A survey conducted by STR Global Hospitality research firm has found that Cape Town is the fourth most expensive accommodation city on the African continent, and is more expensive than Johannesburg!
Addis Ababa in Ethiopia was found to be the most expensive African city for Continue reading →
In my book CNN is a credible news agency, but this image has been severely dented by an article entitled ‘7 stunning Cape Town vineyards with food as good as the wine’, written last week by one Griffin Shea. Not one of the seven wine estates featured are in Cape Town!
The article introduction is short and sweet: ‘It’s no secret that in Cape Town, good wine abounds. But wine farms also host some of South Africa’s best restaurants, which pride themselves on serving up meals from ingredients often grown just steps away from the tables. These restaurants have won enough awards to fill walls, but like so many of South Africa’s best places to eat, they’re generally relaxed, unpretentious affairs where the prices won’t break the bank. Many of the menus are deceptively simple, heavy on local ingredients and farm fare, but prepared with passion and care’.
It does not state on which basis the wine estates were selected, but obviously they had to have a ‘great‘ restaurant, Continue reading →
Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines
* Only two South African hotels have made the Conde Nast Traveler list of 60 Hot Hotels, on the basis of ‘Good Food’. This is a surprise award for the Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard (now owned by Sir Richard Branson, but not much is new or ‘hot’ in this restaurant, having the same chef and waitron staff since he took over!). The Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff has also made the list in this category, with a chef unknown to most.
* Travel agents and tour operators are no longer marketing South Africa as a destination due to the new Continue reading →
Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines
* The inflation rate has dropped to 4,4%, a three year low, and down from 5,3% in December. The lower petrol price and slower food price increase benefited the inflation rate. The price of petrol is expected to increase in March.
* SAA is two-thirds through its 90 Day Action Plan, with a ‘business unusual’ approach to turn the airline around. ‘Cost-compression‘ measures have helped to achieve relative stability. Loss-making flights (to China and India) are to be cancelled, taken over by Middle Eastern airlines, and linked to SAA via code-share arrangements. More flights to Mauritius, Maputo, and Harare have been scheduled.
* The new visa regulations for tourists from China and India are hurting the South African tourism industry, said Continue reading →