THE HOLIDAY EXPO ISSUE - AFRICAN MICE Needs to grow - Business Traveller Africa
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AFRICAN MICE
Needs to grow
HILTON WORLDWIDE
Celebrating 100 years
THE HOLIDAY EXPO ISSUE
ISSUE 142: AUGUST 2019 www.businesstravellerafrica.co.za
small is big
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Contents
10 24
18
The Holiday Expo
19
Into its third year now, the 2019 Holiday Expo takes place at Montecasino in
Johannesburg on 24 and 25 August. It’s an opportunity for consumers to see first-
hand everything that there is to experience on the holiday front. It is the ideal platform
on which to engage with consumers searching for their next holiday destination.
FEATURES REGULARS
10 MICE The global MICE industry looks to be
04 Message from the Team 18 Tried and Tested
What’s the editor ranting about now? Hotel Check
in good shape and largely resistant to • AC Marriott New York
some of the factors that usually affect
the travel industry, and whilst Africa, as 06 News
Airline, hotel and other travel news
Flight Check
• Singapore Airlines
a continent, is working hard to establish
itself in this space, it still has a lot of work from Africa and beyond
20 Q & A Interviews
08 W Hospitality Column
to do before it becomes a major player.
• Ashish Kapur – Cathay Pacific
Here’s a look at how Africa compares
• Kananelo Makhetha – Club Travel
to the world’s other regions and who Managing Director Trevor Ward gives
the standout performers are on the
continent.
us his take on the West African hotel
industry 22 People on the Move
The movers and shakers –
09 ASATA Column what they’re up to now
The latest from Chief Executive Officer
Otto de Vries 24 Bite with the Editor
Jan van der Putten – Hilton
Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za AUGUST2019 | 3
ED’S LETTER
PUBLISHER
Richard Lendrum
I
just love to see innovators disrupting the market or seeing a gap EDITOR
in it and plugging it with an attractive – and new – proposition. Dylan Rogers
dylan@thefuture.co.za
So, I was pleasantly surprised when the launch of something
called ‘Upgradus’ came across my desk recently.
It’s an online system launched in Africa and is designed to act as JOURNALIST
the communicator between the customer and hotel, allowing guests Kate Kennedy
to show an interest in an upgraded room at a heavily discounted
CONTRIBUTORS
rate. Gillian McLaren, Tom Otley
According to Upgradus, most hotels currently don’t offer a paid
upgrade at the moment, but with occupancy rates increasingly
under pressure in many markets, many of these hotels are now DESIGN AND LAYOUT
Nadette Voogd
grasping the huge potential revenue unrealised every day.
Upgradus allows hotels to offer upgrades direct to their guests in
advance, during the ‘silent period’ between booking and arrival. SUBSCRIPTIONS AND PRODUCTION
“This allows the customer to spend time on a full consideration Mabel Ramafoko
of the offer in private, without the embarrassment of a public mabel@thefuture.co.za
discussion at check-in,” says Upgradus.
Customers simply log on, type in where and when they are SOUTH AFRICAN OFFICE
staying, and then Upgradus gets to work. It contacts the hotel, lets Postal Address:
them know a customer is interested, and if the hotel wants to offer PO Box 1746, Saxonwold, 2132
Physical Address:
a heavily discounted upgrade just before the stay because the room 6 Rodwiella Rd, Edenberg
is still empty, they can. The customer can then choose to accept or Telephone: +27 11 327 6107
decline the offer before they arrive, paying at the hotel as normal,
so the process remains the same and everyone is happy.
“I have travelled regularly for both business and with family and, NIGERIAN OFFICE
3rd Floor, EuniBrown House195,
when the budget allows, I like to stay in interesting hotels with Ikorodu Road, Palmgrove,Lagos, Nigeria
great rooms, especially when on vacation,” says Guy Ratcliffe, CEO Tel: +234 1 740 3236
and Founder of Upgradus. “However, I often found myself thinking Mobile: +234 803 963 0155
that there were even better rooms or suites above my budget that
were empty, sometimes even the room next door. An offer for a PUBLISHER – NORTH & WEST AFRICA
discounted upgrade to a better room or suite would have been Tope Ogbeni-Awe
appreciated and likely taken if the price was right.” tope.ogbeni-awe@topcommng.com
With global hotel occupancy currently around 67%, Ratcliffe
believes a huge opportunity exists for his platform and the hotels
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
that sit with empty rooms – in particular, premium rooms that go Mohammed Abdullahi
unsold. He goes on to say that selling discounted upgrades to these
rooms could add a sizeable financial chunk to the global hotel
market.
Business Traveller Africa is published under licence from Perry
Let’s see if he’s right, and good luck to them. Publications Limited.
Warwick House, 25 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0PP.
Tel: +44 20 7821 2740
www.businesstraveller.com
Dylan Rogers
Editor
dylan@thefuture.co.za
Follow us on:
4 | AUGUST2019 Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za
Helping you select a better
quality guest house
Guest House Accommodation
of South Africa
www.ghasa.co.za
NEWS
Proflight to Start Ndola-
Johannesburg Route
Proflight Zambia has plans for a new scheduled
service between Ndola and Johannesburg in a move
to boost trade and investment between the two
cities. The new route, which is expected to begin on
2 September, will link the Copperbelt mining and
industry hub with South Africa’s main business centre
with three weekly services on Mondays, Wednesdays
and Fridays. Flight P0040 will depart from Ndola’s
Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport
at 08h05 and arrive at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo
International Airport at 10h35. The return flight will
depart from Johannesburg at 11h40 and arrive back in
Ndola at 14h10.
BA Rolls Out WTP Phase 2 Ethiopian Airlines Opens
British Airways is rolling out the next phase of its investment in
its premium economy cabin, World Traveller Plus, by introducing a
range of new amenities for customers. The airline is investing $7.9
Addis Hotel
Ethiopian Airlines has opened the five-star Ethiopian
billion (£6.5 billion) over five years, including in new aircraft, new
Skylight Hotel, located five minutes from Addis Ababa’s
cabins, new catering, new lounges, wi-fi, and new routes. New
Bole International Airport. The Skylight Hotel has
amenity kits using material from recycled plastic bottles were
373 rooms and three restaurants, and offers all-day
introduced from 1 July and include items from the Scaramouche
dining (including a Chinese restaurant), a lobby and an
& Fandango range. Passengers can also expect new quilts and
executive lounge that includes a traditional Ethiopian
cushions with the herringbone design synonymous with the
restaurant. The Grand Ballroom accommodates
airline’s First cabin. The new amenities follow improvements
2,000 seated guests and 4,000 guests in a standing
made earlier this year to the World Traveller Plus cabin, including
cocktail setting. The Ballroom can also be divided
new menus with a focus on seasonal ingredients. The airline will
into five separate halls along with spacious foyer area,
also be introducing alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails to the
accommodating 500 to 800 guests in each compartment.
World Traveller Plus bar menu. Customers travelling in World
There are also three separate daylight and two VIP
Traveller Plus have the ability to pre-order their main meal up to
private meeting rooms for corporate meetings. The
24 hours before departure using the ‘manage my booking’ tool on
health club facilities in the hotel include an outdoor
ba.com. Customers can also choose to cut the cost of flights by
swimming pool, mini-golf course, a spa, massage room
using Avios as part payment.
and g ym.
Jin Jiang and Radisson Unveil
Co-Branded Hotel
Following Radisson Hotel Group’s acquisition by Jin Jiang
International and Sino-Cee Fund late last year, Radisson and its
shareholders have identified several opportunities to realise the true
potential of the Chinese market. They include the launch of co-
branded hotels, with the Radisson Blu Hotel, Frankfurt in Germany
the first to become co-branded with Jin Jiang International. At the
newly co-branded hotel, Chinese-speaking guests will find a range
of designed and curated features, including collateral such as menus
and welcome cards in Chinese, and guests being able to pay for
anything with Chinese Union pay cards. In-room amenities include
tea kettles, a choice of Chinese teas, Chinese TV channels, and
Chinese newspapers. Traditional Chinese dishes like congee, noodles
and wontons have been included in the daily breakfast service and
Shanghai noodles, Hainanese chicken rice and Singapore Laksa are
available in the hotel’s restaurant, Welcome Corner, and on its room
service menus. To facilitate the booking process for Chinese-speaking
travellers, 53 Radisson properties are now featured on the WeHotel
Platform, Jin Jiang International’s global hotel booking platform. The
remaining properties will be available by the end of the year. Radisson
Rewards and WeHotel Prime, Jin Jiang’s loyalty programme, are
working together to provide localised, in-hotel benefits to members of
both programmes.
6 | AUGUST2019 For more news, visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za
PEDs Permitted on SA British SAA Signs Codeshare
Airways Flights with GOL
British Airways (operated by Comair) customers may now use South African Airways has signed codeshare and
their portable electronic devices (PEDs) at all times during their frequent flyer agreements with Brazilian airline
journey within Southern Africa. These devices include, but Gol-Linhas Aéreas (GOL). The agreement will enable
aren’t limited to, handheld lightweight electronic devices such as SA A to add its code to 20 connecting flights in Brazil
tablets, e-readers, smartphones and other small devices such as operated by GOL in the Brazilian territory, which
MP3 players, electronic toys and smart watches. The airline has will allow SA A customers to integrate their travel
added more flight frequencies on its route network commencing with easy connections on flights of both carriers.
mid-September 2019, which are available for booking with Besides the codeshare, the signed Frequent Flyer
immediate effect. In total, British Airways will operate 34 Programme (FFP) agreement offers members of each
additional flights a week on routes serviced from Johannesburg, airline’s programmes, Voyager from SA A and Smiles
which includes Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth, as well from GOL, the opportunity to accrue and redeem
as between Cape Town and Durban. miles.
Lufthansa The President Hotel Joins
Partners with Preferred Hotels
Mango The President Hotel in Cape Town has been accepted into membership of
Lufthansa has partnered with Mango Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand.
Airlines to provide customers with even Preferred Hotels & Resorts represents more than 750 hotels, resorts,
more connections to destinations in South residences, and unique hotel groups across 85 countries, and The President
Africa. Lufthansa passengers can now Hotel is the latest addition to the group’s Lifestyle Collection. All guests of
connect to and from Johannesburg and The President Hotel are
Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and now eligible to enrol
George via Mango Airlines connections. in the I Prefer hotel
Those flying to or from Cape Town rewards programme,
International Airport can connect to which extends points
and from Johannesburg, Durban and redeemable for cash-
Bloemfontein. Lufthansa Group and South value reward certificates,
African Airways have had a codeshare elite status, and special
agreement since 1996, jointly connecting benefits such as
European destinations with South complimentary internet
Africa. Current codeshare routes include to members upon every
Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port stay at more than 650
Elizabeth, East London, Windhoek, Harare participating Preferred
and Mauritius. The Lufthansa and Mango Hotels & Resorts
agreement applies to tickets sold through locations worldwide.
LH.com and through the GDS.
COMFORT WITHOUT BORDERS
AS A HOTEL GROUP BORN AND BRED IN AFRICA, WE CONTINUE TO GROW OUR PRESENCE IN THE CONTINENT. YOU CAN NOW
CHECK INTO 60 HOTELS ALL OVER AFRICA – INCLUDING SOUTH AFRICA, DAR ES SALAAM, GABORONE, WINDHOEK AND
NAIROBI – KNOWING THAT YOU’LL FIND THE COMFORT AND RELIABILITY YOU’VE COME TO EXPECT FROM A STAY WITH US.
FOR THE RATES AND RESERVATIONS OF YOUR PREFERRED DESTINATION ACROSS THE CONTINENT, VISIT CLHG.COM
For more news, visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za AUGUST2019 | 7
COMMENT
An Eye on
West Africa
L
agos has a population of some 20 million market and planned projects are shelved. Further,
Trevor Ward people (estimates differ, but that seems to be more supply can actually create demand, due to
MD: W Hospitality a rough average). the increased spend by the existing and new hotels
Group on marketing the destination. And the addition of
It accounts for around 40% of Nigeria’s GDP, it’s got new rooms can mean that larger events, such as
the busiest airport by far, seaports, and several local conventions, can be accommodated.
conglomerates and multinationals are based there.
The list goes on – yet the city is averaging just one In the airport area, with the availability of more
branded hotel opening a year currently, and the rooms at different price points, passengers may
average size of those hotels in the past three years well choose to stay overnight before departure or
was just 53 rooms! on arrival, particularly given Lagos’ unpredictable
traffic and the fact that some people travel a long
Sure, I know that Nigeria’s economy has been in the way from out of town pre or post-flights.
doldrums for a while, but even so, Lagos does better
in most respects than the national average. Oversupply is less likely, because so many new
hotels are delayed way beyond their original
This year’s opening, in mid-July, is the Providence scheduled opening date. According to the
Hotel in Ikeja, not far from the international airport, international and regional (African) hotel chains,
in a district that now has a wide-ranging hotel they expected to open 115 hotels (throughout the
offering, including the historic Sheraton on the main whole of Africa) last year, but only managed to open
airport road, the more recently-opened Radisson 46, a realisation rate of just 39%. In some cases, the
Blu, its neighbour the renamed Radisson, and the planned hotels don’t get completed at all – visitors
L’eola Hotel. to Lagos may or may not be aware that the mess
called the arrivals pick-up point at the international
The 79-room Providence Hotel is, like the L’eola, terminal was actually once the location for a
managed by Mantis, a South Africa-based operator planned Holiday Inn hotel, or that the abandoned
which Accor bought into last year. That means that buildings opposite the MM2 domestic terminal were
the two hotels benefit from the Accor distribution supposed to have been a Crowne Plaza hotel. The
systems and that guests can accumulate Accor former definitely won’t happen, and the latter seems
Rewards points, just like at the other Accor hotels pretty unlikely.
in Nigeria (Mercure, ibis, Novotel) and elsewhere in
West Africa. We’ll get there one day and there’s no shortage of
new hotels planned for Lagos – at last count there
Nothing else looks set to open this year, whilst in were 27 new properties (including extensions to
2020 we should see the 250-room Marriott opening, existing hotels) with 4,500 rooms in the Lagos
also in Ikeja. Also mooted, but not definite, are pipeline.
the 164-room Radisson Collection in Ikoyi and
the 96-room extension to the Legend Hotel at the Nope, zero chance of them all happening, so let’s
international airport (a Curio Collection by Hilton), not get too concerned about that ‘O’ word! ■
which was last year’s sole opening. Potentially quite
a few rooms then in Ikeja and the nearby airport Trevor Ward
environs, but does this mean that there will be an Managing Director
oversupply of hotel rooms in the area? W Hospitality Group, Lagos
Well, at least in the short-term, the answer to that www.w-hospitalitygroup.com
must be ‘yes’, although I’m not clear what a good
definition of the term ‘oversupply’ would be. Hotels
are being opened all the time, every where (well,
not so much in Lagos, apparently), and when a
hotel opens it inevitably takes business away from
existing hotels and therefore occupancies, and often
also prices, drop.
But oversupply is a temporary phenomenon - it’s
part of the economic cycle which hotels are a part
of. Organic growth in demand tends to sort it out,
especially as new investors are deterred from the
8 | AUGUST2019 Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.zaCOMMENT
Back to the future of travel
‘A
nalogue is the new meets the demands of modern benefits of working with a single
digital’. That’s the road warriors. However, a blended TMC. The findings underlined
expression trend approach means customers still the need to educate staff about
analysts use to describe enjoy human encounters when and TMC booking tools and services,
today’s general shift away from where it counts. which will encourage compliance
impersonal technolog y and Via smart booking apps, and maximise travel management
services to those with a (real) employee travel bookings are benefits for corporations of any
human touch. But we see a more customised, while Artificial size.
blended scenario when it comes Intelligence is beginning to fulfil ASATA members are seeing an
to professional corporate travel more automated functions, freeing uptick in corporate travel now that
services. up consultants to perform other, the general elections are behind
We know that the corporate hands-on tasks. Rather than a us. But, to realise the benefits
traveller of today demands real- regression back to the ‘analogue’ and maintain personal business
time updates and fast, online era, digital solutions combined relationships, companies need to
booking channels and support with personal consulting are travel.
services, preferably managed via driving employee satisfaction and By booking with an ASATA-
a personal device. Employees are productivity levels. accredited TMC, companies across
also cost-conscious and there is Based on a recent study by the region can assure travelling
evidence to suggest poor adoption the Harvard Business Review, employees of expert, personalised
of company booking tools and in partnership with Egencia and service and the best price
breaking from company travel published by Skift, tight travel through a careful mix of personal
policy boils down to a lack of budgets and overly strict travel consulting and smart digital
knowledge through company policies don’t make for happy or solutions. ■
ranks. productive employees.
Travel management companies The report surveyed 587 Otto de Vries
(TMCs) have evolved with the business leaders, mostly in Europe ASATA CEO
times, investing in technolog y that and the US, and highlighted the
MEETING
& EVENTS
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it all for you
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Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za AUGUST2019 | 9FEATURE – MICE
Holding
firm The global MICE market remains strong,
but Africa still has much work to do, before
it becomes a major player.
10 | AUGUST2019 Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.zaVisit businesstravellerafrica.co.za AUGUST2019 | 11
FEATURE – MICE
T
he African MICE meetings compared to the previous
“ While we are pleased that
industry has a long way year. Yet, according to ICCA, Africa
to go. hosted only 3% of them. the sector brings in millions of
That’s before it can Europe was out in front with Rands worth of foreign direct
claim to be a serious global player. 52%, followed by Asia-Pacific
Sure, Africa has much going for (23%), North America (11%),
spend, what is crucial is that
it – beautiful scenery, beaches, and Latin America (9%), while, the business events industry
mountain and bush; wildlife; interestingly, the Middle East
stunning hotels; friendly people; captured only 1% of the market,
fuels the knowledge economy ”
and affordability, to name just a despite the efforts of Dubai and
few, but the stats don’t lie and its active convention bureau. Scale
the continent is still only getting and size are clearly not on the side Kigali (103rd), Marrakech (115th),
a small piece of the pie, when it of Dubai, and they could do with Nairobi (129th), and Cairo (143rd).
comes to its share of the global some support from other Middle
MICE market. Eastern countries. SOUTH AFRICA
The International Congress and Coming back to the African It shouldn’t be a surprise that
Convention Association (ICCA) performance in the ICCA South Africa is out in front.
releases its much-anticipated rankings, South Africa was the It has the most developed
rankings every year, and whilst continent’s top performer with infrastructure, as well as a history
these rankings focus only on 100 association meetings in 2018. of hosting big conferences, never
the number of international That placed the country 39th in mind its status as one of Africa’s
association meetings or the world ICCA rankings, ahead of biggest economies.
conferences staged in each city Morocco (56th), Eg ypt (joint-68th), So, let’s look at those numbers.
and country for the year, they are Kenya (joint-68th), and Rwanda Speaking at this year’s Meetings
a useful bellwether of a country/ (70th). Significantly, second-placed Africa tradeshow, former Minister
continent/city’s standing in the Morocco hosted 45 association of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, said
global MICE space. meetings, showing just how much that business tourism had “earned
Consider this – the 2018 ICCA South Africa dominates Africa in its place at the economic table”.
rankings report, which was this space. He also revealed that the sector
released fairly recently, showed Drilling down a bit further, Cape earned R71 billion ($4.84b) in
that there were a total of 12,937 Town headed the list for African revenue and overall contributed
rotating association meetings in cities, at number 63 with 42 R115 billion ($7.85) to South
2018 – an increase of 379 additional association meetings, followed by Africa’s GDP.
12 | AUGUST2019 Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.zaSUN2887
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timesquare.reservations@suninternational.comFEATURE – MICE
Three years ago, the South African
government approved R90 million SOMETHING DIFFERENT
($6.14m) to establish a bidding support
programme to propel the business If you’re looking for something different for your board meeting, conference or
events industry. The grant enabled incentive trip, you might want to consider hopping on the train. Specifically,
South Africa to bid more aggressively South Africa’s The Blue Train, which has been around for some time, but in
November re-positioned itself to place more of a focus on the MICE industry.
for international association
conferences, meetings, incentives and
“There is a need within the market for that different, off-the-beaten-track experience
exhibitions.
- a need for memorable experiences that effectively engage stakeholders, and
Fast-forward three years and the
experiences that are exclusive and can be tailored to meet specific needs,”
country’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, says Vincent Monyake, Executive Manager at The Blue Train.
Fish Mahlalela, said at the opening of
the annual congress of the Southern Corporates are able to hire out The Blue Train for their engagement and these
African Association for the Conference private charters span a range of experiences:
Industry (SA ACI) in Durban, that
during the 2018-2019 financial year, • L unch or dinner experience in Pretoria or Cape Town that typically lasts 6-8
South Africa had a target of 105 hours. This is called ‘A Trip to Nowhere’ and guests are treated to a five-
submissions for business events. course gourmet meal, whilst onboard entertainment can be arranged. A Trip
In conjunction with the city and to Nowhere accommodates up to 80 people.
provincial convention bureaus, the • A return overnight trip from Pretoria or Cape Town. Guests here are treated to
South Africa National Convention a complete experience, with access to suites and personal butlers, gourmet
Bureau submitted 108 bids, a 14.8% lunches, dinners, high teas and breakfasts, open bar, hand-made Cuban
increase compared to the previous cigars and onboard entertainment.
financial year. • A safari experience from Pretoria to the Kruger Park and back. This includes
The 108 submissions included 94 game drives, a bush breakfast, and a boma dinner.
meetings, incentives and conferences
– representing a combined estimated
economic impact of R2.4 billion ($164m)
– and 16 exhibitions with a combined THE SUPPLIER VIEW
value of R135 million ($9.2m).
Neelma Maru – Director: Sales & Marketing
The submissions have a combined
Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi
potential to generate 501 event days. To
date, 29 of the bids have been converted
1. Biggest MICE talking points? Big meeting spaces; culinary experiences;
into secured events, with three lost technology
to competing destinations and 61 still
2. What type of requests are you seeing? Clients looking for a one-stop
awaiting outcomes. Over 55% of these
shop; working lunches as opposed to buffet lunches; clients more sensitive
bid submissions were for association about value for money
conferences and 30% for corporate
3. Spend in the Nairobi conferencing space? Meeting enquiries up, but
meetings and incentives, dominated by
spend down
the medical and life sciences sectors.
4. How are you using technology to strengthen your offering? Free wireless
“While we are pleased that the sector
high-speed internet in all meeting rooms, as well as advanced technology
brings in millions of Rands worth of
systems, including presentation screens, video conferencing, tele-conferencing
foreign direct spend, what is crucial is and mirror technology
that the business events industry fuels
the knowledge economy in two ways,” THE SUPPLIER VIEW
said Mahlalela. “Firstly, when South
Africa hosts an international association Henri-Basil Hearne – PR & Communications Manager
or a global corporate event, our local Time Square
professionals and industry leaders
1. Biggest MICE talking points? Venue technology
are exposed to cutting-edge research,
expertise and knowledge, as well as 2. What type of requests are you seeing? Complicated audio-visual and
excellent networking opportunities with presentations; bigger set designs; strange venue set-ups; over the top
performances
global leaders in the field. Secondly, by
hosting international events in areas 3. How prevalent is the ‘confex’ theme/element? We’ve seen an increase,
where South Africa is a global leader, due to our large space, which offers many options
the country is given an opportunity to 4. Spend in the SA conferencing space? The market is very competitive and
showcase its expertise to a high-level no property will ever be a 100% satisfied. At the moment we are positive
international audience. It provides that the market will always look up and continue to grow
exceptional networking opportunities 5. How are you using technology to strengthen your offering? Polycom
which could lead to further investment telephone conference facilities; full video conference facilities; digital
and growth.” signage options; a preferred AV supplier in MGG Productions; whilst it’s
worth noting that the Sun Arena is one of the biggest and most versatile
To ensure that South Africa’s business
venues in the country
events industry has the biggest impact
14 | AUGUST2019 Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.zathe model has been ‘tourism
“ South Africa’s proactivity in actively seeking out and logistics led’, with the
business in the global MICE space is very much in destination acting as a grateful
host to the meeting and deriving
line with one of the current international trends economic benefits from increased
identified by ICCA, called ‘Beyond Bidding’. ” business tourism traffic, ICCA
has highlighted an evolution
in destinations and venues
on the country’s knowledge the country has the intellectual supporting events through their
economy, the South Africa property to complete globally,” own intellectual and economic
National Convention Bureau is said Mahlalela. capital.
focusing its efforts on attracting South Africa’s proactivity in
events in economic sectors actively seeking out business in INCENTIVES
that have been identified by the global MICE space is very One of the leading trade
government as priority sectors for much in line with one of the associations in the incentive
future development. current international trends travel industry, SITE (Society
These include manufacturing, identified by ICCA, called ‘Beyond for Incentive Travel Excellence),
with a specific focus on areas Bidding’. monitors the long-term success
where South Africa excels, This refers to the role of of the industry. It operates in two
including the automotive, destinations and convention ways; firstly by measuring the
chemical, pharmaceutical, agri- centres in the winning of level of confidence that businesses
processing, electronics and association conferences. This demonstrate in the results offered
biofuels sectors. trend, which is mapped out in by incentive travel programmes;
“Hosting major events in these ICCA’s ‘Third Wave’ report, secondly, by measuring the
sectors can contribute significantly tracks the expanding role played economic business outlook for
in accelerating macro-economic by cities and venues in staging these companies. In both respects,
benefits and demonstrates that events. Whereas historically according to SITE, the global
Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za AUGUST2019 | 15FEATURE – MICE
MICE TRENDS
This is according to Benchmark, a US-based global independent public spaces and in their guest room, entertaining and fun
hospitality management company, operating 80 hotels, resorts, activities on property and outside, non-traditional seating
and conference centres, with the group’s top meeting trends and meeting arrangements to enhance engagement in
announced by Ted Davis, Benchmark’s Chief Sales and meetings during the day.
Marketing Officer.
6. Curated Travel
1. Privacy is the #1 Technology Requirement of Planners Curated travel for groups (and their spouses/partners)
today! on or off property is of very high importance.
Yes, super-fast and reliable wi-fi throughout a property
is a must, but it must be secure! 7. Millennials Team Build Differently!
Bringing groups together interactively and family-style as
2. Food for the Soul a culinary team is red hot. But planners are also looking
Food that is fresh and locally sourced, in-season when for entertainment to be included in team-building, so
flavour is most robust, presented in small bites, and learning is not only instructive and flavourful, but great
enjoyed interactively-family style. fun to enhance learning.
3. Don't Facebook me. Don't Tweet me! 8. Cocktails, S'mores and Barges
It's not that professional meetings planners aren't sociable. Believe it or not, the most popular after-hours meetings
It's just that email by far continues to be the most preferred group scene is gathering around an outdoor fire pit on
method of communication. property, kicking back and relaxing with colleagues over
cocktails.
4. Preference for Independents
Flexibility, customization, authentic and unscripted 9. Speedy Response and Pay Commissions Promptly
experiences all rank high in the minds of planners today, Lightning fast response to RFPs is essential to winning
as does the feeling that independent properties excel in business with planners today.
providing these for groups needing to create memorable
and highly productive meetings. 10. Work/Life Balance
Wellness is huge with professional meeting planners
5. What Millennials Want from Meeting Venues today.
State-of-the-art technology, multiple plug-ins and USB
ports for their myriad of devices in the meeting room, Source: Benchmark
16 | AUGUST2019 Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.zaincentive market is currently in use of incentive programmes the trend of planners including good health. by businesses was attributed wellness activity in incentive This confidence is confirmed to ‘sales’ and ‘profitability’. programmes. Lastly, the increase by the Incentive Travel Industry However, it stated that more in ‘all-inclusive’ destinations. Index 2018 Report, a new report importance was being given to This was partly due to cost saving that saw SITE partner with the ‘building relationships between measures, particularly by incentive Incentive Research Foundation management and employees’. agencies. and the Financial and Insurance Almost 70% of buyers said their Conference Professionals. The programmes were effective at CONCLUSION report noted that both budgets achieving business objectives. ICCA CEO, Senthil Gopinath, and the amount of incentive However, with this growth and wraps things up quite nicely. travel trips being booked were confidence comes increased cost, “Our industry is facing up in 2018. It stated that over and the industry continues to challenges from saturation, half (54%) of buyers reported wrestle with supply and demand consolidation and new entrants an increase in budgets year-on- dynamics that impact on its to erosion of traditional business year, with the median per person profitability, the report added. models and fragmentation,” spend remaining $4,000, and with Finally, the report picked up on he says. “There are also great corporates spending more ($4,550) three incentive trends. opportunities, including market and incentive agencies less Firstly, the fact that over two- growth, disruptive innovation, ($3,500). The amount of incentive thirds of corporate bookers of digitisation, new players, less programme trips was also up by incentive travel include meetings market barriers, new audiences 65%, which the report attributed in their incentive programs, which and new scalable models. to ‘company growth and optimism underlines the increasing merging Alongside all these developments, in the economy’. of different sectors of the industry. the number of events is continuing The report also stated that Secondly, the fact that ‘wellness to grow exponentially.” the reason for the continued is the new golf’ and supports Nicely put. ■ Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za AUGUST2019 | 17
TRIED & TESTED/Flight
JOHANNESBURG - SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 - Business Class
BACKGROUND: With its hub at Changi then escorted to my seat, I accepted the beef, it arrived overcooked and dry. My
International Airport, Singapore Airlines steaming hot towel to refresh my hands, hostess apologised profusely and offered
flies to 62 international destinations before sipping a flute of Charles Heidsieck another choice, which I de-clined. Dinner
in 32 countries. The A350-900 – with Brut Réserve French champagne. ended with strawberry ice-cream and a
its ultra-quiet business class cabin – selection of cheese. When cabin lights
was introduced on the Johannesburg THE SEAT: In business class there are were dimmed and my bed made up with
route in 2016. Flights from O.R. Tambo 42 individual cubicles, across two cabins, a fitted sheet and light duvet, I managed
International in Johannesburg and Cape with a padded leather 71cm seat that has five hours of good sleep. A light lunch
Town International Airport depart every two automated positions of ‘lazy-Z’ and with Parma Ham as an appetizer, with
day. Flight time to Singapore is usually 10 ‘sundeck’. When you are ready to sleep, a choice of Pork Bolognaise, Stir-fried
hours and 25 minutes. cabin crew will help you to unfold the Prawns or Chicken Tikka Masala, was
seat into its fully-reclining flat position. served. The curry was tasty, whilst the
CHECK-IN: There was no queue at the Configuration is 1:2:1, so all seats have TWG teas were particularly interesting, so
counter as I was the only business class direct aisle access. Storage is ample, with I tried several kinds.
passenger checking in. The ground staff generous overhead compartments, plus
member was professional and courteous, stowage space in the cubicle. Amenities ARRIVAL: We touched down on time and
helping me with ‘fragile’ stickers for include noise-cancelling headphones exit was immediate. I walked ahead of
my scuba diving equipment. You may for the audio and video, with 46cm passengers from other seating classes to
take two pieces of checked luggage, at a personal screens for the KrisWorld in- passport control, which was efficient and
maximum of 40 kilograms together, and a flight entertainment system, AC power, organised. On entry to Singapore, your
maximum dimension of 158cm. Check-in individual USB and laptop charging point, passport is scanned and new fingerprint
online is available from 48 hours to one- and a PC/tablet holder. Non-slip socks technology used to record your thumb
and-a-half hours before departure, but I and an eye mask were in the pod, with all prints, before your passport is stamped.
prefer to do it in person. I was allocated Note that when exiting the country,
other amenities available in a drawer in
my preference of a window seat near to automated lanes accept your passport
the toilet.
and check your prints on the BioScreen
the front of the plane.
system, so no exit stamp is given. A visa
THE FLIGHT: Departure was relaxed
is not required for South African passport
LOUNGE & BOARDING: Passport and taxiing onto the runway was on time.
holders.
control was moderately busy, but with a Shortly after take-off I was handed a
steady stream, so I was through quickly. menu and snacks and drinks were handed
VERDICT: A luxurious and relaxing
Singapore Airlines uses the Azure lounge out. My height-adjustable table was
experience, whilst the 22h30 departure
at ORTIA, which is adequate but nothing covered with a white damask table cloth
time suited me and the hospitality
special. It was easy to eschew the hearty and set restaurant-style with porcelain
was unequivocally the best I have ever
buffet fare, knowing that the business crockery and stainless steel cutlery. My
experienced. ■
class meal was likely to be refined cuisine, wine of choice - a 2017 Bouchard & Fils
accompanied by curated wines. Priority Pouilly-Fuissé was served in a stemless
Gillian Mclaren
boarding was on time. A wide selection wine glass. Supper included a starter of
of national and international magazines Sesame Duck Breast, followed by a choice
and newspapers were available on a trolly of main course between Beef Tournedo,
outside the plane door. Warmly greeted Prawn and Pork Dumpling, and Chicken W: singaporeair.com
by immaculately-groomed cabin crew, with Fettuccine. Although I requested rare
18 | AUGUST2019 Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.zaTRIED & TESTED/Hotel
NEW YORK, USA
AC Hotel New York Downtown
BACKGROUND: One of two AC Hotels took the Air Train and then the A train, FOOD AND DRINK: The second floor
in New York (the other is in Times and got there in about 75 minutes, and AC Lounge serves as both a lounge in the
Square), this one opened in October for only $7.50. afternoon and a bar in the evening, and
2018. AC Hotels are select service hotels, it’s where you get the buffet breakfast
which means they don’t have a concierge ROOMS: There are 274 hotel rooms, in the morning – which is cold, but with
or 24-hour room service. Many, though, roughly around 10 per floor, right the two hot egg dishes on offer. It also has
offer additional services, and this hotel way up to the 30th storey. There are Spanish tapas, a choice of quiche/tarts
has a bar, a lounge for relaxing and some rooms on the sixth floor with and some cheeses, breads and meats.
working in, a breakfast area, a good balconies, though these haven’t been There is a library area to one side and the
fitness centre and even a meeting room. opened yet. Otherwise, room categories use of an Apple computer with printer for
are 76 ‘double double’ rooms (that’s boarding passes etc.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? It’s a new building, what they call them and they do have
specifically a 336-foot-tall tower with two double beds in them) and 198 King BUSINESS FACILITIES: There is a
33 storeys. For the first few storeys it is rooms. They are a good size – 22m 2 – and small boardroom-style meeting room on
fairly nondescript in terms of exterior, but have laminate floors, material coverings the basement floor which would seat 10-
look up and you’ll see how the window to the walls in a sort of arty brown, and 12 people.
and the facade have been cleverly a work desk with two power points and
alternated to allow the maximum number two USB points. There are also plenty LEISURE FACILITIES: There’s a fitness
of rooms to have views of the East River. of plugs/power points including on both centre on the basement floor with a good
Service was quick at check-in and I was sides of the bed in my King room. Wi-fi selection of equipment.
lucky that my room was ready at 13h00, is super fast and free. The shower had a
which I really appreciated as I’d just choice of rain shower and power shower, VERDICT: This is a great hotel in a good
flown in from Frankfurt. There are three the latter definitely was powerful since location for the Financial District and
very swift lifts which didn’t cause any when I turned it on it hit me in the face Downtown. Select service it may be, but
irritating waits even when going to the and drove me out of the bathroom. I I found the staff helpful and didn’t miss
upper floors. In reception there is an AC fought bravely back though lost one the concierge or 24-hour room service. ■
Store selling some snacks and some local towel to terminal dampness in the battle.
chocolate and candles. Staff were very There are Korres amenities from Greece Tom Otley ■
helpful and offered advice on everything in the rooms and large 50-inch flatscreen
from restaurants and bars to the quickest TVs in the rooms, which have the
and most affordable ways to get to function of allowing you to stream your
Newark for a morning flight. own content from your device through
them – useful if you have Netflix or
WHERE IS IT? Next to the Seaport simply want to watch YouTube on it. The
Historic District, but also the Financial rooms have a coffee machine (you can
District of Downtown. Fulton St station make tea with it as well), and an empty
is around a 10-minute walk away and fridge (two small bottles of water are CONTACT
you can walk to the World Trade Centre provided). There’s a ‘hydration station’ A: 151 Maiden Lane, New York City
in about 15 minutes. There are loads of on both floor 2 and in the basement T: +1 212-742-1900
new bars and restaurants. JFK Airport is (called The Cellar here), where you can W: marriott.com
about a 40-minute drive away, though I fill up your own bottles.
Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za AUGUST2019 | 19Q&A
Powering ahead
Corporate travel clients demand control and visibility of their travel spend and Club Travel Corporate is catering
for this by developing and delivering solutions that have a positive impact on the productivity and profitability
of its clients’ businesses. CEO Kananelo Makhetha says that this approach follows a broader trend in SA’s
corporate TMC trade, where participants are increasingly prioritising technology to enhance their end-to-end
Kananelo offerings as well as to support staff to do their jobs better.
Makhetha
CEO – Club Travel
Corporate Q: What’s your view on the state the corporate sector. TMCs are further to integrate additional
of corporate travel in South focused on making sure the content providers such as
Africa? traveller experience is aligned with SafariNow and Nightsbridge on
A: The economic stagnation the expectations of a constantly our Travellinck Corporate online
that South Africa is currently evolving tech society. Areas of booking tool.
experiencing has led to corporates focus include creating a more
assessing their entire operational convenient traveller experience Q: Does Club Travel Corporate
spend to see where they can and improved duty of care. have plans to grow its footprint
cut costs, including business outside of SA?
travel. At Club Travel Corporate Q: Where does technology fit into A: Yes, but not through traditional
we are driving solutions that the conversation? bricks and mortar. Our online
bring sustainable discounts and A: The industry is embracing the booking tools can be used outside
simplicity to corporate travel Fourth Industrial Revolution and SA and we intend to promote
buyers. Essentially, we want to is still learning how to extract them further afield. In addition,
be the leading provider of travel maximum value from data and we recently joined forces with
management solutions that new technologies such as A.I. the Travelstart Group and will be
help corporates maximise their In the not too distant future, I leveraging its tech expertise to
return-on-investment and enable expect there will be wholesale deliver digital product innovation
business travellers to hit the disruption in our industry made and remain competitive in the
ground running. possible by technolog y-driven market.
solutions. Currently, technolog y
Q: What are you, as a corporate facilitates the use of self-service, Q: How would you compare the
travel TMC, doing to remain cloud-based booking tools that SA corporate travel market with
relevant and prosperous in this can be integrated with clients’ that of the rest of Africa?
environment? HR and ERP systems. Already we A: In SA, access to and
A: We are listening to our are seeing how this has helped penetration of technolog y is
customers and developing systems automate cost, profile and expense growing faster than in most
and technology that super- management. Clients and travel African countries. South Africa
charge their experience and managers now have access to has adopted lodge card payments
add measurable value to all our information, itineraries and and now virtual cards which has
stakeholders. We place importance reports on their desktops, laptops seen lesser take up in other parts
on the training and development and mobile devices. Different of the continent. Self-service
of our teams while automating systems and applications are booking tools also enjoy a high
processes that previously got in being combined and are able to rate of adoption in SA.
the way of an optimal customer communicate with each other in
experience. We recognise that order to offer clients a lot more Q: Have you noted any interesting
consumer and corporate travel value. GDS’ continue to innovate international TMC trends that
markets increasingly favour way beyond traditional content you feel are relevant to the SA
technology-driven solutions and aggregation in order to provide market?
we will continue to respond to more benefits to clients. Client- A: Consolidation and M&A
these preferences with a blend of facing staff are enabled and freed activity at global TMC level will
machine-assisted human expertise. by technolog y so that they can continue to have an impact on
focus on quality consulting and the local industry. International
Q: What’s the biggest talking relationships with people. We TMCs are also driving the local
point for TMCs in South Africa, see technolog y as an ally of our implementation of globally-tested
currently? people, not to automate them out technological solutions.
A: In the current economic of a job.
climate, the conversation is Q: Where would you like to see
largely around cost cutting and Q: Are you managing to work Club Travel in 10 years’ time?
what can be done to accelerate sharing economy services such A: As a market-leading
operational efficiencies while not as Uber and Airbnb into the technolog y-focused solutions
abandoning the connection we corporate travel programmes of provider to travel and related
have established with customers your clients? industries. ■
over more than 12 years serving A: Yes, and we have gone a step
20 | AUGUST2019 Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.zaQ&A
Asian connection
Asian airline Cathay Pacific has been operating flights between Hong Kong and Johannesburg for 28 years and
last year introduced a seasonal flight from Cape Town, with healthy flight loads on both routes. Ashish Kapur,
Cathay’s Country Manager for South Africa, joined Business Traveller for a chat and update on the airlineʼs
African presence.
Ashish Kapur
Q: What’s the Cathay Pacific view increase in the number of perishables, and witness a surge of
Country Manager
on Africa and where does it fit international carriers entering traffic for the trade fairs in China.
South Africa -
into the airline’s strategy? and expanding their services in
Cathay Pacific A: Africa is a continent with the African market. As per IATA’s Q: Have there been any recent
dynamic trading hubs, rapidly reports, the African aviation changes to the business class
growing economies and also a market is expected to become one offering on the Johannesburg
popular tourist hub. We recognize of the fastest growing aviation flight?
the need for direct connections regions within the next 20 years, A: We are progressively rolling
from Asia into Africa, especially with an annual expansion rate out our new business class
during the African summer which of almost 5%. The international service that improves customers’
is the tourism peak. Hence, this airlines operating in the region experience both on the ground
seasonal flight to Cape Town has connect Africa to every part of the and on board. We have launched
been a great introduction to meet world. This has led to expansion a contemporary dining experience
the growing demand. While we of the aviation sector in the region – a new à la carte menu with
operate out of Johannesburg and and we are sure it will grow cabin crew conducting one-
Cape Town, almost 20-30% of our exponentially in the future. on-one menu discussions and
bookings originate from other taking individual meal orders.
cities in Africa. This is immense Q: Which aircraft does Cathay Most courses are hand-delivered,
potential that is displayed by Pacific use on its Johannesburg creating a quieter and calmer
offline markets in the country and Cape Town routes, and why? cabin environment, particularly
and definitely an opportunity for A: Our fleets are known to be on late night flights. Customers
growth. one of the youngest in the world. can select from multiple courses or
We have deployed the A350-900 opt for a light express alternative.
Q: Any new African routes in the from Cape Town and the 777- Last year, we launched our new
pipeline? 300ER out of Johannesburg. We inflight dining concept, Hong
A: We have recently launched have a three-cabin configuration Kong Flavours – Hong Kong
our flight out of Cape Town to option for our customers to favourites inspired by a dynamic
capitalize on the opportunities the choose from – business, premium food culture and vibrant heritage.
market beholds. It is a promising economy and economy. From We recently introduced The
market and we aim to maximize Cape Town we operate one of our Sanctuary by Pure Yoga at the Pier
potential from our current routes latest products in the fleet, which Business Class Lounge at Hong
before we look at expanding our offers the passengers a whole new Kong International Airport. The
network in the country further. experience when they are flying. lounge is a 65m 2 area divided into
Our award-winning seats, all-new two zones where customers can
Q: Would you consider expanding in-flight entertainment with a practice yoga and meditate
the seasonal Cape Town service wealth of new content, and wi-fi
to year-round? connectivity on-board, ensures Q: Where would you like to see
A: The South African market has our passengers have a pleasant Cathay Pacific’s African presence
been very welcoming. Our trade and comfortable journey. in 10 years’ time?
partners and customers have A: The Cape Town service is
shown great excitement about the Q: How much business travel do an extension of our vision to
non-stop flight into Hong Kong. you see on your Johannesburg capitalise on the right markets and
Whilst we are keen to operate the route, in terms of a rough grow our network in a sustainable
Cape Town service year-round, percentage of the traffic? manner. Similarly, in the next
currently we are focusing on A: We see a very healthy mix of decade we aim to expand our
maximising the potential from our business and leisure traffic with services to other countries across
existing routes. high demand for business travel Africa. ■
into Hong Kong, China and Japan.
Q: What’s your view on the state
of aviation in Africa? Q: Predominantly, what types of
A: The African international industries are making use of this
aviation space has been growing flight between Hong Kong and
rapidly and we are happy to be a South Africa?
part of it. In the last few years, A: We have strong penetration
there has been a phenomenal into industries like automobile and
Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za AUGUST2019 | 21PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
CEO adoption by the shareholder. He served past year, Cromhout
Thornybush as an acting SA A CEO on two previous has been part of
Collection has occasions. the Valor Hospitalty
appointed Joanne team. For the past
Dickson as its new Joint CEO six months he filled
CEO. She takes over The Comair board has the role as Acting
the reins from Nic appointed aviation General Manger, on a
Griffin who has held sector veteran temporary basis. After
the position for the Glenn Orsmond matriculating from
last 11 years. Dickson joins the team as Joint CEO: Non- Hilton College, Cromhout graduated
with a wealth of knowledge and over Airline Business and from Wits Hotel School with a National
25 years’ experience within the travel Financial Services. Diploma in Hotel Management. He
industry, most recently as Managing Orsmond, a chartered went on to attend Cornell University’s
Director and CEO of Go2Africa until accountant, was Comair’s Financial School of Hotel Administration
2015. Following four years overseas – Director for eight years from 1995 to Professional Development Programme,
the last six months of which she spent 2003. He has had an illustrious career earning a certification in advanced
working as a volunteer teacher at the in the South African aviation industry, marketing. He later obtained an
Bali Wise hospitality foundation - she having held senior leadership roles Executive MBA from the University
has returned to South Africa and the including Financial Director at Sun Air, of Cape Town’s Graduate School of
safari industry. co-founding Group Financial Director, Business. He has worked for leading
Group CEO and co-founder of 1Time, global hotel brands including Starwood
CEO CEO at Jetworx Aircraft Maintenance Hotels & Resorts, Taj Hotels, Ascott
Travelport has named and most recently CFO at Star Air International Management and Sun
Greg Webb, a proven Cargo. International. He also has experience in
leader with over 20 the luxury safari sector.
years of experience in Director
the travel technolog y FCM Travel Solutions General Manager
industry, as CEO, has appointed Melanie WingsNaledi has
and he will also join Walljee as a new appointed Zinhle
Travelport’s Board of Director. Walljee joined Dlamini as
Directors. Webb brings deep industry the Flight Centre Travel General Manager
knowledge and a strong track record of Group 12 years ago as a (Commercial).
commercial and operational execution. Travel Consultant. Her Dlamini has a
Most recently, he served as SVP and rise through the ranks wealth of knowledge
General Manager of Oracle Hospitality, has been steady, and she quickly moved gathered over 14
where he was responsible for strateg y, from Consultant to Team Leader. In years working in the travel industry
enablement, development, sales, service 2017, Walljee briefly served as Director in the areas of private air charter,
and support. Prior to Oracle, Webb was and GM of FCM Travel Solutions before travel management, tour operating
Vice-Chairman at Sabre. Webb has also becoming Operations Leader and and events. As General Manger
served as Chief Information Officer of Systems and Implementation Manager (Commercial), Dlamini has overall
BellSouth. He earned an MBA with an at FCM Travel Solutions. responsibility for the WingsNaledi
emphasis in marketing from Louisiana commercial operations, with a clear
Tech University and a bachelor’s degree National Sales objective to work in tandem with
in advertising from Southern Methodist Manager the rest of her team in securing new
University in Dallas. Corporate Traveller business and retaining current public
has appointed sector clients.
CEO Daniela Kelfkens its
The Board of Mango new National Sales General Manager
Airlines SOC has Manager. Kelfkens Tsogo Sun has
appointed Nico has more than 18 appointed Jacques
Bezuidenhout as years’ experience in Moolman as General
CEO with effect the travel industry, working in various Manager at The
from 1 October. departments of the Flight Centre Travel Cullinan. Moolman’s
Bezuidenhout has Group (FCTG). Her career started career with Tsogo Sun
18 years senior- in 2001 as an international travel started in 2003 when
level experience, 13 of which as Chief consultant in a Flight Centre store he was appointed
Executive Officer. He has extensive in Menlyn, Pretoria. She was soon Regional Food & Beverage Manager.
aviation experience, having been a promoted to of Area Leader, first in After a stint in the Winelands, he
member of the Star Alliance Chief Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the North moved to Emnotweni Sun in Nelspruit,
Executive Board, a past International West and, later, overseeing the Western, Mpumalanga, in his first position
Air Transportation Association (IATA) Southern and Eastern Cape. Working as GM. In 2006, Moolman moved to
AGM President, past Chairman of her way further up the ladder, Kelfkens Drakensberg Sun Resort, which was
the Airlines Association of Africa became General Manager of the FCTG rebranded under his watch. His next
(AFR A A) and a past EXCO member of Retail Division in 2009. GM position was Beacon Island Resort
the Airlines Association of Southern in Plettenberg Bay in 2009. Moolman
Africa (A ASA). He was one of the main General Manager went on to open 54 on Bath as the new
authors of South African Airways’ Shamwari Private Game Reserve has GM, before moving to Southern Sun
Long Term Turnaround Strateg y (LTTS) appointed Theo Cromhout as its Cape Sun in 2014, and then to Southern
in 2013 and was responsible for its General Manager of Hospitality. For the Sun Waterfront.
22 | AUGUST2019 Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.zaYou can also read
