News – Events
Andre’ Gauche of Myoli Beach Lodge in Sedgefield recently attended the IBTM CHINA EXPO – 23 & 24 AUGUST, 2017 in Beijing as an exhibitor along with Sun International, The City of Tswane, The South African National Convention Bureau, Northern Cape Tourism Authority and the Durban Convention Centre .
Andre’ was part of an incentive programme organised by SA Tourism to promote incentives, business travel and general tourism packages for the Chinese market.
Andre’ summarised his experience as follows:
Assessment Summary:
- China is a challenging market as it’s a long-haul destination and air travel is reasonable expensive
- Most buyers interested in Africa, and more specifically South Africa, are still testing the market. Language is obviously a major barrier.
- An important component of the expo is the quality of the follow-up with the various buyers that did show an interest in the South African experience
- Most buyers require confirmation of the product/s offered as many have not been to South Africa
- It is evident that long term business relationships are important in this market. This can only realistically be achieved over a period of time with pro-active participation from both parties.
- Undoubtedly the Chinese market offers massive potential for incoming tourists to South Africa but a stable base needs to be established where sectors of the market are geared to receive and effectively accommodate these tourists. Sun City is a case in point where Sun International pro-actively promotes to and makes provision to accommodate this market. The Chinese market also has no shortage of well-heeled travellers who primarily aim for 4 star + accommodation establishments.
- Group bookings, corporate incentives, conferences and business travel are largely the norm.
Issues Arising
- Security. There are certain concerns over visitor security to South Africa. There is obviously considerable negative press regarding crime and personal safety issues.
2, Logistics. Flight programmes, distances and locations. Ideally a China based tour organiser/operator with knowledge of the South African market needs to work in conjunction with local operators or organisers. They need to know up-front exactly where they are going, where they are staying, what they are doing and at what cost.
- Language and cultural barriers. There is a definite requirement for a Chinese-speaking interpreter/guide to either accompany Chinese groups or must be made available locally.
- It’s a special needs market and consideration must be given to food & beverage preferences and other specific needs.
Plus factors for incoming Chinese tourists to the Southern Cape region:
- Wide variety of quality accommodation options at affordable rates
- Diverse culinary options and a wide variety of restaurants
- Totally unique experience with mountains, forests, ocean, lakes, rivers and Karoo environment
- Most adventure/leisure activities in the world
- Most temperate climate in Africa and malaria free
- Safe, clean and friendly environment with good infrastructure
- Close proximity to Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Addo National Park etc
Andre’ owns www.southcapetourism.com – a free internet portal established in 2010 to promote and market accredited accommodation establishments and adventure/leisure operators in the Southern Cape region. He also owns Myoli Beach Lodge in Sedgefield www.myolibeach.co.za
For further information Andre’ can be contacted on 082 4400200.
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UPCOMING KNYSNA EVENTS
Further save the dates for the following upcoming events:
Circles in the forest Run – 06 August 2017
Knysna Timber Festival – 23 September 2017 – 1 October 2017
5th Knysna Antique & Classic Boat Show – 07 October 2017
Leisure Isle Festival – 4 – 5 November 2017
Knysna Blues Festival – 16 December 2017
Click here to read more in this week’s newsletter.
The whales have arrived in PLETT
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This week has been busy for the staff of Knysna Tourism. While our front office staff are assisting the public with queries about accommodation for the Knysna Oyster Festival and in the longer term, our marketing team has been focussing on getting the message out to world that Knysna is open for business. In this newsletter, read the story behind our logo, #VisitKnysna #KnysnaRises, which was designed for us pro bono by local advertising creative Dominic Morel.
We have had fantastic support from Minister of Tourism Tokozile Xasa, Minister Alan Winde from the Ministry of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism of the Western Cape, and Sisa Ntshona CEO of South African Tourism, who will all help us to ensure that our message reaches international travel agents, tour operators and media. We are also taking advantage of the presence of local media in our town to get the message out to South Africans.
The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival is on track and one of the highlights will be The Pick n Pay Seafood Wednesday, which brings together the best Knysna has to offer in one venue. From fresh seafood to wine and beer tastings, fish braais and music, there will be something for the whole family.
There was much excitement earlier in the week when 50 Qhubeka bicycles as well as handmade blankets, scarves and beanies arrived in Knysna to assist with relief efforts following the devastating fires. Read about this wonderful initiative for our local community.
Please ensure that you complete The Business Disaster Register for Knysna residents that is being sent out by Knysna Municipality so that they can assess the amount of damage done by the fires, including job losses and total loss to the economy.
KNYSNA BUSINESSES: Click here for the Business Disaster Register
Click here to read more in this week’s newsletter
Have an awesome weekend.
Kind regards,
Team Knysna Tourism
Knysna & Partners
Knysna, Sedgefield & surrounding towns
www.twitter.com/knysnatourism
www.facebook.com/visitknysna
www.visitknysna.co.za
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Just 5 weeks till Plett ARTS Festival
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Three Plett teams conquer Expedition Africa 2017
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Take a walk on the wild side – exploring Plett’s beautiful trails
Minister Alan Winde rides the inaugural Cross Cape Cycle Route
GRKK App poised to break through 100K views
This week in the Media: Plett features in Getaway Magazine
Whats on in Plett during May – June – July 2017 10-12 July Plett Food Film
Interesting reads…
Upcoming Events… |
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Don’t miss out on a 3 course SUNDAY LUNCH at Leeuwensbosch Farm Stall at only R95 pp.
Have you heard of Monday massage madness at our Spa? Get the massage you’ve been putting out for a while. 20% off our massages is more than enough reason to treat yourself to a Monday pamper session.
Experience the Rheenendal country-side at Totties Farm Kitchen with an unforgettable @ R195pp on Sunday & Live Music on Sat & Sun.
Spoil yourself with a 45 min a back, neck & shoulder massage, refreshing foot scrub & a pressure point foot massage at the Amani Spa @ Turbine for only R599 pp.
Kilzers Kitchen Cook n Look Evenings are indeed a unique experience. The busy and extremely well equipped kitchen becomes centre stage for around 70 guests who get to watch a magnificent 3 course meal being prepared by chefs Albin and Jenny together with their professional kitchen personnel.
THE HOME OF THE KNYSNA OYSTER: make sure you visit 34 South in the Knysna Waterfront to enjoy a fantastic oyster experience. For more information contact: 0443827331
Join Blackwaters River Lodge & Mashie Golf Course – A great relaxation place for young & old.
Join 34 South for lunches, business lunches, lunch breaks, light lunches and most of all LUNCH SPECIALS. everyday we have something different.
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Sponsor a hole at SA Senior Golf Open
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Lecture by Dr Curtis Marean: Robberg Coastal Corridor & Erica Trail
Plett Rage pre-registration open
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Plett property reaches R1 billion turnover
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The Plett Trail
Plett Summer in photos
No child should go to school without shoes
Interesting reads…
Upcoming Events…
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Seasons in the Sun
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New outdoor music venue: The Meadows
Lookout Deck
Young Plett individuals who are shaping their world
Lockers on Plett Beaches
Share your #plettsummer memories and win concert tickets
Interesting reads…
Upcoming Events… |
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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| The announcement of the 2016 International Blue Flag results revealed that a total of 45 South African beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status this year, along with five marinas and eight sustainable tourism boats.
Plettenberg Bay has received Blue Flag status for five beaches during the 2016/17 season. This includes Robberg 5 (8th year), Keurboomstrand (6th year), Nature’s Valley (5th year), Lookout (3rd year) and the newest to join Blue Flag status is The Dunes beach. We would like to congratulate seal swimming, Offshore Adventures, for their Blue Flag Boat status. |
THIRD ANNUAL SASFIN PLETT WINE & BUBBLY FESTIVAL PLAYS HOST TO MORE THAN 1 500 FESTIVAL GOERS ON CENTRAL BEACH
Bitou Mayor, Peter Lobese, opened the 2016 Sasfin Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival with a crowd-pleasing “sabrage” alongside Plett Cellar Master Anton Smal. Bubbly of choice was a signature Newstead Vineyards MCC.
Event organizer Plett Tourism announced an estimate of more than 1 500 attendees who celebrated the Plett Winelands at this year’s festival. This was almost double to the 2015 figures. 10 wine farms showcased their wines, with more than 30 varieties to be sampled. There was even a new addition from That Place Vineyard. With only 560 bottles of Pinot Noir in production for 2015, they joined forces with neighbor Bramon to allow festival-goers an opportunity to sample the fruits of their labour.
Other wine highlights from this year’s festival included the official launch of Lodestone Wine & Olives’ Méthode Cap Classique Rosé, “Stonechat” (named after the stonechat bird that sits on the vines), and Bitou Vineyards’ 2015 and 2016 Sauvignon Blanc. Both wines were extremely well-received by invited media guests and wine aficionados who were in attendance. This year also saw the introduction of the Wine Legends Theatre, with presentations by well-known wine columnist PeeBee Bishop and local Cellar Master Anton Smal.
See you next October for the fourth Sasfin Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival!
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Portia’s Designs – #KnysnaMade
One Saturday, the bright, multicoloured fabric that Portia uses to make her children’s clothing range caught my eye from all the way across the parking lot and I made a bee-line for her stall which is set up at the back entrance of the Scarab Market in Sedgefield.
Vodacom charity drive tees off!
As the single biggest series of tournaments on the Sunshine Tour, the Vodacom Origins of Golf series is also one of the bedrocks of the Tour’s charity initiatives. Since its inception in 2004, the six-tournament Vodacom Origins of Golf series has supported charities and campaigns as diverse as anti-bullying in schools to domestic violence issues.
Oktoberfest with a twist
Mitchells Knysna Brewery has taken an inclusive approach to this year’s traditional ‘Oktoberfest’ and announced a new concept that will have far-reaching positive effects for not only South Africa’s oldest craft brewery, but all participating Craft Beer producers and Vintners in the Garden Route.
Displays of Brilliance: great performers and new talent at Knysna Arts Festival
The performing arts, visual arts, workshops, lectures and discussions – the second independent Knysna Arts Festival (1 – 9 October, 2016) is brought to you by Lew Geffen | Sotheby’s International Realty, Knysna, with the backing of Knysna & Partners.
Visit the Green Heart of Knysna
Almost 300 different species are rooted across this reserve. The bird life is notable, too ,with at least 98 species recorded and the birdsong was therefore a constant companion throughout my walk. The upper reaches are characterised by a mosaic of rare Garden Route Shale Fynbos.
UPCOMING EVENTS
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Catch Kaz & Chris live at Blend Restaurant on Friday, 09 Sept from 8pm – 11pm, on Saturday 10 Sept catch Steve Newman & Chris Tokalon from 7pm @ R80pp & on Sunday 11 Sept, Deja Vu will entertain you from 1 – 4pm.
For more information contact: 044 384 0493
LAKESIDE LODGE CROSS TRI
Start your triathlon season on 17 September with an Cross Triathlon on Swartvlei Lake close to Sedgefield. Swim in the Swartvlei Lake, cycle on jeep tracks and gravel roads, and run on the SANParks Molerat hiking route. The Cross Triathlon is an inaugural event from Lakeside Lodge situated on the Swartvlei Lake.
Click here for more information
KNYSNA ARTS FESTIVAL
The festival, which runs from 1 to 9 October 2016, is underpinned by the philosophy of stimulating locally-produced art whilst also supporting the greater Knysna community and numerous charitable organisations.
KNYSNA TIMBER FESTIVAL
Join in the celebration of Knysna’s rich woodworking heritage from 11 – 13 November 2016 with a new and improved format!
LEISURE ISLE FESTIVAL
This year’s festival from 5 – 6 November will once again provide ample opportunity for visitors to stock up on Christmas shopping, and to take in convivial company and fare accompanied by top-notch entertainment provided
HARKERVILLE FOREST RUN
A great 10km or 26km forest run on 01 December 2016! This event forms part of the Quteniqua Quest, but is a separate event on its own. Start from Harkerville Hut on Sunday and end at Harkerville Hut. Registration and Late Entries on Sunday morning 06:30-07:30, followed by Race Briefing at 07:45 with the race starting at 08:00.
Click here for more information
FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET
Don’t miss the Friday Night Market this Friday from 4pm – 8pm for some good local food, entertainment, stalls or just good company. Follow the scarecrows up Welbedach Lane. NOTE: REOPENING ON 02 SEPTEMBER 2016
WILD OATS MARKET
Don’t miss the Wild Oats Community Farmers Market blending people from diverse backgrounds, uniting urban and rural in a mix, every Saturday from 07:30 – 12pm.
For more info contact: 044 883 1177
HARKERVILLE MARKET
Join the rural and rustic, but vibey and vital Harkerville Market it’s definitely all you could ever hope for in a typical South African Saturday Market.
For more info contact: 084 510 9939
