New Tourism Grading System for SA announced

With more and more international shows and artists heading to SA, it is clear that the 2010 World Cup has definitely had a marked influence on tourism in South Africa and the world's view of the country. Recent statistics have shown that tourist arrivals increased by a staggering 15% over the last 12 months - that translates to more than a reality of over 8 million foreign visitors visiting our shores (compared to 7 million in 2009).

It is therefore no small surprise that the Department of Tourism and major players in the tourism industry are now pulling out all the stops to maintain this level of growth and development and the economic benefits it brings for the country. 

To this end, Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, has unveiled a new tourism grading system for accommodation and other establishments in South Africa. The Department of Tourism has been working on revising SA's grading system since 2009 and the result is said to be a grading system we can be truly proud of. The revision process was not just a review of the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa's (TGCSA) grading criteria and minimum requirements, but also an examination of their entire operating systems to ensure effective official quality assurance for accommodation establishments in South Africa.

"The aim was to not only ensure that South Africa can maintain its international competitiveness as a tourist destination, but indeed to show that we can be world leaders in terms of quality assurance," Minister van Schalkwyk said.

For more information on the new grading criteria visit the TGCSA website or click here.

Cirque du Soleil in SA for the first time

The world-famous and critically acclaimed touring show of the Cirque du Soleil will be performing in South Africa for the first time ever this year! Renowned for its ability to awe, inspire and entertain, the Saltimbanco show will be in Johannesburg this weekend and then move on to Cape Town where they will be performing from the 23rd of March until the 3rd of April.

In the grand traditions of circus entertainment and breathtaking acrobatics, Cirque du Soleil has earned its reputation for excellence over the past 25 years. With 22 shows running in different locations across the globe, the touring shows are always fresh and exciting. More than 11 million fans across the world have had the opportunity to see the Saltimbanco show since it began touring in 1992 and now at last it is our turn!

Acts include the Chinese Poles (pictured here), the Russian Swing and gravity-defying Bungees and Trapeze. Juggling, Acrobatic Bicycles and Clowns are sure to entertain spectators of all ages. The talented cast of 50 artists hail from 20 different countries and provide an entertainment experience we hope will not prove to be a once-in-a-lifetime event! 

For more information visit www.cirquedusoleil.com. 

Bookings for the Cape Town and Johannesburg shows can be made at www.computicket.com.

The world's most beautiful race - The Cape Argus

On the second Sunday of March every year, cyclists and spectators from all over South Africa and the world converge on Cape Town for the annual Cape Argus Cycle Tour. Now in its 34th year and taking place on Sunday the 13th of March 2011, the mild weather we have been having in Cape Town this week, promises to deliver a spectacular race again this year.

The 110km race starts and finishes in central Cape Town, with a route that takes you all over the Southern Peninsula - including Chapman's Peak and Suikerbossie, renowned for presenting a challenge to even the fittest cyclists. The beautiful Cape scenery makes for one of this race to be certainly the most beautiful race in the world. 

One of the three largest sporting events in the world, with over 31 000 cyclists taking part, it is the world's largest individually timed cycle race. In 2007 and 2008 it won "Event of the Year" and it is also the first event outside Europe to be included in the International Cycling Union's Golden Bike Series.

Whether you race as a serious competitor, just for fun, or for charity, the elation of completing such a challenging event is priceless. You may also come across some famous cyclists, such as Miguel Indurain, Jan Ulrich and Lance Armstrong, who makes time for this event as often as his schedule allows! 

If you are heading to Cape Town this weekend for the Argus and you're still looking for a place to stay, why not head on over to our website - www.bookaccommodationonline.com? We offer direct online booking services for numerous guesthouses, bed-and-breakfasts and other properties in Cape Town, right at your fingertips!

World Design Capital 2014

We have started rolling out our business travel database registrations in Cape Town and so we thought we'd focus on this fairest city in South Africa for the next few weeks. Currently in the media there's a big fuss about the Chelsea Flower Show and the accolades received by Cape Town's Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for their exhibitions there, however, when we look at the city as a whole, there is much more to celebrate than just the cultivated landscape!

Every second year the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design awards the “World Design Capital” title to a city that has effectively used design to revive the city and improve its quality of life. The initiative aims to promote strengthening and empowering cities and their residents through the use of good design to the ends of social, cultural and economic improvement.

Seoul in South Korea held the title this year and Helsinki, Finland, has already been identified as the World Design Capital for 2012, however, the City of Cape Town and Cape Town Partnership is fervently putting together its bid to secure this accolade for 2014.

The theme of Cape Town’s bid is “Live Design. Transform Life,” and centres on the many initiatives and recent changes which have been made not only for the 2010 FIFA World Cup but to combat social divisions in the landscape and functioning of the city that still remained from the Apartheid era. Projects such as the Rapid Transport (IRT) systems, the public spaces programme and promotion of design and research at educational institutions will form a large part of the bid. Public architecture and memorials will also be taken into consideration.

Contributions from the public sector and Cape Town’s citizens are welcomed as the city’s bid is compiled for submission at the end of March 2011. Innovative ideas and projects that use design to solve urban challenges and transform our city economically, socially and culturally can be submitted for consideration as part of the bid submission.

What will it mean for us? After the successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 2010 becoming a World Design Capital will give Cape Town an ongoing opportunity for exposure as a centre for creativity and innovation and nurture pride in our city’s accomplishment. It will also help to strengthen economic development by attracting investment and further encourage the city’s global image as a premier travel destination. Most importantly – every initiative and project will improve quality of life for residents and visitors! Now isn't that worthy of support?

For more info – visit www.worlddesigncapital.com and support or contribute Cape Town’s bid at www.capetown2014.co.za.

Interesting Facts on Blaauwberg Accommodation

While busy on our latest project to link vacant accommodation direct to consultants and secretaries controlling the bulk of business accommodation bookings, we came across some interesting facts when  updating our database.

We were surprised with the number of rooms on offer in this area - EXCLUDING holiday and self-catering rentals. Here are the stats:

Guest houses + Bed & Breakfasts

Milnerton = 39

Bloubergstrand + Table View = 59

Melkbosstrand = 12

These 110 establishments offer about 700 room nights - reaching 55% average occupancy on an annual basis (total not verified yet). This means that there are at least 300 EMPTY ROOMS every day (excluding peak times) totalling a massive 110 000 room nights per year.

Accommodation Africa attended the E-Tourism Summit in October last year. Bookings.com currently the largest e-travel agent in the world, pointed out that 80% of the content and rates of guest houses and bed & breakfasts are out-dated or incorrect!!

Another alarming fact is that 50% of the establishments we called either did not answer the call or the person who answered could not assist us at all.

There are easy solutions to these and other challenges to improve service levels that will help to grow our market share.

Hotels in the Area

The following hotels operate in this area:

• Protea Hotel Island Club - 23 rooms
• Hotel Formula 1
• Lagoon Beach Hotel - 200 en-suite suites
• Protea Colosseum Century City - 68 luxury suites
• Stay Easy Century City (Southern Sun) - 205 rooms and free parking
• Crystal Towers Century City - 180 rooms
• Protea Dolphin Beach
• The Lodge Atlantic Beach - 20 rooms

These hotels contribute more than 1000 room nights to the area, while the new Radisson Hotel is being built on Blouberg beach front, adding even more rooms.
Although the building project has been temporarily put on hold, it should still be completed in this year.

With this huge over-supply of rooms and in difficult economic times it is important to re-visit marketing strategies and make sure to spend money and time wisely.

Be sure not to miss out on the opportunity offered by Accommodation Africa Online to tap into and share in a more stable corporate market.

Get the edge over your competitors and attend one of our presentations next week

- at 10:30 between Tuesday and Thursday (22-24 February)

Safari in Cape Town? Yes you can!

Cape Town has so much to offer that often we think that we don't think of it as a place to expect amazing game drives and wildlife experiences, however, there are some amazing safari experiences right on the Mother City's doorstep! You don’t have to take a plane to a forsaken corner of the country to see the Big 5 in their natural habitat – within 2 hours driving distance from Cape Town you can visit the Inverdoorn Game Reserve or Aquila Private Game Reserve, and see Africa’s wildlife in all its natural splendour!

Inverdoorn Game Reserve is a 10 000 hectare park situated in the Ceres region, approximately 2 hours’ drive from Cape Town through scenic mountains and breathtaking scenery. Here you can truly relax – the reserve’s facilities offer numerous activities but by far the most amazing experience is a game drive. See thousands of large and small game in their natural surroundings and enjoy the sunset from a look-out point while sipping a sundowner. Accommodation and fine French and Southern African cuisine are also available or you can simply visit for the day.

A mere 90 minutes out of Cape Town on the N1 highway, will bring you to the Aquila Private Game Reserve near Touwsriver. This prestigious 4-star reserve, situated on 4 500 hectares, is home to a tremendous variety of wildlife, including lions, buffalo and crocodiles, rhino and giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and a variety of species of buck, ostriches, Mountain Leopard and the endangered Black Eagle. Safaris through the spectacular landscape can be undertaken in open 4×4 vehicles, on quad bikes or on horseback, and numerous other activities, such as rock art tours, archery and abseiling are available to pass the blissful hours in this unique setting. Luxury accommodation, the Boma Restaurant and Cigar Bar and conference facilities are available to make your stay at Aquila complete.

Business destination takes on tourism in a big way!

Whenever we think of Johannesburg, we think of a bustling business hub, the economic heartbeat of South Africa, not a holiday destination of choice except perhaps if you have family there.

Nevertheless, Johannesburg does have a great deal of interesting cultural, historical and sportinh attractions and a wealth of accommodation options (whether you long to wake up in the "veld" with natural wildlife sounds or in the lap of luxury in a 5-star hotel!), and the city is inviting you to explore its tourism potential. 

Part of the mydestinationinfo.com network, http://johannesburg.mydestinationinfo.com is a great resource for information on things to do in and around Johannesburg, tours of major attractions such as Soweto, museums and heritage sites, the Magaliesberg and the Cradle of Humankind. It also includes comprehensive maps, suggestions and highlights in every conceivable category of activity (from eco-walks to a night at the theatre). The site is currently being expanded to include particular destination routes - trips to entrall and delight whether you are staying for a day, a weekend or a week. It also covers a wealth of lesser known destinations in Johannesburg and surrounds.

With the upcoming long-weekends, perhaps it is time you do something unexpected and take the family to discover a new side of Johannesburg.

Get the edge over your competitors

There was a time when everyone thought that to start a guesthouse or lodge is an excellent property investment and an easy way to make money and live a care-free life working for yourself. This was true especially in the run-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, when it seemed the accommodation industry would not be able to cope with the influx of visitors. Once the high season is over though, our accommodation industry is one where there is an over-supply of properties, many of which have extremely low occupancy over the winter months or if they are located further afield of major business centres. 

In this industry (as in any other), you need a competitive edge to make your business work and prevent yourself from being left out in the cold, and we have developed a solution to ensure higher occupancy rates with little or no effort on your part - and more importantly, it won't cost you an arm and a leg either!

Read more here

Up close and personal with the Minister of Tourism

Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk oriented 30 tourism and hospitality students from Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges in Cape Town today.

The students and the minister went on a walkabout through the prestigious One&Only Hotel in Cape Town to be shown the various practical aspects of tourism and hospitality management.

Through this initiative, van Schalkwyk hoped to inspire those working in the tourism and hospitality industry to continue expanding their skills base, as well as emphasise the key role of both industry and training providers to equip the tourism workforce with relevant skills to give South African tourism the edge over its competitors.

Tourism is a people-centred service industry, where staff form an integral part of the consumer experience. Tourism must look to the people working in the industry to serve as a principal source of competitive advantage, the minister said.

"In short, the skills, know-how and conduct of those working in the industry must have the so-called 'x factor' - something unique that will set the South African tourism product apart from the offering of competitor countries," said departmental spokesperson Natasha Rockman.

"To develop the required skills among its workforce, tourism relies heavily on providers of further and higher education. However, the education sector itself could be a somewhat congested space, with quite a number of overlapping courses and service providers," she said.

In 2007, a significant number of students received tourism-related education awards. Some of these awards were made to those students following courses through FET colleges, while others went to graduates from universities and technikons.

Co-operation is improving between the tourism industry and higher education institutions to ensure that tourism training is addressed and receives the relevant attention so that it lives up to its potential.

Tourism workers are encouraged to get further education and training. A 2006 skills audit report showed that the essential expertise required to ensure the competitiveness of the sector include culinary, language and managerial skills, and a good measure of passion and enthusiasm. - BuaNews

Madame Zingara's in 2011

Perhaps you've heard of that famous chocolate-chili steak? Or the spectacular dinner and circus show combination that people can't stop talking about? Madame Zingara's is a unique creature on the South African entertainment calendar and was recently awarded Best Service, Service Excellence and Restaurant of the Year for 2010 by the Restaurant Association of South Africa.

Madame Zingara's Theatre of Dreams tour dates for 2011 have been announced and given the popularity of this particular dining and entertainment experience, tickets should be booked we advise you book your tickets well in advance and make sure you clear your schedule... 

Housed in one of the world's last remaining Mirror Tents, Madame Zingara's Theatre of Dreams will be transporting South African audiences to a by-gone era of magic and magnificent artistry accompanied by a delectable menu, as follows:

Johannesburg: January - April (note that seats are only available for March/April)
Durban: June - August
Cape Town: September - December

Visit www.madamezingara.com for more information and details on how to book.