Next To Apartment Hotel ‘s serviced apartments in Hatfield are a perfect haven of tranquillity and sumptuous simplicity in one of the most exclusive and celebrated parts of Tshwane. Relax your body and mind with our in-room Spa Massage treatments. Showcasing a modern-day, city living lifestyle with all the accompanying conveniences. As this luxurious development aims to provide a complete lifestyle solution, it offers a reception area with a concierge service, free Wi-Fi, gym, free parking, 24-hour security and a meeting room.

Author: Daneel Lombaard, Olive Insurance Brokers

The insurance risk landscape in South Africa is changing rapidly, and all policyholders are affected.  Some of the most significant drivers of these changes are the poor condition of the country’s electricity grid, severe weather conditions and crime.

Insurance companies make use of global re-insurance companies to buy catastrophe cover to spread the risk of large losses.  Major events in one part of the world therefore often affects policyholders elsewhere. Risk managers at re-insurance companies make periodic risk assessments of the territories in which they operate and amend the terms of cover they offer the local insurers where there are areas of concern.

Further, an increase in claims in any particular insurance risk segment will affect all insurance companies operating in that segment similarly.  For example, the floods in KZN affected all insurance companies operating in that market similarly. It is therefore not uncommon to see the same or similar changes to all insurance companies’ terms and conditions at more-or-less the same time.  We see that happening at the moment in the following areas:

1. Electricity grid failure exclusion: Due to the deteriorating state of the country’s electricity supply capacity, all insurers are in the process of rolling out a general exclusion of all consequences and losses which may result from a general, unplanned failure of the electricity grid. This exclusion is largely driven by the re-insurers.
2. Power surge cover: Claims for damages to electrical appliance caused by power surges following endless bouts of load shedding is reaching catastrophic proportions for all insurers.  Policyholders can expect that their insurers will tighten up on the requirement for approved surge protection devices.
3. Weather related claims: It is widely known that losses from weather related events have become more severe over recent years, both internationally and locally here in South Africa. Policyholders can expect increased premiums and / or an increase in excess structures for weather related claims.
4. Stolen vehicles: Crime has been a problem in South Africa for many years, but insurers are now seeing an advancement in the technology used by criminals to by-pass vehicle security.  Certain types of vehicles are in high demand, and criminals are now able to by-pass some keyless vehicle entry using computerised relay devices, leading to an increase in the theft of certain high-value and high-risk cars.  Insurers are sharpening up in the security requirements for these cars, including the requirement for double satellite tracking devices in some instances.

Many people are switching to alternative energy sources to deal with the ongoing power crisis.  Here are some general tips to consider for insurance purposes:

• All insurers require that the entire electrical and gas installation must comply with SANS Code of Practice and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Therefore, make sure your installer is qualified and issues a certificate of compliance after the installation is complete.
• Where installations are fixed to the building, make sure that you increase your building sum insured to include the value of the new installations, to avoid under-insurance.
• Insurers may have specific requirements for covering generators, be it portable or fixed generators. For example: it must be specified, it must be kept in locked structures, and/or it must be secured to a concrete floor where the generator cannot be removed.  Check with your insurer about their requirements.
• Generators must be connected to the electrical system via a changeover switch which is professionally installed by a registered electrician, and a certificate of compliance issued for installation.
• Solar panels must be installed and serviced by an approved and qualified service provider, and a certificate of compliance must be issued.
• Gas stored inside the premises is limited to a certain number of kilograms. Check with your insurer. Gas must be installed and serviced by a qualified service provider, and a certificate of compliance must once again be received.

We encourage members to take special care to safeguard themselves as best possible against these emerging trends, and to keep an eye out for correspondence from your insurer about changes in their policy t’s and c’s.  It is important to keep up to date with these requirements to avoid uninsured losses.  This makes your renewal discussion with your broker extremely important.

As always, speak to your broker if you have any concerns.

This event will feature everything you need to organize your dream wedding, from breath  taking gowns to gorgeous locations. Meet with wedding professionals, look at the newest styles, and benefit from exclusive savings. Don’t pass up this chance to make your wedding day one to remember! Set a reminder on your calendars—we’ll see you there!

By participating in our wedding dash that day, you can win 20% off your wedding package at Zebra Nature Reserve.

Time: 9:00 am to 16:00 pm on April 1, 2023
Zebra Nature Reserve is the ideal location for an outdoor wedding and is about 30 minutes by car from Pretoria.

For more information visit zebranaturereserve.com

Before registering with the relevant Provincial Registrar, one must first complete the required training and assessment with an accredited institution for tourist guiding. For more information, click HERE.

Author: Susan Reynard, Writer, communicator and PR, City Lodge Group

JOHANNESBURG, February 24, 2023: City Lodge Hotel Group has announced its condensed unaudited consolidated interim financial results for the six months ended 31 December 2022.

Figures at a glance:

  Revenue: R848m                                          (2021: R436m)

  Average group occupancies: 57%              (2021: 30%)

  EBITDAR: R304m                                        (2021: R125m)

  Earnings/(loss) per share: 17c                   (2021: (6c))

  Headline earnings/(loss) per share: 17c (2021: (6c))

  Dividends declared per share: 5c            (2021: Nil)

Commentary on the performance of the group’s hotels during the six months from 1 July to 31 December 2022 and outlook for the coming year follows:

The new financial year saw the tapering off of direct pandemic-related impacts to our operations, and the continued recovery of revenue lost during the past two years through wide ranging innovation. Continued recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic has seen improved numbers of foreign tourists visiting South Africa, in addition to an increase in domestic business and leisure travel. In December 2022, StatsSA reported 677 838 foreign tourists, significantly up (158%) from the 263 108 foreign tourists reported in December 2021. This is still well below December 2019 numbers (981 038) but the trend is promising.

Andrew Widegger, chief executive officer, says, “We are pleased to report sustained growth in average occupancies, with the second quarter’s occupancy rates well in excess of 2019 (pre-pandemic) levels. December 2022 monthly occupancies in South Africa closed at 62%, compared to 50% in 2019. Group average occupancies for the six months ended 31 December 2022 were 57% (2021: 30%) and 58% (2021: 32%) for South African hotels compared to 57% in 2019. Average room rates in South Africa for the six months have increased by 10% compared to 2021 but remain only 1% above 2019.”

In South Africa, business has been hampered by crippling electricity loadshedding and the knock-on effect of interruptions to water supply and higher cost of operations in general. These interruptions, including the war in Ukraine, have steadily impacted the supply chain, resulting in longer lead times and higher prices, which contributed to the increase in operational costs, and the delays to planned capital investment projects.

Financial review

“Total revenue for the six months ended 31 December 2022 increased by 94% to R848 million (2021: R436 million), driven by the steady return of guests with a renewed fervour for travel and hospitality in both the leisure and business markets. The roll-out of the new food and beverage offering at Town Lodge and Road Lodge, as well as service and menu enhancements at City Lodge branded hotels has delivered a 132% increase in food and beverage revenue, which now comprises 16% of total revenue. The group welcomed the receipt of the settlement of the Covid-19 business interruption claim of R27 million which is included in other income,” notes Dhanisha Nathoo, chief financial officer.

The improved occupancies and the return to normal trading conditions, has also contributed to the increase in operating costs. Salaries and wages increased by 43% to R230.3 million, as the prior year included 30% salary reductions. Property costs increased by 25% mainly attributable to the increase in utility prices together with the increase to the variable portion of these costs arising from greater occupancy volumes. The cost of running the generators during power outages, increased to R7.4 million from R0.9 million in the prior period.

Other operating costs have increased by 200% to R261.4 million compared to R87.1 million in the prior six months. However, excluding unrealised foreign exchange gains on intercompany loans (December 2022: R8 million and December 2021: R66.5 million), other operating costs has increased by 75%. The increases are associated with variable direct cost increases and the relaxation of the strict cost management measures instituted during the pandemic. These relaxation measures include a normalised repairs and maintenance schedule for the hotels, renewed investment in advertising and marketing which has delivered some award-winning radio adverts over the summer, and the overall return of variable expenditure associated with a return of corporate travellers and travel agents. Other operating costs per room sold, excluding unrealised foreign exchange gains has reduced by 13%.

The group generated EBITDAR for the six months of R303.8 million which is an improvement of 143% (2021: R124.9 million), and an improved EBITDAR margin of 35.8% (2021: 28.7%). EBITDAR margin excluding unrealised foreign currency gains and losses is 34.9% (2021: 13.4%).

The improvement in trading conditions has delivered a profit after tax of R97.9 million from a loss of R33.8 million in the prior period and diluted and undiluted earnings per share of 17 cents (2021: loss per share 6 cents).

Similarly, headline earnings per share is 17 cents per share, compared to a loss of 6 cents per share in the prior period. Headline earnings per share, excluding the settlement of the Covid -19 business interruption claim, is 14 cents per share.

The receipt of the proceeds from the sale of the East African operations in July 2022 of R467.2 million, and the cash generated by operations of R260.4 million (2021: R13.1 million), has enabled the group to repay R300 million of its total R600 million interest-bearing borrowings facilities. The group has a cash and cash equivalent balance as at 31 December 2022 of R247.9 million (2021: overdraft of R50.9 million). The group continues to have access to the R300 million undrawn interest-bearing borrowing facilities and the R115 million overdraft facility. The loan covenants have been met for all measurement periods during the reporting period.

Due to the much-improved liquidity position and the promising outlook, the board has declared an interim cash dividend of 5c per share (2021: Nil).

Net asset value per share is 188c (2021: 151c), and net replacement asset value per share, based on the insured value of the hotels, is 1060c, compared to 1100c in the prior year, which included the four East African hotels disposed of in June 2022.

Strategic developments

The pandemic has revealed a new demographic of guest, largely newcomers to the tourism industry and those keen to explore their own country, and with four brands to choose from, we are well placed to attract that market. In addition, we have demonstrated agility in expanding our offering to meet the needs of the growing leisure market, in addition to enhancing our offering for the benefit of our regular bleisure and business Travellers.

Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo, group operating officer, says, “Innovation from our food and beverage offering has greatly assisted us in attracting new markets such as domestic leisure travellers. What was originally driven by guests wanting to avoid leaving their hotel for meals during the pandemic, has quickly become part of our standard offering. Last year, we completed the rollout of lunch and dinner menus, in addition to the already popular breakfast buffets, at all Town Lodges and Road Lodges. In the last six months we have revamped the lunch and dinner menus at City Lodge Hotels and Courtyard Hotels, and new for 2023 is the launch of our fabulous cocktail and drinks menus.”

Best available rate (BAR) continues to reap rewards in delivering revenue growth, allowing our hotels to optimise rates during periods of high demand and in turn, offering competitive, best value promotional pricing during low demand periods. As we emerge from the pandemic, there is more consistency in buying patterns and routine demand, and we are deriving maximum benefit from our AI investment, as forecast patterns are being revealed.

Refurbishment programmes have re-commenced to ensure our products are in tip top condition. City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport successfully completed its kitchen extension including equipment installation in September 2022, and now offers food and beverage solutions to guests 24-hours a day. This includes an a la carte menu, buffet offering, and in-room dining.

Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City completed the fit-out of the remaining four floors in mid-December 2022, adding 68 Studio Rooms and six Junior Suites to this enormously popular hotel. The hotel now has a total of 152 Studio Rooms, four Executive Suites and six Junior Suites. The refurbishment at Road Lodge Richards Bay started in January 2023 and is expected to be completed by the end of April 2023. City Lodge Hotel V&A Waterfront will commence its big revamp of bedrooms and commercial areas in April 2023, with completion expected by the end of October 2023.

Our environmental sustainability journey is gathering momentum to mitigate against the ongoing energy and water scarcity, with more of our hotels earmarked for solar solutions and four more borehole installations scheduled for this year, to give our guests a seamless experience and ensure improved business resilience.

The group has improved its B-BBEE rating to a level 3 in the current year, from a level 5 in the prior year. As operating activities improve we have renewed our support and investment in transformation initiatives within our communities, and also invested in the development of the future workforce from training and practical experience through the youth employment scheme (YES program).

Outlook

“Consumers’ budgets are stretched by the higher prices of groceries, petrol price fluctuations, and the increased interest rate. This, on top of high unemployment, poverty, crime and corruption is pointing to cost-of-living challenges to come, leading to a risk of stagflation and a period of economic hardship, and lower household disposable income. However, inflation is expected to return to the SA Reserve Bank’s target levels of 3 – 6%, and is forecast to average 6.1% in 2023, a Bureau for Economic Research survey shows. This, together with petrol price stabilisation will bring some consumer relief,” says Nathoo.

Despite these dismal macro-economic factors, occupancy growth remains encouraging with group occupancy for January 2023 of 43% (January 2022 – 31%), and up to 23 February 2023 of 59% (February 2022 – 45%).

“Our guests will be looking for hotels with a seamless operating environment, in which they can run their business and personal lives online hassle-free, enjoy delicious and contemporary food and beverages, meet and relax. They will be after great rates and good deals, which our technology tools help us deliver on. And they will be expecting service excellence from check-in to check-out which will be delivered by our friendly, professional staff. City Lodge Hotel Group delivers on a range of guest requirements, needs and budgets, but underpinning all of this is our core motto, that we are “People Caring for People”,” says Widegger.

Declaration of ordinary cash dividend

The board has approved and declared interim dividend (number 63) of 5,0 cents per ordinary share (gross) (2021: Nil) in respect of the six months ended 31 December 2022.

The dividend will be subject to Dividend Tax. In accordance with paragraphs 11.17(a)(i) to (ix) and 11.17(c) of the JSE Listings Requirements the following additional information is disclosed:

• The dividend has been declared out of income reserves.
• The local Dividend Tax rate is 20% (twenty per centum);
• The gross local dividend amount is 5,0 cents per ordinary share for shareholders exempt from the Dividend Tax;
• The net local dividend amount is 4,0 cents per ordinary share for shareholders liable to pay the Dividend Tax;
• The Company currently has 609 859 502 ordinary shares in issue; and
• The Company’s income tax reference number is 9041001711.

Shareholders are advised of the following dates:

Last date to trade cum dividend:               Tuesday, 14th March 2023

Shares commence trading ex-dividend:  Wednesday, 15th March 2023

Record date:                                                      Friday, 17th March 2023

Payment of dividend:                                     Monday, 20th March 2023

Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialized between Wednesday, 15 March 2023 and Friday, 17 March 2023, both days inclusive.

The Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve brings you closer to nature. Their Savannah Trails through the reserve is ideal for those who want to reconnect with nature. The +-120 minute leisurely, informative trail (there are some hills to cross) educates you on our fauna and flora, the birds, and bees, and of course the opportunity to get close to wildlife, all under the supervision of their knowledgeable guides. You will leave with a much better understanding of your surroundings.

Buy your tickets HERE.

Does the end of the financial year getting everything together, sorting the receipts, and making sure you have all the deductions you can possibly qualify for written down stress you out? Does it seem like a huge hassle? Your financial year-end

doesn’t have to take over your life.

Let WGM take care of it, Tshwane Tourism Association Members, receive a 10% discount on all services.

for more information visit www.gwmca.co.za, email wilan@gwmca.co.za, call 082 688 9557.

Reach more campers and manage your booking process automatically with Night Sky Bookings’ comprehensive booking platform. Many people are turning to camping to discover new places, and our directory is the perfect place to start. We aim to increase occupancy for campsites that list with us, and to provide users with real-time bookings. Campers can view which camps have availability and skip the slow process of phoning campsites to make a simple booking.

The platform has two types of listings: campsites that take online bookings, and those we contact for a manual response.

Features:

• Night Sky Bookings offers an easy admin dashboard to manage your camp.
• Tired of monitoring emails when life gets busy? WhatsApp integration makes it easy for campers to reach you on your cell phone.
• There is no cost to register because you’ll only pay a commission for the bookings we bring you.
• Interested? You can try out Night Sky Bookings at any time. No risk only benefits and happy campers!

For more information visit nightskybookings.co.za | nightskybookings.com
email inez.dekock@krs.co.za and Tel +27 (0)21 681 2900

Acrobranch is a Tree-top experience dedicated to offering children and adults a unique adventure as they move from tree to tree in lush, green forests. We propose different obstacle courses in each of our parks, some for kids and some for reasonably fit adults and teenagers. Obstacles consist of awesome tree-top high ropes and tricky crossings (with ladders, tunnels, walkways, and bridges). They also offer spectacular zip lines to top it off.

You will enjoy two hours of fun and adventure with Acrobranch – it is an awesome way to experience something truly unique!

The ideal venue for “almost” any event – Very popular among Kids & Adult Birthday Parties, Fun Day Out with Family & Friends, Team Buildings, Bachelor/ettes & School Excursions.

SPECIAL OFFER – EXCLUSIVE FOR TTA MEMBERS:

20% OFF ALL COURSES

PROMO CODE: ACROTTA20

Book for any number of participants and any course selection & receive 20% off – Valid until 31 May 2023 & at all Acrobranch Parks

10 Parks in SA:

GAUTENG: Melrose, Huddle in Germiston, Casalinga in Muldersdrift, Centurion, Garsfontein & Pta North

WESTERN CAPE: Constantia, Stellenbosch & Garden Route

KZN: Pietermaritzburg

Visit www.acrobranch.co.za, email marketing@acrobranch.co.za or call +27 (0)86 999 0369 for more information.

The National  Tourism Stakeholder Forum (NTSF) Meeting was held on February 23, 2023, at the Premier Hotel Midrand. Among the topics reported and discussed were the following:

• Update on the National Public Transport Regulator (NTPR) and tourism transport operating licenses/permits
• Draft schedule – NTSF and work streams meetings [2023-2024 financial year]
• 2022 tourism performance and an update on EM work stream
• Update on the policy review process – DT
• 2022 Tourism Performance and an update on Effective Marketing Work Stream – Presentation by South African Tourism;
• Update on the Policy Review Process – Presentation by the Department of Tourism;
• South Africa’s Airlift/Aviation Capacity and Future Outlook – Presentation by AASA
• Feedback on NTSS / TSRP Implementation Work Streams – Not presented by the Department of Tourism during the meeting but circulated for information.

For circulated documents and presentations, click HERE.

Voortrekker Monument – Jogging, Hiking and Cycling Rates 2023

If there is one place in South Africa where you are guaranteed to have a great workout session whilst being surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna in a securely fenced nature reserve, it is the Voortrekker Monument.

2023 is going to be an exciting year with several fun runs, competitive races and time trials that have already been scheduled, and we cannot wait to see you there as well!

The Voortrekker Monument provides the perfect package option for those of you who are interested in jogging, hiking, and cycling on a more regular basis!

Whether you are a serious, more advanced jogger, hiker or cyclist or whether you just want to get out into the fresh air and go on a relaxed stroll across our picturesque terrain, you are more than welcome to scroll through our available package options.

For more information and any other queries, click HERE.

Exciting upcoming events:

Saturday, 11 March 2023 – 2023 XCOSA XCO Mountain Bike Time Trial Race Simulation Event #3 Saturday, 18 March 2023 – Voortrekker Monument Fun Run Event #2

Go and explore the Pioneer Yard!

The Voortrekker Monument hosts thousands of families, school touring groups and international tourists on an annual basis at our highly popular Pioneer Yard.

Antiques and Collectors Market

This year we are going to go big with the Antiques and Collectors Markets, and you must come and have a look.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭?

Delicious food stalls that can fill your stomach. For hubby, there is an exhibition of old cars and motorbikes. For the wife, a delicious Gin and Tonic treat, as well as a tasting session, will be hosted by The Capital Distillery. For grandma, there is a chance to entrust some of the antiques she no longer uses or has no room for to our auctioneers, who will be here on the day.

Date: 21 March 2023
Time: 07:00 – 14:00
Place: Amphitheatre Roof, Voortrekker Monument
Entrance: R20.00 per vehicle
𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒓 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕, 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝑱𝒐𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝑱𝒐𝒄𝒐𝒃𝒔 𝒂𝒕 Johanj@kultuurtuiste.org.za 𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒐𝒏 079 869 7859.

Dear Commilitones,

It is with pride and joy that we inform you of the next singing event that the VTM is offering in collaboration with the @jakaranda.cg.

HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS?

Big things are coming to CHS Hotel School this year and they want you to be part of it!

Join Capital Hotel School for a little weekday entertainment and attend either one of our Masterclasses and learn a new cooking skill or let them tantalize your tastebuds at their International Cuisine Buffet. For the daring, book a table at the Murder Mystery – a special night of whodunit!

Save the dates for 2023! Don’t forget to visit their social media pages to keep you up to date with all their fun upcoming events.

For more information contact Michelle Cloete today at sales@capitalhotelschool.co.za or visit their website capitalhotelschool.co.za

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