A passionate storyteller and tour guide, Thoko Jili specialises in giving visitors to South Africa an authentic Zulu experience. As a guide for Wisdom Tours she customises journeys to rural destinations, where visitors can interact with locals and enjoy a first-hand experience in the Kwazulu-Natal province. Thoko is an ambassador for the Meet Your South Africa campaign.   Thoko Jili spoke to Expert Hub about the perceptions and experiences of visitors in Kwazulu-Natal. She guides a wide range of visitors, from a mantra that "we need to teach people about our country no matter what age or nationality they are."   What are the most popular tours for visitors? What are visitors to South Africa looking to experience?   Any visitor I meet in South Africa wants to explore the country's culture. There are many options and customisable tours that can suit specific interests. People want to come and learn first-hand about what the Zulu culture is all about. I am particularly passionate about our Zulu tours which involve meeting real Zulu people.   What are some of the common misperceptions your visitors have about Kwazulu-Natal and Zulu people?     When visitors come they want to see what Zulu people do. Some people have watched a lot of Zulu movies before they arrive and perceive the Zulu as being aggressive, which is a misconception. Many people are surprised at how lovely and welcoming the people can be. It's something visitors only see when they visit Kwazulu-Natal.   Tourists have a tendency to think that Kwazulu-Natal is all about the beaches. Yes, we have amazing beaches but we also have the bush and the berg (mountain). They are things visitors may expect elsewhere in South Africa but are very much part of Kwazulu-Natal province as well.   A beach in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal's largest city   What local customs tend to surprise your clients most?     International visitors generally perceive our customs only in a positive way. Traditionally we have a culture that allows men to have many wives, which sometimes does surprise people. When I take tourists to visit the king, I have to tell ladies to wear skirts and cover their hair as that is our culture.   What about the food? How do visitors experience Zulu food?   When people taste our traditional food for the first time, it is often something that they've not seen before, such as pumpkin leaves which are served in a traditional house. We eat a lot of meat and often cook the inside of the cow. People are often surprised by how this looks but there is always a positive reaction towards the food.   We often like to show visitors how to eat corn direct from the fields as this is not something they have experience before. We eat many animals, including sheep, cow, and goat. Some people are surprised by how we eat every part of the cow but do like how we don't waste any of the animal.   A Zulu cultural experience   What nationalities are most adventurous with trying local food?   Most people are very adventurous and will often try anything - especially people from the USA. They are interested in authentic experiences and really enjoy aspects of food and culture that are different from home. Asian visitors tend to be less adventurous when it comes to tasting new food. We often have to convince them to try local food as it is not their typical taste or style.   Are there any interesting shopping experiences that visitors enjoy?   We Zulu people are known for our bright outfits and tourists can buy them very cheaply from local shops. Many visitors like to buy these outfits to take home as gifts.   The open landscapes of rural Kwazulu-Natal   Are there any interesting events visitors love to see?   he most famous Kwazulu-Natal entertainment event is the July Vodacom Durban, a horse racing event. Every African celebrity comes to experience the horse racing. Besides that, we have artists and musicians that perform throughout the year but visitors often miss out as they don't know where to go.   Thoko Jili is passionate tour guide from Wisdom Tours in South Africa. She is also an ambassador for the Meet Your South Africa campaign. This Expert Hub article is produced in association with South Africa Tourism UK.   Thoko Jili

By Charles Ncube, Meet Your South Africa   Born, bread and buttered in Soweto, Charles Ncube takes tourists around the city of Johannesburg and to his home. He grew up in Soweto during the final years of apartheid and has experienced the dramatic changes since.   Charles is an experienced tour guide and an ambassador for the Meet Your South Africa campaign. In this Expert Hub article, he explains the travel preferences and experiences of international visitors to Soweto and Johannesburg.     What are the top nationalities and age groups visiting Soweto and Johannesburg?     I have a large range of nationalities on my tours, with the majority being Europeans. It's interesting to see how different themes interest different nationalities. African Americans are often interested in the culture and history of Johannesburg and Soweto. Europeans tend to lean towards nature and wildlife, so the city is usually an add on. However, they do like how both Soweto and Johannesburg can offer experiences with local culture. I'm yet to meet anyone who is not interested in Soweto's history.   How long do people stay in Soweto? Why is it so popular?   Most tourists spend up to five hours on a tour, although some do spend an entire day. It's the top tourism spot in the Guateng region, because the history of the whole country can be found in the palm of Soweto. Nelson Mandela lived on Vilakazi Street from 1946 to 1962. Visitors of all nationalities enjoy learning about his life in his old house, which is now a museum. Desmond Tutu also lived here, making it the only street in the world home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners.   Johannesburg used to be a short stop for tourists, often before or after a safari. However, the general mentality is changing and many visitors now take a few days to see the city.   Soweto's iconic industrial towers   What would you say to people who have a pre-conception of Johannesburg being unsafe? Crime is not a problem in Johannesburg like it used to be. Gentrification and a number of urban projects have transformed the city, especially places like Maboneng in the inner city. Like all big cities, there are a couple of areas we wouldn't recommend tourists to visit, but we find that travellers' experiences are different from their initial perceptions.   Hiring a guide is a great way to get around, as they know exactly where not to go. Local transport such as taxis, Ubers and trains are a safe and secure way to get around. Ubers are very popular in Johannesburg and very available. It's important to use a qualified registered guide - sometimes visitors use an unqualified guide and complain that they do not meet the level of experience and service they want.   What are the best ways to meet and experience the local people?   There are many tours and programmes which incorporate local experiences and local people. A local guide will know where to take visitors for an authentic experience. I always encourage people on my tours to get into the community and meet local people. In my Soweto tour, I take visitors to explore the township, Vilakazi Street and Mandela House, and the Hector Pieterson Museum. Visitors of all nationalities enjoy meeting local residents and hearing first-hand the story of Soweto.   Which places in Johannesburg are most enjoyed by visitors, and in particular, which experiences appeal to different demographics?   Soweto is the highlight for almost all visitors to Johannesburg. It has become the must do experience for visitors short on time. A Johannesburg city tour fills up the second day. The Cradle of Humankind remains a popular and well liked destination which can be visited in half a day from the city.   Maboneng district   Maboneng is a great destination that caters for all age groups, although it is especially well received by millennials. Visitors like its street art, traditional music, art studios and street markets. The Neighbourhood Goods Market in Victoria Yard is also popular with my visitors. It has a buzzing outdoor market, with a range of food stalls, cocktails and crafts. In the same area I recommend Curiosity and Canteen for young people wanting to experience local music. Visitors also like Maboneng as it is very easy to mix and mingle with local people.   Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton   Nelson Mandela Square is an upmarket area popular with senior visitors. It has some great shopping and restaurants. Besides Soweto and Johannesburg tours, young families often visit a theme park and a cultural village 25 mins away from the city centre, where they can experience traditional dancing, clothing, crafts and experiences.   Charles Ncube is an ambassador for Mayibongwe Tours, a tour guide company offering local perspective on the best bits of Johannesburg, Soweto, and surrounding areas. He is also an ambassador for the Meet Your South Africa campaign. This Expert Hub article is produced in association with South Africa Tourism UK.  

  South African chefs and restaurateurs have been cooking up a storm and now the country has been crowned Africa’s Best Culinary Destination for 2022.   News broke from ONZE at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club in the United Arab Emirates yesterday that South Africa has won in the 3rd Annual World Culinary Awards Ceremony.   World Culinary Awards™ is a global initiative that seeks to recognise and reward excellence in the culinary industry on a truly global scale.   “It is truly a great achievement by our finest chefs and restaurateurs to be crowned Africa’s best food destination at the world culinary awards. This is extremely special. This recognition destination South Africa has received in the culinary space is testament that we have more than wildlife. We are also home to breath-taking landscapes and award-winning restaurants. We are simply a stunning destination that offers a wide variety of memorable experiences. I invite the world to come to South Africa to taste our wide variety of gastronomic delights and world-class cuisine” says South African Tourism GM: Global PR, Communications and Stakeholder Relations, Thandiwe Mathibela.   South Africa’s alluring appeal saw the country ranked #16 globally in the recently released Tourism Sentiment Index® for the third quarter of 2022.  As stated by the Index, the top contributors to South Africa’s overall performance were: Wildlife Viewing (15%), Restaurants plus Dining (12%), and Festivals, Events and Concerts (10%).   Echoing the same sentiments is award-winning foodie Marina Appelbum who is the owner of two thriving eateries  - Nikos and The Old Ducky French Café in Pineslopes in Fourways, Johannesburg.   “It comes as no surprise to me that South Africa has been awarded this culinary world recognition. There exists huge diversity and culinary skill in South Africa, and given this, our country may stand tall and proud,” she says.   “I am beyond excited to hear that South Africa has won this award. South Africa has distinctive indigenous foods, and spectacular places to enjoy these cuisines,” says South Africa’s trailblazing gastronomist and public speaker, Miles Kubheka.   He added: “Congratulations to the whole of Mzansi (slang for South Africa) for being recognised as the top culinary destination on our continent. I invite the world to come to South Africa to taste some of our amazing cuisines and great wines!”   Some of the winners included:   La Colombe as  Africa's Best Restaurant 2022   Qunu @ Saxon Hotel, Villa & Spa as Africa's Best Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant 2022   Wolfgat (South Africa) as Africa's Best Landmark Restaurant 2022   Post & Pepper Restaurant, Stellenbosch (South Africa) as Africa's Best New Restaurant 2022   Utopia - Dining Elevated, South Africa as Africa's Best Rooftop Restaurant 2022   DSTV Delicious International Food & Music Festival (South Africa) as Africa's Best Culinary Festival 2022

  South Africa’s alluring appeal has seen the country being ranked number #16 globally in terms of tourism sentiment. This is according to the recently released Tourism Sentiment Index®, for the third quarter of 2022.   The Tourism Sentiment Index is an independent global initiative offering destination marketers unique real-time insight into their customers and the conversations they are having online about tourism destinations.   According to the Index, we are ahead of India, Mexico, China, Denmark, Norway, Thailand, Spain and The Netherlands, to name a few.   South Africa notched up a Tourism Sentiment Score® of 23.6, 4% higher compared to Q3 2021.   This South Africa’s Tourism Sentiment Score® of nearly 24 in Q3 means the country outperformed the global benchmark of 21,2.   This is no small feat, as the Index analyses 625 million online conversations across 100 tourism destinations globally, according to the TSI South Africa rankings report.   Thus far, it is the only one of its kind in the world for two reasons: It is purpose-built for destination marketing. Customers get access to data from thousands of other destinations around the world.   According to the report, the top contributors to South Africa’s overall performance were: Wildlife Viewing (15%), Restaurants plus Dining (12%), and Festivals, Events and Concerts(10%).   Wildlife Viewing in South Africa generated 28% more positive sentiment than half of the destinations worldwide, placing South Africa in the top 10 in the world for this tourism asset, says the Tourism Sentiment Index® report.   ‘This is an important milestone for SA tourism,’ said South Africa Tourism Acting Chief Executive Officer, Themba Khumalo. Khumalo added that the Tourist Sentiment Index is a consolidated measure of a destination’s ability to generate positive word of mouth about its tourism offering online.’   Khumalo says the Index’s favourable score is the fruits of ‘our’ toil since we launched the much-vaunted global marketing campaign dubbed Live Again.   In a nutshell, the Live Again campaign seeks to reposition SA firmly in the hearts and minds of international travellers and to showcase the country’s ‘beautiful landscape, dynamic people, vibrant nightlife and exquisite cuisine,’ he said.   At the heart of the Live Again messaging is about encouraging people ‘to take life by the reins and explore our country again after the tumultuous two years of fighting the global pandemic,’ he emphasised.   Khumalo spoke highly about SA’s cuisine and restaurant sector. ‘Our restaurants are world-class and are the bread and butter of the tourism sector (excuse the pun); thus, it came as no surprise it contributed 12% to Tourism Sentiment Score®.’   According to the Index, restaurants and dining in South Africa generated  healthy positive sentiment of 32, placing South Africa in the top 10 in the world for this tourism asset.   ‘Our cuisine is a unique fusion of many different external cultural influences. These include Dutch, French, Indian and Malaysian flavours, to name a few,’ he said.   Khumalo stated: ‘It is a testament to South Africa’s famed diversity. Its people, landscapes, cultures and languages offer a melting pot of intrigue and excitement. Our cuisine defines our homeland, a resilient people with a proud heritage. We delight the pallet with a wide range and flavours, designed in South Africa and inspired by the world. Our restauranteurs aim to please.’   ‘Diving and Snorkelling in South Africa generated a excellent sentiment score of 35, placing South Africa at number two in the world for this remarkable tourism asset’, Khumalo mentioned.   Not to mention our special pride and joy of South Africa, the wine and vineyard industry. According to the report, South Africa was ranked number #1 in the ‘Wine and Vineyards’ category, ahead of France and Australia.   ‘We are simply the best in the wine business producing around 3.4% of the world’s wine, making us the ninth-largest wine-producing market globally. It is a no-brainer that SA exports almost 50% of its wine, with Europe being its most important export market,’ Khumalo boasted.   To read the full TSI rankings report, please click here    For media enquiries, email [email protected].

  Encouraged by the uptake in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries after the disruptions of the past two years, SA Tourism is scaling up the implementation of its sector growth plans. The country’s destination-marketing agency believes the moment is opportune to follow up and complement its ‘Live Again’ global campaign, with a familiariSation strategy on a grand and bold scale. This strategy is dubbed MegaFam, to emphasise its scale and ambition, which is bigger than a typical destination-marketing familiarisation (Fam) campaign.   By definition, familiarisation involves allowing tourism industry professionals, opinion-shapers and influencers to sample a destination’s offerings, allowing them to form informed opinions on whether or not to recommend it in their various spheres of influence. SA Tourism has taken that concept, tweaked and turbo-charged it, to put it to good use in amplifying our country’s brand promise that we are the ultimate destination for those seeking to re-energise, refresh and rejuvenate mind, body and spirit in the post-pandemic world.   The main thrust of the #MegaFam phase of our ‘Live Again’ growth campaign will see us invite to our shores over the coming months, some 840 carefully-selected people from varied backgrounds across all continents, time-zones, linguistic and cultural regions, professions, and social standing.   What the invitees have in common is their status as opinion-makers, thought-leaders, and agenda-setters in niche tourism markets. They include influential travel bloggers, writers and journalists for established media, international tour operators from various regions of the world, and conversation-framers who focus on the travel needs of specific tourism niche markets such as the LGBTQIA+ community, women, and romantic-travel seekers.   Bronwen Auret, Chief Quality Assurance of South Africa of SA Tourism said;   “The idea is for them to come and be immersed in, to touch, feel and experience South Africa for themselves. They in turn, will be touched by our Ubuntu-centric spirit of hospitality, such that when they go back to their home countries, they won’t be able to keep quiet about their experiences here, and will want to Tweet it out loud, Instagram it boldly, blog it boisterously and of course for those in the tourism booking business; ‘sell it’ (as that old TV advert used to say)”   Examples of the invitees include a London-based French and Greek couple Stefan and Sebastien who have dedicated the past 10 years to traveling to more than 80 countries around the world, and reviewing them for the global LGBTQIA+ community on their blog ‘Nomadic Boys’. They include US-based Danny Rivers Mitchell whose ‘Black Girls Travel Too’ agency and blog curates for black women, travel experiences around the world, typically lasting a week on average. And they include the Rwandan travel photographer Winnie Rioba, who lets her lens tell the story of the incredible destinations she has visited on the African continent.   The launch of MegaFam comes against the backdrop of recent developments that vindicate the correctness of the bold moves we have made to stimulate the tourism sector over the past year, such as the launch of the ‘Live Again’ global campaign.   Stats SA’s numbers reveal that by June this year, South Africa had received about 2.28 million international visitors, well on track towards surpassing 2021’s full-year total of just over 2.3 million. This phase of the campaign also tallies up with growing confidence being shown in South Africa as a destination, through such moves as Air Belgium launching direct flights twice a week between Brussels, Johannesburg and Cape Town. The significance of this move, along with Qatar Airways’ cooperation agreement with Airlink, signed a few months ago cannot be overstated. They underscore the importance of airlift in the recovery of our tourism sector.   They also bode well for SA Tourism’s ambitious target of raising international tourist arrivals beyond the 10 million per annum averaged in the three years immediately prior to the pandemic, which Auret has likened our nation’s founding president Nelson Mandela’s long walk;   “Our long walk is not ended until we match and pole-vault over this sector’s benchmark contribution to our economy’s GDP, which was 3.9 percent in 2019, yielding at least 774 000 jobs and some R 122 billion in foreign currency earnings that year. Our walk is not ended until we vindicate the World Travel and Tourism Council in its prediction that our country’s tourism sector will grow at an average of 7.6 percent per annum, over the next decade.”   See's again implored South Africans to put shoulder to the wheel in achieving MegaFam’s objectives by welcoming and treating the invited and other visitors to our country with our signature Ubuntu, warmth and generosity of spirit.

South Africa has scrapped remaining Covid-19 entry rules. There is no longer a requirement to show proof of vaccination or present a negative Covid-19 test result on arrival. Tourism minister Lindiwe Sisulu said the scrapping of requirements will give the tourism industry a much needed boost. Mandatory masks in indoor public spaces and the cap on gatherings have been dropped. Indoor venues can now operate at full capacity.

  South Africa’s tourism industry is set to drive recovery through innovation that will attract both new travellers and past visitors. The aim, to encourage visitor figures to spring back to 2019 levels - a year when 440,000 Brits had the country on their holiday list - as quickly as possible.   These innovations include a range of new accommodations and attractions, from hotels such as The Spade Boutique Hotel on the Western Cape and Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, to unique accommodations including Marataba Conservation Camps’ launch of the Star Camp Out, and exciting projects like the God’s New Skywalk Mpumalanga's Panorama Route, set to be completed in 2023.   ENTRY REGULATIONS:   On March 22 South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, announced changes to entry regulations for international travellers which meant that, with immediate effect, vaccinated travellers are no longer required to produce a negative PCR test. Unvaccinated travellers may still enter South Africa with a negative PCR test, to be taken no more than 72 hours before arrival in the country.   British travellers can check the latest South Africa entry requirements at www.southafrica.net/covid19   BEST VALUE LONG-HAUL DESTINATION:   The Post Office Travel Money Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer has confirmed that South Africa is the best value long-haul destination for Brits; more good news for travellers thinking about a visit to South Africa this year.   The report compares the cost of eight everyday tourist items in 36 cities and resorts worldwide;   Cape Town was declared the cheapest long-haul destination, with costs of a glass of wine at £1.06, a beer at £1.02 and a three course meal averaging £29.20.   https://www.postoffice.co.uk/travel-money/holiday-money-report   TOURISM RECOVERY ACTIVITY:   Meet South Africa with Michaela Strachan Long-time Cape Town resident Michaela Strachan explores her adopted homeland in five mini films that showcase the very best of the country. The Meet South Africa videos cover Cape Town and beyond, Johannesburg to Madikwe, KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, the West Coast and Cape Winelands, and The Garden Route and highlight everything you would expect, from incredible wildlife to high adrenaline action; and a few surprises too. The videos can be seen on South African Tourism UK’s YouTube page and have an online guidebook with more details of Michaela’s SA adventures.   South African Tourism launches “Live Again” global brand campaign South African Tourism (SAT) has unveiled its first global campaign in five years. “Live Again” captures the story of a young traveller’s life-changing journey through South Africa. It is a showcase of captivatingly beautiful landscapes, dynamic culture and people, vibrant night-life and exquisite cuisine. After two years of travel restrictions, bucket-list destinations, adventures and experiences are high priorities.   Watch the video here   ACCOMMODATION NEWS:   The Spade Boutique Hotel, Western Cape The Spade Boutique Hotel is the first upmarket hotel to open in the Cape Town township of Khayelitsha, just a short drive from Cape Town International Airport. The hotel has been carefully designed to offer guests the ideal place to rest and recuperate, in a space abundant with opulence and comfort. The luxury accommodation boasts incredible African cuisine, a dazzling heated pool and a stunning spa. The property is steeped in culture and was the brainchild of Khayelitsha locals Annette Skaap, a former flight attendant, and her businessman husband Bulelani “Ace” who also owns the Kwa-Ace Lounge, Kwa-Ace Kitchen and Kwa-Ace Eparkin. The hotel has 13 en-suite rooms, an in-house gym and bar, with prices from approx £60 per room per night.   https://thespadeboutiquehotel.co.za/   Old Bank Hotel, Cape Town Slated to open later this year the elegant Old Bank Hotel in the heart of Cape Town's city centre is an urban retreat offering spacious rooms in a Victoria design with luscious greenery. A short distance from breathtaking attractions including Castle of Good Hope, District Six and the V&A Waterfront, hotel guests can step outside and stroll up to the Bo-Kaap, meandre down to the vast and impressive Company Gardens or hop in a taxi and explore the up-and-coming East side of the city; where you can sample some of the world's best coffee. Prices from £40 per room per night.   https://www.lionroars.com/lodges/old-bank-hotel   Marataba Star Camp Experiences, Limpopo Marataba Conservation Camps have launched a brand new offering; the Star Camp Out. Located at the foot of the Waterberg Mountains in South Africa’s Limpopo Province, guests have the opportunity to stay at one of the country’s most innovative conservation models. It is the perfect setting for a thoughtful and invigorating safari experience where guests can disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature. Situated in a remote corner of the park, watched over by the craggy Diamant Mountains, the four tents are miles from anything and offer a perfect wilderness escape. The Star Camp out can be booked as an additional experience to go with a minimum three-night stay at either Marataba Founders or Explorers Camp. Prices from approx £500 for the first night, £250 for additional nights.   https://www.maratabacamps.co.za/   Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, Limpopo The Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit is scheduled to open later this year. Centrally located 2kms outside the town of Hoedspruit, it is well placed for travellers to explore Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon. The property will be the only international upscale hotel in the Lowveld and is close to stunning attractions including the Orpen Gate of the Kruger National Park. Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit will have 138 rooms and suites, and feature the Group’s award winning Scandinavian-inspired hospitality.   https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/destination/south-africa   voco The Bank, Johannesburg Located in the heart of the thriving Rosebank, Johannesburg, voco The Bank is a design meets comfort hotel, just a short walk from the Gautrain station. Surrounded by galleries, gourmet restaurants and buzzing nightlife, the 131-room hotel has a delightful two-level restaurant that serves delicious cuisine, a lounge and a bar. Voco the Bank can also cater to business travellers and corporate guests, with three meeting rooms, accommodating approximately 80 people. Prices from approx £140 per room per night.   https://valorhospitality.com/hotel/voco-the-bank-johannesburg-rosebank/   NEW ACTIVITIES:   God’s New Skywalk, Mpumalanga Set to be completed in 2023, God’s New Skywalk along Mpumalanga's Panorama Route, will allow visitors to experience one of South Africa’s most iconic vistas in an entirely unique way. Alongside awe-inspiring views, the Skywalk is set to become an iconic attraction with a number of activities on-site, including the skywalk, a sky bridge, a sky swing, a zero-gravity room and a conference and meeting facility. The project will help the local community, by ensuring that a significant part of the activities will be run by local unemployed young people from the area.   http://www.mpumalanga.com/press-media/news/tourists-will-soon-be-able-to-walk-the-sky-at-gods-window   The Robben Island Museum (RIM), Cape Town The Robben Island Museum has introduced a new walking tour, which allows tourists to explore Robben Island's rich history and biodiversity while walking in the footsteps of South African legends. The Walking Tour is designed to highlight the most important areas, encouraging travellers to visit eight historic sites, including the Murray's Bay Harbour Exhibition, the Visitor Centre Complex, the Land of Banishment for Xhosa Chiefs, the Ou Tronk Exhibition, the Blue Stone Quarry, the World War II Precinct, the Agricultural Precinct, the LimeStone Quarry, and the Maximum Security Prison. Prices from approx £70 per adult.   https://www.robben-island.org.za/   NEW RESTAURANTS:   Platinum Belt Restaurant and Lounge, KwaZulu-Natal Nestled in the heart of Umhlanga the Platinum Belt Restaurant and Lounge offers guests an exclusive contemporary fine dining experience. The restaurant oozes modern style, and the bar boasts a wide variety of unusual cocktails. With a laid-back but buzzy atmosphere, the restaurant has wide appeal for both locals and travellers.   https://www.instagram.com/platinum_belt_lounge/?hl=en   UPCOMING EVENTS   Annual Gin & Jazz Manyano, Gauteng Gin & Jazz Manyano is hosting its second live music and food event over the 2022 Easter Weekend. “Manyano'', meaning “Coming Together” attracts South Africa’s most loved artists, emerging musicians, well-rounded selectors and DJs. The event will bring visitors together to enjoy and experience the collaboration of this exceptional art form, encouraging locals and visitors and locals to immerse themselves in the culture and community. The event takes place at Constitutional Hill from 1pm on Friday April 15 to 11pm on Saturday April 16 2022.   The Afrikaburn, Northern Cape The Afrikaburn is a spectacular festival that celebrates the freedom of creative expression. The event is built by a community of volunteers, who once a year come together to create a temporary city of art. The festival brings creatives together in the Tankwa-Karoo National Park and invites people to collaborate, cooperate and build community amid the theme camps, costumes, music and performances.   The event takes place in Tankwa-Karoo National Park from midday on Monday April 25 to midday on Sunday May 1 2022.   AIRLINE NEWS:   Eurowings Discover launches direct flights from Frankfurt to Kruger National Park The announcement that Lufthansa’s long-haul leisure brand, Eurowings Discover, will launch direct flights from Frankfurt to Kruger Park will make them the first intercontinental airline to schedule flights to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA). The service will provide direct access from Europe to Kruger National Park. In its first season (November 15 2022 to March 25 2023), the airline will fly three times a week from Frankfurt to Mbombela KMIA, with a short stopover in Windhoek.   SAA and Airlink resume domestic routes SAA has announced that it will resume flights from Johannesburg to Durban from March 2022. Airlink will resume flights from Durban to Nelspruit, capital of Mpumalanga province, from April 2022.   https://www.flysaa.com/ https://www.flyairlink.com/

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced changes to entry regulations for international travellers. With immediate effect, fully vaccinated travellers (two doses) are no longer required to produce a negative PCR test. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers may still enter South Africa with a negative PCR test, to be taken no more than 72 hours before arrival in the country. Additional changes to the country’s Covid regulations include 50% capacity allowed at sports stadiums and music venues with people who are vaccinated or who present a valid negative PCR test. Mask wearing will no longer be required in public outdoor areas. However, masks are required indoors in public areas such as shopping centres, galleries, restaurants and on public transport . Kgomotso Ramothea, Acting Hub Head South African Tourism UK said: “We welcome the further easing of Covid-19 restrictions; this is great news and makes South Africa more accessible to travellers regardless of their vaccination status.” “South Africa’s travel industry is hopeful that recovery will be quick and visitor arrival figures will spring back to 2019 levels.” The Post Office Travel Money Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer says South Africa is the best value long-haul destination for Brits. The report compares the cost of eight everyday tourist items in 36 cities and resorts worldwide. Cape Town was declared the cheapest long-haul destination.

  The Northern Cape might not have the highest density of tourists compared to other provinces, but it calls for travellers to participate in it. From the desert landscapes of the Karoo and Kgalagadi to the rugged 320 kilometre Atlantic coastline, the Northern Cape promises an authentic experience of the sublime.   This was the sentiment shared by the Northern Cape Tourism Authority (NCTA) at the penultimate edition of the Provincial Showcase on Thursday, 23 December. The showcase is being held at the South African Pavilion during the Expo 2020 Dubai. It promotes the business and leisure tourism opportunities that exist in each of the nine provinces.   The pavilion calls on investors around the world to “Think South Africa, Think Opportunity,” when looking for a new destination in which to do business.   Northern Cape promises authentic experiences   According to the NCTA’s General Manager for Marketing and Promotion, Dianna Martin, tourism trends show that travellers are avoiding city centres and are heading to remote locations. This makes Northern Cape’s expansive natural environment all the more alluring.   The province’s authenticity is its drawcard. It is home to six national parks including Augrabies and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park with which they share with Botswana. The Tankwa Karoo plays host to the annual AfrikaBurn. Hakskeenpan was the location for the Bloodhound land speed record set in 2019. And Sutherland is the home of the stargazing Southern African Large Telescope, the largest optical telescope in the southern hemisphere.   Martin said they have punted mountain biking, hiking and glamping in recent months, primarily to the domestic tourist segment. “We have attracted the new visitor,” said Martin. “We have been encouraging municipalities to look at increasing caravan sites and the like because that is what people want. For instance, we have seen an increase in 4x4 visitors who are looking for those glamping experiences and the outdoors.”   She said the province has been encouraging travellers and sports organisers to look at hosting individual sporting events in the Northern Cape as an alternative to the large super spreader gatherings. “We have been hosting an increased number of these individual sporting events and there has been good growth.   The NCTA’s CEO, Sharron Lewis, said the Northern Cape is quickly establishing itself as a viable sports destination, having hosted the internationally recognised 2021 Billabong Namakwa Surf Challenge in August and the Kalahari Rally pre-qualifier for the 42^nd Dakar Rally. “Organisers of these activities came into the Northern Cape and discovered that this is the place where you can do things differently and they have stayed. So we have seen an increase of different sporting organisers coming here.”   Northern Cape ensures traveller confidence   According to Lewis, the NCTA has forged partnerships that ensure the safety of its tourists amidst the pandemic. “Tourism is a serious business, which is why there are government campaigns around safe travel.”   She said that the NCTA has been constantly engaging with product owners and government on how to improve safety and instil confidence in travellers. “With the Covid restrictions, we paused and you absorbed but did not go dormant. This is a very resilient sector. This pandemic has been brought the industry closer because we need each other. Tourism is everybody’s business. We have developed material to create awareness and keep tourism alive because it is about saving jobs and saving tourism.”   Keep up with the South African Pavilion Team on Twitter using the handle TeamSA_Expo2020. Follow the events at the pavilion using #ThinkOpportunity #Expo2020SA #ShareSouthAfrica.

Today Netflix announced the launch of the Made in South Africa content collection - a curated collection featuring over 80 South African films, series, documentaries and reality TV shows created by some of the country’s most prolific talent both behind and in front of the camera. The collection highlights South African storytellers and talent who have elevated South Africa’s creative industry recognition around the world. The collection was announced after the global streaming service shared the results from a survey called Cultural Affinity Study at a panel session hosted by SA Tourism at the Africa’s Travel & Tourism Summit held in Johannesburg and Durban on Tuesday 21 September 2021. The Cultural Affinity survey came out of the partnership between South African Tourism and the world’s leading content streaming service announced in March this year. With the tourism sector being one of the hardest hit by the Covid-19 Pandemic, South African Tourism looked at creative ways to retain the country as an attractive travel option to global travellers. In March this year, South African Tourism and Netflix agreed to explore joint opportunities that look to showcase South African-made stories that can drive international arrivals to the country. Speaking at the summit, Shola Sanni, Netflix’s Director of Public Policy for sub-Saharan Africa, said the Made in South Africa collection will be accessible to Netflix’s over 209-million subscribers from over 190 countries and will feature shows included in the Cultural Affinity survey and the much-loved shows and films such as My Octopus Teacher, Blood & Water, JIVA!, How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding, Trippin’ with the Kandasamys, I Am All Girls, Queen Sono, Kings of Joburg, Santana, Riding with Sugar, Seriously Single and many more. “It is about partnering to showcase the best of the local culture. It is about South Africans telling their stories to the world. There is a connection that happens when people view content and stories on Netflix. What we found is this power to be a cultural ambassador for South Africa and the continent.”   Netflix Cultural Affinity survey’s startling results Netflix conducted a Cultural Affinity survey with subscribers from Canada, Germany, the US, the UK, Brazil and France and found that after watching South African content, they were 3.1 times more likely to make South Africa their number one travel destination while also being 5.6 times more likely to learn a local language. The survey also found that South African content is a powerful vehicle for creating deeper cultural affinity that could drive tourism. “It ties into the objective that tourism boards around the world want to achieve of how they can leverage the power of storytelling on the service and translate it into actual tourism influx. By bringing these insights to government, we thought they could leverage this opportunity to increase actual tourism traffic,” said Sanni. Findings showed that viewers of My Octopus Teacher wanted to visit South Africa for its nature and wildlife, viewers of Blood & Water were attracted to its landmarks and monuments, while viewers of Seriously Single wanted to explore the country’s creative scene. Not only do these stories showcase the beauty of South Africa but also showcase the country as a great film production location for other content creators around the world. “The very first thing for partners to understand is the more authentic the story is, the more compelling it is for viewers - not the simplistic portrayal of Africa, but the true and authentic side of Africa.” Viewers who participated in the survey were able to relate to the stories and characters in these and other South African productions. “They saw themselves reflected in those stories. One US viewer said they felt people in South Africa have the same aspirations and life experiences as those in their country,” said Sanni. She added: “Now more than ever, digital technology allows us to transcend geographical borders and enable people from around the world to view local content,”   Netflix partnership builds soft power Chief Marketing Officer of South African Tourism, Mzilikazi Themba Khumalo, said that the partnership with Netflix would build the soft power base for South Africa and the continent and export the African way of life. “It is so the world can perceive the way we are talented, young and fresh and export the whole tapestry from a cultural standpoint.” The partnership between Netflix and South African Tourism was born from the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic. People were not able to travel and opted for consuming content on platforms such as Netflix. “We saw that as an opportunity to enhance South Africa’s communications to the world as storytelling in the long form,” said Khumalo. He said that destinations can serve as backdrops for films so as to attract viewers to those places. “As a tourism body we need to have a backdrop for a story that Netflix wants to tell. If you watch American movies shot in Washington DC, shots of the White House, The Capitol and other key icons in the city are shown. They have built the iconography in the film to project the power of the destination.” According to Sanni, for every original production, 67% of the budget goes to other sectors other than film. “Countries must realise that the film industry must be leveraged to fulfil economic deliverables.” Join the conversation on all social media platforms using the following: #ATTS2021 #ShareSouthAfrica #VisitAfrica @SA_NCB @SATravelTrade   For media enquiries, please contact: Lesego Marimo at South African Tourism Tel: +27 73 266 6025 Email: [email protected] OR [email protected]

Africa’s Travel and Tourism has proven to be the continent’s catalyst to usher in a new kind of travel – one that is increasing the value of community and rural tourism. The Summit, tourism role-players can be sure that the industry will emerge with fresh actionable ideas after more than a year of latency. The Summit lived up to its theme of “Re-awakening Africa,” with fresh actionable ideas emerging from three days of robust discussions. The Summit brought welcome announcements one of which was Minister of Tourism Lindiwe Sisulu’s announcement of a joint team of South African and British scientists who will conduct research into the Beta variant of the Coronavirus which has kept South Africa on the UK red list for travel. Netflix also used the platform to announce Made in Africa, which packages African films and series into an easily accessible bouquet. But while these announcements will have massive benefits in the future, the 40 plenary sessions will give tourism stakeholders enough ideas to take back to their businesses.   Value of tourism for local and rural communities Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela, said in his address on SMME Day that his department has implemented strategies that will help revive small tourism businesses in townships and rural areas that are crucial to the sector. He added that SMMEs can aid in the sector’s return to pre-COVID performance levels. “The Tourism Sector Recovery Plan also makes provision for the establishment of a support hub to provide non-financial support to tourism businesses so as to increase the resilience of SMMEs during the pandemic and beyond.” Safiyya Akoojee, a Director at law firm Thomson Wilks, said empowering local communities means community and political leaders need to effect change that is beyond political agendas. “We need to look inward before looking outward. Local communities, right down to rural level, have doctors, nurses, carpenters, and other professionals who can help establish tourism in their communities.” Founder of Nairobi-based Sustainable Travel & Tourism Agenda, Judy Kepher Gona, said tourism thrives on places created by people who make it beautiful to experience. “Travellers want to experience the food and the natural beauty of a place. But people travel to meet people.  The core is people in those communities.” She referred to the transformation of the Masaai Mara from it having no Masaai guides in 2005 to having almost all of its guides coming from the local community. “We argued that this is their [livelihood] so give it to them. We then changed the narrative because they would not be guides, they would be hosts. Now, 99% of hosts at Masaai Mara are Masaai. They are not asking for handouts, they asked to be given a chance.” Founder of Transfrontier Parks Destinations in Cape Town, Glynn O’Leary, said he is in the business of developing communities. “At the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, we get the community to develop skills that can be applied to any part of the economy.”   Intra-African travel and mobility challenges It was widely acknowledged at the Summit that for Africa’s tourism to thrive, its countries would need to ease borders to each other and allow for freer movement of goods and people. Ever since the African Union was established in 1963, the dream for most political and business leaders on the continent was to ease access across borders. However, delegates also agreed that the lack of sound transport infrastructure and stringent Visa regulations are hampering growth and sustainability of the tourism industry. Tourism Business Council of South Africa CEO, Tshifihwa Tshivhengwa, said that Africa has to align its policies for intra-African travel to become a reality. “We have failed to create ease of access within Africa. Until we as Africa are aligned and have policies that integrate travel we will fail. We look at our own continent as a place where we should not spend time.” Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ambassador to South Africa, Bene M'Poko, said for Africa to improve mobility, it would need to build new infrastructure and lessen reliance on routes that were established during the colonial era. “We talk a lot, we dream a lot, but we do not act and we do not produce. The tourist travels because she wants to enjoy herself, to enjoy different foods and landscapes. But the constraint is infrastructure.”   Domestic market can be a lifesaver While the Coronavirus has dampened global travel, many tourism authorities have been looking at their domestic markets to retain revenue. According to Chris Lehane, the Head of Global Policy and Communications at Airbnb, there was an uptick in domestic tourism since the outbreak of the virus. “In South Africa, domestic travel increased by more than 600% with North-West province growing at 130%.” Most of that travel, he said, was by car with tourists opting for more isolated nature-based and rural destinations. He added that tourists are travelling for different reasons, which is an attribute of the new kind of travel.  “The outbreak of loneliness, pandemic of isolation and epidemic depression has made tourists look for more meaningful travel.” The new kind of travel has also spawned the health conscious tourist, millennials seeking authenticity, and the lowering of barriers for women and people of colour by travel platforms. Percy Koji, CEO of Small Tourism Enterprise Association, called for increased focus on the domestic tourism market so as to create opportunities within our borders. “In South Africa we have focused a lot on inbound market, but developing the local economy will create better opportunities for everyone. If you buy a coffee at a restaurant, you are creating a job for that person serving you.” The South African government has recognised the value of the domestic market and has made it one of its most important interventions in its Tourism Sector Recovery Plan.  It looks to stimulate domestic demand through targeted initiatives and campaigns. Join the conversation on all social media platforms using the following: #ATTS2021 #ShareSouthAfrica #VisitAfrica @SA_NCB @SATravelTrade   For media enquiries, please contact: Lesego Marimo at South African Tourism Tel: +27 73 266 6025 Email: [email protected] OR [email protected]

4roomed eKasi Culture restaurant   After appearing on MasterChef South Africa in 2014, Abigail Mbalo started a food truck before opening 4Roomed eKasi Culture, a restaurant in the Cape Town township of Khayelitsha. The restaurant serves up classic South African dishes with a modern fine dining twist, and sees diners sit down together at one big table. Abigail is an ambassador for the Meet Your South Africa campaign.   Abigail is an advocate for young black women to stay in townships and use their creativity to bring positive influence. Her restaurant is helping bring tourists to Khayelitsha and change their perceptions of a South African township. Travel Mole speaks to Abigail to find out more about her dining concept and how visitors are experiencing South African food today.   What did you prepare when you appeared on MasterChef South Africa?    During the show we got a mystery box full of South African inspired ingredients. I prepared a terrine of chicken, duck and turkey with quails egg in the centre and orange reduction on the side.   What do your customers perceive as township cuisine before and after visiting your restaurant?   One of the dishes I prepare is called "um qua" and consists of pap (maize porridge) and butternut. Some customers regard this as a peasant meal until I encourage them to taste it. Their reaction is usually "oh wow I will definitely come back for this." As South Africans we think some of our foods aren't considered restaurant quality but I want to change that perception.   How much of your township restaurant experience is about the food, versus the home-style environment of your restaurant, versus the Khayelitsha township experience itself?   So much of the visitor experience is about hearing the stories. When visitors come to a South African township they experience the different cultures and narratives that are influencing how we live.   Abigail's restaurant is located in the Khayelitsha township of Cape Town   What are the top questions your customers ask you?   I am often asked about what inspires me to serve the style of food I am serving and where it comes from. It goes back to the township and bringing different South African cultural groups into one space, which in my case is the plate.   Which are the top nationalities and age groups who visit your restaurant?    We have a very balanced mix of age groups visiting the restaurant which I'm extremely happy about. During MasterChef I used to say I would love to see a unified South Africa. I love to see a white person walking in the streets of the township and feeling comfortable because the past has segregated us. The past that we come from has made us fear each other. We've had South African diners coming from predominantly white areas. For them to come to the township is a sign that we are curious about each other and want to embrace each other.   We do have to convince people that it's safe to visit the township. But it's great to see people tell their friends or other tourists to come and visit the restaurant.   There are not many restaurants for visitors in townships. Do you think that will change? How do customers find out about you?   This is definitely going to change. There is another restaurant that opened at the end of last year and we supper each other. We can bring in more people by having more choices and that will help to drive the economy.   A lot of people read about us online or come to us through their hotel concierge. Cape Town Tourism also helps in introducing us to people, which I think is a very very good sign.   Communal style dining at 4roomed eKasi Culture   How do visitors experience indigenous cuisine in South Africa?   In many restaurants you will find French and Italian inspired dishes with South African inspired ingredients, which I think derives from the training schools which are based on Italian and French style cooking.   What I am seeing now is that we are going back to our roots and asking "how do we bring our food to restaurant tables." This is a positive shift and visitors tell me that they like experience the culture through our food.   What should visitors be aware of when seeking out local food?   If visitors are looking for a South African experience the main things are to look at restaurants that are sourcing locally, care for the environment, and want to tell a South African story on the plate. Visitors say that this brings so much value to their travels.   Abigail Mbalo is the owner of 4Roomed eKasi Culture, a restaurant in the Cape Town township of Kyalelitsha. She is also an ambassador for the Meet Your South Africa campaign. This Expert Hub article is produced in association with South Africa Tourism UK.   Abigail Mbalo