talking shop ON LOCATION SOUTH AFRICA Agents go Protea in... A fam trip to South Africa’s
Johannesburg and Cape Town was hosted by Protea Hotels and South African Airways this October. It aimed to show the UK trade the results of a R200 million investment from the hotel group, and give them the chance to experience South African Airways’ newly-launched Airbus A330-200. The group flew into Johannesburg and
back from Cape Town, sampling the new fleet. Over five nights, they stayed in three hotels and sampled others. Hip five-star Melrose Arch was the
first, in Jo'burg – a design-led property with fine dining and quirky public areas like the library bar. Cape Town was next where they stayed at the Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa, which is located in the Century City urban hub. Lastly, the Arabella Hotel & Spa took the agents just over an hour's drive from Cape Town, to the Kogelberg Mountains. Here guests get access to a golf course and activities like quad-biking, kayaking
and horse riding. Protea Hotels and SAA will be hosting
further agent fam trips to South Africa during 2012 to keep them informed on the extensive refurbishments across the group's hotels.
Agent Insight AMY SHINE
Product & commercial manager, Cosmos “The fam trip was hugely beneficial, not to mention fun! We visited a range of Protea hotels to suit varying budgets and I can honestly say that I would have no problem is recommending all of them; the Protea hotel chain offers a superb standard of consistent service, whilst individual hotels maintain a unique and welcoming personality. “For me, the highlight was the Arabella
Hotel & Spa in Hermanus; a truly outstanding hotel, achieving the ultimate in relaxation in an idyllic setting, perfect for a little escapism. Breakwater Lodge has a perfect location and the
KUONI IN BARBADOS Tour operator Kuoni recently flew a
select crew of its Specialist Agents out to Barbados, to showcase its portfolio of properties on the island. The independent travel agents enjoyed
an itinerary that included overnight stays at Almond Casuarina Beach, Almond Beach Village, Colony Club by Elegant Hotels, Crystal Cove by Elegant Hotels, Tamarind by Elegant Hotels and Ocean Two Resort & Residences. They also found time to fit in a spot
of shopping in Bridgetown, a scenic drive up the East Coast and some water sports at Crystal Cove.
Agent Insight SUZIE JEANES
The Destination Lounge “Our Kuoni guide Dee Smith was an absolute professional. As well as an action-packed itinerary, staying in six hotels and visiting 18, we had time to see the island and fit in extra arrangements on request – there was
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recent refurbishment means it offers a really good standard at excellent rates.”
SELINA PRIDMORE Product and marketing team leader, Infinity Holidays "Highlights for me were the Melrose Arch in Johannesburg, for its in-pool dining under the hot African sun and the Head Kandi djs, trendy bedrooms and extensive ice-cream cocktail menu!
Anyone thinking of flying straight in and out of Jo'burg should think again. "The Breakwater Lodge in Cape
Town has undergone a huge refurbishment. Close to the V&A waterfront, it's now a four-star property at a three-star price! For clients looking for five stars, The 15 On Orange is a plush all-suite hotel boasting free standing baths, chic designs and delicious Sunday lunches!"
THE GAMBIA EXPERIENCED The first of two fam groups returned
from The Gambia this October, after a three-day trip hosted by specialist tour operator Gambia Experience. The trip was designed to introduce the trade to the latest two properties in the operator's new ‘Unique Collection’. Based at the Sheraton Gambia –
no swanning around I assure you! The trip started well when we were lucky enough to be upgraded to Club Class on our British Airways flight and received amazing service.
The scenic variety of Barbados is the memory that really sticks in my mind. On the west coast, where most of the hotels are, there is picture- perfect scenery of jade-green sea and white-sand beaches, and the rugged east coast was a real surprise, especially the surfing! I loved the Elegant Resorts hotels because they all had something different to offer as well as being a high standard."
one of three all-inclusive properties now available – the group sampled the new Omakan Hotel, in Sukuta, and new Sitanunku Lodge, on the North Bank of the River Gambia. The ‘Unique Collection’ properties are billed as off- the-beaten-track locations, with opportunities to engage with local culture and wildlife. The agents also visited a local school
which is assisted by Gambia Experience’s own school development fund; browsed a craft market and took a river trip. Team leader Gill Sealey, wanted to
show off the country's accessibility, as well as its quality accommodation. She said: "The agents were impressed, one made a booking on her first day back!”
Agent Insight ED TEXIER
Independent travel consultant, Southsea Travel
“The Gambia left a lasting impression on us, radiated mostly through its friendly people and culture. Anyone looking for a relaxing holiday with near-perfect weather every day and within six hours flying time of the UK with little or no time difference should look no further than The Gambia”.
The group at Sulay Sanchaba Lower Basic school, accompanied by the headmistress
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