IOL Travel Issue 2

IOL

TRAVEL SEPTEMBER 2020 ISSUE 2

EXPLORE SOUTH AFRICA

Contents l Editors’ note l SA is open for safe travel l Choose a holiday package based on your budget l 5 tips on how to plan a safe holiday l Cash strapped?

Here’s how to explore South Africa on a budget

CONTACT US PUBLISHER Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency.com EDITOR Clinton Moodley clinton.moodley@inl.co.za EXECUTIVE EDITOR: LIFESTYLE Nelandri Narianan nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za

l What future travellers want in a post-Covid-19 cruise

PRODUCTION Renata Ford renata.ford@inl.co.za

l TRAVEL LIST: The best travel suitcases

DESIGN Dimpho Mokhoanatsi dimpho.mokhoanatsi@inl.co.za BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Keshni Odayan keshni.odayan@inl.co.za SALES Charl Reineke charl.reineke@inl.co.za Kyle Villet kyle.villet@africannewsagency.com GENERAL ENQUIRIES info@anapublishing.com

l 5 MINUTES WITH Mark Havercroft, Minor Hotels Regional Director for Africa l Welcome to the cruise of the future where Covid-19 tests and masks are mandatory

COVER | TARYN ELLIOTT

Editor’s note THE time to explore South Africa is now.

If the pandemic has taught me anything, it’s that we are blessed to live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Two weeks ago, I went for a hike at Giba Gorge in Durban. It boasts some pretty spectacular views.

The week after, I travelled to Tala Game Reserve for a self-game drive where I captured the most fantastic shots of giraffes, zebras and wildebeests.

This edition is jampacked with content celebrating South Africa and its attractions, which is fitting considering people now have a chance to leave their homes to either go on a road trip within their province or catch a flight to another province that offers beach, bush and everything in between.

If you are on a budget, our feature on page 10 provides spots you can visit for under R200 in Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

If you feel like treating yourself to a new travel suitcase, our Travel List feature on page 19 showcases some travel bags that you could buy for your next adventure.

With the cruise industry ready to sail again, our three-page feature offers a glimpse of what cruises will be like post Covid-19. See page 15.

And for the sceptics who are not too sure whether they want to venture out during Covid-19, check out our tips on how to plan a safe holiday on page 8 and 9.

I hope you enjoy this month’s edition.

Until next month, travel safely.

Clinton

South Africa now OPEN for domestic travel Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

With new rules and regulations in place to ensure safety

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The tourism and hospitality industries have developed clear and comprehensive protocols to keep travellers safe – Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa (TBCSA)

| SCOTT WEBB Pexels

CLINTON MOODLEY WHILE travel will change tremendously, with masks and social distancing becoming part of our lives, local travellers now have the option to jump in their car or board a plane to discover their own or another province. The reopening of domestic travel is excellent news for the travel and tourism industry, which was left with no income for months due to the nationwide lockdown regulations that were imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Sisa Ntshona, South African Tourism chief executive officer, said domestic travel was the first step to the recovery of the country’s tourism industry.

Ntshona said their new “Complete Confidence” campaign will help keep travellers informed and educated on the industry’s health and safety protocols during the pandemic.

“While we welcome domestic

travel, we need to be mindful that we are still in the lockdown period. Travellers need to keep an eye out for the infection rates and ensure that they take necessary precautions. That said, we are delighted that people can travel domestically. While domestic tourism won’t completely rebuild the sector, it does play a part in its recovery,” he said.

Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), said businesses in the tourism sector and domestic travellers need to ensure that safe practices and protocols are implemented and followed at all times.

“There may be concerns about the safety of visiting restaurants, accommodation establishments, attractions or participating in activities. However, the tourism and hospitality industries have developed clear and comprehensive

protocols to keep travellers safe,” he said. TBCSA launched a tourism and hospitality industry app called Opus4business to help train business operators on the Covid-19 tourism safety protocols.

“The idea of being out and about again may seem daunting. However, one can enjoy an uncompromised experience with the appropriate safety processes embedded seamlessly throughout the journey or visit,” he said.

Lee Zamekile Zama, of Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (Fedhasa), said the protocols should give travellers’ peace of mind when they travel.

“There should be no fear. The sector has applied the necessary safety protocols, so you are unlikely to get Covid-19 from travelling in aircraft or staying in a hotel if you follow the regulations set by the government,” she said.

Choose a holiday package based on your budget Budget to luxury escapes- there’s something for everyone, writes Clinton Moodley

SOUTH African experts say that South Africa offers a wide range of tourist options, from traveller packages to exclusive lodges and hotels. Umfolozi Big Five Game Reserve in KwaZuluNatal is a popular choice for locals. | Umfolozi Big Five Game Reserve.

SOUTH Africa is home to many diverse offerings. From budgetfriendly camping to 5-star luxury, there’s something for everyone.

Tourism Business Council of South Africa chief executive Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa says pricing boils down to a traveller’s budget.

“Domestic tourism packages are priced according to the experiences that the products are offering.

“As an example, in South Africa we have products ranging from 1 star to 5 stars, so they are all priced at different levels.

“We always encourage people to have a budget when they take a vacation and choose a holiday package based on that budget.

“Pricing is a function of supply and demand. It is important for product owners to look at the supply and demand and to price it accordingly to make sure they have people coming into their establishments,” he says.

Lee Zamekile Zama of the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa shares Tshivhengwa’s sentiments.

“South Africa offers a wide range of tourist options, from traveller packages to exclusive lodges and hotels.

“The choice that best fits the pocket is available. International travel is not open and we hope this period will be of benefit for South Africans to enjoy more home destinations and attractions,” she says.

TRAVEL REPORTER THE WAY we travel won’t be the same as it was before the pandemic, and travellers should keep that in mind when they plan their trips. Guest relations manager at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront in Cape Town, Nicol Carelse, shares some tips on how to plan a safe and physically distanced holiday:

Ask pertinent Covid-related questions.

Do your research about how establishments have addressed the Covid-19 crisis before you make your booking. “Ask important questions, such as: ‘Have they been transparent about their efforts to curb the spread?’ or ‘Have they made information readily available to travellers?’

“Information is power, and in this case, it is what will help ensure that the industry is best prepared to safely welcome back visitors,” says Carelse.

Choose your accommodation wisely.

Physical distance is key when you travel. Carelse suggests that travellers make their accommodation choice based on the design of the rooms and their amenities.

“Some places have rearranged their seating to ensure that there is ample distance between diners, and breakfast has been reorganised from the usual buffet offering, with the emphasis now on in-room dining for those who prefer as little contact as possible.

“It’s important to check whether your accommodation’s cleaning standards meet global requirements,” she says.

Tips for happy – and safe – holidays

Check out the leisure activities on offer.

What’s the point of a holiday if you aren’t able to do some of the activities on offer at your destination? Carelse says travellers should choose ones that allow for physical distancing.

“Remember that outdoor options are always preferable. Ask yourself if you can go for a morning stroll in a nice location.

“Are there fun watersports such as kayaking nearby? These are the types of important elements you’ll want to be aware of as you plan your time away,” she says.

Choose a destination where you can relax and unwind Many people struggle to relax while on holiday.

“Choose a destination or a hotel that allows you, for instance, to take in a great view from your room to ensure easy relaxing.

“Or perhaps a place where if you just want to read a good book on your bed, there are no noisy distractions. “You don’t want to return home feeling worse than when you left,” says Carelse.

Know your risk status If you are someone who falls into the high-risk category for contracting the virus, consider a holiday that will allow you little to no contact with other people during your stay. Taking precautions from the start, during and after your journey is vital to ensure that you, your loved ones and others are safe.

DURBAN CLINTON MOODLEY

PHEZULU SAFARI PARK

Phezulu Safari Park, nestled in the Valley of 1 000 Hills, offers unique game drives and celebrates all things reptilian. A game drive costs R200pp and entry to the reptile park or hiking is R50pp. Visit; www. phezulusafaripark.co.za/

Budget travel for under R200

FLAG ANIMAL FARM

Located in Ballito, Flag Animal Farm is home to more than 1 000 animals. About 80% of these animals are rescued. There are daily shows, including reptile interactions and milking show. Adults pay R52 and children under 18 enter free. Call 032 947 2018.

TALA GAME RESERVE

Tala Game Reserve spans some 3 000 hectares, encompassing a mix of acacia thornveld, open grassland and wetland. It has more than 380 bird species and big game, including kudu, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest and eland. The Camperdown attraction is open for self-drives from 7.30am to 5pm. Tala also offers segway safari tours. Rates start from R80pp. Visit; www.tala. co.za

KWAXOLO CAVES ADVENTURES

KwaXolo Caves Adventures in Margate is a fun-filled day outing.

Once open-rock shelters for indigenous the San community, with the history of these people etched in the rock paintings today. Visitors will be taken along the mountainside while attached by two safety lines, on a fixed cable, during the hike towards KwaXolo Caves. The experience costs R150. Call 076 185 3447 or 074 887 3742.

DURBAN HARBOUR CRUISE

A cruise at the Durban waterfront offers some of the best views of the city. Isle of Capri Cruises hosts half-hour (from R80pp) and hourlong rides (from R150pp). Call 031 305 3099 or 082 851 4787.

Exploring destinations in South Africa need not be an expensive activity for domestic travellers. We have compiled a list of activities that you and your family can do for under R200pp in these major cities.

Tala Game Reserve

Strawberry picking at Polkadraai

CAPE TOWN VIWE NDONGENI-NTLEBI

NEWLANDS FOREST

Newlands Forest forms part of the Table Mountain National Park and is a great escape from the busy city surrounds. There’s the option of exploring the quiet pathways for a picnic spot or cook up a storm at the designated braai (barbeque) area.

There is also some great hiking to be done on the trails up towards Table Mountain. Always tell someone where you’re going and never hike alone. Entry is free, but there is a cost to enter the braai area. It’s R25 for adults and R15 for children.

STRAWBERRY PICKING AT POLKADRAAI

The beautiful Polkadraai strawberry farm is located in Stellenbosch. Take a stroll through rows of fruit beds and pick strawberries to your heart’s desire.

There are also kiddies’ activities to do and enjoy here.

Each person entering the strawberry fields must buy a container available in-store. Once you are finished picking, the picking container as well as the strawberries you have picked are yours, with no

further payment required. From R40 per person.

RIETVLEI WETLAND RESERVE

This freshwater wetland is on the floodplain of the Diep River and has extensive reed beds, a tidal lagoon, and flourishing flora and fauna.

You can find a variety of birds here, with more than 10 000 individual birds having been counted during the waterbird census. The Friends of Rietvlei organisation often host holiday programmes, such as fishing and other activities that start at around R5. There are various walking trails and places for watersports enthusiasts to enjoy themselves – as well as braai spots. It’s R13 for adults and R6 for children.

CHAPMAN’S PEAK DRIVE

About 25km from the city centre, Chapman’s Peak Drive, affectionately called “Chappies” by the locals, is one of the most jaw-dropping driving routes in the world. Cut into the sheer face of Chapman’s Peak, which plunges to the sea, this spectacular toll

road snakes its way for about 9km between Noordhoek and Hout Bay, passing panoramic Chapman’s Peak point along the way. Around sunset, cars cram along the panoramic viewpoints, as sightseers stake a spot to watch the sunset. This is a free activity.

FRANSCHHOEK VILLAGE WALKING TOUR

The Village Walking Tour takes you through Franschhoek Village.

Experience some of the oldest architecture and cultural sites the village has to offer. Sites to see include the Huguenot Memorial Monument, Franschhoek Town Hall and The Dutch Reformed Church.

You will be spoiled with a chocolate demonstration at Huguenot Fine Chocolates and you will be treated to an interactive ceramic demonstration by local artist Lovemore, at the ORGARI by HS workshop, where each piece is handmade and hand-painted by local artists, who are trained in house.

R195 for adults and R85 for children aged three to 17.

Victoria Yards

JOBURG THOBILE MAZIBUKO

APARTHEID MUSEUM

THIS historical venue, which illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid, is at Gold Reef City, south of Joburg. Offering a unique South African experience, the museum has three exhibitions, namely: The Permanent Exhibition, Temporary Exhibitions, and the Mandela Exhibition. Open from Monday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm, and entry is only R100 per person. Call 011 309 4700.

CONSTITUTION HILL HUMAN RIGHTS PRECINCT Since Women’s Month has just passed, why not learn more about the women of the Struggle? This precinct, where the likes of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Albertina Sisulu, and Fatima Meer, to name but a few, were imprisoned, has four different prison museums. It is open from 9am to 5pm daily, and the price of tickets for adults starts at R100. Call 011 381 3100.

VICTORIA YARDS

What used to be a scrapyard has been turned into a uniquely integrated urban complex, where young creatives develop their talents. It has artisan studios, fashion warehouses, urban farming and a skills development centre.

Entry is free, but make a donation to support the young entrepreneurs.

It is open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, and from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays. Call 0725207432.

WALTER SISULU BOTANICAL GARDENS

Apartheid Museum

Go on a picnic date this spring and unwind at one of the most beautiful parks in the city. The park offers many activities, including the Sasol Dam and Bird Hide section.

Entrance costs R35 for adults, and R15 for senior citizens, and entry is free on Tuesdays. Visit www. southafrica.net

Valley Crag Indoor Climbing Centre

PE CLINTON MOODLEY

VALLEY CRAG INDOOR CLIMBING CENTRE

If you enjoy daring activities, Valley Crag boasts bouldering, top rope and lead climbing. With almost 500m2 of climbing wall, Valley Crag is the largest climbing gym in the Eastern Cape. Entry, with an hour and half climbing experience, is R100pp. Visit https:// valleycrag.co.za/

ROUTE 67

Route 67 celebrates the life of Nelson Mandela and includes 67 giant steps and 67 public art pieces by 67 Eastern Cape artists.

Entry is free, but a tour guide is recommended. Call 041 585 8884.

KRAGGA KAMMA GAME PARK

For an affordable self-game drive, head to Kragga Kamma Game Park. The famed attraction is home to cheetah, white rhino,

Theescombe Wine Farm

giraffe, nyala and buffalo. There’s also a Bush Cafe, picnic site and braai facilities. Adults pay R120 and children aged three to 18 pay R60 for self-game entry. Visit www. kraggakamma.co.za/

THEESCOMBE ESTATE WINE FARM

Theescombe Estate Wine is Port Elizabeth’s only wine farm. The tasting comes with a tour of the vineyards, a talk on winemaking and tutored tasting. Tasting experiences start from R155pp for a 2-3 hour experience. Call 073 889 6663.

TRAVEL REPORTER THERE’S no denying that the hospitality industry globally has experienced a dramatic decline in guest stays as a result of travel restrictions and border closures. The maths is devastatingly simple: no travellers means no income.

In South Africa alone, according to data from Statistics SA, the tourist accommodation industry experienced a dramatic decline in income ‒ a staggering 98.7% yearon-year in April, and 98% year-onyear in May. As travel gradually resumes globally, Mark Havercroft, the Minor Hotels regional director for Africa, says it’s going to be a battle to undo the damage wreaked by that pandemic, damage that manifested in empty hotel rooms, job losses and more. He is, however, adamant that there is potential for investors and Africa will recover faster than most.

He shares his views about some ways in which hoteliers can turn challenges into opportunities.

5

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As travel increases, bringing more people through establishments, it is imperative to protect guests and team members.

– Mark Havercroft, (Africa Minor Hotels)

Picture: Pexels

ways hospitality sector can recover

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 MAKE BOLD DECISIONS ENSURING the longevity of hotels will require bold decisions. For example, Tsogo Sun Hotels has sold its 50% stake in the Maia Resort property in the Seychelles. The R465-million sale will help that group mitigate

the economic fallout of the pandemic. It could also necessitate backing investments. Minor Hotels continues to pursue opportunities to invest across Africa to increase its footprint, which includes Europe.

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ENSURE YOU’RE GUEST-READY SAFETY, safety, safety! This will be the core element for hotels working on attracting guests back – not just into the lobby but making sure they check in. If guests do not feel safe from the get-go, they won’t stay and they won’t return.

FINE-TUNE YOUR TARGET MARKET WHILE an absence of international travellers for the immediate future throws up a major hurdle, Havercroft says the burgeoning domestic business and leisure market will reignite the industry, and ultimately help the sector regain its footing.

He says hospitality

businesses should consider taking a relook at their target market: “The continent has a growing middle-class population, comprising more than 350 million of the 1 billion people. Hospitality businesses would be wise to focus on tapping into this market as intra- and inter-country travel begins opening.”

 EXPAND YOUR OFFERINGS IT WILL be a long journey until hospitality businesses see the number of guests they were used to in a preCovid-19 world. Research from McKinsey, on the US hotel industry,

for example, suggests that recovery could take at least until 2023.

Havercroft cautions that luxury establishments that are unwilling to budge on steep prices aimed at international guests won’t be seeing many guests in the foreseeable future.

He recommends considering pricing that will attract domestic travellers.

While the hospitality industry is held to strict hygiene standards, advanced cleaning protocols will be essential to ensure consumer confidence.

“As travel increases, bringing more people through establishments, it is imperative to protect guests and team members.

We must be understanding and respectful of the consumer, who will be cautiously travelling further out of their comfort zone.

Not only will increased hygiene measures need to be in place, but these must be clearly visible to ensure comfort and reassurance,” Havercroft says.

 FOCUS ON COMMUNITY WITH the world united in the battle against Coved-19, the plight of so many of our fellow citizens has been brought into focus. A way for the average person to feel like they’re giving back to those less fortunate is to support businesses they know are making a difference in their communities.

Havercroft says: “Businesses must be using their platform and industry status to help others. By setting the bar high,

companies encourage others to do the same.

People want to know that their money isn’t just being spent for themselves, but that it’s also helping create jobs, boost communities and put food on the tables of local families.”

MSC Grandiosa

Safety measures ensure smooth sailing ahead The cruise industry has done its homework and is ready to welcome passengers under the new normal ....

CLINTON MOODLEY THE NEXT time you board a cruise ship, the experience will be different. The cruise industry took massive strain when operations seized due to the rising cases of coronavirus on board many vessels earlier this year.

Some staff were stranded on ships for months due to lockdown regulations across the globe.

With travel restrictions starting to ease, the cruise industry is resuming operations tailored to a Covid-19 world; following months

of research on health and safety protocols, and finding innovative ways to enhance the cruising experience.

Cruise companies like MSC Cruises have incorporated Covid-19 swab tests, the wearing of masks, isolation cabins and even a Covid protection plan into future cruises.

Chief executive Gianni Onorato says guests will undergo universal health screenings before embarking. It comprises three steps: a temperature check, a health

questionnaire and a Covid-19 swab test. Depending on the screening results and according to the guest’s medical or travel history, secondary health screening or testing will be done.

A guest who tests positive or displays symptoms won’t be allowed to board.

Onorato says there will be enhanced cleaning methods and the use of air sanitisation with UV-C light technology that kills 99.97% of microbes.

“Passengers will need to maintain social distance at all times,” he says.

“The capacity of guests will be reduced and activities will be modified to allow for a smaller group. Where social distancing is not possible, guests will be asked to wear a mask. The face masks will be provided daily to guests.”

MSC will also offer dedicated isolation cabins for any suspected cases or anyone in close contact with them.

There will be physical distancing at restaurants, bars and lounges.

Nick Wilkinson, regional vicepresident of business development Middle East and Africa at Norwegian Cruise Line, says the company will continue to elevate its health and safety standards.

The cruise company implemented a sail-safe programme, a host of new and enhanced health and safety protocols, which includes new air filtration, more screening protocols, increased sanitation measures, responsible physical distancing and enhanced medical resources.

“As part of our consumer research, around 35% of respondents revealed they would choose to cruise with the cruise line that had the highest safety standards.

“When we asked guests what kind of information they want to see from cruise lines, an overwhelming 73% want to know what exactly is being done to protect their health, specifically, what sanitation measures are in place to ensure their cruise voyage remains safe.

“We will continue to engage with local and international health authorities, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The World Health Organization and leading public health and medical policy experts,” Wilkinson says.

Norwegian Cruise Line also partnered with the Royal Caribbean Group to form a “Healthy Sail Panel,” which represents a team of experts enlisted to guide the cruise industry’s way forward and develop

cruise health and safety standards.

Meanwhile, European river cruise line A-ROSA, which resumed its cruises in June, has developed a comprehensive hygiene and health concept to ensure hygiene and distancing protocols on its ships.

The health and hygiene concept is based on the recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute in Germany and the World Health Organization.

Among the protocols included are physical distancing, intensified cleaning procedures, the wearing of masks in public spaces, pre-

screening and temperature checks before embarkation and reduced excursion numbers.

Jörg Eichler, the managing director of A-ROSA River Cruises, say river cruises were an ideal and flexible form of travel for a safe relaxing holiday in the new normal.

“The ships are comparatively small and have relatively few guests on board, so that the necessary hygiene rules can be implemented efficiently.

“We have carefully checked every aspect of our trips and adapted them to the new requirements and recommendations,” Eichler says.

Ready to cruise again TRAVEL REPORTER A SURVEY by CruiseCompete.com revealed some interesting insights about the cruising traveller post-Covid-19.

Asked if Covid-19 changed how they will choose their next cruise, 58.7% reported that they will compare the onboard policies of cruise lines before they choose which one to book.

Most survey respondents intended to only cruise again before the end of 2021; with 86.6% at least somewhat likely 62.3% definitely or very likely.

The cruisers opted to cruise to either the Caribbean or Mexico (57.2%), followed by Europe (43.5%) and Alaska (13.7%). Other destinations of interest include the Hawaiian Islands and South Pacific, Canada/New England, World, Transatlantic, Antarctica, Galapagos Islands, Panama Canal and Asia.

Some respondents also expressed an interest in river cruises and small ships.

There was more interest in cruises requiring fewer flights (20.8%) and smaller ocean ships (17.7%).

Only 12.8% expect to have less money to spend, and 10.3% have an increased interest in river cruising.

CruiseCompete chief executive Bob Levinstein said its members know the on-board experience that they’re looking for, and will consider how Covid-19 mitigation will affect that when choosing their next cruise holiday.

“They need the least handholding and have talked to enough people on previous cruises to know just how much you can save by shopping around. That educated consumers are so ready to start cruising again speaks volumes for the health of the industry,” he added.

Picture: ANDREA PIACQUADIO Pexels.

SLEEK TRAVELLER

The JGI Italiano Travel Case is easy on the eye. The 60.96cm suitcase has double-caster wheels and an iron metal trolley.

Price: R1 110

AVID TRAVELLER

Do you travel frequently? If the answer is yes, this three-piece American you roster Roland set is ideal for you. It comes in a small, medium and a large suitcase, perfect for those last-minute trips or those long getaways.

Price: R2 385

TRAVEL-OBSESSED

This Marco stamps luggage bag is visually appealing, the 60.96cm suitcase has a retractable handle with four rotatable wheels.

Price: R835

Well suited for travel WHETHER you pack for a weekend getaway or a week-long holiday, everyone needs the perfect suitcase to accompany them on their adventures. Choosing a suitcase is no easy feat, and should be considered wisely. We compiled a list of a few suitcases that you should consider for your next trip. Here are some of our suggestions:

Visit https://www.loot.co.za

CLASSIC TRAVELLER

COLOURFUL PERSONALITY

If you want to stand out from the rest, this 50.8cm Marco Modern Art luggage bag is for you. It’s ideal for those short escapes or business travel.

Price: R691

This Marco Aviator threepiece luggage set exudes sophistication.

The set comes in a 50.8, 60.96 and 71.12cm,with high-quality ABS casing and retractable handle.

Price: R1 266

“

If I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa.”

-John Hemingway

Tshwene Lodge, Vaalwater