May 2008 Feature

South Africa Re-Invents Itself, Again

South African Tourism has been sending several messages to American travelers lately zooming in on the country’s affordability and the pulse-generating experiences one can have in this nation just by driving on a paved road inside a grand park.
Paris? Too expensive. London? Also too expensive. Montreal? Hard to believe but Canada is also too expensive. It seems like U.S. travelers, crushed by the tumbling dollar, have nowhere to turn to get a bang for their buck these days. Nowhere, that is, except South Africa, one of the few international destinations offering Americans a very favorable exchange rate – approximately 8.17 Rand per U.S. dollar at presstime. That’s up from about 7.1 Rand per U.S. dollar just six months ago, and compared with the slide against myriad other currencies, quite a bargain, indeed.
Just do the math: a four-star hotel room in Paris could run between $750-800 per night for a standard room. Current rates at The Westcliff, a world-renowned four-star hotel in Johannesburg, start at $459 at the current exchange rate. The Victoria & Alfred Hotel in Cape Town, a luxury boutique hotel, has current starting rates of $509 per night for a standard room. Meanwhile an entrée on the dinner menu at a trendy London restaurant might cost an average of $50. A dinner for two at La Madeleine in Johannesburg, a long-time resident on many local critics’ “top 10” lists, starts at just $9.50. And with the favorable exchange, luxury shopping is going to cost a whole lot less in the land of the Rand than anyplace the EURO calls home.

Affordable Luxury
In keeping with the theme of saving American travelers money on their South African vacation, many tour operators are offering affordable, air-inclusive packages. One such example is from South African Airways Vacations, the official vacations package division of South African Airways in North America, which is offering their “South Africa In Style” package priced at $1,999.
This package includes roundtrip economy airfare from New York or Washington; four nights’ accommodations at five-star The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, The Table Bay Hotel or the Commodore Hotel in Cape Town; and two nights at Jackalberry Lodge, a luxury game lodge in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve. This package includes six breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners, game drives at Jackalberry Lodge, ground transfers, and domestic flights within South Africa.
“Our message to American travelers is that South Africa is an affordable luxury destination,”said Sthu Zungu, U.S. President for South African Tourism. “We want to showcase South Africa’s inspiring story – through legends and icons such as Nelson Mandela, Shaka Zulu, Paul Kruger and others.” The web-based campaign invites agents and their clients to create their own South African stories and itineraries. With its abundant wildlife, rich history, critically acclaimed wines, spectacular scenery and more than 1,500 miles of beaches, the campaign asks visitors, “Which South Africa would you like to explore”? My South Africa utilizes iconic South African personalities to highlight the country’s cultural diversity and affordable luxury vacation options.
Visit www.southafrica.net/usdeals
Browsers are encouraged to find a travel package to suit their needs. From a seven-day “Taste of South Africa” package from $1,999 to 12 days in “The Heart of South Africa” for $4,999 with airfare from several getaways.

Adventurous Souls
Anyone can visit South Africa, but it takes the heart of an adventurer to truly experience it. That’s the message behind South African Tourism’s new “Adventurers Wanted,” a web-based marketing campaign. Aimed at U.S. travelers seeking pulse-pounding proximity to the greatest outdoor experience on the African Continent, the Adventurers Wanted website, “Living it Up in South Africa”, highlights amazing experiences available throughout the country with a selection of nine affordable adventure vacation options.
Visit www.southafrica.net/liveitup
“Our message to American travelers is that all varieties of adventure are theirs for the taking in South Africa, so come and get it,” said Zungu. “We want to showcase South Africa’s remarkable people, wildlife, culture and adventure offerings, as well as the many ways to experience them.”
The Living it Up website unfolds with a description of South Africa’s most enticing adventures, highlighted by the come-hither declaration that travelers can “Live it up in South Africa with packages starting at only $1,999.”
A constant scroll of eye-catching images reveals a variety of travel packages such as a seven-day Safari Getaway from $1,999; and the 12-day Highlights of South Africa + Victoria Falls tour from $4,990, all inclusive of international airfare on South Africa Airways, which is also selling flights trumpeted at $1,296.
Clients who visit the site are encouraged to refer friends, with the chance to win a gift basket of South African goodies. Agents are invited to create their own itineraries, with options such as “Chill Out,” “Hear the Roar of the Wild” and “The Adrenaline Rush of Adventure” linked to details on just how to plan such memorable vacations. Plus there is an easy link to a YouTube video full of appealing images of sites in South Africa.
Call South African Tourism at 800-593-1318; E-mail info.us@southafrica.net; www.southafrica.net/liveitup or www.southafrica.net/usdeals

February 2008 Feature

South Africa Shares Wealth with Agents

Reporting 13.9% tourism growth that has seen 8.4 million foreign travelers in 2006, South Africa’s star continues to ascend as it moves toward 2009, the year it hosts ASTA’s International Destination Expo (IDE), March 8-12, 2009. The main sponsors for the event are South African Tourism, South African Airways and Dragonfly, which will cooperate to provide a four-day workshop at Sun City a Sun International Property to hopefully more than 1,000 agents; South African Airways will offer special industry fares for IDE participants.
“We are honored that ASTA has chosen to recognize South Africa by allowing us to host the 2009 International Destination Expo,” said Sthu Zungu, U.S. President of South African Tourism. “Hosting the nation’s most powerful travel organization means that the upper echelon of American travel professionals will be exposed to both South Africa and our national carrier, South African Airways. We are confident they will see first-hand all that South Africa has to offer as a travel experience unlike any other.”
“South African Airways has always understood the importance of travel agents and believes that there is no more important travel industry group than ASTA,” said Marc Cavaliere, Executive Vice President of South African Airways in North America. “We know that agents traveling to IDE will be impressed with both the country and the level of service they will be afforded flying SAA. Furthermore, we sincerely hope to continue our good relationship with all of the travel agents that are members of ASTA and work with them to help bring more visitors to South Africa every year.”
“Every year we choose a new and notable destination to host IDE,” said Cheryl Hudak, CTC, ASTA President & CEO. “It was only fitting that we choose to highlight a country as experiential and dynamic as South Africa in 2009, just one year away from the FIFA World Cup in 2010. All eyes are on South Africa now, and we think our members will be excited to learn more about selling this exciting destination.”
South African Airways features the only nonstop service from the U.S. to South Africa with daily departures from Washington, D.C., and daily direct service from New York that offer travel convenience and award-winning service. Customers in premium class enjoy 180° flat-bed seats with individual entertainment systems, and customers in economy class enjoy the most legroom versus competitors and individual on-demand entertainment systems. SAA’s unrivaled network, featuring connections to more than 20 destinations within South Africa, and more than 20 cities across the rest of the continent, make the airline the savvy traveler’s “gateway to Africa.” As a member of Star Alliance, South African Airways has access to 855 destinations in 155 countries and more than 16,000 flights daily, including convenient connections from more than 25 cities in the U.S. through code share service with partner United Airlines. Members of United’s Mileage Plus, US Airways’ Dividend Miles and Air Canada’s Aeroplan programs are able to earn and redeem miles on all SAA flights.
Call 800-722-9675 or visit www.flysaa.com; for ASTA, visit www.astanet.org
Accommodating the Environment
Besides the explosion in growth of accommodations, air service and tourism amenities, tourism developers are increasingly cognizant of protecting the environment and working alongside local communities to encourage sustainable tourism.
Sun International Hotels & Resorts is Africa’s largest tourism and leisure group. The company operates resorts and luxury hotels in South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and Swaziland. The group’s distinctive properties include the award-winning Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town; The Royal Livingstone on the precipice of Victoria Falls; Zimbali Lodge; and The Palace of the Lost City at Sun City, among others.
Sun City draws thousands of visitors each year to its four hotels and recreational facilities including two world-class golf courses, the magical Lost City water-park, and The Valley of Waves. Only a two-hour drive from Johannesburg, the resort, situated in the bushveld of South Africa's North West Province, is surrounded by the imposing mountains. The adjacent malaria-free Pilanesberg National Game Park is home to South Africa’s Big 5 – Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Leopard and Buffalo.
The Resort has been awarded a Gold classification from the Heritage Programme for its commitment to the principles of sustainable and responsible environmental practice. Sun City Resort was also awarded the 2007 Overall Imvelo Responsible Tourism Award in South Africa. Imvelo, meaning Nguni “nature,” forms part of an ongoing hospitality industry campaign to encourage industry members to accept guidelines by promoting responsible tourism.
Visit www.suninternational.com
And, on the Eastern Cape Province, the Shamwari Game Reserve was named the World’s Leading Safari and Game Reserve and the World’s Leading Conservation Company at the recent World Travel Awards for the 10th consecutive year, Shamwari was founded by Adrian Gardiner, who believed that peace and understanding between man and animals and the land could be achieved in the Eastern Cape, a land that had been devastated after it was once one of the richest wildlife zones in Africa. With the creation of Shamwari, the first major reserve in the area, he developed new jobs, rejuvenated the region, and helped increase the flow of foreign currency through tourism.
Gardiner established a Conservation Department, which includes a veterinary surgeon, an ecologist, an environment manager, and 38 in staff. A highly trained anti-poaching unit, including an airplane and pilot, provides security for all the fauna and flora at the Reserve and a recycling system is in place for waste disposal as well as a water-recycling program. A Breeding Centre, with a Wildlife Manager, on 2,500 hectares enables certain species to breed in the absence of predators. Also, at Shamwari, the Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue and Education Center has a special area to provide long term humane care for rescued African Cats who cannot be returned to the wild.
Once Shamwari was established, Adrian established the Mantis Collection, which recently signed an agreement between the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and Shamwari to support one another on conservation projects. E-mail reservations@mantiscollection.com; or visit www.mantiscollection.com
Last year, CC Africa and community leaders from the Makhasa and Mnqobokazi clans signed an agreement that would restore ownership of the land to the local communities.
CC Africa's CEO, Steve Fitzgerald, decided that although it was imperative for CC Africa to own the business to ensure ongoing profitable ecotourism at Phinda, it was not necessarily crucial to own the land. CC Africa received $37 million in compensation for 28,417 acres of Phinda. A 72-year-lease was agreed to in which CC Africa will lease the land back from the communities. CC Africa retains full ownership of the business and all the animals on the land. As part of the settlement, CC Africa will pay both communities an upfront amount of $1.24 million in order to facilitate future joint ventures with CC Africa.
Visit www.ccafrica

For more information, contact South African Tourism 800-593-1318; fax: 212-764-1980; E-mail info.us@southafrica.net; www.southafrica.net

July 2007 Feature

Harvesting South African Wines

The prison release of Nelson Mandela and the democratic South African elections of 1994 unburdened not only an entire socio-economic society and culture but it also lifted restrictions on the South African wine industry that has since blossomed. During apartheid, South Africa struggled to export a million cases of its wines each year. Once the post ’94 floodgates opened, more than 10 million cases were exported annually. Right now, there seems to be a wine glut on the world market, while South Africans relish the affordability of their own products.
Today, South Africa’s winelands have been transformed into overland adventures that can keep clients seriously occupied for a week or more. The grape still tops the bill, but the support cast includes live entertainment, excellent food, conservation projects, handicrafts and five-star hospitality.
Near Stellenbosch in the Elgin Valley lies Thandi, which produced the first Fairtrade-certified wine in the world. Thandi is the result of a relationship between the nearby Paul Cluver Estate, the South African Government, the local community and private enterprise. Its wines score highly each year at international wine competitions.
A 20-minute drive from Cape Town, the Steenberg Hotel & Winery is ideally located for daytrips to the beaches of False Bay and Atlantic Coast, Cape Peninsula National Park, and Chapman’s Peak with scenic panoramic views, as well as wine country.
By November, the hotel will debut three extraordinary suites to celebrate its National Monument status. Gaby Gramm, general manager of the Steenberg, said, “Discerning travelers are asking more often for facilities that are a ‘homes away from home.’ So rather than expanding the number of suites, we felt having fewer suites that are more spacious, and private would better serve our market.”
The nightly rates for two persons are $1,780 for the Cape Colonial Suite; $1,500 for the Khoi Khoi Suite; and $1,070 for the Dutch East India Suite.
Steenberg Hotel & Winery also sells a “Two of a Kind” package with a choice of therapeutic therapies for two, two nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, plus a special gift—starting from $645 per night for two, available through Sept. 30, 2007. Call 011-27-21-713-2251; E-mail info@steenberghotel.com; www.steenberghotel.com

Wine Safaris
Tintswalo Safari Lodge in the Manyeleti Reserve is offering an adventure with Learning Safaris called a South African Wine Safari valid through Sept. 30, 2007. The three-night package includes accommodations, gourmet meals, game drives, trips and presentations and insurance for medical emergencies.
The South African Wine Safari starts with a three-night stay at Tintswalo Safari Lodge, a meeting with the De Toren winemaker kicks off a tour de force that combines five-course meals with hand-picked wine pairings and a look into the South African wine industry. A flight to Cape Town and a two-night stay in a five-star guest house in the heart of the winelands is also at hand. At the De Toren Estate, guests are taken on a helicopter to the Waterfront for lunch. Prices start at $6,800 per person double. Call 011-27-11-464-1070; reservations@tintswalo.com; www.tintswalo.com
For those clients who would rather skip the sniffing and tasting but only delight in the final product, choosing, and paying for the perfect wine to accommpany a meal can be daunting. So Cape Grace Hotel’s Wine Sommelier, Chris Weston has introduced A Taste Some of the Best, a new program available at onewaterfront (Cape Grace's award-winning restaurant) so visitors can sample three of the country's finest vintage wines before deciding on which to order. Cape Grace’s Taste Some of the Best can be savored for $40 per person to taste 1.5 ounces of each premium wine. These are extremely hard-to-find vintages as they have all been maturing below deck in Cape Grace's temperature-controlled Vinothèque. Other wines range from a $160-bottle of Ernie Els 2003, to the Kanonkop CWG 1991, also a Stellenbosch wine that can be purchased for $175 per bottle. Other wine offerings at Cape Grace include A Taste of Bubbles, for a sip of some of South Africa’s best sparkling wines, and, A Taste of Pinotage. Call 011-27-21-410-7100; www.capegrace.com

For more information on South Africa, call the South African Tourist Board, 800-593-1318; or visit www.southafrica.net