p39-41 ttg_lux_city Cape Town 25/9/09 18:45 Page 39
CAPE OF
GOOD HOPE
It already boasts a winning combination of scenery, climate and world-class
hotels and restaurants. And with the boost of the World Cup kicking off in
June 2010, Cape Town has definitely got its eye on the ball. Paul Revel reports
As we began game, massive media coverage has focused
our descent into Cape Town, the captain many fans’ minds on how difficult it is
on our South African Airways flight going to be to get there and secure suitable
pointed out Robben Island, Table accommodation and match transfers.”
Mountain and False Bay, all crystal clear You get the feeling here that after more
on this beautifully sunny midwinter day. than 50 years of well-documented
Given the current economic climate, the upheavals, South Africans aren’t going
tourism industry here also appears to be to be fazed by a mere global downturn.
unseasonably upbeat. Tough times are focusing people’s
Despite disappointing occupancies minds on a pragmatic approach to business
during the low season, there are healthy – and that means shedding old enmities,
projections for a busy summer/Christmas as illustrated by Sol Kerzner hosting Nelson
period, followed by a second influx for the Mandela at the opening of his One&Only
Fifa World Cup in June and July 2010. resort earlier this year. The sight of these
“We are down on this time last year, two warmly embracing raised many an
but we’re looking at some great business eyebrow – it doesn’t seem so long ago that
coming up,” says Nick Seweer, general Mandela was incarcerated while Kerzner
manager of one of southern Africa’s most was making millions from his controver-
iconic hotels, the Orient Express-owned sial “Las Vegas of the veld”, Sun City.
Mount Nelson. “The great thing is South Yet Mandela, who has described
Africa is still good value for foreign visitors.” Kerzner as one of South Africa’s greatest
The continent’s first One&Only hotel entrepreneurs, said it was a privilege to
opened to huge fanfare in April this year, see “our friend’s” return to the country.
attended by everyone from the Hollywood That’s not to say the past is in any way
A-list to Nelson Mandela. “Visitor forgotten: Robben Island, the notorious
numbers to South Africa are down 15% on apartheid-era prison, is an
an excellent 2008,” says general manager essential part of any Cape
Tony Romer-Lee. “But from December Town visit. Complete with a fast
onwards we expect to be busy and the ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront,
World Cup is a great winter bonus. South it’s an excellent escorted tour. With the
Africa still represents excellent value and visit guided by former political prisoners,
Cape Town is a popular city, so we are up- it is fascinating, educational and moving.
beat about the medium-term prospects.” Not to mention slightly shaming for a
Cape Grace general manager Nigel Pace certain ttgluxury writer when scheduled
paints a similar picture. “Lead times for between a One&Only spa treatment
bookings have shortened to between five and dinner at Nobu.
and two weeks, even during traditionally The UK market is seen as a vital part of
busier times. The build-up towards the South Africa’s tourism. One&Only’s
World Cup is gaining momentum, but Romer-Lee hopes the UK will provide 30%
we will only see the full impact once the of business year-round, while Seewer says
final draw is made in December.” it represents around 35% of the Mount
All agree the World Cup is a welcome Nelson’s business.
boon during challenging times. South To this end suppliers and tourism bodies
African Tourism’s UK country manager, are keen to reinforce ties with the UK trade.
Lebohang Mokhesi, says: “There has been Mokhesi says SAT is continuing its training
unprecedented demand for tickets and we and fam trips, and at World Travel Market
anticipate 450,000 visitors to South will announce the winner of its £25,000
Africa from round the world.” Ubuntu Award for innovative marketing.
Operators have seen a surge in interest Indeed there’s plenty to promote: the
since England qualified for the Cup in region boasts enough five-star attractions
September. Thomson Sport managing and memorable experiences to tempt the
director Nathan Wilson says: “Since the most demanding of clients into
whistle went after the England-Croatia making that 12-hour flight.
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autumn 09 ttgluxury.com
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