50 the review
Indaba
This was a truly pan-African affair with exhibitors from as far afield as Reunion and Rwanda as well as South Africa’s nine provinces. Jo Austin reports
Africa’s challenges
ON the eve of Indaba, South African Tourism Minister, Derek Hanekom, met up with African ministers and key industry players to discuss the current state of tourism across Africa. Said Hanekom: “Africa faces challenges of infrastructure development, visa facilitation and connectivity as well as financing of tourism development.” Hanekom admitted new
legislation for anyone travelling to and from South Africa with a child under the age of 18 would likely be counter productive. Effective June 1, minors are
required to present an unabridged birth certificate before boarding their flight. When a child travels with only one parent, additional documentation must include an affidavit in which the absent parent gives consent for the child to travel. To encourage ease of travel
between Zimbabwe and Zambia, the two countries have introduced a new ‘uni visa’. The 30-day tourism visa costs US$50 and is apparently already proving highly beneficial to both destinations and especially tour operators to Southern Africa.
dha.gov.za
INDABA NEWS IN BRIEF Bidding for business: South African
Airways has introduced a bidding system for passengers wanting to upgrade from Economy to Business Class. Branded as ‘Step-Up’, customers receive an email seven days before their departure telling them if Business seats are available.
flysaa.com/cms/ZA/ step-up/
index.html
Double for Mantis: Mantis Collection
has added two new properties in the Amakhala Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. The luxury Bush Lodge features tented and thatched accommodation with private outdoor showers and HillsNek Safari Camp features just four luxury tents on Bushman’s River.
mantiscollection.com
Rands for Rhinos: The Shamwari
Group raised R10 million for the Wilderness Foundation’s Forever Wild Campaign, an initiative to help save the endangered African rhino. Guests at Shamwari Game Reserve, Sanbona and Jock Safari Lodge were offered a discount if they donated R150 to the fund. shamwarigroup.
Route march: Route 67 is South
Africa’s iconic tour of art, culture and heritage sites in the Mandela Bay District around Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. The route consists of 67 public art works by local artists symbolising Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of work dedicated to ‘Freedom’.
nmbt.co.za/listing/route_67
BOOKINGS for special interest and cultural holidays to South Africa are growing, Thulani Nzima, CEO of South African Tourism (SAT), told Selling Travel during an exclusive interview. Golf holidays are also proving popular
as visitors begin to appreciate that South Africa has some of the best ‘designer’ golf courses in the world, Nzima said. SAT is currently promoting heritage,
culture, nature, lifestyle and music holidays through an extensive marketing campaign in a bid to encourage visitors to think beyond the traditional safari.
The UK remains the country’s number
one source of visitors, although the final tally for 2014 had not been released by the time of Indaba. According to the most recent figures,
9.6 million tourists arrived in South Africa last year, which represents a 7.1% increase in overseas tourist arrivals. A 30% drop in the value of the rand against the pound, which began last year, has made the destination even more attractive and excellent value for those changing their pounds.
southafrica.net
SA is inspiring new ways Snippets from Durban:
• Following a weighty $5.5 million investment &Beyond (andBeyond. com) has reopened its Benguerra property off the Mozambique coast. After a six-month refurbishment 10 cassinas and a family suite now feature along the beach. Visitors can choose from a range of activities at the lodge, such as diving, horseriding and fishing. • Operators looking for a one-stop shop for information on lodges and activities along Zimbabwe’s Zambezi should take a look at the
wildzambezi.com website • Wilderness Safaris (wilderness-
safaris.com) has embarked on the building of its first lodge in Rwanda, which will open in 2016. The announcement follows the recent opening of Linkwasha Camp in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.
MAY 9-11, DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA
sellingtravel.co.uk
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