Tag Archives: value for money

Travel and Tourism Trends for 2010

Tourism and travel in 2010 will remain depressed, but travellers will demand more individualised holidays, and will be seeking value for money, in the form of good rates, travelling to countries that offer good exchange rates, and joining clubs that offer exclusive discounts, according to the website www.mrandmrssmith.com, reports The Star.

Stark minimalist hotels will be replaced with homely “granny-chic” ones, which are comfortable and “homey”.   “Green” travel becomes more important, with travellers checking out the “green credentials” of their destinations.

The Top 10 specific travel and tourism trends highlighted by the website are the following:

1.   “Cheap-chic holiday houses and apartments”, opening up more self-catering accommodation with higher levels of service and presentation

2.   Guest Houses and B&B’s will become “Boutique”, as have their hotel counterparts, to give them “come-hither sexiness”

3.   All-inclusive packages, with no hidden service charges or extras

4.   Hotels are increasingly becoming environmentally independent, to lower their carbon emissions – water from a local spring, solar energy, saving seabirds,  etc.

5.   “Bleisure” travel will increase, whereby business and leisure travel are combined, with business travellers wanting their corporate travel needs met, but within a leisure environment, or adding on extra time to a business trip, to which they invite their partner.

6.   Mexico, and surrounding countries, have increased in attractiveness as a luxury travel destination

7.   “Traincations”  will increase, with high-speed train travel across Europe.

8.   “Flashpacking” is backpacking with a higher budget and more style, closer to 5-star accommodation than youth hostels

9.   “Granny chic” is a move away from “look-don’t-touch minimalist” to “traditional-with-a-twist homey comforts” hotels.

10.   “Hip hotels” that are family friendly – they not only “tolerate” children, but welcome them and make the family holiday an enjoyable one.

Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com

Value for money magic at La Boheme

La Boheme opened in Sea Point three months ago, and is receiving support from foodies and Sea Point locals for its exceptional value for money.

Faisal, the owner, was previously with Caveau Wine Bar, and has owned the restaurant next door on Main Road, opposite Marais Road, called La Bruixa, the witch, Faisal’s pet name for his Spanish girlfriend Anna, for the last four years, with Anna running it.

A bistro-style menu board lists seven starters, six main courses and six desserts.   A two-course meal costs R 85 and a three-course R 105.    Starters include a French onion soup, crumbed mushrooms, beef carpaccio, roast veal and pork roulade, ranging in price from R 20 – R 34;  the mains cost R 70, and include pork belly, ravioli and mushroom and black ham, stuffed chicken, beef bourguinon, and beef fillet.   Desserts cost R 20, and include Creme Brulee, chocolate pudding, crepes, tiramisu, and orange and carrot malva.

The pork belly was a generous portion, served with a mustard mash (the mustard dominated the dish too much), apple sauce and mixed vegetables.    The tiramisu had a section which was not as tasty as one would have liked it.

An extensive wine list offers a good selection of wines, by the glass too.  The Tokara Zondernaam costs R 25 per glass.  Glassware, crockery and cutlery are of a good quality, and material serviettes are used.

At La Bruixa a board of 15 tapas options in Spanish style is offered, at the cost of R 20 – R 30 each.   Patrons sitting outside may order from the La Boheme or the La Bruixa menus. 

It was noticeable that the waiters all looked happy and unstressed.   La Boheme is an unpretentious friendly bistro, offering exceptional value.  Faisal and Anna are hands-on, and one could mistake them for waiters, both wearing an apron. The two course meal, the glass of red wine and cappuccino cost R 126.

Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com

S A Tourism goes Sho’t Left

Domestic and short-haul tourism are important markets for South Africa, and should be nurtured, says Minister of Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk, reports Travelwires.

The credit crunch has demonstrated the vulnerablity of the international tourism market, Van Schalkwyk said, and therefore the new domestic ‘Sho’t Left’ campaign is vital, he said, which he unveiled in the form of a mural.

The Minister said that the local tourism industry had “managed to keep its head above the water and has in fact performed well amidst difficult circumstances”.   While domestic trips declined by 8 % in 2007, the total spend on domestic tourism increased by 17 % to R 26 billion, he added.

“We understand ….many South Africans and visitors from short haul markets are again discovering their own backyards, so to speak.   Visitors are again realising the exceptional value for money South Africa offers as a destination, and we must step up our efforts to boost domestic tourism” said Van Schalkwyk.

The Sho’t Left campaign encourages locals to travel locally, by offering them value for money packages.

Whale Cottage Portfolio www.whalecottage.com