The Lilizela Tourism Awards crowned the cream of the crop in the Tourism sector during the annual awards function during October at the Sandton Convention Centre. ATKV-Resort Buffelspoort walked away as National and Provincial winner in the category 4-star Caravan and Camping as well as the Provincial winner in the category Self Catering Exclusive.  

But this Resort was not the only one to boast with its accolades and saw its sister Resort’s rake in another seven Provincial Awards. ATKV Eiland Spa and Natalia were crowned Provincial winners in the category Caravan and Camping. Goudini Spa and Eiland Spa are hanging their great achievement of Provincial winners for the category Self-Catering Shared Vacation, in their foyers. The remaining two accolades were awarded to ATKV Klein-Kariba for Self-Catering Exclusive and to Drakensville in the Adventure category.  

Launched in May 2013, these awards are an initiative of the National Department of Tourism (NDT); spearheaded by South African Tourism and delivered by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.   

The Lilizela Tourism Awards aim to recognise and celebrate tourism excellence and encourages key players to strive for excellence in order to grow global competitiveness in tourism. The Awards also strive to give the public a voice that counts in terms of the feedback and reviews they give.  

“We would like to extend our gratitude to our loyal guests and brand ambassadors who continue to consistently show their support by voting for the resorts and contributing to them receiving such prestigious awards,” said Schalk Cilliers, MD of ATKV Resorts.  

This fully audited Tourism Awards programme does not only ensure that organisations and businesses strive to achieve the highest standards but also actively promotes Tourism in South Africa.

The Lindfield Victorian House museum (a Provincial Heritage Site) recently received its Joburg Heritage Plaque from the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation. The museum shares this honour with several other sites such as the Gandhi Family House, Madiba's first home in Johannesburg, the Union Castle Buildings, and so on.

Called Grey Roofs, the original small cottage was designed by Herbert Baker. Baker ruled the architectural scene in South Africa between 1892 and 1912.  The house was originally built (circa 1910) for Dr. St John Stanwell and his wife Alice.  In 1924, A.J. Marshall (Sir Herbert Baker's Clerk of Works), made changes to the house and in 1933, Nellie Edwards  (Johannesburg's first female architect and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts), added additional rooms.

Today Lindfield Victorian House Museum tells a tale of Johannesburg during an era that shaped the urban city of today. It shows the Victorian day-to-day life, the culture, intellectual achievements and social norms of the day.  The spirit of this elegant era still breathes in the Lindfield Victorian House Museum and visitors not only learn its cultural history, but also experience the ambience of a bygone world.

Former Mayor of Johannesburg, Parks Tau,  wrote in 2013 "For years now Johannesburg has been acknowledging special buildings and sites, historic struggles, remarkable personalities and other pieces of history by means of blue heritage plaques."  The Lindfield Victorian House Museum displays its  plaque with pride and in reverence to the Victorians.

Katharine Love

Lindfield Victorian House Museum

72 Richmond Avenue (Entrance Greenlands Road)
Auckland Park
Johannesburg
2092.

Phone Number: +27 11 726 2932
Web: lindfield.wix.com/museum/
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July 2016 - First Car Rental has added three new vehicle models to its car hire fleet, giving customers an even greater choice when hiring a car.

The new models are:

Suzuki Splash - Group A
The Suzuki Splash is a compact city hatchback powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine developing 63kW at 6000rpm. It has excellent fuel economy, at 5.6 litres per 100km. Safety and security features include dual front airbags, ABS brakes and key-operated central locking. The vehicle comes standard with power-steering, a radio CD audio system and air-conditioning. The Suzuki Splash joins the Chevrolet Spark Lite LS, Honda Brio Comfort and Datsun Go in Group A.

Ford B-Max Ambiente - Group R
The Ford B-Max is the brand's all-new practical family vehicle, offering superb fuel economy, lots of space and great safety features. The vehicle is powered by Ford's one-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which Ford says, consumes 4.9 litres per 100km. The vehicle comes with power steering; 5-speed manual transmission; Ford SYNC with Bluetooth and Voice Control; Ford Audio / CD / MP3 with 6 speakers, USB and Aux; 60/40 split rear seats in 7 different folding combinations; adjustable load floor in boot; and air conditioning. The Ford B-Max joins the Ford Fiesta, VW Polo, Honda Jazz and Renault Clio Expression in Group R. The Ford B-Max is the brand's all-new practical family vehicle, offering superb fuel economy, lots of space and great safety features.

Ford Fusion - Group Z
With its intelligent technology and stylish design, the new Ford Fusion automatic sedan makes every journey feel special. The vehicle is a real looker with a sport coupe profile, low roof and, in Ford's words, "sculpted to convey visual lightness". The Ford Fusion is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and comes standard with Ford's SYNC 2 voice-control, Bluetooth connectivity through a 20cm touchscreen that operates phone, trip entertainment, and aircon. Driving features include lane keeping, which helps the driver to maintain proper lane position; adaptive cruise control using forward-looking radar that "looks" down the road to discern slower traffic and react accordingly; and active park assist, which are sensors that help identify suitable parking slots, calculate the trajectory and steer the car home. Neat! The Ford Fusion joins the Volvo S60 T4 and Volvo V40 in Group Z.

About First Car Rental
First Car Rental is a leading South African car rental company with a global presence. The company has 51 car rental branches located across South Africa, including branches at all major South African airports, business and tourist destinations. We also have an operational presence in Malta, Mauritius, Tanzania and Turkey. Internationally, First Car Rental offers car hire in over 100 countries and 4 500 locations, and in Europe is partnered with Sixt Rent a Car.

To find out more about First Car Rental visit http://www.firstcarrental.co.za

July 2016 – Shamwari Game Reserve, situated in the Eastern Cape near Port Elizabeth, is set to reopen its ‘Explorer Camp’ for the upcoming season – October 2016 until April 2017 as is Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, just outside Cape Town. This once-in-a-lifetime experience takes guests on a guided walking safari allowing them to get up close and personal with nature.  

The Shamwari Explorer itinerary comprises a 2-night trail, departing each Friday, with an optional third night on request to either stay at the Shamwari Explorer or incorporate nights at one of the six Shamwari lodges. Unique to Shamwari’s Explorer Camp is the ‘Explorer Deck’ overlooking 25,000 hectares of breathtaking Big 5 territory. Each tent is luxuriously furnished by Melvill & Moon for comfort in the wilderness.  

The Sanbona Explorer two day walking safari takes place in the midst of Sanbona’s Big 5 wilderness territory and is perfect for guests looking for an authentic walking safari, accompanied by a specialist guide. Guests learn about this unique Karoo wilderness area as well as the vast variety of birds, wildlife and vegetation and the natural history and culture of the area.   In the evenings a delicious bush meal is prepared and cooked on the camp fire enhancing the safari bush experience. Guests can still experience the height of bush comfort with an eco shower and toilet and all tents are equipped with bedding and torches.

Distances walked vary each day but can last up to 4 hours each. No persons younger than 16 years or older than 60 years will be able to participate.  However, if a medical certificate can be provided via the client or the booking agent, exceptions to this will be allowed.

Collaboration between community role players and attractions to ensure the success of domestic tourism was the key message of Attractions Africa 2016, the continent’s leading attractions management event, held at the Double Tree by Hilton Cape Town from Wednesday 8 to Thursday 9 June, 2016.

 This year’s event attracted more than 100 delegates and prestigious speakers, including South Africa’s Minster of Tourism Derek Hanekom, City of Cape Town councillor Garreth Bloor, and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)’s Andreas Andersen.

The conference programme covered a range of pertinent topics for the attractions industry including accessibility for disabled visitors, community participation, seasonal recruitment, pricing strategies, identification of the emerging traveller and partnerships with travel bloggers.

“What struck me most about this year’s event was the theme of collaboration between attractions and communities and the natural curiosity that arises about such possible partnerships. We look forward to fostering this through the Attractions Africa conference going forward,” says Sabine Lehmann, Attractions Africa chair.

Minster Hanekom praised the event’s innovative outlook:   “I applaud the Attraction Africa team on their efforts to bring the attractions management industry together and I look forward to the outcomes of the discussions held here.”

Craig Allenby, of the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa and an Attractions Africa project team member, announced that the fourth annual Attractions Africa conference will be held in Tshwane in 2017.  

For more information about the Attractions Africa conference, please visit www.attractionsafrica.co.za or call +27 (0)21 683 2934.

IAAPA expands its international operations to include Africa

With less than a month to go until the third annual Attractions Africa conference from 8 to 9 June, 2016 in Cape Town, comes the big news that the event has been recognised as the continent’s foremost Attractions management event by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).

Founded in 2014, Attractions Africa is a collaborative effort between some of the continent’s top Attractions including Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Two Oceans Aquarium, SAB World of Beer and Cape Point.  

The two day Attractions Africa programme comprises international speakers sharing trends, benchmarks and best practice, as well as local examples of excellence, case studies and white papers presented by local Attraction managers.

Attracting hundreds of delegates from all over Africa and in the tourism industry, Attractions Africa, chaired by Sabine Lehmann, is the driving force in IAAPA’s decision to include the continent in its operations and change its name to IAAPA EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa):

“What an honour for our conference and Africa to be recognised by such a global Attractions management force! As the only event of its kind on the continent, Attractions Africa is the pioneer in the local attractions industry and we are excited to be bringing together its top leaders and peers each year with the full support of IAAPA EMEA”, says a thrilled Lehmann.

IAAPA EMEA’s announcement of recognition comes as a result of the organisation’s decision to expand the scope of operations of its Europe regional office to incorporate the Middle East and Africa to better serve IAAPA EMEA’s members in the regions.

“The formation of the IAAPA EMEA office in Brussels further strengthens IAAPA’s international presence and reiterates the association’s commitment to serve its members in the Middle East and Africa region,” said Karen Staley, senior vice president of IAAPA EMEA Operations. “With explosive growth in the Middle East and the quickly emerging market in the continent of Africa, we look forward to playing a role in this exciting growth period for the attractions industry.”

Join us at the Attractions Africa conference:

Registration is open for the Attractions Africa 2016 Conference, which will be held at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Cape Town – Upper Eastside from Wednesday 8 to Thursday 9 June, 2016.   To register and for more information about the Attractions Africa conference, please visit www.attractionsafrica.co.za or call +27 (0)21 683 2934.

The third annual Attractions Africa conference, the continent’s premier attractions management event, heads to the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Cape Town – Upper Eastside from Wednesday 8 to Thursday 9 June, 2016.  

Delegates of the conference will be treated to a two day programme, comprising international speakers sharing trends, benchmarks and best practise, as well as local examples of excellence, cases studies and white papers presented by local attraction managers.  

This year’s thrilling presentations include a case-study of the Homo Naledi discovery by Michael Worsnip of Maropeng a’Afrika Leisure; a talk by the Cape Town Cycle Tour’s David Bellairs about the marketing, communication and reputation management needed for the world’s largest cycle tour; a look into community participation in Attractions building by the rising star Siphiwe Ngwenya of the Maboneng Art Experience and more.  

An educational opportunity for attraction managers as well as a platform for information sharing and the recognition of common challenge, Attractions Africa is a collaborative effort between some of the continent’s top attractions including Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Two Oceans Aquarium, SAB World of Beer and Cape Point.

  Now in its third year, the Attractions Africa conference has become a highlight of the tourism calendar:

  “A conference of this magnitude brings together leaders and their peers within in the attractions management industry and provides invaluable learnings for those on the frontline of providing amazing visitor experiences at their establishments. Whether you are a museum, an art gallery, a hotel, a mega event, a restaurant or a theme park, we want you to join us for this must-attend educational event, “says Sabine Lehmann, Attractions Africa chair.  

Join us at the Attractions Africa conference:  

Registration for Attractions Africa 2016 Conference is OPEN. A discount rate for early registration is offered and will run until Friday 13 May 2016, so be sure to get in there fast and book your spot. Register online with a credit card or request an invoice.   To register and for more information about the Attractions Africa conference, please visit www.attractionsafrica.co.za or call +27 (0)21 683 2934.

The City Lodge Hotel Group will soon start developing the 90-room Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg which is scheduled to open for business in November.

The group announced at its interim results in Johannesburg last week that Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg will commence before the end of February, becoming the 22nd Road Lodge in the country and the 56th hotel in the City Lodge Hotel Group.

Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg will be situated on the corner of New England Road and Hesketh Drive in Hayfields and will employ at staff of 15.

Road Lodge is the budget one star brand within the four brand City Lodge Hotel Group – the other three brands being the four-star Courtyard Hotel, the three-star City Lodge Hotel and the two-star Town Lodge brands.

Targeting both business and leisure travellers, Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg will enable up to three guests to share a room for the single room rate.

In conjunction with CemAir, Kurland Hotel just outside Plettenberg Bay in the magnificent Crags, have created a unique Valentines opportunity for guests.

Return flights from Cape Town or Johannesburg to Plettenberg Bay, including all airport taxes and comp bar & snack on board.Included are complimentary transfers to and from Plettenberg Bay Airport, a bottle of Method Cap Classic on arrival, 2 night’s accommodation in an Elegant Suite including breakfast, available 1-28 February 2015, complimentary upgrade, if available, 3 course romantic private dinner for the 1 evening, a rose petal turn down and a 45 minute couples massage in the new Sanctuary Signature Spa.

The above is subject to availability and terms & conditions apply. R11, 470 per person sharing ex Cape Town or R12, 220 per person sharing ex Johannesburg.

For bookings contact 083 280 1160

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Discover the most romantic address on the Garden Route  

October 2014– At the 2014 Diner’s Club Winelist Awards, the 5-star Hotel Izulu, Ballito, has been awarded, for the second time, the impressive Diamond status, gaining a score of over 90%, for its new and extensive wine list.

This is the fifth year that the Hotel has won an award and the second year it has gained the prestigious Diamond status.   States Managing Director, Grant Pringle: “We’re incredibly proud of the team for achieving this and gaining such high results due to our new culinary and beverage experiences.

Based on organic ingredients the extensive menus in Gigi’s Brasserie, the private Chef’s Table, the romantic Wine Cellar and banqueting in the Imbizo Hall have all been created by Executive Chef, Jennifer du Toit.

Our pioneering monthly Wine Markets, in conjunction with leading and award-winning South African Wine Estates, have really gone a long way to uplifting wine awareness in our region.”