Tourism, Food, and Design news headlines
* A total of 10,6 million South Africans use WhatsApp, a free messaging service which was bought by Facebook last week. This represents close to half of all adults living in cities and towns. Facebook usage on mobile phones is at 9 million (45%), Mxit is at 25%, BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) (21%), and Twitter 20%, according to a survey conducted last week.
* The Stellenbosch American Express Wine Routes will be participating at the tourism and travel show ITB in Berlin next month for the first time. (received via media release from Random Hat Communications)
* The ATKV-Oesfees will be held at Solms-Delta outside Franschhoek on 22 March, with headline acts including Karen Zoid, Theuns Jordaan, Robbie Wessels, and Loukmaan Adams. It is the 7th Oesfees on the wine estate, and 100 performers will participate, to celebrate the harvest in the Franschhoek valley with local music and dance. Last year more than 5000 music fans attended the Oesfees. Solms-Delta is dedicated to preserving and developing the musical heritage of the Cape, through its Music van de Caab project run by Adriaan Brand. Entrance costs R130 per adult. (received via media release from Paula Wilson Media Consulting)
* Food Routes has launched a new Culinary Sensibility Identities (CSI) tool, allowing restaurant goers to match their culinary personality with that of a compatible restaurant on the Food Routes database. ‘Research in the world of food travel has shown that often the reason behind a disappointing culinary experience is the lack of knowledge as to the preferences and expectations of the diner and making sure that the destination’s culinary concept and execution is a good match for that diner. Think of the proverbial “bad blind date” experience. Neither party knows what to expect – a recipe for disaster!’ said Riaan Kruger, co-founder of Food Routes. (received via media release from Random Hat Communications)
* The One&Only Cape Town has wrapped yellow bands around four palm trees outside the hotel, to demonstrate its support for Cape Town hosting World Design Capital (WDC) 2014. The hotel has also created a new WDC2014 cocktail. One&Only Cape Town Managing Director Clive Bennett said: ‘We wholeheartedly embrace the tenets of the World Design Capital committee to introduce the world to Cape Town’s possibilities through its creative strengths. We look forward to showcasing our own commitment to local design, art and culture both within the resort itself and in a host of other cultural and philanthropic endeavours during the course of 2014‘.
* The Peninsula All-Suites Hotel will be pairing its 4-course Wine and Dine dinner with wines from Anura tomorrow evening. (received via media release from Celebrity Services Africa)
Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com Twitter: @WhaleCottage