Outlook Travel - issue 06

ISSUE 06

T R AV E L G U I D E

SOUTH AFRICA’S WESTERN CAPE

Sprawling mountains, ocean vistas and world-class wine T R AV E L B U S I N E S S

AUTO EUROPE

Reinventing the meaning of service for the travel industry

TRAVEL GUIDE

MEXICO CITY

Mezcal and mole in Mexico’s mega-city

JORDAN BANKS, the highly acclaimed travel and lifestyle photographer, tells all about keeping busy during the pandemic

NILE BREWERIES | ARNOT OPCO

w w w. a f r i c a o u t l o o k m a g . c o m

MERLO COFFEE | ACCESS WORLD

Issue 91

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AU TO E U R O P E | E N G LO B A L

PACE ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING + PLANNING | MADA GYPSUM

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Issue 43

CITY & COUNTY HEALTHCARE GROUP

ONTIC

The experts in keeping aircraft flying safely for longer

Championing improved healthcare through digital transformation

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Issue 05

PUTTING

BRAMPTON ON THE MAP

Discussing innovative city planning and a pioneering vision for the City of Brampton with Chief Building Official, Rick Conard

GOGLA

The promising development of off-grid solar energy across the continent

SVEA SOLAR

Facilitating solar energy across Europe

HILTON FOODS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

ZAMPERLA S.p.A

HECLA QUÉBEC

Supplying theme parks around the globe for decades, Zamperla S.p.A is the company blessed with the task of manufacturing happiness

PANAMA PORTS COMPANY

A leader in Smart Solutions in Southern Africa, Sivi Moodley, CEO at Macrocomm, discusses delivering a smarter tomorrow, today

Ooi Lean Hin, Managing Director at MTT Shipping, discusses his company’s competitive advantage in the dynamic Asia market

Mikhail Potapov, CEO at Corum Group, discusses Ukraine’s mining sector and the constant pursuit of improvement

JEFF OLSEN, CEO at Boart Longyear, discusses how his company has overcome major challenges to become a leading player in drilling services

at Macrocomm, discusses delivering a smarter tomorrow, today A leader in Smart Solutions in Southern Africa, Sivi Moodley, CEO

company’s competitive advantage in the dynamic Asia market Ooi Lean Hin, Managing Director at MTT Shipping, discusses his

mining sector and the constant pursuit of improvement Mikhail Potapov, CEO at Corum Group, discusses Ukraine’s

overcome major challenges to become a leading player in drilling services JEFF OLSEN, CEO at Boart Longyear, discusses how his company has

UNILEVER FOOD SOLUTIONS

MARCOPOLO S.A.

Manufacturing buses for South Africa and beyond

The global food processing manufacturer prioritising true partnership and innovation

Putting employee morale at the top of the agenda

SOLUTIONS FOOD UNILEVER

Putting employee morale at the top of the agenda

the continent energy across of off-grid solar development The promising

THE AMUSEMENT GROUP

prioritising true partnership and innovation The global food processing manufacturer

South Africa and beyond Manufacturing buses for

MARCOPOLO S.A.

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND FOODS HILTON

Prioritizing safety and responsibility in Québec

The major port investor in Panama

investor in Panama The major port

manufacturing happiness Zamperla S.p.A is the company blessed with the task of Supplying theme parks around the globe for decades,

THE AMUSEMENT GROUP

ZAMPERLA S.p.A

COMPANY PORTS PANAMA

in Québec and responsibility Prioritizing safety

QUÉBEC HECLA

Tell us your story, and we’ll tell the world.BRAMPTON energy across Europe Facilitating solar

SVEA SOLAR

GOGLA

the City of Brampton with Chief Building Official, Rick Conard Discussing innovative city planning and a pioneering vision for

transformation through digital improved healthcare Championing

longer flying safely for keeping aircraft The experts in

GROUP HEALTHCARE CITY & COUNTY

ONTIC

w w w. a f r i c a o u t l o o k m a g . c o m

Issue 91

w w w. a p a c o u t l o o k m a g . c o m • I s s u e 5 1

w w w. e m e o u t l o o k m a g . c o m

Issue 43

ON THE MAP PUTTING

w w w. n o r t h a m e r i c a o u t l o o k m a g . c o m

Issue 05

Africa Outlook, APAC Outlook, EME Outlook and North America Outlook are digital and print publications aimed at boardroom and hands-on decision-makers, reaching an audience of more than 800,000 people around the world; spanning the full range of industrial sectors.

NILE BREWERIES | ARNOT OPCO

MERLO COFFEE | ACCESS WORLD

PACE ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING + PLANNING | MADA GYPSUM

AU TO E U R O P E | E N G LO B A L

With original and exclusive content compiled by our experienced editorial team, we look to promote the latest in engaging news, industry trends and success stories from across the globe.

Your company can join the leading industry heavyweights enjoying the free exposure we provide across both digital and print platforms with a free marketing brochure, extensive social media saturation, enhanced B2B networking opportunities, and a readymade forum to attract new investment and to help you grow your business.

Visit www.outlookpublishing.com/work-with-us for details on how your company can feature for free in one of our upcoming editions.

www.outlookpublishing.com/work-with-us

WELCOME ISSUE 06

Hitting the road again...

T R AV E L G U I D E

SOUTH AFRICA’S WESTERN CAPE

Sprawling mountains, ocean vistas and world-class wine T R AV E L B U S I N E S S

AUTO EUROPE

Reinventing the meaning of service for the travel industry

Our sixth edition showcases travel guide content that offers a tantalising glimpse of the vibrant capital of Mexico City, known for its blend of rich history

TRAVEL GUIDE

MEXICO CITY

and colonial architecture. Halfway across the world,

Mezcal and mole in Mexico’s mega-city

we also explore South Africa’s Western Cape with

JORDAN BANKS, the highly acclaimed travel and lifestyle photographer, tells all about keeping busy during the pandemic

its thriving port city, a great host of national parks EDITORIAL Head of Editorial: Phoebe Harper phoebe.harper@outlookpublishing.com Senior Editor: Marcus Kääpä marcus.kaapa@outlookpublishing.com PRODUCTION Production Director: Stephen Giles steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com Senior Designer: Devon Collins devon.collins@outlookpublishing.com Junior Designer: Matt Loudwell matt.loudwell@outlookpublishing.com Production Assistant: Courtney Solomon courtney.solomon@outlookpublishing.com Social Media Manager: Dan Nash daniel.nash@outlookpublishing.com BUSINESS Chief Executive Officer: Ben Weaver ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com Managing Director: James Mitchell james.mitchell@outlookpublishing.com Sales Director: Nick Norris nick.norris@outlookpublishing.com Commercial Director: Joshua Mann joshua.mann@outlookpublishing.com TRAVEL GUIDES Head of Projects: Matt Cole-Wilkin matt.cole-wilkin@outlookpublishing.com Project Manager: Jordan Levey jordan.levey@outlookpublishing.com Project Manager: Krisha Canlas krisha.canlas@outlookpublishing.com ADMINISTRATION Finance Director: Suzanne Welsh suzanne.welsh@outlookpublishing.com Finance Assistant: Eleanor Bennett eleanor.bennett@outlookpublishing.com Office Manager: Daniel George daniel.george@outlookpublishing.com CONTACT Outlook Travel magazine East Wing, Ground Floor, 69-75 Thorpe Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1UA, United Kingdom.

Sales: +44 (0) 1603 363631 Editorial: +44 (0) 1603 363655 SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: +44 (0) 1603 363655 phoebe.harper@outlookpublishing.com www.outlooktravelmag.com

and bountiful winelands. Bound together with exclusive insight from the industry experts, our travel guides give you an authentic account of culture and tourism throughout these alluring destinations.

Elsewhere, the magazine reads as something of a Europe extravaganza.

Although one of the smaller continents, Europe more than compensates for its size with the bounty and variety that the area offers for both the leisure and business traveller. In spite of the UK’s somewhat fractured relationship with the rest of our mother continent, our features present a love letter to the mainland.

Buckle up for an iconic round-up of Europe’s top road trips, from the Alpine heights of Switzerland to the enticing territory of Catalonia.

Complimentary to this, peruse our Travel Business interview with Auto Europe as the ideal option for your car, campervan, or hybrid vehicle rental needs.

For those with something other than adventure on the agenda, the bright sparks over at CoursesOnline give us a whistle-stop tour of Europe’s best destinations for employment opportunities. Meanwhile, as tourists flock to the Greek isles for the last of the summer sunshine, we put a spotlight on Santorini alongside some escapist travel writing in the underrated French City of Porcelain – Limoges.

With pages hoping to inspire and intrigue, join the conversation by subscribing to Outlook Travel magazine to ensure you’re kept up to speed with the latest in the travel industry. As always, thank you to those who took the time to participate.

Enjoy your read and happy travels!

Twitter: @outlooktravel1 Instagram: www.instagram.com/outlooktravelmagazine Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/showcase/outlook-travel-magazine Facebook: facebook.com/outlooktravelmag

Phoebe Harper Head of Editorial Outlook Travel Outlook Travel issue 06 | 3

Join in the conversation...

Discover the power of mobile engagement with Outlook Travel magazine’s social media platforms.

Our Instagram feed showcases inspiring photographs of the destinations we cover, as well as featuring shots of our favourite hand-selected hotels.

Meanwhile, our Twitter feed keeps you up-to-date with the latest travel news and provides you with a dedicated network of travel professionals to connect with. You can also find us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

travel magazine Follow us on social media for updates and travel inspiration

CONTENTS S E P T E M B E R

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I S S U E

32

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16

40

REGULARS 06 NEWS

F E AT U R E S

Around the world in seven stories…

36 EUROPEAN ROAD TRIPS – FIVE OF THE BEST

08 BEHIND THE LENS

Fasten your seatbelts for a European adventure

An interview with travel and lifestyle photographer Jordan Banks

32 TRAVEL BUSINESS: AUTO EUROPE The car rental company reinventing the meaning of service for the travel industry

66 THE LAST STOP Island escapism on a Baltic outpost

52 A WORKING PROFESSIONAL’S GUIDE TO EUROPE A whistle-stop tour of Europe’s career opportunities

T R AV E L G U I D E S AFRICA

16 SOUTH AFRICA’S WESTERN CAPE Sprawling mountains, ocean vistas and world-class wine

AMERICAS

40 MEXICO CITY Mezcal and mole in Mexico’s mega-city

56 48 HOURS IN LIMOGES, FRANCE A European mini break in the City of Porcelain

60 SPOTLIGHT ON SANTORINI Sunshine and sanctuary in the Cyclades

Outlook Travel issue 06 | 5

NEWS

Around the world in seven stories…

ECONOMY

HOLIDAY PRICES TO RISE ACCORDING TO RYANAIR

TRANSPORT

LUMO LAUNCHES LONDON TO EDINBURGH BUDGET TRAIN NEW ON THE scene, the fully electric rail service Lumo is set to rival competition with low-price tickets, offering two services a day between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh Waverley. Owned by Aberdeen-based First Group, Lumo will be going up against those such as LNER on the East Coast main line, with one-way fares starting at £14.90 and providing only a single class of travel. The journey from London to Scotland is estimated to take around 4.5 hours whilst also serving

Newcastle and Morpeth on the way to Northumberland, with the train operator aiming to see the number of services rise to 10 per day by early 2022.

Lumo is hoping to see its services carry in excess of one-million passengers a year on the East Coast main line and intends to publish its carbon emissions data regularly, to show the public the benefits of electric rail travel to attract passengers from the same journey via airlines, among other sustainable practices.

HOLIDAY PRICES ARE likely to rise according to CEO of budget airline Ryanair. Recently, Michael O’Leary told The Sunday Times that inflation, fewer flights and increased taxes may drive airfares up in the near future. The holiday tourism sector is speculated to make a dramatic recovery across Europe in 2022, and O’Leary stated that this will increase prices across the industry due to a reduced capacity.

“Take out Thomas Cook (six million seats), Flybe (eight million seats), Norwegian (nearly 24 million seats)...

Alitalia’s reducing its fleet by 40 percent,” stated Mr O’Leary. “There is going to be about 20 percent less short-haul capacity in Europe in 2022, with a dramatic recovery in demand.”

This arrives with economists predicting that inflation will continue to increase over the rest of 2021; a factor in rising airfares, alongside growing environmental taxes.

B U S I N E S S T R AV E L

TOURISTS TO RETURN TO VIETNAM VIETNAM IS GOING to pilot a plan to reopen the island of Phu Quoc, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, to fully vaccinated foreign travellers from autumn onwards.

According to a government 6 | Outlook Travel issue 06

statement, the programme will see tourism restricted to Phu Quoc along with the implementation of phases to best reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The pilot plan will continue for three months and will see around 2,000 to 3,000 tourists per month journey to the island aboard chartered flights. Visitors will then be taken to designated places to stay as well as entertainment sites as

not all of the island will be open to visit.

The next phase of this plan will see Phu Quoc’s visitor numbers rise to 5,000 to 10,000 for a further three months, at which point more of the island will be open. This is a gradual programme to see the steady restoration of the international tourism market in Vietnam, while promoting it as a safe and attractive location.

H E A LT H C A R E

AV I AT I O N

UK AIRLINE AURIGNY REVEALS 2023 PLAN

UK PCR TESTS TO BE AXED FOR DOUBLE JABBED TRAVELLERS UK SECRETARY OF State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid has confirmed that he wants to remove PCR tests currently required by those returning from a variety of foreign countries.

At present, travellers returning from green or amber list destinations must take a PCR test on or before day two after their arrival back in England.

The travel industry has complained at length about the costs of tests, and has gained various forms of support, such as an online petition for the government to provide free PCR tests for

those travelling on holiday receiving almost 400,000 signatures.

The expensive tests have been stated to be scrapped as soon as possible, with the October school half-term holidays speculated to be the intended time. This proposition follows the recognition of the high additional cost for families taking foreign holidays, raising spending substantially for the average family travelling abroad.

TRANSPORT

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE SHIP RESUMES OPERATIONS NORWEGIAN GETAWAY IS the fifth Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship to resume operations globally, and third to take to the Mediterranean, which occurred earlier this week. Following a stint of 500 days without guests, the ship was at last granted the chance to restart operations while undertaking a test cruise with a number of travel

agents and dignitaries aboard to sail around the Mediterranean.

This trip saw the vessel depart from its homeport of Civitavecchia, Italy, on a 10-day itinerary involving multiple countries including Italy, Croatia and the Greek Islands. NCL has carried out the test cruise to ensure that all onboard measures and protocols worked as intended, and the journey was the first ‘revenue’ cruise the Norwegian Getaway has undertaken since the decline of the tourism industry due to the consequences of COVID-19.

GUERNSEY AIRLINE AURIGNY recently outlined its plan and services review that it hopes will reduce financial losses by 2023. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020, the company posted a loss of £28 million that was up from almost £10 million the previous year.

The airline stated that it was trying to work with the tourism industry to appeal to visitors, as well as reduce the complexity of its fleet. As a result, Aurigny could be looking at the end of its flagship Embraer jet on top of smaller Dornier aircraft.

According to Nico Bezuidenhout, the company’s CEO, Aurigny is planning to “do more with less”, as “with a simplified fleet, not only cost is reduced, reliability and dependability are improved.”

B U S I N E S S T R AV E L

GREEK TOURISM TO CONTINUE FOR US VISITORS ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, Greece will continue to welcome visitors from the US until the tourism season ends. This is in place despite a European Union (EU) recommendation that countries reduce non-essential travel from the US due to an increasing number of COVID-19 transmissions and infections.

Greece introduced the requirement of proof of vaccinations from those tourists wishing to enter certain venues, for example bars and restaurants, while the country combats the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For those US travellers planning to visit Greece, travel will continue with set measures in place, like showing proof of vaccination or presenting a negative COVID-19 test result, until the end of October.

Outlook Travel issue 06 | 7

8 | Outlook Travel issue 06

BEHIND THE LENS INTERVIEW

BEHIND THE LENS Travel has been in Jordan Banks’ blood since childhood. From Guatemala to Croatia, we discuss keeping busy during the pandemic in an interview with the highly acclaimed travel and lifestyle photographer Writer: Phoebe Harper | Photography: Jordan Banks

FOR JORDAN Banks, the marriage of photography and travel presented the ideal solution to paving the career path of his dreams.

Since first undertaking independent travel with camera in hand and pursuing photography as a means to fund his passion, Banks’ freelance work as a travel, landscape, and adventure photographer has led him to over 100 countries.

Following a trajectory that began in the film era and has overseen the industry’s transition to an entirely digital world, Banks’ fruitful freelance career has witnessed several notable accolades and frequent editorial commissions for esteemed travel publications including Lonely Planet, Wanderlust, Condé Nast and Bradt Guides to name just a few. In 2020 alone, Banks was awarded National Geographic Cities

Photographer of the Year and was voted as a finalist across six different sections of the Travel Photographer of the Year awards.

Aside from his editorial work, Banks highlights balancing passion with the work that truly pays, encouraging the need for freelance photographers to accept commercial work in order to secure a living in a competitive industry.

Banks’ portfolio includes high-profile commercial clients such as Panasonic, Microsoft, and British Airways.

Our chat with Banks coincides as work begins steadily begins to pick up pace once again in the aftermath of the pandemic – an unexpectedly fruitful time that saw the conception of his passion project – JRNY Magazine. A publication designed entirely with the freelance travel photography community at heart, Banks promotes the need to support up and coming photographers and nurture a community of support.

Outlook Travel issue 06 | 9

BEHIND THE LENS INTERVIEW

Outlook Travel (OT): Can you give us a bit of an insight into your career and how you first became interested in photography?

Jordan Banks (JB): I got interested in photography primarily as a means to travel. I had travelled from a young age, my family are big travellers and I previously lived in Saudi Arabia and had grown up going to India, Pakistan and these sorts of places – I had grandparents living abroad so it was always in my blood.

When I grew up, it was more just working out a way of finding a career. I always thought I would be a videographer, filming news and documentaries, I had never thought of photography as a job, it was more just something that I did. I never realised you could make money from it when I was around 16, or that anyone made money from it! So, when I started travelling and taking my own pictures, it was my dad who suggested trying to sell some of them to fund my travels. And basically, it worked!

Looking back now, I think I was

lucky that I was working in the film era, so my competition being preinternet, it was not what it is today. It was a lot easier to find your way when everyone wasn’t a photographer.

Knowing how hard I have to hustle to get work now, I think it was definitely not as hard an industry to get into then as it is today. Back then, there were nowhere near as many people doing travel photography.

It has all been freelance work, based entirely on approaching and pitching people. In 2008, I was highly commended in the New Talent of the Travel Photographer of the Year Competition, and although I didn’t win, that really helped me gain a bit of traction and get my foot in the door.

To be a travel photographer, if you want to survive and have a certain quality of life, you need to look outside of travel as well, considering the marketing and commercial side behind the industry, based around travel but not strictly travel. It can be a case of taking what you can in order to survive – whether that’s for Tourist Boards, or PR firms, taking work outside of editorial.

OT: What is the most exciting thing about being a travel photographer?

JB: It’s the not knowing what is going to come next. Although I plan a lot of my trips, once you land on the ground in a place, you have no idea what will present itself. Some of the things that you get to see are just incredible, especially when you feel that you might not have had the time or inclination to reach a certain place if it weren’t for your job. For example, some of the festivals have been really tough, like the Maha Kumbh Mela in India, which was extremely 10 | Outlook Travel issue 06

hard to reach. But seeing the world and getting paid to do it really is the dream.

OT: On the flip side, what are the biggest challenges?

JB: More recently I find that it’s being away from my family – the job was a lot easier when I didn’t have children and my wife could travel with me.

Aside from that, the competition now has got it very hard and simply the expectations of what the reality really is can make it quite a challenge.

People are so accustomed to seeing

heavily Photoshopped photos on Instagram, that they can expect images to look like that when they’re obviously not real. As a result, people’s expectations of what can be achieved in a relatively short space of time can sometimes get a bit out of control. But overall, in all honesty, I wouldn’t say that it’s challenging – and when I do encounter challenges, they’re often the best bit about the job and are what keep it exciting and interesting.

OT: Having travelled to many different countries for work, what

have been some of your favourite places to capture? What can you tell us about them?

JB: I am always looking for somewhere new and get easily inspired by new places, but I lived in Guatemala and covered it in depth for almost two years and that has always been very close to my heart.

This was back in 2003-2004, before there were even many guidebooks or the internet. It was like a place I couldn’t even imagine – volcanoes, Mayan ruins, the indigenous people, colonial towns – it had everything and Outlook Travel issue 06 | 11

and coming photographers. We were getting a bit sick of that Instagram culture of wealthy people telling others they could do this job without revealing the truth of the matter – we were bringing it back to reality. We started this company with the ethos of doing that.

Before that, we had the concept of creating a magazine – JRNY - channelling that same idea of bringing people in, giving them commissions and supporting the community. During the pandemic when we heard the news of magazines going under and people losing work, especially with Lonely Planet magazine and the Sunday Times Travel Magazine both closing, we thought that was the time. So, we created our own travel magazine created by freelancers and for freelancers, and it wasn’t a closed shop. We wanted to support through an equal pay structure as a non-profit association with all profits going to the photographers featured within it. JRNY magazine is probably my proudest thing that I’ve done as a photographer, using my career to give back to the community.

OT: How has life and work been for a travel photographer whilst navigating the COVID-19 pandemic?

was unlike anywhere that I had ever experienced.

Secondly, Dubrovnik in Croatia is very high up there. It’s one of the most beautiful places that you can physically see with your eyes. I return there at least twice a year and am still just amazed. I could sit and just watch the old town of Dubrovnik forever.

OT: Are there any interesting 12 | Outlook Travel issue 06

assignments or projects you’ve been involved in over the past few years?

JB: Five or six years ago, myself and my business partner Kav Dadfar, started a company called ‘That Wild Idea’, based on doing photography tours and assignments, but using the budget from that to go back into the community and helping support the career paths of underprivileged or up

JB: The honest answer is that it ground it to a complete halt. But I’m a positive person and in a way I had prepared for this situation – although obviously not for a pandemic!

There will be a recession, or terrorist attacks, or tsunamis – it had seemed to me that my working world was an unstable environment anyway. There are always things that were going to affect me, so I tried to pre-empt when something goes wrong that I am in a place to continue working. I actually think that I’m now in a better place career wise coming out of the pandemic than I was going into it. I started to diversify into things

BEHIND THE LENS INTERVIEW

that I hadn’t pursued before when I was busy and adapting what I do into courses and training. I have also spent so much time networking that I never had the time for when I was on the road. I tried to use the time to get ahead and have been working throughout the pandemic. The opportunity for extra family time has also been a complete blessing.

OT: What’s next for the future?

Where would you travel to that you haven’t had the chance to yet (home or away!)?

JB: I’ve got lots although of course whether any of them will get to happen is another matter! I do a lot of work with Cruise America that may still happen this autumn, and some potential work in the US lined up with National Geographic Traveller. The second issue of JRNY will surely be keeping me busy, whilst Kyrgyzstan is very much also on my list. Every 18 months I try to do a few trips for myself that tell photo essays that I find important that I will then pitch.

The sooner we can start to travel, I will be resuming that kind of work – hopefully in Madeira, and Greenland.

Outlook Travel issue 06 | 13

BEHIND THE LENS INTERVIEW

HOW I GOT THIS PHOTO > New York “The LOVE sign on sixth avenue is very busy and over photographed.

I knew I wanted to capture something unique and without the crowds. So, I returned very late one night and stayed until the wee hours of the morning waiting for that perfect moment when nobody was walking across the frame. The long exposure allowed me to add another dimension to the image by blurring out the traffic and instead just recording the light trails. These also acted to soften the harsh background. I like the way the light trails add a sense of presences and urgency to the image whilst remaining calm in the foreground.”

Discover more of Jordan’s work on his website: https:// jordanbanksphoto.com/ You can learn more about JRNY magazine and support the travel photography community, here: https://jrnymag.com/

WESTERN CAPE TRAVEL GUIDE

16 | Outlook Travel issue 06

S O U T H A F R I C A’ S

WESTERN CAPE

Boasting superb natural scenery and as an up-and-coming hotspot for a new wave of remote workers, South Africa’s Western Cape promises undeniable appeal to both the business and leisure traveller Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Matt Cole-Wilkin

H

ugging the coastline on the southernmost extremity of the continent, the Western Cape is the jewel in the crown of South Africa’s provinces. From the wild plateaus of Karoo to the rich Atlantic fishing grounds of the Cape Peninsula, the area is renowned as road-trip territory, with the scenic ‘Garden Route’ stretching from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.

Journey upland from the South African ‘Mother City’, and you will encounter fertile microclimates enclaved by mountain ranges where the bounty of the Western Cape is best enjoyed over a glass of wine.

The extensive ‘Winelands’ are truly an oenophile’s paradise, offering produce nourished under rich African soil, with Stellenbosch and Franschoek standing as the two main havens since their foundation under

Dutch settlement in the 17th century.

Wilderness abounds in the Western Cape and wildlife is never far at hand. Birdlife flourishes in sheltered estuaries alongside the rolling breakers of seas abundant with marine life, where sightings of whales are guaranteed from the shores of Hermanus and lurking Great Whites may tempt cage-divers.

Inland, game drives in world-famous destinations such as Kruger National Park reveal glimpses of the notorious Big Five.

With a renewed appeal for the digital nomad movement and a popular scene for wellness experiences, the panoramas of the Western Cape are the ideal postpandemic antidote. Showcasing such epic variety, it is unsurprising that the region has earnt itself the title of ‘a World in one Province’.

Outlook Travel issue 06 | 17

WESTERN CAPE TRAVEL GUIDE

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

WESGRO A

s the tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, Wesgro is the official body to guide travel, investment, film, and exporting across the region. With sector spanning expertise, Wesgro is dedicated to ensuring successful investments and opportunities for both foreign investors and local exporters in an area of South Africa that is truly unlimited in its potential.

Since the organisation’s foundation in 1983, the company has been dedicated to the pursuit of marketing the Western Cape as an attractive international hub for both business and travel. We sat down with the Head of Leisure Tourism, Julia Louw from Wegro’s Cape Town headquarters to find out more.

Outlook Travel Magazine (OTM): Can you talk us through the origins of Wesgro and its initial vision?

Julia Louw, Head of Leisure Tourism (JL): Wesgro is the official Tourism, Trade, Investment and Film Promotion Agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape - the first point of contact for foreign investors and local companies. The agency attracts and facilitates national and international investment, works to grow exports of products and services, and markets the Cape as a competitive business and travel destination.

Additionally, Wesgro assists the regional government with its economic growth and job creation agenda and helps companies to secure and expand investments in the region to become export-ready, by facilitating entry into foreign markets, 18 | Outlook Travel issue 06

Julia Louw, Head of Leisure Tourism either through outward foreign direct investment (FDI) across the continent or outward global missions across a range of sectors and countries.

OTM: How do you market Cape Town and the Western Cape as both a business and leisure travel destination?

JL: Cape Town and the Western Cape is what we like to call a ‘World in One Province’. There is so much on offer within the destination - that makes it very easy to market. From a business perspective, we have state of the art conference facilities within the province, and to add to the business experience, we have incredible sensory and community experiences to increase the conference/business event attendees’ enjoyment of the destination. This seamlessly feeds into the leisure aspect, as you will often find a business delegate returning to the destination but as a leisure traveller with his family and friends.

OTM: Are there any interesting projects either ongoing or in the pipeline that Wesgro wish to highlight?

JL: Looking to stay top of the consideration list in key overseas markets,

the international ‘Neverending Tourist’ campaign was launched. The digitally led campaign demonstrates how the region is the perfect antidote to lockdown life and encourages visitors to come and ‘get in a good space’. Kicking off with key markets, the campaign features German and Dutch expats who came to the Western Cape on holiday, fell in love with the destination, and never left.

Using authentic voices to rally fellow countrymen in the forementioned markets, the collateral depicts the Neverending Tourists exploring the wide-open spaces they love most.

We’re about to embark on the second burst of the campaign, this time targeting travellers in the UK. For our domestic market, we’re gearing to launch a campaign refresh of ‘Get that Faraway Feeling’. Focusing on family friendly experiences and the world-class yet affordable tourism offering available in the province, the campaign will look to attract domestic tourists to the destination for the peak festive season.

Furthermore, we recently launched a series of exquisitely re-imagined regional tourism videos showcasing Cape Town and the Western Cape in a way that is raw, authentic and diverse - delivering on the destination’s promise of ‘wide open spaces’, perfectly suited for consumer mindsets in a new phase of travel. Challenging viewers to ‘find your place, find yourself, get in a good space’, GPS co-ordinates of exact locations are incorporated throughout the video series, with no place names mentioned, encouraging travellers to get out and discover the

“ T H E B I G G E S T C H A L L E N G E W E FA C E T O D AY I S T H AT O F S O U T H A F R I C A B E I N G O N T H E U K R E D L I S T, A S T H I S I S A M A S S I V E S O U R C E M A R K E T F O R U S A S FA R A S T H E I N B O U N D T O U R I S T G O E S , A S W E L L A S T H E FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S A S P E C T, S I N C E M A N Y S O U T H A F R I C A N S H AV E FA M I LY I N T H E U K ” – J U L I A L O U W, H E A D O F L E I S U R E T O U R I S M , W E S G R O regions for themselves. To view the latest video depicting the Winelands, click here: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=R1-cPhauE8c&t=7s OTM: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Cape Town and the Western Cape?

JL: To visit our inspiring province is to love our province. Cape Town is a bustling melting pot of cultures, tastes and experiences for young and old. You’ll find state of the art shopping malls, open-air markets, a dynamic night life and windows into

our rich history. You’re going to want to discover more, and a world of natural beauty lies beyond the boundaries of the city in the greater Western Cape regions: the Cape West Coast (Weskus), the Cape Karoo, the Garden Route and Klein Karoo, the Cape Winelands and Cape Overberg.

Each area is worth exploring and has its own charm, you’ll uncover diverse culinary delights, award-winning wine estates, nature in full bloom, wide open spaces and deserts, azure waters and white sandy beaches, luxury experiences and animal encounters that will make your journey truly

unforgettable. But that’s not all you’ll find here. Drawing strength from its diversity, it’s the people that make our destination beautiful, and they invite you to share in our colourful heritage.

OTM: What are some of Cape Town and the Western Cape’s most unique landmarks?

JL: The Western Cape boasts a heady mix of mountains, vineyards, and oceans that appeal to millions of visitors annually. There are so many to choose from but if we had to list the most unique, it would be Table Mountain, Cango Caves, L’Agulhas, Cederberg, Groot Constantia, Cape Point, Knysna Heads, Cape Winelands and Cape Floral Kingdom. Boasting some of the oldest settlements in the country, the Western Cape also has lots of history to delve into, with the famous Robben Island attracting crowds of visitors every year.

Outlook Travel issue 06 | 19

The Art of Luxury African Travel In just 17 years, Rhino Africa grew from humble beginnings to Africa’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator and Africa’s Leading Safari Company, but what is it about their offering that makes them stand out from the pack?

Based in Woodstock, Cape Town, Rhino Africa specialises in creating tailor-made personalised luxury African safaris and tours to Southern Africa, East Africa, and the Indian Ocean Islands.

Southern Africa is especially popular, with destinations such as Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, Kruger National Park, Botswana, and Victoria Falls at the top of guests’ bucket lists, as evidenced by their best-selling tour. Having recently celebrated their 17th birthday and with a track record of over 150,000 happy guests from across the globe, they’re not new in the industry. However, they’re renowned for continually evolving and improving their offering, centred primarily around the guest booking experience.

As a social responsibility based company, Rhino Africa are life-changing in more ways than one. Yes, they focus on curating itineraries of a lifetime for their guests. However, they also use their influence to fulfil their greater purpose of protecting Africa’s wild spaces, animals, and people.

FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE At Rhino Africa, they firmly believe that you can only talk the talk once you’ve walked the walk, and this mentality is deeply ingrained in their company culture and offering.

Their Travel Experts, who put together these highly tailored itineraries, are well-travelled. They’ve slept in the beds and dined at the restaurants they suggest to their guests. It’s this first-hand experience that gives them insight like no one stuck behind a desk ever can.

“We believe in employing and developing African safari experts! A large part of this is ensuring that our Travel Experts are well trained and well-travelled. Besides, why would you trust anyone who has not experienced what they offer first-hand?” says CEO and Founder of Rhino Africa, David Ryan.

ONLINE TRAVEL PIONEERS Embracing technology and finding innovative ways to make the booking and travel experience more seamless and convenient is another way that Rhino Africa revolutionises travel as we know it today.

“The culmination of a multi-year vision led us to a historic implementation of digitising our guest experience in ways only imagined before.

And so, our high-touch client experience has been met with a high-tech digital engagement. This resulted in improved productivity through digitised operations, as well as a more hands-on, enjoyable experience for our guests,” says David.

From their sophisticated online booking system to enabling guests to have all their travel information at their fingertips and real-time communication and relationships with their dedicated Travel Expert, it’s a refreshing, organised experience from start to finish.

100% REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT Rhino Africa is no stranger to challenging the status quo. And because they understand that an African holiday is an investment and that there’s often a long lead time between booking the holiday and departing, they wanted to create something that will give their guests that extra bit of confidence.

Therefore, they are leading the charge again by introducing their 100% refundable deposit policy – entirely unheard of in the industry. With this new policy, implemented not just now but indefinitely, Rhino Africa is going the extra mile to give guests peace of mind that their travel investment is secure. You can visit their Travel with Confidence hub to find out more about this game-changing policy.

LASTING MEMORIES, LASTING IMPACT An essential element to the very fabric of what Rhino Africa is all about, is their commitment to leading and supporting sustainable development programmes that protect Africa’s wild spaces, endangered animals and vulnerable communities.

For every traveller who visits Africa, one sustainable job is created. Thus, tourism provides a robust model which can address community upliftment, unemployment and education in Africa. Furthermore, Rhino Africa works tirelessly with organisations such as Wildlife ACT and Save the Rhino Trust to help protect Africa’s most endangered animal species.

“Our sole mission is to find innovative ways for our guests to enjoy the sensations of Africa while also creating the most impact. In a world where our natural resources are being depleted, we need to collectively rise to this generational challenge through innovation, collaboration and creativity. More importantly, in an ever-changing world, we need tourism to be the game-changing force that uplifts communities and protects wildlife. Because the reality is that African Tourism enriches all of our lives!” says David.

Rhino Africa is proof that focused impact strategies drive success - even when faced with insurmountable challenges. There is no doubt that Rhino Africa sets the benchmark in luxury African travel, but their real value is enabling many to leave their lasting legacy in Africa.

103 Francis St Zonnebloem, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7925 | Toll-free: UK: 0808 238 0044 | US: 888 2156 556 | AU: 1 800 447164

WESTERN CAPE TRAVEL GUIDE

OTM: What trends are currently transforming tourism across the Western Cape and how are you utilising them?

JL: We are currently observing and responding to the following major trends: • Rise in remote work has accelerated the growth in digital nomads and leisure travel, • Short-term rentals have benefited from changing consumer behaviour, • Increase in domestic tourism and shorter breaks, • Greater focus on leisure travel, • Destinations with open spaces to explore the natural environment have become popular, • Off the beaten track locations and destinations with outdoor activities for the whole family, • Finally, the assurance of safety is vital.

OTM: How has Wesgro leveraged the above trends?

JL: We have been working towards leveraging many of these trends and our most recent campaigns are dedicated to remote work. We launched a campaign called Remote Work, whereby we encouraged the digital nomad to come to Cape Town and the Western Cape to work remotely, whilst at the same time enjoy everything what the province has to offer - https://www.wesgro. co.za/long-stay/home.

From a domestic tourism perspective, we launched our Kids Stay Free Campaign, in order to encourage families to travel to Cape Town and the Western Cape. Our latest campaign has been aimed at the international markets whereby utilising the narrative of Get in a Good Space. The province is synonymous with wide open spaces and it is clear in a COVID-19 world, that this is what the traveller is wanting.

“ W E H AV E T H E O C E A N , M O U N TA I N S , N AT U R E , I N C R E D I B L E W I N E A N D D E L I C I O U S FOOD, ALL WITHIN A WORLD CLASS S E T T I N G . W H O W O U L D N O T WA N T T O C O M E AND VISIT US?” – J U L I A L O U W, H E A D O F L E I S U R E T O U R I S M , W E S G R O

OTM: What are the greatest challenges experienced by the tourism industry in your region?

JL: The tourism industry as a whole has been the hardest hit, as a result of the pandemic. The biggest challenge we face today is that of South Africa being on the UK red list, as this is a massive source market for us, as far as the inbound tourist goes as well as the family and friends aspect, as many South Africans have family in the UK. The other challenges come with the territory of tourism as some businesses have not had international travellers for now over 16 months.

This means that many businesses have had to rethink their business model or just go into the foetal position entirely and wait for the industry to open up again. No one could have

predicted this and no business could have planned for so many months without an income. The lockdowns have also not helped the tourism/ hospitality businesses, as it has been a constant stop start with each wave of the pandemic.

ground make the tourism experience in Cape Town and the Western Cape one of the best in the world. We have the ocean, mountains, nature, incredible wine and delicious food, all within a world class setting. Who would not want to come and visit us?

OTM: Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Cape Town and the Western Cape, particularly with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic?

JL: We are optimistic, yes. It is going to be an uphill battle in order to get the destination back to its pre COVID-19 numbers again. The tourism industry is however one of the most resilient industries and will most definitely bounce back. Our destination is desirable and the people on the

Wesgro 18th Floor, Reserve Bank Building, 60 St George’s Mall, Cape Town, 8001 Tel: 021 487 8600 info@wesgro.co.za www.wesgro.co.za

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WESTERN CAPE TRAVEL GUIDE

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

E AT: FOR FINE DINING WITH A VIEW The Pot Luck Club - Located on the top floor of a silo in the original Woodstock Biscuit Mill, booking in advance is essential for this foodie hotspot. A tapas small plate menu is served in this modern industrial-style eatery, with views of the city and mountains that are rare amongst Cape Town’s restaurants.

F O R A N A F R I C A N TAST E SA FA R I Gold Restaurant - Offering an authentic and immersive African dining experience, a night at Gold promises a 14-course tasting menu with traditional delights such as Tanzanian fish curries and South African samosas.

SLEEP: F O R F I R ST- C L ASS C I T Y L I V I N G The Cape Cadogan - Stay in the heart of Cape Town in a building that has been officially granted National Monument status. A high-end boutique in the Gardens suburb housed in a traditional Georgian building, expect elegant interiors and take respite in complete comfort.

DO: F O R L E G ACY W I N E S A landmark establishment, a visit to the Groot Constantia wine farm and living museum uncovers the history behind legendary wine production dating back to the 17th century.

F O R U N F O R G E T TA B L E G A M E D R I V E S Voted Africa’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator 2020, Rhino Africa are the local travel experts well-placed to cater to your safari and excursion needs. Book with confidence and peruse a selection of tours or customise your own itinerary, such as a private safari of Kruger National Park. Whatever your Western Cape travel needs, Rhino Africa are sure to surpass your expectations.

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F O R SA FA R I E S C A P I S M &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp – For the ultimate romantic starlit camping experience, choose from nine tented suites in the secluded grounds of the Ngala Private Game Reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five!

CAPE WINELANDS Indulge in world-class wineries against scenic mountain backdrops in South Africa’s Winelands JUST ONE HOUR’S drive east of Cape Town, the Cape Winelands comprises a series of valleys and fertile mountain foothills that are home to South Africa’s finest wines.

The Winelands area is distinguished by the triangle formed by the three major wine estate towns of Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek, all of which can be covered within one trip. You might even like to take a trip on the ‘Wine Tram’ from Franschhoek, hopping off at the area’s most renowned estates. This historic town is also reputed as the gourmet capital of the country.

An area of breath-taking natural

beauty, it is unsurprising that this was one of the first parts of South Africa to be settled by the Europeans.

Indeed, grape cultivation here dates back to the 1600s.

Favoured by a Mediterranean climate, the area is a true palette of colour, defined by the grape vines ranging from lush and leafy riots of green in the summer, to earthy hues of ochre and brown come autumn.

IN FOCUS

C A P E TOW N ASIDE FROM THE rich natural splendour of the Western Cape, the province’s true magnetism lies in the diversity of its people. Nowhere is this heritage more prevalent than in the captivating city of Cape Town, capital of the Rainbow Nation. A vibrant destination in an enviable coastal setting, Cape Town is preceded by a reputation for an unrivalled foodie scene, with its melting pot culture combining to create a varied cuisine with iconic dishes such as ‘Bunny Chow’ and traditional braais sure to delight.

The oldest urban settlement in the Western Cape, Cape 28 | Outlook Travel issue 06

Town was first developed as a supply station for the Dutch East India Company, across shipping routes connecting East Africa, India, and the Far East.

The city is crowned by the iconic Table Mountain National Park, combining the escapism of seas and mountains amidst a bustling cityscape. Its strategic location means that a wealth of excursions are available as day-trips; from historic Robben Island to the penguinpopulated shores of Boulders Beach. The city’s V&A Waterfront is a tourist’s delight, offering harbour cruises,

WESTERN CAPE TRAVEL GUIDE

a wealth of chic restaurant options and contemporary art museums. Meanwhile, the District Six Museum showcases the remains of the city’s multicultural inner-city neighbourhood before being officially declared a ‘white’ area in 1965. Having summited the towering heights of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head is an equally impressive viewpoint, with the renowned beaches of Clifton spread out beneath offering irresistible appeal to surfers, kite-boarders and international jet-setters.

Come evening, sip on wine in a historic estate and head to the clubs of Long Street to dance the night away.

WESTERN CAPE TRAVEL GUIDE

TABLE MOUNTAIN

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S

The Mother City is renowned for one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Table Mountain can be summited either on foot, or by cable car and is considered by any visitor to Cape Town as a true rite of passage. Whether a leisurely hike or the ambitious the full two-day Cape of Good Hope trail, climbers will be rewarded with unparalleled peninsular panoramas.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK The savannahs of Kruger represent one of the world’s greatest national parks. Encounter the iconic African safari species in unparalleled numbers and a plethora of accommodation options to stay on site. The Park is famous for the freedom that visitors can enjoy, with a network of roads traversing Kruger that are yours to explore as you please within opening hours.

ROBBEN ISLAND A must-visit for anyone interested in South Africa’s apartheid history, a tour of Robben Island lifts the veil on a dark past as a key location in the country’s long walk to freedom.

Travel here by boat to visit the cells that once incarcerated Nelson Mandela and take a tour of the historic site led by former inmates for unrivalled insight.

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GETTING THERE & AROUND WITH A RELIABLE and easy to navigate infrastructure of roads, car hire is an easy, safe and affordable means to explore the Western Cape, with the Garden Route renowned as the ultimate road trip. Distances between destinations on the Western Cape are relatively short, with many interesting places to stop on the way. Renting a car is also advisable since this is the best way to explore national parks and reach remote coastal areas.

For those preferring to use public transport, hop-on, hop-off shuttle services are available connecting the major towns of the Winelands, Overberg and the Garden Route. If exploring Cape Town, the city offers the MyCiTi bus network, and the Metrorail Southern Line. Outside of these two options, public transport in urban areas can be considered a dangerous option. The province is mainly served by Cape Town International Airport (CPT), as South Africa’s second largest airport.

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T R AV E L B U S I N E S S

T H E C U STO M E R IS ING

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Imad Khalidi, CEO of brokerage firm Auto Europe, examines the importance of a service-based approach and resiliency in the face of adversity Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Tom Cullum

AUTO EUROPE CAR RENTALS

WIDELY ACKNOWLEDGED AS ‘The King of Car Rentals’, CEO of Auto Europe Imad Khalidi is wellversed in the trials and tribulations of the travel industry.

Having first joined the travel service sector in 1974 working as an innkeeper for the Holiday Inn, as a young entrepreneur, Khalidi soon transitioned to car rentals, accepting a position as Station Manager for Hertz working in France. He went on to work in both Toulouse and Nice, as Airport Manager and District Manager for Hertz rent-a car.

“At the time, the car rental business in France had only just started, so it was very small when Hertz began to implement its systems across the country,” he comments.

When French car rental company Europcar began recruiting for an International Franchisee Manager, Khalidi’s multi-lingual talents meant that he was well-suited for the role, as it involved launching the company’s franchisees across the Middle East, East of Africa, and Scandinavia.

When Europcar subsequently sought representation in the US, Khalidi was assigned the role of International Sales Manager, championing the burgeoning market of Americans travelling to Europe.

“One of my clients at the time was Auto Europe, and when the owner of the company retired, he asked me to join them. So, in 1990, I came to Maine, and then grew the company from 10 to 15 employees to over 600 and 600 million dollars of sales,” he tells us. Khalidi’s ongoing tenure at the helm of Auto Europe surpasses over 31 years.

Headquartered in Portland, the Auto Europe operations are spread across marketing and call centres in Lisbon, Munich, and Sydney, Australia, which takes care of the Asia Pacific side of the business for Australians travelling to Europe. Auto Europe also counts a few employees in the UK, working with local travel agents.

AUTO EUROPE CAR RENTALS

“ I H O P E T H AT C O V I D - 1 9 TA U G H T U S S O M E T H I N G , T H AT I T I S N O T O N LY A B O U T PRICE BUT ALSO SERVICE” - I M A D K H A L I D I , C E O, AU TO E U R O P E

The company’s staff are roughly split with 40 percent in the US, 20 percent in Australia, and a further 40 percent located in Europe.

“Our business is mostly Americans going to Europe, Europeans travelling intra-Europe and Australians travelling to Europe,” he explains.

“We are a broker, we don’t have any cars or locations, we have agreements with Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise even small companies like Easy Rent in the UK, where we sell and buy - we don’t pre-buy as a wholesaler.”

STRENGTH IN SUPPLY Without a reliable and robust network of suppliers, business would simply not be possible for Europcar.

“No supply, no clients. That’s the rule of the game. Only with loyal suppliers can you have loyal, repeat excellent clients,” states Khalidi.

“80 percent of what I do every day is based on my relationships with suppliers - how can I help them and how can they help me.” Having

AUTO EUROPE TRAVEL PARTNERS • Alamo • Avis • Budget • dollar.

• Europcar • Hertz • National • Sixt

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previously worked for both Hertz and Europcar, Khalidi benefits from a solid foundation of interpersonal relationships based on years of working together.

For Auto Europe, the prevailing challenge facing the industry today is that of supply versus demand, as a shortage of cars pales in comparison to the demand for car rentals as travel begins to pick up pace again.

“When the business started coming back as people got vaccinated and Americans and Europeans started travelling again, there was a huge demand and no supply.

“Add to that the fact that you couldn’t buy any new cars at all, because the microchips are lacking and the car manufacturers can’t deliver the new cars, and with the prices in the second-hand car market going up by 20-30 percent, there was a huge demand compared to supply,” he explains.

With companies seeking to recoup their losses, this translates to higher rates for the customer.

“The rate in 2019 of around €200 a week, went up to €800 a week to make up for the loss of income plus the lack of cars. This is the state of the industry.”

Nevertheless, Khalidi is confident that within the next couple of years, this temporary reaction will stabilise, as more microchips are delivered to car manufacturers enabling access to new vehicles.

Another crucial link in the chain is Auto Europe’s invaluable workforce, as those responsible for delivering that all-important customer service.

“First of all, the company is not based on a pyramid structure. I have three structures, I have the soldiers, the lieutenants, and me as the general. My door is always open, for a soldier to come in and contact me,” he tells us.

Here, fostering longevity in relationships is equally important to partner relations, with Khalidi highlighting his assistant who has been with him for almost 30 years.

DRIVING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC The industry-wide disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented, especially within travel as nationwide lockdowns bought global mobility to a standstill. For Auto Europe in particular, the company’s number of suppliers fell from 250 pre-pandemic to just under 200 today, due to many having to close down.

Regardless, adversity is nothing new for the travel industry, where resiliency is a necessity.

“COVID-19 came in, but the company was (and is) resilient. It was resilient in 1990 with Saddam Hussein invading Kuwait, in 2001 with 9/11, with the bombs on the London buses and in the volcanoes of Iceland. It was a very tough year, but the company remained strong despite a low income.

“We kept our employees as much

OUTLOOK TRAVEL: IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT GIVES AUTO EUROPE THE EDGE OVER MARKET COMPETITORS? Imad Khalidi, CEO: “Number one is service; number two is price.

“We don’t buy market shares and we don’t discount the rate as long as the service is the right service. 50 percent of our business comes from travel agents, and travel agents want a peace of mind service so that the clients aren’t ringing them up at any point during or after the rental.

“We are very much service-minded, we are open 24/7, and able to help the client at any point from A to Z. From the moment you book us to the moment you come back. If our client has a customer service issue, with either Avis or Hertz, we don’t tell them to go to them, we help them out, since he booked us, so we are responsible for his service.

“For example, many of our American customers only speak one language – if you are an American landing in Charles de Gaulle airport, collecting your car from there and then breaking down at ten o’clock at night somewhere in France, you can call us 24 hours a day, we will get you a tow car, find you another car and a hotel near to where you are.

So, our service goes from the moment you book us to the moment you bring back the car.”

as we could, we didn’t have to lay off many of them and so we continue doing what we do.”

After a tumultuous year, recovery is finally on the horizon.

“Business is seemingly back now, and we are 50 percent off revenues in 2019, so things are better and better,” he states hopefully.

“When you lock people away for

two years at home, they save money, and as soon as lockdown is over they will be travelling again,” he quips confidently.

Looking to the years ahead, Khalidi will be continuously working with suppliers to guarantee vehicles for clients, with a particular emphasis on nurturing repeat customers.

“When the high demand is there

and the supply is low, first of all I have to guarantee that I have supply for clients in 2022.

“So, number one is guaranteeing that my suppliers will be in place to provide me with the right car at the right time and at the right price,” he comments.

Drawing to a close, Khalidi is keen to stress his aspirations for the future of the industry, as it reshapes itself in the wake of the widespread disruption of the pandemic.

“The travel industry pre-COVID-19 did not have great service for our clients. Airline companies, some car rental services, and hotels in particular did not really care about the service.

“I hope that COVID-19 taught us something, that it is not only about price but also service – for instance taking care of someone if their flight has been cancelled.

“I hope that all domains of the travel industry become more focused on the client as king. This is my wish.”

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EUROPEAN ROAD TRIPS

FIVE OF THE BEST It’s time to buckle up and hit the road for immersive, flight-free travel. We take the scenic route along five of Europe’s finest road trips Writer: Phoebe Harper

ROAD TRIPS ARE a phenomenon steeped in romance and adventure, offering the chance to set your own pace and savour the freedom of the open road.

With itineraries that can be customised to suit your own preferences, Europe offers a wealth of sights that are accessible by car - from the heights of the Scottish Highlands to the Alpine passes of Switzerland, and on to the splendour of the French Riviera.

Whether bringing your own or hiring a rental car, be sure to plan your trip well in advance and make regular pit stops whilst en route to avoid ‘Highway hypnosis’. For those who are carbon conscious, Europe is also home to the world’s first road trip catering to electric vehicles.

Here are our handpicked five of the best, in order of distance.

(Soundtrack optional.)

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1. ROAD-TRIPPING ALONG THE RHINE Route: Düsseldorf - Mainz Distance: 146 miles Savour a taste of Germany on a journey along the scenic banks of the Rhine Valley. Follow a route that snakes a path between forest-coated cliffs crowned with fairy-tale style castles. Encounter the formidable riverside cities of Düsseldorf, Cologne and Bonn and steep fields that nourish some of Germany’s finest wine-producing grapes. Discover Gothic churches and picturesque timber-framed houses offering an authentic glimpse of Medieval Germany.

Be sure to leave the car at the roadside to enjoy a river cruise along the breadths of the mighty Rhine. We recommend allowing roughly one week to accomplish the journey at a leisurely pace.

EUROPEAN ROAD TRIPS ROUND-UP

2. NORTH COAST 500 Route: Inverness - Inverness Distance: 516 miles Scotland’s answer to Route 66, this epic circular route is widely acknowledged as the UK’s greatest. Best enjoyed over at least five days, skirt the eastern seaboard from the Highland capital of Inverness, encountering ruins of historic castles along a wild coastline dotted with quaint fishing hamlets and on to the mist-shrouded mountain peaks of Wester Ross.

Get your fill of the Highland Spirit as you motor through the most northerly parts of the UK and the dramatic north-western scenery of Sutherland – Europe’s ‘last great wilderness’. For those with more time on their hands, be sure to venture into the route’s interior, where munro climbing, loch swimming and traditional Scottish experiences such as peat-whiskey tasting, and creel fishing await.

A truly year-round destination, booking accommodation and planning your route is essential even during the quieter months, when you can expect suitably dreich weather for the true Scottish experience.

Why not take the stress out of planning your own road trip, and book through an operator? Wilderness Scotland offers the self-drive North Coast 500 from £935pp based on four sharing, including seven nights’ B&B accommodation, two days of privately guided hiking, Kylesku boat trip and Loch Ness cruise and route notes and maps.

3. THE NATIONALE 7 Route: Paris - Saint Tropez Distance: 600 miles Journey from the City of Love to the French Riviera along a route so iconic, that a song of the same name was penned in its honour by legendary French chanteur Charles Trenet. Your journey will lead you through the hometown of Coco Chanel, and on to the gothic basilica of St Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, whose crypt preserves the remains of Mary Magdelene herself.

Pass through Burgundy, the Rhône valley and the quintessentially French Provençale countryside bypassing scenic swathes of vineyards, before approaching the golden shores of the Côte d’Azur. As a well-worn route, there are plenty of restaurants and roadside accommodation to choose from.

A potent symbol from a bygone era of hedonism, the Nationale 7 is now having a resurgence in popularity after its heyday of history-making traffic jams.

Ending with a scenic stretch along the Mediterranean, clocking up both Cannes and Nice, this is an experience you’re unlikely to forget.

Book exclusive private accommodation along the Nationale 7 and stay in style on a four-day journey. Learn more and enjoy excellent restaurant recommendations with Escape to Hidden Chic.

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EUROPEAN ROAD TRIPS ROUND-UP

4. THE GRAND TOUR OF SWITZERLAND Route: Zurich – Zurich Distance: 1,000 miles Something of an Alpine odyssey, the Grand Tour of Switzerland traverses five mountain passes, clocking up 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, two biospheres and the banks of 22 lakes. From the lowlands of Lake Maggiore to the heights of the Furka Pass, this ambitious voyage is only possible between the months of April and October.

From mountain villages to moated castles, glaciers to cities of culture, this itinerary promises an unrivalled concentration of attractions. A world first, the route is also the premier road trip designed to cater to electric vehicles, with a network of charging stations dotted throughout the trip for a clean driving experience.

Visit the Grand Tour of Switzerland website to get planning.

Panoramic view of Barcelona city looking down onto the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús temple on Tibidabo mountain.

DID YOU KNOW? Auto Europe is the reliable and affordable company offering both short term car rentals and campervan hire from 27 locations across Europe. For those looking to keep their carbon footprint to a minimum, hybrid and electric vehicle options are also available. Check out our Travel Business feature to learn more!

5. GRAND TOUR OF CATALONIA Route: Barcelona – Barcelona Distance: 1,242 miles A circular route weaving through the heart of one of Spain’s most enigmatic regions, this Grand Tour is a journey that showcases the art, history, gastronomy, landscapes, and vibrant culture of the unique territory of Catalonia. Nestled between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees, this enriching journey has been helpfully separated into five different sections by the Catalonia Tourist Board, so that you can adjust your course accordingly.

In the beating heart of Barcelona, encounter the artistic legacy of Gaudí and Dalí. On the road, satiate your appetite with authentic Catalan home cooking, like pa amb tomàquet or Michelin-starred meals, to be accompanied with a world-famous culture of wine-making that has been established since Roman times. Just a few of the highlights along the route include Montserrat, Tarragona, and the Cap de Creus Natural Park to name just a few.

Learn more and plan your Grand Tour of Catalonia with the Catalan Tourist Board.

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MEXICO CITY The high-octane capital pulsating with colour and vibrancy, peel back the covers on the megalopolis of Mexico City - the Western Hemisphere’s oldest urban centre Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Krisha Canlas

O

ver seven centuries ago, what we know today as Mexico City (CDMX), rose from the swamps, as the ancient Aztecs founded their capital and named it Tenochtitlán. An island settlement laid on the bed of Lake Texcoco,

40 | Outlook Travel issue 06

Tenochtitlán flourished before the age of the Spanish conquistadors, lured by the city’s riches that made for ripe conquest.

Today, the urban sprawl of CDMX stands as Mexico’s capital in every possible way, as a true beacon of the

arts, politics, and culture. Indeed, CDMX numbers amongst the world’s mega-cities, home to almost 25 million people.

Relics of the pre-Hispanic era still stand, witnessed by the formidable pyramids of Teotihuacán, City of the

MEXICO CITY TRAVEL GUIDE

Gods, on the outskirts of the city beyond the CDMX, to the remains of the Mexica temple buried beneath the colonial splendour of the Templo Mayor and in the historic plaza of the Zócalo - the true soul of the city. Elsewhere, the Plaza Garibaldi resounds with the sound of mariachi, while La Merced boasts the city’s largest market. Mexico City’s history is intrinsically bound to legendary figures, from the murals of Diego Rivera to be discovered in the museum of his name in Alameda, to the iconic Casa Azul of Frida Kahlo in colourful Coyoacán.

A cosmopolitan destination bursting with creativity, stroll through leafy neighbourhoods and upmarket

districts, taking in bohemian cafes and lazy ancient canals, reminiscent of the city’s island past. Home to a cutting-edge design and art scene of worldwide renown, CDMX is a true feast for any cultural connoisseur, with the city hosting a true renaissance in its galleries and public spaces.

Turning to the culinary scene, you will be torn between traditional cantinas, classic taco spots, and mezcal bars that beg exploration on heady city evenings against a backdrop of robust palm trees. The tangible marriage of Aztec and Spanish influence abounds, from architecture to gastronomy. Yet above all, it is the famous hospitality of the Mexican people that prevails.

MEXICO CITY FACTS Construction Mexico City was built on a lake – the city sinks around 12cm annually.

Taxis in Mexico 60,000 Largest pyramid in the world Cholula, 66 metres high Cuisine In 2010, UNESCO added Mexican cuisine to the list of Cultural Heritage Museums The second city in the world with the largest number of museums.

Outlook Travel issue 06 | 41

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

GOBIERNO DE LA C I U DA D D E M É X I CO Since 1900, the Gobierno de la Ciudad de México (GCM) has been the government agency dedicated to the promotion of Mexico City as an attractive tourist destination. We examine COVID19 recovery and reasons to make Mexico City your destination of choice with the association’s Secretary of Tourism, Carlos Mackinlay, as the country celebrates 700 years of CDMX Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Krisha Canlas

Outlook Travel (OT): What are your organisation’s current goals?

Carlos Mackinlay, Secretary of Tourism (CM): Our main objective is to return to the same continuous growth that we had prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, Mexico City is in reactivation mode, especially after successfully facing the third wave of the virus. Today, we need to focus on increasing the arrival of national and international tourists.

We need to generate a greater economic spill over and therefore improve the economic situation of the tourism industry in general.

Today, beginning in September, the occupancy rate in hotels is reaching from 37 percent to 40 percent, far 42 | Outlook Travel issue 06

Carlos Mackinlay, Secretary of Tourism

from our 70 percent rate that we were used to. However, our main priority is to gain the confidence of our tourists in order for them to return, and to achieve this we need not only to promote the city from a tourism point of view, but also on the sanitary measures implemented. The city has the ‘Safe Travels’ seal that

has been granted to more than 1,000 companies. Also, we have the ‘Tourist Security Stamp’ that has already been received by more than 20,000 tourism establishments, and above all the successful vaccination process, which in perspective, by the end of October the entire population above 18-year-olds in the city will be fully vaccinated.

OT: How do you market Mexico City as both a business and leisure travel destination?

CM: We have launched a campaign called ‘Mexico City - The City That Has It All’ (La Ciudad que lo tiene todo). As a secure city, that is mainly focused on the national

MEXICO CITY TRAVEL GUIDE

cultural segment, for those living close to the city and can travel by car. However, this is also targeted towards international tourism at the Mexico City International Airport.

Furthermore, all the airports in the country have never closed during the pandemic. This has made Mexico the third largest recipient country according to the Organizacion Mundial del Turismo (OMT) figures, which is a classification that will be temporary, but that shows that the country has always been open to tourism.

‘The City That Has It All’ campaign is being communicated through the national and foreign airlines, with billboards and adverts throughout the country, including Mexico City and its surroundings, and spread further still through the virtuous relationship with all the tourism associations that are replicating it within their social media campaigns. The campaign has already given good results in this first month of launch.

It is important to consider that the offer in the campaign is mainly focused on the cultural or leisure segments, since it includes second semester activities such as the Day of the Dead festivities (Día de los Muertos), the Formula One (F1), the historic commemorations that have been accumulated throughout this year and the end of year activities.

Great cultural events include the Frida Kahlo experience, Van Gogh Alive, or Da Vinci. There are concerts already scheduled, for example the Corona Capital, amongst others.

Regarding the meetings and conventions segment, this was greatly affected by the health crisis, however congress and conventions, fairs and exhibitions are already allowed again, so this will surely start growing by the end of the year or first quarter of 2022. The promotion targeted for this segment is being articulated together with the specialised agencies in the field.

OT: Are there any interesting upcoming events or occasions in the city that you would like to highlight?

For instance, I understand that this year you are celebrating 700 years of Mexico City?

CM: As I mentioned, the greatest events that are upcoming include the Day of the Dead festivities, and the F1, but 2021 is also the year that we celebrated 700 years since the city’s foundation. It is officially 500 years since the Mexico Tenochtitlan falling and the beginning of indigenous resistance. Now in September we will be celebrating 200 years of Mexican Independence.

interesting and vibrant metropolises in the world. From pre-Hispanic spaces, to over 1,400 colonial buildings within the downtown area, and one of the brightest and modern architectural sights that can be seen in Santa Fe or by visiting the Luis Barragán house that was awarded the Pritzker architecture prize.

Other reasons are the spaces that can be discovered throughout the city - its four world heritage sites, 182 museums, and the permanent number of exhibitions. As a result of this, Mexico City has experienced a contemporary art boom whereby there is a week at the beginning of each year that features four to five contemporary art fairs.

However, the main reason why someone must visit Mexico City is because of the hospitality of its people and the service offered by its establishments. We are very interested in the city becoming known for these factors.

OT: What are some of the country’s most unique landmarks?

Day of the Dead festivities are commonly portrayed as a day of celebration rather than mourning

So, we worked on a tourism guide named Mexico Tenochtitlán, and also there have been a great number of forums, symposiums, debates, discussions and publications about the relevance of this year’s historic commemorations. This has been exploited and promoted for the cultural segment, fortunately now the archaeological sites as well as museums are already open to be visited.

OT: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Mexico City?

CM: There are many good reasons why someone should visit Mexico City. First it is one of the most

CM: If I had to recommend visiting the city for a few days, I would recommend Chapultepec Park, the Museum of Anthropology, the Chapultepec Castle and taking a tourist bus - such as Turibus or Capital Bus - on their routes downtown to view the zócalo (main square), Templo Mayor, Plaza Santo Domingo, Francisco I Madero Street, Bellas Artes Palace and to explore some of the great colonial buildings in the area.

Staying on a Saturday, you can’t miss visiting San Angel, Coyoacán and Xochimilco area, in the south part of the city. Also walking through the most trendy and bohemian neighbourhoods like Condesa, Roma or Santa Maria La Ribera. Furthermore, many don’t know that over 60 percent of the city’s territory is rural, so there is a great opportunity here Outlook Travel issue 06 | 43

MEXICO CITY TRAVEL GUIDE

for rural tourism, for instance if you like to explore volcanoes or caving.

You can also practice kayaking in the natural channels in the Xochimilco area. The city also offers familiar alternatives, by visiting the zoos, amusement parks and specialised museums for kids. There are a lot of places to go. To really enjoy the city, I would recommend seven days, six nights stay for all our visitors.

than 4,300 hotel rooms, which is practically 10 percent of the hotel capacity offered today.

We will recover the tourism that we used to have, since it is an activity that has not stopped growing, obviously except in the pandemic, but it is still an activity that the world will gradually recover. We already have that certainty that in the second half of the year our situation will improve significantly, and that in 2022 we will in the process of reaching the 2019 data.

OT: What trends are currently transforming tourism across Mexico, how are you utilising them?

CM: One of the trends that we have been having in the city has to be with the mobility of people, having the flexibility of working from any place on the planet. A lot of foreign visitors come to the city and make their home office here, integrating themselves to their neighbourhoods, walking their dogs, eating the traditional food and taking advantage of the wealth of history that it offers. These people usually use the interactive platforms such as Airbnb and HomeAway, among others and they stay at the city from 14 days to months.

Another trend concerns undertaking more individualised tourism, where you can walk through great outdoor spaces. Mexico City has modified, renovated and created parks like Xochimilco ecological park, Aragón Forest, and the fourth section of the Chapultepec Park, which was a reserve area and is now becoming a touristic attraction. The city has combined these new trends with the conditions that the coronavirus has imposed on us, being designed more for small groups rather than larger tours.

OT: What are the greatest challenges experienced by the tourism industry in your region?

CM: One of the most important challenges that we face is to regain 44 | Outlook Travel issue 06

confidence and trust in the city, since, as you know major cities around the world were the most impacted by the sanitary crisis. The second great challenge is to promote the city according to the new needs of our national and international target.

Without any doubt, we must position Mexico City as a great place to do cultural, leisure, and business travel.

I am certain that we will fulfil these challenges very soon.

OT: Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Mexico City, particularly with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic?

CM: Of course, we feel optimistic about tourism in Mexico City. We have discovered many very interesting things throughout this pandemic - first of all the great willingness of tourism service providers to work with strict protocols, applying all safety and hygiene measures, and to support the promotion of the city as they have never done before.

Another important factor is the tourism investments in this city.

Currently there are more than 20 hotel constructions projects, all of them are luxury hotels that are generating employment throughout their construction and will create a very important and stable employment when they are finished.

These investments represent more

Carcamo de Dolores - Marco Antonio Lopez Saenz It is very important to emphasise that this government is doing many things and doing them very well.

The recovery of public spaces, social policies, security, lighting, and the vaccination process, all these elements make this city remain the friendliest of the cities in the world, as the city that has it all.

Gobierno de la Ciudad de Mexico / Secretaría de Turismo de la Ciudad de México Nuevo León 56, piso 1, Col. Hipódromo Condesa.

Alcaldía Cuauhtémoc 06170 Ciudad de México Tel. 5286-7097 ext. 2410 www.turismo.cdmx.gob.mx www.mexicocity.cdmx.gob.mx

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䠀伀吀䔀䰀 䠀䤀匀吀팀刀䤀䌀伀 䌀䔀一吀刀䄀䰀

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OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

E AT: F O R CO N T E M P O R A RY M E X I C A N G AST R O N O M Y Tipped by the Wall Street Journal as the best restaurant in Mexico City and ranked amongst the top 50 in the world, Pujol boasts Mexican cuisine and an ever-changing menu with an on-site organic garden.

F O R L AT E N I G H T TACO C R AV I N G S Long after restaurant closing hours, many taco joints across CDMX remain open.

Rather than sniffing them out solo, be led around some of the finest spots in the world’s taco capital.

Book experiences through Club Tengo Hambre.

46 | Outlook Travel issue 06

DO: F O R E X P LO R I N G T H E C I T Y L I K E A LO C A L Consistently ranked as a TripAdvisor favourite, Mexico a Pie Walking Tours & Travel Experiences offer a full range of either private or group excursions to uncover the city on foot. Head to their website to explore their selection of immersive travel experiences with expert local guides.

MEXICO CITY TRAVEL GUIDE

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SLEEP: FOR TRADITIONAL SPLENDOUR WITH M O D E R N CO M F O R T Stay in the beating heart of the Centro Histórico in characterful rooms at the Hotel Zócalo Central F O R C A P I TA L CO N V E N I E N C E Boasting sophistication and warmth in a beautifully restored building - Histórico Central Hotel - the second hotel in the Central string, is another fantastic option.

Outlook Travel issue 06 | 47

MEXICO CITY TRAVEL GUIDE

IN FOCUS

DÍA DE LOS M U E R TO S COMMONLY MISTAKEN AS ‘Mexican Halloween’, the annual event of Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a pagan event rooted in pre-Hispanic tradition. The celebration is steeped in indigenous beliefs, a culmination of both Aztec, Maya and Toltec, so it is not surprising that the festival’s traditions are most fervently upheld in areas where pre-Hispanic heritage is prevalent.

Celebrated annually between the 31st October and 2nd November, the occasion marks the period when the souls of the dead are believed to return to the worldly realm. It is overridden by a tone of celebration, far from a time of mourning which is believed in many pre-Hispanic cultures to be a sign of disrespect, since death is conceived as merely another stage in life’s long journey.

A joyous event, families unite to celebrate the memories of lost loved ones, paying a visit to the family plot 48 | Outlook Travel issue 06

DID YOU KNOW? Ever since James Bond famously attended Day of the Dead celebrations in the opening scenes of the film Spectre, Mexico City has hosted its own procession, with dance, costumes, and music.

at the local cemetery. In homage, candles are lit, foods are prepared, and altars or ofrendas are constructed either in the family home or at the graveside by way of a welcoming portal, marking the gateway for souls to pass through.

Ritual traditions abound, including cleaning the home in preparation for this sacred time. Pan de muerto, or bread of the dead, is baked to nourish

souls after their long journey from the afterlife. Come evening, locals gather in cemeteries to enjoy home prepared meals and sip their relative’s favourite drinks – most commonly hot chocolate or some warming tequila.

Sporadic and chaotic parades take to the streets, serenaded by a cacophony of mariachi trumpets, and the scent of cinnamon fills the air as traditional candied pumpkins are offered as street snacks. The figure of ‘La Catrina’ dominates, particularly on the ubiquitous sugar skulls, depicting the aristocratic and overtly European woman-cum-skeleton, as a reminder that death is the greatest leveller of all.

Celebrations begin on October 31st with the Night of the Witches, followed by the Day of the Innocents in honour of departed children.

Parades in Mexico City commonly take place on the official day of celebration – November 2nd.

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MEXICO CITY TRAVEL GUIDE

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S PALACIO DE BELLAS ARTES

A striking cobalt landmark in the historic Coyoacán district, Casa Azul is the childhood home of Frida Kahlo. It was here that the legendary artist was born, and indeed died, before mastering her painterly craft whilst bedbound following a horrific bus accident. Wander through the rooms and gardens to discover the true nexus of Kahlo’s life and works.

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IMAGE: BY JUAN CARLOS FONSECA MATA - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 4.0

CASA AZUL

Testament to CDMX’s artistic heritage, the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Alameda is a monument in itself, as an awe-inspiring white marble palace. Inside, marvel at the art deco interiors and iconic murals in true celebration of Mexican culture.

Encasing the creative soul of Mexico City, the building is also a renowned performance space.

TEOTIHUACÁN Located some 50 kilometres outside of the city in the Valle de México, discover the largest pre-Hispanic site in Mexico at the Pyramids of Teotihuacán. The enigmatic ruins of the Pirámide de Sol and slightly smaller Pirámide de la Luna can be explored in a day-trip from the city and stand as the impressive archaeological remains of the ancient capital.

GETTING THERE & AROUND IT MAY BE easy to feel dwarfed by such an enormous destination, reputed for some of the worst traffic jams in the world, which makes public transport a great way to explore CDMX. As one of the world’s cheapest subways, the Metro system is the quickest way to explore, with regular and relatively user-friendly schedules. That being said, crowds are to be expected, particularly during rush hour. Buses and the Metrobus are also viable options, and we also recommend taking advantage of complimentary bike hire that can be found in booths in certain areas across the city.

Regular and competitive international flights arrive into Mexico City International Airport (MEX), which is well-served by Mexico’s largest airline Aeroméxico.

From here, there are a wealth of public transport options or taxis available to venture downtown.

Mexio City subway

Benito Juarez International Airport, Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

Outlook Travel issue 06 | 51

O

n-and-off lockdowns over the last year mean we’re all desperate to travel. They’ve also given us time to reflect on exactly what we want from life - and work.

Perhaps a couple of weeks abroad just doesn’t cut it anymore, and you’re keen to explore the possibilities of working on foreign shores.

GETTING STARTED Moving to a new country can be daunting but having a job offer can make it much more stable. A good place for job seekers to start looking for opportunities abroad is LinkedIn. It’s a global platform and you’ll often find job postings for companies especially multinational corporations - there. You could also follow companies’ social media for job ads.

Healthcare workers are generally welcomed everywhere, as there’s a common shortage. Countries excel in different sectors and there are plenty of full-time roles waiting to be filled.

Bear in mind you could need a work permit or work visa, depending on the country. It might even say on the job application. Wondering what could await you in the big wide world of work, or looking to take your next step on foreign shores? We’ve rounded up the top 10 European countries in which to track down your next career move.

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A WORKING PROFESSIONAL’S G U I D E TO EUROPE In collaboration with the team at CoursesOnline, we present the top ten destinations in Europe for professionals seeking career opportunities in Europe, from digital nomads to established executives Contributed by the team at CoursesOnline

10. ITALY Italy’s beautiful streets have long inspired artists, and the fashion industry is thriving. Milan is your best bet for famous fashion houses: Armani, Valentino, and Versace are all headquartered there. That’s not to say that the rest of Italy is neglected: head to Florence for Gucci, and Rome for Fendi. We can’t mention Italy without talking about tourism. Hoteliers, bar staff, and tour guides are all in high demand - especially if you’re multilingual.

EUROPE A WORKING GUIDE

08. BELGIUM Belgium has one of the highest productivity levels in Europe and exceeds expectations in the job sector despite its small population. There are vast skills shortages across a diverse range of sectors: engineers, architects, and accountants are all clamoured over. With direct train links to Brussels from London, Belgium is a great option for dipping your toes in the waters of work in the European Union. You could even live in London and commute!

09. SPAIN Spain does a roaring tourist trade - but that’s not the only industry booming: service industries like automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals dominate the job market. Like neighbouring Portugal, the real estate market is outperforming expectations and experienced professionals are in demand. There are also some pronounced skills shortages in sectors like IT, offering a wealth of career opportunities.

07. UKRAINE Europe’s second-largest country, Ukraine has seen huge economic growth over the past decade and is now a vital hub for Eastern Europe. Ukraine’s agriculture industry makes up around 12 percent of the GDP, with coal, electric power, and metallurgy not far behind. IT also makes an appearance: it really is a diverse economy.

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EUROPE A WORKING GUIDE

06. POLAND In amongst the idyllic architecture and beautiful scenery, Poland also offers one of the largest capital cities in Europe - Warsaw - as well as a wealth of opportunities for international workers. You’ll find that the agriculture, manufacturing, and energy sectors are often hiring, and the demand for tourism means that hospitality and related industries look for talent as well. It’s especially helpful for a career in tourism if you can speak a couple of languages.

05. SWITZERLAND Famous both for its stunning mountains and its grasp over the financial sector, Switzerland’s banking and insurance industries make up quite a portion of its economy. The Swiss Franc coupled with the country’s political stability and position in the heart of Europe makes it a tantalising prospect for investors - and so you’ll inevitably find jobs within finance. That said, there are plenty of industries that thrive in Switzerland outside the banking sector - not least tourism, with people flocking to see the country’s natural wonders.

04. THE NETHERLANDS An economic powerhouse for centuries, The Netherlands is not only steeped in history but also home to several employment opportunities. It’s a hub for several global companies - including Netflix, Nike, Tesla and Phillips - and the country’s focus on sustainability means that new eco-friendly jobs are popping up all the time. Amsterdam is also home to Schipol airport which helps the country rank among the top five export countries worldwide.

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EUROPE A WORKING GUIDE

03. THE UNITED KINGDOM Boasting one of the largest economies in the world, the UK has always been a commercial hub. A role at an international company in the UK - like Amazon, GlaxoSmithKline, or HSBC - can open up a world of opportunities. Plus, the UK has a booming non-profit sector, and London always ranks top in entrepreneurship - so if you’re looking to start your own company or work for a charity, you could stay in the country.

02. FRANCE Wine, baguettes, and lavender-fragranced countryside: France sure is dreamy. Plus, as a key member of G7, the country offers innumerable international job opportunities. 35 global Fortune 500 companies have their headquarters in France - including AXA, BNP Paribas, and Carrefour. Whichever industry you work in, you’ll find something to your taste in France - even if it’s just the cheese.

01. GERMANY Not only is Germany rated the best country in Europe for startups, over one million jobs are available across the country. Some of the biggest companies in the world call Germany their home - and they’re not limited to Berlin.

Volkswagen is based in Wolfsburg, while Allianz and Siemens have their headquarters in Munich. Then of course there’s Adidas, E.ON, Lufthansa… The options are endless.

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LIMOGES, FRANCE FEATURE

48 HOURS IN LIMOGES, FRANCE Exploring the oft-overlooked city of Limoges, capital of the Limousin, on a cultural two-day getaway Writer: Phoebe Harper

C

oming from the countryside, the Butcher’s Street, an impossibly I have probably seen picturesque avenue of timber-framed cowsheds that could rival the Medieval houses where the ancient size of Limoges airport. meat hooks hang preserved above Favouring the convenience of a the characterful shopfronts packed hand-luggage only style minibreak cheek by jowl. and immediately lured by the It is here where I while away my extremely affordable airfare, I opt for first afternoon, following my feet in a mini-break in the city of Limoges, a maze of ancient alleyways. Today, capital of the Limousin in the souththe street is overtaken by antique eastern region of the Haute Vienne. shops, concept stores, booksellers With just two days to steal some and charming cafes teeming with precious holiday time, this rich and easily traversable city provides ample opportunity to explore in a short time frame whilst delivering a quintessential taste of France.

It soon becomes apparent that Limoges is a city of levels; in terms of its physical landscape and varying elevations, from the banks of the sparkling Vienne, scaling the terraced heights of the Jardins de l’Evêché to the city’s summit at the breath-taking Cathedral St. Étienne. Not only this, but also in the rich history that pervades Limoges’ streets, representing the perfect marriage of modernity and the Medieval.

Nowhere is Limoges’ history more tangible than in the cobblestoned street of the Rue de la Boucherie, Limoges’ Medieval streets

locals sipping on amber-hued pints of blonde local ale, gathered around the central space of the Saint-Aurélien chapel - a curious bell-shaped structure constructed in reverence of the patron saint of butchers.

Conveniently, this cultural heart of Limoges is just a short walk away from the studio apartment within the city’s historic quarter where I settle in for the duration of my short stay.

Just outside, I take pause in the plaza of the Opera to quench my thirst in the lazy September sunshine. Perhaps it is the pandemic, or the overlooked reputation surrounding this gem of a city, but the overwhelmingly absence of other tourists could not be more obvious.

The rhythm is slow here, and I do not catch a word of English. It is one of those cities where everyone shopkeepers, passers-by, your waitress - knows everyone.

It is a sense that amplifies as I stand in line at a nearby boulangerie alongside French families queuing for their daily baguette.

The city boasts a longstanding and robust history unlike the fragility of the porcelain and enamel that earnt Limoges both fame and Outlook Travel issue 06 | 57

LIMOGES, FRANCE FEATURE

prosperity during its 19th century heyday. It is a heritage celebrated in the halls of the Musée National Adrien Dubouché, housing an unparalleled collection of Limoges ceramics and porcelain. It is an art form that survives in the city today, as evidenced by the abundance of shops displaying their ceramic wares, although the quantities of local production have long since dwindled.

The following morning, I set my course for the Cité Quarter and the Musée des Beaux-Arts to view the fine art collection displayed in the opulent setting of the former Episcopal Palace. Showcasing rich pickings from the Medieval enamel trade, the museum outlines Limoges’ history bypassing the Gallo-Roman era when it was known as the city of Augustorium, and on to some of France’s more iconic visual arts, with the works of Renoir hanging within its quiet halls.

Outside, it would be remiss not to explore the Cathedral St-Étienne, a Gothic masterpiece that I learn took six centuries to complete. The air is punctuated by the aromas emanating from the neighbouring botanical gardens, that are a riot

“ C R O S S I N G T H E S PA R K L I N G B R E A DT H O F THE VIENNE ALONG THE 13TH CENTURY P O N T D E S A I N T- É T I E N N E I N S E A R C H O F ESPRESSO IN A SLEEPY CAFÉ ON THE OTHER SIDE, I GORGE ON A SUMPTUOUS P A I N - A U - C H O C O L AT O O Z I N G B U T T E R A N D R I C H C H O C O L AT E ”

of colour having been nourished by the sunshine of the summer months.

Merging into the tiered grounds of the Jardins de L’ l’Evêché, it makes for the ideal spot to pause for a croque monsieur and people watch to the sound of water fountains and the chatter of locals idling away their lunch breaks in the scenic grounds.

As crowds gather, it appears this

may be a lunchtime tradition for the working city-dwellers of Limoges.

From here, I navigate pigeon-toed down the uneven slopes of the Rue de la Règle, beneath which lie the ancient Roman tunnels that once connected the town in bygone centuries. Crossing the sparkling breadth of the Vienne along the 13th century Pont de Saint-Étienne

LIMOGES, FRANCE FEATURE

Rue de la Boucherie

The Vienne

Limoges-Bénédictins train station

in search of espresso in a sleepy café on the other side, I gorge on a sumptuous pain-au-chocolat oozing butter and rich chocolate.

Later that day, I while away the sunset strolling through the gardens of the Champs de Juillet, dodging local frisbee games and picnicking teenagers, before stopping to admire the impressive monument of the Bénédictins railway station, whose

art-deco interiors are a true exercise in opulence.

As the sky turns the colour of spilled ink, all too soon I am returning to the tobacco-scented halls of my old apartment building, having explored on foot the wealth of Limoges’ charms. After a two-day sojourn steeped in both culture and history, before I know it, it is time to return home.

Outlook Travel issue 06 | 59

EUROPE SANTORINI

S P OT L I G H T O N SA N TO R I N I The sun-bleached Greek island haven and gem of the Cyclades, Santorini possesses an undeniable magnetism Writer: Phoebe Harper

Greece’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel, Iconic Santorini 60 | Outlook Travel issue 06

BLUE DOMED, WHITE-WASHED buildings hugging the hillside and an expanse of sparkling south Aegean Sea; the Greek Island of Santorini is nothing if not seductive.

Also known by its Greek name of Thira, legend has it that the island was once known as Kalliste- ‘the most

beautiful one.’ This still rings true today, with Santorini standing as one of the most ‘Instagrammed’ holiday destinations in the world and widely lauded as the most romantic.

DID YOU KNOW? British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to Santorini and now offers a short haul Business Class Service with their exclusive new offering, Club Europe.

Outlook Travel issue 06 | 61

EUROPE SANTORINI

Iconic Santorini

A Cycladic Island located roughly 200 kilometres (km) southeast of the Grecian mainland, it may be surprising that a place so beautiful was born from one of the world’s greatest and most violent volcanic explosions in the bygone age of the Minoan civilisation. Centuries later, the bone white villages have long since shaken off the clouds of ash.

Santorini’s topography, shaped by the lava flowing from that cataclysmic event is distinguished by the cauldron-like volcanic depression of the caldera, a towering crescent formed by cliffs of pumice stone. That same active volcano can still be seen today, its crater lurking submerged beneath the azure waters of the Aegean, whilst its younger twin, Nea Kameni, presents a manageable feat for keen hikers.

Away from the typical tourist hotspots and cruise-ship ports of

the capital, Fira, there are quieter enclaves that invite exploration, like the villages of Pyrgos and Emporio, and the tiny port of Ammoudi lying beneath the blood-red cliffs.

A destination steeped in hedonism, wander shaded cobbled streets and take your pick from restaurant terraces to watch the sun sink into the Aegean. Beachside bars are par for the course in Santorini, especially for those seeking shade and ice-cold cocktails. For a mellow beachside

hangout, bag a sun lounger for the afternoon at some iconic favourites, such as those to be found on the black volcanic sands of Perivolos.

On this island idyll, you will find a world-class culinary scene boasting traditional Greek fare and seafood fresh from the Mediterranean. Gorge on a bounty of freshly caught fish, fine local cheeses and premium extra virgin olive oil. Rare local treasures include the smooth Santorinian fava, succulent cherry-tomatoes nourished on fertile volcanic soils, and distinctive white aubergine, alongside classic Greek favourites like the ubiquitous gyros.

Tourist numbers on Santorini are at their peak from June to September, so consider the shoulder summer months for a quieter stay.

But whenever you visit, Santorini is equipped with all the ingredients to make for a truly unforgettable retreat.

Outlook Travel issue 06 | 63

SLEEP:

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

F O R T R U E H E L L E N I C H OS P I TA L I T Y Previously nominated as Greece’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel, Iconic Santorini is a boutique cave hotel located on a hillside setting in the quieter reaches of Imerovigli, just a short drive from Oia. As a small hotel, Iconic prides itself on a homey, intimate setting that promises individual cavern style rooms with unparalleled island views and firstclass comfort.

E AT: F O R R E I M AG I N E D G R E E K C U I S I N E ATO P T H E CALDERA Offering a multi-sensory experience, with an imaginative take on the local fare and a hand-crafted cocktail menu, Kaliya is perched on Fira’s highest point, meaning that you are well placed to satisfy your appetite whilst savouring Santorini’s world-famous sunsets.

F O R A G AST R O N O M I C A L O DYSS E Y The Argo experience makes for unforgettable dining in a quintessentially Santorinian setting within the capital of Fira. Expect an imaginative take on local dishes, complimented by the rich pickings of an extensive wine cellar.

FOR OPEN AIR FINE DINING Nestled on the hillside of colourful Firostefani village towards the north of the island, feast on traditional Greek and Mediterranean cuisine at Remvi Restaurant overlooking the breathtaking half-moon bay of the caldera.

64 | Outlook Travel issue 06

F O R F I V E STA R M I N I M A L I S M Perivolas offers more than just a hotel stay: rather a whole lifestyle experience. Combining luxury and tranquillity, expect white-washed minimalist suites housed within 300-year-old caves. With not a TV in sight, this is truly the place for a digital detox.

EUROPE SANTORINI

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S OIA A quieter alternative to Fira, Oia is a traditional hilltop town crowned by the ruins of a Venetian fortress. Expect picturesque streets lined with cafes, tavernas, and art galleries. Beware, come evening, crowds regularly descend in anticipation of watching unbeaten sunset views.

AKROTIRI Explore the remains of the long-lost Minoan city at Akrotiri – a Bronze Age site that represents one of Greece’s most exciting ongoing archaeological excavations after becoming buried by layers of volcanic ash. Encounter many of the spoils from the site at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira.

NEA KAMENI For those seeking something more active than beach-lounging and cocktail sipping, take a guided hike up Nea Kameni – the still active volcano located in the centre of the caldera. Observe chasms bursting with sulphur steam and summit the black lava perimeters for unparalleled views of the island.

Outlook Travel issue 06 | 65

THE LAST STOP PRANGLI ISLAND

THE LAST S T O P. ESTONIA MAY NOT be known as an island-hopping paradise, but did you know that the country boasts more islands than sun-kissed Greece with over 1,521.

Far from the tourist throes of Tallinn and situated in the scenic Gulf of Finland on Estonia’s Western shores, Prangli Island measures just 6.5 square kilometres.

Seaworthy vessels destined for the island can be boarded in Tallinn harbour, as you cross the 25 kilometres of Baltic Sea through the seal-rich waters of the Kolga Bay archipelago, for either a day trip or longer sojourn in one of Prangli’s iconic wooden cabins.

66 | Outlook Travel issue 06

PRANGLI ISLAND, E STO N I A ( P O P U L AT I O N 1 5 0 ) Bypass cormorants and wheeling Arctic terns flying overhead, against the thick backdrop of fir forests that distinguish the island, before mooring at Prangli’s northernmost Kelnase harbour.

Equipped with just the essentials – one shop, a church, and a bar, Prangli offers an escape to the remoter quiet of Estonian wilderness, where an ancient culture is still tangible and nowhere more so than in the island museum, housed in a characterful wooden shed. Discover ancient artefacts of rustic village life and learn about the island’s Soviet past.

Although home to just over 100 residents, people have dwelt on this island for centuries, with the first settlers arriving from Sweden. This Nordic influence lingers today, in the saunas and cosy cabins that can be found to remedy any dip in the icy Baltic waters.

The majority of Prangli dwellers continue to be engaged in the active fishing trade. On deserted shores, you will likely encounter Prangli style boats, once used by seal hunters,

equipped with flat bottomed keels specifically designed to be dragged over ice. To this day, you can enjoy a fresh daily catch of plaice and cod. Prangli reached the zenith of inhabitants during the Soviet era, when the island became part of a fishing collective, its smooth beaches regularly patrolled by border guards.

Best visited during the tourist season between May and September, all six kilometres of the island can be traversed by bike hire, as you encounter unspoilt villages and remote beaches dotted with the holiday homes of mainlanders.

Sure, it may be remote. But you’ll still get WiFi. Island excursions from Talinn can be booked at Prangli Travel.

Mexico City has told its story...

Now why not tell us yours?

IN A CHA N GIN G WOR L D, where the travel industry must adapt to challenging global situations, our mission at Outlook Travel remains the same. We will continue to showcase some of the world’s most inspiring destinations, offering real insight and comprehensive travel guides for when global mobility resumes.

The major component of the publication takes the form of our Outlook Travel Guides, providing executives, avid travellers and our existing 575,000 international subscribers with the ultimate rundown of all the major economic drivers and thriving hubs across the world, with exclusive input from tourism industry associations and stakeholders – the people who know these places the best.

You can join the vast numbers of tourism sector players enjoying the exposure we provide across our digital and print platforms with a range of options, from advertising through to free-of-charge editorials, extensive social media saturation, enhanced B2B networking opportunities, and a readymade forum to attract new investment and increase exposure.

ISSUE 06

T R AV E L G U I D E

SOUTH AFRICA’S WESTERN CAPE

Sprawling mountains, ocean vistas and world-class wine T R AV E L B U S I N E S S

AUTO EUROPE

Reinventing the meaning of service for the travel industry

For further information, visit www.outlooktravelmag.com TRAVEL GUIDE

MEXICO CITY

Mezcal and mole in Mexico’s mega-city

JORDAN BANKS, the highly acclaimed travel and lifestyle photographer, tells all about keeping busy during the pandemic photographer, tells all about keeping busy during the pandemic JORDAN BANKS, the highly acclaimed travel and lifestyle

CITY MEXICO

Mezcal and mole in Mexico’s mega-city

TRAVEL GUIDE

IT’S HIGH TIME BUSINESS MEETS LEISURE

Situated in the heart of Menlyn Maine, The Maslow Time Square is Sun International’s 238-room specialist business hotel. Not only a destination for professionals, but a portal for travellers. Boasting 17 floors that offer everything from business to leisure with tempting eateries, a relaxing business lounge and 13 bespoke conference rooms.

For the perfect balance of business and pleasure, be our guest.

THE MASLOW TIME SQUARE

209 Aramist Avenue, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa Tel: 0860 846 377 / 0860 TIMESQ Central Reservations: +27 11 780 7800 timesquare.reservations@suninternational.com