Tourism Tuesdays: The latest updates from SAT
A word from the editor
Welcome to the vibrant month of March! This March marks a significant moment for South African Tourism, with the recent announcement of the appointment of the organisation’s CEO as well as a new board. With their wealth of experience and dedication, they will undoubtedly steer the organisations toward new heights.
In this week’s Tourism Tuesdays, we shine a spotlight on highlights from the recently concluded Meetings Africa 2024, the strategic business events trade show hosted by South African Tourism in partnership with the Joburg Tourism Company and Gauteng Tourism Authority. Held on 27 and 28 February, preceded by the impactful Business Opportunity Networking Day on 26 February, the event served as a successful platform for engagement, collaboration, and the exchange of innovative ideas.
Following hot on the heels of Meetings Africa is the biggest global trade show, ITB taking place from today, 5 to 7 March in Berlin, Germany. South Africa will be fully represented by no less than 63 exhibitors and 14 SMMEs.
The South African Tourism Australia Hub team has just concluded a mega familiarisation trip which saw various partners from both South Africa, Australia and New Zealand collaborate in a bid to showcase the wide variety of South Africa’s tourism offerings.
As always, we wrap up with our curated selection of tourism products and experiences, crafted to inspire your next adventure and showcase the diverse offerings our beautiful country has to offer.
Here's to a March filled with exploration, growth, and unforgettable experiences!
Thank you for your continued support.
Tourism regards,
Tourism Tuesdays Team
Film, Music and Events Boost Tourism
The film and music industries continue to play an important role in promoting tourism across the African continent.
This is the point made by all three speakers at a Global Editorial briefing session held during Meetings Africa last week.
All three speakers, Azania Muendane of Locations Africa, Christian Gakwaya, CEO of Rwanda Events and Kabelo Moremi, Multichoice Commission Editor stressed that this could only be achieved by all parties being “intentional” about finding ways of filmmakers and other artists, the respective countries’ tourism authorities establishing treaties and agreements allowing for ease of collaborations.
According to Muendane, roughly 70 percent of the international film budget is spent on local goods and services, including location, transport, hotels, water, ablution facilities and even tea and coffee. She said this is part of improving local skills and ensuring that people going into another country recognised the presence of local skills.
“The film business encompasses all other business sectors. Even props – cameras, convention centres which are sometimes used as boardrooms and ports. So, it impacts the tourism sector in a big way, said Muendane, who added: “If truth be told, if there was no camera, would anyone really know what a lion looks like?”
Team South Africa Aims for Growth at ITB Berlin 2024
Today kicks off the first day of the Internationale Tourisms-Borse (ITB) where South African Tourism, together with the greater tourism sector, are participating. This global trade show will take place until the 7th of March 2024 under the theme “Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism. Together".
In line with the theme, South Africa is going to ITB Berlin in a united show of force and re-enforcement of the collaborative spirit that has seen the sector welcome 8.5 million international tourists between January and December 2023.
SA Tourism North America Honoured for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Marketing at HSMAI Awards
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) in the United States of America, recently honoured travel marketing excellence at their annual Adrian Awards Celebration in New York. The awards highlighted the most creative and successful campaigns from the past year that sparked a love for travel, ignited a desire for exploration, and celebrated the people behind the work.
South African Tourism’s North America hub tea was recognised with a BRONZE Award for Outstanding Public Relations & Communications Campaign in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Marketing.
Throughout the past year, the SA Tourism North America hub team has worked to deliver several high impact, non-traditional channel initiatives to connect with and support Black American travellers and LGBTQ+ travellers. These initiatives included a series of brand activations that showcased the destination's variety of tourism experiences and uniquely South African hospitality to further demonstrate that these travellers are welcomed and respected in the Rainbow Nation.
These efforts supported the region’s overall growth, where 2023 tourist arrivals from the USA to South Africa increased by 35% over 2022.
South African Tourism Launches the 'Mega Lekker Escape'
90 Australian and New Zealand travel agents, consumer and trade media, embarked on a series of nine simultaneous familiarisation trips (fam trips) across South Africa, each led by an ANZ Wholesaler, culminating in a two-day training event at the spectacular Sun City Resort for the South African Tourism’s inaugural Mega Lekker Escape – the name, borne from South African slang meaning very nice or enjoyable.
Each of the groups focused on a different region of South Africa to drive geographic spread, and included not only the main tourist attractions, but also the country’s hidden gems - the small, medium and micro business enterprises (SMMEs) and community and conservation experiences – such as turtle tracking at Thonga Beach Lodge or street art walking tours through Johannesburg - with the objective of uplifting communities and extending the opportunities of tourism.
The two-day training event, comprising 130 delegates with the addition of South African property operators, also included a trivia night, hosted by stand-up comedian Bongani Dube, and set in a Boma – a traditional African outdoor gathering place – which was lit up with lanterns and laughter.
Delegates also embarked on safari game drives in the Big 5 Pilanesberg Game Reserve, competed in an Amazing Race throughout Sun City, and enjoyed prizes of pampering spas in The Palace of the Lost City’s Royal Spa, while wholesalers and South African operators participated in one-to-one meetings with the objective of expanding wholesalers’ product offerings and enhancing operators’ market access.
TGCSA BENCHMARK PROPERTIES
These are properties that are recommended by the Committee (during pre-screening and viewing) as those that have exceptional product offerings (irrespective of the category and the star grading level).
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape Province
Website: https://2inn1.com/
2Inn1 Kensington is nestled between the majestic slopes of Table Mountain and Lion's Head, blending the charm of a beautifully remodelled Victorian house with a modern-designed bungalow amidst serene gardens. The pool area boasts sun-kissed terraces that offer breathtaking views.
Their accommodation options comprise six luxury rooms, three standard rooms, and one bungalow suite. The luxury rooms, situated in the main building, feature extra-length double beds or twin beds, alongside bedside tables, wardrobes, seating areas, and captivating wall artwork. Amenities include air conditioning, under-floor heating, satellite television, DVD player, mobile phone, CD player, iPod docking station, tea-and-coffee facilities, fridge, safe, hairdryer, and wireless LAN.
Complimentary bathrobes and slippers are also provided. The en-suite bathrooms feature separate flush toilets, twin washbasins with mirrors, and walk-in showers. Luxury rooms boast balconies with charming views of Oranjezicht. Standard rooms offer terraces, while the bungalow suite includes a lounge, kitchen, and second bedroom, making it an ideal choice for families or small groups of friends.
NEW PRODUCT
La Joya Conference Lodge & Wellness
Location: Broederstroom, North West Province
Website: https://la-joya.co.za/
Nestled in the quaint town of Broederstroom, at the base of the picturesque Magaliesberg Mountains, La Joya Conference Lodge and Wellness is a lavish retreat in the heart of the bushveld, just moments away from Hartbeespoort Dam. The serene ambience and awe-inspiring vistas provided by La Joya offer an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing guests to fully unwind and revitalize during their stay.
Conveniently located only 45 minutes from Johannesburg and Pretoria, La Joya offers easy access to a wide array of activities that Harties (as locals affectionately call it) has to offer. From exhilarating game drives at the Lion & Safari Park to playful encounters with monkeys at the Monkey Sanctuary, and from scenic hikes and mountain bike trails to breathtaking excursions up the mountain via the Aerial Cableway—La Joya serves as the perfect oasis for those seeking both tranquility and outdoor adventures.
EXPERIENCES OF THE WEEK
Villa Experience at Mint at The Blyde
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng Province
Website: https://www.minthotels.co.za/stay/mint-resorts-the-blyde
Mint Resorts, The Blyde is a water-lover's paradise situated within a one-of-a-kind lifestyle estate in The Blyde Willow Park Manor, Pretoria. The 5-Star haven, nestled within Mint Resorts, boasts 4 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, accommodating up to 8 guests.
MINT Resorts the Blyde offers an expansive villa with the following features:
- 4 king beds (1.81m-3m wide)
- Beach Resort View
- Private Swimming Pool
- Fully equipped kitchen with appliances
- Terrace with outdoor view
The hotel boasts a restaurant serving a diverse range of cuisines, including African, Brazilian, and Cambodian dishes, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request. For entertainment, guests can indulge in evening activities organized by the accommodation or explore recreational activities such as canoeing in and around Pretoria.
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng Province
Website: https://wolwespruit.co.za/
Experience Wolwespruit Park with their convenient Day Passes, available at The Bike Store or on weekend mornings at the park trailhead between PLTFRM and The Bike Store. PLTFRM offers a welcoming environment suitable for children and dogs, making it the perfect spot for your leisurely days off and festive evenings. Their open-plan restaurant showcases nature's abundance, bathed in sunlight, and complemented by an iconic outdoor area.
Step into Boma, inspired by the elemental power of fire—a symbol of South Africa's dynamic and vibrant nature. Here, you can indulge in diverse flavours and embrace the extraordinary spirit of our proud nation.
For a truly unique experience, visit Create Wolwespruit, where creativity and recreation intersect. Choose from a wide selection of unfired bisque and vibrant paints to craft personalized and utterly unique crockery. Spend a leisurely day painting in their beautiful location, with their friendly staff on hand to assist you with any painting techniques you desire.
