ISSUE 03 2019 PUBLISHER TourismTattler.com PostNet Suite #63, Private Bag X7, Chempet, 7442 Cape Town, South Africa. Website: www.tourismtattler.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR Des Langkilde Cell: +27 (0)82 374 7260 Fax: +27 (0)86 651 8080 E-mail: editor@tourismtattler.com Skype: tourismtattler
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ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Bev Langkilde Cell: +27 (0)71 224 9971 Fax: +27 (0)86 656 3860 E-mail: bev@tourismtattler.com Skype: bevtourismtattler
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Disclaimer: Tourism Tattler is published by the sole proprietor, Desmond Langkilde, and is the official trade journal of various trade ‘Associations’ (see page 04). The information provided and opinions expressed herein are provided in good faith and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the proprietor, its ‘Associations’, its staff or its production suppliers. Advice provided herein should not be soley relied upon as each set of circumstances may differ. Neither the proprietor, its ‘Associations’, its staff or its production suppliers can be held legally liable in any way for damages arising directly or indirectly from any facts or information provided or omitted in these pages or from any statements made or withheld or from supplied photographs or graphic images reproduced by the publication.
SPONSORS: Two Oceans Car Rental Page 03 | WTM-Africa Pages 04-05 | Tourvest DMC Page 06 | Inverdoorn Game Reserve Page 07 | Atta Page 32.
Tourism Tattler
Issue 3 of 2019
Africa’s Story CONSERVATION
MAGIC
in the Karoo Succulent Biome LIFESTYLE
Safari Gear TECHNOLOGY
The Future of
Traditional DMCs TRANSPORT
Review:
ISUZU
X-RIDER 4x4
Self-Drive
NAMIBIA 4x4 Rentals
Two Oceans Adventure Car Rental is an established privately owned company specializing in the rental of 4X4 vehicles and equipment to those who wish to embark on a self-drive tour to explore spectacular Namibia. Our services include: • 4x4 Vehicles • Roof Top Tents • Camping Equipment • GPS
Contact us for a free quote: +264 (0)81 218 4838 info@2oceanscarrental.com www.2oceanscarrental.com
Two Oceans A d venture
C A R R E N TA L
Tourism Tattler
Issue 3 of 2019
Tourism Tattler
Issue 3 of 2019
Tourism Tattler
Issue 3 of 2019
Official Trade Journal and Media Partner to: The Africa Travel Association
Seychelles Hospitality & Tourism Association
+1.202.835.1115 • africatravelassociation.org ATA is a division of the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) and a registered non-profit trade association in the USA.
+248 432 5560 • www.shta.sc The SHTA’s primary focus is to unite all Seychelles tourism industry stakeholders under one association.
The African Travel & Tourism Association
International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP)
+44 20 7937 4408 • www.atta.travel Based in London, the Atta has members in 22 African countries and 37 worldwide.
www.tourismpartners.org ICTP is a travel and tourism coalition of global destinations committed to Quality Services and Green Growth.
National Accommodation Association of South Africa
International Institute for Peace through Tourism
+27 86 186 2272 • www.naa-sa.co.za The NAA-SA is a network of mainly smaller accommodation providers throughout South Africa.
www.iipt.org IIPT is dedicated to fostering tourism initiatives that contribute to international understanding and cooperation.
African Tourism Board
World Travel Market Africa
+27 12 743 6970 • 082 904 3779 www.africantourismboard.com Where Africa becomes one tourism destination of choice in the world.
www.africa.wtm.com 06-08 April 2020 • CTICC Cape Town The leading B2B exhibition for Africa’s leisure travel industry.
Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association
Tourism, Hotel Investment and Networking Conference 2019
manager@savrala.co.za • www.savrala.co.za SAVRALA is the representative voice of Southern Africa’s vehicle rental, leasing and fleet management sector.
Website: ThincAfrica.co.za THINC Africa 2019 takes place on Tuesday 27th August at The Westin Hotel, Cape Town.
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Issue 3 of 2019
Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve is situated under 2.5 hours from Cape Town, in the vastness of the majestic Tankwa Karoo. With thick wooded Inverdoorn Game is situated 2.5 hours from Cape Town, in the provides vastness of majestic Tankwa Karoo. With thick wooded Acacia Private river beds andReserve magnificent goldenunder mountains on the horizon, Inverdoorn thethe ultimate tranquil Big 5 safari experience. Acacia river beds and magnificent golden mountains on the horizon, Inverdoorn provides the ultimate tranquil Big 5 safari experience.
RESERVATIONS: 021 422 0013 | INFO@INVERDOORN.COM RESERVATIONS: 021 422 0013 | INFO@INVERDOORN.COM WWW.INVERDOORN.COM | BIG 5 SAFARI UNDER 2.5 HOURS FROM CAPE TOWN WWW.INVERDOORN.COM | BIG 5 SAFARI UNDER 2.5 HOURS FROM CAPE TOWN
INVERDOORN INVERDOORN
ENVIRONMENT
MAGIC in the
Karoo Succulent Biome
Africa’s Story Tourism Tattler
Issue 3 of 2019
Spring in South Africa heralds the wildflower season, when the semi-arid Karoo landscape transforms itself as if by magic from shades of grey and tan scrub to a cornucopia of colour from August through to early October each year. For visitors who want to witness the blooming of flowering succulents, there’s no better place to do so than at Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve in the Breede Valley.
The succulent gardens at Inverdoorn viewed towards reception over a carpet of Sour-fig (Carpobrotus edulis) aka Hottentot-fig, ice plant, highway ice plant or pigface.
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Issue 3 of 2019
Malephora (aka Mesembs) - an endemic succulent in the ice plant family grows abundantly at Kuganha Tented Camp. Factoid: During the apartheid era, South African scientists used Malephora to create a chemical poison.
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Issue 3 of 2019
Conveniently positioned within a 2.5 hour drive from Cape Town International Airport, and 40 minutes from Aquila Game Reserve, Inverdoorn straddles the Karoo Succulent Biome - an area that covers 116 900 square kilometres, and a biodiversity hotspot with over 6 000 plants, 40% of which are endemic. Tucked within the Klein Karoo’s Breede Valley district, Inverdoorn has its fair share of endemic flowering succulents, many of which are artfully displayed throughout the landscaped gardens surrounding Inverdoorn’s reception, main lodge, guest room chalets, and the Kuganha tented camp. Within the 10 000 hectare boundaries of the reserve, some of the minutest species of endemic succulents lie hidden, with interesting colloquial names, and found nowhere else on earth.
Above: Endemic minutism - ‘bababoutjies’ (Afrikaans for baby bottoms), ‘gansmis’ (goose droppings), and ‘volstruistone’ (ostrich toes). Below: Ivory Dewfig (Drosanthemum eburneum).
Of course, as the images depicted on the following pages clearly show, there are many Unique Reasons to Visit Inverdoorn Game Reserve besides wildflower viewing. Read our TripAdvisor Review ‘Magical Tranquility at Kuganha Tented Camp’.
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▲ This pair of rescued male elephants come to quench their thirst from the swimming pool at Inverdoorn’s Kuganha Tented Camp each day and have become used to seeing humans floating in their drinking water. Tourism Tattler
Issue 3 of 2019
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species is once again drawing attention to the plight of giraffe, which are considered as‘Vulnerable’ with just 68,293 mature adults remaining worldwide. Fortunately, Invadoorn’s giraffe are thriving, with a new baby having been born on the reserve earlier this year. Tourism Tattler
Issue 3 of 2019
The cheetah-run viewing platform at Cape Cheetah, the rescue and rehabilitation centre founded at Inverdoorn in 2001 by Western Cape Cheetah Conservation.
Watching a cheetah reach speeds of up to 120km/h is certainly a unique experience. These daily exercise routines, when the young cheetah work for their evening meal by chasing after a carcass pulled at high speed, are conducted during sunset game drives.
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Issue 3 of 2019
The luxury at Invadoorns’ Kuganha Tented Camp include private dining platforms, spacious 66 square metre safari tents, delectable cuisine, and the Kuganha Spa Detox.
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Issue 3 of 2019
Desert Mistletoe (Phoradendron californicum) - an alien invasive parasitic plant is killing off many of Inverdoorns’ Acacia thorn trees.
The secret to a memorable Big 5 safari: the people. Here, Tourism Tattler’s Chase Langkilde poses at the entrance to Invadoorns’ Kuganha Tented Camp with camp assistant Marri Janse van Rensburg, Chef Anamarie van der Merwe, and Field Ranger Mareesa Swart Tourism Tattler
Issue 3 of 2019
LEISURE & LIFESTYLE
Safari Gear
Long Sleeve Safari Shirt
FEATURES: • Weight: 160g (Women’s), 240g (Mens); • Two chest pockets with button closure; • +Vent hidden system along back top seam to keep you cool; • QuickDry material means you can wash and go in no time; • Roll-up sleeve tabs.
Meticulously tested to ensure both wicking and its anti-insect qualities, these essential, stylish safari garments offer a boost of added defence. • This shirt features SPF50+ • Available in Katavi Khaki, Khaki Olive, and Baobab
ORDER NOW
« Women’s Shirt Mens Shirt »
Tourism Tattler
Issue 3 of 2019
ORDER NOW
To answer the question: “What’s the best clothing and gear to pack for an African safari?” we turned to Steve Adams, experienced field guide and owner of The Safari Store. Click on the
ORDER NOW
icon to buy any of these items online for worldwide delivery.
In developing our range of safari clothing, luggage, and gear, we sweat so our clients don’t have to, by expedition-testing every item under extreme African conditions. The range is constantly growing, and the online store is home to key travel products that no traveller to Africa should be without.
Zip-Off Safari Trousers
Boys’ & Girls’ Shirt
Safari Shoes (Veldskoen)
FEATURES:
FEATURES:
FEATURES:
• Weight: 300g (Womens), 327g (Mens); • Anti-bacterial - keeps trousers smelling fresh without washing; • Five multi-functional pockets including two cargo pockets, one zipped back pocket, and two hand pockets; • Adjustable waist - elasticated strip hidden inside waistband; • Belt loops - to style trousers or shorts with your favourite belt; • Button & loop system for trouser legs to be rolled up and secured.
• Weight: Only 240 grams; • Ripstop extra strength & antibacterial fabric; • Pockets: Two chest pockets with velcro closure for easy access, as well as a zipped security pocket; • Moisture Wicking - draws perspiration away from skin and promotes quick evaporation; • +Vent System - along seam-line of back, top section of the shirt; • QuickDry; • Roll-up Sleeve Tabs; • SPF50+ - an effective sunblock for your childs clothing.
ORDER NOW
« Women’s Trousers Mens Trousers » ORDER NOW
ORDER NOW
« Childrens’ Shirt
Tourism Tattler
Issue 3 of 2019
• Weight: 1.27kg; • Made in Africa; • Suede cow hide upper (1.6-1.8mm), with cow calf lining (1-1.2mm); • In-sole: Leather veg tanned with Eva runner of 3mm; • Sole: crepe (not natural crepe); • Braided flat laces; • Sole thread: braided 1mm thread; • Steel eyelets.
Safari Shoes »
ORDER NOW
Africa’s Story
Leather Washbag
Safari Hat
Pocket Binoculars
RUFIJI EXPLORER HAT
SELOUS LEATHER WASHBAG
SWAROVSKI CL10X25
A hat is one of Steve’s recommended safari essentials. Wide-brimmed enough to give solid sun protection, it’s also so light that you barely notice you’re wearing it – a great choice for Africa’s sun.
• Weight: 1.2kg; • Length: 32cm; • Width (rolled up): 16cm; • Height: 8cm; • Width (unrolled): 46cm.
Steve recommends high-quality binoculars as the top safari essential. If you are looking to travel light without compromising on the optical quality of your binoculars, this compact pair offers an incredible level of performance.
• Weight: 200g; • Unisex • Made from water-resistant canvas; • Packable; • Adjustable fit via internal drawstring; • Plaited leather headband; • Detachable chin strap with elephant toggle; • Mesh sides for superior air flow. ORDER NOW
« Rufiji Hat
The Mara&Meru™ Leather Selous Washbag, with wooden soap box features: • Soft cowhide leather; • Wooden soapbox - fits into one of the smaller pockets; • Large main, zipped pocket; two smaller pockets; and a smaller hidden pocket accessed through a zip at the top of the bag. ORDER NOW
« Leather Washbag
Tourism Tattler
Issue 3 of 2019
• Weight: 350g; • Length: 110mm; • Width: 98mm; • 10x magnification; • Field of view: 294ft/1000yds / 98m/1000m; • Shortest focusing distance: 8.2ft/2.5m. ORDER NOW
« Binoculars
Click on the
ORDER NOW
icon to buy any of these items online for worldwide delivery.
Ordering clothing and hats online can be a daunting task, especially if your safari gear is being shipped to you from abroad, so we’ve developed a measuring guide to make sure you order the right size the first time. Steve Adams.
Want to know what to pack for your African Safari? Download the list HERE. Leather Travel Bag
Safari Voyager Bag
Selous Satchel
FEATURES:
FEATURES:
FEATURES:
• Weight: 2.6kg (with end pockets); • Length: 75cm; • Width: 32cm; • Height: 28cm.
• Dimensions: 27x27 x13cm; • Made from canvas and leather; • Style your bag with your choice of zip-on front flaps in a range of designs; • Detachable backpack straps clip on from a hidden compartment; • Detachable canvas shoulder strap; • Leather belt loops. • Removable binoculars pouch.
• Weight: 2.65kg; • Length: 60cm; • Width: 45cm; • Height: 30cm. The Mara&Meru™ Quintessential Leather Bag (Safari,Travel,Everyday) features: • Safari-grade leather; • Large, cavernous interior accessible via the horseshoeshaped zip; • Two zipped outer compartments for transporting and separating smaller items; • Padded leather handles and removable shoulder strap; • Lockable brass zips with leather tags. ORDER NOW
« Leather Bag
The Mara&Meru™ Safari Voyager (Your Everything Bag) • Made from safari-grade leather and canvas; • Core Voyager bag with removable end pockets; • Detachable end pockets double as stand-alone bags and satchels; • Padded waterproof layer effective in light rain showers. ORDER NOW
« Voyager Bag
Tourism Tattler
Issue 3 of 2019
Inspired by the age of classic safari, choose how to wear this customisable bag - perfect for game drives, walking safaris, and every day use.
Satchel »
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Africa’s Story
Insect Repellent
Safari Watch SUUNTO™ AMBIT3 PEAK SAFARI & EXPLORER WATCH This is Steve’s favourite safari watch. To further enrich its features the Ambit3’s built-in GPS, heartrate monitor, weather monitor, and sports function, enables you to analyse and share your adventures via the mobile connection. • Weight: 92g; • Measurements: 50 x 50 x 17 mm; • Bezel: Steel; • Lens: Sapphire crystal; • Strap: Silicone; • Case Polyamide. ORDER NOW
« Safari Watch
Safari Torch Steve recommends Australianmade Bushman Insect Repellent for your safari. • Safe and effective 40% DEET content; • Repels mosquitoes and a range of flying and biting insects; • Pump spray for easy, all-over application; • Slow release active for long-lasting protection • Sweat, water, and rub resistant • Neutral odour • Easy-wearing properties.
Insect Repellent » Tourism Tattler
ORDER NOW
Issue 3 of 2019
P7 LEDLENSER SAFARI TORCH A great torch is essential gear for every outdoorsman and woman. This is Steve’s first choice for safaris, adventure travel, and expeditions for its size, durability, and outstanding high-quality light. • Weight: 175g; • Length: 13cm; • Lumens: Up to 320lm; • Range: Up to 260m; • Power Supply: 4 x AAA batteries; • Battery life: Up to 25 hours; • Our overall rating: 9/10.
ORDER NOW
« Safari Torch
Click on the
ORDER NOW
icon to buy any of these items online for worldwide delivery.
Essential safari accessories are like the glue which keeps your other gear together. The Safari Store supports Responsible Tourism through our YOUbuy,Wegive initiative, so every purchase contributes to conservation and communities in Africa. We also protect the environment by saying no to plastic for our own name brand products and packaging. Steve Adams
First time ordering from an online store? Watch Steve’s step-by-step How To Order guide. Kingfisher Earrings
Africa Pendant Necklace
Africa Silver Ring
Mara&Meru™ Malachite Kingfisher Silver Earrings
Mara&Meru™ Africa Heart Silver Necklace
Mara&Meru™ Africa Silver Ring
These dainty, handcrafted silver earrings are made in Africa and capture the grace of the beautiful Malachite Kingfisher. Match these earrings with the necklace to add a touch of nature to every day.
This original piece of sterling silver jewellery for those who have left a piece of their heart in Africa. Comes with adjustable length silver chain leather cord, allowing you to wear the pendant to suit the occasion.
This ring was designed to remind you of Africa’s people, explored and unexplored places, and spectacular wildlife. Handcrafted in sterling silver; giving back to Africa through YouBuy, WeGive.
QUICK FACTS:
QUICK FACTS:
QUICK FACTS:
• Length: 3.5cm (1.3”); • Sterling silver; • Kingfisher Size: 1.5cm x 0.5cm.
ORDER NOW
« Silver Earings
• Length: 50cm (20”); • Sterling silver; • Adjustable length silver chain; • Leather cord; • Pendant Size: 2.5cm x 2cm. ORDER NOW
« Silver Necklace
Tourism Tattler
Issue 3 of 2019
• Africa Size: 1.5cm x 0.5cm; • Ring sixe: Three sizes.
Silver Ring »
ORDER NOW
Africa’s Story
TECHNOLOGY
The Future Of
Traditional DMCs
The future of traditional Destination Management Companies (DMC’s) hangs in the balance as new online entrants to the tourism industry disrupt the traditional travel retail and wholesale space across the globe and South Africa’s inbound industry is no exception. How sustainable is the traditional buying and distribution chain and how will DMC’s continue into the future? Tourism Tattler turned to Tourvest DMC for some answers.
Tourism Tattler
Issue 3 of 2019
“From a macro perspective, the Fourth Industrial Revolution presents South Africa and the inbound travel trade industry with the opportunity to create and disseminate more commodities to international markets in real time through technology. However, technology alone is not enough. Sustainable success will come to those companies who deeply understand their customers, the destination and can distribute relevant, market specific product efficiently.” says Martin Wiest, CEO at Tourvest Destination Management.
wheel in our business today. We have built a premier real-time B2B solution for our clients’ convenience, which has created the opportunity for us to turn rapid changes in technology into a competitive edge for our clients. Our digital offering gives clients the flexibility to streamline initial quoting and enquiry processes but all of this is backed up by our team of experts. The ‘human touch’ and our related services are ultimately what separate traditional DMC’s from online disruptors.” says Martin Botha, Chief Operating Officer at Tourvest DMC.
Dieter Holle, Chief Information Officer at Tourvest Destination Management says, “We need to be the best hybrid; tech and human travel expertise combined in the same business. It’s the years of experience in the industry that let us look ahead with confidence and make big decisions for the future. We are building a platform that solves many of our challenges and gives our customers what they need to sell our products, alongside the large OTAs and Meta Searches of today.”
In as much as Tourvest DMC has adopted technology to streamline processes for its clients, its core business is consulting, and it is its people, their knowledge and passion for travel and tourism and the relationships with suppliers that have been built over years. This is where their competitive advantage lies and is what drives the business.
After 20 years of using the Tourplan tour operator software platform, Tourvest Destination Management, parent company of several travel brands including Tourvest DMC, has deployed a sophisticated ‘network’ of Tourplan instances, all carefully aligned, synchronised and standardised throughout six countries of their inbound operations. Tourvest Destination Management has developed numerous in-house engineered applications to complement the off-the-shelf product and provide unique competitive advantages online. “Although technology is now the engine through which we drive our product and marketing, our Travel Specialists are still the skilled and well experienced drivers behind the Tourism Tattler
“We’ve readjusted our strategy to invest more into this core area of specialisation, to enhance both client and guest experience. Our Guest Impressions department duly allows the business to streamline administrative processes out of operations into administration, in order to free up more time for our Travel Specialists to consult,” says Suzanne Benadie, Sales Director at Tourvest DMC. Tourvest DMC’s Guest Impressions department ensures that 24-hour assistance is readily available for guests travelling in the Southern African region. The various value-adds, which are available through traditional channels, such as on the ground support for travellers is still a major selling point along with personal touches and concierge services. For more information visit tourvest-dmc.com Issue 3 of 2019
TRANSPORT
ISUZU X-RIDER 4x4 Double Cab
Tourism Tattler
Issue 3 of 2019
I
f you’re looking for a mid-range budget 4x4 double cab with rugged looks and top-class overland accessory options straight off the dealers floor, look no further than Isuzu’s X-RIDER.
Tourism Tattler
Issue 3 of 2019
F
irst introduced to South Africa in 2016 as the popular KB250, the rebranded X-RIDER is now a permanent part of Isuzu’s bakkie fleet. Tourism Tattler got to testdrive the accessorised double cab on our review trip to Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve near Ceres in the Breede Valley region of the Klein Karoo. The accessories fitted to this demo model included Old Man Emu shocks, canopy with fold-out RSI kitchen and roof racks, ARB Intensity spot lights, and skid plate. Following a partnership between Isuzu and 4×4 Megaworld, buyers can select from a range of approved accessories which are fitted to your Isuzu before taking delivery. It’s all covered under warranty, and, best of all, can be financed with the vehicle purchase. With its 5-speed manual transmission and powerful 2.5L, 16-valve, 4-cylinder diesel engine, this 4x4 bakkie is definitely the vehicle for work and play.
2.5L DIESEL ENGINE | 100KW POWER & 320 NM TORQUE | ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL Tourism Tattler
Issue 3 of 2019
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY | GENUINE LEATHER CONTACT SURFACES Tourism Tattler
Issue 3 of 2019
Tourism Tattler
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“Dirt roads give you a piece of mind.”
RSI SMART KITCHEN The modular kitchen unit includes: a 2 Plate Gas Stove | x4 Beer Glasses | x4 Wine Glasses | Scissors | Salt & Pepper | x2 Match Boxes | Cork Screw | x4 Steak Knives | Braai Tongs | Stainless Spatula | Wooden Spoon | Bread Knife | x4 Tea Spoons | x4 Spoons | x4 Forks | x4 Mugs | x4 Plates | x4 Bowls | Stainless Kettle. Price: R13,995.00.
Tourism Tattler
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+44 (0)20 7937 4408
info@atta.travel
Tourism Tattler
www.atta.travel
Issue 3 of 2019