South Africa Open for Business!
By Lisa Loverro
It was a packed auditorium at the official opening of INDABA 2010 at the International Convention Center in Durban. The President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, took to the stage and after formalities, it was down to business. “Investment leaves us poised to grow as a nation and destination into the future,” said Zuma, referring to the billions of dollars spent on developing the country’s infrastructure, which underwent a major overhaul for the World Cup 2010. He continued that after the World Cup, South Africa would have more skilled people working in tourism and a better tourism infrastructure in place to help grow the economy. The World Cup alone is currently delivering about 350,000 more foreign visitors this year that would, in the medium to long-term, result in greater repeat visits and word of mouth recommendations for the destination. Upon his closing remarks, the applause was deafening and the crowd energized as the beat of drums gave way to traditional African dance and a performance by one of South Africa’s top the music groups, TKZEE. From the energy fueled by this opening ceremony, to the almost 13,000 people in attendance, one of the largest travel shows in the world got underway with a theme carried throughout the next few days…South Africa is ready!
Poised for Growth
The new King Shaka International Airport in Durban, open for less than a week when I arrived in early May, is the result of a $1 billion investment, with a present capacity of receiving four million passengers per year. At a media face off held during INDABA at the new Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, Mohla Hlahla, CEO of the Airports Company of South Africa stated “South Africa needs these airports and temples of football.” She continues, “They will be put to work to service the demands of tourism and other industries to grow the economy. A nation’s transport infrastructure is the place where tourists and national economy meet for growth.”
The airport in Durban is just part of the complete infrastructure remodeling in South Africa. Over $9.6 billion has been spent on changing the roadways; another $1 billion allocated toward the replacement of old taxis with new vehicles; and with all this comes additional jobs. It’s estimated that over 3.6 million additional job opportunities have been created during the World Cup. At a SAA hosted breakfast at INDABA, the newly appointed CEO for South African Airways, Siza Mzimela, stated the airline has geared up their operation in anticipation of not only the current World Cup but also for the future of SAA. “We’ve improved our aircraft availability and made sure we have better aircrafts,” stated Mzimela. For future growth, she announced 20 new A320 aircrafts have been approved for transaction and will be added to the fleet.
The Beauty of the Western Cape
With millions of visitors flocking here each year, to a province of South Africa that is seemingly smaller compared to the others, two oceans border The Western Cape, the Indian Ocean to the south and the Atlantic to the west. The town of Nysna, located here is accessible via a flight from Cape Town or Johannesburg into George. There are a multitude of high end properties; one being Pezula (www.pezularesorthotel.com), situated on the Indian Ocean. The estate resort houses 78 luxury suites, a championship golf course, luxury Spa and gourmet restaurant. Nysna is a charming town with shopping, waterfront restaurants and small cafes.
Cape Town, one of the most picturesque cities on the planet has almost transformed itself since I last visited in 2009. The Green Point football stadium and new roadways leading into and around this stadium have been completed and the vibe of the city was energized with the scent of Football frenzy in the air. For accommodations, it’s all about location, location, location! The Table Bay Hotel (www.tablebay.co.za) ideally situated on the V&A Waterfront (also connected directly to the waterfront’s sprawling mall) remains a favorite in Cape Town for visitors. A newcomer as of February 2010, 15 on Orange Hotel (www.15onorange.com), is the perfect boutique hotel for clients preferring a smaller option and sits on the foot of Table Mountain.
For some culinary can’t-miss options, The Grand Restaurant, in the swanky Camps Bay neighborhood, exudes a vintage French flair in design and is positioned perfectly on the main strip for optimal views of the setting sun over the Atlantic. Manos is a neighborhood-style restaurant in the Green Point area of Cape Town serving delicious international cuisine. For an authentic local treat, send your clients to the Old Biscuit Mill on Saturday mornings. From 9am-2pm, Saturdays only, the open-air market is filled with organic food stands as far as the eye can see. It’s a bustling vibe with eating, drinking and shopping on everyone’s mind.
City Slicker
Johannesburg is the cosmopolitan hub for all that is hot and happening in South Africa. Of the numerous hotels from which to choose, the high-end Westcliff (www.westcliff.co.za) is always a home run for clients seeking luxury away from the main downtown area. While there, they will enjoy high tea poolside overlooking the nearby Zoo, have the option of a stay in a lavish suite with a private pool and be nearby to a lesser-known, but very important museum, The Origins Museum. The museum takes its visitors on a journey through the origins of humankind and a must visit if your clients cannot make the trip to the actual Cradle of Humankind. In the city itself, the new Soccer City stadium housing 100,000 is the jewel of the 5 stadiums constructed for the 2010 Cup and tours are easily arranged through any concierge. For a relaxed, sophisticated dinner, Pigalle’s in the vibrant new Melrose Arch shopping center is perfect for fresh fish, pasta and a variety of South African wines.
Once upon a time in Africa
Lions roaring, birds chirping, hippos snorting and baboons scampering…its all part of the everyday scene in the African bush. Here’s a quick roundup of some of the options available.
For a spa retreat in the bush, book your clients into the Summerfield Rose Retreat (www.summerfields.co.za). Lying just 6 miles outside of Kruger National Park and set on a rose farm, this luxury spa retreat boasts decadent treatments and even offers its guests a “Bath menu” to be drawn by their butler. The resort can also arrange for game drives in Kruger.
The well-known Singita Lodge (www.singita.com) offers three camps; Ebony, and Boulders, and their intimate hideaway, Castelton that accommodates just twelve guests.
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve (www.sabisabi.com) offers four uniquely individual lodges deep in the African veld. The Sabi Sands reserve in which it lies is home to the big five for some of the best viewing game in the area.
South African Airways and JetBlue
South African Airways has launched a new interline agreement with JetBlue providing new and convenient connection options for both SAA and JetBlue customers wishing to travel between the U.S. and Southern Africa. Customers will be able to check their bags to their final destination and receive boarding cards for both carriers’ flights upon check-in with either JetBlue in the U.S. or SAA in Southern Africa. For this and more information on this exciting agreement visit www.jetblue.com or www.flysaa.com.
For more information on South Africa, visit www.southafrica.net