In a Speech following his Adjusted Level 3 Speech a mere 13 days ago, President Ramaphosa announced hard-hitting new measures to curb the ravaging Wave 3 of the Corona Pandemic in our country, with effect from tomorrow.
The President announced an Adjusted Level 4 Lockdown as of tomorrow, with Curfew starting at 21h00. Restaurants may only offer Food Delivery and Collection. No alcohol sales are allowed at all.
A survey conducted amongst 20000 travel agents by Benchmark Hospitality International in the USA has culminated in the ‘Top Ten Travel Trends for 2014′. Good news is that travel bookings are on the up, and that beach holidays are on an upward trend too!
The results were as follows:
1. 80% of the travel agents were optimistic about travel growth, half of these expecting it to be ‘very strong’.
2. Most growth will come from leisure travel, and half of this from the luxury segment. However, leisure and business travel often is combined.
3. An increasing number of clients are booking directly, understandably of concern to travel agents.
4. Beach-related travel is showing the strongest growth, responsible for about half of all travel. The balance of Continue reading →
The Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, yesterday launched a Brand Messaging Book for Tourism, in preparation for the 2010 World Cup.
The Brand Messaging Book, a mouthful of a brand name which could have been more polished, was prepared by S A Tourism for South Africans who come into contact with foreign visitors for the World Cup, to ensure that they ‘sing off the same songsheet’ when they discuss the country, and to make them “confident brand ambassadors for South Africa” says BuaNews.
The BuaNews (government news agency) media release describes the country as follows: “South Africa is the adventure capital of the world, offering visitors scenic beauty, magnificent outdoors, sunny climate, and cultural diversity – all of which have made it a popular leisure travel destination.” The claim to be the “adventure capital of the world” seems inappropriate and unsubstantiated by the rest of the description provided, as well as relative to previous marketing messages about South Africa.
“Destination messages” are detailed in the Brand Messaging Book for core target markets, e.g. the global travel trade, consumers, and event organisers. It also contains “inspirational messages”; beautiful photographs; ideas; information to counter “negative perceptions and realities” about safety, malaria and visas; recipes; and facts and figures about South Africa.
The Brand Messaging Book for Tourism can be ordered from itspossible@southafrica.net
At the same function Minister van Schalkwyk announced that soccer star, ex Bafana Bafana captain and Leeds United player Lucas Radebe has been appointed the S A 2010 Ambassador to the world. Radebe will work with S A Tourism “to help deliver destination messages and to help grow interest in South Africa globally, not only as host of the FIFA spectacular, but also as a holiday destination.” says acting S A Tourism CEO Didi Moyle, as reported by Engineering News. “He has the stature and the global credibility this role demands. He is exceptionally well travelled globally, but his heart lies here in South Africa. He loves our destination and our people. He is a champion of South Africa’s ability to successfully host the World Cup.”
Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com