Tourists As Apposed To Visitors

Statistics South Africa have an improved eye on the numbers.
As part of a national effort to improve the quality of tourism statistics in South Africa, tourist arrivals as opposed to visitor arrivals will now be released.

Question:
Just who is a tourist?

Answer:
Tourist, any visitor travelling to a place other than that of his/her usual environment for more than 1 night but less than 12 months, and whose main purpose of the trip is other than the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited.

South Africa Rates Poorly

The USTOA has issued its first 'World's Best' list, ranking destinations in a variety of categories. Italy took top honors, as best destination in four categories: architecture, walking, romance, and culinary/wine experience. The country also trailed just behind France as best for art and culture, with France second as best destination for a romantic vacation. London was placed first for entertainment, with New York and Rio de Janeiro closely tied for second spot. However, New York edged out both Hong Kong and Italy as best shopping destination. Winning destinations were based on informal rankings by more than 50 of the top companies arranging vacation experiences, tours, and packages worldwide.

Best for:

Adventure, Soft Adventure:

Costa Rica
New Zealand

Architecture:

Italy - cited by nearly 55% of respondents
Spain - cited by some 30%

Art & Culture:

France - cited by more than 50%
Italy - cited by, 40%

Entertainment:

London
New York
Rio de Janiero

History:

Egypt
United Kingdom
Israel

Romantic Occasion:

Italy - cited by 50%
France - cited by more than 40%

Shopping:

New York City - cited by one-third of respondents
Hong Kong - cited by nearly 30%
Italy - cited by 25%

Walking:

Italy
US Western National Parks
Prague

Wine, Dining, & Culinary Experience:

Italy - cited by 45%
France - cited by 20%
Spain - cited by, 13%
Napa Valley - cited by 12%

Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

The general manager of Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, Hans Olbertz, on Wednesday unveiled a 13-metre faux evergreen, located in the gold leaf-bedecked rotunda of the hotel. It is decorated with silver and gold bows, ball-shaped ornaments and small white lights.

The tree alone is valued at R70,000, but it is the necklaces, earrings and other jewellery draped around the tree's branches that give it a record value. The tree holds a total of 181 diamonds, pearls, emeralds, sapphires and other precious stones.

But the hotel now regrets "attempts to overload the tradition followed by most hotels in the country with meanings and connotations that do not fall in line with the professional standards of the hotel," Olbertz said. "Putting up the Christmas tree is not a novelty, rather it is a tradition meant to share in celebrating occasions that guests hold while they are away from their home countries and families," the Gulf News daily quoted a hotel statement as saying. This tradition "is within the framework of the UAE's policy which is based on the values of openness and tolerance," the hotel added.

The tree is not the first extravagant offering from Emirates Palace - a massive, dome-topped hotel sitting amid fountains and carefully manicured lawns. The hotel in the oil-rich Gulf emirate where the vast majority of the local population is Muslim, bills itself as a seven-star establishment, and introduced in February a package for a week-long stay priced at R7 million.
Takers of the package get a private butler and a chauffeur-driven Maybach luxury car during their stay, as well as a private jet available for trips to other countries in the region

American Consumers` Travel Intentions For 2011

Strike while the iron is hot...
Travel Ticker®, a leading inspirational travel website, today announced the results of its annual Travel Ticker Traveler Intentions Survey. The poll revealed the opinions of nearly 2,000 U.S. consumers on their leisure travel intentions for the next year. The results indicated that as compared to 2010, 87 percent of respondents intend to take the same or more leisure vacations in 2011. In addition, when asked if they would fit more travel into 2011 if good deals were available, 94 percent of respondents answered yes.

For the second year in a row, 18 to 30-year-olds spearhead the move to take more leisure trips in 2011:

Out of all respondents, 48 percent of 18 to 30-year-olds said they plan on taking more leisure trips in 2011 than the previous year. This represents a five percent increase from last year's poll.
Following closely behind 18 to 30-year-olds are 65+ year-olds. 42 percent of respondents age 65 and older plan on taking more leisure trips in 2011, compared to 38 percent in last year's poll; an increase of four percent.

Better economic situation and more free time listed as top reasons for more leisure trips in 2011:

30 percent of all respondents said that they believe that their current economic situation will improve in the new year, resulting in the benefit of being able to travel more in 2011. This number is up ten percent from last year's survey. In addition, 31 percent of respondents said that they planned on traveling more in the new year due to an increase in free time.

Given a good deal, almost all would fit in more leisure travel:

94 percent of all respondents agreed that if they found a good deal, they would find a way to fit in more leisure travel in 2011. While many consumers believe that they will be more financially stable in 2011, they are still on the lookout for heavy discounts, travel perks and incentives to inspire their travel. In fact, 66 percent of those polled went so far as to say that they would be comfortable being spontaneous when it came to travel, letting the deal be their inspiration for planning upcoming trips.
The Travel Ticker Traveler Intentions Survey was conducted from November 17 until December 1, 2010, online among Travel Ticker users.

Fernkloof - No More Muggings

Have you noticed that we have not read of any muggings in Fernkloof Nature Reserve recently? Good News indeed.

Addo is to open their tented camp later this month and this is ideal for those holiday makers wanting something less 'luxueux' than normal. Perhaps Fernkloof management should investigate the feasability of such a camp as the prestine picnic area would make the perfect spot for this type of accommodation.

2011 Could Be A Bumper Year For Travel

Early predictions indicate that 2011 could be a bumper year for travel, with more tourists from the US and UK planning holidays abroad, according to a recent Tripadvisor survey.

In a poll of over 3,000 US-based travellers, 69% said they planned to take international trips next year. What’s more, they also plan to spend more while away, with 36% indicating that they will splash out more on travel in 2011 than they did in this year.
British travellers are also keen to travel long haul in 2011, with 66% of the 6,000 travellers surveyed stating that they plan to take an international trip next year. Over a third plan to spend more on their holidays in 2011 compared with 2010.

The survey also indicated that 2010 had been a year of travel anxieties, altering travel trends for the coming year. Top concerns for the Brits were further strikes but many were also worried about the rises in APD, the air travel tax, as well as the high-profile collapse of travel firms.

US travellers are mostly concerned about high carry-on baggage fees, hotels fees and TSA full body scanners but believe 2010 has seen several positive developments for the traveller, including more online travel deals and cheaper hotel rates.

American tourists are also reporting a rise in ‘fake-ations’, where travellers take their work on their trip. Technological advances have led to 59% of travellers in employment being more connected to work than ever before on leisure trips in 2010. Most travellers admit to checking their work e-mail on leisure trips, while 13% call the office to check in. Only 8% consider the remoteness of their destination specifically to avoid connecting with work.

Medical Tourism Untouched In Hermanus

The Medical Tourism sector worldwide is growing exponentially and set to become a $100bn sector by 2012, according to industry research. The sector is growing at a whopping 20-30% annually and is bound to continue its growth pattern in the years to come.

According to Frost & Sullivan, the medical tourism industry is currently a $78.5bn industry [end-2010], catering to over three million patients who travel around the globe for medical care. The Middle East is one of the latent source markets of patients and it is estimated that 20% of healthcare seekers worldwide are from Gulf and Arab states. Significantly, patients from UAE alone spend about $2bn in healthcare travel on an annual basis. As a result, many countries are targeting the region to woo guests and patients to their own medical tourism destinations. Germany, in particular, and Europe, in general, have been a primary medical tourism hubs for hundreds of years and continue to lead the industry today followed by Asian countries such as Thailand, India and Malaysia. Boasting of an excellent healthcare system, high quality, safe and quick treatment.

Germany is considered to be a top destination for patients from all over the world, and particularly from the Middle East, UK and the US. Germany is also an attractive destination for patients from the region, in terms of distance, costs and tourism attractions - thus reinforcing it as a premier medical tourism hub in Europe.

Source: ehotelior.com

Hermanus Adventure Festival - 19 December 2010

Come and join us as we introduce you to MTB heaven, Hemel and Aarde style!

We'll show you everything a mountainbiker needs. Stunning trails for all levels and breathtaking views to reward those lung busting climbs.
Great farm roads, stunning jeep tracks and awesome single tracks will take you through our beautiful valley and introduce you to many hidden gems ranging from wine farms, farm stalls, award winning restaurants and quaint holiday accommodation.
The start and finish will be at the Hemel en Aarde Village with ample parking, great restaurants and coffee shops, galleries, health shops, specialist shops ranging from DVD's to horse and animal supplies, the world famous wine village and a newly opened cycle and adventure centre. The Hemel en Aarde Village truly is a lifestyle experience.

Come and get it!

Tourism Stats On The Up And Up.

StatsSA has released the arrivals numbers for October and, once again, the numbers of tourists, both overseas and regional, have shown increases across the board.

The US market appears to be showing very strong signs of recovery and other core markets are also on the up, including Canada, Australia, China and India. European markets are also showing promising returns with healthy growth over the month in comparison with 2009.
The total overseas arrivals grew by 9,7% from 189 932 to 208 276 while African arrivals grew by 13% from 438 756 to 496 071.

The top overseas markets for October 2010 were:

UK, down 2,9% from 40 829 to 39 642
USA, up 22,9% from 19 536 to 24 002
Germany, up 6,8% from 23 300 to 24 895
The Netherlands, down 5,2% from 15 612 to 14 796
France, up 9,8% from 11 834 to 12 995
Australia, up 32,9% from 7 029 to 9 339
India, up 24,6% from 5 047 to 6 291
China, up 73,7% from 3 280 to 5 697
Canada, up 25% from 4 536 to 5 668
Switzerland, up 28% from 3 983 to 5 097

Source: SA Tourism Update

Great White Shark ABC

Our very own and unique Sharklady, Kim Maclean, has written the ABC of Great White Sharks for the YOU Magazine to be published in the Young You section.


Sharklady, Kim Maclean, pioneered White Shark Cage Diving in South Africa in the early 1990's, and has established herself as one of the leading Shark cage diving operators. She has worked and studied Great White Sharks for over twenty five years and has extensive experience in skippering boats and Cage Diving.

Sharklady is an activist for White Shark protection, and is working with the ‘Save our Seas’ Foundation to support and develop an Education and Protection Programme of the Great White Sharks, which is of the utmost importance to her. She says, "Sharks are often portrayed as a man-eating predator of the seas which is not the case, and they are often hunted for their fins, and teeth." Her business operates in Hermanus and Shark Alley in Kleinbaai, which is 160km South East of Cape Town. We comply with the strictest code of conduct and safety for our clients, our boat, and sharks as laid down by our local Marine & Coastal Management. We operate a responsible operation and conform to being Eco-friendly. The Great White Shark is not interfered with nor is the environment polluted.

A is for Adaption: The Great White Shark has adapted a body temperature warmer than the surrounding water.

B is for Biting: When the shark bites, it shakes its head side to side, helping the teeth saw off large chunks of flesh.

Keep an eye open for the entire informative Great White Shark alphabet to be published in the YOU Magazine early next year.

Socialites And Celebrities Destined To Hit Hermanus

The Cape Whale Coast calendar starts off bright and early in 2011 with a Celebrity Weekend from 7 - 9 January.

Joan-Anne Harris, marketing specialist from Southern Stroll Marketing, has put together a group of celebrities to visit the CWC and enjoy our 'champagne air' and world beating hospitality. Joining them for the entire weekend is a reporter and photographer from YOU Magazine, whilst an All Access TV crew will be filming Vanessa Marawa, winner of the first SA Survivor reality TV show.

Well known socialites confirmed for the weekend are:
Brigitte Williers - Swimsuit model and SA Survivor participant
Ard Matthews - Just Jinger lead singer
Tammy-Anne Fortuin - Presenter on All Access TV show
Edith Venter - Well-known socialite and charity fundraiser
Jared Orlin - YOU Magazine Entertainment Editor
Roderick Labuschagne - Boland rugby player and boyfriend of Brigitte
Landi Swanepoel - International model and Ard's wife

Local businesses in the CWC have been approached to get involved in this marketing campaign by sponsoring luxury transport, gourmet meals, exciting adventure activities and 5-star accommodation for the group.

"This is the perfect opportunity for local businesses to come onboard and showcase their establishment and reap the rewards of proactive marketing", says Joan-Anne.

Tourism Reaches Pre-recession Levels

Tourism worldwide is back on par with levels pre-economic recession and South Africa has seen positive growth in 2010 as expected with the hosting of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. This was the message from both SA Tourism and the National Department of Tourism (NDT) in a briefing yesterday.

The results of a survey by the NDT and South African Tourism (SAT) on the impact of the World Cup show that in addition to the 309 000 tourists arriving in South Africa for the primary purpose of attending the World Cup, a R3.6 billion injection went into economy in terms of spend.

“The results of this comprehensive study of the impact of the World Cup show us that more than 309 000 foreign tourists (309 554) arrived in South Africa for the primary purpose of attending the World Cup. Of these arrivals, 38% were from our continent, followed by 24% from Europe, 13% from Central and South America and 11% from North America,” Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk announced.

He noted that in terms of land arrivals from within the continent, the top three source markets were Mozambique (24 483), Swaziland (19 593) and Botswana (16 387). In terms of air arrivals, the top three markets were Nigeria (4 324), Ghana (3 578) and Kenya (2 089). The top three European source markets were the UK (22 802), the Netherlands (8 741) and Germany (8 596).

The arrivals from the United States topped more than 30 000, and had more than 12 000 arrivals from Australia. In terms of Central and South America, the top three markets were Brazil (14 815), Mexico (9 680) and Argentina (8 757).

“The World Cup also attracted a large number of first time visitors to South Africa, particularly from the Americas (North, Central and South America). A total of 59% of arrivals to South Africa for the World Cup were first time visitors to this country,” Minister van Schalkwyk said.

Source: SA Tourism Update

SA Express Adds Durban - Cape Town

SA Express will be adding the Durban - Cape Town route to its network, from January 10, 2011. The announcement follows Comair’s announcement last week to increase flights on the route.

SA Express will operate a minimum of three flights a day on weekdays and twice a day at weekends.

In order to adequately accommodate customers who frequent this business and leisure route, SA Express has factored in frequency, availability and timing of flights in this addition to its schedule. The flights will initially be operated by a CRJ-200 aircraft.

Source: SA Tourism Update

Man Of The Moment

David Higgs not only earned Rust en Vrede first place in this year's Eat Out Awards Top 10, but also took home the trio of revered culinary titles, namely Restaurant of the Year, Service Excellence (his second one) and Chef of the Year.

“More so than in life, restaurants are about balance.”

Not only in food and wine, but also people. And thus our service is as important. What makes it even more of a challenge is when all this happens on a historic and award winning wine estate.
We have selected the right team and together we built from there, to create the finest dining experience at a world-class venue. By the time the doors opened we had selected the purveyors to provide the freshest ingredients and have personally selected the wines to compliment the menu.

The original cellar, a National Monument, has been converted and our kitchen is placed “front and centre”, thus creating an ambiance that is relaxed but vibey. We also have a proprietor/winemaker table in a private area between or cellars which can accommodate a maximum of 8 people. We take pride in the fact that time was taken with well known potter, David Walters, to create the crockery, handcrafted Riedel stemware was selected and Laguiole knives purchased, to give you an experience you won’t soon forget.

Cape Whale Coast Wines Receive 5 Star Status

We would like to congratulate Newton Johnson and Hermanuspietersfontein on receiving 5-Star Status in Platter’s Wine Guide 2011:



Pinot Noir • Newton Johnson Domaine 2009
White Blends • Hermanuspietersfontein Die Bartho 2009
Two other wines also created at Newton Johnson also won 5-Stars:
Chardonnay • Julien Schaal 2009 (Julien Schaal, French winemaker)
Merlot • Shannon Mount Bullet 2008 (partnership James Downes)

Bartho Eksteen puts Hermanus(pietersfontein) on the Diner’s Club wine map! Hermanuspietersfontein’s winemaker Bartho Eksteen has been named the 2010 Diners’ Club Winemaker of the Year. Eksteen’s, Die Bartho 2008 blend was awarded a 5-star 2011 Platter rating for the first time, however, it’s the 2009 Hermanuspietersfontein No.5 Sauvignon Blanc that won the Diner’s Club award, the wine produced for the first time exclusively from grapes from their own vineyard. Eksteen was a winemaker at Wildekrans Wines when he won SA Champion Young Wine in 1996.

Diners Club Announces Winemaker Of The Year

The winner of the 2010 Diners Club Winemaker of The Year Award went to Bartho Eksteen from Hermanuspietersfontein winery near Hermanus.

Bartho follows the winning footsteps of winemakers such as Günter Brözel, Sydney Back and Danie de Wet. All winemakers in this category had to submit Sauvignon Blanc wines. Dave Hughes, chairman of the judging panel, spoke of the wine: “No. 5 is a perfectly balanced wine with a 15% Sémillon component that adds a further layer to the combination of wood and fruit. It is a style proving increasingly popular with South African wine lovers.”

Great White Shark Activity In False Bay

The City of Cape Town and the Shark Spotting Programme have sent out an alert to beach users of recent and ongoing high Great White shark activity in the inshore area of False Bay, particularly in the Muizenberg, Fish Hoek and Clovelly areas.

Shark Spotters have recorded consistent shark sightings throughout Monday at both Muizenberg and Fish Hoek beaches. The spotters have also noted the presence of more than one shark at any given time at both beaches. The sharks appear to be actively following Yellowtail fish that have been schooling in the area, and are among their preferred prey.
The city is thus issuing a general caution, which will remain in place until Shark Spotters confirm that shark activity has decreased. The high levels of activity are expected to subside once the Yellowtail move back into deeper water, which should be within the next day or two.

The city appeals to all water users to be extra vigilant at this time, to familiarise themselves with the recent shark activity in the area before entering the water, obey the shark siren and to take note of the Shark Spotters’ flags and signage for regular updates on shark sightings. The four-flag warning system works in the following manner:

• A red flag indicates a Shark Alert. This flag will be flown during periods of increased shark activity, after a shark has recently been spotted in the area and the beach cleared, or when conditions are conducive to high shark activity.

• A green flag means that the spotting conditions are good and no sharks have been seen.

• A black flag means that the spotting conditions are poor, but no sharks have been seen.

• A white flag with a black shark diagram means that a shark is currently near the beach, and beach users must get out of the water. A siren is sounded and the white flag is raised.