Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines
* Good news from ratings agency Moody’s is that our country is unlikely to go into recession this year, and is not likely to be downgraded until the end of 2016! It did warn however that our economy is slowed down by a number of factors, and that our country would average 2% growth in the same period.
*. The six Finalists in the WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year competition, currently being hosted in Cocktail Capital Cape Town, have been announced: Jack Sotti of Australia, Viteslav Cirok of the Czech Republic, Alistair Reynolds from the UK, Manolis Lykiardopoulos of Greece, Aerial Leizgold of Israel, and Michito Kaneko of Japan. The winner will be announced tomorrow. (received via media release from Communication Services Africa)
* The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that revenue for tickets bought for flights to South Africa in June this year declined by 26% relative to a year ago. The largest declines were from South America (-40%), Asia (-32%), USA (-27%), and Europe (-23%). SATSA CEO David Frost reacted, stating that the only difference between the two periods is the introduction of the new visa regulations!
* The 130-year Old Standard Bank Building on Adderley Street will become the Cape Town Museum later this month, reports the Cape Times. It is a joint venture between the Western Cape Departments of Transport and Public Works and Cultural Affairs, and Standard Bank. It will reflect ‘the city as a whole‘.
*. The 15th anniversary of winemaker Miles Mossop’s tenure at Tokara co-incides with new releases of their Director’s Reserve White 2014, Director’s Reserve Red 2012, Director’s Reserve Five Year Potstill Brandy 2008, Reserve Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Reserve Collection Chardonnay 2014, and Reserve Collection Syrah 2012. (received via media release from Manley Communications)
*. Wine Enthusiast has profiled The Test Kitchen Sommelier Tinashe Nyamudoka, describing him as a ‘wine wunderkind‘! He uses a custom-built MCC cart to promote the category to guests. Exceptional wines, in his opinion, are made by De Toren, Vilafonte, Vergelegen, Boekenhoutskloof, De Morgenzon, Ken Forrester Wines, Sadie Family, and Raats Family Wines.