Tag Archives: International Air Transport Association

Visa Regulations: ‘A R2,6 bn mistake’!

imageTourism consultancy Grant Thornton has calculated that the impact of the Visa Regulations, introduced in part in 2014 and in part this year, will cost our economy R2,6 billion and 5800 jobs this year, contrary to the government’s goal of growing the economy and aiding job creation.

The inter-ministerial committee consisting of representatives of the Departments of Tourism and Home Affairs, chaired by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, appears to be close to a ‘compromise‘, but details have not been announced officially by the Department of Home Affairs. The Committee has Continue reading →

WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 3 June

WhaleTalesTourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*   The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reacted to the additional Immigration Regulations introduced on Monday, requesting our government ‘to act in the best interests of the country and review‚ modify‚ and if necessary‚ rescind‚ the new measures if they do not have the desired effect and if they act as a handbrake on travel‚ tourism and economic growth‚ not just for South Africa — which is experiencing its weakest GDP performance in decades — but for the entire region. From a commercial and economic perspective‚ the industry is concerned that the harsh and onerous requirements South Africa has prescribed for travellers will negatively impact on the sustainability of air services‚ travel‚ trade and tourism to‚ from and via South Africa‘!

*   The inaugural Cabernet Franc Carnival will be held at Avontuur on 20 June, with thirteen producers presenting their wines to taste, including Ridgeback Wines, Avontuur, Lynx Wines, Hermanuspietersfontein, Camberley Wines, Cape Chamonix, CK Wines, Doolhof Wine Estate, Druk-My-Niet Wine Estate, Mont du Toit, Ormonde Vineyards, Raats Family Wines, and Nelson Family Vineyards. Entrance R120.

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WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 26 May

WhaleTalesTourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*   Label design can make an important impact on the purchase of a bottle of wine, argues the Wall Street Journal, as can a comedy play on wine brand names for ‘much cheaper wines‘, mentioning Fairview’s Goats do Roam, based on Côtes du Rhône!

*   The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français has dropped to 88th spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, the 51 – 100 ranking having been released today, ahead of the Gala awards function on 1 June.

*   Nederburg winemaker for the past 15 years, Razvan Macici, is to take on the role of Distell’s head winemaker as of 1 July, a new position, to oversee the style and quality of the company’s total wine portfolio, driving innovation, and acting as the ambassador Continue reading →

WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 29/30 November

WhaleTalesTourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*   The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has introduced a customer protection program to allow stranded passengers flying to or from or within Europe to be guaranteed a flight back home in the case of the airline going bankrupt.

*   The best-selling red wine in Sweden is South Africa’s Umbala, a Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Pinotage blend from Mare Magnum, while Zumbali Chenin Blanc box wine is a top seller too, reports Euromonitor International. The country’s wine sale grew by 2% last year, and value is important to Swedish wine drinkers.  By 2018 wine sales are expected to grow by 6%.

*   Two former South Africans and rugby players for Ulster, Ruan Pienaar and Robbie Diack, have launched Ballybosch Continue reading →