SATIB congratulate our following clients, Tau Game Lodge, Lion Sands Private Game Reserve and Savanna Private Game Reserve, who have been chosen amongst 27 others as one of the 30 AA Gold Achievers for 2009.

The AA Travel Guides American Express Accommodation Awards are voted for by members of the travel trade as properties that offer facilities and service of an exceptional standard.

Convenor of the Gold Achievers Awards programme, Vanessa Sand, states that it is difficult to compare these establishments to most others as they have unique characteristics and in most cases cater for the international market.

The Green Leaf Environmental Standard is an International Standard that measures environmental issues. The aim of the standard is to reduce the effects of consumption on our environment and improve upon environmental management and awareness in an eco friendly manner.

The Green Leaf Environmental Standard was initiated by the Wilderness Foundation, piloted in Africa, and was launched at South Africa’s Tourism Indaba in May 2008. The Green Leaf Environmental Standard has assessed hotels, game lodges and country estates in the tourism sector, an industry sector that interfaces intrinsically with the environment.

Since Indaba 2008, international tourism property owners have embraced the Green Leaf Environmental Standard and are undergoing assessments in African countries including Namibia, Botswana, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. Tour operators have also endorsed the Green Leaf Environmental Standard in response to increasing global environmental pressures and traveler awareness

The Green Leaf, the iconic logo of the Wilderness Network symbolises the three relationships of human, environment and spirit.

The Wilderness foundation held an awards dinner during the 2009 Indaba, on the 10th May 2009. The winners were:

Accommodation Environmental Standard Winners

The wilderness foundation’s international green leaf environmental standard announces the winners of three gold environmental standard accommodation achievers:

Gold Standard

• Spier Hotel & Conferencing (Western Cape)
• Rippon’s Safari Lodge (Eastern Cape)
• Mashovela Lodge (Limpopo)

Gold achievers have met a 95% environmental compliance as set out in the wilderness foundation’s international green leaf environmental standard leaflet that measure the effects an accommodation property has on the environment.

Accommodation Green Environmental Standard Winners

• Hog Hollow Country Lodge (Western Cape)
• Redford House (Western Cape)
• Dwyka Tented Lodge (Western Cape) Dubai World Africa, Sanbona Game Reserve
• Gondwana Lodge (Western Cape) Dubai World Africa, Sanbona Game Reserve
• Sarili Lodge (Eastern Cape) Dubai World Africa, Shamwari Game Reserve
• Eagles Crag (Eastern Cape) Dubai World Africa, Shamwari Game Reserve
• Pumba Water Lodge (Eastern Cape) Pumba Game Reserve
• Msenge Bush Lodge (Eastern Cape) Pumba Game Reserve
• River Lodge (Eastern Cape) Kariega Game Reserve
• Three Tree Hill Lodge (Kwazulu-Natal)
• Umlani Bushcamp (Limpopo) Timbavati Game Reserve

Green achievers have met a 75% environmental compliance as set out in the wilderness foundation’s international green leaf environmental standard leaflet that measures the effects an accommodation property has on the environment.

The word “volunteer” is somewhat misleading.  Whilst they may be volunteering their services to do anything that is required, it’s still a tourism activity and from an insurance perspective these people must be regarded as inbound tourists and not as volunteers.  Often they do not pay a daily fee but do pay for the privilege of being a volunteer by virtue of receiving the value attributed to travel arrangements, accommodation and the like.

The venue or lodge operator who is running the volunteer programme, rewards the individual with clothing, meals and shelter but there is still an amount of money that is passing hands and volunteer tourism relates to fare paying guests, no matter how small amount of money is actually passing hands.

Incident Example
By way of example, a very nasty incident on a volunteer tourism type basis occurred a number of years ago when a young girl was sent to work at the front office desk and in the kitchens at a particular lodge.  She, in return for her services, was given free accommodation, board and lodging and uniforms and unfortunately she was severely attacked one night by a hippo on the way back to her chalet. It was found that the young girl in question, by virtue of her severe injuries, which nearly killed her, would never have children and was scarred for life. 

This case went back to the UK and it turned out to be a huge court case. Fortunately SATIB had advised the particular organization that was sending out these students/volunteers, that they had a legal obligation to ensure that their students were adequately insured with some form of travel insurance to cover all the costs that may be incurred whilst on an activity of this nature, but more importantly this particular organization would have to carry substantial public liability insurance as it is their legal obligation to ensure the safety of their clients (after all they are still clients of the organization). Needless to say this particular organization did not want to claim under their insurance and tried to throw the claim directly onto our clients liability policy.  The case was won in the end but it did pose the question “is there such a thing as a volunteer and who is responsible for what?”

On the basis of the above case, SATIB have specifically underwritten each volunteer tourism organization on the basis that a condition of such insurance, each individual participant will carry extensive travel insurance so that the repatriation and medical expenses following an incident are covered and don’t impact on our clients insurance. 

Travel insurance
Travel insurance is a normal requirement if anyone is traveling abroad, but because these youth are perceived as “volunteers” they often don’t and needless to say, as young people being seriously injured, potential loss of earnings, pain and suffering claims can be enormous, which makes insurance underwriters very concerned about the exposure. 

When one takes into consideration that the volunteer tourism concept is to get these people to do all kinds of jobs that they are not qualified to do and have absolutely no experience, providers could be faced with huge liability claims.

Travel insurance companies world-wide have become particularly conscious of high risk activities and risks like gap year students participating in activities that are perceived to be very high has resulted in a lot of travel coupons now specifically excluding any form of exposure which could result in a claim. 

It must be clearly understood that whilst travel insurance is a prerequisite, it must be travel insurance that does not specifically exclude or preclude any form of activity they might find themselves involved in. 

Disclaimers
A well worded disclaimer by the organization taking in students/volunteers, a general public liability insurance policy (considering that these are young people we recommend between R20m and R50m cover) and a condition that the organization/booking office making such arrangements with venues in South Africa ensure that the participants are covered by a travel coupon at all times are the best risk transfer mechanisms. 

There have been some horrific liability claims internationally and recently one in South America where five students were killed on a gap year/volunteer tourism type programme.  Booking offices that do these particular specialist market placements and the reciprocants here in Africa, need to work very closely together and SATIB are here to assist in this particular regard.

Source: © Brian Courtenay | SATIB Chairman | October 2008

As industries around the world struggle in the wake of the economic downturn, the hospitality industry in Southern Africa is facing the future in a buoyant mood.

“The recent Global Travel and Tourism Summit that took place in Brazil indicated that Africa along with other developing countries have front row seats in riding the global economic crisis by using the opportunity to develop their hospitality and travel sectors” said Mmatsatsi Marobe, CEO of Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and the conveners of the third Hospitality Investment Conference Africa (HICA) which takes place on November 4 – 6 in Sandton, Johannesburg.

She mentioned that HICA received massive interest at the WTTC Global Summit and from sponsors and delegates during Indaba travel show in Durban recently. “We are proud to have the partnership and support of the national Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) for HICA 2009.

We are pleased with the continued association with the Pam Golding Hospitality Group and the support and sponsorship of FNB, Rezidor Hotel Group and Group RCI.”

Deputy Director of Tourism Ms Sindiswa Nhlumayo, in the newly established Department of Tourism (the founding partner of HICA) says that they are excited to once again be part of making it possible for HICA 2009 to take place.

“It is an exciting time to be in the hospitality industry and we want HICA 2009 to show the way to both existing and new entrants to the travel and hospitality sector - for delegates to learn how best to take advantage of all the opportunities Africa and the future holds.”

“We have a major competitive advantage,” said Joop Demes, CEO of Pam Golding Hospitality, one of the sponsors of HICA. “Compared to the rest of the world, we are well positioned to trade ourselves through these challenging times. The research we did after HICA 2008 shows that 75% of the beds sold in the SA hotel industry are bought by South Africans. A further 16% are bought by people from other African nations.

So while we have seen a downturn of about 4% in figures released at the end of April, it is nothing like the 30 – 40% decline experienced in parts of Europe for example which rely so heavily on foreign tourism,” Demes continued.

It is the research such as this together with solid industry knowledge and the opportunity to network with major players in the industry that bring delegates back to HICA, the premier hospitality investment conference in Africa, year after year.

“The research we commission really sets us apart,” Marobe said. “The more than 500 delegates we expect to register for HICA 2009 will also be the first to hear the results of the study we have commissioned to Pam Golding Hospitality which will analyse investment opportunities in the South African Hotel Industry. They will be receiving the most up to date and relevant information about whether it pays to invest in the hotel Industry, in what category hotel and where in South Africa one should be investing.”

“It is the continued support of our partners and sponsors that enable us to stage HICA at very affordable delegate fees,” Marobe continued.

HICA is well known for looking at investment opportunities beyond South Africa's borders, and this year is no different.

“We are planning a number of interactive workshops that will focus on investment opportunities in three specific and carefully selected countries - Zimbabwe that offers unbelievable opportunities and Mozambique which is fast becoming a favourite Indian Ocean destination and Angola.” Marobe said.

The conference is a vital networking opportunity, but it is far more than a talk shop. At HICA, delegates share knowledge and experience from industry leaders which directly contributes to the organisers' aim of developing tourism in Africa using international best practice.

Pieter de Bruin, Head of Tourism at First National Bank, is excited by the opportunities HICA offers.  “We at FNB are proud to be associated with the only Hospitality Investment Conference in Africa that compares very favourably from a global point of view with major annual events in Berlin, Russia and Dubai.

"We are excited to partner HICA 2009 to build industry relationships and network with the most prominent players in the market. FNB believes this platform can assist business people in the industry to share ideas in true ‘How can we Help you’ style,” he said.

“We are really excited by the increase in foreign tourism we expect after 2010,” Demes said. “We have a unique opportunity to showcase South Africa to the word with the major sporting events we are hosting over the next 12 – 14 months. We know from experience that the average person who comes to South Africa is blown away by what we have to offer. Add to that the liquidity we have in terms of finance for potential investors, and it is no wonder that the industry leaders from all over the world are flocking to our shores”.

Source: Received via email from John Bailie | Pam Golding Hospitality | 21 May 2009

Durban’s Point is set to get a big boost with moves to develop a R500 million luxury hotel on the site of the old Alexandra Hotel and the landmark Smugglers` Inn Waterfront Bar.

The proposed development is being led by emerging black empowered leisure group Langa Sun Resort Hotels.

Mandla Nxumalo, the 31-yearold chief executive of the Langa Sun Resort Hotels group, is spearheading the project with others, including MP Linda Hlongwa, attorney President Ntshangase, Paton Taylor Architects and estate agents AIDA.

Nxumalo says that the 32-storey, 315-room hotel would become `an icon` for the Point and the city because it would be the tallest hotel development in Durban in decades.

“It is the biggest hotel development yet announced for the greater Durban Point regeneration precinct”, he said.

Importantly, the landmaik Smugglers` Inn, a listed building, will be incorporated as part of the development.

“We want to start construction in October and have it ready in 24 months, he said.  Eshowe-born Nxumalo is based in Mpumalanga and has five smaller African-themed hotel developments, under the EleZulu Resort Hotel name, around the country.  The new venture will see three hotels built in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. Durban-based hospitality group Three Cities has been identified at the preferred firm to manage these hotels, and the first is set to open in Durban”, said Nxumalo.

“We chose the Durban Point because this is the future tourist hub of the Durban city centre. It is an amazing development and we wanted to be part of it”.

Speaking at Sibaya, deputy mayor Logic Naidoo welcomed the proposed development, saying it was a huge vote of confidence in the Durban Point project.

Michael Lambert, the managing director of Three Cities, said that while Three Cities had been in discussions with Langa Sun three months ago about managing the hotel, no agreement had been signed.

“Nothing has been finalised from our side, and we stressed to them that we will consider managing the hotel only if it is up to our quality and design standards; if it is a four or five star hotel; and only if it is a financially feasible model”, said Lambert.

Nxumalo said he wanted a leading hospitality player to manage the hotel, which was why Three Cities had been approached.

In a related development, Billy Dixon of Property 031, which is handling the sale of the old Smugglers` Inn site, said that while a letter of intent had been signed for the Langa Sun developers to purchase the site, the transaction had yet to take place.

Source: www.durbanpoint.co.za/news-Details.asp?releaseID=157

South African tourism operators are seeing marketing gold in the 2010 World Cup, a chance to sell the country as a destination to foreign travellers long after the games are over.

"We have no doubt that stadiums and hotels will be full. There is a lot of interest in the World Cup. We are confident," said Didi Moyle, head of the South African Tourism Board.

She was speaking in Durban at a conference in May where hundreds of tourism operators gathered to pitch special World Cup packages that include housing, transport and of course, the matches.

But the real benefits of the World Cup - which will run from June 11 to July 11, 2010 - may only be felt later, after South Africa enjoys the international spotlight from the games.

"We don't really target football fans but everybody will speak about South Africa. It is important for the future," said Christopher Steenber of Just Done It Expeditions in Cape Town, which rents 4x4s stocked with camping gear.

Gateway Tours and Safaris, which saw 70 percent of its reservations cancelled for 2009, said the World Cup represented a marketing opportunity that could help the industry recover from a dismal year with bookings hit by the global economic crisis.

"I don't think so many people will come to South Africa for the World Cup. It is too expensive for the Europeans," said Johan Brits, the company's director. "But it is a good advertising for the country."

South Africa expects 450 000 foreign visitors to come for the World Cup.

That's far less than the 1.3 million foreigners who went to Germany for the previous tournament but tourism officials note that for most fans from Europe and the Americas, travelling to South Africa means an expensive long-haul flight.

The tourism board expects 10 million visitors during 2010 - about the same number as visited in 2008 and probably more than during in 2009.

The bounce in arrivals should help South African tourism grow by 5.5 percent in 2010, after sluggish growth of 1-3 percent in 2009, according to the board's data.

After criticism about a slow start to the country's marketing campaign, advertisements and promotions are now swinging into gear.

TV commercials are promoting the "diski," a dance inspired by the movements of football players, which tourism authorities hope will become a symbol of the games and a macarena-type global phenomenon.

The adverts are being broadcast locally and internationally with the aim of reaching more than 600 million viewers before the World Cup.

GRS Tours, which rents luxury cars in Cape Town, said they had already felt a positive response to World Cup excitement.

"We had good contacts with international representatives, especially with the French. We hope to go into their market," said Alister Oberem, head of the company.

"People speak about the crisis but we don't really feel it. The World Cup will bring us a lot of business."

Moyle said the Tourism Board hoped the advertising and the World Cup spotlight would convince fans who do come to stay longer and explore more of the country.

"When they come to South Africa we want that people realize that there are more things that they have not seen," Moyle said. "It could make them come back.

"So we will give information when people are there. We are a welcoming nation. We also want to show how welcoming people are. You can't imagine when you haven't seen it," she added.

Source: www.iol.co.za

About 15,000 additional visitors to national parks during the 2010 soccer World Cup should generate more than R50 million in revenue, said a top parks official.  "The exciting part with 2010 is that approximately 15,000 people will be introduced to the national parks," said South African National Parks tourism and marketing managing executive Glenn Phillips.

"If all goes according to plan, it means the value of inventory sold to Match (the services company selected by FIFA to provide ticketing, accommodation and event information technology during the world cup) per day is in the region of R1.4 million..." 

This over the event period would "amount to an impressive R52.5 million based on two people per unit inclusive of dinner, bed and breakfast and activity."

Phillips, speaking at the Tourism Indaba in Durban, said the estimates were based on the number of people Match would bring to the parks as World Cup visitors.

SANParks have allocated 30 percent of their accommodation to be contracted to Match.

The remaining 70 percent would be available for the general public to book directly.

Three Kruger National Park camps - Skukuza, Berg en Dal and Pretoriuskop - would be given over exclusively to Match.

Mobile tented units erected within these camps would provide an additional 420 beds during the cup.

After the cup, the tents would be moved to parks across the country which needed more accommodation during the peak season or during specific events like the Namaqua National Park's flower season.

Other parks contracted to Match which are near cup venues are the Addo Elephant National Park, Garden Route National Park and Golden Gate Highlands National Parks.

Source: www.sagoodnews.co.za