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Articles by Juan van Rensburg
Crossing the finish line - how to combat year-end blues
With the holiday season approaching and a looming fourth wave, it’s safe to say that South Africans are tired, frustrated and stressed out. This is especially true for those working in the hospitality industry. The past two years have been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and the recent tighter restrictions on travel have certainly thrown a spanner in the works.
UK red list decision celebrated - others urged to follow
As champagne corks popped throughout Southern Africa this afternoon when the UK Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, announced that all 11 countries would be removed from Britain’s red list, there were renewed calls for other major source markets to follow suit.
Largest rhino relocation lands in Rwanda
In the largest single rhino translocation ever undertaken, 30 White rhinos have been introduced to Akagera National Park in Rwanda, sourced from &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa. The translocation, which covered more than 3 400km, was carried out through a collaboration between the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), African Parks and &Beyond, with funding provided by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.
Shortage of rental vehicles ahead of the festive season
There is a significant shortage of rental vehicles in South Africa and holidaymakers hoping to travel in December and January should book immediately if they have not already secured a vehicle. This is according to Drive South Africa, who conducted a survey amongst their suppliers about the status of their fleets, as tourists gear up for the holiday and demand rises.
Southern Africa counts losses over travel bans
The immediate travel ban, initially called by the United Kingdom on November 26 following the discovery of the Omicron variant – which was soon followed by most key source markets, including Europe and the US – saw tourism companies in Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe lose between 70% and 95% of their bookings.
Cape Town hotels hope to woo locals this festive season
Following a devastating loss of bookings following widespread global travel bans against South Africa due to the discovery of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, several Cape Town hotels in the CBD are pinning their hopes on domestic tourism by offering a number of specials for local travellers. According to the Cape Town Central City Improvement District’s (CCID) latest The State of Cape Town Central City Report, the number of the hotels in the city centre dropped from 44 to 42 in 2020.
Off-road navigation made easier in SA
South Africa is well known for its 4x4 routes and rugged terrain, but many of the routes have entire sections that are not recognised by Google Street View because the terrain is too rough. To rectify this, tyre brand Dunlop’s Grandtrek Uncharted expedition set out again recently to map uncharted roads in and around some of the country’s most-visited gravel passes along the coast.
Western Australia to reopen borders in 2022
Western Australia is set to reopen its borders at midnight on February 5, 2022, after being shut for nearly two years, WA Premier Mark McGowan announced earlier today (December 13). The Premier explained that both domestic and international travel could resume by then, with the state expecting to meet its target of having 90% of its population fully vaccinated.
Q4 hospitality sector confidence improved - before travel bans
While the latest Bureau for Economic Research (BER) Business Confidence Index (BCI) level ratings for the ‘other services sector’ – which includes restaurants and hotels – show a massive jump for the fourth quarter of 2021, the optimism has slumped significantly since the global travel bans were implemented. According to Deputy Director for the BER, George Kershoff, confidence in the other services sector jumped from 37 in the third quarter to 49 in the fourth quarter of 2021.
New Zambia Airways takes flight
The new version of Zambia Airways has taken to the skies and the airline has ambitions to fly to Johannesburg and to service at least two routes in Zimbabwe. The new airline forms a building block in Ethiopian’s hub strategy across Africa. The publication New Business Ethiopia says Ethiopian Airlines has a 45% stake in the joint venture while the balance of the shareholding is held by Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation.
Luxury Zambezi lodge to relaunch following refurb
The Batoka Hospitality Group will relaunch the newly refurbished Batoka Zambezi Sands River Lodge in March next year. It marks the first major milestone of the ecotourism group’s journey to empower local communities and boost the African tourism market. Located in the western part of the Zambezi National Park, an hour’s drive from Victoria Falls, the five-star lodge offers 24 beds in 10 suites, each with a private plunge pool and views of the Zambezi River.
Poll results: Readers support mandatory vax
South Africa is awaiting President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision on vaccine mandates in response to the Omicron variant. The virus has severely impacted travel and tourism in southern Africa and we asked readers how they felt about mandatory vaccination. From a high turnout of 434 votes, 70% of respondents gave an overwhelming thumbs-up to mandatory vaccinations throughout South Africa; 26% of voters said ‘no’, and only 4% were ‘unsure’.
Backtrack! SAs blocked from departing on QR
In a surprising reversal, Qatar Airways today, Saturday, December 11, posted a notice on its website saying that with immediate effect, Qatar Airways would no longer accept passengers travelling from five Southern African countries into its global network. It was only this past Thursday December 9, when QR sent out a release saying it would accept outbound passengers from South Africa and the other four countries and agents rejoiced at the return of some outbound airlift.
Feelgood Friday: Smarter fast-food tech comes to SA
With holidaymakers preparing to embark on their travels around South Africa this holiday season, Micros South Africa – a hospitality and restaurant industry support service – has just equipped the first two restaurants in the country with its new smart drive-thru technology for fast-food outlets. The system goes live at the newly launched Pedros Flame Grilled Chicken outlet in Inanda, KwaZulu Natal, along with an upgrade from an older system at Pedros Bonaero in Johannesburg.
Iconic W Cape hotel to reopen following closure last year
Following an extensive refurbishment, the iconic Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, Western Cape, will reopen in February. NH Hotels handed it back to the owners when the lease ended on August 31 last year. At the time, the owners had made the decision to cease operations and retrenched many of the staff. The four-star hotel has been home to one of South Africa’s leading conference venues for the past three decades and has previously hosted former President, Nelson Mandela.
Free State pushes eco-tourism to reignite demand
The Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) has launched a Camp-out Experience campaign to promote its resorts and reserves, by hosting eco-tourism events, programmes and excursions at DESTEA-owned attractions. It answers the call to revive the tourism sector in the province, reignite tourism demand and promote DESTEA’s resorts and reserves.
Airlink pens open letter to the trade
Independent airline, Airlink, wrote this letter to the trade: Dear Valued Trade Partner Airlink would like to apologise for not attending to your enquiry as quickly as we would like to, due to the sudden changes in the travel regulations where we are experiencing high volume cancellations at short notice.
Qatar is back!
Qatar Airways will resume both inbound and outbound services to Cape Town and Johannesburg from Sunday, December 12, still in time for the holiday season. The airline continued operating after Omicron-related international travel bans were slapped on traffic originating from Southern African countries but could not accommodate departing South African travellers.
How the pandemic accelerated digital transformation in the airline
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the travel industry, with South Africa being one of the hardest hit countries after further travel bans were recently imposed due to the Omicron variant. The way people travel will never be the same.
North West’s tourism sector is ‘ripe for investment’
The North West province – one of South Africa’s largest and more significant local economies, built mainly on mining – has a well-rounded tourism sector that is ripe for investment. So said Acting CMO of the North West Tourism Authority (NWTA), Mpho Motshegoa, noting that tourism in the province presented investors with numerous options to take advantage of. “We are about wildlife, scenic beauty, adventure and fun. But most of all, we are about our people.
‘Replicate and adapt for continued survival’
With the tourism industry facing another uncertain future – following widespread travel bans against southern Africa after scientists from South Africa were the first to identify the Omicron variant of COVID-19 – SME businesses that have made it this far should take the time to reflect on what survival strategies worked for them and see how they can be replicated and adapted to survive this next wave.
Franschhoek leverages vax stats
The picturesque Western Cape winelands town of Franschhoek is leveraging the fact that it has more than 80% of its people vaccinated against COVID-19, to draw more tourists. The project was kickstarted towards the end of August – with the full support of Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, tourism promotion body, Wesgro, and the Department of Health – to ensure everyone in the valley was vaccinated.
‘Govt is aware of need to safeguard economy’
There is no Cabinet decision yet on a potential mandatory vaccine policy in South Africa, nor has a decision been made on whether to implement harsher lockdown regulations due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases amid the fourth wave. The National State of Disaster has been extended to January 15. These were the three key things that were discussed at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, said Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, during a media briefing today (Thursday, December 9).
‘Omicron induced amnesia in governments’ - Iata
“After nearly two years with COVID-19 we know a lot about the virus and the inability of travel restrictions to control its spread. But the discovery of the Omicron variant induced instant amnesia in governments, which implemented knee-jerk restrictions in complete contravention of advice from the WHO – the global expert,” said Willie Walsh, Iata Director General, on December 8.
Tourism platform connects SMEs with funders
With the goal of assisting communities and SMEs involved in nature-based tourism with COVID-19 relief and recovery funding, the African Nature-Based Tourism Platform connects funders with beneficiaries across 11 Southern and East African countries.
Video of the week: African Wildlife Foundation celebrates 60 years
The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) began pioneering conservation 60 years ago, emphasising African leadership and ownership, an approach that remains the cornerstone of its work today. AWF is committed to helping Africa’s governments and people navigate the continent’s rapid development, with their wildlife and wild lands conserved, restored and contributing to sustainable green growth. Click here to watch the foundation’s recent video celebrating its 60th anniversary.
Vinpro ‘disappointed’ by court ruling on alcohol bans
Wine industry body, Vinpro, has expressed disappointment in the Western Cape High Court’s ruling in the court case in which the wine industry body disputed Government’s approach to restrictions on the liquor trade within the Disaster Management Act.
New airport opens in Mozambique
The government of Mozambique has opened a new international airport, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi Airport, at Chongoene, near Xai-Xai in the Gaza province, making the region accessible by air for the first time. The airport was officially opened by President Filipe Nyusi, who said it would promote the development of the local and regional economy, especially with regard to tourism, commerce and industrial parks, improving the investment conditions of the province, and the movement of people and goods.
Adverse impact of selective travel bans highlighted
The African Union (AU) has called for the urgent rescinding of selective travel bans imposed on its member states, highlighting the adverse effects these bans will have on the continent – including on lives and livelihoods, lack of access to essential medical supplies and limited capacity for scientists to continue to study the virus.
WTTC predicts major surge in travel spend
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Trip.com Group have published Trending in Travel, a report of the latest trends in traveller behaviour and predicted booking patterns in the wake of COVID-19. Among other projections, global international spending on travel is forecast to rise by 93.8% next year (compared with this year) as destinations ease restrictions and vaccination rates rise.
Pic of the week: Let’s celebrate women in tourism
The Women in Tourism Western Cape’s (WITWC) newly appointed Exco and Committee ran a year-end event recently, where support for women in travel and tourism under the theme, Reigniting Tourism, was relaunched. Chairwoman, Lizelle Bailey, reiterated at the event that WITWC would continue to strive to be the voice for women in tourism in the new year, and that there was still need for more attention and support to be given to all women entrepreneurs offering a tourism service or product.
France takes Mauritius off ‘scarlet red’ list
Mauritius has been taken off France’s new ‘scarlet red’ list – a new classification the country introduced over the weekend (December 4) and a step higher than its ‘red’ list category – but Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia remain on the list, which includes tightened restrictions for the affected countries.
People on the Move: Two key marketers appointed
Tourism KwaZulu-Natal has appointed seasoned marketer, Mpho Mbuli, as Head of Marketing. Mbuli joins the province’s tourism entity at a critical time, when the KZN tourism sector seeks to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. She will be spearheading the tourism recovery plan for KZN and driving a focused strategy to reposition the KZN brand to global markets as the world begins to open. Phindile Makwakwa, Acting CEO of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal said: “We are excited to welcome Mpho.
Continued advocacy for disability inclusion
Tourism industry stakeholders continue to advocate for disability inclusion in the tourism sector, says South African Tourism, following the 2021 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Friday, December 3). Travelling can be challenging for such travellers, with lack of adapted and accessible hotel rooms, restaurants, stores, bathrooms and public spaces some of the most significant challenges.
Digital solutions are key to saving travel industry
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has released a report outlining recommendations to governments around the world and identifying key digital solutions to restore international travel. The report calls for an internationally co-ordinated response to COVID-19 and digital solutions for the travel and tourism sector.
Tourism in Rwanda is open - with conditions
Gorilla-watchers and other tourists arriving in Rwanda from any country other than Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe (or passengers who have been in those countries in the seven days prior to travelling to Rwanda) may enter Rwanda by simply quarantining for 24 hours at a designated hotel at their own cost. A COVID-19 PCR test will need be taken on arrival at the traveller’s cost.
New routes for SA airlines a step closer
The Department of Transport has finally announced its shortlist of preferred candidates to serve on South Africa’s domestic and international Air Services Licensing Councils, which dissolved in March. The councils are responsible for awarding route rights to domestic and international airlines domiciled in South Africa. The Air Services Licensing Council (ASLC) handles domestic route applications and the International Air Services Council (IASC) international routes.
Breaking News: SAA, CemAir ink co-operation deal
SAA and CemAir have signed a co-operation agreement. The deal effectively extends the route network reach of both carriers and offers customers using both airlines on a multi-destination voyage a seamless check-in experience. SAA’s Interim CEO, Thomas Kgokolo, said the benefit of the agreement for customers was that it would lower costs, with the need to book one ticket instead of two. “Fares will be issued on one itinerary and ticket, guaranteeing connectivity to more than one destination.
SAA, CemAir ink co-operation deal
SAA and CemAir have signed a co-operation agreement. The deal effectively extends the route network reach of both carriers and offers customers using both airlines on a multi-destination voyage a seamless check-in experience. SAA’s Interim CEO, Thomas Kgokolo, said the benefit of the agreement for customers was that it would lower costs, with the need to book one ticket instead of two. “Fares will be issued on one itinerary and ticket, guaranteeing connectivity to more than one destination.
Poll Q: Do you support mandatory vaccination?
Business leaders are calling for vaccination to be made mandatory. With the devastating impact the travel bans – driven by the discovery of the Omicron variant in SA – have had on the southern African tourism industry, this week’s poll asks: Please answer the question by ticking one of the boxes below or in the poll box on the right-hand corner of the Tourism Update main page.
Mango calls for interested buyers
Low cost carrier, Mango, has called for expressions of interest from potential qualifying bidders to buy and safeguard the future of the business by no later than 17h00 on December 20, 2021. Late applications will be disregarded, the airline has warned This is after a new, revised Business Rescue (BR) plan for Mango Airlines was approved by creditors last Thursday (December 2). In the meantime, Mango is on the shelf, and ‘mothballed’.
Safety and security tightened at Table Mountain
As part of its efforts to tighten up safety and security at Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), South African National Parks inducted a Sea, Air and Mountain (SEAM) Special Operations Ranger team, in an initiative that is the first of its kind, at a pass-out parade in Cape Town on Friday (December 3). The team consists of a re-established K9 unit with six fully trained dogs; and a specialised operations centre that will support the area integrity management of TMNP.
Nov salaries on the rise but what about December?
Almost a quarter (24%) of the 249 people who participated in Tourism Update’s informal monthly salary poll received 100% of their salary in November. However, it remains to be seen if this will this still be the case for December after industry saw a loss of over R1bn (€55.37m) in bookings following the discovery of the Omicron variant by South African scientists, triggering widespread global travel bans against several southern African countries.
Switzerland lifts quarantine for vaxxed pax
In a signal turnaround of strategy in the management of the spread of COVID, Switzerland has amended its entry rules during the Coronavirus pandemic by lifting the obligation on vaccinated travellers, even from its list of high-risk countries, to quarantine, but simultaneously tightening testing rules.
Open letter to Ramaphosa: ‘Do not impose lockdowns’
With the number of daily COVID-19 infections increasing five-fold last week, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, there are renewed fears that, following the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) meeting this week, South Africa will move to a higher level lockdown. This could include, amongst others, a ban on alcohol, restrictions on inter-provincial travel, as well as a widening of the curfew window, which would have a devastating effect on the tourism and hospitality sector.
Decision on mandatory vax expected soon
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to hold meetings this week to discuss the possibility of introducing further lockdown restrictions and vaccine mandates in response to the new Omicron variant of COVID-19. Government has set up a task team that will undertake broad consultations on making vaccination mandatory for specific activities and locations. The team is expected to brief the President on Wednesday.
Feelgood Friday: Sportwear range supports SA’s oceans
WILDOCEANS, a programme of environmental non-profit organisation WILDTRUST, has teamed up with sporting retailer, Mr Price Sport, to create a clothing range that supports ocean protection and health. The WILDOCEANS programme works to protect and restore marine biodiversity and build resilience for people and nature. It aims to support community livelihoods, develop future leaders, generate scientific knowledge and establish advocacy and awareness campaigns.
First 100% black-owned winery opens tasting room
The Klein Goederust wine tasting room and restaurant opened in Franschhoek, Western Cape today (December 3). Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, welcomed the opening, highlighting that Klein Goederust was the first and only 100%-black-owned wine farm in Franschhoek. The 116-year-old Klein Goederust farm was acquired solely from the savings of many years by Paul Siguqa, the son of a farm labourer.
Local demand may save Garden Route season
Garden Route tourism businesses could be spared some of the brunt of sweeping international travel bans that look set to continue to limit travel for an unknown period, as most accommodation bookings for the coming weeks are held by local travellers. Garden Route stakeholders were preparing for a busy summer season last week, when South African scientists identified the new Omicron coronavirus variant, raising alarm bells abroad.
Luxury hotel opens in Khayelitsha
The Spade Hotel & Spa – owned by ex-flight attendant, Annette Skaap, who grew up in the township – is set to welcome guests in Cape Town’s Khayelitsha township from December 7. The four-star hotel has 13 units: two executive suites, four luxury junior suites, three family suites and four standard rooms. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioners, complimentary Wi-Fi, tea- and coffee-making facilities, television, and minibar, among other amenities.
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