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!