A message from the TTA Chairperson
Dear partners in tourism
We hope that you had a meaningful and positive Easter season, with your loved ones where possible, and that you are all keeping safe and well. The TTA is working very hard behind the scenes to provide members with as much credible and useful information as possible (please don’t forget to visit our COVID-19 page) and is channelling member information and requests to local, provincial and national government proactively, to both help our government fight COVID-19 in South Africa, and to find opportunities for you to put your businesses to good use at this time and save jobs.
Most recently we have submitted information on accommodation availability to Gauteng Government, National Department of Health and to the RMB Aspire/Ubuntu bed initiative. We have also submitted the results of a survey of restaurants under cover of a request that the data be used to inform the sustainable use and re-opening of restaurants to best assist our restaurant sector.
I would like to thank the TTA office, our web designer, and those TTA board members and normal members who have been working tirelessly to initiate and implement projects, studies and surveys to assist during this time. As well as those of you who are sharing useful information especially regarding mitigation strategies and future planning. A group of members is also cooking and providing food and other donated items to homeless shelters in the city which is highly commendable!
Although so much is out of our control with this pandemic, our future is still in our hands and we can be instrumental in shaping the outcomes of this situation. Please continue to participate in calls for information and, most importantly, send us (secretary@tshwanetourism.com) proposals of any initiatives which you feel might be beneficial to both our community and your businesses or sector – we are here to help you implement feasible proposals and communicate your needs to the various levels of government.
Lastly, please do not forget to participate in the SAT webinars on business recovery.
Take good care, stay safe, and mostly, enjoy the unusually clean air surrounding us at this time – if nothing else at least we can say that the earth has had a brief moment to breathe.
Sincere best wishes to you and your loved ones and your employees,
Bronwen
Demystifying business interruption insurance
The impact of COVID-19 and the resulting government lockdown on the hospitality industry has been devastating. Owners and operators of establishments have been turning to their insurance companies for assistance, to claim compensation for the loss of income – often to their disappointment.
In this article, Olive Insurance Brokers attempt to demystify Business Interruption Insurance.
Remember, Bryte Insurance Company offers 10% premium discount to all TTA members.
Visit our website, call +27 (0)84 848 7777 or email daneel@olivebrokers.co.za.
Help to save the Voortrekker Monument: Virtual tour now live
Although the Monument is a declared National Heritage Site, it receives no state subsidy and largely relies on visitors to fund maintenance and staff. The Monument also caters for at least 350 different South African tour operators who serve local and international tourists. Other leisure activities on the heritage site contribute further to local employment.
However, since the outbreak of COVID-19 in December, visitor numbers declined to the point where the Monument’s income is negligible. As part of the lockdown, the Monument closed its doors on Friday 27 March 2020 and as a result will not receive any visitor income as long as it remains closed. The effect has already been enormous and will only worsen. Unless you help to save the Monument.
This is one of the reasons they have decided to utilize a 3D virtual scan of the Voortrekker Monument. The virtual tour can be accessed through our website’s home page. Virtual visitors can navigate through the building at their leisure or choose to use the play button to assist with navigation. Information points provide text and video to help interpret the site.
As a non-profit organization, they request that those who watch the tour take the time to make a small donation to the Voortrekker Monument via one of the payment methods below. Reference: My Monument.
Culture never stops, and it is crucial that museums keep going too, especially in the face of COVID-19. As Ernesto Ottone, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture stated: “At a time when billions of people around the world are separated from one another, museums can bring us together”.
Voortrekker Monument Virtual Tour Account details for donations:
Account name: The Voortrekker Monument and Nature Reserve
Account Number: 15 0016 8990
ABSA Branch code: 632005
Reference: My Monument
SnapScan payment
The Ultimate Pretoria Bucket List
The hospitality industry is one of the most heavily affected by current circumstances and we would therefore love to offer Tshwane Tourism Association members a massive 25% discount on a listing for the next 12 months. This includes a permanent webpage on our website with direct links to your email address, website and other booking channels, sharing of your social media posts through all our channels and a certificate to display at your premises. We are also giving our members who are already listed an additional 3 months free on their current contract.
Hospitality is at the heart of our nation and we will be promoting the great experiences available in our city more than ever. For a long time to come we predict that the focus will be on local travel and more specifically, on special “bucket list” experiences. The world has changed and so have all of us. We are excited and honoured to promote our beautiful city and its attractions in this new reality.
Read the six reasons why you should be on the Ultimate Pretoria Bucketlist.
Email info@pretoriabucketlist.co.za to apply for your listing.
The Pretoria Bucket List is not a directory but a verified list of the best experiences to have in our capital city. As such applications might be subject to an appraisal.
Sign up to the Ultimate Pretoria Bucketlist for only R640 for a whole year. Offer valid until 30 April 2020.
Visit our website, call +27 (0)82 549 9790 or email info@pretoriabucketlist.co.za.
TBAC is still manufacturing sanitisers and soap
TBAC South Africa are keeping their factory running so that you can maintain prevention measures against COVID-19. Our alcohol-based hand sanitisers have been designed and formulated to use as a waterless hygiene solution. This cleansing hygiene gel/spray helps to wash away dirt and germs, without drying the skin. Hands will be left feeling clean, moisturised and gently fragranced with a refreshing eucalyptus and mint fragrance. Available in four convenient travel sizes and refills, our factory will be able to assist with a continuous supply.
Read the price list, visit our website, call +27 (0)60 949 057 or email mm@tbac.co.za.
Q2B Solutions nomination – African Travel & Tourism Awards Finalist
Q2B provides All-in-One Solutions for venues and is a comprehensive venue management solution and channel manager.
Congratulations on this successful nomination in the prestigious African Travel and Tourism Awards!
Visit our website, or email info@q2b.co.za.
By standing together we will overcome together – Mangwanani
Mangwanani’s foundation is its people. It is a company that was founded on the idea of harnessing the natural, inherent ability of previously disadvantaged women, through training, development and empowerment. Mangwanani stands by their values that have guided them through the last 17 years in business.
Their values include social responsibility, sustainable development, and empowerment through job creation. Through uplifting local communities nationally, Mangwanani provides a beautiful African experience infused with Western culture, affording value for money to their clients. To their staff, they continue to facilitate their empowerment and thrive knowing they have made a difference in the lives of other people.
Meet Ntsoaki, a mother of three children
Her husband was the only breadwinner. When Ntsoaki fell pregnant with her third child, she had the urge to help her husband support the family. Ntsoaki approached Mangwanani for massage training. Several weeks later, she was employed. Not only was she able to assist her husband, but she had enough income to help her mother who was looking after her children and siblings. Ntsoaki upskilled herself, learning about customer service, and computers. Ntsoaki is now an assistant branch manager. Most of all, she and her family are happy that Ntsoaki has accomplished so much. Naturally, so too is Mangwanani.
Meet Nono, an extraordinary woman
In 2004, Kedibone Nono Modise, or Nono as we know her, began her work life at Mangwanani. After gaining experience in various departments, she was promoted. Nono worked her way up to becoming the branch manager of the company’s flag-ship branch, Mangwanani River Valley, on the outskirts of Centurion. As the last born, Nono is also the only breadwinner in her family. Mangwanani supported Nono, taking her to new branches around South Africa, and even to the Netherlands. As Nono said: “Mangwanani is a company that empowers and cares about people’s well-being and success. Were it not for employers such as Maeve, Erin, and Moira, who forever believed in me and encouraged me to grow, I would not be where I am today. These ladies are like sisters to me. They have brought out the best in me. They have encouraged me to be a bigger and better person.”
It is through the testimonies of our staff that we are encouraged to hold on to our values, being grateful for the wonderful people who have become our family. Through their indomitable spirits, we find hope for the future of Mangwanani and South Africa, our country. Despite the scourge of the Covid-19 virus, with all the concomitant misery and inconvenience of these trying months, we will remain hopeful. We are certain that we will emerge from this darkness with a new fighting spirit. And to celebrate this, we will be offering innovative packages that will spoil and delight our wonderful clients who are also part of the Mangwnani family.
“We would like to thank all our loyal clients. Your support has given us hope and a better quality of life to many of our staff members. We are ready to welcome you back to our Mangwanani sanctuary as soon as possible. Where once again you will be able to indulge you with a full day, half day, night spa, or even an individual spoil. To our staff − we are enormously grateful to have you as part of our Mangwanani family and we love every one of you! ”
Visit our website, call +27 (0)87 809 0055 or email info@mangwanani.co.za.
Kievits Kroon Executive Chef revises menus during lockdown
Like other hospitality establishments, Kievits Kroon Country Estate in Kameeldrift East, had to close during lockdown. Some of their staff are still working remotely however, including their reservations team who are taking future bookings, as well as their Executive Chef Sivy Marie who is keeping herself very busy!
Chef Sivy is revising their banqueting menus, creating recipes for the hotel’s entire menu pack and costing each recipe to ensure that they are able to put together affordable packages to suit the demands of their clients when they reopen. “We realise that budgets will be stretched after lockdown and we hope to be able to tailor prices and packages to assist our clients to book their conference, function or event at Kievits Kroon. All our conference lunch buffets will also be amended to include our customers’ preferences, which I have discovered over the past six months that I have been at Kievits Kroon,” says Chef Sivy.
“I’m also putting together a wedding menu that will be affordable but tasty and appealing and, finally, I’m revising our spa lunch menu option, using the freshest seasonal ingredients available on the market.”
“We are looking forward to welcoming all our guests back to Kievits Kroon!”
Visit our website, call +27 (0)82 881 9468 or email jeannine@jopr.co.za.
Recommended reading
Tourism after COVID-19: ‘Go digital’
14 April 2020, Tourism Update
Tourism body launches virtual event support
9 April 2020, Tourism Update
Domestic tourism the answer post-COVID19?
9 April 2020, Tourism Update
Tourism relief fund under fire for exclusions
8 April 2020, Tourism Update
Tourism relief fund now open for applications
7 April 2020, Tourism Update
Consumer protection and confidence key to COVID-19 survival
6 April 2020, Tourism Update
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