Promoting the Garden Route & Klein Karoo in China 3 September 2017
IBTM China Expo
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.
August – WHAT’S ON KNYSNA & SEDGEFIELD
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July 2017 WHAT’S ON #KNYSNA & SEDGEFIELD
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Knysna Sedgefield Tourism Update 16 June 2017
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
Sedgefield Knysna update 16 June, 2017
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WHAT’S ON SEDGEFIELD & KNYSNA MAY – JUNE 2017
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WHAT’S ON #KNYSNA & SEDGEFIELD – May 2017
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WHAT’S ON #KNYSNA & SEDGEFIELD – March 2017
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WHAT’S ON #KNYSNA & SEDGEFIELD in FEBRUARY
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December 9 – WHAT’S ON #KNYSNA & SEDGEFIELD
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