INDABA DAILY NEWS 2012 | 1

Shaping our future together To grow our tourism industry

“We are all only as strong as our weakest link” - SA Tourism CEO, Thulani Nzima.

South African Tourism’s Chief Executive Officer, Thulani Nzima welcomes the tourism industry to Indaba 2012.

Indaba Daily News asked him to give visitors highlights of this year’s Indaba.

Indaba Daily News: Thulani, you’ve been to many Indabas over the years, but this is your first as Chief Executive Officer of the show host, South African Tourism. How has the build-up to Indaba 2012 been for you?

Thulani: Yes, I’ve been to many Indabas but this one is a particularly special one for me – my first as South African Tourism’s Chief Executive Officer, and I am really looking forward to it. It’s been interesting to be in the driving seat with the team putting the show together and everything is set for what I am sure will be a productive four days for all of us in the tourism industry.

Indaba Daily News: Is there any particular message or theme at Indaba this year?

Thulani: Our theme this year is ‘Shaping our Future Together – Partnering to Win’. Our industry is one which - more so than most – really requires cohesion, collaboration and partnership from all spheres of the tourism industry, both public and private, to ensure tourism growth. And we want to emphasise at Indaba this year that we are all only as strong as our weakest link and that we’re all in this together to grow our industry, contribute to our country’s economy and to create and sustain jobs.

Indaba Daily News: What is new at Indaba this year to add value to exhibitors and buyers?

Thulani: Well, Indaba is first and foremost a major

trade show and our product department has put together a series of innovative new speed marketing sessions – called the shongololo sessions – which will showcase a range of tourism products in the responsible tourism, adventure and heritage and culture areas. It is a big show with over 2 000 top-class exhibitors, so we’ve tried to make it a bit easier for the over 200 international buyers attending to be exposed to some of our country’s top products in these three categories. The sessions kick off today at 12:30 with the responsible tourism session, in partnership with Fair Trade in Tourism Southern Africa. The adventure session, in partnership with Dirty Boots, take place tomorrow at 12:30. The highlight of the heritage and culture session, in partnership with the National Department of Tourism and Moja Media, is a 30-minute interactive session with South African musical legend Johnny Clegg.

While last year’s show saw the technology of our interactive Touch Table debuting at Indaba, we will this year have a dedicated Indaba App, available for smart phones, featuring the show’s highlights, schedule and interesting fast facts. We encourage all delegates to download our Indaba App from www.indaba-southafrica.co.za, from our Indaba LinkedIn group homepage, on the #SATravelTrade twitter hashtag and also on our mobi site at Indaba.mobi.

In conjunction with our Tourism Grading Council of South Africa and our e-Marketing team, the world’s largest travel site, the influential TripAdvisor, will conduct a not-to-be-missed workshop for graded accommodation establishments tomorrow from 08:00 to 11:00.

Continued on page 2.

Razzmatazz opening ceremonyMake sure you don’t miss the Indaba 2012 opening ceremony at the ICC Auditorium tonight at 17:00. The 2010 FIFA World Cup opening and closing ceremonies choreographer, Somizi Mhlongo, teams up with Slikour, RJ Benjamin, MiCasa, Judith Sephuma, Thembisile and a dazzling array of dancers, to perform songs like ‘I’m a Dreamer’, MiCasa’s SAMA award-winning mega-hit ‘These Streets’ and ‘La Vida’.Join us for a show that embodies the spirit of South Africa. Don’t miss it!

2 | INDABA DAILY NEWS 2012

“We are very sensitive to our customers’ requirements,”

says chief executive Wayne Duvenage, “And quick to

respond to requests which point to changing needs and

tastes. This helped lead to the recent introduction of

the Toyota Avanza, our new small, people-carrier which

transports five people plus luggage.”

The Avanza joins two other people carrier vehicles, the

Toyota Fortuner, a 5-7-seater vehicle and the

Hyundai H1, an 8-seater, both acquired to satisfy the

needs of customers.

“We ensured that both the Fortuner and Hyundai H1

are automatic and diesel-powered, since this fulfills

the specific preferences of many inbound travellers,”

continues Duvenage. “We have also noticed that these

vehicles are responding to a new trend we have discerned

which entails a marked move from guided tours and

coaching charters to self-drives. These tourists obviously

need bigger cars which have more luggage space and feel

safer and more efficient over long distances.”

The same need for more luggage space has motivated

Avis to update our group D automatic entry-level vehicles

from hatch-backs to sedans, and from 1 November, all

entry level cars will also be air-conditioned.

For the more environmentally-conscious, Avis offers the

more recently introduced Honda Hybrid Jazz. Avis of

course, is renowned for its environmental stance, being

the only CarbonNeutral® accredited car rental company in

South Africa.

All this choice comes within the context of a fleet in

constant renewal, with average mileage of approximately

15 000 kilometres and a full safety check on every vehicle

each time it is returned from rental. The 24/7 call centre

adds to peace of mind, ensuring that no matter where a

client might encounter an unexpected incident, help is at

hand.

A fleet in constant renewal

Visit www.avis.co.za, call 0861 021 111 or contact your nearest travel specialist.

There are numerous reasons why Avis Rent a Car

is the leading car rental company in South Africa,

not the least being its extensive fleet, the largest in

the country offering the widest range of choice.

SA’s carbon neutral car rental company*

*Company emissions offset by The CarbonNeutral Company

B-BBEE Level 2 Contributor

Today’s programme – Saturday 12 May 2012

Exhibition times: 09:00 – 18:00

09:00 - 11:00 India research & Meeting room marketing briefing 22DEFG

17:00 - 18:00 ETEYA & opening ceremony ICC Hall 1 AB

18:00 - 22:30 Indaba welcome function People’s Park Moses Mabhida

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Continued from page 1.

The workshop will provide invaluable advice on how to enhance your presence on TripAdvisor with photos and videos, enhancing your own website with free TripAdvisor tools, how to maintain a positive online reputation, how best to respond to guest reviews on TripAdvisor, how to implement strategies to get more positive reviews on TripAdvisor and how to deal with negative TripAdvisor reviews.

These are just some of the highlights, with dozens of great events being hosted by all sectors of the tourism value chain. And of course we look forward to seeing everyone tonight at the Indaba 2012 opening ceremony at 17:00, during which our tourism minister will also reveal who the 2012 Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year is.

Indaba Daily News: What are the general issues you would like to emphasise at Indaba this year and which are most critical to the South African tourism industry as a whole?

Thulani: Well, as we saw after the recent release of our tourism statistics, we’ve built on our 2010 success and grew a further 3,3 percent to attract over 8,3 million foreign tourists in 2011. That is a magnificent achievement from all in our industry. Still, while our numbers continue to grow, we have the challenge of ensuring higher tourism spend and longer length of stay, as well as ensuring a bigger geographic spread of tourism to all provinces in our country while these are some of our challenges, I am confident that our industry has great potential.

Aggressively defending and growing our core markets in Europe and North America remains our major focus, but we’re also seeing exciting growth from Asia – driven by India and China – and from regional Africa, with government committing R218 billion over the next three years to grow our share of the regional African tourist market.

Increasing our focus on the domestic tourism market and encouraging more and more South Africans to explore and travel in their own country is another major focus, as we expand our focus on five new approved target segments. So, we’ve got lots to discuss at Indaba and lots of business to conduct.

Indaba Daily News: Tell us about your impression of the first 100 days in your office?

Thulani: It’s been a challenging but very exciting time since I joined South African Tourism. I initially took some time to familiarise myself with the organisation, to cement our relationship with our National Department of Tourism and to meet with key tourism stakeholders. I’ve also in a short period of time been to a number of our country offices to get a better feel for their trade and marketing partnerships, and attended global travel shows like ITB.

Indaba Daily News: What is your key focus for the coming year?

Thulani: For us, we have to continue contributing to increasing global positivity and awareness of our destination, to create the environment for our very professional tourism trade to sell our tourism product effectively. Our global ‘20 Experiences in 10 Days’ campaign reached over 1,2 billion consumers in the 2011/12 financial year.

We will at the opening ceremony tonight launch elements of the third phase of our campaign. In addition, as more and more consumers search for and buy their dream holidays online, we’ve beefed up our e-Marketing offering and work closely with a number of key partners, like TripAdvisor, Expedia and WAYN.com, while our media, marketing and trade work globally delivers billions of Rands worth of exposure and awareness every year.

Indaba Daily News: What are the current global consumer trends and how are you responding to it?

Thulani: Well, we’ve found in the wake of the global economic crisis that tourists today want to invest in things that endure – in memories, in quality time with friends and family, in a personal quest for knowledge and in enjoyment and personal fulfilment.

We’ve responded by putting ‘heartfelt connections’ with travellers at the centre of our marketing, promising tourists an emotional connection with our people and an experience they cannot get anywhere else in the world.

It is up to our entire tourism industry and all in the tourism value chain to deliver on this promise to reach out with the typically warm and wonderful South African hospitality that is uniquely ours – uniquely African.

Indaba Daily News: Any particular message to the thousands of exhibitors, media, guests and hosted buyers who are attending Indaba this year?

Thulani: Our Indaba team has worked thousands of hours to ensure all is in place for the show this year and to create a good environment for all in the tourism industry to conduct successful business and to put our industry’s best foot forward.

The team from the National Department of Tourism and our team at South African Tourism are on hand to ensure all requirements are met. We wish everyone a very successful Indaba 2012 and encourage you to pop by our stand in Hall 1 of the DEC H22 to come and meet and interact with our team and to find out about the many tools available to enhance your business exposure.

INDABA DAILY NEWS 2012 | 3

Tonight is the night the nine provincial finalists in the Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award have been waiting for – the opening ceremony of Indaba 2012, during which the ETEYA 2012 winner will be announced.

It’s been an exciting road for the finalists, shortlisted from over 250 entries for the award. One of the major highlights of their journey was attending and exhibiting at ITB in Berlin, Germany, one of the world’s leading travel trade shows.

The winner can look forward to a R100 000 cash injection into his or her business, while the third, second and first runners up will receive R25 000, R50 000 and R75 000 respectively.

The nine provincial ETEYA winners

Eastern Cape - Vivian Boboyi, Maidenhead Country Lodge

Vivian Boboyi first came across the concept of agri-tourism while studying agriculture in the United Kingdom. Today, she supplements the tough business of farming with tourism, through her rapidly expanding Maidenhead Country Lodge, on a 12,8 hectare farm just outside Queenstown, which she bought in 2008. Popular for its tranquil and scenic setting, it boasts conference facilities that can cater for up to 100 people.

“I am here full-time. I cook myself, I follow up on the cleaning, this is the hospitality industry, not a spaza shop, you cannot compromise on cleanliness and it’s my business to ensure everything is done properly.”

Gauteng - Salome Tshungu, The Orchards Executive Accommodation

Creating a home away from home for business travellers has been the mission of Salome Tshungu, owner of Orchards Executive Accommodation. Her modern, four-star establishment in Midrand seeks to make guests feel like family.

“At Orchards you will never see a sign that says ‘Staff only’, people must feel free to go wherever they please, they can come and stare into the pot while we are cooking if they want to!”

The promotion and preservation of South Africa’s many cultures is close to Salome’s heart and each of the 13 en-suite rooms is dedicated to a South African tribe or a notable tribal leader. The establishment also boasts an African cultural village.

Free State - Ntoko Moeletsi, Free State Travel

Ntoko Moeletsi, founder of Free State Travel, is a natural entrepreneur, having already set up two companies by the age of 30. The company organises accommodation, transport, tours, foreign exchange and visas to clients wishing to visit the Free State and Lesotho.

Ntoko believes that the Free State has much more to offer than meets the eye, especially in terms of heritage and he is passionate about getting people to better understand the history and the people of the area.

“There are so many stories that are never told. Lots of good stories about the Basotho and the Afrikaners, but we only ever focus on the negative ones. By showing people other sides of our history, I hope to

bring people together.”

KwaZulu-Natal - Dees Govender, Sanchia Luxury Guest House

Having always loved having people in their home, owning a guest house was a long-time dream of Dees and Jenny Govender. This establishment offers the discerning traveler all the elegance and comfort of a five-star hotel with the intimacy of a guest house.

The Govenders strive to go the extra mile to make their guests feel special and careful attention is paid to detail. Special touches include personalised messages to their guests every morning and every evening and fresh flowers in their rooms.

They also have a strong commitment to responsible tourism. The guesthouse has solar heating, LED lights throughout, recycles all its waste and contributes to social responsibility projects, including support for a school for the intellectually disabled.

Limpopo - Nkele Motsoaledi, South African Reatselela Travel Centre

Realising a need for an accredited black-owned travel agent in Limpopo, marketer and budding entrepreneur, Nkele Motsoaledi set up South African Reatswelela Travel Centre in 2007.

The centre offers a wide range of services to a growing client base and Nkele has already opened a new branch in Mafikeng, with plans in place for another branch in Bloemfontein.

“One of the most important lessons I have learnt is to take criticism. You need to encourage your clients to give you feedback, positive and negative, it’s the only way you can improve on your service.”

Mpumalanga - Katlego Mogafe, Ituka Lodge

Katlego Mogafe was fresh out of university with a degree in public relations and marketing when she agreed to manage her parents’ guesthouse in Nelspruit.

“My parents live in Johannesburg, but we have always loved Mpumalanga and spent many a holiday here as a family. My knowledge of the area and the many attractions on offer has certainly helped me in my role as manager of the guesthouse.”

Katlego gives all her guests a checklist of nearby attractions, from the world-famous Kruger National Park to Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window. Ituka Guest House is renowned for its welcoming family environment and her tight-knit team of five is driven by Katlego’s motto – give guests a reason to come back.

Northern Cape - Mamagowa Letaba, Letona Guest House

One of ten children, Mamagowa Letaba grew up in the most hospitable of homes.

“Not only did my mother have ten children to look after, but every night she would pull in at least five more people off the street, so I am certainly used to cooking and caring for a busy household.”

Mamagowa runs Letona Guest House in the remote Northern Cape town of Kuruman. Boasting a movie theatre and a sparkling pool, the guest house offers a cool escape from the searing heat of this desert town.

“President Zuma has been emphasising the need to create jobs and I am proud to be able to contribute.”

North West - Millicent Shadi, North West

It was after returning from a trip with her family to Namibia that Millicent Shadi realised the potential for opening a guest house in Rustenburg. And so, together with her husband, Israel, she began carving out her own bit of paradise, Thaba Legae Guest Lodge, just ten kilometres out of Rustenburg.

“It’s conveniently close to the town, but it feels as if you are deep in the bush, it’s so peaceful, with amazing birdlife. And the sunsets over the mountains are to die for.”

Customer service and keeping her guests entertained are her hallmarks with hiking and jogging on the large property and traditional dancing and drumming in the boma, Millicent makes sure her guests are never bored.

Western Cape - Shaheed Ebrahim, Escape to the Cape

Always willing to take some time off from his day job to take family and friends around Cape Town, Shaheed Ebrahim finally decided to pursue his hobby and take a tour-guiding course when he left his banking job.

He soon realised that there was a gap in the market for today’s technologically savvy traveller and set up Escape to the Cape, which has quickly made a name for itself by providing customers free Wi-Fi on board the tour bus, a roving iPad, cellphone and laptop charging facilities and free phone calls for US visitors.

One of the reasons for his success, says Shaheed, is the fact that his tours are all inclusive and take everyone’s needs into account, especially childrens’, with special tours designed for young families.

•Watchthisspaceforthewinnerintomorrow’seditionof Indaba Daily News.

Who will the ETEYA winner for 2012 be? ETEYA finalists at ITB in Berlin, Germany recently – from left, SA Tourism Germany Country Manager Theresa Bay-Muller,

Salome Tshungu, Ntoko Moeletsi, Vivian Boboyi, SA Tourism Chief Executive Officer Thulani Nzima, Katlego Mogafe, Mamagowa Letaba, Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Dees Govender, Millicent Shadi and Shaheed Ebrahim.

4 | INDABA DAILY NEWS 2012

The Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP) is launching a new three-year strategy during Indaba, which will assist with the fast tracking of job creation, transformation and the sustainability of small tourism businesses.

TEP is a public-private partnership that has been facilitating job creation and enterprise development in the tourism industry in South Africa for the past 12 years.

In its drive to continuously maximise impact and effectiveness, TEP recently partnered in the independent SME Growth Index survey. This survey, which was conducted in November 2011, provided TEP with a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of its programmes in terms of small business employment growth and profitability, against tourism firms not receiving business development support.

Based on the evidence of the survey results, TEP has devised a new strategy to improve its response to the challenges facing small tourism firms. “The research has enabled us to better categorise TEP’s market base and provide services according to our clients’ needs and in a much more defined and focused way,” says Chief Executive Dr Salifou Siddo.

“Within these new categories, TEP will adjust its services to make it easier for small tourism businesses

to access information. TEP will also streamline its business support, skills development and market access programmes to fast track the growth and sustainability of tourism SMMEs. We hope that, over time, the longitudinal study will help us track TEP’s impact in terms of growing employment, turnover and expansion of domestic and foreign markets for small tourism firms in South Africa.”

These sentiments were echoed by Tourism Minister Martinus van Schalkwyk who stated at a recent workshop held in Ceres for small tourism firms: “With the national focus on job creation, the tourism industry is well suited to deliver results as it tends to be labour-intensive and a good vehicle for entrepreneurship and the development of small businesses. It is through vehicles such as TEP that we aim to increase the sector’s total contribution to the economy and reach our national job creation goals.”

The benefits of being a TEP client include access to TEP’s Business Development Fund, advice and guidance from TEP’s Business Development Consultants, business assessment reports, provision of information through a planned tourism information portal, access to TEP skills development offerings and mentorship, networking with similar-minded entrepreneurs and various platforms for market access.

For more information visit stand DEC1D04.

Tourvest Destination Management (TDM) will be acting against suppliers that are deliberately ignoring the travel distribution channel and undercutting tour operators says Chief Executive Officer Martin Wiest.

Wiest confirms that the company will be launching a Rate Guarantee policy to “keep suppliers honest” and ensure they treat all elements of the travel distribution channel fairly.

TDM has acquired a screen-scraper system that accesses hotel aggregators, OTAs and other online portals for rates and compares these to those offered to its partners.

Overseas tour operators partnering with TDM will

be able to see what the company is offering them in comparison with what other suppliers are offering. The Rate Guarantee policy will pertain to what OTAs are offering, not what other inbounds are offering, and we will at minimum, match the rate provided the same terms and conditions are present.

The initiative will also give TDM the ability to negotiate better and keep rates at a competitive level.

Monitoring TDM’s Guaranteed Rate policy will help it better identify products that are repeatedly proving to be challenging and thereby reviewing its distribution and purchase decisions around that.

For more information visit stand ICCD018.

New strategy for more jobs

Partnership for growth – the TEP team at yesterday’s SMME workshop at Indaba.

Chief Executive Officer Martin Wiest says Tourvest will be acting against suppliers that are undercutting tour operators.

Tourvest introduces a rate guarantee policy ‘to keep suppliers honest’

INDABA DAILY NEWS 2012 | 5

TSHWANE THE BIRTHPLACE OF DEMOCRACY

www.twitter.com/City TshwaneCity of Tshwane I Official (Page) www.tshwane.gov.za

All Presidents in democratic South Africa are inaugurated here because the Union Buildings symbolises the status of the City as the administrative headquarters of the national government.

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Indaba DEMOCRACY A ad.pdf 1 2012/05/10 9:43 AM

Table Mountain is officially one of the new seven wonders of nature after an international audit confirmed the result of a global voting process.

Hundreds of millions of votes had been cast for the 28 global finalists.

Table Mountain’s status as one of the new seven

wonders of nature became official after an international audit confirmed the result of a global voting process.

The New7Wonders Foundation, which is based in Switzerland and regulated under Swiss law, confirmed Table Mountain’s ‘provisional’ status after international voting closed on 11 November last year has been

changed to ‘official.

And Indaba delegates have contributed to this by consistently voting over the past few years – as did many a delegate at South African tourism conferences and exhibitions.

The City of Cape Town’s Executive Mayor Patricia de Lille says the title is a great accolade for a unique wonder of nature that belongs to all the people of Cape Town, South Africa, Africa and the world.

“The new seven wonders title has great long-term marketing value for Cape Town and South Africa. The wonder becomes part of school curricula, it becomes a must see and a bucket list item for travellers and explorers.”

Chairperson of the Table Mountain official supporters committee, Sabine Lehmann says the official confirmation provides a significant boost to the South African tourism industry.

“Visitor numbers to Table Mountain reached record numbers after the mountain was placed on the provisional list of seven sites last November, and we expect the official confirmation to further boost visitor interest, locally and abroad.”

The other six wonders are the Amazon forest in South America, Halong Bay in Vietnam, the Iguazu Falls in Brazil and Argentina, Jeju Island in South Korea, Komodo Island in Indonesia and the Puerto Princesa underground river in the Philippines.

“We are planning the official inaugural event later this year. A commemorative plaque will be officially

presented by the New7Wonders Foundation. Table Mountain is unique among the seven wonders in that it is in the heart of the city. The others are a distance away from main centres. Table Mountain is a marvel of history, geology, bio-diversity and it even has a stellar constellation named after it,” says De Lille.

“I want to thank all the people of Cape Town, South Africa, Africa and those across the world who voted for Table Mountain. Many media channels in South Africa were generous in their support for the campaign. Table Mountain and The City of Cape Town thank you, baie dankie, enkosi kakhulu. The City will work closely with South African National Parks, who is responsible for managing Table Mountain as one of our country’s national parks.”

Regional General Manager of SANParks, Gary de Kock says this award recognises our significant investment in the natural heritage of this beautiful mountain chain and that conservation adds value to the tourism economy.

The official supporters committee started the vote for the Table Mountain campaign three years ago at the first of three rounds of voting. They approached the City of Cape Town for support in the final round of 28 when the campaign needed a major thrust. The City launched a high-impact, high visibility campaign - seven weeks to seven wonders - for the final, decisive victory push. The campaign indeed paid-off well.

For more information visit stand DEC 1H23.

It’s official -Table Mountain a new wonder of natureAnd you contributed to this status

By night or day - Table Mountain is truly a wonder of nature.

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TEP IS HEADING IN A NEW DIRECTION

What does TEP Offer? Registered TEP clients, having paid an annual administration fee, gain access to:

• Asourceofrelevantanduptodateindustryinformation

• Anetworkoflikemindedbusinessownersandentrepreneurs

• Accesstoservicessuchasskillsdevelopmentandmarketaccess

• TEP’sBusinessDevelopmentFund,whichcanassistwithupto50%costsharing ofapprovedbusinessservicesthatmeetimpactandjobgrowthcriteria

Private and Public Sector organisations gain access to:

• TEP’sEnterpriseDevelopmentPortfoliowhichoffersupfrontpointsforB-BBEEscoring

• Taxdeductibilityoncertaininvestments

• Tourismprojectdevelopmentandmanagement

For more information please visit us at stand DEC1D04 or at www.tep.co.zaTel: 011 880 3790, e-mail: info@tep.co.za

A stress-free journey to the centre – wander the whale labyrinth at Strandfontein on the West Coast.

Leading hospitality insurance and risk management broker SATIB has it covered at Indaba 2012.

SATIB has been involved with the southern African tourism and hospitality industry for more than 20 years and provides customised risk management and insurance solutions.

“Our key to providing a tailor-made service is to motivate our clients’ specific requirements to insurers, to secure policies that suit their needs,” says Managing Director Gavin Courtenay.

SATIB is recognised throughout Africa as a symbol of quality in risk transfer programmes, with A+ rated security, prompt claims settlement and personal service. SATIB also provides clients with unique benefits such as the SATIB24 Crisis Call facility, risk

surveys, property valuations and access to capacity building and legal assistance.

SATIB will be holding a comprehensive Mind the Gap seminar about the risk management process in the Durban ICC on Monday. The audience will be addressed by Dr Simon King, Managing Director of the Africa Incident Management Centre, Wayne Forrester, Managing Director of Savage, Jooste & Adams and André du Toit, Operations Director at SATIB Insurance Brokers. The seminar will address the entire risk management process including preparation, response and recovery and the importance of each step in determining the best outcome.

For more information visit stand ICCK007.

Life on the West Coast is all about becoming one with nature, finding inner peace and reviving the soul. And what better way to achieve this, than with the brand new labyrinth and eco gardens at Strandfontein.

The wandering whale labyrinth consists of five inside rings and is built on the principle of the Chartes cathedral labyrinth in France, which dates from 1201 AD. Built from natural rocks that were taken from the beach, it took four volunteers ten days to build.

Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has only one way in and one way out. You cannot get lost whilst walking a labyrinth and you do not have to decide which road to take. Relaxation is top priority – making it a stress-free journey to the centre. In fact, the whole idea is to get into a rhythm, experience calmness and to cast

your problems away as you walk. In essence, walking a labyrinth is all about introspection and getting to know yourself. Here you can do it with the sound of the waves in your ears, the smell of the fresh sea breeze in your nose, whilst your eyes feast on the colourful flowers of the indigenous plants.

The wandering whale labyrinth and Fryers Cove Eco Gardens are built on a cliff – the ideal observation post to spot the migrating whales which visit this safe haven from July to December each year. Sign posts on the hiking trail identify flowers en route and benches provide the ideal spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers to sit and soak in the rich diversity of plant and bird life.

For more information visit stand DEC1H23.

SATIB has it covered at Indaba

Go to Nelspruit Kruger and Livingstone with Airlink

Walking a whale labyrinth

Airlink, the regional feeder airline, connects travellers to two of Africa’s most sought-after destinations, Nelspruit Kruger and Livingstone.

You have the freedom to enjoy an early morning game drive in Kruger and watch the sun setting on the Zambezi on the same day.

Flights fly direct from Cape Town to Nelspruit Kruger daily and from Nelspruit to Livingstone direct on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and from 7 August also on Tuesdays.

Visit the Airlink team on stand ICCJ002

INDABA DAILY NEWS 2011 | 7

Camp Jabulani in Hoedspruit has unveilled its refurbishment of all the suites and public areas that were damaged by devastating floods earlier this year and has incorporated many eco-initiatives into the daily running of this five-star Relais & Châteaux property and its sister property, the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC).

The décor of Camp Jabulani remains classic yet retains the signature décor touches synonymous with Camp Jabulani. Furniture, where possible, has been recycled and restored in the suites and guest areas and each suite now has a glass front to enable better temperature control and to allow more natural light to flow in. New glass, with canvas borders, and new decks have been installed and the damage to all floors has been repaired. In the process, all thatched roofs were combed and beams and timber finishes painted and treated.

An industrial green wormery has been introduced, which is kept close to the elephant stables for all the dung collected. This will result in reducing fleas in an eco-friendly manner. The worm tea (or worm wee) is sprayed in erosion areas to assist in re-establishing vegetation and has been donated to the Paulos Ngobeni Primary School, the Camp’s charity of choice, for use in their vegetable garden and those of parents. It is also used on the bana grass which is grown and harvested for additional food for the elephants in their stables.

The HESC, known for its pioneering work and involvement in the survival of endangered species, has implemented rigorous recycling efforts with paper, glass, tins and plastic and installed solar lights.

Bags of elephant dung available at the shop make novel souvenirs as the dung is the perfect fertiliser for

gardens. Funds raised go towards aiding the area’s anti-poaching rhino patrols.

Commenting on the various initiatives, Adine Roode, Managing Director at Camp Jabulani, says: “We believe our eco initiatives, our efforts to educate guests about wildlife and the unique elephant interaction available at Camp Jabulani contribute significantly to the conservation of our environment. We also endeavour to transfer this knowledge to our younger generations through our various educational programmes.”

• The HESC has been working with Africam.com tobroadcast the life of a litter of cheetah cubs from the actual birth on 2 May 2012 to their introduction into the wild and can be followed on “A Cheetah Cub’s Tail”, via http://www.africam.com/wildlife/cheetah_cubs_tail.

For more information visit stand ICC0001.

South African jazz developed largely in Gauteng, with the likes of Jonas Gwangwa, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Letta Mbula and Caiphas Semenya now considered international icons, and synonymous with the jazz style.

And last night Durban got to sample this groovy and growing lifestyle experience at the Guateng jazz evening - presented by the Gauteng Tourism Authority

– with the coolest sounds in country blowing up a storm on the coast.

But remember the Jazzy Rainbow jam is just the beginning. The rainbow that was flashed into the coastal air last night ends in a pot of gold, which happens to be in Gauteng. So whether you had an upfront taste at last night’s mind blowing gig, or whether you missed it completely, don’t forget to

get to Jozi this spring to experience the buzzing jazz season.

Jazz originated about a century ago as a uniquely Afro-American form of expression, but it is such a popular and versatile genre that it has taken over the world.

Gauteng has brought jazz music to the country and taken the South African music flavour to the world. The 15th Moretele Park Tribute Concert will take place on 1 September this year. Furthermore, Gauteng will once again be home to the Oude Meester Ekurhuleni Comes Alive jazz evening, every month at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, Gauteng. The spring calendar this year will build up to the popular Standard Bank Joy of Jazz concert in Newtown, Johannesburg.

Gauteng Tourism promoters love their home brew so much that they were not shy to blow their own trumpets through this premiere jazz experience concert for tour operators, travel and trade media and the world.

The road to the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2012 started early this year in various Gauteng regions with developmental programmes, followed by Cape Town’s International Jazz Festival.

Gauteng has all the punch of the big jazz heavy weights. Get to Gauteng, the heart and soul of jazz.

For more information visit stand DEC1C11.

Travel review and social networking giant Tripadvisor has named Cape Town as the best destination in the world for the second year in a row. The Mother City pushed Australia’s Sydney into the second spot, with Machu Picchu coming in third, Paris fourth and Rio de Janeiro fifth, while London picked up eighth position.

Table Mountain and Robben Island were named as Cape Town highlights in the awards, based on millions of user reviews.

The city has seen a massive boost in tourism numbers recently, with The V&A Waterfront seeing more than three million visitors during December, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway attracting more than 100 000 visitors in one month, and the City Sightseeing Bus running at full capacity during December.

Tripadvisor has also started releasing its 2012 Travellers Choice Awards, with its world’s best hotels list being released.

Camp Jabulani and species centre grow conservation awareness

Cape Town tops - Tripadvisor

Gauteng jazz evening takes Durban by storm

Lights, camera, jazz! Newton precinct in Johannesburg hosted the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz.

South African jazz icons who made it big internationally - Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela.

TRAVEL AND TOURISM IS OUR BUSINESS

When it comes to the business of travel and tourism the Tourism Business

Council of South Africa is the unifying factor. In partnership with our national

member associations and corporate businesses, we seek to lobby and positively

influence decisions and policies in the interest of the sector’s growth and development.

Our voice is your business, join now!

Visit us at Stand No. ICC F019, ICCTo find out more about the TBCSA, log on to www.tbcsa.travel

INDABA DAILY NEWS 2011 | 9

Cape Town Tourism’s Facebook fan page, I ❤ Cape Town, now has more than a quarter of a million fans.

The fan page allows residents and visitors to share their favourite Mother City experiences, photos and videos, while Cape Town Tourism gives advice about where to go and what to do as well as information on great deals, having recently partnered with collective-buying site, UbuntuDeal.

According to social media and digital analytics company Social Bakers, I ❤ Cape Town is gaining momentum in the digital brand space with a growth rate of just over 2 000 fans per month.

“In this day and age, it is absolutely vital to be active online and interacting with potential travellers. At the same time these platforms are kept alive by our fans and create an element of nostalgia for both South Africans abroad and for people who have visited us and would like to return one day,” says Skye Grove, Cape Town Tourism’s PR and Communications Manager.

SA Tourism Update Online

The City of Durban has lined up a number of exciting activities to ensure that all Indaba delegates have a memorable experience.

Durban Tourism CEO Phillip Sithole says Indaba is one of the key events hosted by Durban. It is also an important economic catalyst, not only for tourism businesses, but also for the broader economy of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and the country at large. Indaba contributes between R250 to R300 million to the economy of Durban.

“As Durban Tourism we are determined to ensure that the city always provides all the essential supporting mechanisms to guarantee the successful staging of Indaba,” he says.

“This year Durban is hosting Indaba for the 22nd time and will host it until 2015. Every year we come up with new innovations to ensure that Indaba indeed remains Africa’s premier travel and tourism show.”

The Indaba welcome party will be held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium’s Peoples Park tonight. An historic

memorandum of understanding between Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town will be signed at Umlazi’s Max’s Lifestyle tomorrow.

Among others, accredited Indaba delegates, media and exhibitors can enjoy discounts for a city tour on a ricksha bus.

For more information on the hottest spots and key attractions in Durban, visit stand DEC1E07 or the information desk at Indaba.

I ❤ Cape Town – more than 250 000 Facebook fans

Durban welcomes Indaba delegates

The Chipembere Rhino Foundation, established in 2010 by Brent and Chantelle Cook after losing two rhino bulls to poaching, is about to embark on its second fund-raising event in the USA. With the help of their sister USA foundation Rhino Alive! the foundation will campaign to create awareness about the brutality of the current poaching situation in South Africa and to raise funds for anti-poaching teams in the Eastern Cape.

So far Chipembere has successfully raised over R400 000.00. The grass-roots approach and on-the-

ground support has provided, amongst others, rhino ankle collars, bullet-proof vests, uniforms, spotlights, monitoring equipment and a vehicle for the ground teams fighting rhino poaching in Eastern Cape reserves.

Chipembere’s main focus has been telemetry leg collars to help with the monitoring of rhino. A donation of R2 700.00 can purchase a VHF rhino-tracking ankle collar so that teams can monitor exactly where their rhino are at any given moment. This makes it much easier for reserves to keep a watchful eye on

their rhino’s movements, especially when a possible security breach is detected.

Rhino poaching deaths in South Africa have reached over 200 in the first half of 2012 and Chipembere is one of a number of private registered non-profit initiatives that is trying to make a positive difference.

For more information on the foundation and how you can help, contact foundation co-ordinator Helen Turnbull on 084 571 5900, Chantelle Cook of HillsNek Safaris on stand ICCV006, visit the website www.chipembere.org or follow the foundation on Facebook.

Chipembere Rhino Foundation helps keep our rhinos horny!

10 | INDABA DAILY NEWS 2012

W E L C O M E T O

www.tourismcapetown.co.za

CAPE TOWN & Western Cape

AN INSPIRED PLACE TO BO BUSINESS

Experience

Visit us at Stand DEC 1H23

Cape Town Cape KarooCape Garden Route &

Klein KarooCape Winelands Cape West Coast Cape Overberg

The Heritage Environmental Management Company announced the release of its upgraded environmental certification standard for the travel and tourism industry at Indaba today.

The standard has been upgraded in line with international trends in certification and in addition to revised standards, it now includes four new features.

It is now fully compliant with the South African National Minimum Standards for Responsible Tourism. Members of the Heritage programme will have the added advantage of meeting this important national standard in responsible tourism without the need for additional assessment or costs. The new standard is also the first of its kind in Africa to approach the management of greenhouse gas emissions and provides members with an integrated and comprehensive carbon management tool to measure their carbon footprint on a monthly basis.

The global commitment to climate change is also addressed. Heritage has become the first tourism-based environmental certification system to address climate change adaptation and mitigation. This allows certified businesses the opportunity to identify and manage the impacts that changes in

climatic and environmental conditions will have on their sustainability and to adequately meet these challenges.

International travel has been identified as one of the contributing factors in the growth of child sex and exploitation, and in association with Fair Trade in Tourism SA and other international organisations, the Heritage standard now also includes a child protection standard established by the international Code against child sex and exploitation.

“Heritage’s standard now addresses 66 individual standards of responsible and sustainable business practice through 287 indicators and it creates a more unified approach in ensuring that certified businesses remain at the forefront of international best practice in environmental and social practice. These changes and improvements also ensure the auditing process is more structured and comprehensive and that the reporting process used for continued improvement by our members meets the specific needs of each certified business,” says Neal Dickinson, Director of Operations at Heritage.

For more information phone Greg McManus at Indaba on 082 453 4161.

The latest edition of Hotels, Lodges, Guest Houses, B&Bs, Self-Catering - the Accommodation Directory, is now available.

Featuring some 2 500 AA Quality Assured properties in Southern Africa on 256 pages, the directory also includes detailed maps, with easy access to information via the location and establishment indexes. Establishments are arranged by location with write ups about the major regions.

The book has been designed to be used in conjunction with www.aatravel.co.za, which contains detailed information of establishments listed.

Pick up your copy of this useful directory at Indaba from the AA Travel Guides stand in the ATTA marquee.

The first-ever African golfing conference and exhibition comes to the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 2 to 5 May next year.

TSG Tourism Services Group Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Weltman says for golf to prosper on the African continent, a platform must be created for the local golfing industry.

“We want to use golf as a vehicle to not only showcase the local industry, but also the impact that golf has on tourism figures to Africa. The Africa golfing indaba will be a meeting place where all the major role players and stakeholders - local and international - can gather and connect while showcasing their latest products and offerings.”

“We are proud to be associated with this event,” says Professional Golfers Association of South Africa Chief Executive Officer Ivano Ficalbi.

“We have agreed to a five-year partnership between the PGA SA and Africa Golfing Indaba and believe the event will promote golf in its entirety throughout the African continent.”

The South African golf industry is significant – there are currently more than 150 000 affiliated golf players in the country, with a further 350 000 casual players, making one in every hundred South Africans a golfer. Many local golf courses, such as Oubaai and The Links at Fancourt, consistently rank among the best in the world, attracting top professional golfers from around the globe.

“However, South Africa is an exception on the continent,” says Weltman.

“While countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Kenya are trying to capitalise on the benefits of golf tourism to their countries, in the rest of Africa the potential for golf development is untapped. We’re hoping that the event will act as a catalyst for the creation of a truly world-class African golfing industry.”

The golfing indaba offers 2 400m2 of exhibition space, four conferencing venues covering 40 sessions in

four different tracks, and a series of presentations by celebrities that will be open to all attendees.

“The exhibition will feature the latest golf products and services and give exhibitors the opportunity to meet important buyers, golf directors and facility owners, while consumers will be able to see the latest trends and experience new equipment from around the world,” he says.

A public stage area in the centre of the exhibition hall will host various activities throughout the four days, including demonstrations, fashion shows and appearances by the attending golfing celebrities.

“We will also have 20 driving range bays equipped with the latest in ball flight technology, as well as a large putting and chipping area. PGA teaching professionals will be on-hand to assist visitors with their equipment selection - you can even book an introductory lesson on the booking system on our website www.golfingindaba.com.”

The seminars will feature a number of key industry players who will host informative talks about their specific needs and the challenges they face.

“This also gives stakeholders an opportunity to interact with these role players to better understand their position and value within the industry. It is through this better level of understanding that we hope to strengthen the African golfing industry and assist with growing it over the coming years,” says Weltman.

The organisers have also earmarked ten percent of all sponsorship fees for distribution to three non-profit golf-related organisations - the SA Golf Development Board, the SA Disabled Golf Association and the Ernie Els Foundation. Each of the organisations will be given a platform to highlight their initiatives at their own exhibition stands as well as through hosted talks at the public stage area and dedicated clinics at the driving range and chipping and putting greens.

For more information visit stand ICCI010.

New green standard includes climate change

Get your new accommodation guide

A hole in one for Cape TownFirst-ever Africa golfing indaba

INDABA DAILY NEWS 2012 | 11

Growing Joburg’s FutureJoburg, dynamic and v ib rant in eve ry way, i s South Af r i ca ’s th r i v ing economic and cu l tu ra l cap i ta l . Joburg i s char t ing an even more exc i t ing course fo r i t s fu tu re and fo r i t s c i t i zens th rough i t s Growth and Deve lopment S t ra tegy (GDS) , l aunched as the Joburg 2040 in October 2011. Th i s p lan , d rawn up in consu l ta t ion w i th Joburg ’s re s ident s , w i l l fu r the r advance economic as we l l a s soc ia l deve lopment . The end resu l t w i l l be a c i t y tha t i s more l i veab le , sus ta inab le and economica l l y robus t - fo r the benef i t o f more South Af r i cans . I n l i ne w i th these deve lopments and as pa r t o f the ins t i tu t iona l rev iew process to e ffec t c lose r a l ignment w i th C i t y goa l s , th i s yea r Joburg Tour i sm Company i s be ing incorpora ted in to the C i t y ’s Communica t ion & Tour i sm Group. The GDS i s coup led to the c i t y ’s In tegra ted Deve lopment P lan ( IDP ) and both a re a l igned w i th the Nat iona l P lann ing Commiss ion ’s New Growth Pa th . W i th the imp lementa t ion o f Joburg 2040, the fu tu re o f the C i t y o f Go ld looks b r ighte r than eve r be fo re . An idea l des t ina t ion to l i ve , inves t and s tudy in – and o f cour se to v i s i t , exp lo re and en joy! To f ind out more on what ’s hot and happening in Joburg, v i s i t www.joburgtours im.com

Visit • Work • Play

info@joburgtourism.comwww.joburgtourism.com

Tel: +27 11 214 0700

Follow us on:

Tourists along Kenya’s coastal beaches now have a new life - they can enjoy sun-bathing with relieving breezes - courtesy of the beach management programme undertaken by Kenya Wildlife Service.

Hoteliers along the beach have put up sun beds along the beach adjacent to their properties and introduced full waiter services on the beach.

The programme also includes frequent patrols, daily beach clean-ups and the reorganisation of beach vendors.

“It was fantastic to see a full beach with clients enjoying beach life without being hassled by anyone,” says Catrin Schwerring, General Manager of the Bahari Beach Hotel in Mombasa.

The six-month pilot programme is aimed at reviving Kenya’s coastal area as a key tourist destination. It aims at restoring the competitive edge of Kenya’s coastal area as a tourism destination, while ensuring that the marine and beach tourism products are sustained.

Kenya Tourist Board Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa says the beach product is a key attraction to the coast, renewing efforts to improve the beach experience.

“The programme addresses issues like the harassment of tourists, beach insecurity and beach degradation, whilst at the same time enhancing youth employment,” says Ndegwa.

For more information visit stand SADCA004.

The SATSA 2012 Directory, which lists all SATSA members currently in good standing in compliance with SATSA membership requirements, is now available free of charge at the SATSA stand in the ICC.

In previous years, SATSA’s print Directory of Members became a sought-after tool for both local and international buyers for inbound travel to Southern Africa. SATSA relaunched this valuable marketing tool last year by combining traditional printed directories with digital technology in the form of CDs and an auto-install widget software programme with useful navigation to information and search. Thus the directory can constantly be updated so that

information is always current.

SA Tourism India has already ordered 1 500 copies to be used in training courses for Indian tour operators and travel agents.

The directory is distributed to SATSA members, SA embassies and consulates and offices worldwide, foreign embassies based in SA, SA Tourism offices worldwide, international delegates at identified trade shows and workshops and travel agents and tour operators abroad. The directory is also distributed on request.

Collect your free copy from stand ICCEO18.

Marlin Lodge, situated on Benguera Island in Mozambique, has launched a wedding package that is guaranteed to give couples a hassle-free wedding.

The package offers clients the exclusivity of the island and can accommodate 30 guests. This exclusive retreat offers the ultimate setting for an extraordinary, yet affordable island wedding. Grooms start the day diving, snorkelling or fishing, followed by a massage before being escorted to a beach pavilion for the

ceremony. Brides enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before being whisked away to the Sanctuary Spa for a full day of pampering with beauty treatments. The simple and elegant ceremony takes place just before sunset over the ocean. A three-course dinner is served on the beach or another island venue with the option of a bed to sleep under the stars.

For more information, also about the lodge’s rebrand as Extraordinary, visit stand ICCR019.

Can beaches be friendlier? In Kenya YES!

Get your new SATSA directory at Indaba

An island wedding at Marlin Lodge

12 | INDABA DAILY NEWS 2012

Stellenbosch 360, the town’s new marketing organisation, will launch its new brand identity at indaba.

Annemarie Ferns, Chief Executive Officer of Stellenbosch 360, says the new brand symbolises unity, bridge-building and renewed growth.

“It celebrates Stellenbosch’s rich history, vibrant community and scenery.”

Stellenbosch 360 replaces the Stellenbosch Tourism & Information Bureau.

The goals of the initiative included the development of a new brand for the town, the establishment of a new and inclusive tourism route – Route 360 – and a new world-class visitors’ centre. The key goals for the new brand are, among others, to enhance the reputation of Stellenbosch, grow visitor loyalty and embrace transformation.

“We are launching Route 360 at Indaba, a virtual route on the Stellenbosch 360 website, that allows tourists to book and pay for authentic culture tourism experiences online. The route map website is dedicated to products that offer authentic, interactive and one-of-a-kind experiences.

“The idea is to find those emerging entrepreneurs in the townships and rural communities and bring them into the tourism mainstream. We will pair talented individuals from the townships and rural areas with established tourism enterprises in and around our towns,” says Ferns.

Route 360 comprises eight fields of interest - art, heritage, adventure, nature, food, wine, education and sport. It also offers 36 innovative cultural activities.

Tourists will be able to create a shopping basket of activities and experiences they want to have while in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and surrounds, and will be able to book and pay for these experiences online.

For the established tourism business to feature on Route 360, they have to look at a new, authentic offering that provides an interactive experience for tourists.

A comprehensive rollout of the new identity is planned over the next few months.

SA Tourism Update Online

For more information visit stand DEC1H23

At Duinepos in the West Coast National Park, no stone is left unturned to assure the implementation of the philosophy of living in harmony with the natural environment.

For this community-based project, being green and sustainable is a way of life and serious business. This philosophy was implemented from the start by constructing all new buildings with the sand bag method. This method of building not only has a low environmental impact, but also offers good thermal insulation. The ecologically friendly construction was undertaken by a team of 30 previously unemployed people who learned the required skills on site.

To introduce methods of efficient water use, chalets only have shower facilities and eco-friendly cleaning products are used to wash visitors’ bed linen and towels. Guests are encouraged to recycle paper, plastic, glass and biodegradable waste at their individual chalets.

At Duinepos everyone works towards green destination status and even personnel try and reduce excess wastage as far as possible, for instance by

recycling printer ink cartridges. Marketing material, where possible, is printed on recycled paper. Marketers also try to limit this traditional means of marketing by engaging with their target audience via e-marketing and social media. And yes, you have guessed it: the website is carbon neutral.

The West Coast National Park is considered the flagship birding destination along the West Coast with Langebaan lagoon providing an important birding habitat. Large numbers of waders, up to 50 000, can be found on the mudflats during summer and more than 250 bird species have been recorded in the park. Islands nearby also support important breeding colonies of coastal birds, like the African Penguin, Cape gannet and crowned- and bank cormorants.

Set amidst this beautiful scenery, it is no wonder that Duinepos is serious about reducing its environmental footprint. To show its commitment to the development of responsible tourism, Duinepos has joined and actively supports the GreenLine Responsible Tourism Certification Programme.

For more information visit stand DECH23.

Stellenbosch – a brand-new brand

100 000 Indian visitors by 2014?

Duinepos going for green

Duinepos is serious about reducing its environmental footprint and actively supports the GreenLine Responsible Tourism Certification Programme.

South African Tourism has announced that it is intensifying its marketing efforts and investment in India in a bid to attract over 100 000 Indian visitors by 2014.

At the annual SAT roadshow in India recently, Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said the number of Indian tourists travelling to South Africa had steadily increased, with a spectacular increase of 122 percent between 2005 and 2010. “The importance of India as a source market for South Africa can’t be underscored as India is an emerging travel market with massive growth potential. India’s economic growth is also expected to continue over the next 40 years and by 2050, India is expected to be among the top three global economies.”

The SAT roadshow has grown considerably in number and size over the years. This year the roadshow featured 61 South African products with more than 1 000 Indian travel agents across five cities.

Peter Schoeman, Divisional Director Sales and Marketing at City Lodge Hotels, says the company is attending the South African Tourism workshops in India every year to promote its hotels as there has been a definite increase in interest from the Indian travellers for South Africa. “South Africa is seen as a new destination as most Indians – the well-travelled ones – have done Europe.”

The Indian trade is very enthusiastic about South Africa. Nayaz Noor, CEO of Safir Tours says: “I have seen a steady increase for South Africa as a destination. In fact, we intend to increase our SA business by at least 40 to 50 percent this year.

“To attract Indian travellers South Africa should market its local circuits a bit more to add value to the programmes. South Africa should also promote itself as an adventure destination. Adventure sports are being underplayed.”

INDABA DAILY NEWS 2012 | 13

Enchanting Limpopo -Home to lush putting greens and spellbinding safaris

After spending the day enjoying the gentleman’s game in the sunny and delightful warm weather of Limpopo, wile away your evening enjoying dinner around the boma fire and under great Africa starry skies. Take part in the traditional dance and find yourself encircled by ululating maidens as they display their dancing prowess. Experience the region’s wildlife on a guided game drive and witness the thrill of close encounters with nocturnal prey and predators.

T: 015 293 3600, F: 086 525 1804

Go to www.golimpopo.com

Cape Town and Durban have finalised a marketing project with National Geographic as part of an agreement to partner-market the two cities.

The cities are South Africa’s leisure tourism hubs and the National Geographic campaign is the first of a series of international activities to promote urban tourism in South Africa.

The campaign will see Cape Town and Durban feature across all National Geographic platforms between April 2012 and June 2013. It will include a series of TV vignettes focussed on the unique sounds of each city, an array of international National Geographic Magazine editions including National Geographic Traveler US, online editorial on www.nationalgeographic.com, a social media and digital campaign, as well as an event in London or Washington DC.

The target markets for the campaign are the two cities’ primary tourism source markets, namely the USA, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, South Africa (and, through DSTV, into Africa), India, China and Australia.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s research shows that up to eighty percent of international tourists look for urban tourism –exploring rich and different cultures and experiencing a country through the entry and viewpoint of their cities. In a world where cities, rather than countries, are the true players in a competitive global economy, culture is extensively being recognised as a facilitator of economic and urban progress.

With seventy percent of South Africa’s tourism product offering situated within the country’s urban areas, the National Geographic campaign will focus on iconic tourism attractions as well as unexpected experiences and hidden gems in each city.

It will showcase the diversity and multiculturalism of each city and tell unique stories about the destinations through the eyes of citizens – local ambassadors who will unlock the distinctive culture of each city.

Phillip Sithole of eThekwini Municipality’s Business Support and Tourism says: “Durban and Cape Town add value to each other’s leisure and business tourism offering and the National Geographic campaign will demonstrate the unique touch points of each city. The campaign is formal recognition of our concerted efforts to present an integrated city tourism experience for both domestic and international travellers.”

“Prosperous cities of the future will be stand-out urban centres seen as the most liveable and enjoyable places on the planet – places that will deliver benefits to residents and visitors alike. Cape Town and Durban tell two very distinctive but corresponding stories. The National Geographic campaign is the first urban tourism collaboration of its kind in South Africa. We believe it will highlight our leisure tourism potential in our key source markets”, says Mariette du Toit-Helmbold, CEO of Cape Town Tourism.

Some of the Durban locations and elements to be featured will include the uShaka Marine World, the Juma Masjid Mosque, the Victoria Street Market, Gandhi’s house and the Phoenix Settlement as well as the Tala Game Reserve.

Cape Town locations and attractions will include Boulders Beach, Robben Island, District Six and Woodstock, the city’s three wine regions, Winelands, the BoKaap and Table Mountain. The campaign will have the key message that a world of experiences can be had in two South African cities.

Durban’s story will be told as the leading port city with a warmth and tradition that is rooted in Africa and Asian influences and Cape Town’s unprecedented natural beauty will form the backdrop of the depiction as a city of inspiration, design and innovation where creative freedom reigns.

As part of the 2013 editorial calendar National Geographic Channel will also be producing a one-hour documentary about the two cities.

The 2012 Imvelo Responsible Tourism Awards programme is now open for entries.

Imvelo, running for the eleventh year, awards businesses that implement sustained responsible tourism programmes.

Organised by the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA) in conjunction with the Department of Tourism, Absa, the Department of Water Affairs, the Industrial Development Corporation, Eskom and Don’t Waste Services, Imvelo is open to any type of tourism or hospitality business in Africa.

Imvelo means ‘nature’ in South Africa’s Nguni languages.

The Imvelo awards are in line with the National Minimum Standards for Responsible Tourism and the UN World Tourism Organisation’s code of ethics. They are supported by the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme

FEDHASA Chairman Eddy Khosa says Imvelo has created significant awareness of environmental management issues in the tourism industry. “Over the past ten years Imvelo has found and recognised world-class examples of responsible tourism practice.”

Awards will be made in the categories Best social involvement programme, Best practice – economic impact, Best overall environmental management system, Best single resource management programme – for water, energy and waste, Most empowered tourism business and Investing in people. An overall Imvelo winner will be selected.

A Chairman’s award could be made at the discretion of the FEDHASA chairman to any Imvelo entrant or any other organisation in the tourism industry that made a significant contribution to responsible tourism over the past year.

Entrants may enter in more than one category but entries must stipulate the category/categories that apply.

Entries should reach the organisers by 31 August 2012. They will be judged by a panel of specialists in responsible tourism practice and finalists will be visited personally to verify and evaluate their entries.

Winners will receive their awards at an awards ceremony to be held in Johannesburg in October.

For more information visit www.imveloawards.co.za or visit stand ICCF019.

Two SA cities become National Geographic stars

Time for Imvelo

COME AND VISIT US ON • STAND DEC1B05 • INDABA 2012GOODERSON LEISURE PROPERTIES

Bushlands Game Lodge, Hluhluwe • Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort, Southern Drakensberg• DumaZulu Lodge & Traditional Village • Fabz Estate Hotel, Lonehill • Kloppenheim Country Estate Hotel, Machadodorp

• Natal Spa Hot Springs & Leisure Resort • Sanrock Resort & Conference Centre, Modimolle • Tropicana Hotel, Durban

Hola! Goeie môre! Good Morning! Lotjhani! Dumêlang! Sanibonani! Xewani! Ndi matsheloni! Molweni! (All protocol observed.)

Nice to see you again, Mr and Mrs Indaba. Have you been responsible in the year since last we spoke?

Ah - how I remember everyone raving about Cape Town’s Responsible Tourism in Cities Conference at Indaba 2011, and the beautiful stand the Responsible Cape Town guys built out of milk crates, empty plastic bottles, and rough-hewn wood! (Did you see how it lit up at night?)

Truth is, those two things probably had more effect on the way I think about tourism than almost anything I’ve ever seen or done at any of the fifteen or so Indabas I’ve attended.

Responsible tourism, I realised, is the only way for us in the future – if we’re to have a future.

With climate change, economic change, massive changes in the way consumers have begun to approach the way they travel, and the ever-looming threat of a global collapse in the supply of fossil fuels,

the challenges we’re facing are greater now than ever before. And our industry isn’t going to be able to fully meet these challenges if each of us clings blindly to our own pet isms - eco-tourism, sustainable tourism, mass tourism, sports tourism...

We need a bigger consciousness.

And responsible tourism - ‘creating better places to live in, and better places to visit’ - is that bigger consciousness since it’s about all our isms, and more.

It’s about the legacy of tourism and the world we’ll leave behind when we’ve finished taking (and offering) our hospitality, our adventures, and our experiences.

With a billion foreign arrivals expected around the globe this year (one sixth of all humans alive today!), every one of us needs to become responsible for what we do when we travel, and what we do when we host other travellers.

So tell me. What are you doing that makes your Indaba – and aligns your product – with the principles of Responsible Tourism?

Comment

Is this going to be the responsible Indaba?by Martin Hatchuel

14 | INDABA DAILY NEWS 2011

The Protea Hospitality Group is spending about R1,5 billion on eight new hotels, the refurbishment of 17 others to world-class standard and contracts to bring five additional hotels into the portfolio.

This is not only the continent’s largest investment in hospitality in more than a decade, but is a massive vote of confidence in the future of business development and leisure travel on the continent, says Protea Hospitality Group Chief Executive Officer, Arthur Gillis.

The construction projects, management acquisitions and refurbishments are taking place in five countries – South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia and Tanzania.

“We are viewing the continent with much optimism this year, despite the uncertainty facing the global economy. As political stability and business opportunities increase, there is a greater need for hotels and we’re leading the charge. Countries such as Nigeria, Zambia, Uganda and Angola are flying in the face of global economic trends as far as hospitality is concerned. Africa’s trading partners have also changed in recent years, which is spurring unprecedented growth in regions that have previously not seen the numbers. Hospitality groups would be foolish not to be wondering where their opportunities lie and researching which areas of the continent are drawing the largest percentage of commercial travel,” says Gillis.

“Hotels in Africa are competing on a global level. To remain competitive to the leisure, business and MICE markets it must be best foot forward, with a service ethos to match. I have no doubt that Protea Hotels is not only matching that competitive level, but in most instances exceeding it. The property brand standard is perfectly appointed, stylish and elegant. In today’s competitive market it’s critical that our product offering remains fresh and relevant, which is why this extensive refurbishment exercise has been so widely undertaken,” Gillis said.

The refurbishment programme was undertaken with Protea Hotels’ owner partners and represents investment of more than R300 million.

The group is the largest hotel company on the continent, with some 130 hotels in eight African countries. The company’s brands include the five-star African Pride Hotels portfolio, the stylish and luxurious three- and four-star Protea Hotels and the trendy, edgy and innovative Protea Hotel Fire & Ice!

The three brands are to be found in strategic locations right across South Africa, with approximately 90 properties in all the major and secondary business centres, as well as safari lodges and beachfront hotels.

The group is also rapidly expanding across Africa, with all the new builds taking place in Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia.

Refurbishments recently completed, underway, or planned in the near future in South Africa include the African Pride 15 on Orange Hotel, the Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge, the Protea Hotel Cape Castle, the Protea Hotel President and the Protea Hotel Victoria Junction – all in Cape Town.

In Gauteng the hotels include the African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel and the Protea Hotel Wanderers in Johannesburg and the Protea Hotel Waterfront in Pretoria.

In Eastern Cape it is the Protea Hotel Marine in Port Elizabeth and in Mpumalanga the Protea Hotel Hazyview, the Protea Hotel Witbank and the Protea Hotel Kruger Gate.

In KwaZulu-Natal the hotels are the Protea Hotel Hilton, the Protea Hotel Edward and the Protea Hotel Imperial.

In the Northern Cape it is the Protea Hotel Upington.

Refurbishments recently completed, underway, or planned in the near future in Zambia include the Protea Hotel Southern Belle at Lake Kariba and the Protea Hotel Cairo Road in Lusaka.

New builds in Nigeria include the Protea Hotel Ibadan, Oyo State with 75 rooms to open in mid-2012, the Protea Hotel Select Emotan - Benin City, Edo State with 100 rooms, opening late this year and the Protea Hotel Select Ikeja, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Lagos State with 120 rooms and set to open in early 2013. Others are the African Pride Avalon Hotel and Spa, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, Lagos State with 150 rooms, due to open in late 2013 and the Protea Hotel Asaba, Asaba, Delta State with 125 rooms, where construction started in April.

In Uganda the Protea Hotel Entebbe with 70 rooms opened in April and in Zambia construction of the Protea Hotel Ndola with 80 rooms, started in April 2012 and will open in late 2013. Construction also started on the 104-room Protea Hotel Mulungushi.

In South Africa the Arabella Hotel & Spa in Kleinmond in the Western Cape and the Protea Hotel in Roodepoort in Gauteng have been added to the group’s portfolio, with the Protea Hotel Amani Beach in Tanzania also added to the portfolio. In Uganda a further two hotels will open under the Protea Hotels banner in the third quarter of this year.

For more information visit stand ICCT 001.

Protea goes big – R1, 5 billion big

More than 98 million online travel bookings are likely to be made in 2012.

This growth is also reflected at Peermont, with 30 percent of the group’s accommodation bookings now being generated through its new online booking applications and systems.

The applications, which link directly with the group’s central reservations system, provide a live, real-time interface for the user. This ensures that the transaction is quick and convenient for booking agents and visitors wanting to secure accommodation at any of the group’s 14 hotels in South Africa and Botswana.

“The landscape of travel is evolving all the time and consumers and travel operators require state-of-the-art online applications and solutions. Access in real-time to best-value propositions is what our applications and systems provide as well as the ability to book, modify or cancel reservations online. The system integrates all our accommodation offerings,” says Imtiaz Amod, Peermont Reservations Manager.

There are three different online booking options to meet the needs of different sectors of the travel industry. The Peermont Online Business Partner Programme serves tour operators, travel agents and corporate travel planners by providing real-time online access to negotiated rates and is available for free on request to qualified travel partners. Popular features and recent enhancements to the programme have

ensured that booking and administration is easier, especially for tour operators. Handy improvements include the system’s capacity to handle multiple bookings as well as a weather widget, a currency converter and flexible billing options. Tour operators not only have access to their negotiated rates online, they save an additional five percent when they book online.

PeermontConnect is an interface with Peermont Central Reservations designed for travel aggregators with their own web sites, and is free upon request while the ResBooker is available for the general public on www.peermont.com and all resort and hotel websites, including Facebook.

Peermont resorts boast hotels, casinos, convention centres, retail outlets, restaurants, bars and sport and entertainment facilities.

“The group continues to develop on-line booking applications based on customer feedback from all of our market segments,” says Amod. “The Peermont accommodation booking facility has made travel planning easier for the regular traveller and is on its way to become a one-stop shop providing complete travel solutions for agents and visitors alike. We hope that operators will enjoy the pleasure of seamless booking of hotels across the group with this advanced online system.”

For more information visit stand ICCH008.

Saving Private Rhino, an initiative established to ensure the conservation of Africa’s rhino and wildlife, is offering courses free of charge to private game reserve employees. The initiative was established following the brutal killing and dehorning of two rhino on the Aquila Private Game Reserve.

Founder of the initiative Searl Derman has extended an invitation to private game reserves that accommodate rhino to send employees on courses designed to train game rangers and security teams in pro- and reactive anti-poaching tactics. The seven-day course, normally offered at a cost of R13 000, will be offered free of charge. The course is designed to ensure that qualifying students can return to their reserves fully equipped to implement basic security systems and train other staff.

Subjects covered in the course include suspect recognition, legal aspects of poaching, routine and clandestine patrolling, map reading / GPS, radio communication / signals, ambush and counter ambush tactics, kit and equipment, tracking, poaching methods and how to counteract them, observation points and hides, deployment methods and clandestine infiltration / exfiltration, crime-scene management, training on hi-tech forewarning surveillance radar and thermal imaging systems, 24-hour realistic operational ‘vasbyt’ exercises, small team

tactics and firearms competency (an optional extra).

The next course is scheduled for 23 May 2012 and will run for seven days at the Saving Private Rhino training facility in Touws River. Instructors have had many years of experience and have trained in anti-poaching tactics throughout South Africa.

Derman is determined to train two rangers from every private game reserve in the country to assist reserves to protect their wildlife. “Funds for training will come from donations to our Saving Private Rhino campaign or out of my own pocket, but I will do everything I can to prevent others ever again having their rhino butchered,” he says.

Persons interested in applying for the course must be reasonably fit and healthy, have no criminal record or charges of conservation (or other) crimes against them and must be in the employ of an establishment that has rhino registered with the Department of Nature Conservation. The anti-poaching course and accommodation for the duration of the course will be free of charge. Students will be required to pay for their meals.

For further information contact media@savingprivaterhino.orgorvisit www.savingprivaterhino.org

For more information visit stand DEC1H20.

Online travel bookings up at Peermont

Initiative to save the rhino offers courses free of charge

Stately in Lagos – the Protea Hotel Select Ikeja in Lagos to open early in 2013.

Armed and ready to fight.

INDABA DAILY NEWS 2012 | 15

Indaba visitors looking for Portfolio Collection’s guidebook can find the latest copies on display at an eye-catching stand that is likely to be one of the talking points of Indaba this year.

The 100 percent recycled stand has been conceptualised and created by innovative young designer and artist Heath Nash, who in his own words ‘makes cool stuff’ from other people’s trash.

The stand is something completely different for the brand, but in keeping with Portfolio’s clean and classic feel, it is chic and elegant in white. It features unique, handcrafted elements made from salvaged items. For example, the guidebooks are on show atop stylish pedestals fashioned out of used bleach bottles.

For added intrigue, visit the stand today and see if you can spot the mysterious, almost invisible man in white.

New custodians of the Portfolio Collection brand, Ian Solomon and James Delaney, are excited about taking the brand forward while harnessing its strong heritage of providing trusted places to stay.

“We’re making some inventive changes to the look and feel of the brand and anticipating positive feedback on our new guidebook cover,” says Delaney.

The newly designed Wedgwood blue cover features embossed detail and a new logo crafted by the Portfolio design team, aimed at capturing the attention of a sophisticated younger traveller.

More news from Portfolio is the announcement that their iPad App has been launched in time for Indaba. The App, downloadable via a QR code, offers users clean, simple and elegant browsing and a booking functionality icon on their iPad.

For more information visit stand ICC009.

Tsogo Sun has confirmed that The Grace Hotel in Rosebank will be rebranded and renamed 54 on Bath.

Graham Wood, Managing Director of Tsogo Sun says: “The acquisition of this property promises good growth potential in a node in which we do not currently have a presence.”

The property is undergoing renovation work and will reopen on 1 July. It will consist of 75 rooms, including 15 suites. A new restaurant is also in the planning stage.

The Grace Hotel and office building was acquired by Tsogo Sun in October last year.

Hamiltons Tented Camp, situated within the Mluwati private concession in the heart of the Kruger National Park, reopened in April following a complete refurbishment of the unique lodge. The luxury tented camp was closed for three months following flooding in mid-January.

Well-known interior designer Esley Georgious was responsible for restoring Hamiltons Tented Camp to its glorious original character of understated luxury.

The lounge and dining areas were entirely restored with all timber decks being replaced with Rhodesian Teak. The central guest areas were also totally re-fashioned and all furniture was upholstered in a rich new fabric to reinforce the old-world charm that personifies Hamiltons Tented Camp. In the six tented suites all furniture was restored and the interiors boast

brand-new blinds, curtains, linen, rugs and roofs.

The rebirth of the luxury tented camp ensures that Hamiltons is once again a jewel in the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Hamiltons Tented Camp is the third camp within this concession to enjoy a complete refashioning, as Hoyo Hoyo Tsonga Lodge and Imbali Safari Lodge reopened in March following their own refurbishments.

Hamiltons Tented Camp is marketed by Extraordinary and forms part of Kingfisher Resorts South Africa. Other properties within the portfolio comprise Imbali Safari Lodge, Hoyo Hoyo Tsonga Lodge, Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway, The Cape Milner, Mabula Game Lodge and Kwafubesi Tented Safari Camp.

For more information visit stand ICCX002.

Portfolio goes green and blue

New name and feel for The Grace

Hamiltons once again a jewel of the golden era of safari

Hamiltons has been restored to its former glory of understated luxury.

16 | INDABA DAILY NEWS 2012

Africa’s first ever Wi-Fi service became a reality with the launch of mango’s G-connect inflight Wi-Fi this week.

This was one of the proudest moments in Mango’s history – one guest even made a skype call at 30 000 feet,” says Mango’s Chief Executive Officer Nico Bezuidenhout.

“The roll-out of Wi-Fi on board our aircraft should see 80 percent of our fleet online by end June in four or five new generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft. South African airspace now becomes cyberspace. This is made possible through our cooperation with Wireless G and Vodacom.

By using the service, Mango passengers can now surf the web, 30 000 feet in the air. It is compatible with most Wi-Fi-enabled devices, including smartphones, tablets and laptops. Passengers can send and receive e-mails and browse the web and social networks. An air-to-land SMS service is also available.”

Bezuidenhout says the introduction of on-board connectivity fulfils the airline’s ongoing ideal of innovation in aviation and its desire for product differentiation.

“In a highly competitive market where everything tastes like chicken, it’s important to taste like beef. Innovation is a cornerstone of our business along

with sustained affordable fares that are relative to the prevailing market.”

“The G-connect inflight Wi-Fi service is offered in a totally new, integrated model and is regarded as a carrier-grade telecommunications access medium,” says Wireless G Chief Executive Officer Carel van der Merwe.

“Social networks and the tsunami of next-generation Wi-Fi-enabled devices and the related converged eco-systems make inflight Wi-Fi connectivity more relevant. Moreover, the specific way in which it is offered as an integrated telecommunications Internet access medium, is essential for our future plans,” he says.

There are three different G-connect inflight Wi-Fi packages on offer.

One-Way Access is priced at R50 per single sector flight with a one day pass available at R90, irrespective of the number of flights completed during a 20-hour period. A per-minute option, billed through a G-Connect online account, offers land and air convergence at R1 per minute.

All three packages offer unlimited data use during the allotted time.

Knysna Tourism has included a representative of the House of Judah Rastafarian community in Judah’s Square, Knysna to man its stand at Indaba this year. Bra Zeb, as brother Zebulon Afrikaner is fondly known in Knysna, will join members of the Knysna Living Local programme and various promising local SMMEs in marketing Knysna, says CEO Shaun van Eck.

Knysna Tourism Development Manager Glendyrr Fick says the Rastafari community of Judah’s Square has signed a twinning agreement with the Rastafari Indigenous Village in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The agreement is thought to be the first formal association between two Rastafari communities in different countries.

“The communities will promote sport development, education programmes and joint marketing initiatives,” says Fick. “The arrangement will also encourage exchange programmes between these communities to share experiences and participate in important events and festivals. A band from the Rastafari Indigenous Village has already confirmed that they will be playing at the annual Earth Festival held in Knysna at the end of July.”

The twinning agreement was facilitated by Countrystyle Community Tourism Network South Africa (CCTNSA), through Knysna Tourism and endorsed by the International institute for Peace through Tourism South Africa (IIPTSA) says Fick.

Other members of the Knysna Tourism team include Gerald Sicgu, owner of Thole Tours and Mawande Khondlo, owner of Buyambo Tours and the eclectic township restaurant the Roosterkoek Khaya.

“Knysna has a veritable treasure chest of authentic, local tourism products,” says Van Eck. “While our beautiful town offers visitors all the five star amenities that they are accustomed to, the Knysna Tourism

Living Local products provide travellers with a unique experience of local life.”

For more information visit stand ICCUO12.

Do Wi-Fi – 30 000 feet in the air!

Meet bra Zeb at Knysna stand

Let Brah Zeb explain the joys of eating oysters with the elephants and seahorses. Iree, mon!

INDABA DAILY NEWS 2012 | 17

The QR code on the Indaba visitor and exhibitor accreditation cards this year provides a means of exchanging contact information and for cards to be scanned by other attendees.

The QR Code is the square on the right-hand side of the badge.

QR codes are used to store basic information for example, name, company, e-mail, phone and mobile. You will be able to scan these QR codes and save their contact details to your smartphone.

The QR codes give the badge a dual role as an accreditation device and an electronic business card and provide another option to networking and the

collection of sales leads on your stand.

You can now see the business card on your phone and immediately save it. There is no need to register on a website or join any group or mailing list and your information is private until you choose to have your card scanned.

The information included in the QR code on the accreditation cards includes your first name, your surname, your company name, your mobile number (for visitors only) and your e-mail address (in the case of exhibitors, the email address listed in their catalogue entry).

Visit the Indaba registration desk for more information.

A customer service index conducted by Avis monthly reflects increasing confidence in the service excellence experienced by customers. Results from surveys this year indicated a satisfaction level of close on 91 percent.

Avis Chief Executive Wayne Duvenage says the customer service index is the only survey of its kind in the industry and is aimed at preventing them from becoming arrogant and letting standards slide.

Over 3 500 interviews are held every month with customers at every Avis interface and the results this year have climbed to their highest levels of satisfaction since the CSI was instituted.

However, Duvenage points out, customer service on its own would not be attracting and retaining growing numbers of customers. Service is complemented by quality and safety.

“Our customers have the confidence of renting vehicles from the most modern fleet in the country, with the average age being six months or 15 000 kilometres and vehicles undergoing a bumper to bumper safety check every single time they are used,” he says.

Avis offers the widest range of choice of vehicles, including hybrids for the environmentally conscious.

And no matter what emergency occurs, Avis’ call centre is on the alert 24 hours a day, seven days a week to send the most appropriate assistance, regardless of where the customer might be.

South African Tourism’s global product team is hosting a series of speed marketing sessions at Indaba 2012 that will give product owners a unique platform to interact with interested buyers.

Some 25 product owners in the fields of adventure, responsible, and culture and heritage tourism, are showcasing their offerings to more than 200 buyers.

“With a busy Indaba schedule and more than 2 000 exhibitors to see, it is not always easy for buyers to track down the best of what South Africa has to offer. The themes have been chosen, based on solid consumer research in key markets,” says Chief Marketing Officer Roshene Singh.

Speakers are each given five minutes to address

buyers about the journey their business has taken, its distinctive components and how these will add value to packages and itineraries.

Singh says the speed marketing sessions give buyers the chance to get to know the people behind South Africa’s tourism industry and be introduced to some of the products that could make a trip to South Africa truly extraordinary.

Last year, South African Tourism hosted seven speed marketing sessions in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Gauteng, Free State and Limpopo, attracting a total of 102 tour operators and 280 South African products.

SA Tourism Update Online.

The tourism industry of KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast is rocking - with big events keeping its beds full and its visitors excited this winter.

“We’ve just hosted the Old Mutual Joburg2C Mountain Bike Challenge and Africa Bike Week - the continent’s biggest gathering of motorcyclists,” says South Coast Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Michael Bertram.

Now, he says, it’s time for the awesome Sani2C - from 15 to 19 May - which has been expanded to include races for three different classes of mountain bikers, and which will finish during the first Africa Marine Expo from 18 to 20 May at Park Rynie Beach in Scottburgh.

“Africa Marine Expo is aimed at raising awareness of our most vital resource - water - and with direct access to the beach, the tidal pools and the Indian Ocean’s famous Aliwal Shoal which Jacques Cousteau considered one of the ten top dive sites in the world, it will appeal to anyone who loves the sea, our rivers, and our estuaries, and to anyone who enjoys almost any kind of water sport.”

The festival will include a tag-and-release fishing competition, and opportunities to learn about new sports like jet skiing, kayaking and scuba diving. It will also include conservation projects like the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative which promotes voluntary compliance with the law, influences

consumer demand towards more sustainable fisheries and creates awareness for marine conservation.

The expo will also serve as the launch of the annual sardine run.

“We call the sardine run ‘The greatest shoal on earth’ because it’s about the whole marine environment,” says Bertram.

“It happens when nature decides the time is right - usually between June and August - and we often see shoals of sardines up to 30 km in length. This attracts predators like great white sharks, common dolphins, and Cape gannets - usually at a time when the migratory humpback and southern right whales are visiting.

“With marine charters out of Port Edward, Ramsgate, and Shelly Beach, air charters from Margate Airport, reef, wreck, and shark diving at Aliwal Shoal, Protea Banks and Rocky Bay and incredible angling along the endless beaches of the South Coast, the greatest shoal on earth offers tons of excitement for visitors and locals alike.

“In fact,” he says, “with superb events like these, the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal is the ideal destination for anyone who loves a holiday.”

For more information visit stand DEC1A01.

New technology for information exchange

Avis Customer Service Index demonstrates excellence

New website for Mossel Bay Tourism

Speed marketing sessions highlight varied product offering

Big events keep South Coast rocking

Mossel Bay Tourism has redesigned its website, www.visitmosselbay.co.za, to better accommodate the latest trends in the way users access and share information on the web.

The redesign was launched just in time for Indaba 2012.

Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm says the world is moving very quickly into social media and destination marketing organisations need to keep up or they risk losing market share.

“Users want to be able to tweet and post easily to sites like Facebook and Google+ to share their experiences with their friends and peers. Making sure that they can do this seamlessly from www.visitmosselbay.co.za will also ensure that they spend more time on the site since they no longer have to move away to post or tweet.

“The site has shown remarkable traction and has been drawing more than 4 000 unique visitors a month since November. Even as the tourism season has slowed down, the numbers have remained high. We put this down to the fact that people can find us easily when they search for Mossel Bay and that Mossel Bay has developed a strong brand following, particularly among domestic visitors.

“But, Mossel Bay Tourism is active on the site. This is vital since adding information on a regular basis provides the search engines with the incentive they need to visit and rank the site on a regular basis.”

Holm says Mossel Bay Tourism has begun to integrate its real and one line marketing through the use of QR codes in all its new advertisements.

“Since more and more people are carrying smartphones these days, we’re also using the technology to create QR code tours in Mossel Bay which visitors will be able use for accessing information about important cultural and environmental hotspots - and we’ll be rolling out a pilot project at the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex on Friday, 18 May.”

For more information visit stand ICC U012.

Alcides Ocampo, Sales Manager.1 of 562 AVIAREPS employees worldwide.

Whether you are planning to expand your network, open new markets or pushing for higher performance on your existing routes, we provide business solutions for all your needs. As the global specialist for online and offl ine markets, we are currently working with more than 80 airlines in driving sales and improving distribution channels, whilst minimizing expenditure.AVIAREPS – bringing people to the world and the world to people.

Australia • Austria • Belgium • Brazil • Canada • Chile • China • Colombia • Czech Republic • France • Germany • Hungary • India • Israel • Italy • Japan • Korea • Mexico Netherlands • Pakistan • Peru • Poland • Russia • Scandinavia • South Africa • Spain • Switzerland • Taiwan • Turkey • UAE • United Kingdom • Ukraine • USA • Venezuela

The Aviation Representation

We give our best every day – because your success is our success.Meet the professionals at www.aviareps.com/the-aviation-people

INDABA DAILY NEWS 2011 | 19

S(c)ene@INDABA 2012

Phil Miles and Dee Chili shared valuable putting tips at the Indaba golf day yesterday.

Marysia Janvszkiewicz, Jan Sekamela and Margaret Olejniezak of The Plant Inn are blossoming with excitement.

Baby Samuel’s smile sets the tone for Indaba, with Philip O’Shaunessy.

Dave Atherstone and Bill Harrop are passionate about balloon safaris.

Melissa Hilton and Vivienne Quann proudly showcase the completed 1st Car Rental stand.

Just a few hours to go - Henriette Scott and André Jy Rensburg of Gomo Gomo Game Lodge.

Robin Davis and Kristen Baynham of Booking.com enthusiastically working to get everything just right.

Madagascar magic with Mauricia Ralefomanana, Gisela Rambelomanana and Miolee Colonne Razararimanana.

Hard work pays off! Angela Collins and Ellen Baytopp making decorations for the Dreams 4 Africa stand.

A quick break, well deserved - Siphokazi Memela, Tbhidi Makhothi and Siya Msuthu.

Alcides Ocampo, Sales Manager.1 of 562 AVIAREPS employees worldwide.

Whether you are planning to expand your network, open new markets or pushing for higher performance on your existing routes, we provide business solutions for all your needs. As the global specialist for online and offl ine markets, we are currently working with more than 80 airlines in driving sales and improving distribution channels, whilst minimizing expenditure.AVIAREPS – bringing people to the world and the world to people.

Australia • Austria • Belgium • Brazil • Canada • Chile • China • Colombia • Czech Republic • France • Germany • Hungary • India • Israel • Italy • Japan • Korea • Mexico Netherlands • Pakistan • Peru • Poland • Russia • Scandinavia • South Africa • Spain • Switzerland • Taiwan • Turkey • UAE • United Kingdom • Ukraine • USA • Venezuela

The Aviation Representation

We give our best every day – because your success is our success.Meet the professionals at www.aviareps.com/the-aviation-people

An exceptional welcome to Tourism Indaba 2012…

TRADE GATEWAYTRADE GATEWAY

WARMTHWARMTH

HERITAGEHERITAGE

ZULUZULU

BEACHESBEACHES

ADVENTUREADVENTURE

FUNFUNFUN

FAMILY-ORIENTATEDFAMILY-ORIENTATEDFAMILY-ORIENTATED

We look forward to playing a part in “Shaping Our Future Together” and hosting you in our Zulu Kingdom.

Anything but conventional…Where in the world could you � nd such adventure, heritage and fun, swim among sea creatures; roam free with the Big-5; or feel the kisses of light snow atop the serene uKhahlamba- Drakensberg Mountains? An exceptional place of cultural and culinary diversity, with a coastline to seduce, majestic interiors to serenade and a nightlife to tantalise.

Our vocation is to make sure that KwaZulu-Natal is the tourist destination and that means you constantly moving in the same direction as us; working together

with us in showcasing our province to people from far and wide, in a partnership that we see as essential and which makes us that much more grateful for you, in ensuring that all are always welcome in the Zulu Kingdom. Exceptional.

Visit us at stand DEC1B29 and let us share with you more about this exceptional destination.

www.zulu.org.za