Since launching in 2008, Airbnb has reimagined the way people travel.

In the last few months, Airbnb’s business has expanded beyond accommodation to include unique travel experiences. Since the launch of the Trips platform in November, Airbnb is bringing together where you stay, what you do and the people you meet all in one place. Trips is a people-powered platform designed to make travel both easy and magical and Cape Town was one of just 12 cities chosen for the global launch of Airbnb Trips.

Trips exposes guests to the very essence of the city they visit by offering them authentic Experiences hosted by locals that share their passion, Trips is a great way to discover new and interesting things to do in a city and meet new people, whether you’re a visitor, or a local.

With Trips, you could find yourself learning how violins are made in Paris, train with marathon runners in Kenya, or learn about the different cultures in Cape Town’s township communities.

ABOUT SURF WITH PURPOSE

Surf with Purpose is a 3.5-hour Airbnb surfing Experience Muizenberg beach with internationally-accredited surfing instructor Apish Tshetsha. Apish is the first surfer to emerge from Masiphumelele. He is a graduate from the Waves for Change programme himself and today he is a REEF South Africa rider, who holds accreditation as a surf lifesaver and surf coach. Surf with Purpose is a social impact Experience, meaning that guests go on experiences with knowledgeable hosts from local non-profit organisations and get to know their causes, while also making an impact. 100% of what guests pay goes directly to the organisations as Airbnb waives their fees on social impact Experiences. Apish was born in Tsolo, a few km from Umtata, and grew up in Masiphumelele. He dropped out of school due because it was too expensive and government subsistence never came through. Eventually he met Tim, who taught him how to surf. Together they set up Waves for Change.

Link to Surf with Purpose Experience: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/921

ABOUT WAVES FOR CHANGE

Waves for Change is an award-winning non-profit organisation founded by Ashoka Fellow, Tim Conibear. The programme uses surfing as a form of therapy to help vulnerable children, often from violent and impoverished communities, cope with the stress of their lives. It provides access to safe spaces, caring adults and surf therapy sessions designed to help at-risk youth regulate behaviour, build self-confidence, establish healing relationships and, ultimately make positive life choices. Last month, Waves for Change won the Laureus Sport for Good Award. From an initial reach of 10 children in the township of Masiphumelele, the program has since grown to reach more than 400 children, teachers, and parents every year. Since its inception in 2011, over 1000 children have gone through the programme. Female participation has increased to a third in the past two years and over 50 coaches have gained qualifications in surf instructing, lifesaving, counselling and computer skills. 98% of children who attend Waves for Change say they feel happier and more confident as a result. Waves for Change now operates in six sites across Africa.

Link to Waves for Change: www.waves-for-change.org

QUOTE FROM BRIAN CHESKY

"This experience was amazing. Having just gotten off a plane after a really long flight, there’s no better way to immerse yourself right away in the local community. Having just surfed with Apish, who is the first ever surfer from Masiphumelele township and all these kids, it’s incredible to see how Experiences are changing the way people experience the Cape Town community. The Waves for Change experience is amazing, it was great fun for Minister Winde and I to take part and I cannot wait to try out all the other great experiences in Cape Town."

QUOTE FROM MINISTER ALAN WINDE

“The growth of Airbnb illustrates the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on our economy. These developments have allowed more people to meaningfully participate in the economy. In the case of Airbnb, this platform provides a space for innovative local entrepreneurs, like Apish Tshetsha, to enter the tourism sector. Cape Town is Airbnb’s largest market in Africa and Airbnb have gone from 10 000 to 15 000 properties in the city. The growth of Airbnb’s offering in our region is excellent news for entrepreneurship and innovation in our tourism sector. It shows that the attractiveness of the Western Cape is growing exponentially. Through our Project Khulisa growth strategy we are seeking to add up to 100 000 jobs to the tourism sector and initiatives such as Airbnb offers exciting opportunities for our residents to contribute towards this growth.”

QUOTE FROM APISH TSHETSHA

“It is incredible to think we started with just 10 kids in Masiphumelele and now, with the Airbnb trips, we are teaching people all over the world to surf! I like taking guests to Masiphumelele, my home town, and giving them insight into the culture there, the opportunity to meet my neighbours and sample local food - everyone really enjoys it. The funding we get from these trips goes back into Waves for Change which is also great that we can help even more kids from communities like Masiphumelele"

QUOTE FROM TIM CONIBEAR

“Waves for Change is not just about young South Africans working with children, it gives them life skills which are transferable and makes them employable; Apish is a perfect example of this and we're really proud of what he is achieving with his Airbnb experience."  

QUICK AIRBNB FACTS

• There are more than 3 million Airbnb listings in 190+ countries and 65,000 cities
• Since Airbnb’s founding in 2008, there have been 160 million total guest arrivals at Airbnb listings globally
• To date there are more than 800 active experiences available to book in 14 cities
• Cape Town was one of just 12 launch cities for Trips

FAST FACTS ABOUT AIRBNB IN SOUTH AFRICA

• total listings: 35 000
• Annual growth rate in listings: 100%
• Growth in total guest arrivals between 2015 and 2016: 195%
• Growth in domestic total guest arrivals between 2015 and 2016: 313%
• Growth in international total guest arrivals between 2015 and 2016: 150%
• Total listings in Cape Town: 17 500
• Average income generated by a typical host: 28 400 Rand (ca. 2,180 USD)
• Average host age: 45 Inbound guest arrivals in the past year: 415 000
• Top five destinations where people come from to visit South Africa and use Airbnb: US, DE, UK, NE, FR

The tourism industry in South Africa has taken a lot of hits, especially since the Apartheid era arrived. Through all of this, tourism in South Africa has grown and it's up to us to keep feeding South Africa's biggest asset, it's natural beauty, culture and people. Viva South Africa, Viva Tourism! Lets start at the beginning, Apartheid. It was the first real issue South Africa was facing in regards to tourism going down the drain.

Many countries were boycotting South Africa, affecting thousands of local businesses and putting a huge red sticker on our country that basically said: "Do not enter!". We survived, we made it to 1994, a glorious year for all South Africans.

Tourism gained some traction, but not long after 1994, the country was yet again avoided due to high crime rates and general violence taking place all over South Africa. Flights were also extremely expensive to any South African airport due to airlines cutting down on daily flights to South Africa. Our country received a rough estimate of less than 1 million arrivals at international airports. It was a devastating time for tourism in South Africa.

The year 2000, we made it. The world didn't end and tourism started picking up again with President Thabo Mbeki leading the country to a better tomorrow. Things were looking good and our tourist arrivals and revenue looked good, but it was nothing compared to other smaller countries that were on our level. We had a lot of catching up to do, South Africa should've been a major tourist attraction by now, but we took a big hit and recovery is extremely difficult after such a tremendous blow.

Enter 2010, the year we have all been waiting for, the Soccer World Cup. South Africa was blooming. We woke up to an incredibly beautiful morning and the sun was bright. People rejoiced and our revenue predictions were going off the charts. The year ended with a sense of relief and we seemed to be back on track to being the Mecca of tourist attractions. Today, at the end of 2016, looking forward to 2017. We have started a new project. Flight Factory. With one goal. Sell South Africa. Sell its natural beauty, sell its infinite cultural richness, sell its magnificent people.

We are here to "Make South Africa Great Again", one flight at a time. We believe in unity and South Africa is our unity. If we can all help our country reach it's full potential, we can create the brightest future for the next generation of South Africans. At the end of the day, South Africa, itself, will be the longest lasting "business" of our country. Let's sell it together!

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.

New e-Book Launch – Long Walk For Nothing by Dominic L Miller

One British man’s extraordinary 765km walk across South Africa in an ostrich costume

Following the release of the humorous new e-book, Long Walk for Nothing (click for Kindle page), Dominic L Miller will be in South Africa for promotional purposes from 17th to 24th September 2016 and available for interview during this time. As well as detailing his experience from start to finish, central to this unique story are the numerous acts of kindness by normal everyday South Africans. The book rightly acknowledges each and every one. The S.A.P.S in particular, contrary to continual headlines regarding brutality and corruption, were more than agreeable in providing lifts to a British fancy-dress fundraiser.

The walk generated continued press coverage throughout, featuring on e.TV national news (click for footage), four appearances on 567 Cape Talk radio station (click for press coverage page) in addition to national and regional newspapers. You have probably read Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk To Freedom. Now you can read about Dominic L Miller’s 765km Long Walk For Nothing from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town in South Africa. That’s 18 marathons in 35 painfully unsupported days while wearing an ostrich costume.

This feel-good story about South Africa has initially been published in e-book format before offering a Print-On-Demand option in the near future. Dominic L Miller lived for a total of nine years in South Africa, so his book paints a positive and accurate picture of modern day South Africa. The reviews the book has received to date attest to this.

Complimentary copies furnished upon request

***

Mr Dominic L Miller - Website: https://www.dominiclmiller.com - Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Phone: +31 (0)644329803

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.

Summary: South Africa has been flying direct to Mauritius for 50 years. Read about the history on how this half-a-century flight route began.  

Johannesburg, 22 January 2015: This year, South African Airways (SAA)celebrates a half-century of direct flights between Johannesburg and Mauritius. The airline presently operates daily flights on the route with a recent 9% increase in frequency resulting in twice-daily operations on Thursdays with double flights on Saturdays and Sundays. The route was one of SAA’s first Indian Ocean island destinations and has shown sustained growth over the past fifty years.  

The airline first introduced flights between Johannesburg and the Indian Ocean Island in 1957 as a refuelling stop en-route to Perth, with direct end-point flights commencing eight years later.  “Mauritius has remained an important destination for SAA throughout its history,” says SAA Acting CEO, Nico Bezuidenhout. “Recent frequency additions on several key African routes, including Mauritius, hold strategic commercial value for the business and forms part of the impetus of the LTTS (Long-Term Turnaround Strategy). Mauritius remains one of the fastest growing economies on the continent with consistent demand-side growth in both business and leisure travel.”  

Load factors on the route continue to perform positively, with growing trade and economic development driving business travel outside of seasonal leisure trips. Mauritius has enjoyed consistent GDP growth at an aggregate of 5,9% since 1995. “There has been a marked increase in inbound directional travel from the island to Johannesburg, too,” says Bezuidenhout, “with Johannesburg serving as hub and entry point into other African, American and European destinations.” SAA serves as patron to the South African Chamber of Commerce in Mauritius to further advance its business community engagement.  

It all started on 25 November 1957 when SAA, in partnership with Qantas, introduced a fortnightly DC-7B service across the Indian Ocean from Johannesburg to Perth; stopping at Mauritius and the Cocos Islands. This flight took 25 hours and was known as the “Wallaby Service”. On 7 May 1965, the SAA DC-7B service to Australia via Mauritius was increased to a weekly service. The DC aircraft was retired from the SAA fleet in 1967 and Mauritius became an online station as from 1965.  

On 29 March 1967, SAA started operating the B707 to Australia via Mauritius only. The Cocos Islands stop was removed and on 17 May 1967, the Boeing 707 aircraft set up a new record for the flight between Mauritius and Perth, covering 3,740 miles in just 5 hours and 32 minutes.   The Mauritius route is now served by the Airbus A320, the latest arrival in the SAA fleet.    

About South African Airways (SAA)
South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in partnership with SA Express, SA Airlink and its low cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa and across the continent, and ten intercontinental routes from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low cost carrier; and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAA is the winner of the 'Best Airline in Africa’ Award in the regional category for twelve consecutive years and the winner of ‘Service Excellence Africa’ for three years. Mango and SAA hold the number one and number two successive spots as South Africa’s most on - time airlines.  

Issued by SAA Communications  
For more information contact: Tlali Tlali This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. +27 82 333 3880  

Johannesburg, February 20th, 2015. 2014 was a good year for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.  The company was recently moved on to S&P 500 Index which ranks the top 500 shares traded in the US. This on the back of its billion dollar investments in groundbreaking new ships – Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas – and Oasis of the Seas coming in 2016.

These ships are the top of their class, possessing unique technology and entertainment features as well as everything else expected of best of breed cruise lines. The company’s performance bespeaks a confidence in the global cruise sector which generated worldwide revenues of $37.1 billion US Dollars [1] in 2014, and which looks to continue growing at the average annual rate of 4% until 2020.[2]

Cruises International, South Africa’s largest cruise operator representing nine of the world’s premier cruise lines, is similarly bullish about the cruising outlook for 2015, with the all-inclusive nature of luxury cruising packages acting as a major hedge against the weakness of the rand. Having sent over 15,000 South Africans on cruises in various parts of the world in 2014, Cruises International is optimistic about being able to sharply increase that number in 2015.

While many South Africans have only experienced cruising in local and neighbouring waters, there is an expectation that those who have bitten by the cruising bug will venture further afield in 2015. Although Europe is a favourite destination for those taking cruising holidays, the Caribbean and the Far East have also become extremely popular.

According to Cruises International’s Managing Director George Argyropoulos one of the great attractions of cruising – apart from experiencing and exploring exotic waters and destinations – is the convenience of all-inclusive costs, one air ticket, multiple destinations and a single cabin into which you only have to unpack once. “Add to this the incredible dining, entertainment and other activities available on board, and cruising has some enormous advantages over land-based holidays, especially in times of local currency weakness,” said Argyropoulos “The bottom line is that the convenience of visiting several destinations for one price and under one roof cannot be underestimated.”

Currently, South African represent just a tiny fraction of the growing international cruising passenger market, which runs well above 20 million travellers a year, most of them coming from the US. With more than 13 million bed nights sold in South Africa by hotels in 2014, the potential for growth in the cruising market is enormous .

Cruise lines represented by Cruises International includes stalwart such as: Oceania Cruises, Seabourn Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Seadream Yachts, AMW Waterways River Cruises, Windstar, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Celebrity Cruises.

Some of the major 2014 cruising trends which are expected to influence and spark 2015 include:

·       Improved technology to lower the cost of on-board communications and enable more efficient passenger servicing

·       The growth of multi-generational and celebration travel as well travel by social and affinity groups

·       More all-inclusive options and packages in accommodation, services and amenities

·       Active activations at sea which include soft and extreme adventure excursions, longer stays in ports for added sight-seeing and high-      energy on-board facilities

·       The rise of exotic destinations and the introduction of a wide variety of destinations featuring all parts of the world, not only the traditional cruising regions

“With our cruise lines ensuring availability of ships in 2015 in some of the world’s most popular ports and cruise destinations, as well as the breadth of cruises that we can offer, ranging from liners to ultra luxury yachts and river cruising, we expect a really good response from South African consumers and an excellent year for cruising,” Argyropoulos concluded.

[1] http://www.statista.com/statistics/204572/revenue-of-the-cruise-line-industry-worldwide-since-2008/ [2] Long-term Prospects: Tourism 2020 Vision". World Tourism. 2004.

Issued on behalf of: Cruises International

Client contact:         Doug Cairns

Tel. No.:                 011 327 0327  

Two rescued lionesses are settling into their new home at the Born Free Foundation’s Big Cat Rescue and Education Centre at Shamwari Game Reserve, South Africa, following an epic 6,000 mile journey across two continents earlier this week. Eight year old sisters, Maggie and Sonja, first travelled from Natuurhulpcentrum (a wild animal rescue and rehabilitation centre) in Belguim, to London’s Heathrow airport early on Tuesday 20th January.At Heathrow they were met by Singer, TV Star and Born Free Patron, Peter Andre, who watched them being safely loaded onto the inaugural Kenya Airways Dreamliner flight to Johannesburg via Nairobi.  

Peter, who has supported Born Free’s compassionate conservation work for a number of years, was overwhelmed by the opportunity to get close to these majestic creatures, as they waited in their crates at the airport.   He said: “What an incredible day! A once-in-a-lifetime chance to be involved in a project which will make a huge difference to these animals’ lives. It’s heart breaking to think that Maggie and Sonja spent the first years of their lives in misery, but I’m absolutely delighted that they will now be enjoying a more natural environment in Africa, thanks to the Born Free Foundation and their fantastic supporters around the world.”  Katrina Hanson, Cargo Manager Kenya Airways, added  “We were thrilled to offer our services to carry this amazing, unique cargo.  With the expertise of our support teams and our African network it is great we made this logistically happen for Maggie and Sonja.”    

After touching down in Johannesburg on Wednesday 21st January, the sisters’ were handed into the expert care of Land Rover Experience for the last leg of the journey to their new home at the award winning Shamwari Game Reserve in Port Elizabeth,. Maggie and Sonja travelled in specially arranged trailers, towed by Land Rover Discovery vehicles, and once they had arrived, they were released straight into their large natural enclosure, where they were introduced to the sights and sounds of Africa for the first time.  Shamwari Wildlife Director and vet, Dr Johan Joubert, and Born Free’s Big Cat Expert Tony Wiles, were present at every step of the journey.   

Dr Joubert said,“ I am very satisfied with the rescue and translocation of the lionesses Maggie and Sonja from the Natuurhulpcentrum in Belgium to Shamwari Game Reserve. Although it was a long journey for them, they travelled well. It was snowing when they left, two days ago, and now they are adapting to a hot African summer’s day. They experienced natural grass and trees today for the first time in their life. I am sure they have a good life ahead of them here at Shamwari Game Reserve.”  

Tony, who has more than 20years’ experience working with Big Cats, is pleased that the lionesses are already growing in confidence in their new environment. He says: “These are relatively young cats, and so despite being a bit tired from the journey, they should adapt quickly to their new surroundings. Already they are exploring the enclosure’s natural features and taking the opportunity to stretch their legs and bask in the southern hemisphere’s summer sunshine.”   He added: “After spending most of their lives in cramped and squalid conditions, it feels great to be able to offer these girls a safe, happy and natural place to live out the rest of their lives. That’s what it’s all about.” Richard Gouverneur, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa was elated with the news of Maggie and Sonja’s safe relocation. He said, “It’s difficult to imagine the hardships faced by these lions, and sad that people could even do this to animals meant to roam free. Land Rover is proud to have been part of their 6 000 mile journey that now sees these majestic animals set paw on African soil, where they’ll have a second chance to live out their days in a nurturing and natural environment.”

Richard Gouverneur, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa was elated with the news of Maggie and Sonja’s safe relocation. He said, “It’s difficult to imagine the hardships faced by these lions, and sad that people could even do this to animals meant to roam free. Land Rover is proud to have been part of their 6 000 mile journey that now sees these majestic animals set paw on African soil, where they’ll have a second chance to live out their days in a nurturing and natural environment.”To find out more about Maggie and Sonja’s new life, meet some of Born Free’s other rescued animals, or make a donation to enable the Foundation to continue its work with some of the world’s most vulnerable animals, visit: www.bornfree.org.uk . The lionesses move to South Africa was supported by Kenya Airways and Land Rover.  

Photographs:   © Raw Cut / Alan Strutt / BFF          

Notes to Editors:   About Born Free   The Born Free Foundation is a dynamic international wildlife charity, devoted to compassionate conservation and animal welfare.  Born Free takes action worldwide to protect threatened species and stop individual animal suffering. Born Free believes wildlife belongs in the wild and works to phase out zoos. We rescue animals from lives of misery in tiny cages and give them lifetime care.   Born Free protects lions, elephants, tigers, gorillas, wolves, polar bears, dolphins, marine turtles and many more species in their natural habitat, working with local communities to help people and wildlife live together without conflict.  Our high-profile campaigns change public attitudes, persuade decision-makers and get results. 

Every year, Born Free helps hundreds of thousands of animals worldwide. For more information about Born Free please visit: www.bornfree.org.uk    About Shamwari Game Reserve:  The world renowned Shamwari Group has been a pioneering leader in wildlife safaris, conservation and hospitality for over 20 years offering three diverse properties in South Africa - the malaria-free Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve outside Cape Town and Jock Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park.   Shamwari Group presents guests with the very best that Africa has to offer whilst conserving a vanishing way of life.  

About Kenya Airways: Kenya Airways, a member of the Sky Team Alliance, is a leading African airline flying to over 60 destinations worldwide, 40 of which are in Africa and carries over three million passengers annually. It continues to modernize its fleet with its 45 aircraft fleet being one of the most modern in Africa.The on-board service is renowned and the lie-flat business class seat on the wide-body aircraft is consistently voted among the world’s top 10. In 2010, it scooped top awards at the Africa Investor (Ai) Tourism Investor Awards and was declared the Business Airline of the Year in Africa. Kenya Airways takes pride for being in the fore front of connecting Africa to the world and the World to Africa through its hub Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. For more information, please visit www.kenya-airways.com   

About Land Rover and Born Free:  Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true 'breadth of capability' across the model range. Defender, Freelander, Discovery, Discovery Sport, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque each define the world's 4x4 sectors, with 80% of this model range exported to over 170 countries.   In 2013 Land Rover agreed a major new sponsorship with the Born Free Foundation, continuing its successful Global Conservation Partnership first forged in 2002 and confirming Born Free as its primary global conservation partner. The origin of Land Rover's historic association with Born Free goes back to the beginning where Land Rover’s were featured in 1966 in the classic wildlife film Born Free, starring the Foundation's founders, Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers.

The requirement was then as it is now to rely on the Land Rover vehicles to reach the wildlife in the most remote of locations. Land Rover is committed to continuing to provide the Foundation with practical help by supplying vehicles as well as financial backing for the next five years, reflecting its integrated approach to building global sustainability. The sponsorship will see Land Rover vehicles deployed by the Born Free Foundation in Kenya, India and South Africa where they support the charity's vital field work.Additional support will assist conservation and wild animal welfare initiatives in other parts of Africa and southern Asia while in the UK, where the charity is based, Born Free Land Rovers assist with logistical support and charity ambassador duties.  

About Natuurhulpcentrum: The Natuurhulpcentrum Opglabbeek (Wildlife Rescue) is a centre for the rescue and rehabilitation of sick or injured wild animals.Over the years, the Natuurhulpcentrum has become increasingly involved in temporarily hosting exotic animals coming from all over Europe, that were either seized by police or abandoned by their keepers. The Natuurhulpcentrum Opglabbeek (Wildlife Rescue) aims for all wild animals that it cares for to be released back into the wild. With regard to exotic animals, the Natuurhulpcentrum Opglabbeek will, most often in co-operation with other organisations, seek to re-home the animal in a facility that can offer life-long care in a setting best adapted to that animal.

Visit: www.natuurhulpcentrum.be 

Cape Town, South Africa – South African flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA), announced the winners of its annual wine selection process at a prestigious banquet in Cape Town. The wine awards banquet is the culmination of SAA’s rigorous selection process which started in August.

For the 2015 SAA Wine Selection year, more than 800 wines were submitted by South African wine producers. A panel of the most distinguished, independent, local and international judges assessed the wines over a period of three days of blind tasting sessions.

“South Africa is ubiquitously known for its quality and diverse wine offering. It is not hard to imagine how challenging it was to arrive at naming the winning wines to be served to our esteemed passengers on-board SAA flights, marking the 29th anniversary of selecting the best-of-the-best wines for the airline. As SAA, we would like to congratulate and recognise the winners for their efforts and for the amazing quality of wines submitted,” says Bongi Sodladla, SAA Senior Food and Beverage Manager and Sommelier, who led the process.

The following entries received trophies for having the highest score across the board from all 11 judges:

White Wine of the Year

Winery:  Alvi's Drift Wines International
Wine Description:  Alvi's Drift Chardonnay 2013

Red Wine of the Year 

Winery:  Hartenberg Farm
Wine Description:  Hartenberg Shiraz 2010

Methode Cap Classic of the Year 

Winery:  KWV SA
Wine Description:  Laborie MCC Blanc de Blanc 2010

Port of the Year

Winery:  Boplaas Landgoed
Wine Description:  Boplaas Cape Tawny Vintner Show Reserve  N/V

Chief Executive Officer Award:  De Wetshof Estate Trust

Chairperson's Award:  Joy Wines

The judges for this year’s awards were:

Bongi Sodladla is SAA’s Group Sommelier and Global Food and Beverage Manager. She coordinates the SAA Wine Selection and Wine Awards for the airline and is a full-time member of the tasting panel. She graduated as the first black woman sommelier in 2010 through the Cape Wine Academy, and has since completed the Wine Evaluation Course run by Stellenbosch University’s Department of Viticulture and Oenology. She is also a tasting panel member for other wine competitions; for example, the Veritas Awards.   

Sandra Lotz has been the manager of Shiraz since 2008, and was previously CEO of Paarl Vintners for 12 years. She serves on the Wine and Spirit Board’s Paarl tasting panel and, in addition to SAA, also tastes for various wine competitions, such as SA Young Wines and the Veritas Awards.

Danielle le Roux graduated with a BSc in Viticulture & Oenology from the University of Stellenbosch. Thereafter, she set off to explore some of the world’s main wine regions, working vintages at Chateau de la Colline (France); Verité (California) and Terreno (Italy). She graduated as a Cape Wine Master in 2009, and serves on the tasting panels for Veritas, SA Young Wine Show and the Wine and Spirit Board. She contributes to WineLand’s tasting column, and is a qualified Pinotage judge.

Tatiana Marcetteau was born in the heart of the French wine region, Bordeaux. She is the Food and Beverages Manager and Sommelier at the Taj in Cape Town and has tasted on SAA in previous years.

Miguel Chan hails from Mauritius and is Group Sommelier for Southern Sun hotels, with overall responsibility for the group’s beverage and food standards. Miguel represented South Africa in 2007 at the Inaugural Concours International des Jeunes Sommeliers in Frankfort, where he reached the finals. He has been a taster for Platter’s South African Wine Guide, Old Mutual Wine Trophy and other competitions.

Gregory Mutambe is a sommelier at Azure Restaurant, at Twelve Apostles. His passion for food and wine is aptly demonstrated in the restaurant’s extensive wine list. He tastes for other competitions, among them the Best Value Wine guide and Platter’s South African Wine Guide.

Andrea Freeborough is Cellarmaster at Die Bergkelder. She is committed to ensuring that the successful winemaking team produces outstanding wines for both the premier Fleur du Cap Unfiltered and Bergkelder Selection tiers. In 2010, Andrea earned the title of South African Woman Winemaker of the Year, just one of the accolades that she has received during her tenure at Die Bergkelder.  

John Salvi is an English Master of Wine who has lived for the last 35 years in Bordeaux. The title of Master of Wine is the highest internationally recognised accolade for depth and breadth of wine knowledge. He is also an oenologist who studied under the famous Professor Peynaud at Bordeaux University.  

Petronella Salvi is South African by birth, French by residence. She is the managing director of Vino Fino Wine in Style. She has participated in a variety of prestigious wine-tasting competitions; for example, the Swiss International Wine Awards, the Michelangelo Awards and many others. She is also the member of Circle of Wine writers in the United Kingdom.  

Lyn Woodward works as a freelance food stylist, editor and wine commentator. In addition, to having worked at The Cape Wine Academy for seven years, Lyn has completed all of its wine courses—she achieved Cape Wine Master status in 2010.  

Nomonde Kubheka is Soweto-born but now a proud Capetonian who obtained her BSc Agriculture degree in Viticulture & Oenology from the University of Stellenbosch. A former winemaker at KWV, Nomonde now works as a freelance facilitator for the Pinotage Youth Development Academy, which is based in Stellenbosch. She has tasted for other wine competitions, among them Diners Club Winemaker/Young Winemaker of the Year.  

The logistical process of the tasting is coordinated by Bennie Howard, well-known Cape Wine Master.

For any questions or queries, contact SAA spokesperson Tlali Tlali +27 82 333 3880 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About South African Airways

South African Airways is a Star Alliance member that offers flights to 38 destinations worldwide. Domestically, SAA operates 544 flights a week between Johannesburg – Cape Town, Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth. Regionally, SAA offers 24 destinations across the African continent and its international network creates links to all major continents from South Africa through 10 direct routes. In the regional category, SAA has received the Skytrax ‘Best Airline in Africa’ Award for 11 consecutive years.