tourism tattler march 2013
DESCRIPTION
The official tourism trade magazine on Africa. Essential reading for anyone involved in the tourism, travel or hospitality trade in or to Africa.TRANSCRIPT
Accolades • Aviation • Competitions • Conservation • Destinations • Discussions • Events Guiding • Hospitality • Legal • Legislation • Marketing • Risk • Trade News
March 2013In this issue:
OFFICIAL TRADE JOURNAL OF THE SOUTHERN AFRICA TOURISM SERVICES ASSOCIATION, THE REGIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA AND THE NATIONAL ACCOMMODATION ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA
ISSUE 3 2013
MARCH 201302 SATSA / RETOSA / NAA-SA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal
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MARCH 201304 SATSA / RETOSA / NAA-SA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal
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EDITORIAL07 From the Editors Desk / Cover Story 08 Discussion Forum ACHIEVEMENTS & ACCOLADES10 Trade Awards AVIATION11 Air Seychelles COMPETITION14 No.5 Boutique Hotel, Port Elizabeth CONSERVATION12 Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label DESTINATIONS16 Affordable Seychelles EVENTS20 Carnaval International de Victoria22 RETOSA March Events Calendar23 Tour Guide Celebrations GUIDING24 Tourist guides in South Africa
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)87 727 8631Cell: +27 (0)82 374 7260Fax: +27 (0)86 651 8080E-mail: [email protected]: tourismtattler
EDITOR Marjorie DeanTel: +27 (0)11 886 9996Fax: +27 (0)11 886 7557E-mail: [email protected] Skype: satsa-comms
ADVERTISING MANAGER Bev LangkildeTel: +27 (0)87 727 8643 Fax: +27 (0)86 656 3860Cell: +27 (0)71 224 9971E-mail: [email protected]: bevtourismtattler
SUBSCRIPTIONSEmail: [email protected] Skype: subscribetourismtattler
Issue 3 (March) 2013
The Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (RETOSA)Tel: +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 NelAlushca RitchiAnne LawrenceDes Langkilde
Contents
GUIDING28 A personal view on guiding29 Cape Town’s bid to host 2015 WFTGA HOSPITALITY30 From post office to Monarch31 Art Deco boutique hotel32 The Last Word on Constantia LEGAL33 Supplier Rights and Recourse - Part 2 LEGISLATION34 Gauteng Liquor Bill MARKETING35 SATSA Market Intelligence Report RISK36 Travel Trade Insurance - Part 4 TRADE NEWS38 Trade Snippets
Destinations: Affordable Seychelles
Guiding: Tourist Guides in South Africa
The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA)Tel: +2786 127 2872 • Fax: +2711 886 755Webite: www.satsa.com
Official Trade Journal of:
04 South African Tourism06 Live the Land Tours06 Globe Lotter Tours06 Neil’s Transfers06 Heritage Clothing06 Exceptional African Safaris06 Kondwana Marketing09 Tourism Grading Council of SA11 Air Seychelles15 Mantis Collection15 Ascent Underwriting
Leon SlotowMarjorie DeanMartin Jansen van VuurenUveshnee Pillay
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
MAGAZINE SPONSORS
SATSA PROUD SPONSOR
19 Coral Strand Hotel27 Lawhill Apartments27 KZN Guide - Danie du Preez27 Tours du Cap27 W.Cape Guide - Charmaine Kritzinger27 W.Cape Guide - Juliana van Zyl27 National Guide - Marc Oesch27 Venture Forth27 National Guide - Tont Horn33 Savage Jooste & Adams Attorneys36 TransMedia Barter
MEDIA PARTNER
Competition: Win a Stay & Spa for 2
Events: Carnaval International de Victoria
National Accommodation Association of South Africa (NAA-SA)Tel: +2786 186 2272Fax: +2786 225 9858Webite: www.naa-sa.co.za
IN THIS ISSUE
14
20
16
24
MARCH 201306 SATSA / RETOSA / NAA-SA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal
Southern Africa enquiries to:[email protected]
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EDITORIAL
From the Editor’s Desk
Cover Story
Well, the shops are full of Easter eggs, and the year is, as ever, flying past, with another key domestic tourism high season almost upon us.
Domestic tourism is, worldwide, the backbone of our tourism industry, and it is gratifying to see it given so much prominence
in current marketing and strategy planning. The point was emphasised again at the Local Government Tourism Conference, held in Sandton from 26-27 February, which I attended. It was interesting to gain a new perspective, from the side of those in our municipalities who have a great deal to contend with in promoting local tourism. Their difficulties range from having no budget at all, to having their budgets hijacked for other purposes; long waits for EIAs and planning permissions, and an almost total lack of understanding of the needs of tourism at all levels of regional and local government – although much lip service is paid in public pronouncements. It is encouraging to see that the Department of Tourism is now working much more closely with local government officers at all levels to help remedy this situation (read more on domestic tourism in the April edition).
We have two main features in this issue. The first on the regional tourism destination of Seychelles, while the second feature looks at an often neglected aspect of tourism – tourist guiding. The new Tourism Bill has a lot of legislation aimed at tightening up in this
area, and, while welcome, one has to say that industry as a whole still has a somewhat limited view of the guides’ function and value to the tourism chain. After all, they are the Faces of South Africa, with whom most overseas tourists will interact and spend a lot of their time. And it is in the interests of all of us that they be not only knowledgeable (and acquiring that knowledge is a lifelong task), but able to communicate well with their passengers.
We ask a lot of tourist guides at all levels – not only do they guide, but they have to deal with the day-to-day problems of tourists in their care , from minor to major. And yet there is a reluctance to recognise their invaluable skills and enable them to earn a decent living. These issues are still to be properly addressed, but guides themselves have to learn to work better together and present a united front for their sector of tourism. Only then can progress be made.
The March edition also highlights the development of unique boutique hotels in the Mantis portfolio. Two of these are exciting conversions from existing properties. In PE Shamwari Townhouse has been reborn as No5 Boutique Hotel, building on and reflecting is Art Deco heritage. Most interesting however, is the blossoming of a rather tatty building on Oxford Road in Rosebank, Johannesburg, which languished unloved and decaying through all the major redevelopment in the area. Once the Saxonwold Post Office, it’s now the ultra-chic Monarch Hotel, in keeping with its Heritage status. That’s great to see.
Marjorie
Our magazine cover picture for March depicts a magnificent sunset viewed from Anse Kerlan beach, on Praslin island, Seychelles - which is the featured destination for this edition (see pages 16 to 19).
Sunsets typically signify the end of something, with dawn heralding the beginning of something new. For the Seychelles, that something new is the founding of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Regional Marketing Association – an alliance established by the tourism authorities of the six island members: Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Comores, Seychelles and Reunion.
The objective of the alliance is to position the Vanilla Islands as a desirable regional destination of extraordinary beauty and diversity. The aim is to encourage travel to multiple destinations within the Vanilla Islands by highlighting the complementary aspects of the destination members while promoting and celebrating each island nation’s distinct identity.
And what better way to bring this objective to the public eye than
through the Carnaval de Victoria? This is an annual cultural extravaganza that brings the world’s best carnivals and international media to the Seychelles island of Mahé for what can rightly be described as the Carnaval des Carnavals (see pages 20 to 21).
Whilst the Seychelles is proactive in creating unique events aimed at attracting tourists, it is conscious of protecting its natural heritage, as the archipelago’s 115 islands form one of the major biodiversity hotspots on the planet. To this end, the Seychelles Tourism Board have created a Sustainable Tourism Label (SSTL) - a set of standards aimed at guiding operators to play a pivotal role in adopting best practices in the operation of their businesses in order to ensure the sustainability of tourism in the Seychelles (see page 12).
With 12% of inbound tourists arriving from Africa, Seychelles aims to grow this number through its national carrier, Air Seychelles who have embarked on a proactive expansion programme through extended codeshare operations with its equity partner, Etihad Airways (see page 11).
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Photo courtesy of Gerard Larose - Seychelles Tourism Board.
ARTICLE DISCUSSIONS
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China Inbound
I have some comments on how South Africa can improve things for Chinese visitors coming to South Africa.
1) Great effort has been made to promote South Africa in this emerging market of China during the past few years.
In 2011, South Africa launched 2 visa application centres in both Beijing and Shanghai, making the visa application process much more convenient for Chinese tourists. In January, 2012, the non-stop flight between Beijing and Johannesburg was launched, greatly shortening the flight time and making the trip much more appealing.
South Africa also offers training to tourism practitioners in South Africa to help them with the language challenges, and catering for their dietary requirements from Chinese tourists, and, critically, with providing the kinds of itineraries that cater for the needs of travellers from the Chinese markets.
South African Tourism China has been actively promoting South Africa with an integrated marketing plan, applying both online and offline promotional methods. We have launched exciting events such as the annual Trade Workshops and Media Roadshows, and have taken part in exhibitions such as ITE, CITM and CIBTM. We have valued every chance to cooperate with Chinese media and trade partners, inviting media and trade partners on FAM Trips to South Africa, delivering messages and up to date information about South Africa to more Chinese tourists via them. We have also been actively promoting South Africa and communicating with Chinese consumers through Facebook, Sina Weibo, Tecent Weibo, Youku and other social networks, and launched appealing online campaigns.
In cooperation with trade partners, we have launched various tailor-made itineraries for Chinese tourists to meet their needs and requirements.
2) More could be done for South Africa to improve things for Chinese visitors coming to South Africa, offering more convenience to Chinese travellers.
Discussion Forum
On the Tourism Tattler website, click on the Article Discussion icon located above the ‘Share’ bar beneath each article - this
will open the discussion page in a new browser tab.
How to contribute to article discussions
For more information visit:www.livingstonessupplyco.co.za
WinThe winning comment posted during the month of March 2013 in the Article Discussion forum will receive a set of
four Govino Wine Glasses with the compliments of Livingstones Supply Co – Suppliers of the Finest Products to the Hospitality Industry.
An alternative to Stainless Steel game drive cups, the very green and award winning Californian designed Govino wine glasses allow you to enjoy fine wine in settings where breakable glass is as no-no or fine stemware is not available. Reuse it, abuse it, but eventually
recycle it!Govino is: Equal to the quality of imported German wine glasses / Elegant, fine and ergonomic / Made from PETg so unbreakable and 100% recyclable / Hand-wash only – 100+ washes lifespan / Designed to enhance aroma and flavour in your wines / Recommended by inbound tour operators.Where you can use Govino Wine Glasses: Game Drives / Beach Weddings / Picnics / Pool Areas / All outdoor events.PETg Govino is wiser than glass: Carbon footprint is 350 x less than glass / 100% recyclable / Contains no lead and no BPA / Cheaper than glass life cycle / Will not crack nor discolour / Is lighter than glass.
Congratulations, BRADLEY.
Your discussion forum posting has been chosen as the winning comment for February. A copy of National Geographic’s ‘Eternal Enemies’ DVD will be delivered to you with the compliments of Livingstones Supply Co – suppliers of the finest products to the hospitality Industry.
Editor.
•
More cooperation with airlines should be developed to meet the ever-increasing needs of Chinese tourists.
More convenient visa application processes are to be introduced to make visiting South Africa more convenient for Chinese travellers.
Regards
Bradley Brouwer. Regional Manager Asia Pacific South African Tourism (Beijing Office)
•
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BOTSWANA
Safari Awards recognises Great Plains Conservation
Great Plains Conservation was a three–time winner at the prestigious, annual Safari Awards in London on January 30th. Great Plains Conservation camps, lodges and experiences were shortlisted for five
awards, which they either won or were runner–up in their categories.
This is the second year that Great Plains Conservation has won Best Safari Accommodation Group in Africa. These awards help cement the company’s ethos of Conservation Tourism: 100% of all profits made by the group through tourism are put back into conservation and community projects.
Great Plains Conservation’s Zarafa Camp, Botswana, also won four Best Safari Destination Awards from The Robb Report, Relais & Châteaux, Forbes and Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report.
Zarafa Camp in Botswana is the crown jewel of Great Plains Conservation. The camp uses 100% biogas from waste food for cooking and heat, to make the camp one of the greenest on the planet. Click here to read about the camp’s recent awards.
For the first time since the Safari Awards began in 2008, a canoe safari has been shortlisted for the Best Mobile Safari. This year’s runner–up, the Selinda Canoe Trail, is challenging the traditional driving and walking mobile safaris after four seasons of operation.
INTERNATIONAL
Green Globe Certification Annual Awards winners
Green Globe awards are made to businesses achieving the highest number of certification criteria under the Green Globe Certification Standard for Sustainable Tourism. In addition, special merit awards are made to businesses, who demonstrate a commitment to sustainable tourism that is exceptional and worthy of global recognition.
Regional winners include the Movenpick Hotel & Casino Cairo-Media City (Africa), Movenpick Hotel Muenchen-Airport (Europe), Anantara Phangan Rasananda Resort & Spa in Thailand (Asia/Pacific), Agape Cottages in the British Virgin Islands (Caribbean), Le Meridien Cyberport in Hong Kong (China), Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea in Jordan (Middle East), Hacienda Tres Rios in Mexico (North/Central America) and Chepu Adventures Eco Lodge in Chile (South America).
ACCOLADES
The special merit awards went to Steiger OHG (Germany) for Best Attraction, Inselgemeinde Juist (Germany) for Best Business, the Hannover Congress Centrum (Germany) for Best Convention Center, Comite Regional du Tourisme de Bretagne (France) for Best Destination Management Company, and Class Tour (Brazil) for Best Tour Company.
For information visit www.greenglobe.com
MAURITIUS
Air Mauritius Year-End Awards 2012
Air Mauritius recognised top travel partners at its Year-End Function held on Thursday, 07 February, 2013. 70 Leading guests were invited to continue to journey with Air Mauritius in partnership with Rovos Rail™ to pay tribute to, and honour, the top travel performers, over the past 12 months.
The annual awards ceremony took place near the platform, at Rovos Rail™ Capital Park Station, Pretoria, with the steam locomotive engine waiting on the
tracks – ready to whisk guests away, once the applause had died down.
SOUTH AFRICA
Cape Town clinches African Creative Economy Conference
Cape Town, already gearing up for World Design Capital (WDC2014) next year, has announced it will host the third Creative Economy Conference 2013 and the fourth Arterial Network Biennial Conference from 6 – 9 October this year.
The event should attract more than 300 delegates from around the world, including visitors from at least 40 African countries. With research revealing that Africa’s share of the global creative economy is less than 1%, the Conference aims to focus attention on the continent’s creative industries not just as economic drivers, but also to highlight their potential contribution to the eradication of poverty, to democracy and to human rights.
Celebrating Creativity at the Cape Town City Hall, Councillor Grant Pascoe, Mayoral Committee Member Tourism and Marketing, Erica Elk, Executive Director Cape Craft & Design Institute, Peter Rorvik, Secretary General of Arterial Network, and Anton Groenewald, Executive Director Tourism, Events and Marketing, City of Cape Town.
AVIATION
▲ The exceptional Pearl (business class) service onboard the Air Seychelles’ A330-200.
Getting there is a big part of any traveller’s holiday experience and Air Seychelles is determined that passengers arrive and leave with fond memories, writes
Des Langkilde.
Air Seychelles raises the bar for inflight service
Flying onboard the new Air Seychelles A330-200 is an absolute pleasure, made more so by the friendly and attentive air hostesses and stewards. With ample leg room in economy class seats and Pearl (business class) seats that recline to a fully flat bed, passengers are assured of a restful journey.
And if you’re one of those people who just can’t sleep on flights, there’s the 20-inch TV screen with a wide selection of movies to while away the time.
Air Seychelles was established in 1978, following the merger of Air Mahé and Inter-Island Airways. After running at a loss for three years in a row, Air Seychelles announced a two year business plan in March 2012. The highlights of 2012 have been:• Benefited from synergies and cost savings flowing from its equity
partnership with Etihad Airways;• Carried 247,750 passengers on its domestic and international
network;• Operated 180 domestic flights a week;• Expanded its international network launching flights to Abu Dhabi
and, from March 24, Hong Kong with through connections to Johannesburg;• Increased frequencies to key destinations;• Operating daytime flights on Johannesburg route;
• Introduced 19 new codeshare destinations with Etihad Airways;• Took delivery of one A330-200 aircraft, with a second due March
2013;• Received a surge in positive guest feedback from new and returning
customers.
In keeping with its business plan, Air Seychelles has increased its Johannesburg services with an additional weekly flight from March 24, bringing return services between the Seychelles and Johannesburg to a total of three per week. The new daytime departures and arrivals will enable more convenient connections to Cape Town, Durban, the rest of South Africa and into Africa.
“Johannesburg has performed strongly during a turn-around year for Air Seychelles. We are confident that the additional service, convenient day flight times and increased connectivity across South Africa will see even higher load factors on the route in 2013,” said Air Seychelles CEO, Cramer Ball.
For more information contact +2711 326 4440 or e-mail [email protected] or visit: www.airseychelles.com
www.airseychelles.com
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CONSERVATION
The ‘Sustainable Tourism Label’ is an international concept that establishes a set of standards to encourage and guide tourism operators to play a vital role in adopting best practices in the operation of their businesses in order to ensure the sustainability of the Seychelles tourism industry.
The development of the Sustainability Label for Seychelles is in line with a recommendation made in the Seychelles Government’s Vision 21: Tourism Development in Seychelles 2001-2010. A study on certification for tourism operators, in consultation with the industry, recommended the development of such a Sustainability Label on the basis of strict, transparent, fair and externally checked criteria.
The label is in line with the UNWTO’s Secretary-General Taleb Rifai’s call to use the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism to guide tourism developments so that they become “sustainable, ethical and responsible”.
This label is a voluntary initiative that will encourage tourism establishments to recognize the three tiered approach to sustainability, which includes socio-economic values of tourism as well as the environmental conservation principles.
Criteria
The implementation structure for the label follows a set of eight implementation criteria, namely:
1. Management The Management Section includes policy, monitoring, health and
safety. This section requires some sustainability documentation that will ensure the hotel’s sustainability initiatives are undertaken systematically. It requires that progress is monitored over time and that opportunities for further improvements are identified.
2. Waste Waste has a number of potentially serious environmental impacts,
the most obvious of which is the waste that is sent to a landfill. On a small island, landfill waste toxins leach into the soil and eventually back to the sea. Waste reduction is a widely understood and visible form of sustainable practice and therefore presents a good opportunity to foster support from guests, staff, and the community. In addition, Reducing, Reusing and Recycling are effective ways of cutting business costs.
3. Water The broad aim of water-related practices is to reduce the amount
of fresh water used by hotels. This reduces the impact on fresh-water supplies as well as the potential for water pollution. As with waste, the first step is to reduce water use through conservation and rainwater collection, and then to explore options for water reuse and recycling.
4. Energy Energy typically comprises up to 50% of a hotel’s utility operating
costs. Energy reduction practices can consist of ‘management’
The Seychelles launched its Sustainable Tourism Label programme and logo during a ceremony organised as part of the islands’ celebration of the United Nations
World Tourism Day on 27 September 2011, writes Des Langkilde.
Seychelles launches Sustainable Tourism Label logo
practices that change staff and/or guest behaviour in order to reduce energy use. Examples include staff turning out lights and guests choosing not to have their towels laundered so frequently. There is also a range of practices that require investment in appliances, insulation, heating, or other energy-efficient technology. These investments often pay for themselves in the medium term.
5. Staff Staff and guest-related practices are of significant importance
to the sustainability of a hotel enterprise and of tourism in the Seychelles. The Staff criteria aim to recognise fair treatment of staff and staffing opportunities given to local people to reduce staff turnover and encourage loyalty.
6. Conservation Most sustainability practices focus on reducing the negative impact
of a business on the environment or the community in which they operate. The community and conservation criteria reflect the fact that an important part of sustainable tourism is to make a positive contribution to the local community and to local conservation activities.
7. Community For a hotel to get recognition for its community and conservation
practices, it is necessary to keep a record of such activities. This may include receipts or letters of gratitude from community groups, photos of conservation work, or testimonials from community members.
8. Guests The Guest criteria recognise the importance of guest satisfaction
to the sustainability of the business. Satisfied guests go home and recommend Seychelles to their friends. Word of mouth is one of the most effective forms of tourism marketing.
Since applications opened on 01 June 2012 three hotels have been certified by the SSTL for integrating sustainability practices into their business operations. They are: Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino, Hanneman’s Holiday Residence and Constance Ephelia Resort.
For more information visit: www.seychelles.travel/sstl/index.php/what-is-sstl
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CONSERVATION
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COMPETITION
WINNER OF THE MANTIS VIEWS BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA COMPETITION FROM THE FEBRUARY 2013 EDITION
To enter 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 name of the spa at No5 Boutique Art Hotel?”
Email your answer with Mantis No5 Boutique Art Hotel Competition in the subject field to [email protected] by 25 March 2013. Remember to include your contact details (Name, company trading name, telephone numbers, city/town, province and country).
The first correct entry drawn after the closing date will win the prize, with the compliments of No5 Boutique Art Hotel and Mantis Collection.
The prize is valued at R10,200.00 and consists of:• Two nights for two people sharing in the Zanele Mbeki Presidential
Suite (B&B)• One romantic dinner for two• One HIS & HER Massage Treatment’ in Rock Spa & Gym• Champagne and Fruit hamper on arrival in room.
Marketed by the Mantis Collection, No5 Boutique Art Hotel is a showcase of sophistication, art deco and architecture. Located in the heart of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, No5 offers ten exquisite suites; all masterpieces of comfort and opulence.
Nestled in the affluent beachfront suburb of Summerstrand, No5 Boutique Art Hotel is less than 10 minutes from the airport and within 100 metres of the rolling Indian Ocean. Facilities include:
CHAMPAGNE LOUNGE. Unwind for pre-dinner drinks where French Champagne and select local sparkling wines are served daily. The lounge flows onto an outside terrace that overlooks the lap pool.
JAZZ ROOM. Creative South African cuisine influenced by international flavours and complemented by fine, rare, local and imported wines. The dining experience can be extended to the outdoors. Seats 28 guests.
CELLAR. For private dining and special functions, the Provencal-style Cellar seats 14 guests.
MOUNTBATTEN CINEMA. Modelled on Prince Charles’ cinema in his Clarence House residence in London, the Mountbatten will ensure absolute viewing pleasure, whether for business projects or a relaxing movie experience.
SALON PRIVE. This venue provides the perfect end to your day. An impressive range of smooth single malt whiskies and Cuban cigars will meet the expectations of even the most discerning guests.
ROCK RETREAT SPA. Uplift and nurture body, mind and soul with the combination of soothing and tranquil surrounds, professional yet personalized attention and specialized treatments.
GYMNASIUM. Well-equipped with distant views of the ocean, the gym will energize you and ensure a sustained exercise routine while away from home.
EXECUTIVE BOARDROOM. Fitted with state-of-the-art equipment, our Boardroom creates an environment for professional, modern day business dealings without disruptions.
Note: This competition closes on 25 March 2013. NB: Read the Terms and Conditions of this competition, which can be downloaded at:www.tourismtattler.co.za/Mantis-No5BoutiqueArtHotel-Competition-TermsConditions.pdf
A Presidential Suite Stay & Spa
for 2
Win
CONGRATULATIONS to Marianne Strydom of XL Boland Travel (www.bolandtravel.co.za) in Paarl, Cape Town South Africa whose competition entry was the first correct entry to be drawn. Marianne has won a Penthouse Pamper for 2 valued at R12,250.00 and consists of: Two nights for two people sharing in the Penthouse Suite (B&B), One romantic dinner for two (4 courses) served in the Penthouse, One 3 hour ‘Togetherness Treatment’ in the Views Spa & Gym and a fruit and chocolate hamper on arrival with a bottle of sparkling wine.
Tel: 084 267 9215 [email protected]
With the compliments of:
www.mantiscollection.comwww.no5boutiquearthotel.com
Read more about the No5 Boutique Hotel in our Hospitality Property Profile on page 30
www.viewshotel.co.za / www.mantiscollection.com
MARCH 2013 15SATSA / RETOSA / NAA-SA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal
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Enjoy exceptional accommodation, magnificent wildlife, hypnotic landscapes and world-class hospitality, while our strong commitment to conservation of the environment and exploration ensures a luxurious, yet responsible travel experience.
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MARCH 201316 SATSA / RETOSA / NAA-SA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal
Asked at a press briefing held prior to the 2013 Caranval de Victoria (see article on pages 20 and 21), if the ‘Affordable Seychelles’ marketing slogan is capable of being lived up to, Minister of Tourism, Alain St.Ange replied; “Seychelles will never be a mass market for budget travel - with over half of our islands already set aside as conservation areas and several declared as World Heritage Sites, our hospitality sector growth is carefully controlled as we appreciate that tourists come to Seychelles to experience and share in our natural heritage. This being said, we also do not want to be seen as an exclusive destination for the rich and famous only. We have a broad range of accommodation available to suit every budget, which is why the Seychelles Tourism Board launched the exciting ‘Seychelles Secrets’ brand to introduce a diverse assortment of affordable holiday accommodation, where tourists can enjoy memorable hospitality in picturesque locations while savouring the magic and intimacy of the Creole way of life.”
So is the Seychelles really affordable?
Having spent seven days touring the islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Dique in February, I have to agree with Minister St.Ange. As do many of the international media that I met during my trip. One journalist in particular (and a regular editorial contributor to Tourism Tattler), Wolfgang H. Thome, took this topic to heart by doing his own comparative survey on affordability, which can be viewed on his blog here. And if cost of living indices are of interest, take a look at Xpatulator.com where Victoria is currently ranked 560 out of 780 places (rank 1 is the most expensive with rank 780 being the least expensive). Compare this to Johannesburg, South Africa, which is ranked 343 out of 780 places.
My point is that the word ‘affordable’ means different things to different people. Much of what makes the Seychelles unique and special is virtually free to all. Take its stunning public beaches for example - anyone can lie under a palm tree on the softest, whitest beach sand imaginable, or snorkel among vibrantly coloured fish and even spot turtles as they cruise the island’s shallow coral reefs.
And there’s no charge to watch the sun set and spot the local fruit bats soaring on the evening air currents while drinking the local Seybrew beer, which is affordable and refreshing.
A bold headline and a statement that many travellers to this idyllic destination are quick to defend or dispute, depending on their personal experience, but a statement that the Seychelles Tourism Minister defends vociferously,
writes Des Langkilde.
Affordable Seychelles
DESTINATIONS
Speak to the friendly Seychelloise people and you will be answered in English (or French if you prefer) and offered advice without an outstretched hand expecting compensation in return. Perhaps it’s their sense of community or national pride at being one of the smallest nations on earth (some 90,000 citizens according to the latest population census) or just the natural bonhomie of living in paradise, but whatever the cause, the locals’ friendly disposition is a refreshing change to the surliness experienced in some countries.
The Seychelles immigration customs officials appear to be an exception to the bonhomie rule however, who seem to have a universal creed of surliness. The particular official who scrutinized my visitor stats form on arrival in Mahé took exception to the fact that I’d omitted to complete one crucial question on the form. “Why the attitude?” I asked. “Why you don’t know where you’re staying?” came the curt reply. After perusing my extensive itinerary, he seemed to agree that there simply was not enough space on the form and the omission remained blank.
Seychelles Yacht Club
During my stay in Seychelles I met with Mr Louis D’Offay, the Chairman of the Seychelles Hospitality & Tourism Association to discuss private sector collaboration and knowledge sharing through reciprocal membership with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association. It turns out that not only is Mr D’Offay an experienced hotelier (his family owns the Hotel L’Archipel on Praslin Island, which is managed
▲ Grande Soeur island. Photo courtesy of Raymond Sahuquet - Seychelles Tourism Board.
Seychelles Yacht Club, Mahé
A Coco-de-Mer palm seed can weigh up to 15kg+.▲
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DESTINATIONS
by his son Lucas) but he is also the Chairman of the Seychelles Yacht Club in Victoria, Mahé, where we met for our informal chat.
The Seychelles Yacht Club has an interesting history, which begins with a tale of a high ranking British official who sailed his personal yacht from Zanzibar in the early 1960’s and upon stepping ashore at what used to be the Short Pier, garlanded with a toilet seat around his neck, became dismayed that the Seychelles did not have a yacht club. Upon his appointment to the post of Colonial Secretary, said gentleman secured the backing of the Governor and a group of local personages to establish the club, which was registered in 1964.
Today, the Seychelles Yacht Club boasts a membership of 300, of which only about 40 are active, ensuring that an ice cold Seybrew beer and very affordable meal is readily available. As a base from which to conduct business the Club is ideally located within walking distance of the Victoria business centre and has reciprocity with a long list of international clubs, including six in South Africa, namely; the Bluff Yacht Club and Point Yacht Club in Durban, Royal Cape Yacht Club, Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club, Hout Bay Yacht Club and Knysna Yacht Club. For more information email [email protected]
Accommodation - Tried and Tested
Hotel L’Archipel
This four star boutique hotel has what every hotelier wishes for - location. Overlooking the Côte d’Or Bay on the North-Eastern side
of Praslin Island, L’Archipel is close to the ferry jetty at Baie St.Anne and the Vallée del Mal National Park - a Unesco World Heritage Site that covers 19.5 ha of palm forest and has remained largely unchanged since prehistoric times. Space constraints would do this natural wonder an injustice to even attempt to write about it in this article but do yourself a favour and read more here.
L’Archipel is owned and managed by the D’Offay family and has 32 spacious rooms overlooking lush tropical gardens and water features leading to the pristine coral reef protected beach. With two fishing boats (one commercial and the other permanently moored in the Bay for fishing charters) dining at either the La Feuille d’Or, in the main building (dinner) or the La Gigolette on the beach (Breakfast, lunch and a la carte seafood restaurant for dinner) ensures that fresh fish and locally procured vegetables are always on the menu, expertly prepared by French trained chefs, which is just one of the many reasons that this hotel boasts an average occupancy rate of 70%. Highly recommended for honeymooners and couples seeking a haven of peace and tranquillity in secluded privacy.
For more information visit: www.larchipel.com
Coral Stand Hotel
The recently renovated Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel is a 5 storey U-Shaped building with 165 rooms located just outside of Victoria on Mahé Island. The hotels position on the Beau Vallon Beach and its ample amenities are about all that I can recommend as my admittedly
▲ Beau Vallon Beach, Mahé.
Hotel L’Archipel, Praslin island ‘Garden view’ room at the Coral Strand Hotel, Mahé
Vallée del Mal National Park, Praslin.
▲
DESTINATIONS
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• That the fabulous treasure of the notorious Pirate Olivier le Vasseur, (La Buse) today valued at $US 160,000,000, probably still lies buried somewhere at Bel Ombre in North Mahé. • Aldabra is the world’s largest raised coral atoll and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is so vast that the whole of Mahé could fit inside its lagoon. Aldabra is also home to the only flightless bird in the Indian Ocean, the White-Throated Rail as well as to 273 species of plants and ferns and home to the largest population of Giant Tortoises in the world; 150,000 in total. • Seychelles is home to one of the tiniest frogs (1 cm at maturity) • Seychelles is home to the world’s heaviest land tortoise living in the wild. This is Esmeralda (304 kg) on Bird Island. • Aride Island is an important breeding site for 10 species of seabird and the world’s largest population of lesser noddies. It is known as the seabird citadel of the Indian Ocean.Seychelles is home to some of the rarest endemic birds (Seychelles bush warbler, paradise fly-catcher, bare-legged scops owl) to be found anywhere on earth. • Mahé’s rarest bird, the Bare-legged Scops Owl is so rare that it was once thought to have become extinct before being re-discovered in 1959.Seychelles is scattered over an area of 1.4 million km² of ocean. • Victoria is one of the tiniest capitals in the world and can easily be explored on foot in less than a day. • Seychelles’ granitic islands are the oldest oceanic islands on earth. • The mountainous granite isles of the Seychelles are the only islands in the middle of any ocean that are not of volcanic origin. • Seychelles’ waters once teemed with crocodiles and ‘aligartes’. The largest ever recorded was found on La Digue and was said to be 13 feet long and a girth of 8 feet.
short personal experience left a lot to be desired. My tiny third floor ‘garden facing (?)’ room with an even tinier balcony overlooking the washing lines of the room below and a view over a tined roof expanse of parking bays and a distant Bunyan tree, barely visible through the piercing stobe of a security flood light, was enhanced with repetitive sounds of doors slamming and the perpetual rattle of airconditioning emanating from somewhere below.
Feeling a little perturbed, I showered in the tiny cubicle, which I assume was meant to be the bathroom but lacked either, changed into smart casual attire and descended via the stairwell (as the lift had broken down shortly after my arrival) to dine in a cavernous hall festooned with gaudy plastic tables at which hotel guests dined resplendent in beach gear and conversing loudly to overcome the echoing clatter of scraping eating utensils and nouveau cheap plastic chairs.
Following a restless night in a tiny bed I awoke to the cacophony of a tropical storm, made all the louder by the tin roofs in the parking lot beneath my balcony, and waded down the water logged stairwell, along slippery corridors exposed to sheeting rain and arrived soaked to enjoy a surprisingly good buffet style breakfast, albeit in the aforementioned cavernous hall of echos.
For more information visit: www.coralstrand.com
Kempinski Seychelles Resort
Located on the exclusive south end of Mahé directly on the famous Baie Lazare Beach, the Kempinski Seychelles Resort is close to the airport and 40 minutes from the capital Victoria.
Star grading is not that evident in the Seychelles accommodation sector but if a 6-star grading exists, that would be my rating for this superb resort. From the friendly and efficient attention of staff on check-in to the luxurious room amenities, wide ranging facilities and excellent cuisine served at four unique venues; including a signature restaurant inspired by the cuisine of the Indian Ocean rim, a casual poolside bar, an all-day dining restaurant and a beachside bar.
Did You Know?
Little touches like personalized messages on the rooms plasma TV screen, daily letters from management and newspaper snippets in the language of your choice, a complimentary bottle of wine and fruit tray on arrival and a fully stocked bar fridge, which you only pay to have restocked, are all part of the service.
Room amenities include his and hers bathrobes and slippers, monogrammed suit bag and shoe shine implements in the dressing room cupboards and the widest range of bathroom amenities that I’ve ever come across.
In true resort style, the hotel caters for families with a supervised kids club, daily activities roster and sport equipment kiosk on the beach. The spa and wellness centre, set against a majestic hillside backdrop, has six private treatment rooms with a twin treatment room for honeymooners or special treatments. An ultra-modern gym located adjacent to the pool caters for cardiovascular and power training sessions, while the athletically inclined can train at two tennis courts.
Meetings and events are catered for through three indoor venues, of which the Salon Quincy is one of the largest in the Seychelles, catering for 200 theatre style seats. Weddings and honeymoons are specialised events that the resort caters to and I can think of few venues that are better staffed and equipped to cater for these memorable moments of a lifetime.
For more information visit: www.kempinski.com
The Kempinski spa and wellness centreA view over the pool and sunbathing area at Kempinski Seychelles Resort
DESTINATIONS
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Seychelles Tourism Statistics According to the World Tourism Organization, (2012) Compendium of Tourism Statistics dataset, Seychelles received 194,476 non-resident tourist arrivals in 2011 (a growth of 11.43% against 2010). For the latest stats visit: www.nbs.gov.sc/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/VASB52_2012.pdf
Of this number, 24,422 (12%) of arrivals came from Africa, 4,750 (2%) from the Americas, 5,664 (3%) from East Asia and the Pacific, 144,144 (75%) from Europe, 12,176 (6%) from the Middle East and 3,340 (2%) from South Asia.
The largest year-on-year percentage increase in arrivals came from the Middle East countries such as Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE (46% growth) followed by the East Asia countries of Korea, China and Japan (35% growth). The only source markets that showed a decline were South Asia (-8%), specifically Bangladesh and India.
Inbound tourism generated US$378 million in revenue in 2011 - a 7% increase over 2010.
Accommodation for visitors in hotels and similar establishments in Seychelles reflects an occupancy rate of 58% carried by 2,510 rooms and 5,280 bed-places.
In terms of outbound tourism, Seychelloise travelled to Mauritius predominantly (8,485 trips) followed by South Africa (3,182 trips), India (2,330 trips), Thailand (1,597 trips) and China (1,385 trips). A total of 20,816 trips were undertaken abroad in 2011, which is a 6% increase over 2010.
www.coralstrand.com T: + 248 4 291 000
BEST BEACH LOCATION
BREATHTAKING OCEAN VIEWFROM EVERY CORNER
UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE
WALKING DISTANCE TOLOCAL SHOPPING
HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT
Dining out
The Marie Antoinette restaurant in Victoria, Mahé serves traditional Creole cuisine and is definately worth a visit for both the food and the ambience of the building.
When is the best time to visit?
While the Seychelles is blessed with a warm tropical climate all year round April and May are the best months to avoid the peak wind and monsoon seasons as are the cooler months of October or November.
Getting there
Read our article under the AVIATION section.
The Marie Antoinette restaurant
EVENTS
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With twenty international groups and countries being represented in over sixty carnival float processions, including floats created by local businesses, the Seychelles police force and representatives from visiting Navy forces, the Carnaval lived up to the Seychelles motto of being a ‘melting pot of cultures.’
The first edition of this unique event took place on 04 March 2011, and, based on its success was followed with a second edition in March 2012. The 2013 edition however
Carnival of Carnivals a spectacular success
The third edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria held in Seychelles from 08 to 10 February has once again lived up to its reputation of being the ‘Carnaval des Carnavals’,
writes Des Langkilde.
was moved to February as March conflicted with religious events that take place in the Seychelles, which is predominantly Catholic.
Floats and dancers participating in the procession included the famous Notting Hilll Carnival troupe from the UK, Brazilian beauties from Rio and spectacular displays from Brussels, China, Germany (Dusseldorf), India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Korea, Madagascar, Mauritius, Nigeria, Philippines, Reunion, Russia, South Africa (Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal), Trinidad, Tobago and Zimbabwe.
This year’s Carnaval was jointly co-hosted by the Vanilla Islands of Seychelles, La Reunion and Madagascar along with Zimbabwe. During a press briefing at the Constance Ephelia Resort prior to the official opening of the 2013 carnival, an agreement was signed
by the President of La Reunion, Mr. Robert Didier and the Seychelles Tourism Minister Alain St.Ange, which is aimed at formalizing cooperation between the two countries. As part of the agreement, hospitality students from La Reunion will be able to study at the Seychelles Tourism Academy with reciprocal student exchange programmes for on-site work experience at hotels in each country.
Judging by the increased popularity of this cultural extravaganza over the past three years, the Carnaval International de Victoria is set to become one of the ‘must see’ annual events in the international tourism calendar.
As Minister St.Ange says; “No Government should be ashamed to showcase their people and culture. The Carnaval de Carnavals is like a tourism trade fair, and remains the venue for Governments from far and wide, through their own Tourism of Culture Departments, to meet the large press fraternity, and fly their flags as their respective rich cultures is shown to the world. There can be no consolidation of tourism without culture and this message I am echoing from the heart of a tourism paradise, the Seychelles, where tourism remains the pillar of its economy.” For more Carnaval images visit our social media sites.
EVENTS
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How to participate in the 2014 Carnaval International de Victoria
The Seychelles Tourism Board are inviting governments and the travel trade to participate in the 2014 event (25-27 April) by either entering their own carnival float or marketing tailor-made carnival package tours.
Contact Mrs Marymonde Matatiken, Manager Events and Convention at the Seychelles Tourism Board by email on [email protected]
EVENTS
RETOSA EVENTS CALENDAR - MARCH 2013Date Event Description Venue
Botswana SkyGaborone & KasaneTBA
8-10 March and15-17 March
BOTSWANA
SEYCHELLES Fête de la Francophonie16-23 March
Journée Interna-tional de la
Francophonie
20 March
TANZANIA Kilimanjaro Marathon
MoshiThe marathon starts in the town of Moshi in Kilimanjaro region and goes along roads and into villages and through farmlands on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro
03 March
ZAMBIA International Cultural Festival
NationalThe event will draw participation from more than 15 countries as part of the Dr. David Livingstone Bicentenary Celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Scottish Missionary who was the first white man to sight the Falls. The Town of Livingstone is named after him and he named the Falls – Victoria Falls after the Queen of England. The festival will mark the start of the Bicentenary Celebrations. For more information visit: www.victoriafallslivingstone.com
March TBC
(Ministry of Culture) TBA
(Ministry of Culture) TBA
RETOSA has launched an annual events calendar aimed at keeping the travel trade informed on forthcoming events in each of the 14 RETOSA member countries, namely: Angola, Botswana, DR Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Each month’s events will be published in the Tourism Tattler and the full year’s events for each country can be downloaded at: www.tourismtattler.co.za/donwloads/retosa2013calendarofevents.pdf
RETOSA 2013 Events Calendar
Tour de Lesotho Mountain Biking
Race
Lesotho SunLesotho is a beautiful, mountainous country full of spectacular scenery and unbeliev-able cycling routes for both road and Mountain-bike (mtb) enthusiasts to tour.
TBALESOTHO
Durban Link Canoe Race
TBA TBA Lesotho Durban Link
Maseru Bazaar 31 March (Every last Sat)
The event provides a platform for commercial activity particularly for tourism related SMMEs such as crafters and artists producing work of art.
LTDC
Martyrs’ Day National
Martyrs’ Day is held on 3rd March each year, commemorating the historic uprising against British Colonial rule.
03 MarchMALAWI
Diving Event
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EVENTS
The celebrations, which took place in Kimberley in the Northern Cape, sought to create awareness about tourist guiding. It also provided a platform for the recognition of tourist guides who have excelled in their profession.
Celebrated annually on the February 21, this day was first introduced by the World Federation of Tourist Guide Association in 1990, where fifteen countries participated. Twenty three years later, this day is celebrated by tourist guides in more than seventy five countries.
In his opening remarks NDT’s Deputy Director-General for Policy and Knowledge Services and National Registrar of Tourist Guides emphasized the purpose of the day by briefly explaining it in context of the theme for the event, that is “Tourist Guiding in the 21st Century”.
Topics were carefully selected to support the theme and more importantly to equip tourist guides with the necessary tools to assist them in accessing market opportunities.
“Most tourist guides work on a freelance basis. As a freelancer its very difficult to survive as a business. Not only are you a manager of your own business, you need to go out and find business, execute that business and
more importantly satisfy the customer. Topics such as Social Media Platforms are intended to provide tourist guides with information on how to get better exposure through the utilization of these social media tools, similarly, the presentation on Business Cooperatives is aimed at providing tourist guides with information on the benefits of starting co-operatives in order to increase market access by being able to access tour operators, to be included in tour packages, etc.” Said Tharage.
Tourist guides were encouraged to adhere to the Tourism Act of 1993, and contribute to the professionalisation of the sector.
A gala dinner, hosted by the Deputy Minister of NDT, in conjunction with the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism MEC Mr. John Block, was held as part of the celebrations. In her key note address, Deputy Minister Thokizile Xasa pointed out the complex environment in which tourist guides operate and how
it requires that they keep up with developments around them to remain competitive and relevant.
“I would like to see more guides taking up the opportunities presented by cooperatives and work with tour operators to enhance market access. Working together between the established and emerging enterprises will be one of the most critical ingredients for the success and transformation of the tourism sector,” the Deputy Minister concluded.
The CEO of Brand South Africa, Miller Matola addressed the importance of the role of tourist guides in building and maintaining a positive brand for South Africa.
South Africa, through the The National Department of Tourism (NDT) together with the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism joined the world in celebrating this year’s International Tourist Guide Day, under the theme, Tourist guiding in the 21stCentury, writes
Uveshnee Pillay - Director: Tourist Guiding.
Tourism Guiding EcosystemIn his presentation to delegates at the Kimberley celebrations, Grant Hine, the CEO of the Field Guides Association of South Africa (FGASA) made an interesting observation. “The guiding industry functions as an Ecosystem, with all in it connected. As with any ecosystem, if one part does not perform its role ultimately the ecosystem will change and in most cases will not function as it should for the benefit of all. To professionalise the guiding industry means to ensure that guides, employers and clients are all satisfied with the guided experience, thus all aspects of the Guiding Ecosystem have to be professional. We need to work together for the professionalization of the whole industry – as a functioning healthy ecosystem“ said Grant.
A larger version of the diagram shown can be downloaded in PDF file format at www.tourismtattler.co.za/downloads-Tourism-Ecosystem-Diagram.pdf
South Africa celebrates International Tourist Guide Day
NDT’s Victor Tharage
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GUIDING
Tourist Guides in South Africa
Who is a Tourist Guide?
Any person who, for monetary or other reward, accompanies people who are travelling through or visiting any place within a country, and who furnishes those people with information or comments concerning a place or objects visited is defined as Tourist Guide. Many tourist guides may also wish to run their own tour operations in which they are both tour guide and tour operator.
Categories of tourist guides
There are three categories of tourist guides:Site Guides – these tourist guides have attained the minimum qualification in order to guide in a “limited geographical area” i.e. Hiking in the Drakensberg, visiting the Natal Battlefields, taking a day tour of Cape Town, visiting Soweto;Provincial Guides – are qualified to take tourists around an entire province i.e. Limpopo or Gauteng;National Guides – are permitted to conduct tours around South Africa, crossing all provincial boundaries. These guides would accompany people taking a comprehensive tour of South Africa, say, by coach.
Classification of Tourist Guides
Adventure Guides – conduct a guided adventure experience e.g. rock climbing, paddling, abseiling, etc.
Nature Guides – conduct a guided natural experience in areas such as Game Reserves, National Parks, nature conservation areas, trails, and the like.
Some of the most important people in tourism are tourist guides. They interact on a personal level daily with tourists, and a good tourist guide can make a holiday visit really memorable. 21 February was National Tourist Guides Day, celebrated in Kimberley (See our report on page 23). Marjorie Dean investigates just what makes a tourist guide. How does a person become a tourist
guide, and how and where do they work.
Cultural Guides – conduct a guided cultural experience in a limited geographical area such as a museum, community, wine farm, town or city.
Qualifications
Qualifications for tourist guides are governed by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
There are only two qualifications registered on the NQF:1. National Certificate in Tourism: Guiding (NQF2) 2. National Certificate in Tourism: Guiding (NQF4)
Note that a new NQF 4 qualification has recently been registered and this replaces the 20155 qualification.
Several unit standards, within the different areas of specialisation, have been clustered together to form skills programmes addressing areas of specialization, and aimed at persons wishing only to complete the specialized minimum area of learning required to guide.
These skills programmes are registered by CATHSSETA (The Culture Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority )for certification purposes. The applicable unit standards are registered on the NQF. In order to register as a site guide specialising in culture, nature, or adventure guiding you need different combinations of unit standards. These rules of combination can be accessed on the CATHSSETA website, at www.cathsseta.org.za
To register as a provincial or national guide you need, as a minimum, qualification at NQF level 4 plus the required unit standard for your area of specialization – You can also view these on the CATHSSETA website as given above. Note that the requirements for guide registration, including what learning programme or course is needed for which category of guiding, is the competence of the Provincial Registrars of Tourist Guides.
Tourist Guiding Training and Assessors
All tourist guide trainers and assessors have to be accredited by CATHSSETA to be able to train according to the nationally recognized standards and qualifications network.
GUIDING
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Assessors cannot issue certificates as they have to be working for/with an accredited training provider who will then issue certificates from CATHSSETA, upon completion of the assessment. The duration of the course, course content, dates and time of training, fee structure is determined by each training provider.
The guiding qualifications are made up of a collection of unit standards or building blocks. Each unit standard represents knowledge that a person must have, specific to his profession. These unit standards were devised in close consultation with tourist guides and other stakeholders. Each guide will be assessed against these standards.
Tourist guides are free to choose any training provider or assessor to work with. Details of accredited tourist guide training providers and assessors are available on the CATHSSETA website at www.cathsseta.org.za or can be obtained by calling their offices on 011 217 0600 or sending an email to [email protected]
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is the type of assessment used for those who have been working as unregistered guides in the past as it takes into account all the qualifications, work experiences, life skills etc. for a particular guide and fits these into the current NQF for guiding. The assessor may point out the areas/unit standards to which extra attention needs to be given. Once the tourist guide has completed this a meeting with the assessor will need to be arranged in order to complete the assessment.
The registration process
No tourist guide may work without being registered.
NB: CATHSSETA does not register tourist guides. CATHSSETA gives accreditation to training providers so that they can train guides.
According to the Tourism Second Amendment Act no 70 of 2000, any person who wishes to be registered as a tourist guide shall apply to the relevant Provincial Registrar.In order to be registered as a tourist guide in South Africa, a person must meet the following minimum requirements:• must be at least 21 years of age;• must be a South African citizen or be in possession of a valid work
permit;• must have undergone training with a CATHSSETA-accredited
training provider;• must be in possession of a valid first aid certificate from an
institution accepted by the Department of Labour;• submit 4 passport size photos;• pay a registration fee of R240; and• must submit a completed and signed registration form and a code
of conduct and ethics upon registration.
Proof of registration
The old SATOUR badges and ID cards became null and void on 31 May 2002. Registered tourist guides are now identified by new ID cards which all tourist guides are required to have in their possession whilst guiding. Official tourist guide badges must also be worn whilst guiding. The Provincial Registrar will issue badges and ID cards to new guides only once their application for registering as a tourist guide has been approved. The ID cards indicate the category of guiding, the regions for which the tourist guide was found competent to guide, as well as specialities that the guide might possess. The ID cards are very important because the various policing authorities will request tourist guides to produce these during tourist guide spot checks conducted at various parts of South Africa to identify illegal/unregistered tourist guides.
Renewal of registration
Any person registered as a tourist guide, may before the end of the period for which he/she is registered, apply to the Provincial Registrar for renewal of his or her registration and his/her registration shall, upon submission of application forms and other documents and the payment of R240, be renewed. For a full list of Provincial Registrars refer to the table at the end of this article.
Non-compliance
Failure of a tourist guide to complete the NDT registration and CATHSSETA accreditation process but continuing to guide will result in that tourist guide being liable for prosecution. Fines of up to R1 000 can be imposed on illegal guides. Operators found to be using illegal guides can be fined amounts up to R10 000. The process for lodging complaints about unregistered/illegal guides as well as registered/legal guides is outlined in the Second Tourism Amendment Act, 2000. Copies of these can be obtained from NDT offices or from any of the Provincial Registrars’ offices.
Tourist Guide Code of Ethics
A Professional Tourist Guide must conform to the Tourist Guide Code of Ethics. The code states that a guide:• Shall be welcoming and demonstrate an enthusiasm for South
Africa.• Shall at all times show willingness to provide optimum support and
quality service to all tourists, and will give tourists an opportunity to enjoy or visit a desired destination.
• Shall in no way discriminate in rendering service to any tourist on any basis, e.g. race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, physical challenge, age, etc.
• Shall be impartial, unbiased and positive, and represent South Africa objectively.
• Shall be suitably dressed and presentable at all times.• Shall be punctual, reliable, honest, conscientious and tactful at
all times.• Shall be a responsible driver, when driving as a guide.• Shall carry out the programme/itinerary of a tour to his/her best
abilities and be loyal to the company/organization that he/she is representing.
• Shall deal with conflict in a sensitive and responsible manner.• Shall report any incident of injury or death to a nearby tourist
authority or police station.• Shall be knowledgeable and shall assist tourists and not provide
them with misleading information.• Shall in the event of not being familiar with, or being unable
to provide information requested by a tourist, consult with the appropriate authorities for assistance.
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PROVINCE AUTHORITY/DEPT REGISTRAR TELEPHONE CELL FAX POSTAL EMAIL
1. Limpopo Depart of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Moses Ngobeni (015) 293 8510 082 800 2666 (015) 291 1085 P/BAG X 9486 [email protected] Vukosi Ratshipaladza (015) 293 8504 082 805 1302 POLOKWANE [email protected] Stanley Ngwetjana (015) 293 8538 082 771 6240 0700 [email protected]
2. Mpumalanga Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency Musa Mahlangu (013) 759 5328 086 603 6766 P/BAG X 11338 [email protected] Justine Hoggan (013) 759 5477 NELSPRUIT, [email protected] 1200
3. Gauteng Gauteng Tourism Authority Mpho Moeti (011) 085 2101 082 803 1124 086 609 3941 P.O. BOX 155 [email protected] Pat Naidoo NEWTOWN [email protected] Tsholofelo Mashiane 21003 [email protected]
4. KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism Peggy Dlamini (033) 264 9324 082 952 7575 (033) 264 9316 217 Burger Street [email protected] Sthembiso Zungu (033) 264 9300 Calder Street [email protected] PMB, 3201
5. North West Department of Economic Development and Tourism Bella Gumede (018) 387 7883 082 674 1788 (018) 387 7886 P/BAG X 15 [email protected] George Masomako (018) 387 7801 (018) 387 7924 MMABATHO, [email protected] 2735 [email protected]
6. Eastern Cape Eastern Cape Tourism Board Thembeka Mbanga (043) 701 9645 082 771 3462 (043) 701 9600 P.O. BOX 18373 [email protected] (043) 701 9642 QUIGNEY, 5211
7. Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism Leigh Pollio (Acting) (021) 483 9130 (021) 483 8754 P.O. BOX 979 [email protected] (021) 483 2957 CAPE TOWN, [email protected] 8000
8. Northern Cape Department of Tourism, Environment and Conservation Andries Mokgele (053) 830 4875 084 689 7251 (053) 830 4889 P/BAG X 6102 [email protected] Joy Duze (053) 830 4881 079 901 2417 KIMBERLEY, (053) 831 3530 8300
9. Free State Department of Tourism, Environmental and Economic Affairs Mfundo Ngcangca (051) 400 9598 082 773 8275 (051) 400 9590 P/BAG X 20801 [email protected] (Acting) BLOEMFONTEIN 9300
National National Department of Tourism Victor Tharage (012) 444 6478 P/BAG X424 [email protected] Registry (National Registrar) PRETORIA(Pretoria) Bernie Meyer 0001 (Chief Director, NDT) Uveshnee Pillay (012) 444 6386 [email protected] Gabriel Dichabe (012) 444 6417 [email protected] Derick Mbungele (012) 444 6420 [email protected] Fezeka Monakali (012) 444 6414 [email protected]
South African Provincial Registrars’ Contact Details
At the World Federation of Tourist Guides Association 15th international Tourist Guide Convention, held recently in Macau, China, the 2013 Macau International Declaration for Tourist Guides Around
the World was signed.
GUIDING
• Shall at no time be under the influence of alcohol or a narcotic substance while on duty and shall refrain from administering any medication to a client without proper medical consultation.
• Shall never solicit for clients or gratuities.• Shall be concerned at all times for the safety of the tourist.• Shall wear the appropriate tourist guide badge and will carry his/
her registration card.• Shall treat all people, cultures and the environment with respect.
Conclusion
Tourist guides are the ambassadors of South Africa’s tourism industry. They are often the first, and invariably the last, person that tourists come into contact with and are therefore responsible for creating lasting impressions and fond memories of the country.
This being the case, are tourist guides remunerated in accordance with their importance in the tourism value chain?
Many tourist guides say that they are not, but some Tour Operators argue that a tourist guide’s remuneration should be in proportion to his or her experience, qualifications and aptitude.
What do you think?
Visit our Facebook Discussion Forum here and air your views. The best posting for March will win a prize.
Information compiled with acknowledgement to Adventure Qualifications Network – www.adventurequalifications.wordpress.com and the South African Department of Tourism - Tourist Guiding.
MARCH 2013 27SATSA / RETOSA / NAA-SA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal
GUIDING
Tourist Guide Directory
Dave Sutcliffe
034 312 3206 [email protected]
Accredited Battlefields Guide.Specialising in the KZN battle fields of Majuba, Blood River, Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, Ladysmith, Spion Kop, Colenso and the Churchill Capture site.
Guiding offered to Anglo Boer, Anglo Zulu and Voortrekker battlefields and sites.Also guide motor-bike groups in
Danie du Preez
036 631 1131 / 082 493 [email protected]
Drakensberg and Zululand.Reliable and conscientious service.
Provincial Tour Guide (KZN 1191)
Battlefields RegionGuides
072 271 [email protected]
For details on the Battlefields Region including a Map of the Region and Guide Directory
CLICK HERE
Juliana van Zyl
082 924 [email protected]
Western Cape Guide (WC 7232)Situated in Strand. Specialising in Cape Peninsula, whale route, wine tasting, Cape Town and surrounding areas. Reliable and friendly service guaranteed.
GUIDE ASSOCIATION LINKS:KwaZulu-Natal Tourist Guides’ Associationwww.zulu.org.za/index.php?tourist_guidesNelson Mandela Bay Tourist Guide Associationwww.highwinds.co.za/page.php?pageid=113Off-Road Guides and Tour Operators of South Africawww.fsatga.org/?q=node/17Provincial Tourist Guides Association of KwaZulu Natal Battlefields Regionwww.battlefieldsregionguides.co.za/all%20members.htm
GUIDE ASSOCIATION LINKS:Cape Tourist Guides Associationwww.ctga.org.za/membership-directory
Federation of South African Tourist Guide Associationswww.fsatga.org/?q=node/12Field Guides Association of Southern Africawww.fgasa.co.za/memberships.asp?stype=allGauteng Guides Associationwww.guidessa.org/?q=site_user_list
Marc Oesch
044 343 2218 / [email protected]
Marc is completely fluent in French, German, English and Afrikaans, and designs customised tours to suit the clients’ needs and expectations.
Marc Oesch is a National Guide who conducts tours with visitors from Europe.
Charmaine Kritzinger
084 700 2867 or 086 110 [email protected]
Guided hiking tours on Table Mountain & Western Cape, with a particular interest in rare flora, mountain rivers and Afromontane forest. Customised route planning for all ages, abilities and fitness levels.
Specialist Mountain Hiking Guide
Guided Mountaineering Adventures
021 554 3225 or 086 110 [email protected]
Guided trekking, rock climbing, canyoneering (kloofing), abseiling and other adventures. Specialist in youth
and group adventure travel. Accredited mountaineering school and
mountain guide training centre.
EXCLUSIVE PERSONAL CAPE TOWN
021 762 6969 / 083 [email protected]
Leave your clients in our care. We’ll give them a Cape experience to remember.
• Day trips of Cape highlights • Winelands • Overberg, West Coast
• Route 62 • Garden Route • Customised tours and packages
• Experienced French/English guides
Tony Horn
082 953 [email protected]
National guide for Bloemfontein city tours and transfers plus Free State, Northern Cape and Lesotho speciality tours. Cater for small groups from 4 to 12 people - all budgets.
GUIDING
A personal view on Guiding
In the late 1970’s we started pushing for registration for guides, to ensure that people giving commentary to overseas visitors were well informed and unbiased. We also set down guidelines for training which included a trainee guide accompanying a qualified guide on a minimum of three tours to learn the practical aspects of guiding. The name of the national council was changed to the South African Association of Tour Guides and there were active branches in the Transvaal, Natal, Garden Route and Cape Town. I was nominated as the editor of our monthly newsletter “Guidelines”, and some time later I was elected National Chairman. We had regular provincial meetings and kept in touch with all the branches telephonically. We even managed to have national AGMs which were well attended by representatives from the different branches. One of our main objectives was to improve the standard of guiding and also to establish a relationship with the young SATSA. I was asked to represent guides on the ExCo of SATSA, a position I held for a number of years.
In 1985 I was one of four guides to attend the founding meeting of the World Federation of Tourist Guides in Israel, the others being Luan Grant, Noel Celliers and Tony Molineux. We participated in lengthy discussions, and I helped to draw up the first constituion of WFTGA. It was after this that we changed the name of our association to the South African Association of Registered Tourist Guides. It’s interesting to note that we were one of the only countries to have legislation in place regarding the registration of tourist guides. We agreed to abide by the international code of conduct as drawn up by WFTGA.
I served on the Executive Committee of WFTGA twice, each term of office being for two years. South Africa put in no less than three bids to hold the WFTGA convention and finally we hosted the convention in Pretoria in 1993 - a great milestone for our SA Association of Registerd Tourist Guides.
Since then there have been further changes. I was part of the discussions which led to the more structured training of tourist guides although I did not participate in setting down the actual standards by SAQA.
In my opinion guiding in South Africa has come a long way since these early days. Although I trained guides for many years I stopped training when the new regulations came in as there was so much paper work required and, in my opinion, not enough attention to the actual practical aspect of guiding. Unfortunately it is possible for someone to become a regional or even national guide in a very short space of time and often without ever having actualy visited the places!
Guiding in South Africa was a pretty haphazard affair until Don Briscoe filmed a “candid camera” video of a guide giving commentary on a tour, which was aired in the early days of TV - about 1970. Alarmed at what was shown, a number of more professional guides got together and formed an association - The South African Council of Tour Guides. The main aim was to improve the
image and professionalism of guides, writes Anne Lawrance.
MARCH 201328 SATSA / RETOSA / NAA-SA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal
We have far too many people guiding in English, not their mother tongue, giving information to people for whom English is also not their mother tongue and the message is often not clear at all. We also have foreign nationals who have somehow managed to become registered guides because they speak a foreign language but actually have vey little real knowledge of our country.
So what is a tourist guide? It is someone who accompanies visitors and interprets the environment in an entertaining and enlightened way in order to enrich the experience. We are not tour guides, or couriers or tour leaders or tour managers. We are tourist guides - we guide the tourists.
With the rapid advent of changing technology, tourist guides also need to re-invent themselves. Already it is possible to get a great deal of information on a smart phone. There is also Tourist Radio which gives information - and that is information which is relevant to your position as determined by satellite! So if guides are doing no more than give information how can we justify the additional expense to the tourist? A professional guide has to be so much more. A professional guide also has to be an entertainer in the sense of keeping commentary interesting and relevant - the tourist needs to feel that the experienece is enriched by the tourist guide.
Regarding the proposed fine for non-registed guides, I feel this becomes protectionist. It could result in “registered” guides not doing their very best but expecting to be paid just because they are registered. Recently I was on an open vehicle game drive in the Kruger Park run by one of the long established operators in Hazyview and our “guide” spoke to the guests as though they were in kindergarten, drove at great speed (over the limit) from one sighting to the next. There was no additional information about the animals; there was no interpretation and to make matters worse he spent a great deal of time singing in a high pitched monotonous voice while beating time on the side of the vehicle! Later we were subjected to idle chatter between him and his colleague at full volume on the radion.
There are many tour operators who would rather use a guide who has the knowledge, experience and professionalism even though that person may not have renewed their registation. I think it’s quite wrong to make this a criminal offence. And by having the option to impose very big fines I think tour operators, especially those in very competitive markets where margins are slim, might be forced to do without guides accompanying tourists on overland trips and use stepon guides at the diffent stops.
MARCH 2013 29SATSA / RETOSA / NAA-SA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal
Cape Town’s bid to host 2015 WFTGA Conference
It was an extremely tough race between Prague, Novi Sad and Cape Town. Prague however seemed to be the popular choice and with 32 countries voting for it, won the vote to host the 2015 conference.
It has been a great pleasure working on this Bid submission over the last six months. I would like to thank everyone involved in making this Bid presentation/proposal possible. Specifically Wesgro and Cebisa Conferences for all their efforts and assistance, South African Tourism for the lobbying gifts and covering the flights, and Protea Hotel Chain for their contributions to our Bid. Without all the necessary assistance (no matter how large or how small the contribution), an attempt at bidding for this convention could not have been possible.
It has been a fantastic experience meeting Delegates and Participants from over 30 countries at this event. Cape Town, South Africa has been received with welcoming arms, and many of the Delegates and Participants were extremely excited to hear and learn more about our lovely country. We may not have won this 2015 WFTGA Convention, but we have gained some great supporters, friends and future travellers.
We wish Prague all the best with the preparations for the 2015 WFTGA Conference.” ~ Press Release following the announcement on 10th January 2013.
While on the subject of tourist guiding, please consider the following issues on Tourist Guiding in South Africa:
Challenges Tourist Guides face• Illegal, unregistered guides create a challenge for legally registered
guides;• Concierges often demand unrealistic commissions. As small
smmes, and one-man operations it becomes unaffordable to work at a competitive rate for hotels;
• For guides disproportionate permanent employment is available as opposed to erratic piecemeal work;
• Self drive tours are being marketed leaving little or no funding for effective international marketing of guided tours in the micro business sector.
“Following a gruelling bid process, it is with regret and sadness that I have to tell you that Cape Town did not win the Bid to host the 2015 World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations Conference, writes Alushca Ritchie, CEO for the Cape Tourist Guides Association and Vice-Chairperson for the Federation
of Tourist Guide Associations in South Africa.Tourist Guiding in South Africa is a highly regulated sector, with many processes potential guides have to go through to be 100% compliant. After attending the WFTGA Conference, I was stunned to learn that we are one of the top countries for having checks and balances in place in guiding. Such as:• Tourist Guides are governed by law and must be registered to be
able to guide;• Should be assessed and found competent by an accredited assessor
in the field and area that he/she will be working in;• First aid training every 3 years;• PDP drivers licences which have to be renewed every 2 years and
include fingerprinting and police clearance, eye tests, medical certificate;
• Vehicle operators permits are compulsory and this process includes roadworthy tests; And the compliancy list continues.
• The new Tourism Bill makes provision for a maximum fine of R110 000 for an illegal guide or Tour Operator who has hired him. Our Government is taking illegal guiding seriously.
However, SA marketers are not using this fact to market the country. We are years ahead of some First World countries, yet this fact is not publicized.
Challenges to Tourist Guide Associations
As volunteer organisations, often our only income is from membership fees. This is never enough to cover, even partially, the travelling expenses that are incurred for volunteers to carry out their work as representatives.
Apart from other benefits to our members, the Cape Tourist Guide Association represents Guides on a Provincial level in many forums. We also work closely with our Provincial Tourist Guide Registrar. We would like to be able to attend more forums and represent the Tourist Guiding sector Nationally, however we are often not able to attend sector relevant meetings and give specialised input into decision making because we do not have the resources to attend.
We appeal to all Tourism Stakeholders, as the CTGA desperately needs support (especially corporate support) to grow and more effectively fulfil its role in what can and should be a flourishing Tourist Guide sector.
GUIDING
About the Cape Tourist Guides Association (CTGA)The CTGA can trace its roots back to the mid 1970’s when a group of persons undertaking guided tours decided to form an association.
Today, the CTGA acts as a pressure group, as a consultative body on matters concerning guiding and provides constant professional updating to its members supplied through a programme of talks, workshops and site inspections. Our members are kept updated on current information and new issues relating to the Tourism and Guiding sectors.
It represents a significant number of registered tourist guides with diverse backgrounds, interests, geographic locations and languages in the Western Cape. Members range from those legally accredited to guide a particular site or limited geographic area, to those who guide several provinces, to some who have the coveted National accreditation allowing them to guide throughout South Africa.
The Association is membership-based and functions through an Executive Committee made up of members, who have areas of responsibility and portfolios. They give freely of their time and provide support and advice to the members on both CTGA policy and day-to-day issues.
For more information visit: www.ctga.org.za
HOSPITALITY
From Post Office to Monarch Hotel
Once the iconic 1930’s Saxonwold Post Office, the Monarch hotel, located in Rosebank, a prestigious suburb of Johannesburg, is a sophisticated, lavishly styled hotel.
Reflecting an affluent ambience of old world elegance with refined period-like interiors enriched with classical and contemporary furnishings complimented by an extensive art collection of established and emerging South African artists.
A prominent heritage landmark on Oxford road, the Monarch is a glamorous yet eclectic setting of wrought iron entrances, rich fabrics, muted marble, brass banisters, paneled walls, and ceilings perfectly balanced by bespoke contemporary finishes, providing the ultimate discreet ‘urban’ sanctuary for business travelers and tourists alike.
The Monarch prides itself on the rich cultural history of Johannesburg and welcomes its guests in modern style and traditional charm.
No stone was left unturned to ensure that our twelve exquisite suites are masterpieces of comfort and opulence. The Monarch Hotel has superb accommodation, offering the service excellence that the Mantis Group is renowned for the world over.
For more information visit: www.mantiscollection.com/monarch-hotel-johannesburg
MONARCH HOTEL - FACT SHEET AT A GLANCELocation: Rosebank, Johannesburg, South AfricaCoordinates: Latitude: 26°8’48”S : Longitude = 28°2’37”EType: HotelStar Rating: 5-star (TGCSA)Eco Certification: NoTOMSA Registered: NoDisabled friendly: NoRooms: 1 King bedded Presidential Suite with its own private entrance and facilities, 5 x King bedded Royal Suites with separate guest rooms, Luxury rooms with open plan layout, 4x King bedded and 2x Twin beddedCapacity: 12 beds in 12 rooms and suitesSTO Rates: Available on applicationFacilities: 24 hour security, Internet access, selected DSTV channel range, DVD Player, heated towel rails, under floor heating, in-house laundry service, individually controlled air-conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, private mini bar, hairdryer, flat screen television, electronic safeActivities: Rosebank Mall – 0.2 km, Killarney Golf Club – 1.2 km, South African Museum of Military History – 1.9 km. Wanderers Stadium – 2 km, Hyde Park Corner – 2.5 km, Johannesburg Zoo – 2.6 km, Melrose Arch Shopping Centre – 3 km, Sandton City – 4.2 km, Nelson Mandela Square – 4.5 km, Liliesleaf Museum, Constitution Hill, TheatresSpa: Africology Spa at the Rosebank mall provide mobile spa treatments and in-room massagesGym: Planet Fitness Gym in the Rosebank mall for guests on a voucher systemParking: Free parking in guarded car park. Private parkingWiFi: WiFi Access (vouchers available)Restaurants / Bars: In – house restaurant is Fine Dining. Two adjacent venues: Area 1 can accommodate 50 guests and an additional 10 in a private option; while Area 2 can accommodate 20 guests and an additional 10 in its private option. The Courtyard Terrace can accommodate 30 guests. Smoking Lounge seating up to 30 guests.Business facilities: Princess Boardroom accommodating up to 10 guests with Secretarial reception option. Wireless projection onto flat screen TVConference facilities: Royal conference suite with private lounge and kitchen for up to 10 guests
The Monarch Hotel is marketed by the Mantis Collection. Mantis offers a full suite of marketing related services and activities that include international sales, public relations, strategy implementation and new media marketing techniques relating to the world wide web, social media and other key web marketing initiatives. Mantis is made up of five business divisions, they include Mantis Management, Mantis Development, Mantis Conservation, Mantis Marketing and Mantis Education.
For more information visit: http://www.mantiscollection.com/
Converting a post office into a five star hotel may have been a challenge for some but not for the Mantis Collection who have retained the old world elegance of
this historical landmark, writes Des Langkilde.
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MARCH 2013 31SATSA / RETOSA / NAA-SA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal
No5 Boutique Art Hotel is marketed by the Mantis Collection. Mantis offers a full suite of marketing related services and activities that include international sales, public relations, strategy implementation and new media marketing techniques relating to the world wide web, social media and other key web marketing initiatives.
Mantis is made up of five business divisions, they include Mantis Management, Mantis Development, Mantis Conservation, Mantis Marketing and Mantis Education.
For more information visit: http://www.mantiscollection.com/
HOSPITALITY
Art Deco Boutique Hotel
In choosing the new identity, No5 Boutique Art Hotel, the Mantis Collection literally went back to basics by placing emphasis on the property’s physical address, Number 5 Brighton Drive in Summerstrand Port Elizabeth, in the hope that possible confusion with the nearby Shamwari Game Reserve would be avoided and to ensure that guests will continue to enjoy the accessibility of this boutique offering.
No5 Boutique Art Hotel houses a privately owned art collection with world-class facilities, hand selected for the enjoyment of both business and leisure travellers. The facilities offer a unique combination of style, comfort and affordability, including:
• Luxury Accommodation in 10 private suites• Champagne Lounge and Jazz Room Dining• 14 seat Provencal-style Dining Cellar• Salon Privé Cigar & Whiskey Bar• 14 seat Mountbatten Theatre• 12 seat Executive Boardroom• Rock Retreat Spa & Gym
The Mantis Group representation, which incorporates five divisions namely; Hospitality, Management, Marketing, Wildlife and Education, keeps the at the No5 Boutique Art Hotel at the forefront of the tourism industry allowing Mantis to continue offering guests the exceptional service they have become accustomed to.
“The number 5, in a numerological sense, is known as the most dynamic and energetic of all the single-digit numbers. It is unpredictable, always in motion, constantly in need of change and yet surprisingly loyal. With nothing demure or submissive in its nature the number 5 is a risk taker and adventurer. The spiritual meaning of number 5 also deals with travel, adventure and motion, a testament to the discerning travellers and guests that frequent our hotel” says Adrian.
The Art Deco style represents a style that is elegant, functional and modern whilst the interior style is streamlined and geometrical, often including furniture pieces with curved fronts, mirrors, clean lines, chrome hardware, and glass. Elements that are very evident in this architectural master piece.
No5 BOUTIQUE ART HOTEL FACT SHEET AT A GLANCE
Location: Situated 10km from Port Elizabeth Airport.Coordinates: Latitude = 33°58’41065”S : Longitude = 25°39”21.38”EType: Hotel Star rating: 5-star (TGCSA)Eco Certification: NoTOMSA registered: NoWheelchair friendly: NoRooms: 1 x King bedded Zanele Mbeki Presidential Suite with separate lounge; 3 x King bedded Faulkner Suites, each with an open plan layout and private balconies; 3 x King bedded Faulkner Suites, each with a separate lounge, private terrace and landscape garden, 3 x King bedded Suites, each with own private terrace and landscape gardenCapacity: 10 beds + sleeper couches in 7 SuitesSTO Rates: Available on application Facilities: 24 Hour security, Laundry services, Air conditioning, Tea and coffee making facilities, Private minibar, Hairdryer, Flat screen television, Electronic safe, Full satellite bouquet, DVD player, Espresso coffee maker, International luxury bathroom amenities, 2 Swimming PoolsServices: Tours and Transfers by arrangement Activities: Whiskey and Cigar Bar, Amphitheatre, Close proximity to Casino, restaurants and beachSpa: Rock Retreat SpaGym: YesParking: Secure undercover on-site parking baysWiFi: Complimentary Wireless InternetRestaurants / Bars: Restaurant & Private Dining Cellar, Salon Prive Whiskey Lounge, Champagne Lounge, Mount Batten Movie Theatre
Business facilities: Business desk with wired network point or wireless connectivity option in each suite
Conference facilities: Conference Room seating for 10 delegates, Presentation projector, Wireless connectivity (throughout the building) with Wi-Fi/LAN and network points available, LCD screens for video conferencing, Telephone and fax lines, Dedicated printer
Adrian Gardiner’s Shamwari Townhouse in Port Elizabeth underwent a major Art Deco revamp and relaunched as No5 Boutique Art Hotel with some innovative features,
writes Des Langkilde.
The Last Word Constantia is marketed by the Mantis Collection. Mantis offers a full suite of marketing related services and activities that include international sales, public relations, strategy implementation and new media marketing techniques relating to the world wide web, social media and other key web marketing initiatives.
Mantis is made up of five business divisions, they include Mantis Management, Mantis Development, Mantis Conservation, Mantis Marketing and Mantis Education.
For more information visit: http://www.mantiscollection.com/
HOSPITALITY
Situated in the Cape’s oldest and most beautiful wine valley, The Last Word Constantia is close to eight of South Africa’s top wine estates and many internationally celebrated restaurants.
This 5 star Boutique Hotel is in a most exclusive area just one minutes drive from the chic Constantia Mall’s fashionable shops and restaurants. An easy approach to freeways gives guests superb access to all the Cape’s scenic delights, from Simonstown and the False Bay beaches to the City Centre, Waterfront and beyond. Golf lovers will be spoilt for choice with championship golf courses situated a stone’s throw away.
Great attention is paid to peace and tranquillity. An inviting sunken swimming pool and surrounding tanning deck is the focal point of the magnificently manicured garden with rolling lawns, vibrant colours and exquisite mountain views. The lounges, dining area and sun patios all open onto the garden. Attention to detail in the extravagantly, well-appointed en-suite bathrooms is a feature of The Last Word Constantia. Nine luxurious and stylishly appointed suites offer unconventionally spacious accommodation, extraordinary comfort and open onto private patios leading to the garden and pool.
Breakfasts are a speciality offering a wide choice of interesting fare and are inclusive, as are all beverages and premium spirits. Dinners and lunches are available by prior arrangement. An in-house chauffeur service is available to guests for restaurant transfers or tailored tours to the highlights of Cape Town at an additional charge.
THE LAST WORD CONSTANTIAFACT SHEET AT A GLANCE
Location: Constantia, Cape Town, South AfricaCoordinates: Latitude = 34°1’37.6536”S : Longitude = 18°39.912”EType: Boutique HotelStar rating: 5 (TGCSA)Eco Certification: NoTOMSA registered: N/ADisabled friendly: NoRooms: 2 Elegant Suites, 2 Pool Suites, 1 two bedroomed Family Suite and 4 Superior Double roomsCapacity: 16 beds in 9 rooms and suitesSTO Rates: Available on application Facilities: Complimentary Mini bar and Snacks, Fresh Flowers, Complimentary Tea and Coffee Tray, Bespoke Amenities, Hair dryer and Shaving points, Under floor heating, Select Satellite TV, DVD player, Wireless Internet Connection, Room Safe, Air conditioning, Heated Towel Rails, Velour Robes and Slippers, 300 Thread Count Cotton Linen, American shutters, Bedside alarm clocks, In-suite TelephoneServices: Solar Heated Swimming pool (40sqm), Residents Bar, 24 Hour security, Picnic baskets by arrangement, Laundry services, Tours & Transfers by arrangementActivities: High Teas, Boutique Shopping, The Last Word Intimate Rarities Shop, Wine Tasting (8 Estates), 3 Championship Golf Courses (Steenberg, Westlake, Royal Cape), 20 World Class Restaurants, Walking Trails, RacontoursSpa: Spa treatments by arrangementGym: NoParking: Secure parkingWiFi: Wireless internet facilitiesRestaurants / Bars: Peddlars On The Bend Restaurant next door
Business facilities: Capacity: 16 Delegates. Equipment: Television, Slide Projector, Overhead Projector, Flip Charts, Screen, Telephone, Telephone, Internet Access, Message service, Food & Beverage Services as per request
Wedding facilities: Intimate weddings for a maximum of 30 people
Constantia in South Africa’s Western Cape provice is home to eight wine estates and three championship golf
courses and The Last Word Constantia, writes Des Langkilde.
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The Last Wordon Constantia
FEBRUARY 2013 33SATSA / RETOSA / NAA-SA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal
LEGAL
Sections 48 and 49 regulates disclaimers and indemnities and how these should be dealt with - The former requires of suppliers of goods or services only do any of the following if it is fair, reasonable and just AND terms that fall foul of the aforementioned standards must not be a precondition to enter into the contract i.e. when the consumer is to:•waive any rights;•assume any obligation;•waive any liability of the supplier.Even if your waiver or disclaimer is reasonable, just and fairly worded, you still need to do the following in terms of section 49:• Draw any of the following to the attention of the consumer in plain
language and in a conspicuous manner:•limit in any way the risk or liability of the supplier or any other
person;
Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide a brief overview of legal matters pertaining to the travel and tourism industry and is not intended as legal advice. © Adv Louis Nel, BENCHMARK, March 2013.
•constitute an assumption of risk or liability by the consumer;•impose an obligation on the consumer to indemnify the supplier
or any other person for any cause;•be an acknowledgement of any fact by the consumer.
•Spell out the ‘nature and potential effect of that risk’ of any of the following pertaining to the activity or premises and the consumer must acknowledge it by signing for it, i.e. if the risk:•Is of an unusual character or nature;•the presence of which the consumer could not reasonably be
expected to be aware or notice;•an ordinarily alert consumer could not reasonably be expected to
notice or contemplate in the circumstances;•could result in serious injury or death.
• The above must be done so that the consumer can comprehend it (49.5) and must be done at the earliest of when the contract is entered into, payment is made, the consumer participates in the activity or enters the premises in question (49.4).
It should be borne in mind that the body adjudicating a dispute will be required to consider (in terms of section 52) inter alia the following aspects so it is important to bear this in mind in training your sales force and in your dealings with the consumer:• the fair value of the goods or services in question;• the nature of the parties to that transaction or agreement, their
relationship to each other and their relative capacity, education, experience, sophistication and bargaining position;
• those circumstances of the transaction or agreement that existed or were reasonably foreseeable at the time that the conduct or transaction occurred or agreement was made, irrespective of whether this Act was in force at that time;
• the conduct of the supplier and the consumer, respectively;• whether there was any negotiation between the supplier and
the consumer, and if so, the extent of that negotiation.
STATUS OF INDEMNITIES AND DISCLAIMERS– PART 2 –
Rights & Recourse
The CPA andSUPPLIER
Debt collection. Cashflow is the lifeblood of any business - bad debts threaten viability. SJA assists, from issueing summonses to executing judgements.Contact: [email protected]
Property. Specialising in Sectional Title and Game Lodge development conveyancing matters.Contact: [email protected]
Personal Injury. SJA’s specialist departments have many years of experience with the Road Accident Fund and this area of the law.Contact: [email protected]
Commercial. Registration of companies, trademarks & searches. Drawing up of contracts - leases, sales of business, joint ventures, partnerships & franchises.Contact: [email protected]
Commercial. Corporate Advisory Services, Liquidations, Commercial Contracts, Company Registrations and Intellectual Property Law. Contact: [email protected] and Administrative Law. Specialising in Labour Law as well as public and private partnerships in the environmental context.Contact: [email protected]
Johannesburg: Pretoria:(011) 325 0830 (012) 452 8200E-mail: [email protected]
Liabilities. Specialising in Professional Indemnity, Insurance Law, Travel and Tourism liability.Contact: [email protected]
www.savage.co.za
MARCH 201334 SATSA / RETOSA / NAA-SA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal
LEGISLATION
According to an ‘extraordinary’ provincial gazette from the Province of Gauteng published on 25 January 2013, ‘interested parties’ had 30 days to comment on the draft Gauteng Liquor Regulations for 2013, writes
Attorney Leon Slotow.
The deadline date for submission of comments was 25 February and I certainly hope that the concerned parties in the hospitality sector specifically have banded together to make a concerted effort in lobbying the draft regulations before they are enacted.
Having had a brief look at the draft (which can be downloaded at www.tourismtattler.co.za/Gauteng-Liquor-Regulations-2013.pdf), the following points are of concern, as some of these will affect the hospitality trade’s on consumption premises very heavily. The concerns that I have are:
• No sale of liquor on Sundays (either on or off consumption);
• Application for renewal each year with the possibility of it being refused. Board will look at the conduct of the licensee/report by an inspector and probably even a complaint by a member of the public;
• BEE requirements;
• More complicated plans and municipal requirements, which make a new application more expensive and delayed;
• Strict zoning requirements;
• More complicated accounting documents which in many cases are not available and will have to be regenerated by the company’s office (more time delay and costs);
• Stricter motivation in applications including public interest/impact/competence/social responsibility program;
• Stricter notice requirements (some impractical);
• Official notice to churches/schools/all liquor outlets within 500 metres;
Gauteng Liquor ban on Sundays
• Higher fees in almost all cases;
• Fee payable for each manager appointed. Not one fee for the application;
• New trading hours.
The problem, which will arise if the draft regulations are not contested, is that if you want to dispute the regulations at a later stage for any reason you will be asked to explain why you did not raise your objections at the appropriate time.
It is not only the hospitality industry that is being hit, but the public and even the shopping centre owners and developers.
The ripple from no Sunday trading will impact on all sectors of the economy. With less people visiting restaurants, for example on a Sunday, there will be cut backs on staff and this will impact directly on the staff and the people that each job supports.
Why would anyone start a business, which only works six days a week but requires rent/equipment/etc for seven days? Rather invest somewhere else for a better return.
The loss in trade must be covered, so up go the run prices once again.
For more information contact Leon Slotow Attorney by email at [email protected] or visit www.slotow.co.za
MARCH 2013 35SATSA / RETOSA / NAA-SA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal
The information below was extracted from available data as at 25 February 2013, writes Martin Jansen van Vuuren.
ARRIVALSThe latest available data from Statistics South Africa is for January to October 2012:
Current period Change over same period last year
UK 350 590 5%
Germany 204 247 12.2%
USA 275 683 14.6%
India 87 906 16.8%
China 108 151 62.8%
Overseas Arrivals (excl same day visitors) 2 020 631 16.5%
African Arrivals 5 493 605 8.4%
Total Foreign Arrivals 7 535 498 10.4%
NB: 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 December 2012:
Current period Average Room Average Room Revenue Per Available Occupancy (ARO) Rate (ARR) Room (RevPAR)
All Hotels in SA 59.8% R 888 R 531
All 5-star hotels in SA 58.1% R 1 580 R 917
All 4-star hotels in SA 59.8% R 855 R 511
All 3-star hotels in SA 59.8% R 715 R 427
Change over same period last year
All Hotels in SA 6.4% 3.9% 10.5%
All 5-star hotels in SA 10.0% 1.9% 12.1%
All 4-star hotels in SA 7.2% 3.8% 11.3%
All 3-star hotels in SA 4.6% 4.6% 9.4%
ACSA DATAThe latest available data from ACSA is for January to December 2012:
Change over same period last year Passengers arriving on Passengers arriving on Passengers arriving on International Flights Regional Flights Domestic Flights
OR Tambo International 2.0% -9.1% -3.8%
Cape Town International -0.2% 13.7% 0.5%
King Shaka International 14.0% N/A -6.7%
MARKETING
Market Intelligence Report
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR MY BUSINESSThe Statistics SA data and STR Global continue to indicate growth in arrivals and an improvement in hotel performance.
However, the ACSA data indicates a decline in domestic flights in particular with the impact of the closure of 1Time probably being the main reason. Passengers arriving on International Flights to Cape Town have also declined due to SAA’s decision to stop direct flights between Cape Town and London.
For more information contact Martin at Grant Thornton on +27 (0)21 417 8838 or visit: http://www.gt.co.za
RISK
MARCH 201336 SATSA / RETOSA / NAA-SA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal
Travel Trade INSURANCE
The previous three parts of this series, which has been extracted verbatim (with slight editing) from the SATSA Insurance Directive booklet, were published in the December 2012, January and February 2013 editions -
Editor.
PART 4
TYPES OF INSURANCE
Basically there are five kinds of insurance that really apply to the tourism industry:
1. Financial Guarantee (Insurance Bond) - Refer December 20122. Liability Insurance - Refer January 2013 edition
• General Public Liability - Refer January edition• Passenger Liability - Refer January and February editions• Road Accident Fund Amendment Bill• Personal Accident insurance• Professional Indemnity insurance
3. Vehicle / Property Insurance4. Travel Insurance / Medical Rescue5. Other Business Insurance (Buy & Sell, Key Person, Provident
Fund)
ROAD ACCIDENT FUND - SOUTH AFRICA
What is the Road Accident Fund?The Road Accident Fund is a public entity, which has been set up to pay compensation to people injured in road accidents or the dependants of people killed in road accidents arising from the negligent driving of a motor vehicle in South Africa.
Where does the Fund get its money from?The Fund gets its money from a fuel levy included in the price of petrol and diesel, which is paid by drivers of motor vehicles.
Is a lawyer required?The Fund employs staff at all regional offices and at various public hospitals to assist claimants free of charge. However a claimant may still decide to employ a lawyer. The lawyer will be entitled to charge a fee for professional services rendered.
Time period to make a claimIf the identity of the offending driver or owner is known, the claim must be lodged within three years from the date on which the claim arose. (This does not apply to a claim of a minor). If the identity of the offending driver or owner is unknown, the claim must be lodged within two years from the date on which the claim arose.
Who is entitled to make a claim? 1. A person who was personally injured (except a driver who was
the sole cause of the accident). 2. A dependant of a deceased victim. 3. A close relative of the deceased in respect of funeral expenses.4. A claimant under the age of 18 years must be assisted by a
parent or legal guardian.
What can you claim for?• Medical expenses (past and future);• Funeral expenses;• Loss of earnings or income if person is disabled (past and future)• Loss of support for a dependant of a deceased victim (past and
future)• General damages for pain, suffering and disfigurement in the
case of bodily injury. Note: (This is determined after examining the extent and severity of the injury).
How is a claim made against the Fund?• A claim must be made on the Claim Form (Form 1 is to be used in
respect of claims arising prior to 01 August 2008, and RAF1 for 01 August 2008 onwards) which is available from offices of the Road Accident Fund.
• Every applicable paragraph must be fully completed.• The doctor that treated the injured person immediately after the
accident must complete the medical report section in the claim form.
• The claim form must be signed by the claimant.
What documents must be submitted with the claim form?In the case of injury the following documents must be attached:
1. A certified copy of the identity document of the claimant;2. An affidavit by the claimant;3. The Police report (OAR), police statements and police sketch
plan;4. Documents to prove loss of earnings e.g. salary advice slip;5. Documents to prove medical expenses;6. Copies of hospital records if available;7. A serious injury assessment report (in respect of claims arising
after the 31 July 2008) where general damages are claimed.If the accident victim is deceased the following additional documents are required:
8. Identity document of deceased;9. Death certificate or post mortem report;10. Documentary proof of marriage (if claim by spouse);11. Full unabridged birth certificates reflecting the names of
parents;12. Proof of earnings of all parties involved;13. Proof of reasonable funeral expenses.
The claim form and the accompanying documents must be hand delivered or sent by registered mail to the Fund at the addresses appearing under the Contact Details at www.raf.co.za
RISK
This article, to be continued in the April 2013 edition of the Tourism Tattler, will look at Personal Accident and Professional Indemnity insurance - Ed.
MARCH 2013 37SATSA / RETOSA / NAA-SA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal
Important considerations:• Property damage cannot be claimed from the Fund, it may be
claimed from the offending driver;• An accident must be reported to the police and the Fund by the
driver/owner;• Compensation will be reduced in relation to claimant’s own
negligence;• Compensation for a passenger in the offending vehicle is limited
to R25 000 in respect of claims arising prior to 01 August 2008.• Compensation received from the Compensation Commissioner
in a case where a person is injured on duty, is deductible.• The Fund may require a person to submit to investigations and
medical examinations;• A claim may be excluded in a case where a claimant unreasonably
refuses or fails to cooperate with the Fund in the course of its investigation.
• There are certain categories of claims that the Road Accident Fund Act excludes.
The Road Accident Fund Amendment Act, No19 of 2005, which came into effect on the 1 August 2008 brought about the following changes to claims arising after 31 July 2008:• The limit of R25 000.00 placed on the claim of a passenger in the
offending vehicle, has been removed.• General damages claims are subject to an assessment by a
registered medical practitioner, to determine the severity of the injuries suffered and whether or not the injury is to be classified as a “serious injury “
• Damages for loss of support are capped at R160 000.00 per year in respect of each deceased breadwinner.
• Damages for loss income are capped at R160 00.00 per year.• The maximum amount upon which claims for loss of income
and loss of support are calculated (R160 000.00) is subject to a quarterly inflationary adjustment.
• Emergency medical treatment costs are payable by the Fund in accordance with a prescribed tariffs. (NHRPL tariff)
• Non-Emergency medical treatment costs are payable by the Fund in accordance with the Uniform Patient Fee Schedule for full paying patients
• The exclusion of claims by members of the same household as the driver of the motor vehicle has been removed, and such claims are now permissible.
• The exclusion of claims by fare-paying motorcycle passengers has been removed, and such claims are now permissible.
It is important to note the effect that the Road Accident Fund legislation has on the tourism industry in terms of legal action following a motor vehicle accident. The abolition of the injured party’s (passenger / tourist / guest) common law right to sue the wrongdoer (operator), means that following a motor vehicle accident the severely injured tourist will only receive limited compensation from the Road Accident Fund and will have no right of recourse against the wrongdoer.
As South Africa’s primary inbound markets emanate from European Union countries and are subject to the E.C. Directive on Travel and Trade Act, agents will find themselves even more exposed to risk. If an injured guest’s damages cannot be recovered against the local operator, their client will no doubt seek to hold them responsible in terms of said directive.
Get the Tourism Insurance Directive booklet
DOWNLOAD (PDF)www.tourismtattler.co.za/satsa-insurance-directive.pdf
PRINTED COPYCollect at SATSA’s offices: 3rd Floor, Petrob House, 343 Surrey Avenue, Ferndale, Johannesburgor email [email protected] (Note that a nominal fee will be charged for admin, postage or courier costs)
BOTSWANANew camps to open in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
During the course of 2013 Ta Shebube will be opening its three desert safari camps - Rooiputs, Polentswa and Union’s End, all strategically situated along the predator-rich Nossob River Valley on
the Botswana side of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Additionally to fly-in and fully inclusive rates Ta Shebube will also be offering self-drive rates.
For further information please either contact Astrid Ndzinge of Ta Shebube on [email protected] or their Gauteng based representative Martina Warwick on [email protected]
KENYAAir Kenya announces new route
Air Kenya has announced that it will commence services to the Ol Seki Airstrip in the Masai Mara from February 15.
“We would like to remind all operators and agents that our [baggage] weight limitation on all services is 15kg. We urge you to please advise your clients as this is an important aspect for our continued safe operation,” said a statement by the airline.
For more information, Email: [email protected] or visit www.airkenya.com
Air Kenya joins war against wildlife poaching
Kenya Airways has joined the war against wildlife poaching in a new partnership with Born Free Foundation - an international charity. The airline unveiled the deal at the Nairobi National Park, whereby; the two organisations will not only contribute towards anti-poaching campaigns and conservation of wildlife conservation in Africa, but also partner to raise funds for such initiatives.
Branson to open luxury safari camp in August
Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson’s collection of retreats around the world, has announced that its latest addition, Mahali Mzuri, will open in Kenya in August.
Mahali Mzuri is situated within the Motorogi Conservancy in the Maasai Mara ecosystem of Kenya. It hosts 12 sleeper tents; some specially designed for families, an infinity pool, and can cater for a maximum of 24 guests. The camp will be open year-round. Reservations for the lodge are open.
For more information, visit www.mahalimzuri.virgin.com
TRADE NEWS
MARCH 201338 SATSA / RETOSA / NAA-SA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal
NIGERIABT Africa West Africa Expo and Conference
Now in its third year, the BT Africa West Africa Expo and Conference will be held at the Federal Palace Hotel & Casino in Lagos from 20-21 March 2013 with Visa as its title sponsor who aims to consolidate its position in the travel industry throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.
The BT Africa West Africa Expo & Conference serves as a mouthpiece in the business travel arena and is a platform on which leading industry delegates can engage and discuss, among other topics, business travel in and out of West Africa, and other travel-related issues. The event also serves as an opportunity to expose delegates to the relevant products in the travel sector, as well as encourage networking among those attending.
Protea Hotel Select Emotan opens
The 94-roomed Protea Hotel Select Emotan has opened its doors in Benin City, capital of Edo State in southern mid-west Nigeria.This hotel represents the Protea Hospitality Group’s first presence in Benin City and forms part of the company’s plan to double its representation in Nigeria to 20 hotels within five years.
For more information visit www.proteahotels.com/protea-hotel-select-emotan-benin-city.html
SOUTH AFRICA
The “Elephant Whisperer”, never forgotten
Lawrence Anthony, conservationist and international bestselling author of The Elephant Whisperer, who passed away last year on the 2nd of March, has left a legacy through his vision and passion for nature and wildlife. His books have changed the lives and touched the hearts of so many.
Lawrence was an inspiration to all through his revolutionary conservation work and always believed that dreams can come true.
As many great men, he left us before his time, but his Spirit is still present at Thula Thula Private Game Reserve in Zululand, South Africa and his legacy will live on forever.
For more information visits www.thulathula.com
TRADE NEWS
MARCH 2013 39SATSA / RETOSA / NAA-SA Tourism Tattler Trade Journal
My Destination And Your Biggest Baddest Bucketlist
My Destination, an online travel guide that provides users with all the information they could need about any of 80 listed destinations around the world, are holding the Biggest, Baddest Bucket List competition. One lucky individual will win a six-month, all-expenses-paid trip to six continents and any destinations of their choice! And to cap it all, there’s a further US$50 000 (about R450 000) in prize money to be collected at the end of the trip!
Maropeng is listed among the suggested worldwide destinations, and has been chosen as one of only two Johannesburg destinations listed in the competition.
To enter you will need to submit one three-minute video, one travel tale and three photos. At Maropeng there are more than enough stories within the history of the Cradle to share with the locals and the world. Entries close on the 31 March.
For more information call Maropeng on (014) 577 9000 or visit www.mydestination.co.za
STTP Programme Makes Stakeholders Work Closely Together
Tourism is recognized worldwide as a catalyst for local economic development. The Sustainable Tourism Partnership Programme (a non-profit company) has taken this fact and converted it into a partnership programme, which highlights:
1. That tourism in South Africa can be used to kick start local economic development and
2. That this can only be achieved through partnership.
The programme assists small tourism businesses country wide to implement sustainable business practices and provides hands on solutions through partnerships.
For more information visit: www.stpp.co.za
The Cape Getaway Show 15-17 March 2013
The Cape Getaway Show, brought to you by Mercedes-Benz Vans, returns to Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West. 2012 saw over 17 800 visitors flocking to the show.
The show is open from 10h00 – 18h00 on Friday, 15 March, 09h00 – 19h00 on Saturday, 16 March and 09h00 – 17h00 on Sunday, 17 March. Entry is R60 for adults and R30 for pensioners and students. Under 12s are free. Parking is free. Tickets available at the gates or online at www.getawayshow.co.za
Akani adds Edison guesthouse to portfolio
The Edison guesthouse is located in Sunnighill, a mere stone throw away from Africa’s busiest business centre of Sandton and was recently nominated as finalists for the Pam Golding Properties awards.
Renowned for its African hospitality, this latest addition to Akani’s portfolio boasts of contemporary minimalistic architecture with serene surroundings and a lush pool garden. You can experience nature and enjoy a peaceful and relaxed break away from the hustle and bustle of Sandton.
For more information visit: www.akanihospitality.co.za
ATKV Franschhoek Oesfees 23 March 2013
Taking place at the Solms-Delta wine estate, the sixth annual ATKV Franschhoek Oesfees will feature Mango Groove’s Claire Johnston, Emo Adams and Die Heuwels Fantasties.
Tickets at R140 for adults and R20 for children under 12 years can be booked online from: www.ticketbreak.co.za
TANZANIADirect charter flights to Zanzibar
AfricaStay, in association with Mango, has signed a contract to operate charter flights to Zanzibar, commencing March 12. The charters, operated with a B737-800, will operate on Tuesdays, with a same-day return in a similar time slot to the Zanzibar flights formerly operated by 1time. The aircraft has capacity for 185 passengers.
For more details see www.africastay.com
Intimate Places adds Buffalo Luxury Camp to portfolio
Intimate Places Tanzania has been appointed managers of Buffalo Luxury Camp, a permanent tented lodge in the northern Serengeti, from February 1. The camp hosts 15 suite tents and five smaller chalet tents, as well as a main lodge for dining and relaxation. All tents have electricity, flush toilets, hot and cold running water and stunning views of the Serengeti. The two-level suite tents each have a sitting room, bathroom, veranda and raised sleeping area that features either twin or king beds.
For more information visit www.buffaloluxurycamp.com
Serengeti National Park recognized by global hospitality industry
Covering a total area of 14,763 kilometres of natural and expanse grazing land in northern Tanzania tourist circuit, Serengeti National Park has been named this year’s global tourist site for the tourism, hotel and catering industry.
Global Trade Leaders’ Club, an International Businessmen Club counting more than 7,000 associated companies globally, named Serengeti National Park a global prestige tourist site which attracts the hospitality industry, reports from Tanzania National Parks said.
Tourism professionals from over 40 countries around the world are expected to attend a special function to honor this Tanzanian biggest park in Madrid and that will coincide with the FITUR International Tourism Fair.
ZAMBIAHunting banned in Zambia during 2013
During a stakeholders meeting held on 10 January at Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka, it was decided to ban hunting this year. There will be a permanent ban on the hunting of leopard and lion.
Government decided that it needs to take stock of its wildlife areas by proper counts of species before it can issue licences for hunting. Hunting on private wildlife farms can continue under certain conditions. Government realises that this ban will mean a loss of income to the Community Resource Boards (CRBs) which rely on the income from hunting in their areas so has decided to ensure that payments are made to CRBs.
