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.

Party to the Power of 5!

New Year's eve is the biggest night for celebrations around the world and while many are content to just be at home with loved ones or have more subtle ways to celebrate, BIG parties are hosted in every major city (and sometimes even insignificant towns) around our beautiful country.

If you have not yet found a place to party or are still deciding where to kick your shoes off on New Year's eve, you may want to consider the joining 5FM at their 5 New Year's Eve parties happening in Durban, Ballito, Cape Town, Plettenberg Bay and Johannesburg, featuring top local DJs and much more to ensure that you see in the new year in unforgettable style.

At the Wavehouse in Durban you will find the "Black Tie and Barefoot" beach party, while Ballito hosts 5FM's DJ Fresh, Euphonic, Erica Elle and Jack Parow at the biggest street party (attracting over 10 000 people annually).

At the Cape Town Waterfront you will find Just Jinjer, Zebra & Giraffe, aKing and others to entertain and delight you as you party the night away. The Vegas Superclub in Plettenberg Bay features 5FM's Gareth Cliff, KD and Nicole da Silva in its luxurious surrounds with 4 dance floors in South Africa's (in)famous party town.

Finally, in Johannesburg, at the Wild Waters Complex, 25 DJs, 5 dance floors, and top music will keep you on your feet until the early morning hours.

Don't let these unforgettable opportunities to see the sun rise on 2011 pass you by. Remember though to always be safe and alert and know your own limitations as you start the year off with a bang! 

For more information visit: 5FM (NYE)5

Looking back on 2010 - Was it worth it?

The year is coming to an end and as we look back on 2010, overshadowed by the spectacle, success and hype of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, in the midst of a global economic recession, we have to wonder if it was worth all the work and the disruption?

The results of a recent study by the Department of Tourism (presented by Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk earlier this month) have shown, in no uncertain terms, the positive impact that the World Cup has had for our country.

With over 300 000 tourists (more than half of which were first-time visitors) spending in the region of R3.6 billion, and more than 95% of them saying that they would visit the country again, the economic impact was certainly felt by anyone and everyone even remotely connected to the tourism industry. 

A little less tangible is the effect on public international opinion. Awareness of South Africa as a leisure destination has increased by almost 10% and most of the tourists rated South Africa as an excellent host (and in some instances even better than other World Cup host countries they had visited). Building national spirit and rallying the "rainbow nation" to a cause is certainly another benefit of the World Cup not to be overlooked, as well as the infrastructure development which exploded in the years and months building up to the World Cup.

In addition to these figures, the establishment of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Legacy Trust (an initiative by FIFA, the South African Government and the South African Football Association), means an injection of 100 million US Dollar for the purposes of boosting education, health, humanitarian projects and football development in the country. This sorely needed injection of goodwill and capital has created opportunities and global awareness where before non-profit organizations were fighting a losing battle.

For the tourism industry, the positive feedback in the wake of the World Cup will no doubt bring much more rewards in the future, as the global economy begins to recover and families have disposable income available again to travel. At least now, South Africa is on the map in more ways than one!

A unique educational experience!

While the traditional holiday exodus from inland towns and cities has started ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations, now might be the perfect time to visit one of the most unique and educational locations in South Africa!

In the heart of Gauteng we find one of South Africa's most fascinating World Heritage Sites - The Cradle of Humankind. This area of over 450 square kilometers (including the Sterkfontein Caves) just outside of Johannesburg has seen a vast number of significant archeological finds, including nearly 1000 ancient homonid fossils dating back up to 2.3 million years!

The visitors' centres are home to fascinating exhibits to educate and enthrall visitors. Interactive experiences and displays as well as educational packs are available (catering to visitors of all ages). The Cradle of Humankind is more than just a modern museum though - you can take an underground boat ride, stay at the hotel and enjoy excellent meals at the restaurants. 

Original fossils are on display and the centres are designed as self-guided, informative tours, so you and your family can go on a journey of discovery at your own pace. The Cradle of Humankind is a "must see" destination for anyone with a spirit of adventure, a thirst for understanding the origins of early humans and an appreciation for natural beauty and the fascinating landscapes our country has to offer. 

For more information, visit www.maropeng.co.za.

Up close and personal to the natural world - Cape Town

Although we often take it for granted, Cape Town remains one of the most unique cities in the world. Aside from being a bustling metropolis, within the boundaries of the city, and in the hills and mountains on the outskirts, we find a hiker's paradise and ample opportunities to enjoy the beauty of nature responsibly. That's right - ecotourism is our focus this week and what better place to start than our exquisite Mother City? 

Our famous landmark, Table Mountain, is part of the Table Mountain National Park which stretches from Signal Hill to Cape Point. Home to a staggering variety of animal life, including buck and baboons, the park is also a prime example of the Cape Floral Kingdom - one of only five recognized floral kingdoms in the world - with over 7000 plant species. A vast variety of Fynbos makes a stroll through this park unforgettable and proceeds of admission to the park and to the cable car (if hiking isn't for you) are used to maintain and protect this natural treasure.

For bird watching enthusiasts, the city is also home to two nature reserves known for their bird life - the Rondevlei Nature Reserve in the southern False Bay area and the Rietvlei Nature Reserve in the Blaauwberg area. 

The Rondevlei Nature Reserve is home to 230 different bird species and has  a snake house and freshwater aquarium which will enchant children on all ages. Otters, hippos, flamingos and porcupines are among the residents you may spot here in the vlei or on the dunes.

The coastal wetlands in the Blaauwberg area hosts the Rietvlei Nature Reserve. Magnificent views of Table Mountain and large flocks of pelicans and flamingos colour the landscape and contribute to an unforgettable ecotourism adventure.

Next time we look at ecotourism day trips from Johannesburg.