ISSUE 11 | NOVEMBER 2017
2017 INTERNATIONAL YEAR
OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
FOR DEVELOPMENT
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Accolades • Business & Finance • Destinations • Hospitality • Legal • • Sustainable Tourism • Transport •
www.sstl.sc
02 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal NOVEMBER 2017
EDITORIAL
IN THIS ISSUE: CONTENTS
ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 2017 PUBLISHER Tourism Tattler (Pty) Ltd. PO Box 891, Umhlanga Rocks, 4320 KwaZulu-Natal, 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
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Bev Langkilde Cell: +27 (0)71 224 9971 Fax: +27 (0)86 656 3860 E-mail: bev@tourismtattler.com Skype: bevtourismtattler
SUBSCRIPTIONS
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BACK ISSUES (Click on the covers below). ▼ OCT 2017
▼ SEP 2017
▼ AUG 2017
▼ JUL 2017
▼ JUN 2017
▼ MAY 2017
AFRICA: SUSTAINABLE TOURISM 06 Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label 07 Seychelles: Acajou Beach Resort 08 South Africa: Tented Adventures 09 South Africa: Tenikwa Wildlife Rehab Centre 10 Eco & Sustainable Tourism Icons 11 Fair Trade Tourism Wildlife Petting Policy ACCOLADES 12 Celebrating the 2017 Lilizela National Award Winners 14 Lilizela Tourism Awards - All 2017 Winners BUSINESS & FINANCE 20 South African Tourism Statistics: Jan-Sep 2017 21 The Revenue Journey - Part 3: Essentials of the Journey DESTINATIONS 22 Trail Running in Mauritius HOSPITALITY 24 SA Restaurants Weather the Storm LEGAL 25 Social Media & Defamation - Part 3 TRANSPORT 26 Vehicle Review: Isuzu KB Double Cab 27 Vehicle Review: Ford Kuga Travelogue
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Debbie Hathway Derek Martin Des Langkilde ▼ APR 2017
▼ JAN 2017
▼ MAR 2017
▼ DEC 2016
▼ FEB 2017
▼ NOV 2016
Karl Westvig Louis Nel Martin Janse van Vuuren
MAGAZINE SPONSORS 02 Seychelles Ministry of Tourism 05 World Luxury Hotel Awards 07 Acajou Beach Resort 08 Tented Adventures 09 Tenikwa Wildlife Centre 13 Kruger Park Lodge 16 Kosmos Manor Guest House 16 River Place Manor 16 Big Sky Cottages 16 Thaba Tshwene Game Lodge
17 Anne’s Place 17 J-Bay Zebra Lodge 17 Umlani Bushcamp 18 de Stijl Gariep Hotel 18 Beverley Country Cottages 18 Hamilton Parks Country Lodge 18 Petit & Grande Plaisir 19 Timbavati Safari Lodge 19 Belurana Collection
SUPPORTED CHARITIES 32 Diabetes South Africa Disclaimer: The Tourism Tattler is published by Tourism Tattler (Pty) Ltd and is the official trade journal of various trade ‘associations’ (see page 02). The Tourism Tattler digital e-zine, is distributed free of charge to bona fide tourism stakeholders. Letters to the Editor are assumed intended for publication in whole or part and may therefore be used for such purpose. The information provided and opinions expressed in this publication are provided in good faith and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Tourism Tattler (Pty) Ltd, its ‘Associations’, its staff and its production suppliers. Advice provided herein should not be soley relied upon as each set of circumstances may differ. Professional advice should be sought in each instance. Neither Tourism Tattler (Pty) Ltd, its ‘Associations’, its staff and its production suppliers can be held legally liable in any way for damages of any kind whatsoever arising directly or indirectly from any facts or information provided or omitted in these pages or from any statements made or withheld or from supplied photographs or graphic images reproduced by the publication.
NOVEMBER 2017 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal 03
EDITORIAL
ACCREDITATION Official Travel Trade Journal and Media Partner to: The Africa Travel Association (ATA) Tel: +1 212 447 1357 • Email: info@africatravelassociation.org • Website: www.africatravelassociation.org ATA is a division of the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), and a registered non-profit trade association in the USA, with headquarters in Washington, DC and chapters around the world. ATA is dedicated to promoting travel and tourism to Africa and strengthening intra-Africa partnerships. Established in 1975, ATA provides services to both the public and private sectors of the industry.
The African Travel & Tourism Association (Atta) Tel: +44 20 7937 4408 • Email: info@atta.travel • Website: www.atta.travel Members in 22 African countries and 37 worldwide use Atta to: Network and collaborate with peers in African tourism; Grow their online presence with a branded profile; Ask and answer specialist questions and give advice; and Attend key industry events.
National Accommodation Association of South Africa (NAA-SA) Tel: +27 86 186 2272 • Fax: +2786 225 9858 • Website: www.naa-sa.co.za The NAA-SA is a network of mainly smaller accommodation providers around South Africa – from B&Bs in country towns offering comfortable personal service to luxurious boutique city lodges with those extra special touches – you’re sure to find a suitable place, and at the same time feel confident that your stay at an NAA-SA member’s establishment will meet your requirements.
Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (RETOSA) Tel: +27 11 315 2420/1 • Fax: +27 11 315 2422 • Website: www.retosa.co.za RETOSA is a Southern African Development Community (SADC) institution responsible for tourism growth and development. RETOSA’s aims are to increase tourist arrivals to the region through. RETOSA Member States are Angola, Botswana, DR Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (SAVRALA) Contact: manager@savrala.co.za • Website: www.savrala.co.za Founded in the 1970's, SAVRALA is the representative voice of Southern Africa’s vehicle rental, leasing and fleet management sector. Our members have a combined national footprint with more than 600 branches countrywide. SAVRALA are instrumental in steering industry standards and continuously strive to protect both their members’ interests, and those of the public, and are therefore widely respected within corporate and government sectors.
Seychelles Hospitality & Tourism Association (SHTA) Tel: +248 432 5560 • Fax: +248 422 5718 • Website: www.shta.sc The Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association was created in 2002 when the Seychelles Hotel Association merged with the Seychelles Hotel and Guesthouse Association. SHTA’s primary focus is to unite all Seychelles tourism industry stakeholders under one association in order to be better prepared to defend the interest of the industry and its sustainability as the pillar of the country’s economy.
International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP)
International Institute for Peace through Tourism
Website: www.tourismpartners.org ICTP is a travel and tourism coalition of global destinations committed to Quality Services and Green Growth.
Website: www.iipt.org IIPT is dedicated to fostering tourism initiatives that contribute to international understanding and cooperation.
ITB Asia 2017
Tourism, Hotel Investment and Networking Conference 2017
Website: www.itb-asia.com 25 to 27 October 2017 Marina Bay Sands®, Singapore. ITB Asia is the leading B2B travel trade event for the entire Asia-Pacific region.
Website: www.thincafrica..com THINC Africa 2017 takes place in Cape Town, South Africa from 6-7 September.
The Hotel Show Africa 2017 Website: TheHotelShowAfrica.com Thousands of hospitality professionals from around the world will be at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 25-27 June.
The Safari Awards
SHWTE 2017
World Luxury Hotel Awards
Website: SanganaiTourismExpo.com 27 Sep - 01 Oct at the Zimbabwe International Fair Grounds, Bulawayo. The 2016 edition attracted: 212 Buyers, 236 Exhibitors, 3116 Meetings, and 5034 Connections.
04 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal NOVEMBER 2017
Website: www.safariawards.com Safari Award finalists are amongst the top 3% in Africa and the winners are unquestionably the best.
Website: www.luxuryhotelawards.com World Luxury Hotel Awards is an international company that provides award recognition to the best hotels from all over the world.
INDUSTRY AWARDS PARTNER
2 DECEMBER 2017
GRAND GALA CEREMONY
Proudly celebrating over a decade in awarding the finest establishments around the globe for hoteliering excellence.
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NOVEMBER 2017 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal 05
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM SOLUTIONS
PARTNER
SPECIAL FEATURE
SUPPORTING THE
2017 INTERNATIONAL YEAR
OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
FOR DEVELOPMENT
SSTL JOINS #IY2017 INITIATIVE The Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label (SSTL) has partnered with TourismTattler.com in supporting Africa’s contribution to the aims and aspirations of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development (#IY2017). Launched on World Tourism Day on 27 September 2011, the SSTL is an international concept that establishes a set of standards to encourage and guide Seychellois tourism operators to play a vital role in adopting best practices in the operation of their businesses in order to ensure the sustainability of the Seychelles tourism industry. The development of the Sustainability Label for Seychelles is in line with a recommendation made in the Seychelles Government’s Vision 21: Tourism Development in Seychelles 2001-2010. A study on certification for tourism operators, in consultation with the industry, recommended the development of such a Sustainability Label on the basis of strict, transparent, fair and externally checked criteria. The label is in line with the UNWTO’s call to use the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism to guide tourism development so that they become “sustainable, ethical and responsible”. The SSTL is a sustainable tourism management and certification programme designed specifically for use in Seychelles. It is voluntary, user-friendly, and designed to inspire more efficient and sustainable ways of doing business. SSTL Vision Every hotel enterprise in Seychelles integrates sustainability practices in their business operations. SSTL Mission To encourage hotels in Seychelles to mainstream sustainability practices into their business operations to safeguard the biodiversity and culture of Seychelles, by: 06 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal NOVEMBER 2017
• Assisting operators in improving the sustainability of their operations with useful tips and advice. • Motivating operators to improve the sustainability of their operations by providing them tangible incentives. • Rewarding through the award of the Label, those operations that have successfully improved the sustainability of their operations. The SSTL seeks to encourage and guide improvements in sustainability outcomes. As such the project is as much an educational process as it is an examination process. What is a Sustainable Business? A sustainable business is one that uses its resources today in such a way that the business can continue to be productive in the future. Sustainability is about the natural environment but also includes consideration to the human and economic resources on which future success depends. SSTL certified members The SSTL is presently applicable to hotels of all sizes. To date, seventeen hotels and tourism businesses have been certified as being compliant with SSTL criteria, which is a third-party assessed, pointsbased certification scheme that encompasses management, waste, water, energy, staff, conservation, community, and guests. Commenting on the partnership, Tourism Tattler’s publisher, Des Langkilde said “We look forward to featuring each of these worthy SSTL certified properties in future editions of our ‘Africa’s Sustainable Tourism Gems’ series, and to highlight the role that the Seychelles, as an eco-friendly African destination, contributes to the United Nations SDGs.” For more information visit www.sstl.sc
SEYCHELLES
AFRICA’S SUSTAINABLE TOURISM GEMS
SPECIAL FEATURE
ECO-FRIENDLY
HOTELS & & ATTRACTIONS
Acajou Beach Resort Dating back to its opening in 1996, the Acajou Beach Resort has had ecology at the heart of its ethos. The hotel is named after the French word for ‘mahogany’ in reference to the natural timber-themed design of its construction, using wood specifically cultivated in an environmentally friendly manner. In keeping with this commitment to the environment, the resort and its 52 rooms were refurbished in 2014 utilising modern technology to dramatically reduce its carbon footprint. The installation of a photovoltaic solar panel system resulted in 50 percent of the resort’s lighting and air-conditioning needs being powered by the sun - a major long-term investment for a locally owned hotel. To further reduce energy consumption, Acajou installed an energy management system (EMS) and efficient LED lighting in every room. The EMS features sensors that detect when doors to a room are open or ajar and automatically switches off the air-conditioning unit after several minutes if not closed. A waste management system and sewage treatment plant were also installed to limit the impact of waste that the resort generates in its operations. Acajou also embarked on a composting project for the landscaped gardens and for its own subsistence produce, in the form of vegetables, fruits and spices that are grown on site. Acajou’s environmental policy also extends to its stretch of pristine Côte d’Or beachfront where the thick shrubs known in Creole as vouloutier (scaevola taccada - an excellent antidiabetic & antiinflamatory remedy) are left untouched to avoid beach erosion, just as nature intended. This policy has recently attracted Hawksbill sea turtles, which prefer to nest under the coastal vegetation. Travel. Enjoy. Respect. #IY2017 QUICK LINKS: +248 438 5300
acajou@seychelles.net
www.acajouseychelles.com
NOVEMBER 2017 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal 07
SPECIAL FEATURE
AFRICA’S SUSTAINABLE TOURISM GEMS
ECO-FRIENDLY
HOTELS & & ATTRACTIONS
Commited to low impact environmental and eco-friendly accommodation, Tented Adventures’ Pilanesberg National Park Safari Camp, and Pretoriuskop Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park are perfectly positioned with minimal permanent structures within their respective campgrounds. The ‘Glamping’ experience that Tented Adventures offers, comprises of snug twin-beds or large queen bed accommodation in sturdy canvas constructed tents. Ablutions are close to the site and house all the necessities. Each camp site only has around 10 tents, making it unique and allowing a comfortable intimate and personalised experience. Guests will enjoy a camp fire braai dinner catering for all dietary requirements, as well as full breakfast the next morning. Both meals are prepared by the camp host who is always on site and guests have the added benefit of staff who see all visitors as part of the family. Both Tented Adventures sites are housed within greater camp sites and offer additional facilities. Swimming pools, play areas, restaurant and bar which are far enough not to spoil the experience, but close enough for comfort and ease. Included in the stay are the early morning and late afternoon open vehicle game drives with the knowledgeable safari guides well equipped and informed to help spot game, as well as educate while taking guests back to the basics of the bush. In-between hours can be spent relaxing, sleeping, enjoying the surroundings and generally indulging in the bush senses. And ‘Glamping’ doesn’t mean you have to be an experienced camper. You don’t have to pitch your own tent, rough a rainy night or suffer backache from sleeping on the hard ground. You can still enjoy all the benefits of a luxury African safari experience, while minimizing your impact on the environment. Travel. Enjoy. Respect. #IY2017 QUICK LINKS: +27 (0)76 146 1468
bookings@tentedadventures.com
08 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal NOVEMBER 2017
www.tentedadventures.com
SOUTH AFRICA
SPECIAL FEATURE
SOUTH AFRICA
AFRICA’S SUSTAINABLE TOURISM GEMS
ECO-FRIENDLY
HOTELS & & ATTRACTIONS
Fair Trade Tourism certified Tenikwa, a non-profit organisation located close to Plettenberg Bay, uses tourism as a platform to raise awareness about threats facing South Africa’s indigenous wild cats, using the funds it generates from tourism for a wildlife rehabilitation programme that caters for marine and terrestrial species. Tenikwa is the first wildlife facility to be certified against the new captive wildlife criteria introduced by Fair Trade Tourism in 2016. Tenikwa’s rehabilitation facilities admit over 250 injured or abandoned wild animals annually and wherever possible these animals are released back into the wild. Tenikwa’s sustainability programme includes using collected rainwater for drinking and channelling run-off water into dams that support waterfowl and a wetland eco-system. Tenikwa supports local suppliers that are environmentally friendly and ethical, while its community initiatives include supporting a local community gardening club to utilise environmentally-friendly gardening techniques. Tenikwa is one of few tourism businesses to publish an annual sustainability report. Visitors to Tenikwa are educated on non-lethal methods of predator management, environmentally-friendly and techno-savvy farming practices, how to co-exist with wildlife and the illegal wildlife trade. Interest-specific programmes are offered, such as the Private Photographic Tour and EcoKidz Family Challenge. Tenikwa also offers a learning experience for veterinary students wishing to gain expertise in the wildlife rehabilitation field. In the broader community, Tenikwa runs workshops on handling dangerous animals as well as how to deal with injured wildlife out in the field. Travel. Enjoy. Respect. #IY2017 QUICK LINKS: +27 (0)44 534 8170
marketing@tenikwa.co.za
www.tenikwa.com NOVEMBER 2017 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal 09
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM SOLUTIONS
SPECIAL FEATURE
PARTNER
Launching Africa’s sustainable tourism gems this month with a selection of South Africa’s eco-friendly hotels and lodges, Tourism Tattler has partnered with Eco Atlas – an award winning eco-travel choice website. Where a featured eco-friendly property is already listed on Eco Atlas, we’ve shown the applicable icons. RESOURCE USE Water Saving: 3 or more of the following practices in place: a no-leak policy, water audit, fiow restrictors on taps and shower heads, dual fiush toilet cisterns, harvesting rain water, utilising waste water (grey water), only watering early morning and evening, alien tree removal, planting water wise, drip irrigation system, compost toilet, garden well mulched. Energy Saving: 3 or more of the following practices in place: energy A- rated appliances, low energy bulbs, geezer blankets and/or timers, established electricity strategy such as switching off appliances and lights when not being used. Recycling: Established policy to reduce and re-use waste, the recycling of any of the following resources: Paper, Glass, Tin, Plastic and Organic Matter, on-site composting and wormeries. Renewable Energy: Utilising solar and/or wind energy through solar panels and/or wind turbines.
Green Design: Incorporated into the design of the building: proper insulation, sustainable and renewable building materials, maximising light and energy from the sun, building with recycled materials, non-toxic paints and other building materials, water and energy efficiency. Carbon Neutral: Planting of trees to off-set the carbon footprint of the establishment and its guests.
EARTH FRIENDLY Eco Cleaning Agents: utilising or selling products that are fully biodegradable, free of harmful chemicals and not tested on animals.
Eco Body Products: Utilising or selling body products that are fully biodegradable, free of harmful chemicals and not tested on animals.
Eco Packaging: Utilising or selling fully biodegradable packaging and take-away containers made from renewable resources. Accepting returns on product packaging for re-use.
PEOPLE AND EARTH Biodiversity: no use of pesticides or poisons, planting only indigenous, conservation of indigenous fiora and fauna on your property, alien vegetation removal and rehabilitation of indigenous.
10 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal NOVEMBER 2017
Local Products: utilising products grown or manufactured within a 100km radius, the producing or selling of local products.
Organic Food: Utilising or selling food that is produced using a system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people without the use of inputs with adverse effects for biodiversity. Fair Trade: selling products or implementing policies which contribute to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers. Registered with Fair Trade Tourism or Fair Trade Label SA. Empowerment: Skills development, training and profit share programmes which empower staff and enable better working conditions and work opportunities. ANIMAL FRIENDLY Free Range Chicken: raised in a humane manner with freedom to roam and constant access to vegetation , fresh air and fresh water. Chickens free of hormones and antibiotics (check with your supplier if they meet all these requirements) Free Range Eggs: chickens raised in a humane manner with freedom to roam and constant access to vegetation, fresh air and fresh water. Chickens free of hormones and antibiotics (check with your supplier if they meet all these requirements) Badger Friendly Honey: utilising or selling honey accredited with the Endangered Wildlife Trust certificate to ensure no honey badgers are harmed in the production of the honey. Ethically Farmed Products: utilising or selling free range meat and/ or wool products that are have wildlife friendly management strategies which do not include the trapping, hunting, poisoning and killing of predators. Fair Game endorsed products. Sustainable Fishing: utilising, promoting or selling sustainable seafood from well managed fisheries as listed in the South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI). Free Range Pork: Raised in a humane manner with freedom to roam outdoors and constant access to vegetation, fresh air and fresh water. Pigs free of hormones and antibiotics and their feed free of animal byproducts (check with your supplier if they meet all these requirements) Veg Or Vegan: Serving purely vegetarian or vegan food, thereby providing healthy eating alternatives and decreasing the amount of natural resources used in the production of food.
SPECIAL FEATURE
PARTNER
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SUPPORTING THE
2017 INTERNATIONAL YEAR
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FOR DEVELOPMENT
Fair Trade Tourism’s Wildlife Petting Policy Fair Trade Tourism’s certification criteria do not permit any physical interaction between tourists and potentially dangerous wildlife such as lions, cheetahs and leopards.
The new criteria also do not allow tourists or volunteers to interact with any child or vulnerable person unless under continuous, qualified adult supervision.
While some Fair Trade certified members, such as Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre (see page 00) had previously allowed tourist-animal contact in some of their programmes, this practice ceased prior to its certification. Tenikwa’s new no-contact policy was validated by an independent auditor during Fair Trade Tourism’s comprehensive audit process.
To achieve Fair Trade Tourism certification, members need to comply with 100% of the mandatory certification criteria, based on the principles of fair wages and working conditions, ethical business practices and respect for human rights, culture and the environment.
Fair Trade Tourism prides itself on being the only tourism certification body that has introduced specific auditable criteria around captive wildlife in Africa. “In 2016 we underwent a review of our certification criteria, largely in response to the huge growth in the volunteer sector and concomitant rise in animal and human orphanage programmes, which were unregulated and open to abuse. It was becoming clear that many volunteer experiences are detrimental to the children or animals they proclaim to be helping, especially in the case of orphanage and lion cub petting programmes. Many of these programmes make fraudulent claims about conservation or child welfare and are exploitative of the volunteers themselves,” says Jane Edge, Managing Director of Fair Trade Tourism. Fair Trade Tourism’s revised certification criteria were informed by a range of expert sources including Better Volunteering, Tourism Watch, UNICEF, Endangered Wildlife Trust, Wildlife Act, the Convention on Biodiversity, and the Association of British Travel Agents’ (ABTA’s) Global Welfare Guidance for Animals in Tourism. A number of Southern African volunteer organisations also gave their input. The revised criteria, effective from 1 June 2016, do not allow for any physical contact by tourists or volunteers with animals listed as Hazard Category 1 in the ABTA Animal Welfare Guidelines, which is considered to be the most comprehensive worldwide. Such animals include large and medium-sized carnivores, elephants, rhinos, large apes, hippos, ostrich, crocodiles and venomous snakes.
Among these criteria are stipulations that a captive wildlife facility keep up-to-date records of all animals in its care, including their history and destination, and death certificates where applicable. The member must also ensure that wild animals are not encouraged to behave in a way that is not natural or innate to their species, and must provide documentary evidence that animals were not obtained from the wild, unless for a conservation need as identified by an independent conservation authority. The member must also provide the public with accurate information on wildlife conservation and animal welfare relevant to its operations. Fair Trade Tourism’s criteria also require demonstrated support and contribution to biodiversity conservation. “In this regard, Tenikwa’s work as an NGO involves treating over 250 injured or abandoned wild animals annually for release back into the wild where possible. In the broader community, Tenikwa runs workshops on how to deal with injured wildlife, is a member of the Population Reinforcement Working Group for the African Penguin and plays an important role in turtle conservation in association with the Two Ocean Aquarium. Tenikwa works closely with conservation authorities such as CapeNature, SANParks, and the Department of Environmental Affairs, and in 2016 the facility won an award from Birdlife SA for its role in conservation.” concludes Edge.
For more information, contact Fair Trade Tourism Business Development Support at info@fairtrade.travel or apply online on at www.fairtrade.travel. NOVEMBER 2017 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal 11
ACCOLADES
National Lilizela Tourism Awards
Celebrating Pioneers, Innovators, Stalwarts and SMEs South African tourism service excellence was the biggest winner on Sunday 29 October 2017, when the fifth annual Lilizela Tourism Awards lit up the Sandton Convention Centre with an unforgettable night of the stars. A cross-section of outstanding South African tourism accommodation establishments, visitor experiences, tour operators, tour guides, emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses were toasted alongside several industry luminaries during a splendid awards ceremony that saw performances by the likes of Yvonne Chaka and Mafikizolo. The who’s who of the hospitality and travel industry came out to salute service excellence in South Africa’s burgeoning tourism sector, which has been identified by the government as one of the six pillars of the country’s future economic growth. The national Lilizela Tourism Awards were the culmination of the nine provincial ceremonies held across the country, which rewarded outstanding establishments in each of those areas. These provincial winners then vied for top honours in the national finals, held on Sunday. Tourism Minister, Tokozile Xasa paid special tribute to South Africa’s outstanding small tourism businesses. Some of the SMMEs that were finalists or scooped awards on the night had been beneficiaries of the National Department of Tourism’s market access and enterprise development programmes. We Do Tourism Award Minister Xasa also unveiled a new public participation category for the Lilizela Tourism Award 2018, the “We Do Tourism Award” where, in the spirit of asking South Africans to rally around tourism as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, South Africans from all walks of life will have the opportunity to nominate dynamic individuals who they believe deserve to be recognised for contributing to making South Africa more welcoming. During an interview with TourismTattler, South African Tourism’s Chief Executive Officer, Sisa Ntshona said that all South Africans deserve to be recognised for the role they play in growing tourism. “On the back 12 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal NOVEMBER 2016
of the Finance Ministers budget speech, government has recognised the importance of tourism as a key contributor to GDP, specifically in light of traditional sectors not performing well.” Ntshona noted at the gala ceremony that it had not been an easy year for tourism, with natural disasters, a sluggish economy and other factors making the operating environment a difficult one to navigate. “But, despite these setbacks, our tourism industry has forged ahead with remarkable resilience and has insisted that it will be business as usual. You are true examples of what it means to ‘do tourism’ – our movement that encourages South Africans to place tourism and the broader tourism economy at the heart of all they do. You are helping us to stand tall and proud as a tourism destination,” Ntshona said. A special moment came at the end of the evening, when Minister Xasa inducted Esther Mahlangu, South Africa’s world-renowned Ndebele artist and industrial design trailblazer, into the Lilizela Hall of Fame. Mam’ Esther, who received the Minister’s Award last year, became the inaugural Hall of Fame inductee for being an exemplary global ambassador for South Africa’s indigenous arts and cultural heritage. The Lilizela Tourism Awards are an initiative of the National Department of Tourism and are spearheaded by South African Tourism. The awards were established in 2013 to recognise and reward exemplary service among businesses in the local tourism sector, ranging from accommodation establishments and tour operators to scenic attractions and cultural heritage sites. The awards are adjudicated through public votes and by a panel of industry judges, and are audited by Grant Thornton. Entry to the Lilizela National Tourism Awards is free and tourism businesses of all sizes are encouraged to enter in a bid to help develop, grow and transform the industry while celebrating its achievements. For a full list of the 2017 Lilizela Tourism Award winners, see pages 13-19 or visit www.lilizela.co.za
Best of the Kruger Festive December Fractional Ownerships Available Now -5% discount for cash -Terms offered from 6 to 36 months Lodge 300 · Hand pick your dates and own 4 weeks a year in this luxury 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom lodge · Private Swimming pool · Use of own Golf cart · Utilize your fraction in any one of Legacy’s 5 star fractional properties · Enjoy over 200 five star destinations worldwide Contact us now to secure your fraction From a straight drive, to the Big Five, your family can experience it all! Contact Rodney Erasmus: +27 (0) 76 101 8000 or email rodneye@magicb.co.za / www.krugerparklodge.co.za Timeshare, Syndication and Whole Ownership options also available
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NOVEMBER 2016 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal 2017/11/13 2:51 PM 13
ACCOLADES
ACCOMMODATION AWARDS EASTERN CAPE
CATEGORY
LIMPOPO CATEGORY
Mafusa Backpackers Tsitsikamma Backpackers Tube ‘n Axe Backpackers Lodge Amapondo Backpacker Lodge Kingfisher Guest House Storms River Guest Lodge Ruslington B&B Cannon Rocks Holiday Resort Dwesa Nature Reserve Tenahead Mountain Lodge and Reserve J-Bay Zebra Lodge Ganora Guest Farm & Excursions Pumba Private Game Reserve - Bush Lodge Sibuya Game Reserve - River Camp Amakhala Quatermain’s Camp The Sands @ St Francis Millbury Guest House FunkyTown The Royal Somerset East Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve Royal St Andrews Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre Hotel Savoy and Conference Centre Town Lodge Port Elizabeth Road Lodge East London Miarestate Hotel & Spa The Fernery Lodge East London International Convention Centre Champagne Events and Function Venue Coega Development Corporation The Oyster Box Beach House Hluleka Nature Reserve Bartholomews Loft Welgemoed Chalets Beach Break Thunzi Bush Lodge Mountain Zebra National Park Family Cottage
Backpacking & Hosteling 5-Star Backpacking & Hosteling 4-Star Backpacking & Hosteling 3-Star Backpacking & Hosteling 2-Star Bed & Breakfast 4-Star Bed & Breakfast 3-Star Bed & Breakfast 2-Star Caravan & Camping 5-Star Caravan & Camping 3-Star Country House 5-Star Country House 4-Star Country House 3-Star Game Lodge 5-Star Game Lodge 4-Star Game Lodge 3-Star Guest House 5-Star Guest House 4-Star Guest House 3-Star Guest House 2-Star Hotel 5-Star Hotel 4-Star Hotel 3-Star Hotel 2-Star Hotel 1-Star Lodge 5-Star Lodge 4-Star MESE* 5-Star MESE* 4-Star MESE* 3-Star Self Catering Exclusive 5-Star Self Catering Exclusive 4-Star Self Catering Exclusive 3-Star Self Catering Exclusive 2-Star Self Catering Shared 5-Star Self Catering Shared 4-Star Self Catering Shared 3-Star
Bushbaby River Lodge Mount Azimbo Lodge Swadini, A Forever Resort Summerset Place Country House Fifty Seven Waterberg Phelwana Game Lodge Umlani Bushcamp Meloding Guest House Vuwa Lodge Fusion Boutique Hotel Limpopo Guest Manor Polokwane Garden Court Polokwane Palala Boutique Game Lodge and Spa Blyde River Canyon Lodge Timbavati Safari Lodge African Calabash Lodge Swadini, A Forever Resort Protea Hotel Ranch Resort ATKV Klein-Kariba Mabula Share Block Companies Partnership ATKV Eiland Spa
FREE STATE
CATEGORY
Gariep A Forever Resort Caravan Park Monte Bello Lodge Lions Rest Country Estate Letsatsi Game Lodge Art Lovers Guesthouse Lavender Hill Country Estate Rochilla Guesthouse Anta Boga Hotel De Stijl Gariep Hotel President Hotel Road Lodge Bloemfontein Wild Horses Exclusive Mountain Lodge Lionsrock Lodge Mont d’ Or Hotel And Conference Gariep: A Forever Resort Maria Moroka Resort
Caravan & Camping 3-Star Country House 4-Star Country House 3-Star Game Lodge 4-Star Guest House 5-Star Guest House 4-Star Guest House 3-Star Hotel 5-Star Hotel 4-Star Hotel 3-Star Hotel 1-Star Lodge 5-Star Lodge 3-Star MESE* 4-Star MESE* 3-Star Self Catering Shared 4-Star
N
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N
Backpacking & Hosteling 4-Star Backpacking & Hosteling 3-Star Backpacking & Hosteling 2-Star Bed & Breakfast 5-Star Bed & Breakfast 4-Star Bed & Breakfast 3-Star Country House 5-Star Country House 4-Star Guest House 5-Star Guest House 4-Star Guest House 3-Star Hotel 5-Star Hotel 4-Star Hotel 3-Star Hotel 2-Star Hotel 1-Star Lodge 3-Star MESE* 5-Star MESE* 4-Star MESE* 3-Star Self Catering Exclusive 4-Star Self Catering Exclusive 3-Star
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N N
13 = See page for more info on listing
Backpacking & Hosteling 3-Star Bed & Breakfast 5-Star Bed & Breakfast 4-Star Bed & Breakfast 3-Star Bed & Breakfast 2-Star Caravan & Camping 4-Star Caravan & Camping 3-Star Country House 5-Star Country House 4-Star Country House 3-Star Game Lodge 5-Star Game Lodge 4-Star Guest House 5-Star Guest House 4-Star Guest House 3-Star Hotel 5-Star Hotel 4-Star Hotel 3-Star Hotel 1-Star Lodge 5-Star Lodge 4-Star Lodge 3-Star Self Catering Exclusive 5-Star Self Catering Exclusive 4-Star Self Catering Exclusive 3-Star Self Catering Exclusive 2-Star Self-Catering Shared 4-Star Self-Catering Shared 2-Star
N N N
N
N N
18 N N
* MESE = Meetings, Exhibitions and Special Events.
14 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal NOVEMBER 2016
17
N
19 N
Matumi Golf Lodge Blue Jay Lodge La Picasso Guesthouse Blyde Canyon, A Forever Resort Umsisi House Kaapschehoop Gastehuis Jock Safari Lodge Elephant Plains Game Lodge Leaves Lodge & Spa Turaco Lodge McBest Guest House Schneider’s Boutique Hotel Southern Sun Emnotweni Graskop Hotel Town Lodge Mbombela Road Lodge Mbombela Needles Lodge Hamilton Parks Country Lodge Emnotweni Arena Badplaas A Forever Resort Conference Valbonne Villa at Tomjachu Bush Retreat The Cycad Lodge & Chalets Thaba Tsweni Lodge & Safaris Kruger Park Lodge Jackalberry Ridge
Bed & Breakfast 5-Star Bed & Breakfast 4-Star Bed & Breakfast 3-Star Caravan & Camping 3-Star Country House 5-Star Country House 3-Star Game Lodge 5-Star Game Lodge 4-Star Guest House 5-Star Guest House 4-Star Guest House 3-Star Hotel 5-Star Hotel 4-Star Hotel 3-Star Hotel 2-Star Hotel 1-Star Lodge 4-Star Lodge 3-Star MESE* 5-Star MESE* 3-Star Self Catering Exclusive 5-Star Self Catering Exclusive 4-Star Self Catering Exclusive 3-Star Self Catering Shared 4-Star Self Catering Shared 3-Star
N
N
18
13
16 N N
NORTH WEST CATEGORY 16 Kosmos Manor Guest House Bed & Breakfast 5-Star Boubou Bed and Breakfast ATKV Buffelspoort Holiday Resort Tented Adventures Pilanesberg Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge Madikwe River Lodge El Shadai Guesthouse Thaba Legae Guest Lodge Franka Guesthouse The Royal Marang Hotel Protea Hotel Hunters Rest Road Lodge Potchefstroom aha Lesedi Mphebatho Cultural Museum Rio Hotel Casino Convention Resort Anne’s Place Monsieur Devan Trust Mount Amanzi Share Block
Bed & Breakfast 4-Star Caravan & Camping 4-Star Caravan & Camping 2-Star Game Lodge 5-Star Game Lodge 3-Star Guest House 5-Star Guest House 4-Star Guest House 3-Star Hotel 5-Star Hotel 3-Star Hotel 1-Star Lodge 3-Star MESE* 4-Star MESE* 3-Star Self Catering Exclusive 4-Star Self Catering Exclusive 3-Star Self Catering Exclusive 3-Star
08
N
N
17
N
NORTHERN CAPE CATEGORY N N
KWAZULU-NATAL CATEGORY Happy Hippo Accommodation Westville B&B Kwalala Lodge Azalea Bed and Breakfast Qabuleka B & B ATKV Natalia Beach Resort ATKV Drakensville Holiday Resort Days at Sea Beach Lodge Lythwood Lodge Hawklee Country House Karlkloof Safari Spa Leopard Mountain Aha Auberge Hollandaise The Vineyard on Ballito Gecko Inn The Oyster Box Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel Garden Court Umhlanga Road Lodge Richards Bay The Gorge Private Game Lodge & Spa Three Trees at Spioenkop Tembe Elephant Park & Lodge AM 171 Marula Rockwood Lodges Beverley Country Cottages Nselweni Bush Lodge Casa Ridge Sodwana Bay Resort
N
MPUMALANGA CATEGORY N N
GAUTENG CATEGORY Curiocity Backpackers Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers Naledi Backpakers Hyde Park Villas Habitat Guesthouse Morulana Guest House De Hoek Country House Oxbow Country Estate Mont d’or Bohemian House Rivonia Bed & Breakfast Sunrock Guesthouse The Palazzo Montecasino Thaba Eco Hotel Riverside Sun Town Lodge Midrand Road Lodge Centurion Lanseria Country Estate the forum | the campus Maropeng Conference Centre Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre The Warehouse Nullarbor Cottages
Bed & Breakfast 4-Star Bed & Breakfast 3-Star Caravan & Camping 3-Star Country House 4-Star Game Lodge 5-Star Game Lodge 4-Star Game Lodge 3-Star Guest House 4-Star Guest House 3-Star Hotel 5-Star Hotel 4-Star Hotel 3-Star Lodge 5-Star Lodge 4-Star Lodge 3-Star Lodge 2-Star MESE* 3-Star Self Catering Exclusive 4-Star Self Catering Exclusive 3-Star Self Catering Shared 4-Star Self Catering Shared 3-Star
N = National Award Winner
@Belurana River Boutique Hotel Classic Court B&B and Villa Oleander Guest House River Place Manor De Herberg Lodge Kimberley Anne Small Luxury Hotel Garden Court Kimberley Road Lodge Kimberley Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre Koekais Guest Farm Dronfield Nature Reserve
19
Bed & Breakfast 4-Star Bed & Breakfast 3-Star Guest House 5-Star Guest House 4-Star Guest House 3-Star Hotel 4-Star Hotel 3-Star Hotel 1-Star MESE* 4-Star Self Catering Exclusive 4-Star Self Catering Exclusive 3-Star
16
WESTERN CAPE CATEGORY Saltycrax Backpackers Once in Cape Town Southern Comfort Guest Lodge Knysna Herons Guest House Dibiki Holiday Resort Plettenberg A Forever Resort Caravan Park Grand Dedale Country House Hawksmoor House Sanbona Wildlife Reserve - Dwyka Lodge Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa Villa Afrikana Guest Suites Avondrood Guesthouse Afrovibe Beach House The Andros Deluxe Boutique Hotel Franschhoek Boutique Hotel Eendracht Hotel & Apartments Town Lodge Bellville Road Lodge N1 City Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retr Kunguru Lodge @ Tri Active The Forum | Embassy Hill Orange Grove Farm Petit & Grande Plaisir
Backpacking & Hosteling 5-Star Backpacking & Hosteling 4-Star Bed & Breakfast 4-Star Bed & Breakfast 3-Star Caravan & Camping 4-Star Caravan & Camping 3-Star Country House 5-Star Country House 4-Star Game Lodge 5-Star Game Lodge 4-Star
N N
Guest House 4-Star Guest House 3-Star Hotel 5-Star Hotel 4-Star Hotel 3-Star Hotel 2-Star Hotel 1-Star Lodge 5-Star Lodge 3-Star MESE* 5-Star Self Catering Exclusive 5-Star Self Catering Exclusive 4-Star
N
Big Sky Cottages ATKV Hartenbos Strandoord Self-catering Marine Square Luxury Suites ATKV Goudini Spa - 4 star units Plettenberg A Forever Resort Chalets
Self Catering Exclusive 3-Star Self Catering Exclusive 2-Star Self Catering Shared 5-Star Self Catering Shared 4-Star Self Catering Shared 3-Star
N N N
N
18 16
N N
ACCOLADES
VISITOR EXPERIENCE AWARDS EASTERN CAPE
CATEGORY
MPUMALANGA CATEGORY
Untouched Adventures Chokka Trail Miarestate Hotel & Spa Raggy Charters Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site Sibuya Game Reserve - River Camp
Action & Adventure Beach Experience Lap of Luxury Marine Adventure Scenic Beauty Wildlife Encounters
Inyati Game Lodge Lowveld Extreme Adventures Potluck Boskombuis Matsamo Cultural Village Blyde River Canyon
Wildlife Encounters Action & Adventure Culture & Lifestyle Roots & Culture Scenic Beauty
NORTH WEST
CATEGORY
FREE STATE
CATEGORY
Clarens Xtreme Adventures Oliewenhuis Art Museum Naval Hill Planetarium
Action & Adventure Culture and Lifestyle Scenic Beauty
Harties Cableway aha Lesedi Mankwe Gametrackers
Action & Adventure Roots & Culture Wildlife Encounters
NORTHERN CAPE
CATEGORY
The Workshop ko Kasi The Big Hole
Culture and Lifestyle Roots & Culture
WESTERN CAPE
CATEGORY
AfriCanyon Maboneng Township Arts Experience Hollywood Mansion Camps Bay Ocean Blue Adventures GOLD Restaurant Cape Point Ocean Blue Adventures
Action & Adventure Culture and Lifestyle Lap of Luxury Marine Adventure Roots & Culture Scenic Beauty Wildlife Encounters
N N N N
N
GAUTENG CATEGORY Fly S.A. Wise SAB World of Beer Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers
Action & Adventure Culture and Lifestyle Roots & Culture
N
KWAZULU-NATAL CATEGORY Big Rush AKTV Natalia Beach Resort Splashy Fen Music Festival Karlkloof Safari Spa uShaka Marine World Talana Museum Midlands Meander
Action & Adventure Beach Experience Culture and Lifestyle Lap of Luxury Marine Adventure Roots & Culture Scenic Beauty
N
N
TOUR OPERATOR AWARDS AWARDEE
PROVINCE CATEGORY
AWARDEE
PROVINCE CATEGORY
Imonti Tours cc Stormsriver Adventures Thabile Tours and Shuttle Vuka Tours
Eastern Cape Eastern Cape Free State Free State
Boyang Gape Tours and Travels Bonana Tours Camissa Travel and Marketing
Gauteng KwaZulu-Natal Western Cape
Emerging Established Emerging Established
Established Emerging Emerging
N
N
TOURIST GUIDE AWARDS AWARDEE
PROVINCE CATEGORY
AWARDEE
PROVINCE CATEGORY
David McNair Siseko Yelani Rantseke Rantseke Siphiwe Abram Khumalo Stacey Farell Bongi Thabedo Johannes Outram Tshamane Isaiah Banda
Eastern Cape Eastern Cape Free State Gauteng KwaZulu-Natal KwaZulu-Natal KwaZulu-Natal Limpopo
Mukhena Masilo Gedion Jaco Buys Samuel Seleke Mncedisi Thambe Kabelo Mothupi Maruping Kegomoditswe George Skaris Ian Slatem
Limpopo Mpumalanga North West North West Northern Cape Northern Cape Western Cape Western Cape
AWARDEE
PROVINCE CATEGORY
AWARDEE
PROVINCE CATEGORY
Access2africa Safaris
KwaZulu-Natal
Experience Visual
N
The Big Hole
Northern Cape
Experience Mobility
N
Access2africa Safaris
KwaZulu-Natal
Experience Commuinicative
N
Soli Deo Gloria
Western Cape
Accommodation Mobility
N
Nature Guide Nature Guide Culture Guide Culture Guide Nature Guide Culture Guide Adventure Guide Nature Guide
N
Culture Guide Nature Guide Nature Guide Culture Guide Nature Guide Culture Guide Culture Guide Adventure Guide
N N
UNIVERSAL ACCESSIBILITY AWARDS
ETEYA AWARDS AWARDEE
PROVINCE CATEGORY
Mthombo’s Palace
Eastern Cape
Fly S.A. Wise
Gauteng
Ezulwini Guest House
KwaZulu-Natal
ETEYA
Lowveld Extreme Adventures
Mpumalanga
ETEYA
AWARDEE
PROVINCE CATEGORY
ETEYA
N
Lapologa Bed and Breakfast
Limpopo
ETEYA
ETEYA
N
The Workshop ko Kasi
Northern Cape
ETEYA
Afrovibe Experiences
Western Cape
ETEYA
N
N
MECs AWARD AWARDEE
PROVINCE CATEGORY
Syavaya Tours KwaZulu-Natal The View Guest House (Ms Sheila Sekhitla) National Gaabo Motho Cultural Village (Ms Lily Mokoena) National Mama Lolo’s Breakfast (Ms Lolo Monica Mabitsela) National Exclusive Hospitality Concepts (Ms Francina Zana) National Ms Siza Mzimela an aviation expert with over twenty years of industry experience National Ms Vijayluxmi (VIJI) Pillay a professional Tourist Guide and Tour Operator National
N = National Award Winner. 08 = See page number for more info.
Tour Operator’s Award Pioneers of Township Tourism Award Pioneers of Township Tourism Award Pioneers of Township Tourism Award Pioneers of Township Tourism Award Pioneers of Township Tourism Award Pioneers of Township Tourism Award
NOVEMBER 2016 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal 15
2017
W
Located in the heart of the little Monaco of Hartebeespoort Dam lies the award winning 5-star Kosmos Manor Guest House & Conference Venue, where a warm greeting awaits you from the friendly team who are on hand to personally welcome and pamper you from arrival to departure.
ith the mighty Orange River right on your doorstep, spectacular sunsets and star-filled African skies, River Place Manor offers an ambience of unequalled peace and tranquillity in the Northern Cape. Situated on one of Upington’s wine estates, this exclusive guest house is only three minutes from the town centre and offers luxury accommodation with 12 individually-styled en-suite rooms to meet the most discerning of guest’s needs.
+27 (0)12 253 5116 | +27 (0)82 375 0000 | bookings@kosmosmanor.co.za www.kosmosmanor.co.za
Tel: +27 (0)54 332 3102 | +27 (0)82 491 2338 info@river-place.co.za | www.river-place.co.za
@KosmosManor
25°44’31.69S|27°50’53.03E
2017
Big Sky Cottages is a mere hour drive from Cape Town and offers modern self-catering semi-detached cottages on the foothills of the Mostertshoek Mountain between Wolseley and Ceres, overlooking the beautiful Buchu lands with breath-taking views of the valley. Quality fittings ensure a luxurious stay with easy access to all amenities. All rooms are fitted with queen extra length beds, hair dryers and safes. Fully fitted open plan kitchens, air conditioners, fireplaces, and patios with barbeque facilities are standard in all units, as is free Wi-Fi with TV and DSTV. A Communal swimming pool and Boma complete the picture.
+27713549209 / +27825517022 | bigskycottages@gmail.com www.bigskycottages.co.za | Big Sky Farm, R43, Wolseley
16 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal NOVEMBER 2017
2017
ONE VENUE - ALL OCCASSIONS WEDDINGS • CONFERENCES • ACCOMMODATION • WILDLIFE • t: +27 (0)82 896 2452 e: info@thabatshwene.co.za www.thabatshwene.co.za
We’ve Earned Our Stripes
Award-winning Anne’s Place Guest House provides self-catering accommodation to business executives and travellers alike with warm and personal, yet unobtrusive, hospitality in the heart of Potchefstroom and in close proximity to the North-West University, 2 hospitals, the Aardklop Festival terrain, the Mooirivier Mall, various restaurants, and main roads. Luxurious French Colonial styled architecture fiows into a tranquil garden beside a quiet street - ideal for an early morning jog or a late afternoon walk. Or relax with a glass of wine beside the swimming pool.
Despite damage from Eastern Cape wildfires on 10 June, J-Bay Zebra Lodge has been totally rebuilt and has since earned its stripes by being acknowledged as the Best 4-Star Country House in South Africa. Owners, Didier and Florbela welcome you to experience their 120ha game farm dream that has taken 17 years to create, mere hours to destroy, and re-opening in April 2018.
+27 (0)78 925 6812 | +27 (0)83 778 9487 jbayzebralodge.co.za | info@jbayzebralodge.co.za
+27 (0)82 335 1295 | rrothman@iafrica.com http://annesplace.co.za
There’s a reason why Fair Trade Tourism certified Umlani Bushcamp has been voted Best 3-Star Lodge in South Africa. Besides our commitment to Responsible and Sustainable Tourism practices, our dedication to service excellence is acknowledged through multiple awards and positive guest reviews. But don’t take our word for it – come meet our friendly staff and experience the wealth of fiora, fauna, bird life and cultural heritage at the renown Timbavati Private Nature Reserve for yourself. +27 (0)21 785 5547
info@umlani.com
www.umlani.com
Umlani Bushcamp
@umlanibushcamp
@UmlaniBushcamp NOVEMBER 2017 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal 17
de Stijl Hotel offers the weary traveller a perfect stop-over with mouth-watering Bo Karoo Cuisine and a treasure-trove of fine wines! de Stijl hotel offers 43 superbly appointed rooms with breathtaking views of the Gariepdam.
de Stijl Gariep Hotel
2 Aasvoel Street • Gariepdam • Free State +27 (0)51-754-0060/1/2 reservations@destijl.co.za or info@destijl.co.za www.destijl.co.za
★ ★ ★ ★
The Petit Plaisir Cottage is 12 years old and the Grande Plaisir was added 2 years ago in the quaint little town of Franschhoek, a fine wine and dining hotspot and one of South Africa’s iconic destinations. In fact, there is so much to see and do that it’s best if you don’t rush your stay. Petit & Grande Plaisir is the perfect romantic hideaway for couples who like to tour on their own terms. Our cottages are fully equipped and stylishly decorated with an understated elegance that has earned us acknowledgement as the best four-star exclusive self-catering in the Western Cape at the 2017 Lilizela Tourism Awards.
This 3-star rated country lodge is family owned and managed with passion and dedication to service excellence. Comfortable and affordable accommodation is assured, along with delicious meals and on-site activities such as 4x4 tracks and hiking trails. Perfectly positioned in the heart of the Mpumalanga Lowveld - the gateway to the Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon - Hamilton Parks provides bushveld living at its best.
+27 (0)21 876 3091 | +27 (0)83 376 9930 petitplaisir.co.za | info@petitplaisir.co.za 2017
2017
+27 (0)74 252 7037 | 082 723 3722 | 082 836 7360 hamiltonparks.com space@hamiltonparks.com 18 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal NOVEMBER 2017
Timbavati Safari Lodge is perfectly positioned just minutes from the heart of the world-renowned Kruger National Park near Orpen Gate. Accommodation for up to 90 guests is provided in 42 traditional Ndebele painted Rondavels and chalets, situated amid beautiful shady trees, and all rooms are en-suite with mosquito nets and ceiling fans. Specializing in group travel, small groups & families and single travelers, Timbavati Safari Lodge offers an array of activities including Day Drives into Central Kruger National Park, Morning & Sunset Drives into the Greater Kruger National Park, Guided Bush Walks & Cultural Village Walks, as well as visits to the various points of interest in the Lowveld. Shuttle transfers are provided to and from Nelspruit, Hoedspruit, Eastgate airport, and the surrounding areas.
GPS -24.561808, 31.150629 • Hoedspruit • 1380 • Limpopo • South Africa +27 (0)15 793 0415 • timbavati@mweb.co.za • www.timbavatisafarilodge.com Sanlam Top Destination Awards: 2017 3-Star Game Lodge Winner
The 4-star rated @Belurana River Boutique Hotel forms part of the prestigious Belurana Collection, which includes the Belurana Victoria Manor in Upington and the Belurana Amzee Mosselbay in Diazstrand. Whilst Belurana River Boutique Hotel is the flagship of the collection, all three properties provide luxurious accommodation in tastefully decorated rooms with world-class hospitality and are equipped to cater for functions and weddings. Belurana River Boutique Hotel boasts an olympic size swimming pool and serves scrumptious breakfasts on private patios overlooking the Orange River in Upington. Nearby attractions include the Quiver Tree Route, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, and excursions to view the renowned Namaqualand flowers when in season.
+27 (0)54 332 4323 | 054 331 1188 | 086 225 2376 beluranaupington.com | belurana@mweb.co.za NOVEMBER 2017 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal 19
BUSINESS & FINANCE
The information below was extracted from data available as at 06 November 2017. By Martin Jansen van Vuuren of Grant Thornton.
ARRIVALS
The latest available data from Statistics South Africa is for January to August 2017*:
Current period
Change over same period last year
289 522
1.5%
Germany
198 521
14.0%
USA
248 579
8.4%
UK
India
66 482
0.5%
China (incl Hong Kong)
64 715
-18.1%
1 715 855
9.0%
African Arrivals
5 007 666
-0.7%
Total Foreign Arrivals
6 731 406
1.6%
Overseas Arrivals
HOTEL STATS
Current period
Average Room Occupancy (ARO)
Average Room Rate (ARR)
Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR)
All Hotels in SA
63.4%
R 1 199
R 761
All 5-star hotels in SA
63.9%
R 2 208
R 1 410
All 4-star hotels in SA
64.4%
R 1 109
R 715
All 3-star hotels in SA
63.6%
R 929
R 591
Change over same period last year All Hotels in SA
-0.6%
4.2%
3.6%
All 5-star hotels in SA
-1.1%
4.8%
3.7%
All 4-star hotels in SA
1.6%
4.2%
5.9%
All 3-star hotels in SA
-0.3%
1.9%
1.6%
ACSA DATA
The latest available data from ACSA is for January to September 2017: Change over same period last year
Passengers arriving on International Flights
Passengers arriving on Regional Flights
Passengers arriving on Domestic Flights
OR Tambo International
3.0%
-3.7%
1.8%
Cape Town International
24.3%
3.0%
2.9%
King Shaka International
5.6%
N/A
7.1%
CAR RENTAL DATA The latest available data from SAVRALA is for January to December 2016: Current period Industry Rental Days Industry Utilisation Industry Revenue
Change over same period last year
16 936 276
7%
71.6%
1.5%
5 294 680 207
12%
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR MY BUSINESS Overseas tourism to South Africa continues to grow strongly at 9% for the period January to August 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. Domestic tourism remains subdued as indicated in the number of passengers arriving on domestic flights. Hotel occupancies have stabilised around 64%, while hotels rates have increased at below inflation rates. *Note that African Arrivals plus Overseas Arrivals do not add to Total Foreign Arrivals due to the exclusion of unspecified arrivals, which could not be allocated to either African or Overseas. 20 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal NOVEMBER 2017
For more information contact Martin at Grant Thornton on +27 (0)21 417 8838 or visit: http://www.gt.co.za
The latest available data from STR Global is for January to September 2017:
BUSINESS & FINANCE
The
REVENUE Journey Part 3
Fundamentals:
Starting with the Foundations – People The first and most critical part of any Revenue Journey is to make sure you have a good organizational foundation with the right team members. The members of the team will have to put revenue management in place and execute all the different components during the journey, whether it be reviewing and aligning processes, engaging consultants or evaluating software options. They will be formalizing the revenue management culture for the company. For all revenue journeys, in hotels, car parks, attraction parks, movie theatres and other industries this step has to be taken. Without the right team in place, the journey could easily get off track. By Derek Martin. Identifying Decision Makers and Influencers Firstly I need to discuss the difference between the revenue decision maker and the revenue influencer. Both these groups of people need to be involved in the journey, but in different ways. The revenue decision makers are those people that set the price, decide on inventory allocations and can accept or deny a piece of business. They create the strategy for the company how to drive their revenues. These are typically the Director or Revenue, Director of Sales and the General Manager. The revenue influencers can be split into two groups, the direct influencers and the indirect influencers. The direct influencers are those that create demand, like sales managers, or the people that sell over the phone like reservations teams or people that manage the electronic distribution channels. The indirect influencers are the operations team members. They are responsible for providing the customer with a good experience, which will result in good online reviews. Driving great online reviews is a key component of every successful revenue strategy. Whether a revenue decision maker or an influencer, all have a task in the Revenue Journey. Team Roles The leader in a Revenue Journey is the Director of Revenue or the Revenue Manager. They keep the team together, drive the agenda forward and make sure that progress continues to be made. The navigators during the journey are team members like the e-commerce manager, the marketing manager, the sales manager and the business analyst. They are experts in their areas and have their ears to the ground. They will help validate trends that are showing in analytical reviews and can help the leader to determine whether to make a left or right turn. The executive sponsor of the journey is the person who sets the direction for the trip and supports the team along the way. They help remove obstacles and roadblocks and serve as the arbiter in case of differences of
opinion on how to move forward. This is typically the General Manager at a property or the CEO/Chairman at corporate level. Size of the Team I often get the question when you need a Director of Revenue. As a guideline a business that makes US$ 5M or more in revenue should have a Revenue Manager. If the business makes more than US$ 15M in revenue you should have a Director of Revenue and a Revenue Analyst. If the business makes US$ 25M you add an additional member to the team. With size and complexity the team may require further strengthening. Also companies with multiple business units in a similar location, like a city, should appoint a Cluster Director of Revenue. The cluster person would be responsible to maximize cluster opportunities rather than optimize individual properties. Experience of the Team Another regular question that I get is what kind of experience the revenue person should have. The main responsibilities of a Director of Revenue include: analytically understanding of the business and being able to formulate and communicate the revenue strategy for the business. This means that a master degree is required, preferably in Business or Statistics. The Director of Revenue should be able to communicate effectively with all stakeholders including senior management of a company, board of directors and owners. The difference between getting an average revenue person and a great revenue person, who can drive revenue culture and optimize revenues effectively, can easily make a 5%-15% difference in your revenues both positively and negatively. So getting the right person is critical! In the Revenue Journey Part 4, I will talk about creating the distribution infrastructure. About the Author: Derek Martin is the founder and CEO of TrevPAR World – a hospitality data analytics company that specialises in revenue management. For more information visit www.trevparworld.com NOVEMBER 2017 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal 21
DESTINATIONS
Trail Running in
MAURITIUS
By Debbie Hathway . Thousands of local and foreign trailers joined in the 10th annual Ferney Trail Run to raise funds for the physically handicapped and nature conservation in Mauritius. Everybody wants to go to Mauritius, at least once, but my love for this island and its people have opened the door to many opportunities. I visit often ‘to work’ (a writer’s brain is always looking for the next story angle), I drive myself around, I have a Mauritian mobile phone number. Oh, and a tattoo of a dodo on my right shoulder – and I was one of those who swore she’d never have one. There’s something in the air, literally, that rejuvenates body and soul from the minute my feet hit the tarmac at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (research by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2015 rates the island’s air quality one of the best in the world). Having previously hiked up Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the shelter it provided runaway slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries, in the southwest, I jumped at the chance to cover a trail run in the protected La Vallée de Ferney (Ferney Valley) in the southeast.
22 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal NOVEMBER 2017
Ferney Trail Run The Valley is about an hour’s drive from Long Beach Golf and Spa Resort on the Mauritian east coast, my hotel for this trip. I was part of a select group of media invited to run, walk and hike through intersecting routes of the annual Ciel Ferney Trail in September 2017, easily the single largest sporting event on the island by number of participants, playing host to 3 200 trailers. This included about 30 handicapped people who completed the course under the supervision of Inclusion Mauritius group NGO volunteers and Ciel staff. Among them was the physically handicapped 12-year-old Ethan, who was carried by a team of volunteer trailers along the Nando’s 10km track in a special chair usually used for the Rod Trail on nearby Rodrigues Island. The Ferney Valley is a 200ha sanctuary for rare or endangered indigenous species such as the Mauritian falcon known as the kestrel. A publicprivate partnership between the Government of Mauritius and Ciel Group ensures the restoration and protection of this part of the island’s rapidly diminishing heritage – less than two percent of the indigenous ecosystems on Mauritius are still intact.
DESTINATIONS
Our itinerary included a pre-race recce so that we could experience the views, as the routes climbed higher into the forests, and some of the tracks – ranging from dry open dirt road to narrow shady routes muddied by recent rain that took us through the forest canopy and past waterfalls. A pair of kestrel circled above us as we reached a lookout point at the top of a steep hill. On race day, we made the pre-sunrise start of the technically challenging Mauritius Union 50km race that would give the competitors the opportunity to reach Lion Mountain by dawn. This is a race for tough trailers, encompassing a 2 500m vertical drop and very difficult passages through the mountains. After watching staggered starts for the 20km, 10km and Sun Resorts 4km category for younger trailers, we went out on the course again, splitting up to pursue different angles for photographs and drone footage. The resident buck hid high up in the trees, and we caught sight of them when they darted across open spaces, one at a time. This edition was themed ‘Bouze Moris’ (Move Mauritius). Mathieu Razé, Head of Communications for Ciel Group, says “It is important for us that every citizen becomes aware of their capacity to build the Mauritius of the future, with respect for each other and the environment.” It certainly did that, attracting positive feedback from participants and spectators, many of whom said they would return for next year’s edition. The event raised Rs 400 000 (R160 000), which will be shared between Inclusion Mauritius and the Vallée de Ferney Conservation Trust.
Resort breakaway Unwittingly, I had notched up 32 000 steps over the two days, according to my mobile phone, and my body craved a massage. Back at Long Beach, I was lucky to get a booking at the Cinq Mondes Spa tucked away in a haven of greenery away from the bustle of the hotel. I opted for the ‘deep-relaxing Balinese massage’, keen to experience the ancestral rituals of gentle Thai stretching and traditional smoothing movements. The combination of the tranquil environment, practised hands and fragrant Tropical Nuts Melting Body Balm soon had the desired effect.
Suffice to say I called for buggy transport back to my room – the sprawling resort is so-named for good reason and the buggy drivers provided sterling service anytime of the day or night. The hotel was full and it was reassuring to see the strong support by the guests for the evening entertainment programme. The outdoor stage is well positioned so that the sound doesn’t disturb guests who want to retire early. I’ve made a mental note to never forget to pack mosquito repellent. I’m not a fan of air-con so I prefer to sleep with windows and doors open, especially in a sea-facing suite. That weekend, however, it was windy and therefore noisy. Opening the door eliminated the wind’s piercing whistle, but ushered in hungry insects that found exactly what they were looking for…
Getting There Effective March 2018, Air Mauritius will be upgrading their Cape Town flight schedule and aircraft. Flight times on their Airbus A340300 aircraft with 264 seats in economy class and 32 lie-flat business class seats have been adjusted to an overnight operation from Cape Town International Airport and a late afternoon departure from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Mauritius. Air Mauritius and SAA fly to Mauritius from OR Tambo in Johannesburg.
Where to Stay World Leisure Holidays are the exclusive distributors of accommodation for Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort and Spa in Trou D’eau Douce, as well as Long Beach Golf and Spa Resort in Belle Mare, both on the east coast. For more information visit: ferneytrail.com / airmauritius.com / wlh.co.za
About the author: Debbie Hathway is a Cape Town-based journalist specialising in luxury lifestyle and travel, health and wellbeing, business and the arts. www.debbiehathway.co.za • debbie@debbiehathway.co.za Instagram: hathway.debbie • Twitter: @debbiehath NOVEMBER 2017 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal 23
HOSPITATLITY
South African RESTAURANTS Weather the Storm The restaurant industry in South Africa faces many challenges, but there is some cause for optimism in 2017. By Karl Westvig. In 2016, travel and tourism contributed R402 billion or 9.3% of South Africa’s GDP to the country. This is anticipated to grow to R412.2 billion (9.4%) of GDP in 2017. Restaurants play a significant role in how tourists experience this country, but hospitality is faced with challenges that make operating in a tightmargin industry particularly difficult. Among these challenges are the rising costs of doing business, with food inflation chief among these. In 2016, food inflation peaked at 11.7%, but even now that it has dropped to below 6%, the effects of last year’s spikes are still being felt. Even more worrying is that the contributing drought hasn’t even taken full effect yet in key agricultural regions in the Eastern and Western Cape. The drought has a more direct impact in terms of water consumption as well. Water usage is restricted, and usage penalties have been implemented in some areas. This means that restaurants, which use water to maintain standards of hygiene and to cook the food that they prepare, aren’t operating within the usual structures of ‘business as usual’ while trying to make their contribution to the economy of South Africa.
“Winning the award was a huge morale boost for my team who had worked so hard in getting the restaurant up and running,” says Glen. “It served as a validation of our hard work up until that point, and let us know that we were on the right path. It also made a noticeable change to our reservations, increasing our waiting lists by at least 50%. We are very thankful to Eat Out and Retail Capital for this recognition.” A large number of Retail Capital’s clients are in the restaurant business, and from the vantage point of supporting them through their financial challenges, there are key areas that those in the hospitality industry need to focus on to ensure their businesses weather the storm. These include keeping up with innovation in the industry such as the role of technology. From a day-to-day perspective, making themselves aware of hidden costs is critical but so too is the staff complement. Training staff well and consistently over time, incentivising their staff, and providing excellent levels of service and convenience and that little something extra for their customers – these all need to be taken into account.
In addition, there are the typical concerns that face the industry including high staff turnover and skills shortages, bad debts and cash-flow constraints, and the need to constantly adapt to consumer needs and expectations.
South Africa’s weaker rand keeps the country’s tourism experience affordable, therefore we’re anticipating an increase in international tourists visiting SA during the festive season.
These challenges are particularly hard felt by new restaurant owners, who are attempting to make a name for themselves in a competitive industry.
This also leads to less South Africans being able to afford overseas holidays, with the result that South Africans will spend more locally, which suggests a positive outlook for the hospitality industry over the coming festive season.
According to Glen Foxcroft-Williams, chef proprietor of Foxcroft Restaurant, the challenges in opening a restaurant cover a broad spectrum, from establishing brand identity, finding your market and forging an ethos for your team. The Constantia based restaurant won the Eat Out Retail Capital New Restaurant of the Year Award last year. As Foxcroft was Glens’ first foray into running a kitchen – never mind a restaurant as a whole – the learning curve has been steep. 24 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal NOVEMBER 2017
There is some good news ahead, as summer is the busy season, and in 2017, there is cause for optimism across the whole industry.
The Eat Out Retail Capital New Restaurant of the Year Award winners will be announced at the annual Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards on Sunday 19 November 2017.
Glen Foxcroft-Williams, chef proprietor of Foxcroft Restaurant.
About the author: Karl Westvig is the CEO of Retail Capital, providers of flexible and convenient business finance. www.retailcapital.co.za
LEGAL
SOCIAL MEDIA & DEFAMATION Part 3 POPI REGULATIONS – ALARM BELLS OR XMAS BELLS?
We’ve all heard the saying: ‘The future is bright or it is just the lights of an oncoming train?’ Likewise, with all the alarmist comments about POPI (The Protection of Personal Information Act, Act 4 of 2013) being bandied about of late, I ask myself: are they alarms bells or has Xmas come early? Let’s be honest, POPI has effectively been around for 8 years (The Bill was issued in 2009) so why these sudden noises of Armageddon? What makes it even more perplexing is that not much has changed in terms of content over this period during which a myriad of articles have been written and workshops conducted. So let’s get to the point: the regulations were issued for comment recently and based on the content, I believe it is cause for celebration rather than alarm – in fact in terms of POPI Xmas has come early! The reason for this observation is that the regulations spell out the duties of the Information Officer (‘IO’ - Referred to in the ‘early days’ as the Information Protection Officer) to be appointed by each entity that is subject to POPI. The bottom line is that the appointee must ensure compliance with POPI by the entity. Clearly, that is easier said than done: as the saying goes ‘Doing the right things is easy – the challenge is to know what the right thing is!’ Likewise appointing an IO is easy but the question is: who is the right person? More about that at the end of this article and first I will look at the duties ascribed to the IO (The numbers in brackets are the sections in POPI). ‘Compliance framework’ – this would be the broad canvass incorporating how the entity will meet the 8 conditions prescribed by POPI namely accountability (1): one of which is the appointment of the IO; process limitation (2&4); purpose specification (3); information quality (5); openness (6); security safeguards (7) and data subject (i.e. the person to whom the personal information [‘PI’] pertains) and in addition the issues of direct marketing and Spam (69 – 71). ‘Adequate measures’ – this would entail a business plan addressing the compliance strategy (‘lawful processing’) as well as the brand issue i.e. how to deal with any transgressions given the serious nature of, especially security breaches – ‘Global hospitality firm Hilton has been ordered to pay a $700,000 penalty for failing to disclose two separate payment card data breaches promptly enough.’ (TravelMole Saturday ,October 04 2017). ‘A recent study by Wolfpack Information Risk found South Africa’s annual loss resulting from cybercrime in three sectors to be R2.65 billion.’ (Polity September 16, 2014) . • More than 3.6 billion data records have been exposed since 2013. • 2015: 58% is ‘malicious outsiders’ & of this 53% is identity theft. (Business Traveler April 2016) ‘Preliminary Assessment’ – once appointed, the IO will have to carry out a detailed assessment addressing inter alia what is the nature and frequency of PI handled by the entity; employees and third parties involved; how long is such information traditionally stored and shared with third parties; current levels of IT (Information Technology) security
and whether direct marketing is done and how; cross border business; statutes pertaining to the entity that prescribes terms for information retention (and therefore exceptions) – essentially what will have to be carried out is some form of ‘GAP Analysis’ ‘PAIA (Promotion of Access to Information Act, Act 2 of 2002’) manual’ – as we are/should all be aware this is a pervasive requirement (applicable to all entities) but the good news is that in preparing this document, many of the POPI requirements are met simultaneously – over and above the PAIA requirements, the manual must now address the following POPI aspects: purpose of processing; categories of data subjects, information and recipients thereof; transborder flow of PI and information security. ‘Transborder information flow’ (20 & 21) – if PI is exchanged or shared across international borders POPI contains very specific compliance parameters and one of the duties of the IO will be to earmark and ring-fence these and in the process to review all agreements with such transborder third parties as well as the privacy legislation applicable in the country where the third party is located. ‘Security measures’ – these pertain mainly, but not only, to IT (See ‘Adequate Measures’ above). Very apparently mundane issues such as employment contracts, cell phones on the premises, personal laptops and social media (and the terms and conditions applicable to these) will all need to be addressed and one would imagine this will require an indepth review of related policies or lack thereof in each entity. ‘Internal measures’ – this has been addressed to a large extent above (See ‘Compliance framework’) but here it addresses the access to or request for PI. ‘Awareness sessions’ – similar to the duties of the CPA (‘Act 68 of 2008’) Consumer, Goods & Services Ombudsman (‘CGSO’) i.e. ‘Ensure that the relevant staff and agents in their business have adequate knowledge of the CPA and the Regulations issued thereunder, including the Code and their own internal complaints-handling procedure.’ The appointment and qualifications of the IO – as mentioned above the challenge is to find and appoint the right person! POPI defines the IO (in the case of a private as opposed to a public body) as ‘the head of the private body as contemplated in section 1 of PAIA’ i.e. • a natural person: that person or any person duly authorised by that natural person; • a partnership: any partner or duly authorised person; and • a juristic person: the chief executive officer, equivalent, acting officer or duly authorised officer. POPI makes provision for the appointment of deputies (‘… a number … as is necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities..’) of the IO. There are no terms of reference as such but clearly, the following would be advisable if not prerequisites: • An in-depth knowledge of POPI, PAIA and the CPA; • Familiarity with corporate governance, the various reports of the King Commission and international trends; • Training as a lawyer or accountant. Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide a brief overview of legal matters pertaining to the tourism industry and is not intended as legal advice. © Adv Louis Nel, 'Louis The Lawyer', November 2017.
NOVEMBER 2017 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal 25
VEHICLE REVIEW
TRANSPORT
Isuzu KB Double Cab Compared to my old 2007 KB 250, Isuzu has come a long way with their 2017 double cab range. But then, this review is about Isuzu’s top of the range KB 300 D-TEQ LX 4x4 Auto, which is hardly comparable. By Des Langkilde. Besides the exterior remodelling and new, aerodynamically crafted front-end design, probably the biggest feature that I found some getting used to in the new KB double cab is the key-less entry and the engine Stop/Start button ignition. To experience its 4x4 prowess, I took a drive through Kagga Kamma Private Nature Reserve in Port Elizabeth. Descending into the ‘Joubert’s Werf’ section of the 4x4 trail, Isuzu’s ‘Hill Descent Control‘ feature applies brakes to each wheel automatically while ‘Hill Start Assist’ prevents the vehicle from rolling when trying to pull away on an up or down gradient by holding the brakes for 2 seconds or until propulsion is detected. Then there’s the driving comfort with the rocky terrain being absorbed by heavy duty twin-tube gas pressurised shock absorbers and a combination of coil-over shock (front) and leaf spring over-slung (back) wheel suspension. Isuzu has certainly loaded the KB with tons of modern technology, like touch-screen Satellite Navigation as standard, Reverse Camera, Smart Phone Features, Bluetooth audio streaming and Wi-Fi connectivity. The leather steering wheel also has multi-function controls with Cruise Control and luxurious seats, trimmed in genuine leather with the driver’s seat being six-way electronically adjustable. For more information visit www.isuzu.co.za
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FAST FACTS:
Isuzu KB 300 D-TEQ LX 4x4 Auto
Price: Engine: Compression ratio: Maximum power: Maximum torque: Fuel consumption: CO2 emmisions:
R572 000 (Incl VAT) 3 litre, four cylinder, turbodiesel 17.3:1 130kw @ 3 600r/Min 380nm @ 1 800-2 800 r/Min 7.9 l/100km (claimed) 208 g/km
TRANSPORT
VEHICLE REVIEW
Travelogue
Exploring the Free State in the New
Ford Kuga text by
Des Langkilde images by
A ‘travelogue’ is not usually associated with a vehicle review, so when Ford South Africa invited TourismTattler to join a group of journalists, bloggers and photographers on a 3-day journey driving the new Kuga from the Eastern Cape, through the Free State and ending in Gauteng, I was certainly intrigued.
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Rob Till
NOVEMBER 2017 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal 27
TRANSPORT
True
to form, attention to detail – a hallmark that has become synonymous with the Ford Motor Company over its 114-year history, making it the world’s fifth largest automaker based on worldwide vehicle sales – was applied to this journeys itinerary, ably coordinated by Gideo Basson of red-moon events on the logistics side. These attributes became starkly evident as participants in this ‘roadathon’ journey arrived at East London airport in the early hours of 21 September, signed obligatory indemnity forms, downed coffee, devoured breakfasts, absorbed a quick briefing, grabbed a co-driver buddy, and finally slipped behind the wheel of the new Kuga SUV and headed off for Hogsback. The most difficult part of the aforementioned proceedings was deciding which model to drive first – the 2.0 TDCi Titanium Powershift 6AT AWD or the 1.5 EcoBoost Trend 6MT FWD. Procrastination was quickly set aside, however, when informed that we’d have an opportunity to drive both during the ensuing days, which meant that indecision was replaced by the need to make comparison – not an easy task when faced with an array of standard features that belie the retail price difference between the two models – but more about that later. Having selected the two-litre TDCi Kuga for the first day of our road trip, my co-driver Seth Cairns (from The Travel Manual) started reading through the supplied folder featuring the itinerary with step-by-step journey directions, which turned out to be unnecessary once we’d figured out the Ford SYNC console display. In SYNC3 Navigation mode, the onboard GPS tracked our progress at every turn. What I found to be particularly useful, was being able to see a birds-eye-view of the lie of the road ahead before reaching tight bends.
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At this point, I have to digress from the journey travelogue and describe some of the features of Ford’s SYNC technology – it’s bloody marvellous! There are actually 3 optional versions: SYNC1 lets you use your voice to make calls, listen to music, and select apps with Ford AppLink; SYNC2 adds enhanced capabilities, like an intelligently organised screen featuring four quadrants to help keep you connected on-the-go; SYNC3 lets you enjoy all of the aforementioned features, plus Ford’s next generation of voice-activated technology using Siri and your iPhone (or Android) to make or receive a call, reserve a table at a restaurant, audibly send a “see you there” text message and more. On the technology side, the new Kuga has, even more, features, like a wide-angle rear-view camera that automatically activates when the reverse gear is selected to provide a clear view of what’s behind you and take the guesswork out of reversing; a ‘Lane-Keeping Aid’ feature that warns if you begin to drift across into the oncoming lane by applying torque to move back towards the lane you were in; an electronic handbrake that lets you park securely with the touch of a button using Park Assist to steer you in; a Blind Spot Information System to alert you when changing lanes with a discreet warning light built into the driver and passenger doors’ side mirrors; auto-Stop/Start ignition; smart keyless entry with push-start button; rear parking sensors; hands-free ‘open sesame’ tailgate; paddle shift levers mounted on the steering wheel to allow for faster up and downshifts while driving in manual SelectShift mode; and a whole lot more. It’s a bit like driving a supercomputer on wheels – it even has built-in WiFi, which confused the heck out of me until I was told that this feature enables mobile app updates and Ford can also upload software updates to the car while parked in the owners’ garage. All you need is a Wi-Fi connection.
TRANSPORT
Getting back to the journey, I found the ‘Adaptive Cruise Control’ a nifty feature to keep within speed limits, specifically as the deceptively quite 2.0l turbodiesel engine delivers its 132kW of power without you even noticing the corresponding speed. On the open road, Ford’s ‘Collision Warning’ feature also helps maintain your choice speed at preset gaps from the vehicle in front of you. It can also alert you to a potential collision if one is detected. Hogsback - Eastern Cape After a 2.5 hour drive, we arrived at Hogsback – a small town in the Amathole Mountains – and gathered at Hogsback Inn for lunch and a brief business presentation. Kicking off the presentation, Ford’s director: Marketing, Sales and Service - Southern & Sub-Saharan Africa, Neale Hill expounded on the new Kuga’s recent accolades, like the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine having won the International Engine of the Year award for the 6th consecutive year, and that the EcoSport tops the compact SUV segment (with the Mustang leading the sports car category, and the Ranger ending first half year sales results as South Africa’s best-selling vehicle). Taking over the presentation from Neale, Ford’s Brand Manager, Kuda Takura went through more slides, the most interesting of which bragged about standard features across the range, which include: 7 airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake assist and brake-force distribution; stability programme with Traction Control; trailer stability function; Hill Launch Assist; belt minder with safari chime; and ISOFIX child-seat anchors.
Reinforced with information overload and reinvigorated with full bellies, our media convoy departed Hogback heading for Molteno via a dirt road route that only the local knowledge of our logistics guru, Gideo Basson could have discerned and confused the hell out of Siri, which insisted that we should follow the GPS via national roads. Molteno - Eastern Cape Molteno lies high in the Stormberg Mountains of the Karoo system and is South Africa’s second coldest town with its close proximity to the country’s only ski resort, Tiffindell. The town’s major claim to fame is that it is the original home to Ouma Rusks – a local delicacy made from buttermilk. The story goes that when Elizabeth Ann Greyvenstyn was offered a half-crown (roughly worth £30 or R560 in 2017) from the town’s pastor in 1939 in an effort to reduce the negative impact of the Great Depression, she started baking rusks under the brand name ‘Outspan’, which soon changed to ‘Ouma’ (Afrikaans for grandmother). In 1941 the IDC (Industrial Development Corporation) gave its first startup loan to Ouma Rusks for £1,500 and Elizabeth’s grandson, Leon Greyvensteyn (who went on to found the Simba Chip company in 1956) sold the brand to Fedfood in the 1970s, and since 1992 has been owned by Foodcorp who still maintain an Ouma Rusks factory in the town employing 250 people. After a brief Ouma rusk respite and piss-stop, our convoy of Kuga’s with Seth my co-driver having taken his turn at the wheel of the 2.0 TDCi, headed off for Gariep, still sticking mostly to dirt roads through the Eastern Cape and into the Free State, and our ultimate over-night accommodation at De Stijl Gariep Hotel (see page 16 for more about De Stijl Hotel).
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The hands-free music system is pretty cool too. It can search, select, play specific titles via USB or MP3 player or stream via Bluetooth® Audio. There’s also a bunch of USB ports to keep your phone charged.
NOVEMBER2017 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal 29
TRANSPORT
The Ford Kuga travelogue media and support team posing with Gariep Dam staff. Gariep Dam - Free State Following a delectable dinner, much wine and banter with colleagues, a restful sleep, and an expansive buffet breakfast the following morning, we set off for Gariep Dam for a unique experience, this time driving the 1.5l EcoBoost Trend Auto. Now, this is where Ford’s travelogue planning took an interesting turn, for it became apparent that this journey had a theme – namely water, which was rather appropriate given the shortage of same over most of South Africa at the time. Originally named the Hendrik Verwoerd Dam it was officially changed to Gariep Dam in 1996. Gariep is a Khoekhoe (Khoikhoi) word for ‘river’, the original name of the Orange River. The Gariep Dam is the largest water storage reservoir in South Africa with a capacity of approximately 5,34 million megalitres (5,340 hm3) and a surface area of more than 370 square kilometres when full, although with the current drought conditions the dam was down to about 62% of its capacity. We were met for a group briefing at the Gariep Dam wall by Gert, after which we proceeded to walk through parts of the 13.2km of tunnels and more than a thousand steps that lead into the foundation of the Orange River. We were told that the water thrust is so tremendous against the convex side of the wall that faces upstream that the wall actually gives or bends under it. The tour concluded with an interesting slide show in its well equipped audiovisual room after which one of the sluice gates were opened to demonstrate the force of water that can be expelled to alleviate pressure against the wall. At Oviston, on the south bank of the reservoir, is the inlet of the
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Orange-Fish River Tunnel, allowing water to be diverted to the Great Fish River and most of the Eastern Cape’s western parts. With minds overflowing on aqua trivia we convened for a brief photo shoot along the dam wall before setting off for Clarens, a distance of 421km from Gariep Dam via the R701 and the R26, which skirts the North Western boundary of Lesotho. Smithfield - Free State A brief pit-stop for bladder relief and refreshments in Smithfield –the third oldest town in the Free State (after Philippolis and Winburg) – our convoy of Kuga’s continued the scenic drive through undulating grasslands, sheep and cattle farms. Clocolan - Free State Arriving in Clocolan, know in Basotho as ‘Hlohlolwane’ (meaning ‘get up and fight’ after an incident in which the bumping over of a basket filled with wheat led to a fight), but the colonialists mispronounced the name and called it Clocolan. According to the running commentary from our everknowledgeable guide Gideo, who was in constant contact with the convoy via two-way radios – interspersed with hilarious karaoke with a twist from Meruschka (@MzansiGirl) – the fertile southern part of the territory we had just driven through is known as ’no-mans-land’ (aka Lower Caledon Valley) by virtue of territorial boundary disputes between the British, Boers and Basotho (it’s an interesting story - read more about this on the Smithfield link above).
TRANSPORT
Clarens - Free State Arriving in Clarens (nicknamed the ‘Jewel of the Eastern Free State’), we checked-in at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Clarens – a surprisingly stylish four-star retreat nestled in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains and in close proximity to the Golden Gate National Park and the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. After a sumptuous meal at the hotels’ Adamo Restaurant it was time for “penalties” – presided over by Neale, whose concoction for the down-down left me feeling glad that I’d not been singled out for having done anything like a few of my colleagues ‘misdemeanours’ which included a punctured tyre (after having been told to be wary of a rough terrain patch on the dirt road section of the journey), and a Go-Pro camera mounted on the Kuga rooftop which became airborne as the driver sped past us all to capture a convoy video clip. After breakfast on the third and final day of our travelogue journey, our media retinue switched cars again and set off for Johannesburg. Despite our collective hangovers, we still managed a brief stop-over at the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority’s Ash River Outfall site, which forms part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. This is Africa’s largest water transfer scheme, which is gravity fed through massive tunnels from several large dams in Lesotho to deliver water to the Vaal River System in South Africa. The final leg of the journey via the R712 through Bethlehem, the R26 through Reitz, the R34 through Frankfort, and finally onto the N1 highway bound for OR Tambo International
Airport (a total distance of 310km from Clarence), provided an opportunity to test the Kuga’s EcoMode driver information system. This smart software monitors your driving style and displays its impact on the car’s fuel economy. Floor the throttle and you get a low score; drive efficiently and you get a high score, and reduced running costs. I also found Ford’s Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning system to be pretty useful in Joburg’s traffic congestion, as it provides a visual and audible alert when your speed breaches the safety gap from the vehicle in front of you to avoid a potential collision. I was rather sad to leave the Kuga behind on arrival at the airport. Still more sad at the thought of leaving all that water in the Free State as I head for the drought-stricken city of Port Elizabeth, and thence, to the even more, drought-stricken city of Cape Town. While waiting for my domestic flight departure, I downloaded Ford’s New Kuga brochure and thought that their twist of the acronym ‘SUV’ (sport utility vehicle or suburban utility vehicle) to “Smart Utility Vehicle” is rather clever, and certainly appropriate as I discovered during this travelogue journey. For more information visit www.ford.co.za PS. I mentioned at the start of this travelogue that I’d tell you more about the retail price difference between the range of new Kuga models. Ford has a nifty ‘build-and-price’ feature on their website – check it out via the link above, and while you’re there, book a Test Drive.
NOVEMBER 2017 Tourism Tattler Trade Journal 31
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