3,000,000,000

Corporate trades through corporate barter companies 7,500,000,000

Direct one-on-one corporate trades 7,500,000,000

Tax deferred 1031 trades in real estate 175,000,000,000

Corporate mergers and acquisitions of approximately USD 3 trillion per year, a large component of which are stock trades. 1,500,000,000,000

Countertrade between nations and multi-national corporations and nations. (according to the WTO, U.S. Dept. of Commerce and The Economist magazine) 2,000,000,000,000

Total estimated global economic activity facilitated by some form of barter/trade 3,693,000,000,000

“The beauty of barter is that you are changing the method of payment and not having to convert everything into cash first before making the payment”

Recently, I had the opportunity of communicating with Bob Meyer, founder, publisher and editor of BarterNews. Meyer is America’s expert on bartering. The recipient of many awards within the bartering industry, Meyer publishes The Competitive Edge (a subscription newsletter), Think Barter & Grow Richer (a special report) and FastStart Programs (help you get started in bartering) all of which are designed to help people succeed economically. Meyer was gracious in taking time to explain, answer questions and offer technical background.

For most, the word bartering has the stigma of being a form of economic facilitation that resides in the past, among the more primitive economies. The truth is that many individuals, companies and nations cannot achieve their economic goals or economic potential with just the use of cash or credit. Bartering is for the real entrepreneur (individual, business and nation) that looks beyond the limits of cash or credit.

Today, bartering takes place between individuals, between individuals using third-party barter exchanges, between companies, between companies using third-party barter exchanges, between large corporations and nations, and between nations.

The cost of employing people is one of the largest expense items companies look to trim. As such, people are increasingly being forced to be creative. The modern world may just be touching the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the bartering of labour and human talent to augment traditional forms of cash or credit in facilitating economic activity.

“When you change the method of payment, a person’s mindset regarding the deal is different,” Meyer said. In a barter transaction, artificial pretensions that may be hidden by a dollar price tag are removed, and deals can get done. Experience with local trades proves that the product or service is not compromised by CEO salaries, corporate profits and engineered obsolescence for the sake of artificially keeping sales up.

The sky is the limit, and emerging information systems can assist domestic and global economies to go where no money has gone. “From a profit perspective, (bartering) certainly ‘out performs’ the same transaction if done using cash,” Meyer said.

In a rare disclosure, Meyer provided best-guess estimates of the annual volume of different bartering groups around the globe - quantified in dollar value of the transactions.

AUGUST 201212 SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Debt Reduction a step-by-step plan

So you are in debt. You might have a little debt, a lot of debt or you may even have no debt at all. Makes no difference. This simple debt reduction plan will get you out of debt and will help you stay out of debt, writes

Nigel Willmott, CFP® professional.

This plan won’t cost you anything – just your time, discipline, patience and perseverance. Here is how the plan works in sequence;

Step One – be honest with yourself Money abuse is like any other form of substance abuse. If you are going to make a start to regain your financial freedom then the first step is to admit that you have a problem and that you are going to embark on a process that is going to get you out of debt for good. Money is a strange thing. We often hide from our problems and park things like debt in the denial space. Share your problem with family and close friends. Why? Simple, you will be doing things a little differently from now on and this will mean a change in habits and behaviour.

Step Two – assess the damage Take all of the noise out of your head and put it down on paper. Draw up a simple table that should include the following;

• identify all creditors • identify outstanding debt balances • specify minimum monthly repayments • loan interest rates • loan repayment start dates • loan repayment payback finish dates

More visual and on paper will make things more manageable and less overwhelming. At this stage draw a personal credit report to make certain that you have accounted for all credit loans. Prioritise the loan payments once you have the details. Ensure that all your debit orders are set up to run on the right dates and that you have the right amounts set up. If you can, set the payments higher than the minimum repayments. As you pay off one loan amount then roll this amount over into the next payment amount. This way the debt is reduced quicker and you save on the credit interest. This is called ‘cascading’.

Step Three – monitor and manage your spending If you are going to tackle your debt you need to have a managed spending plan or budget. Stay within your budget. If you overspend and blow your budget then you dip back into credit, miss your repayments and go backwards.

Step Four – cut out waste spend By following Step Three you will identify waste spend. Bring your poor spending habits down and free up cash flow. This will ensure that you can meet your debt repayments. By reducing your waste

spend you will be able to free cash flow towards increasing your repayments towards your debt. This will reduce the term and save you credit interest.

Step Five – declutter and reduce Have a look around the house. You may have household items that you do not use anymore. Set them aside and trade them in. The cash that you get should be rolled into reducing the debt balances.

Step Six – negotiate with the bank See what options you have. You could shop the debt around for a more competitive rate. Re-financing the term may be an option. Caution – you may reduce the monthly amount but the term will be pushed out and you will pay more in the long run. Not ideal but a consideration. You could look at consolidating the debt into one credit facility. Whatever choice you make ensure that you understand the terms and conditions, interest rates, grace periods and the negative selling points before you switch or sign up.

Step Seven – big decisions Depending on where you are at and depending on your debt exposure you may need to ponder on some big items. You may want to look at downsizing the luxury saloon to amore affordable run around. This will save you on repayments, petrol, upkeep and insurance. You may also want to contemplate selling your house and moving to something smaller and more affordable. These sound drastic but if you are in a tight squeeze these options will make sense.

Step Eight – be goal orientated • determine and prioritise which debt to tackle • stick to the priority list [as identified in Step Two] • set a realistic and achievable payment plan • stick to the debt payment plan • close off accounts as you bring them up to date • roll over debt payments – ‘cascading’

Step Nine – wipe the slate clean you have earned it Once you have repaid your debts make sure that your credit record is updated. You did the hard work; ensure that the record shows it.

Step Ten – back to basics Once you are debt free stay debt free. Don’t go back to old habits. Stick to your monthly spending plan and budget. Spend within your means. Save where necessary and avoid using credit. Adopt a more mature attitude to your personal financial wellness.

Recovering from debt is not easy. It is a process to recovery. Debt is like putting on weight. It is a slow creep but one day you reach a point where your financial health cannot tolerate anymore debt. Here is where you draw the line. Get organised, stay on track and begin the long walk back to financial freedom.

Good luck.

Nigel Willmott CFP® is the Managing Director of motivate | today, an independent holistic financial life skills company focused on the financial education needs of employer groups, universities and schools.

For further information visit: www.motivatetoday.co.za

AUGUST 2012 13SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Another milestone reached as TRACKS of Giants team kayaks into Zambia

After kayaking almost 350 kilometres down the waterways of northern Botswana, dodging hippos and crocs, walking 125 kilometres through the Chobe National Park from Savuti Marsh to Goha Gate, and then kayaking another 232 kilometres on the mighty Zambezi river, the Tracks of Giants team reached the waterfront on the edge of Livingstone, Zambia on Wednesday, July 11. This marked the end of the second kayak leg as well as the 2,500 kilometre half-way mark for the entire journey,

writes Claire Warneke.

CONSERVATION

Specialist wilderness guide, photojournalist and naturalist Ian Michler, and medical doctor, psychiatrist, writer and conservationist, Ian McCallum, are two of the core members of the Tracks team. They are joined by a backup team, and various sponsors and supporters along the way in this epic 5,000 kilometre journey to raise international awareness of the importance of corridor and transfrontier park conservation and the understanding of the human-animal interface in southern Africa.

They are travelling along ancient elephant migration routes, and are carrying an elephant collar donated by conservation organisation, Elephants Without Borders (EWB). “It is a symbol of how we’ve learned from monitoring elephants and how that knowledge has become our path, leading us towards positive conservation efforts,” says Kelly Landen of EWB. Landen and Dr Mike Chase, also from EWB guided the Tracks of Giants team through Chobe and the Linyanti Floodplain in Botswana. This elephant collar will be deployed onto an elephant in the Chobe area after the expedition has been completed.

According to Michler, “The last few days of the kayak leg in Botswana ended in a multitude of magnificent elephant sightings – family herds or groups of bulls around almost every bend!”

One of the aims of Tracks of Giants is to rekindle the rapidly declining indigenous knowledge base of the human-animal interface, and indigenous solutions to conservation challenges and issues. Guided by EWB, the team were impressed by Botswana’s low impact tourism policies and the fact that up to 40% of the country is maintained under some form of environmental protection. “This gives the country the template to become the best managed and most impressive wilderness region on the continent in years to come,” says Michler.

He also pointed out that the country is taking steps to phase out consumptive utilisation land-use options such as trophy hunting. “I’m a firm supporter of non-consumptive options, or what is generally known as photographic ecotourism, being a more effective and sustainable way of managing wildlife resources. However, the end of trophy hunting provides the government, large conservation agencies and the photographic sector with a new challenge –

possibly their greatest at the moment – how to fill the void left in what will be the old hunting concessions. In the long term, the viability of any business plan will depend on the ecological health of the greater region, and if this is not recognised, the risk is that in time, the ecological integrity of the prime areas will become compromised.”

In stark contrast to the prolific wildlife sightings whilst kayaking in Botswana, the Zambezi river trip has been filled with “scene after scene brimming with village life,” according to Michler. However, the

vast floodplains are packed with birdlife including open-billed storks, black herons, various species of egrets, ducks and geese. “The lack of big game sightings is likely due to decades of hunting in the region,” says Michler.

The team met with Senior Chief Inyambo Yeta, traditional ruler of the Shisheke Chiefdom in the Western Province of Zambia. According to Michler, “his knowledge of transfrontier conservation, and the manner in which he is attempting to re-empower his 70,000 or so constituents was both refreshing and exemplary. To have leaders of this calibre so deeply involved in the process gives us much hope.”

They have also met with two other chiefs from the area, and attended a meeting on transfrontier conservation hosted by Solly Tevera of Wilderness Safaris. The meeting was attended by members of the Zambia Wildlife Authority, Wild Horizons Wildlife Trust and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife.

Follow the Tracks of Giants on:Twitter: www.twitter.com/tracksofgiantsFacebook: www.facebook.com/tracksofgiantsWebsite: www.tracksofgiants.org – read the personal stories of the trailists via their blogs on www.Tracksofgiants.orgPhotos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thewildfoundation/

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Experience of a lifetime with Rhino

During June 2012, a team of some of the most well respected professionals in conservation, made their way to Somkhanda Game Reserve to embark on a rhino darting experience, aimed at improving security and surveillance

measures around our threatened rhino population, writes Lauren Laing, Brand & Communications Manager at Wildlands.

CONSERVATION

This was made possible by Jacqui Hadingham and Filippo Faralla, a Durban couple with an overflowing passion for conservation, who bid on the package at a fundraising auction held at Christies in London last year, giving them an experience of a lifetime in witnessing the conservation efforts of Wildlands up close and personal with live rhino, as well as the opportunity to share it with 4 of their friends.

Trackers, from Wildlife ACT Fund, set out on foot first thing in the morning to find the rhino. Once located the helicopter was dispatched, flown by pilot Vere Van Heerden (Helicon) and accompanied by Veterinary specialist Dave Cooper (KZN Wildlife). Dave darted the rhino from the air and a race to the animal then ensued. “The rhino needs to be ‘under’ for as short a time as possible while the team work on fitting satellite tracking devices, to either its horn or by means of a foot collar,” mentions Dave Cooper, who keeps a watchful eye on the rhino at all times and ensures the process is as quick and comfortable for the animal as possible.

The aim of this experience was to contribute to the conservation of our rhino populations in KZN and forms part of Wildlands’ Project Rhino KZN endorsed, Tracker project. The fitting of tracking devices to as many rhino as possible is to allow for them to be monitored in real-time by field rangers and anti-poaching units. It also builds a better understanding of the rhino’s movement patterns and ensures rangers can pick up any irregularities in their behaviour and ultimately respond more efficiently to any threats.

On this specific trip rhino were fitted with tracking devices, containing the latest GPS technology allowing for real time tracking of these rhino. The rhino were also ear notched, to better identify individual animals within the population.

DNA samples are also taken from each of the rhino captured, contributing to a national database of unique DNA signatures of rhino around the country. Wildlands’ Strategic Manager Kevin McCann, who is currently overseeing this entire project, explains why this is important, “this, together with the micro-chipping of the rhino horn, has recently become a legal requirement and ensures that in the event that

a rhino horn is confiscated, it can be matched to the DNA sample in the database so we know where and which rhino it originated from. This knowledge will enable authorities to be more successful in clamping down on poaching syndicates.”

Filippo commented on the three day adventure, “It’s difficult to describe this experience in a way that truly encapsulates what it meant to me and my friends. It’s sad that we have to go to these lengths in order to ensure the safety of our rhino, but it was amazing to be that close to these incredible creatures in such a beautiful part of the world, and be directly involved in the very process that aims to conserve them.”

“Wildlands would like to thank Filippo and Jacqui for their amazing support and contribution to the conservation of KZN’s rhino population. With the unfailing support from activists like Filippo and Jacqui we can really make a difference in curbing rhino poaching statistics,” states McCann.

For those individuals that want to contribute to the cause, in the confidence that your money will be invested in protecting our rhino from extinction, visit www.wildlands.co.za and click on donate now.

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From L to R – Jacqui Hadingham, Phil Lidgey, Leigh Lidgey, Filippo Faralla, Jan Lombard and Wendy Lombard, were all happy to be part of an exercise aimed at conserving our endangered rhino population in KZN.

Kevin McCann & Lauren Laing from Wildlands Conservation Trust.

AUGUST 201216 SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

DESTINATIONS

from a travel trade perspective

Despite the islands close proximity to the African continent, Mauritius attracts more inbound tourists from Europe than from Africa, which is ironic considering the difference in travel time and the wealth of attractions, leisure resorts and business tourism benefits that the island has to

offer, writes Beverley Langkilde.

Having been invited on a media familiarization trip by the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MPTA) to experience the launch of two new events on the island in early July, I did a bit of pre-departure research and was amazed to discover that according to the UNWTO, Europe accounts for 65 per cent of the island’s total non-resident tourist arrivals, compared to 23 per cent from Africa. Of the Africa arrivals, over 10 per cent emanate from their closest neighbour Reunion, followed by South Africa at 9 per cent. France dominates arrivals from Europe at 26 per cent, which makes sense considering the language aspect, and probably comprises to a large degree visiting friends and family.

My jam packed five-night itinerary as a hosted media journalist was cut short by a day as the planned Air Mauritius flight departure was postponed at the last minute to the following day, which was rather inconvenient for me as a Durbanite having to incur an additional night’s accommodation in Johannesburg, and having to miss the opening celebrations of the events which I had been invited to cover. Mango Air, who I used for my domestic return flights deserve berating for their bureaucratic policy regarding luggage weight and flight change surcharges but I’ll get to that later in this report.

Récif Attitude

Arriving at the Sir S Ramgoodam International Airport proved to be a breeze with the customs officials being as polite and welcoming as the staff of the Récif Attitude Hotel where our small media retinue checked in for the first night. Attitude is a family owned and managed group of seven 3- and 4-star hotels offering a total of 575 rooms. The staff of the 70-room Récif Attitude Hotel certainly live up to the group’s name.

For more information visit: http://www.lerecif.com/mauritius/thehotel.htm

Le Grand Bleu Hotel

Being a 3-star graded hotel overlooking the bay of Trou aux Biches, the room amenities at Le Grand Bleu Hotel are average and equipped with rather noisy air conditioners. The dining experience however is deserving of a higher rating while its location overrides any misgivings on the room amenities.

For more information visit: http://www.legrandbleuhotel.com/

The Carnival of Flic en Flac

We visited the first ‘Carnival of Flic en Flac’ event the following day (Sunday 1 July 2012) and was celebrated with enthusiastic madness along the coastal road by tourists and locals alike. The procession was characterized by colourful masks and lavish costumes adorning performing artists on exquisitely decorated floats.

High points of the carnival, which celebrates the diversity of Mauritian culture, included a parade of motorcyclists followed by a parade of vintage cars, a bevy of beauty queens from around the world and the antics of Mauritian and Rodriguan artists and samba dancers, as they jubilantly paraded along the crowd-thronged street. The Carnival procession ended with the last float, which had some of the best performers from a Samba School in Brazil and were accompanied by Miss Brazil 2011, Priscila Machado, and Brazilian celebrity Adriana Bombom.

For more information visit: http://www.carnavaldeflicenflac.com/

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Mauritius Shopping Fiesta

The Street Carnival celebration in Mauritius marked the kickoff of the Shopping Festival at the Bagatelle Mall of Mauritius, while the Jumbo Phoenix Shopping Centre joined in the festivities by organizing a second launch on Saturday 30 June 2012, which I attended.

The event coincided with the fifth edition of the Winter Heat Fashion Show, which took place during the Fiesta Night, followed by a quiz contest offering prizes to the audience who were also treated to

a spectacular performance of jugglers and fire-eaters.

The Minister of Tourism and Leisure, the Honourable Michael Yeung Sik Yuen who was present stated that a wide array of products were available for both Mauritians and visitors, ranging from attractive places of interest on the island, canyoning, water sports, green tourism, rebates offered by hotels, restaurants, and of course in different shopping centres across the country.

In his address, the Chairman of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, Mr. Robert Desvaux appealed to traders to join the Mauritius Shopping Fiesta 2012. An appeal,

which from my perspective, fell on deaf ears as I was unable to find a single shop in the Jumbo Phoenix Shopping Centre that was offering any promotional discounts. Apparently it was left to shop owners to decide on how they were going to participate in the shopping fiesta, which appeared to be little more than extending their trading hours. While the MTPA did a sterling job in promoting the event, with over 70 invited international journalists in attendance, they should perhaps consult with their counterparts in Dubai, who are old masters at attracting global shoppers, and convey their lessons learnt to local traders prior to next year’s shopping fiesta. Having said that, the MPTA obviously did an enormous amount of work in getting pre-arranged discounts onboard if their press kit, which lists 97 discounted deals ranging from activities to airlines, hotels and tour operators is anything to go by.

For more information visit: http://www.mauritiusshoppingfiesta.com/

Le Paradis Hotel

Arriving at Beachcomber’s 5-star Paradis Hotel and Golf Club after an exhausting day of sensory overload was a welcome relief. Located along the Le Morne Peninsula, on the island’s South-western tip, the resort is set against the backdrop of the iconic Le Morne Mountain and edges onto one of the most scenic shorelines on the island.

Paradis offers an extensive choice of complimentary land and water sports plus the opportunity to play on three championship golf courses in the vicinity, including its own 18-hole international golf course. The hotel also has a golf academy and a Spa by Clarins to cater for moms and dads while their children are kept occupied at the mini-club, which caters for kids aged 3 to 12 in a convivial area located at the heart of the hotel, close to the main areas.

For more information visit: http://www.paradis-hotel.com

The Chairman of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, Mr. Robert Desvaux opens proceedings at the Jumbo Phoenix Shopping Centre.

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Rhumerie de Chamarel

Our media itinerary included an excursion to the Rhumerie de Chamarel. Situated in the vicinity of the “Coloured Earths of Chamarel”, one of Mauritius’ most popular tourist attractions, the road leading to the Rhumerie is lined with vast plantations of sugar cane growing side by side with pineapples and other tropical fruits. Exuding an inimitable sense of warmth and authenticity, the Rhumerie

welcomes guests for an all-encompassing tourism experience, ranging from a guided visit of the distillery and rum tasting to a tasty meal at L’Alchimiste, its own stylish and creative “A la Carte” restaurant.

Highlights of the distillery’s guided tour with professional

guides end with the copper stills (alambics) and cellars where the rum is stored to slowly age in barrels. Visitors are then invited to sample some of the products of the distillery, which include white rum, the “coeur de chauffe”, chamarel liquors, exotic-flavoured rums and traditional ‘old’ rum.

For more information visit: http://www.rhumeriedechamarel.com/

Business tourism

Meeting, Incentive, Conferencing and Event (MICE) buyers will find attractive potential in Mauritius as the island has the infrastructure and superstructure to cater for MICE groups, not only during low season but all year round. Mauritius appears to possess all the key ingredients that are required for successful events. The quality and variety of accommodation, the attention to detail in service delivery, state-of-the-art conferencing venues, and the vast number of additional activities on offer all guarantee genuine value for money.

The island offers easy accessibility through its simple visa entry programme and direct access from a large number of destinations through airlines such as Air Mauritius, British Airways and

South African Airways. The national carrier, Air Mauritius, operates daily flights from Europe and other destinations.

Conference facilities

Mauritius has an advantage over other MICE destinations in the Indian Ocean in that it houses the region’s largest and most modern convention centre: the Swami Vivekananda Conference Centre in Pailles. This centre provides all the facilities needed for large, international conferences – accommodating up to 5,000 people at any one time. Other venues include the International Conference Centre in Grand Bay (up to 600 people) and the Freeport Exhibition in Mer Rouge (up to 1,000 delegates). Many Mauritian hotels also offer conferencing facilities and can cater for up to 800 people at a time.

Conclusion

Mauritius has a lot to offer to the travel and tourism trade in Africa and the MPTA seem more than willing to facilitate enquires from the trade. The Mauritius Carnival and Shopping Fiesta, which is to be an annual event, certainly provides an attraction that travel agents in Africa can tap into.

After a relaxing return flight onboard Mauritius Air I just have to continue berating Mango Air - my domestic return flight from ORTIA to KSIA was deliberately booked for a late departure lest the inbound flight was delayed. On enquiring about an earlier flight departure I paid an exorbitant ticket change fee only to find that my luggage now exceeded their permissible limit. With the airline representative being unaccommodating, I again paid for the extra luggage excess fees, only to have the allocated flight delayed twice due to “technical” problems. As a result I gained a mere half hour against my original flight booking. Perhaps our domestic economy airlines could learn from their international counterparts, such as Emirates who tied-in with the festival by increasing their luggage allowance to 40 kgs.

About the MPTA

The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) is a parastatal organisation established in 1996 by the MTPA Act. It is administered

by a Board of Directors and operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure.

For more information visit: http://www.tourism-mauritius.mu

EVENTS

Tourism Industry Conference

provides focussed sponsorship opportunities

The inaugural South Africa Travel & Tourism Industry Conference (SATTIC), which will take place from

2 to 4 September 2012 at the Protea Hotel OR Tambo Hotel, situated in the Ekurhuleni

Metropolitan Municipality, will provide destinations, attractions and suppliers to the travel trade a wide

range of focussed sponsorship opportunities, writes Des Langkilde.

These days, sponsors want creative ways to develop a relationship with current and potential customers. The sponsorship is used to enhance the audience’s emotional connection to the sponsor’s brand through their experience with the event.

Because sponsors help underwrite the costs of providing the event to attendees – in turn helping TBCSA member associations further their advocacy work – the SATTIC is providing sponsors with benefits beyond those directly associated with the specific sponsorship opportunities.

A sponsor’s additional benefits are based upon the organization’s sponsorship level, as well as membership with the participating associations. As the level of financial support increases, sponsorship benefits increase accordingly.

The Sponsorship Prospectus can be downloaded at:http://www.tourismvision2020.co.za/index.php/sponsors.html

Conference ProfileThe SATTIC is being convened under the umbrella of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) in partnership with its Association Members, Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA), South African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association

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INCORPORATING:

(SAVRALA), Association of Southern African Travel Agents (ASATA) and the National Accommodation Association of South Africa (NAA-SA).

The purpose of the conference is to reduce the proliferation of conferences by sectoral associations in the travel and tourism industry, which relies on the same audiences. Resources in terms of manpower and funding are combined, therefore increasing the event’s sustainability in the current harsh economic times.

It will comprise of 2½ days of networking, events and exhibition with an expanded programme allowing for delegate interaction. The conference is expected to attract an audience of between 300 and 350 delegates and the first SATTIC will take place in Gauteng due to its central location and ease of access.

Travel and Tourism industry SETA, CATHSSETA have confirmed their support for the event and have come onboard as a platinum partner. They are joined by the proud host region of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, who are onboard as a gold sponsor and South African Tourism who have pledged their support as silver sponsor and Mercedes-Benz South Africa as the ‘Tourism Month Fiesta’ sponsor.

To find out more about registration and the conference programme, visit: http://www.sattic.co.za

PLATINUM SPONSOR GOLD SPONSOR SILVER SPONSORS

AUGUST 201220 SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

EVENTS

This is a major event in the tourism calendar in India, and we are delighted to host it in South Africa for the first time. More than 1000 delegates (businessmen, entrepreneurs and travel agency owners, are expected to attend). Between them they are collectively responsible for 70 per cent of all the outbound long-haul tickets sold within India.

In India, travel agents prefer to sell products of which they have had personal experience, therefore the opportunity to see and experience a wide range of South African product will give all those who participate in this convention a significant marketing edge in this growing market.

To enable South African companies to take full advantage of this unique event, we have designed an Exhibition Area that will allow SATSA members and South African product a significant opportunity to market your wares to this influential group of travel professionals in our own back yard.

The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) is to hold its 2012 Convention in Durban from 05-08 October 2012. This event is being proudly hosted by SATSA and sponsored by Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, in the

beautiful city of Durban, writes Marjorie Dean.

Invitation to Exhibit at

Sponsorship opportunities exist at all levels. From lanyards, pens and pencils and notebooks to teas and lunches, water bottles and car hire. We are happy to offer part and co- sponsorships for the opening and closing events.

For more information contact Bunny Bhoola on +27 83 632 2420 or +27 333 453175 or email: bunny@africanlink.co.za

HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE:

ADVERTISING: The Tourism Tattler will be distributed to delegates at the TAFI Convention. Contact Beverley for special rates bev@tourismtattler.co.zaEXHIBIT: Secure your space (3m x 3m sq.) in the Exhibition Area. Confirmation Forms can be obtained from: events@africalinktours.co.zaThe Exhibition Opportunities brochure can be downloaded at: http://www.tourismtattler.co.za/downloads/taficonvention2012.pdf

TAFI Convention 2012

EVENTS

AUGUST 2012 21SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Prominent stakeholders to engage at 2nd annual

SETE Exhibition and Conference

The second edition of the Sports and Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) is to be held in September this year, and having secured a number of high profile international and local exhibitors and speakers, the exhibition and conference both look set to build upon the success of the

inaugural event held in Cape Town last year, writes Rene Staack.

The event, which will be hosted in Durban by the KZN Department of Economic Development and Tourism for the next three years, looks to facilitate relationships between South Africa’s tourism, sport and event industries, promoting the country as a popular sports and events destination.

South Africa’s solid reputation as a viable location for events has also attracted the interest of 60 international buyers to the upcoming SETE 2012 in Durban. According to Director for Business Development at TEPG and SETE Conference Director Sugen Pillay “these buyers will be keen to assess our capacity and ability as a country to host mega international events which they will be interested in bringing to South Africa. The aim of SETE is to position the country as a mega events destination, aimed at providing a platform to exhibit our capabilities and therefore to attract more mega events and the presence of prominent international stakeholders at SETE will no doubt be a contributing factor in this regard”.

South African Sports Confederation & Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has committed their support to SETE by joining forces with the Organisers to share strategic input regarding the selection of international buyers to attend the event. They have introduced International Federations to the programme and will be providing a pavilion at the SETE Exhibition as a platform on which the National Federations can set up meetings with international buyers to discuss the development of events going forward.

Further bolstering this year’s SETE conference will be the line up of high profile international and local speakers appearing at this year’s two day SETE conference (12-13 September). The conference will be looking to create a platform that enables key stakeholders the opportunity to engage and exchange ideas that will ultimately enhance South Africa’s sport, tourism, and event industries. Some of the key speakers at the conference include His Excellency Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee; Mike Lee, who was responsible for the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Summer Olympics; Winand Krawinkel,

Managing Director of Adidas International; Paul Bush, CEO of Event Scotland; Chris Foye, Head of 2012 Games unit of Visit Britain and Thomas Abrahams, Editorial Director of SportzPower India.

Conference delegates will also be able to participate in a panel discussion about the key sporting codes in South Africa that will engage sports administrators like Oregan Hoskins (Vice President of the IRB), Sam Ramsamy (IOC Executive Committee Member) and

Danny Jordaan (Vice President of SAFA). Other dignitaries who will be in attendance will be the Mayor of Durban, who will open the conference; the KZN MEC for Sport Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha, who will make a presentation before National Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula delivers the keynote address and Michael Mabuyakhulu, the KZN MEC for Tourism, closes the conference.

Conference details:12 – 14 September. ICC Durban

Registration: Open on www.sportsandevents.co.zaR3500.00 excl VAT Full Conference Package

R2000.00 excl VAT Day 1 OnlyR1500.00 excl VAT Day 2 Only

Exhibition details:12 – 14 September. ICC Durban

Entrance: FREETimes: Wed 12 & Thurs 13 September 09h00 – 17h00,

Fri 14 September 09h00 – 14h00

HOSPITALITY

Vacation Ownership Proves Resilient in Tough Economy

Vacation ownership products have enjoyed very healthy occupancy rates compared to other forms of vacation accommodation, mainly thanks to their

good value proposition, writes Lianne Osterberger.

According to a study done by Grant Thornton on behalf of the Vacation Ownership Association of Southern Africa (VOASA), vacation ownership resorts – e.g. timeshare, fractional ownership and private residency clubs – had an average annual occupancy rate of 80,5% in 2010. This figure remained fairly stable from 2009 when occupancies were 81,4%.

The results of the study are based on surveys conducted on 99 timeshare resorts and 12 410 existing timeshare owners between November 2010 and March 2012.

“Vacation ownership is a major player in the domestic tourism market, especially for families. This is one of the main factors that made it so appealing in the period under review, which was characterised by economic hardship for many around the world,” says Bernadine Galliver, Senior Consultant at Grant Thornton Strategic Solutions.

She explains that consumers with families would often opt for holiday options that offer the best value for money. “Non-vacation ownership accommodation can become very expensive for families especially at times when discretionary spending is low,” she says.

It takes 3,8 years on average to sell out a resort and 40% of resorts sell out within a year. New developments are also very encouraging. “From data gathered, we know at least 30 new resorts were either being developed or completed in the last ten years at an average of five resort developments per developer,” says Galliver.

She ascribed this performance in part to the South African consumer’s resilience. “Local consumers’ purchasing power was not hit as hard as in other countries, with income increases staying relatively healthy in a low interest rate environment.”

These consumers did not disappoint in their spending patterns either. The average total trip spend for timeshare holidays in 2010 was

R7 358, compared to the much lower R1 650 on average for domestic

holiday tourists in the same period.

“New resort development potential exists in the Western Cape and North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as within urban/

city areas. While we have seen a source of growth from fractional ownership products in recent times, we expect this to remain a niche market. We are however seeing a trend towards mixed use developments which incorporate hotels and vacation ownership,” says Alex Bosch, Executive

Director at VOASA.

There are currently at least 400 480 members of clubs (using points systems) and 341 295 owners of vacation ownership products at resorts. Bosch believes there is scope for growth, but foresees some challenges in attracting new timeshare purchasers.

“From the study, we found there is a need for innovation in terms of marketing to non-timeshare owners. For example, there are low levels of understanding of how the industry works, but encouragingly, people have heard positive things about vacation ownership from their friends who own timeshare products,” says Bosch.

Another positive for the economy is the fact that the vacation ownership industry permanently employs about 26 000 people, of which 72% are black and 70% are female.

“With club owners projecting an average annual membership growth rate of 12,7% over the next three years, developers are optimistic and the future of the vacation ownership industry in Southern Africa is set to look bright. This industry survey as well as other industry related issues were discussed at the VOASA annual conference which took take place from the 10th to the 12th of June at the Southern Sun Elangeni in Durban.

For more information contact Melanie Hatjigiannakis on +27 (0)21 914 9693 or via email voasa@voasa.co.za or visit www.voasa.co.za

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“Vacation ownership is a R3.5 billion industry that contributes 5% of GDP to tourism in South Africa.”

- Melanie Hatjigiannakis.

Image: Beacon Island Resort - Plettenberg Bay

HOSPITALITY

AUGUST 2012 23SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Green Mobilityin the Hospitality

Environment Energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction and ‘Green-stay’ initiatives are high on the agenda of priorities at most hospitality establishments nowadays. Considering the expansive layout of many hotel, resort and safari lodge properties in southern Africa, the shuttling of guests can pose a major stumbling block to the attainment of these

lofty, but worthy objectives, writes Des Langkilde.

Purpose designed or adapted golf carts are the preferred mode of shuttling guests from A to B within hospitality properties, primarily due to their compact size and manoeuvrability but more importantly due to their silent operation. Being battery powered, a golf cart is not only quite and energy efficient, it also has the advantage of contributing to the properties Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission score rating.

According to the UNWTO, tourism is responsible 5 per cent of global CO2 emissions, of which the accommodation sector is estimated to account for 20 per cent. This includes heating, air-conditioning and the maintenance of bars, restaurants, pools and so on but excludes the transportation of tourists.

The transport sector, including air, car and rail, generates the largest

proportion, with 75 per cent of all emissions. In terms of carbon emissions, air causes 54-75 per cent, while car and rail contributes 13 per cent. Air travel is considered the main tourism contributor to global warming: It’s responsible for 40 per cent of the total carbon emissions caused by the tourism sector.

Golf cart manufacturer E-Z-GO / CUSHMAN believes that their range of purpose designed shuttle and utility carts provide an ideal solution to hospitality establishments who are serious about reducing their carbon footprint.

“Our range of 48-volt electric drivetrain driven carts are ideal for application in hotels, resorts and golf clubs and are the obvious solution to carbon emission reduction. We offer a wide variety of short or long term purchase options, including rentals and provide a comprehensive on-site maintenance, support and parts service through our branches in Pretoria / Centurion, Durban, George and Cape Town,” says Riaan van Loggerenberg, Business Development Manager at E-Z-GO / CUSHMAN South Africa - an Imperial Group company.

For more information visit: http://www.cushman.co.za

LEGAL

As we know self-regulation was high on the DTI agenda with the drafting of the CPA and the body adjudicating is advised to assist in the development of a ‘system of consensual dispute resolution’ [Section 3 (1)(g)] as well as the development of a ‘consumer common law’ [Section 4 (2)(a)].

If this is read with the content proposed in the CPA regulations for the various associations’ codes of conduct such as a complaints procedure and an ombudsman, it is clear that those businesses who map out and make known to consumers their internal and association complaints procedure & association’s code of conduct, will more than likely be able to ‘nip complaints in the bud’.

Proactive associations will also be able to act in the interests of their

CONSUMER COMPLAINT - POINT OF DEPARTURE & ISSUES TO BE CONSIDERED

The CPA and Supplier Rights

Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide a brief overview of legal matters pertaining to the travel and tourism industry and is not intended as legal advice. As every situation depends on its own facts and circumstances, professional advice should be sought in each instance. © Adv Louis Nel, BENCHMARK, JULY 2012.

members as complainants [Section 4 (1)(e)] and it is thus imperative that suppliers belong to an association that takes the CPA seriously and deals with inter alia its code of conduct and constitution proactively.

Subject to the wording of the latter such association can even apply for registration as a ‘consumer protection group’ [Sections 77 & 78].

AUGUST 201224 SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

– PART 2–

The information below was extracted from available data as at 16 July 2012, writes Martin Jansen van Vuuren.

ARRIVALSThe latest available data from Statistics South Africa is for January and March 2012:

Current period Change over same period last year

UK 77 768 15.2%

Germany 48 329 07.8%

USA 70 095 16.1%

India 21 139 23.1%

China 30 883 67.7%

Overseas Arrivals (excl same day visitors) 133 731 9.5%

African Arrivals 1 618 130 7.9%

Total Foreign Arrivals 2 267 807 10.5%

Note that African Arrivals plus Overseas Arrivals do not add to Total Foreign Arrivals due to the exclusion of unspecified arrivals, which could not be allocated to either African or Overseas.

HOTEL STATSThe latest available data from STR Global is for January to May of 2012:

Current period Average Room Average Room Revenue Per Available Occupancy (ARO) Rate (ARR) Room (RevPAR)

All Hotels in SA 58.1% R900 R523

All 5-star hotels in SA 58.1% R1 611 R935

All 4-star hotels in SA 58.9% R864 R509

All 3-star hotels in SA 57.0% R704 R401

Change over same period last year

All Hotels in SA 7.6% 3.4% 11.3%

All 5-star hotels in SA 11.6% 1.7% 13.5%

All 4-star hotels in SA 8.9% 3.3% 12.5%

All 3-star hotels in SA 5.7% 4.1% 10.0%

ACSA DATAThe latest available data from ACSA is for January to May 2012:

Change of same period last year Passengers arriving on Passengers arriving on Passengers arriving on International Flights Regional Flights Domestic Flights

OR Tambo 1.8% 0.5% -0.7%

Cape Town International 9.3% 18.4%* 4.0%

King Shaka International 15.3%* N/A -2.4%

* Calculated off a low base

MARKETING

Market Intelligence Report

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR MY BUSINESSThe growth in foreign arrivals as indicated by Statistics South Africa is encouraging. The traditional source markets of the UK, USA and Germany have shown strong recovery in the first quarter of 2012, while the BRIC countries of India and China have continued to grow. This growth has occurred at the same time as the depreciation in the Rand and tourism enterprises are cautioned not to bargain on the continued depreciation of the Rand to bolster tourism arrivals.

The performance of hotels as per the STR data, has improved with the improved foreign arrivals, but also with the slow recovery of domestic travel. Tourism enterprises are however cautioned to be aware of their particular source market, as the passengers arriving on domestic flights to OR Tambo and King Shaka International Airports have declined during January to May 2012 over the same period in 2011. This points to a fragmented recovery in the domestic market.

AUGUST 2012 25SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

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

Travel & Hospitality Website Landing Pages

How many times does it happen that people who visit your website’s homepage merely leave as quickly as they have arrived; leaving no trace as to why they did so, writes

Pieter Philipse.

MARKETING

Questions we stay with are: what were they interested in, what information could have been placed on the web portal for them to have stayed and investigated more. How do I target my visitors more directly so that they get involved with our products more quickly and even more importantly get them to “book with us”. Well a direct answer may be that what you in fact need is one or more product landing pages.

From a User’s Perspective

A product landing page targets a specific product or service and leads people to a product offer. What is important is that the landing page creates Attention, Interest, Desire, and most importantly “Action”. If we satisfy our visitors here then we are able bind them to our products and our brand. Because all of these ingredients are included on a single page potential customers can evaluate and choose products more quickly then they would on their path through a website. What we are in fact skilfully providing is an optimally configured user journey through a single webpage.

Domain Name Dilemma

Another of the drawbacks of the main web portal is that the domain name is often directly linked to the brand name, and that isn’t always what we need. In fact we might have a product name, location name, activity name or combination of these that is far more relevant if we want to market a product through search engines more intensely. This is a point where we have to decide, do we invest more into marketing our web portal or do we decide to catch a larger market share by including domain name positioning and making use of targeted landing page(s).

To put it simply, you want to create a user experience (journey) that leads users directly to conversion and you want to have all the ingredients in place for users to find your information quickly and efficiently.

Features of a Product Landing Page

A landing page should have the following characteristics:

1. Be the prime focus for a product with associated products

Look at it this way, a lot of the time accommodation is coupled to events. They might be activities you organise or they might be outside events. Whichever they are the products are directly associated with one another and therefore require careful integration on the webpage. Every bit of copy and illustration on the product landing page is positioned to motivate users to desire and buy a product directly.

2. Offer limited brand exposure

Your brand name has to be on the webpage, but it shouldn’t be overexposed causing your landing page to become the prime focus for people searching for and connecting with your main web portal.

3. Keep the customer on the webpage without diversion

The landing page must keep the user’s attention focused on the product information and offer on the page. Careful consideration must be given whether or not to include links to any other webpages. Best practice if need be is to provide a link to the main website on the order/payment page that the landing page leads to. Consideration has to be given to the link position on the order page for this as you don’t want people diverted away from the main offer that users are at this point making a decision for.

4. Use the best competing domain name for the product

Fictitiously if your main accommodation is Ngombe “Luxury” Tented Camp; your location is in Serengeti; and your main event is the Wildebeest Migration then in first instance a good domain name for that is any combination of those same words. But and this is a big BUT, one needs to consider keyword priority in the domain name

AUGUST 201226 SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

more effective and responsive pathways, product landing pages are definitely worth considering. Never forget that at the heart of any web strategy are the users, their way of communicating, and most importantly their way of making choices. Offering the shortest road to their goals could be an important one for you to provide.

Travel Route Planner

Usually a travel route planner will just show you how to get from A to B. Not this one though - with this route planner you can really plan your complete SCENIC route. By pulling at any point(s) on the route you can drag points to new locations and add those new locations to your itinerary. The route changes automatically for you. The travel planner is an ideal tool to place on your website and to keep your customers returning.

For more information contact Pieter Philipse at Kondwana Communications – philipse@kondwana.com or visit: http://www.kondwana.com/

MARKETING

and search engine search term popularity (how popular are the keywords you plan to use in your domain name compared to search terms that users input into search engines). Also the domain name you seek might already be in use. Altogether it is important to have assessed all the known variables before you decide which name to use.

5. Be a place for potential customers to leave contact addresses and requests for information

Users must be able to request information through a contact form, subscribe to an electronic newsletter, and/or subscribe to last minute holiday/event alerts or feeds. It is appropriate to use the right backend solutions to facilitate these information processes so that the acquired email addresses can be used to maximum benefit.

6. Offer an ideal location from which to collect user/product data

Through the use of web analytics you can be provided with a clear picture of in- and outbound user behaviour on and off the page. Questions are answered about how your product performs in or without comparison with existing or predictive marketing data and what steps to take to increase your ROI.

Create Results From The Right Perspective

Results are everything and so is the road to getting there. The essence as always lies in the right combination of finding, leading up to, representing, and informing the product. With their shorter

AUGUST 2012 27SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

A visitor travel route planner with a difference - try it at: http://www.kondwana.com/routeplanner/index.html

http://www.satsa.com

GET INSTANT ACCESS TO CREDIBLE TOURISM PARTNERSRight from your desktop

Click on the Widget image to download the 2012/2013 SATSA Members Directory

Widget.

FEATURES INCLUDE:• Member Search

(by category or region)• Industry News• SATSA News

▼

NICHE TOURISM

AUGUST 201228 SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

A guide to Cultural TourismCultural tourism, or culture tourism as it is sometimes called, is a type of niche tourism that attempts to represent the stories and lifestyles of the people from the past and in the present authentically. As such, it places particular focus on art, architecture, religion, food, clothing and anything else that may have contributed to shaping a group of people’s way of

life, writes Yvonne Nhuta of GetSmarter.

This kind of tourism normally occurs in urban areas with particular historical significance or cultural facilities, such as museums and theatres. Cultural tourism also highlights the various traditions of indigenous communities through observing their rituals, customs as well as their values and lifestyle. Tourism therefore serves as the carrier of culture and cultural tourism has become the platform for cultural consumption.

As a powerful tool for economic development, tourism is responsible for jobs, providing new business opportunities and strengthening local economies. When cultural tourism is done effectively it can aid in securing an area’s natural and cultural resources, while improving the quality of life for residents and visitors. One of the main ideas behind this kind of niche tourism is that people should be able to save their heritage and culture while sharing it with visitors and reaping the economic benefits of tourism.

Getting started

Ideally, most regions engaging in cultural tourism can benefit greatly from it. New businesses, more jobs and higher property values are just some of the advantages of investing in cultural tourism. Getting a handle on this type of tourism will require initially contemplating the availability of resources such as arts organisations, festival organisers and arts venues which can be used in attracting visitors. Some of the things you will need to consider include your location, timing, the potential visitor profile, what the tourists want to see and exactly what you want to achieve.

Once you have pooled together all your resources, you can establish what sorts of attractions your area is prepared to offer potential tourists. This can range from art festivals to museum showcases depending on how wide and how solid your area’s resources are. Then, you need to ensure that you have advertised the event or site, leaving enough time for potential tourists to plan their visits. Peak times include major seasonal holidays and periods that coincide with other national events.

As the number of people coming and going out of the region will increase, there will be increased demands on the infrastructure. Consequently, before attracting visitors, the roads, airports, water supplies and other public services like police and fire departments will need to be ready for this. Another thing to bear in mind is what your visitors are expecting as they make their way to your region or come and see your community. It’s necessary to ensure that you are genuinely able to provide the tourists with what you have promised in any marketing schemes. Failure to do so can result in major losses in business as you may find it difficult to meet the

visitors’ expectations of quality products and services. Before attempting to market or advertise anything, it is important to know exactly what kind of tourist you are aiming to attract. This entails creating a visitor profile, starting by learning as much as you can about the people in and around your area. Once you know the demographics of your region and the surrounding areas, you can compare this to the type of people your event or venue will most likely attract.

Letting it be known

Essentially, cultural tourism works to satisfy the need to discover. It could be a new wine region or ancient artefacts, but cultural tourists travel because they feel the need to explore something that is completely unknown to them. Because they are travelling for the sheer experience and not merely because they happen to have vacation time, these tourists are usually willing to spend more money and travel more often. In addition to this as people work together to create a functional tourism industry a sense of community pride is established. This occurs as tourists get to see and explore various destinations in genuine and authentic ways.

Nowadays, people do research before they plan and book a trip or holiday. Therefore, it is important to have a functional method that people

can tap into to find out more about what you have to offer. Being online is a great way to make sure people have a point of reference. Ensuring that you are easy to find and that

your chosen method of advertising is easy to navigate, will create a good initial impression

of whatever it is you are offering to your potential visitors. An online presence can increase the chances of

your event or location being seen by a large number of people. Other ways to advertise include flyers and posters at local hotels, cafes and restaurants.

Growing with the area

Local priorities generally differ with every region, which is why circumstances determine what each area can achieve with regards to cultural tourism. The programmes or venues that you may choose to offer a group of tourists need to therefore be realistic in relation to the resources available to you. How a region is marketed will depend on what kind of attractions are marketable, the talents of specific people and whether accommodation is readily available. In today’s society, creative industries are being channelled to promote destinations and events while enhancing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the regions. As a local participating in the cultural tourism industry, you will need to ensure that you give tourists authentic representations of your histories and traditions.

NICHE TOURISM

AUGUST 2012 29SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

A significant challenge facing cultural tourism is the task of preserving and protecting the actual culture that serves as a tourist attraction. It is important to protect the buildings, landscape or special places and qualities that can attract visitors. Another reason for this is the fact that local communities that would most likely be struggling economically can find financial support through maintaining and showing off their cultural assets. Locally, the participation of generally marginalised South Africans in the development of the tourist industry will afford them the chance to create businesses that can ensure the generation of income through tourist sales.

Taking on the challenge

One of the most notable setbacks faced by communities venturing into cultural tourism is the potential for exploitation of their area’s cultural assets. Destroying these assets will in fact destroy the very things that attract the visitors in the first place. This is why collaboration plays a major role in cultural tourism. Regional partnerships allow for the development of themes, the pooling of resources and saving of money as the market potential expands. The active participation of political leaders, business leaders, operators of tourist sites, artists and craftspeople can result in very successful cultural tourism, as each sector of the community is given a chance to put its stamp on how their area is represented.

The part-time University of Cape Town Tourism Management short course is presented online throughout South Africa. Contact Nikki on 021 447 7565 or nicole@getsmarter.co.za for more information. Alternatively, visit www.GetSmarter.co.za

NICHE TOURISM

Cruise Tourism I receive many email replies to my column “Talking Tourism”, which is particularly rewarding. These mails include many from local students; like one who recently asked me my views about “cruise tourism”, writes Michael Bertram, CEO of Ugu South Coast

Tourism.

The standard response is normally “Cruise tourism is just like any other tourism although it involves cruise ships. It is a great way to expose a country’s beauty and culture and also a nice way to travel the world giving tons of jobs and employment to places that it visits, mostly “ports of call”.

Students, by their very nature are inquisitive creatures who always have follow-up questions. Such as how big is the market, how are we going to access this growing sector and most importantly what is in it for us?

Interesting questions; having attended several meetings over the past few years, my interest was piqued once again. History is never as straight-forward as it would seem.

The National Department of Tourism identified Cruise Tourism as a niche tourism product with the potential to accelerate growth of the tourism sector. A study conducted in 2009 included four coastal cities, and the Minister of Tourism, Mr Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, stated “We need investment in port facilities. We want to be part of this industry as tourists, working on board and as operators.”

The official SA Cruise Tourism Report, which covered the prospects, benefits and strategies for the industry, noted that the return on public sector funding would be an estimated R14.81 for every R1 spent in terms of a medium passenger forecast of more than 400 000 by 2025. For low and high passenger forecasts (of 200 000 and almost 1 million, respectively) the returns would be R11.49 and R48.83, respectively. But the report stated: “If international passenger numbers do not materialise as envisaged then the project is not viable from a South African perspective.”

Readers, please note that “Public sector funding includes investments in new passenger terminals at ports and marketing of South Africa to cruise liners”.

The economic benefits are far reaching and include port charges, spending by international crew, earnings by local crew and spending by the ship operators. The contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to increase from R682m in 2010 to R1.3 billion in 2025. It is estimated that the cumulative contribution to GDP by 2025 will be R14bn.

According to the International Journal of Leisure and Tourism Marketing (Vol. 1, No. 3, pp. 205-226) “cruise tourism has been the fastest growing sector of the travel industry for the past twenty years with an average annual growth rate of passengers of 7.4%. It has increased at almost twice the rate of growth of tourism overall and this growth is expected to continue in the future”.

Questioned about the status of the cruise terminal plan for Durban

AUGUST 201230 SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

harbour during a tour of the port during February 2012, Mr. Hamilton Nxumalo, head of infrastructure at Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA), said “No decision has been made, despite a pre-feasibility study having been undertaken… We are spending about R21.3 billion in upgrades to the Durban Port over the next seven years, which is part of the R300bn infrastructure spending plan”.

Nxumalo added “Transnet was looking for a partner to invest in the cruise terminal development either as a public-private partnership or some sort of joint venture. It will cost anything upwards of R800m. But we are yet to put out tenders calling for expressions of interest from possible partners or investors”.

MSC Starlight Cruises, reported early this year that it had already carried more than 100 000 passengers on the MSC Sinfonia and MSC Melody for the present SA summer; Stefano Vigoriti, a director of MSC Cruises, said a plan needed to be finalised and construction under way by 2013, adding “Insufficient infrastructure for cruise tourism in Durban won’t stall growth for now… But, it could inhibit growth in the future and business could go elsewhere”.

Ships such as the Queen Mary 2, which has visited Cape Town twice in recent months, is too large to be accommodated in the V&A Waterfront, and therefore a new cruise liner terminal in the main port would be first prize. It has been suggested that due to the relatively small number of cruise line visits to date, the new cruise liner terminal be developed as a multifunctional venue, suitable for weddings and conferences too.

It would appear that South Africa is particularly well positioned to leverage good growth off this niche market as we are now part of the Cruise Indian Ocean Association (CIOA) check out http://www.cruiseindianocean.org/ - for more information - clearly this is one area where we must develop our infrastructure now.

According to a presentation delivered by Transnet’s Durban Port manager, Ricky Bhikraj at the 13th African Renaissance Festival Conference in August 2011, construction of the Durban cruise terminal is planned for completion and commissioning by the end of July 2015.

Transnet National Ports Authority issued tender notices in May 2012, calling for expressions of interest (EOI) from interested parties to fund, build and operate the cruise terminals at the ports of Durban and Cape Town. The EOI documents had to be submitted to TNPA by 6 June 2012, with tender submissions to be handed in by 29 June 2012 - Ed.

RISK

AUGUST 2012 31SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Protecting your business, your

staff and yourself against disaster

The Tourism and Leisure industries are constantly evolving and the biggest by-product of this is increased competition. One extremely effective practice in staying ahead of the pack is

finally getting the attention it so urgently deserves. One doesn’t have to look far to see the extent to which this industry is

investing when it comes to risk management. The practice of ensuring your establishment and staff are fully equipped and prepared to face any risk-related incident is crucial in today’s hospitality industry. But this is not as simple as it seems and more businesses’ are turning to external assistance when it comes to incident management, writes Gavin Courtenay,

Managing Drector of SATIB Insurance Brokers.

A guest who gets bitten by a venomous snake in your camp or a patron who trips over a loose stair tile only to break an arm, perhaps wouldn’t be viewed as a big incident in the vastness of society. But, for a bush camp, B&B, hotel or restaurant, one disaster suffered by one guest, can break your business. The correct reaction and follow up to this incident, however, can make your business.

A couple of years ago, there was a limited ability for the impact of one incident to propagate. Recently the impact of these incidents on businesses has accelerated. Now, with a very complex society and the ability for information to spread “virally” via media and social network platforms, the impact of these incidents is considerable.

Experts in the industry are saying incident planning and handling are fast becoming all that matters when it comes to differentiation between service providers and institutions. The problem with incident management is that you can’t eradicate an incident that has already happened, and you can’t predetermine a response especially whilst you are trying to focus on the important stuff like running your B&B…

There are experienced incident management companies around that are able to equip you with what you need to prepare for before an incident, coordinate your procedures and provide you with all the information you need on hand should an incident occur. In the event of an incident occurring, these teams are on call 24-hours a day for guidance on how to deal with the situation as it happens.

They also coordinate any external services such as ambulances and helicopters. These incident management teams are often doctors themselves, or are in constant communication with doctors, ensuring that all is done correctly so as to avoid leaving your business open to a court case.

A few things to bear in mind when considering your risk management strategy:

• Expect incidents, don’t try to prevent them• Prepare, don’t react• Measure capacity to respond, not incident probability• Manage according to principles not protocols• Don’t use checklists, use resources• Treat each risk event as unique.• Be abstract before an incident, and specific during one.

After an incident has occurred, and should a client or patron have become the victim of one whilst at your establishment, the possibility of them suing is high.

People sue because they have suffered a loss. Keeping this loss as small as possible decreases the potential for a claim and limits its size. In order to plot the lowest risk path through tricky situations consider the following advice:

1. Get the right insurer: You ‘co-defend’ with your financial services provider – or you should – first make sure you have adequate and appropriate cover. Make sure you have a specialist who intimately understands the vagaries of the host-guest relationship, and who provides a high level of support during and after an incident. It is worth spending a little bit more on premiums to get the right attitude and approach from your financial partner.

2. Create the right culture: Value a proactive approach to risk containment and pass this on to staff. How? Talk about it, encourage reporting, review incidents constructively, invest in staff, train them in the Incident Command System and related skills, create better than average emergency response plans and get expert consultants to guide you in this. Prepare well, be a team, run practice sessions and have everyone know their roles. Show them you value this and they will too.

3. Offload to professionals: Make sure you or your insurer make financial and logistical provision to get specialists on the case as soon as it occurs – transfer decision making and attendant liability as soon as is possible.

4. Manage people, not just incidents: Remember that people sue, not injuries. This is more than buying dinner afterwards and avoiding admitting guilt. Contain staff emotions; take charge calmly; work well as a team; interact with guests face to face; maintain a high presence in the first 24 hours; follow up correctly; communicate skilfully and via correct channels; be careful with the media; know the character types that raise red flags and always be the consummate professional.

Don’t leave crisis management to chance - get professional help now.

For more information contact SATIB on 0861SATIB4U or e-mail: info@satib.co.za or visit: http://www.satib.co.za

& COMPREHENSIVE MOBILE FIRST AID KIT

All components in the bag are of the highest possible quality and chosen specifically to keep you prepared for unexpected first aid

emergencies.

Kit Includes: - 4 x Triangular Bandages - 2 x SWAB 50x50x8ply sterile 5’s - 2 x SWABS 75x75x8ply unsterile 100’s - 2 x Plastic Splint - 1

x Safety Pins 12 s - 1 x First Aid Scissors - 2 x Respaid CPR Mouth Piece - 1 x Plasters pack of 30’S - 1 x Plaster Adhesive 25x3m - 1 x

Plaster Anti-Allergy 25x5m non woven - 4 x Pairs of Gloves - 1 x Metal Forcep - 4 x F.A.D NO 5 Large - 4 x F.A.D NO 3 Medium - 1 x Cotton Wool - 100gr - 1 x Cetrimide Solution 100ml - 2 x Bandages 75mm PBT - 2 x Bandages 50mm PBT - 1 x Interlocking splint - 1 x Burn

Paraffin Gauze 10X10 SINGLE - 1 x Burn gel - 3 x Self Seal Red Waste Bag - 1 x Rescue blanket (silver) - 2 x Glucose gel

25gm - 1 x Energiser Head Lamp with Batteries.

Price: R431.99 ($52.39).

gadgets gizmo’s

DIETZ JUNIOR D20 HURRICANE LANTERN The Dietz Lanterns were first introduced in 1900, and have been

produced in at least seven distinct variations continuously over the past 108 years.

The first and oldest style Monarch had a flat top tank, un-reinforced air tubes, and a 9/16” fuel cap. The Junior is a similar version on the

famous Monarch.

Price: R114.70 ($13.91).

DRIFT X170 ACTION CAMERA The X170 Action Camera from Drift Innovation is the all-around

helmet camera with everything that you need to capture your extreme sports videos and photos.

The X170 Action Camera is the first rugged camera that provides wide angle DVD quality picture quality with the essential features of a playback

screen and wireless remote control. The camera easily mounts onto your head, goggles, helmet, handlebars or just about anything with the wide range of mounts included in the box. Once mounted, the lens can be rotated through 300° into the perfect position to ensure an upright

picture. Now that you’re ready to go simply use the wireless remote control to start and stop your videos or to take photos. Alternatively

recording can also be started and stopped directly from the camera. Once you’ve captured your on-board video and photos you can easily play them back or view them on the built-in colour LCD scre en to show your friends

or for training purposes. Play it into a TV with the AV cable or download easily to your computer with the USB cable, both of which are included

with the X170.Price: R1,096.00 ($133.84)

TECHNOLOGY

This edition’s selection has been sourced with acknowledgement to Livingstones Supply Co.Suppliers of the Finest Products to the Hospitality Industry. http://www.livingstonessupplyco.co.za/

All prices indicated exclude VAT andare per the currency exchange rate as at 08 July 2012

(1 ZAR = 0.121278 USD).

AUGUST 201232 SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

NAMIBIANamibRand Nature Reserve declared Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR).

140 kilometres away from the nearest town, there are no sources of light pollution. &Beyond played an instrumental role in helping the reserve be declared the world’s newest IDSR by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). It is the first IDSR to be awarded Gold Tier status, which describes night-time environments that have little to no impact from light pollution and artificial light.

An astronomer is always available at the lodge to spend time with guests and to share stories about constellations, as well as views of the moon and planets.For more information visit: http://www.darksky.org/ and http://www.namibrand.org/ and http://www.andbeyondafrica.com/african_safari/namibia

Tourism Index launched in Namibia

First National Bank and the Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (FENATA) launched the FNB Tourism Index at the Namibia Tourism Expo (June 6-9). The intention of the index is to provide information that could help individual businesses understand the current climate in which the tourism sector operates, while at the same time enable them to plan for the future.

The FNB Tourism Index had revealed that more travellers to Namibia were opting for self-drive and rooftop-tent accommodation.

For more information visit: http://www.fenata.org/

MAURITIUSAlessandro Schenone appointed General Manager of Ambre hotel

Italian born Alessandro Schenone has had a very successful career with Veraclub before he came to Mauritius. He managed four 4 Star resorts around the world before being appointed Development &

Operations Manager of Veratour Resorts in 2002. He was then overseeing the development and operations of 18 hotels worldwide. He then moved to Venice as Hotel Manager of the Hotel Plaza.

In November 2005, Alessandro Schenone joined Appavou Group as a General Manager of both Ambre Resort & Spa and Bougainville Hotel on the east coast of Mauritius. He

BOTSWANANew camp in Botswana to open in August

Great Plains Conservation has announced that Lukula Camp, previously in Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve, has been relocated to Botswana’s Selinda Reserve. Selinda Explorers Camp will open on August 15.

It is an exclusive-use camp on the banks of the Selinda Spillway with just four tents accommodating up to eight people. A separate guide’s tent is available for guests bringing a private guide.

The camp is designed in traditional safari style, with flush toilets and bucket showers. For a romantic touch, brass hip-baths can be portered to a nearby sand bank on the banks of the Spillway. The camp is ecologically sensitive with 100% solar power, grey water treatment, borehole water for drinking, and activities including guided walking and canoeing.

The camp is accessible via light aircraft to Selinda airstrip. It will be closed from December to February.

For more information visit: www.greatplainsconservation.com

KENYACity Lodge gains foothold in East Africa

Furthering its expansion drive into parts of east, west and southern Africa, the City Lodge Hotels Group has reached agreement with the shareholders of Fairview Hotels Limited to acquire a 50% stake in that company, which owns and operates two hotels in the Upper

Hill area of Nairobi, Kenya.

The two hotels are the 120-room Fairview Hotel and the 84-room Country Lodge. The transaction is effective from June 1 but remains subject to regulatory approvals in Kenya and the South African Reserve Bank.

While the Fairview Hotel will retain its name, Country Lodge will be rebranded to Town Lodge, in line with City Lodge’s intention to increase the penetration of its brand names in other parts of Africa.

“We see this as a great opportunity to acquire a shareholding in two very well run hotels as a going concern,” said Clifford Ross, City Lodge’s CEO.

City Lodge’s entrance into the Kenyan market is its second expansion outside of South Africa, following its announcement earlier this year that it was developing a 106-room Town Lodge in Gaborone, the capital Botswana. This hotel is on track for completion in December.For more information visit: https://www.citylodge.co.za/

Image: Dr. George Tucker

TRADE NEWS

AUGUST 2012 33SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

For more information visit: http://www.tsogosunhotels.com/deluxe/54-on-bath/pages/overview.aspx

New Executive Chef for Southern Sun Montecasino hotel

Jade Sullaphen, the new Executive Chef at the Southern Sun Montecasino Punchinello’s restaurant, has certainly proved that 20 years of hard work, creativity, talent and passion are the perfect ingredients for a successful Executive Chef.

Jade’s career started in Durban, KwaZulu- Natal. Whilst studying at the ML Sultan hotel school in Durban, Jade took casual college positions at the Wild Coast Sun and the Garden Court Marine Parade as pastry chef and room service waiter respectively. After graduation in1992, he joined the White Hotel Group in Ireland as Commis Chef. Returning to South Africa, Jade relocated to Johannesburg and joined the Turffontein Race Course and then the Rosebank Hotel as Chef de Partie. In 1997 Jade joined the Sandton Hilton Hotel and

then moved to the Westcliff Hotel as Chef de Cuisine.

In 2004 at the age of 32, armed with a wealth of experience, Jade took the position as Executive Chef at the Castle Kyalami. In 2006, Jade joined the Tsogo Sun managed InterContinental Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport hotel as Executive Chef. During his tenure at the InterContinental Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport hotel, Jade was chosen to represent the South African embassy at the Brazilian food week to showcase modern and traditional South African cuisine. Jade went on to cook for various presidential delegations and gala

gas resources and more money pours into the country, the demand for luxury is growing steadily and Africa’s largest hospitality group is well placed to move into the country with deluxe African Pride Hotels.

Nigeria’s debut African Pride Hotel is currently under construction in Ikeja, Lagos, and will be called African Pride Avalon Hotel and Spa. It is due to open in the latter part of next year and is one of 5 new Protea Hospitality Group hotels that will be opening in the country between now and the end of 2013.

Nigeria’s growth is projected at 6.9% and 6.6% in 2012 and 2013, respectively and the government is expected to reach its target of getting inflation under 10% in 2013.

For more information visit: http://www.africanpridehotels.com/

SOUTH AFRICA54 on Bath - new appointments

The following have been appointed at Tsogo Sun’s 54 on Bath hotel in Rosebank:

was very much involved within the group and even received an award from the Mauritian government for his actions in the field of environment and the promotion of sport.

He was Managing Director of STB in Italy before returning to Mauritius and was involved in operations of three 5 star properties, namely the Fonteverde Tuscan Resort & Spa; Bagna di Pisa Palace & Spa and Grotta Giusti Resort Golf & Spa.For more information visit: http://www.sunresortshotels.com/En/hotels/mauritius/ambre/

Air Mauritius launches new website

Far more than an online booking tool, the website has been entirely revamped creating a high-end immersive experience so that visitors to the site immediately immerse into the world of Mauritius. Launched on June 20, the website will help to rejuvenate the airline’s image and boost sales, while providing a high-quality window to promote Mauritius.

A genuine “island in the sky,” the new website conveys a feeling of escape, based on an ultra-modern

design symbolizing travel combined with a structure that is easy to navigate through. With a majestic countryside, turquoise shading, and the beauty of undersea depths, visitors will experience all the symbols of Mauritius.

The website is very user-friendly, and navigation is intuitive between the various sections showing online services such as Internet check-in, manage your Kestrelflyer account, real time flight schedules, as well as contents on special offers, useful travel information, ground and in-flight services, baggage, etc., while retaining a special section for booking tickets, which users can access from any page.For more information visit: http://www.airmauritius.com/

MOZAMBIQUENew airport at Vilancoulos

Vilancoulos has a new state of the art airport with modern facilities including restrooms, restaurant, duty free and various lounge seating areas for guests comfort. It is with this in mind that Marlin Lodge has opted to support and make use of this modern facility where we will welcome all of

our guests to Vilancoulos before transporting them to the island.

This well organised modern international airport is very impressive and certainly adds value to all those travelling into this wonderful area and to the economy of Vilancoulos.For more information visit: http://www.marlinlodge.co.za/

NIGERIA Nigeria’s demand for luxury gives rise to the expansion of African Pride hotels

As Nigeria’s economy continues to grow off the back of non-oil and

TRADE NEWS

Craig SmithRestaurant Manager

Darren Hailstones Deputy GM

Gerard Vingeling

Executive Chef

Jacques Moolman

General Manager

AUGUST 201234 SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

Award and recognised as the World’s Leading Green Transport Solutions Company in 2010 and 2011, Europcar is committed to sustainability and sees it as a business imperative. Demonstrating its ongoing focus on sustainability, Europcar was again the lead sponsor of Green Office Week South Africa, an initiative which seeks to increase the adoption of sustainable policies and behaviour by companies and individuals in the workplace.

As part of its 33 year celebrations, Europcar has committed to planting 33 indigenous trees as part of a reforestation project in Hermanus in the Western Cape.

For more information visit: http://www.europcar.co.za/

TANZANIANews from & Beyond - Tanzania Departure Tax Increase:

From 01 July 2012 all internal departure taxes from Government Airports/Airstrips (Dar, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Tabora, Kigoma, Bukoba, Biharamulo, Kilwa, Pemba, Dodoma, Kigoma, Lindi, Mtwara, Mafia, Mbeya, Moshi, Musoma,

Nachingwea, Njombe, Songea, Shinyanga, Tanga, Tabora, Iringa and Mwanza) will increase to USD 8 for domestic departures and USD 40 for International departures. The safety fee of USD 1 for domestic departures and USD 8 for International departures; remains unchanged so far.

For more information visit: http://www.andbeyondafrica.com/

UGANDANew Protea hotel to be built in Hoima, Uganda

Protea Hotels has just signed an agreement for the construction of another hotel in Uganda, bringing to four the number of properties in the country.

The new hotel will be constructed in Hoima, which is in the centre of the Albertine Rift Valley oil exploration, extraction and processing region. The 80-room hotel will have six conference facilities capable of hosting 300 delegates, two restaurants, a swimming pool, health club with gym, sauna and stream room, and disabled access to the property. Construction starts in the 3rd quarter of 2012, and is expected to take 24 months to complete.For more information visit: http://www.proteahotels.com/new-protea-hotel-to-be-built-in-hoima-uganda.html

ZIMBABWEWorld-class transformation of Victoria Falls underway to prepare for UNWTO 2013 global summit

The transformation of Victoria Falls, in preparation for next year’s United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly, has begun in earnest.

Air access into Zimbabwe is also on a steady surge after a trying period that has adversely affected the country’s vital tourism industry.

The catalyst for such significant investment and action by the Zimbabwe Government is the awarding of the UNWTO’s global summit to Zimbabwe and Zambia as co-hosts at Victoria Falls in August 2013, expected to attract up to 3,500 delegates.

For more information visit: http://www.victoria-falls-safari-lodge.com/blog/?p=372

dinners held in China between 2008 and 2010 – representing South Africa at five international food exhibitions. In 2006, Jade was selected as the celebrity chef in the television programme called Ready Steady Cook.

For more information visit: http://www.tsogosunhotels.com

Cape Tourist Guides Association wins National Bid

The Federation of South African Tourist Guide Associations (FSATGA) announce that Cape Tourist Guides Association (CTGA) have won the internal provincial bid, to host the 2015 World Federation of

Tourist Guides associations (WFTGA) conference in 2015.

Four provincial bids were adjudicated by an independent panel and the CTGA bid was an outstanding bid. The FSATGA will take the CTGA bid to Macau in January 2013.

The Western Cape Tourist Guides look forward to representing South Africa at the International Bid in January 2013 in China.

For further information and possible participation or assistance email: ceo@ctga.org

Wilderness TV Launched

The concept of Wilderness TV has taken a digital platform and transformed it into a virtual training environment for staff. The system puts the learning process into the hands of the staff, allowing them to log on whenever convenient and use the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge through a video interface, which demonstrates effective and efficient techniques and standards in all aspects of hospitality from coffee, to wine, to housekeeping, cocktail-making and much more.

Wilderness TV will also be hosted on a new online portal - “The Wilderness World.” This platform will shortly be made available to travel partners across the world, allowing them to log in and learn more about the world of Wilderness. Agents already have access to the “We are Wilderness” blog, which will feed into the portal as well as the noticeboard, offering camp news and general news about the company and its non-profit organisations. All users will be able to provide feedback and also to hold their own discussions about the content they see.For more information visit: http://www.wilderness-safaris.com/news/press_release_detail.jsp?id=30938

Europcar - 33 years of moving with customers

Europcar, one of South Africa’s leading car rental companies, this year celebrates a rich 33-year legacy of long-standing relationships with its customers and after so many years, excellent customer service still remains at the core of Europcar’s business.

Global winner of the first World Travel

TRADE NEWS

AUGUST 2012 35SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

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Issue 6 (September) edition material deadline: 15 August 2012

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AUGUST 201236 SATSA / RETOSA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal

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