Talking about how busy we have become such a cliché, yet I can’t help but look back at the past 3 months as an absolute whirlwind. We kicked off the year with the Tshwane Tourism Showcase which brought more than 400 guests together to support 60 exhibitors at the CSIR ICC. Old friendships were renewed, and new relationships and collaborations were forged while participants had the opportunity to discover the rich variety of tourism products and innovative tourism initiatives that we offer to the world.

While business seems to be a bit slower than normal in many accommodation markets, our members have been busier than ever with new initiatives, wonderful projects and innovative ways to bring more people to our beautiful capital city. We can’t wait to share many of these with you in this newsletter and throughout the year to come.

The TTA has been strengthening the local tourism industry for the past 24 years with a specific focus on networking and collaboration between members as well as representation with government, industry bodies, and policymakers. In the rest of 2025, we aim to become an even stronger collective voice to address challenges facing the tourism sector in Tshwane. We are excited to have you along for the ride!

It is good to be busy but be sure to make time for rest as well! What better way to recharge than by checking out some of the amazing experiences our beautiful city has to offer for yourself. Support your industry peers by checking in for a night, popping by for lunch or supporting their experience with family and friends. A quick lunch might just turn into a new collaboration.

Until next month. Susan!

Maepa Transport Services  is a trusted and well-known transport service provider in Gauteng, specializing in safe, reliable, and comfortable travel solutions. We go beyond local transport—we take our clients to their dream vacation destinations across South Africa and neighboring countries, including Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini (Swaziland), Mozambique, and Namibia. Whether you’re planning a business trip, a family getaway, or a group tour, our experienced drivers and well-maintained fleet ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Mela Luxury Game Lodge is a stunning family holiday resort in the Dinokeng Game Reserve, within Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Pretoria, Gauteng Province, formerly known as Letsomong Lodge.

This intimate thatched lodge offers unique air-conditioned safari Suites and signature stone capped chalets with variety of sizes and style to accommodate from a single guest, lovers retreats, a family, or a social or commercial conference group and team building groups.

HIC Underwriting  is a proudly award-winning insurance firm dedicated to delivering 6-star service excellence. Specializing in commercial, industrial, and hospitality insurance solutions, we provide tailored coverage designed to meet the unique needs of businesses. Our commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer satisfaction sets us apart, ensuring that our clients receive world-class service and comprehensive protection.

LAVO Food and Beverages its name from Lerato, a Southern African word meaning love, a fitting symbol of the pleasure, enjoyment, and connections that wine brings. More than just a drink, Lavo Wines is an experience, crafted to unite people from diverse backgrounds, fostering meaningful conversations and shared moments over a glass of exquisite wine. With every sip, Lavo Wines weaves a thread of togetherness, celebrating the joy of life and companionship.

El Mikho Tours is a premier South African tour operator, established in 2012 with a passion for creating unforgettable travel experiences. As a people-focused company, we have proudly built a reputation as a world-class tour and safari operator, offering exceptional journeys across South Africa and other Southern African destinations. Whether it’s a breathtaking safari, cultural exploration, or luxury getaway, we ensure every trip is seamless, enriching, and truly memorable.

Originally from Mpumalanga, the “Province of the Rising Sun,” Ntombikayise Magagula holds a Diploma in Ecotourism Management from the Tshwane University of Technology.

Her journey in tourism began with an internship at the City of Tshwane, where she gained hands-on experience in the industry. She later joined the Tshwane Tourism Association (TTA) and has been an integral part of the organization for the past five years.

Beyond her professional role, Ntombikayise is a devoted mother to a teenage son and a sister to two wonderful siblings. While her work keeps her engaged in the vibrant world of tourism, she finds peace in nature. Her ideal escape involves game reserves, nature reserves, and quiet retreats, where she can unwind and recharge.

Ntombikayise’s Top 3 Picks in Tshwane

• Rietvlei Nature Reserve – “A perfect getaway from city life! It’s accessible, affordable, and the ideal spot for nature lovers.”
• At The Rocks – “Their food is absolutely mouthwatering! A must-visit for anyone who enjoys a great dining experience.”
• The Park Lodge Hotel – “A hidden gem in Tshwane, just minutes from the Gautrain station. It offers great service and a comfortable stay.”

With a deep passion for tourism and a love for serene landscapes, Ntombikayise continues to contribute to the industry while finding balance in the beauty of nature.

In the ever-evolving landscape of hospitality management, where guest satisfaction, efficiency, and operational excellence are paramount, Q2B stands as a transformative force. Our cutting-edge, cloud-based property management solution provides a holistic approach to property management, ushering in a new era of seamless, integrated, and efficient operations. Read more….

For more information visit www.q2bsolutions.co.za

Save the Date: Tshwane Tourism Awards 2025

The Tshwane Tourism Association (TTA) is excited to announce that the Tshwane Tourism Awards 2025 will take place on 16 August 2025 at Batter Boys Village. This prestigious event is a celebration of excellence in the tourism industry, recognizing the businesses, individuals, and initiatives that contribute to making Tshwane a premier travel destination.

The awards honour outstanding achievements across various sectors, including hospitality, attractions, events, tour operations, and sustainable tourism practices. With a strong commitment to innovation and service excellence, the event showcases those who are shaping the future of tourism in the region.

Why You Should Attend:

• Celebrate and support the best in Tshwane tourism.
• Network with key industry players, decision-makers, and tourism professionals.
• Gain valuable insights into the latest industry trends and best practices.
• Enjoy a night of recognition, entertainment, and inspiration.

Event Details:
Date: 16 August 2025
Venue: Batter Boys Village
RSVP & Ticketing: details to follow

The Tshwane Tourism Awards 2025 promise to be a remarkable evening filled with celebration and appreciation for the hard work and dedication of those in the tourism industry. Stay tuned for nomination details, sponsorship opportunities, and event highlights in the coming weeks!

Save the date and join us in celebrating tourism excellence in Tshwane!

#TshwaneTourismAwards #CelebrateTourism #TshwaneExcellence

Capital Hotel School has welcomed 24 chefs into a new chapter of their careers – chefs who have proven their passion, determination, and skill through countless hours of hard work and perseverance.

These graduates come from all corners of our industry, each one having worked for a minimum of three years practicing their culinary skills in the industry’s kitchens, perfecting their craft i.e. Feedem, Genade Shoppie, 3@Marion Guesthouse, Sun International, CSIR Convention Centre, ANEW Hatfield and Centurion, Capsicum, Steyns Culinary School, CTIA, Bidvest Catering Services, The Pretoria Hotel, Tashas Menlyn Maine, Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate, City Lodge OR Tambo, Jem Exclusive Catering, Hotel 224.

They were chosen from many applicants to be part of the prestigious skills training programme, funded by The Department of Tourism and delivered by the Capital Hotel School. The QCTO Occupational Certificate Chef (NQF 5) culminating in a Trade Test was completed in a record time of 6 months to comply with the Department’s financial yearend. These tight deadlines caused our Project Manager, Suzanne Crozier and our 3 Chefs (all 4 qualified RED Seal achievers) many sleepless nights and grey hairs.

Out of many hopefuls, these chefs could eventually receive credit and recognition for the many years they loyally served our industry.

The journey has not been an easy one. It began with the completion of a Portfolio of Evidence – a rigorous process where each of these chefs provided both written and visual proof of their knowledge and practical experience followed by a theory test and a practical exam. This was just the beginning.

Once the accredited assessors and moderators confirmed their readiness, the next step was the Trade Test Examination – the final challenge to qualify for the sought-after RED SEAL, the formal qualification that acknowledges them as true professionals in their craft.

The Trade Test itself was an intense experience, including a gruelling two-hour theory exam followed by six hours of non-stop, high-pressure cooking under the watchful eye of examiners.

For more information visit www.capitalhotelschool.co.za

Investing in your team is investing in your business.

Adventure Zone’s expert-designed adventure team-building experiences help improve collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership—all while having fun!

Whether you want to break the ice, boost motivation, or reward your team, we have the perfect activity for you. For more information visit www.adventurezone.co.za, email  cullinan@adventurezone.co.za  call +27 (0)12 734 050

RTTS offers cost-effective solutions like RoomSeeker and Night Sky Bookings to simplify online reservations, payments, gate entry, and property management—all in one place!

Want more bookings? List your establishment on our online search aggregator and attract more visitors effortlessly. Let’s fill those empty spots and grow your business together!

for more information visit krs.co.za/roomseeker , email rttskrs@gmail.com call +27 (0)21 681 2900

Decorate your surroundings and celebrate the beauty of art with our exclusive collection of art souvenirs and gifts. At our website, you’ll find four categories of souvenirs and gifts —African-inspired, fine, modern, and abstract art, to bring a touch of sophistication and creativity to your everyday life.

Imagine owning a piece of art history that not only inspires but also stands as a testament to craftsmanship and quality. Our pieces are made from professional, high-resolution photographs of the original artworks. There are a few souvenirs with captivating images which shares insights into the inspiration behind some of her artworks. This unique blend of art and narrative makes these souvenirs a story worth telling.

Our souvenirs are not just decorative items—they are thoughtfully crafted keepsakes, whether it’s a single collector’s item or a beautifully gift set.

Printed on ultra-high-quality hardboard, smooth metal surfaces, and glossy white ceramics, each item promises vibrant color reproduction, durability, and a faithful representation of the original artwork. These souvenirs are pressed at high temperatures to ensure they remain colorfast and true to the artist’s vision. There are extraordinary pieces inspired by monumental works—like our Springbuck-range, derived from a 10-meter-wide gate painting, we bring you designs that capture grandeur in every detail.

We even offer a few matching high-quality art cards, available with or without a message, perfect for gifting and preserving memories. Bring home a piece of art history today. Visit our website and let these extraordinary art souvenirs transform your space into a gallery of inspiration and elegance.

Tel: 0834574983

For more information visit www.idaletanderica.com,  Email: ericadekok2@gmail.com or Tel: 0834574983

Book your Easter Sunday at Kievits Kroon in Pretoria!

Easter Sunday Family Fun Day – 20 April, 10:00 – 15:00

R560 PER ADULT | R380 PER CHILD UNDER 12

This unforgettable experience includes:

• Easter Egg Hunt from 10:30 – 11:30
• Easter Buffet lunch with welcome drinks & live cooking stations.
• Exciting kiddies’ entertainment including a jumping castle, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and more fun activities!

Make a stay of it with our one or two-night stay options, which also include champagne breakfast, movie nights, and dinner experiences for the whole family!

Learn more and view menus here: www.kievitskroon.co.za/upcoming-events Book now HERE or via 012-819-8600 or reservations@kievitskroon.co.za.

The CSIR International Convention Centre (ICC) announces the appointment of key role players within the facilities team. These recent appointments reflect the CSIR ICC’s dedication to constantly enhancing its safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) procedures to ensure consistent, exceptional experiences for its clients and visitors.

The new Safety and Setup Coordinator, Jobe Mkhatywa, brings extensive experience in managing SHEQ across various industries. In addition to his qualifications, which include expertise in internal audits and ISO standards, he holds a National Diploma in safety management.

Morgan Mahlangu has been promoted to Facilities Coordinator. He joined the organisation in 2020 during a global pandemic and has played a key role in maintaining hygiene standards and following all necessary protocols by supervising the housekeeping team.

WP Pretorius has been promoted to Safety, Security, Health and Environment Manager. He joined the CSIR ICC in 2020 as a Safety and Setup Coordinator. WP holds a National Diploma in advanced safety management and has completed several additional short courses, including occupational health and safety, compensation for occupational injuries and diseases, economic management and a programme in safety management. Additionally, he is a member of the Event Safety Council, which oversees event safety compliance within the business events industry.

Zwelithini Ndlovu has been appointed as the Handyman for the CSIR ICC. Prior to this appointment, he was part of the CSIR Facilities department, serving as a General Assistant. Zwelithini holds qualifications in electrical engineering, refrigeration and air conditioning and is a certified electrician with a trade test certificate. In his new role, he will oversee the daily general maintenance of the conferencing and accommodation group buildings.

For more information visit www.csiricc.co.za

Capital Hotel School Training is extending an offer to all TTA members, valid until 22 April 2024, when registering for our Generic Management Programme.

In many organisations, there is a common challenge: while they invest in cultivating leaders internally and elevate them to management roles, there is often a sense that something crucial is missing. Our Generic Management Programme is designed precisely to address this gap, empowering emerging leaders to excel in managing their teams with effectiveness and confidence.

Registration dates are available from 1 April to 5 May 2025.

Managing a team is tough – we get it. That is why CHS has integrated the CliftonStrengths34 into our programme with resounding success; it reveals your complete unique talent profile.

Completing the online talent assessment (StrengthsFinder®) is your way to:

• discover what you naturally do best
• learn how to develop your greatest talents into strengths
• use your personalized results and reports to maximize your potential

Once you have completed the online assessment at the start of the course, you will receive personalized reports, interactive learning, and other resources plus benefit from an expert analysis by our accredited Gallup coach valued at R2 250.00 per person, included in the course fee of R22 250.00.

When you enroll by 22 April 2025, you qualify for an Early Easter Saving of R1 000.00 per person.  Should your company wish to enroll.

Learn more HERE 

In 2010, a visionary idea was born. 3t Business Fusion was established to bridge the gaps and address the challenges faced by the travel and tourism industry. Our mission was clear: to assemble a community of specialists who could provide expert solutions to organizations in need.

Over the years, we’ve grown into a network of seasoned professionals, armed with hands-on experience and strategic knowledge. Our team is dedicated to helping businesses overcome their pain points, whether it’s operational inefficiencies, marketing woes, or strategic planning.

At 3t Business Fusion, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. Our expertise spans the entire travel and tourism spectrum, from destination development to marketing and management.

By partnering with us, organizations gain access to a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and resources. Our goal is to empower businesses to reach their full potential, driving growth, innovation, and success in the travel and tourism industry.

Join us in our mission to transform the travel and tourism landscape. Let’s work together to build a brighter future for our industry.

Tourism Regards

For more information visit 3tfusion.co.za

email info@3tfusion.co.za or call +27 (0)82 908 2657

Due to popular demand, our Birthday Package is here to stay (a bit longer)! Bring your family & friends for an unforgettable treetop adventure.

Total: R1660 for you & 10 friends

Promo Code: AcroBash11

Birthday Star gets a FREE future visit

Choose any course (excl. combos)

Gloves included (compulsory for ages 7+)

Add more participants at our normal p/p rates.

Min. Age: 3 yrs.+

12 Parks Nationwide (Gauteng | North West | KZN | Western Cape)

Book now: 021 201 1121 | www.acrobranch.co.za

Deal valid until 31 July 2025 | Bookings until 31 Dec 2025

It’s never too early to start planning your functions or conferences for the year!

Kievits Kroon offers a variety of venues and experiences tailored to your needs. Whether you’re hosting a grand gala dinner, an exciting team-building event, a sophisticated wine tasting, a conference, or an intimate sip & paint session, we have the perfect setting. We also have packages for corporate retreats and spa days for a more immersive experience.

If you can dream it, we can do it!

Enquire via reservations@kievitskroon.co.za / +27 (0)12 819 8600, or view conference packages HERE

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