At Pullman Cape Town City Centre, Table Mountain views and world-class hospitality now come with an added layer of assurance – certification as one of the safest hotels in the world. The hotel has achieved Safehotels Premium Certification, placing it among the world’s most secure and well-prepared properties, where exceptional safety protocols meet uncompromising attention to guest wellbeing.

Safehotels conducts independent audits to certify hotels that meet the highest security standards, work with leading international hotel chains and are recognised by corporate travellers and hotel buyers worldwide. Through partnerships with International SOS, a global leader in Health & Security Risk Management, and endorsements from organisations such as the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the certification is widely trusted as a benchmark for safety and preparedness.

Safehotels operates in 71 countries across 203 cities and is trusted by some of the world’s biggest hotel brands. Their Global Hotel Security Standard evaluates over 230 criteria on-site – including water quality testing, food hygiene protocols, fire prevention systems, emergency response plans, and staff training – to ensure internationally recognised safety standards.

“What sets Safehotels certification apart is its holistic approach. From the moment guests step into Pullman Cape Town, they’re wrapped in an invisible blanket of care that extends far beyond the usual hospitality touchpoints. While they might not see the measures that make their stay safer, they’ll feel the difference – whether they’re here for an adventure-packed holiday, a cruise stopover, or a business trip that needs to run like clockwork,” says Jaco Bekker, Security Manager at Pullman Cape Town City Centre.

“Achieving Safehotels Premium Certification demonstrates our commitment to going the extra mile regarding guest safety and wellbeing,” adds Bekker. “For corporate clients needing to demonstrate they are fulfilling duty-of-care obligations when sending employees abroad, as well as families simply seeking a relaxing holiday, this Safehotels certification provides a globally recognised standard of assurance regarding guest wellbeing.”

Safehotels certification aligns with Accor’s commitment to redefining hospitality across Africa. With ten more Accor properties set to achieve certification by 2025, Pullman Cape Town is helping set new global standards for guest wellbeing.

“As the first Pullman brand in South Africa by the Accor Group, we achieved Premium status within a year of opening. But Safehotels is about more than just compliance – it’s about our passion for hospitality and ensuring that every guest feels secure and comfortable from the moment they arrive,” explains Willie Williams, Area Director of Sales & Marketing at Accor – Pullman Cape Town.

“Our guests are here to enjoy Cape Town at its best. They should be able to focus on making memories rather than worrying about safety or health concerns. This certification reflects our dedication to providing peace of mind so guests can fully enjoy everything this incredible city offers,” he adds.

“When a guest stays with us, they can rest assured that everything – from water quality and hotel dining to the rooftop pool and food hygiene in our four restaurants and bars – meets the highest international standards of fire, life, and safety,” concludes Williams.

1. Tailored programming

“Personalisation starts with understanding who your attendees are and what they’re seeking,” says Sandra Jardim, Marketing Director of Decorex Africa. “By gathering insights ahead of time, we design content flows that ensure visitors encounter information, products and spaces aligned with their profiles.”

2. Facilitated connections

As Martin Hiller, Portfolio Director of RX Africa (FAME Week Africa) explains, event personalisation is also about curating an experience that is uniquely meaningful for each attendee.

“At FAME Week Africa we use tools like ConnectMe, which facilitates individual meeting schedules, allowing for efficient one-on-one connections and tailored networking opportunities,” says Hillier. “This, in addition to niche events, like the African Women in Entertainment Breakfast, really allows specific groups to connect and collaborate.”

3. Interactive experiences

By incorporating features like real-time polls, live social media feeds and ‘matchmaking’ meeting apps (that pair visitors with exhibitors or buyers with suppliers) organisers can foster more engagement and interaction. Another way? Including live demonstrations and hands-on activities.

“At Decorex, our installations, like the Samsung Bespoke Cooking Theatre and the Decorex Smart House, offer interactive experiences that resonate with each attendee’s interests, giving them something they can actively participate in,” says Jardim. “It’s also fun – and memorable.”

4. Inclusive design

Ensuring that all attendees feel welcome and accommodated is another facet of personalisation. This includes offering features such as gender-neutral bathrooms, ‘quiet rooms’ for neurodiverse participants, prayer rooms, and sign language interpreters.

The Africa Travel Week team believe that by considering accessibility from the outset, organisers can create a more inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of the audience, making personalisation “more than just a feature but a core value of the event”.

5. Signature sessions

Of course, creating VIP experiences for VIP guests also never goes amiss. Jardim explains that adding value is important, and that by creating bespoke lounges and hosting exclusive events (with premium access), event planners can deliver an experience that feels distinctly exclusive – and personal.

6. Social buzz

Carla Massmann, Show Director of Comic Con Africa and Comic Con Cape Town, who is well-versed in creating some of South Africa’s biggest events, says event personalisation is the art of making clients feel seen and valued.

“Comic Con Africa is such a large consumer event that personalisation for the event is near impossible. So, to achieve personalisation with fans, we engage on all communication platforms so that they feel seen and heard. This comes in the form of personalised replies to comments on social media, as well as nurturing the relationships with superfans that have gone out of their way to build a relationship with the brand,” says Massmann.

7. Recaps and reviews

This engagement extends to post-event feedback, which Massman believes is invaluable when creating successful events. “It really comes down to meeting the direct needs, wants, and expectations of visitors and clients. These can be explored in post-event surveys and feedback. By implementing what the audience wants you are able to deliver an experience that feels tailored – and oh so personal.”

Gone are the days of packed conference halls with generic content and random networking. Today’s attendees expect events that understand who they are and what they need. Get personalisation right and you’ll create the kind of magnetic experiences that don’t just fill seats – they build communities, spark innovations and keep people talking long after the doors close.

“People are there for a reason,” concludes Weaving. “Much of the time they’ve spent money to be there and given up their time, it’s our responsibility to design an event that delivers.”

Designed specifically for travel agents, this comprehensive resource provides exclusive access to expert information on the most sought-after destinations and experiences across Southern and East Africa, as well as the Indian Ocean islands.

“In our new travel brochure, we’ve showcased our wonderfully diverse continent’s most spectacular countries and regions, from South Africa’s Cape Winelands and sunny KwaZulu-Natal to Mozambique, Namibia, and Botswana,” says Murray Gardiner, CEO of GILTEDGE Group. “We are confident that this beautifully-packaged information will play a leading role in attracting more international visitors to Africa.”

The GILTEDGE travel brochure features detailed information on travel experiences, preferred airlines, and explores GILTEDGE’s commitment to sustainable and purposeful travel. It also highlights each destination and the company’s esteemed accommodation partners.

“At GILTEDGE, we are dedicated to promoting responsible tourism and empowering our agents to help their clients make a positive difference within the communities they visit,” adds Gardiner. “All our carefully selected partners share our values, placing sustainability at the core of their operations.”

In addition to the new travel brochure, GILTEDGE has introduced an innovative map resource. This tool allows clients to visualize their prospective itineraries, acting as a valuable aid for travel agents. The map resource can be pre-ordered separately or together with the brochure.

To pre-order the GILTEDGE brochure with map insert, interested travel trade can complete this form – GILTEDGE Brochure Pre-order.

For media enquiries, please contact inga@bigambitions.co.za

Contact GILTEDGE
International tollfree telephone:
USA: 1 877 511 6860, UK: 0800 680 0423, AUS: 1 800 737 403
South Africa telephone: +27 21 713 0296 Email: info@gilt-edge.com

voco The Bank Johannesburg is expanding its MICE offering by providing a closed-loop service for corporates with the opening of a new conference venue on the third floor of Workshop17 The Bank on April 17, 2023. Not your traditional classroom-style conference centre, the new aesthetically designed venue offers a fully-flexible, ergonomic, 173-square-metre indoor space featuring the latest technology and on-site AV. It can be modulated as a cocktail space, conference space or even an intimate space for workshops or masterclasses with lounges and breakaway areas. The new conference space complements the existing co working, meeting and office space offering at Workshop17 consisting of a café and working bar, private offices, meeting rooms and members’ lounges. The building uses mainly renewable energy sources, such as a solar farm on the roof to power the building, as well as a heat recovery system which reuses the waste heat from the HVAC to heat water for the hotel.

“More and more corporates today are looking for convenience and host their events at multi-functional cross-purpose locations. At Workshop17, we do conferencing differently. The state-of-the-art Manhattan-style building truly offers a seamless business experience where corporates can work, meet, eat and play so to speak,” says Paul Keursten, Co-Founder and CEO of Workshop17. “We are constantly looking to re-invent our spaces to offer individuals, teams and organisations the experience they are looking for. Besides the exciting opening of our conference space on the third floor, we are currently also revamping the courtyard area to allow for a piano lounge with a fireplace.”

“Since its inception, the 131-room voco The Bank Johannesburg has prided itself on offering a buzzing ‘walk-work-play’ for businesses in the heart of the Rosebank district. The opening of this new and exciting conference space closes the loop for our corporate customers, offering them a fully serviced solution for all their conferencing needs. Not only do they now have access to a modern event space, but they also have access to exciting restaurants at walking distance from the hotel, including Proud Mary, MAMASAMBA and Fugazzi, which is opening in March,” says Jessica Redinger, General Manager of voco The Bank Johannesburg.

voco The Bank is situated within walking distance to some of the largest international corporations in the Rosebank district. Transport to the business districts of Johannesburg is seamless and hassle-free thanks to the hotel’s free golf cart transfers from the Rosebank Gautrain station. For the business traveller, each room has large workspaces with international adaptors, USB ports and fast Wi-Fi, while Workshop17, offers co-working, office, meeting and event space. Guests can be reassured that the hotel follows global sustainable practices, including using mainly renewable energy, plant-based bathroom amenities, and observing recycling guidelines.

To contact voco The Bank Johannesburg Rosebank:
visit www.vocohotels.com
Call +27 10 023 2600
Email stay@vocoJHB.com
24 Cradock Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
IHG Toll Free 24/7 Worldwide Reservations: 0800 780 012

Investment in sustainable tourism within the African continent will be a major topic of discussion at this year’s African Tourism Investment Summit (ATIS). This event is part of Africa Travel Week which also comprises World Travel Market (WTM) Africa and the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Africa.

ATIS will bring together stakeholders, including industry experts, ministers, and investors, to focus on how African tourism can be shaped to address cultural, environmental, social and good governance concerns. A further discussion point will tackle better access to finance and investment to promote the development of a sustainable tourism sector.

The highlight of ATIS is the ministerial roundtable on Monday, 3 April. Moderated by the BBC, the panel will include South African ministers who will be joined by a prestigious panel of foreign ministers and administrators from Botswana, Jamaica, Spain and Sierra Leone, as well as the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and African Export-Import Bank (AFRIEXIM).

“Now more than ever, the spotlight is on Africa and its potential economic growth. To this end, ATIS is driving conversations that that centre around how to balance investment objectives and sustainable practices effectively. We couldn’t be more thrilled to provide a platform for key decision makers who are passionate about African sustainability and are looking to invest,” says Megan Oberholzer, Portfolio Director: Travel, Tourism & Creative Industries Portfolio for Reed Exhibitions South Africa.

Says Ibrahim Ayoub, Group CEO, ITIC & Invest Tourism Ltd: “As part of ATW Travel Week, ATIS content sessions draw together an influential audience of global influencers including heads of state, financiers, and travel professionals. This renowned event has seen many lucrative business deals that have positively impacted Africa’s financial situation while also providing its guests with cherished memories.”

These opportunities are fostered by the ITIC-WTM ATIS Deal Room, set up to give tourism project owners and developers a chance to find investment for their projects. It will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on 03 and 04 April 2023. Those interested in participating must submit their proposals. The ITIC team will then provide valuable advice, helping craft mutually beneficial arrangements and channelling funding into the respective projects, prioritising sustainable practices such as environmental efficiency, social responsibility and good governance.

Register to attend: https://www.wtm.com/africa/en-gb/conference-programme/african-tourism-investment-summit.html

For more information on WTM Africa 2023, visit: www.wtm.com/africa

“FCA has reported steady revenue growth, at about 12% per month,” says Chantal Gouws, General Manager Independent Brands. “It makes sense for us to diversify our brand further by opening up a niche MICE division to cater to our corporate customer in the new world post COVID-19.”

“Over the last two months, our expert numbers have grown by 57%. Although much of this is due to FCTG having to right-size our business, with more consultants joining our ITC (independent travel consultant) division, we have also welcomed more external consultants to the Flight Centre Associates team. We currently have 175 highly-experienced independent associates throughout the country.”

“Our team of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) consultants will serve the needs of our business customer looking for MICE solutions tailored to the size of their business and individual requirements.”

As part of a global travel management company, FCA Events and Incentives offers group travel, event management, strategic direction on meetings, conferences and events – and the design and inception of corporate travel incentive programmes. 

“We can plan, source, and execute events of all sizes, from an intimate five-person meeting to a formal 1,000+ delegate conference. Given current rigorous health and safety regulations, as well a dynamic, ever-changing business travel environment, we have seen that our customers need specialist MICE travel expertise and guidance,” adds Gouws. 

Customers will benefit from highly-specialised attention, negotiated rates, premium high-end products, niche experiences as well as the safety and security that comes with a trusted global brand and network. 

FCA was the brainchild of Gouws in 2013 when she started the Group’s independent agent brand, beginning with just nine consultants. 

FCA and FCA Events and Incentives expect to see an increased growth in the months to come as more travel consultants come on board.

“Some agents are likely to become independent consultants out of necessity; due to the right sizing of many travel businesses due to the effects of the pandemic, while other agents will choose to become independent consultants purely for the flexibility and control of running their own businesses, while enjoying the support and financial backing of a global brand,” concludes Gouws.

 
The Playzone is specifically designed for multiple sports including action soccer, netball, and cricket on a perfectly designed AstroTurf court fully enclosed by netting. These great sporting activities are a fantastic way to relax, bond and have a great time, whilst on safari. In addition, Mabula Game Lodge offers a host of teambuilding activities at the Wild Playzone as well as activities in the Lodge such as an Amazing Race, Potjie Cook-off and Murder Mystery Dinners just to name a few. 

The Wild Playzone has a large exclusive play area for kids that is a safe, unique and inspires, educates & empowers kids. It has a track for bikes and scooters and a climbing area where they will slide, swirl, jump, scream and stay jovial all day.

Cindy Sheedy-Walker, CEO of Sales and Marketing for the Extraordinary Group, which owns Mabula Game Lodge says that she is delighted with the remodelling. “Over the past two years, Mabula has undergone a beautiful transformation, which has gradually repositioned the lodge at a more luxurious level. Everything from the lodge’s entrance, to the reception, lounge, rooms, boma, pool area, outdoor terrace area, curio store, spa, conservation and reserve projects have been given a magical restyling and the result is nothing short of miraculous.”
 
Located a mere two hours’ drive from Gauteng, Mabula Game Lodge is the perfect destination to unwind after a busy year. The surrounding beauty of the African bushveld and the presence of the Big Five is sure to bring groups and families together for memorable times.

The good news is that many disasters can be avoided easily, with some planning. Raylene de Wet, Director of Event Sales at Hyatt Regency Johannesburg, shares her five tips on what not to do if you want your corporate event to be a success.

1. Oops… who could have foreseen the long bottlenecks?

Half an hour wait for your conference badge? A long queue for that cup of tea during a break? Another queue to enter the conference room?

Ignoring the possibility of bottlenecks can negatively impact your event. Let’s face it: nobody likes to wait in line and your attendees are no exception.

Although it’s impossible to eliminate queues and bottlenecks altogether, de Wet explains there are some tips and tricks to minimise this inconvenience. “Consider using technology to speed up the check-in process.” She adds: “Make sure the team at your chosen venue understands foot traffic during food sessions. They will rearrange where the tables or coffee is set up to accommodate busy areas.”

• Make regular, steady progress

If time flies when you’re having fun, it moves at supersonic speed when you’re organising an event.

Procrastination is your worst enemy when planning an event, says de Wet. “It’s important to start the event planning process early. Leaving things too late is the most common mistake event planners make.  As soon as you have agreed upon date, get to work. Choose and book your venue, confirm your speakers, and draw up contracts.”

• Be trendy with your vegetarian options

The rule of thumb to balance the ratio of vegetarian to meat options on your menu is to include one-third vegetarian options in your menu.

Today’s food trends are all about healthy and fresh offerings, says de Wet. By including vegetarian options, you’ll make everyone happy. What’s more, you’ll have the opportunity to experiment with fresh, seasonal produce and really embrace unique flavour combinations.

“Remember that food is not just about keeping your attendees fed,” warns de Wet.  “It’s about creating unforgettable experiences.”

• The latest tech is just for nerds

You don’t need the latest tech gadgets to make your event seamless, but reliable technology can make or break an event. “Tech fails to happen. The key to minimising these mishaps, is to be prepared,” says de Wet. “Make sure you run through the preliminary checks before the start of the event. If something does go wrong, be transparent and inform your attendees that you are having technical difficulties.”

De Wet explains that dismissing technological innovations out of hand could prove to be a mistake. “Hashtags, for example, used to be a bit of a trendy fad five years ago, but today hashtags are a powerful communication tool,” she explains.

• Help! Everything is going wrong!

Did your keynote speakerphone you on the morning of the conference to say he has the sniffles and can’t get out of bed? Or is an unexpected storm putting a damper on your outdoor event?  Last-minute changes and event-day disasters are unfortunately not uncommon when organising an event. Not having a plan B or, for that matter, a plan C, is a rookie mistake.

“Take time to think of anything that could go wrong with every aspect of your event and get it all out on the table. It’s not bad luck to think of what could go wrong, it’ll help you keep your sanity,” says de Wet.  

Every event planner knows that things can and will go wrong when planning a corporate event. The secret is to partner with competent and reliable service providers who recognise the potential for things to go awry and know how to plan accordingly.

Chat to the team at Hyatt Regency Johannesburg to create an event your delegates will remember.

Marriott International’s current portfolio in Africa encompasses close to 140 properties with more than 24,000 rooms across 14 brands and 20 countries and territories.

“Africa is a land of opportunity with untapped potential and remains core to our strategy,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “The economic growth the region is witnessing, along with the substantial emphasis countries across the continent are placing on the travel and tourism sector, present us with immense opportunities for growth.”

“With compelling, well-established lifestyle brands and Marriott Bonvoy, our industry-leading travel program, we continue to offer different attributes that resonate with the region’s fast-growing middle class and cater to its evolving market place,” Kyriakidis added.

Marriott’s expected growth through 2023 is driven by a strong demand and steady growth for its premium and select-service brands– led by Marriott Hotels with eight anticipated openings and six slated openings under Protea Hotels by Marriott. The company is expected to introduce the Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and Element Hotels brands.

Marriott also continues to see growth opportunities for its luxury brands and expects to double its luxury portfolio in Africa by year-end 2023, with more than ten new openings across The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Luxury Collection and JW Marriott brands. The company also expects to launch W Hotels in Africa with the opening of W Tangier in Morocco by 2023.

Key markets fuelling Marriott’s growth in Africa include Morocco, South Africa, Algeria and Egypt.

“Marriott’s established presence and local expertise in Africa, along with our diverse brands and the collective strength of our global platform, put us in a great position to further enhance our footprint in the region where owners are looking to develop high-quality lodging with brands that can differentiate and elevate their product,” commented Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.

The company announced three deal signings, further reinforcing its commitment to Africa and the significant growth opportunity the region continues to provide.

Marriott’s recent deal signings in Africa are:

Four Points by Sheraton São Vincente, Laginha Beach (Cape Verde)
The company anticipates making its debut in Cape Verde with the Four Points by Sheraton São Vincente, Laginha Beach. The property is scheduled to open in 2022 with 128 stylishly appointed guestrooms, three dining outlets, meeting rooms and leisure facilities, including a fitness centre and outdoor pool. Four Points by Sheraton São Vincente Laginha Beach will be situated on the second most populated island, São Vicente, in the town of Mindelo, and will also feature a bridge to provide guests direct access to a private, exclusive area of the popular Laginha Beach. The hotel is a franchised property owned by Maseyka Holdings Investments Sociedade Unipessoal LDA and will be managed by Access Hospitality Development and Consulting.

Four Points by Sheraton Mekelle (Ethiopia)
Marriott signed an agreement for its first Four Points by Sheraton in Ethiopia slated to open by 2022. Owned by A Z PLC, Four Points by Sheraton in Mekelle will offer 241 stylishly appointed rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a bar and lounge, an executive lounge, meeting facilities, a fitness center and a spa. A growing industrial and manufacturing hub, Mekele also lies along Ethiopia’s historic northern tourism circuit, which includes a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Lalibela, the Simian Mountains National Park, Axum, Gondar and the Blue Nile Falls. The hotel is located along the airport road in a prime location overlooking the city.

Four Points by Sheraton São Vincente, Laginha Beach and Four Points by Sheraton Mekelle will both feature Four Points by Sheraton’s approachable design and excellent service and reflect the brand’s promise to provide what matters most to today’s independent travellers.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Kisumu (Kenya)
The company also expects to expand its footprint in Kenya with the signing of Protea Hotel by Marriott Kisumu in Kenya. The property is expected to be the first internationally branded hotel in Kisumu, Kenya’s third largest city and will be located on the shores of Lake Victoria, the continent’s largest freshwater lake. Scheduled to open in 2022, the hotel will feature 125 rooms with views of the lake, three food and beverage outlets, more than 500 square meters of event and meeting space and a rooftop infinity pool, along with other leisure facilities. Protea Hotel by Marriott Kisumu is a franchised property owned by Bluewater Hotels and will be managed by Aleph Hospitality.

Residence Inn by Marriott Lagos Victoria Island (Nigeria)
Marriott plans to introduce its extended-stay brand, Residence Inn by Marriott, in Nigeria with the signing of Residence Inn Lagos Victoria Island. Owned by ENI Hotels Limited, the property will be situated in Lagos Lagoon on Victoria Island – the financial and commercial centre of Lagos. Residence Inn by Marriott Victoria Island will be designed for those taking longer stays with 130 spacious one- and two-bedroom suites featuring separate living, working and sleeping areas and fully-functional kitchens. The property will also offer a 24/7 Grab’n Go market and Fitness Centre. Residence Inn by Marriott Lagos Victoria Island is anticipated to open in 2023.

Introduced as part of a national initiative to transform Ethiopia’s tourism sector, the e-visa service allows international tourists to enjoy hassle-free visa processing which saves their time, energy and cost. The online service has made travel to Ethiopia convenient, dependable and easy. Between July 2018 and June 2019, tens of thousands of travellers have secured their visa online to attend conferences in Ethiopia.

Government ministries, regional and international organizations, as well as NGOs, are already reaping the benefits of online visa services for conference participants. Once conference organizers issue authorized invitation, participants can process their visa online by uploading the invitation letter on the e-visa website (www.evisa.gov.et). The system also allows applicants to pay visa processing fees effortlessly through online payment solutions.

“We found the e-visa system extraordinarily easy to do. Very user-friendly,” says Derek Houston of HoustonTravel Marketing Services which recently organized the Spotlight Travel Expo in Addis Ababa. “The Customer service by Immigration Personnel [at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport] was very good.”

Gone are the days when international passengers had to visit Ethiopian embassies overseas to process visa requests. The e-visa service marks a quantum leap on the part of Ethiopia, and underscores the country’s commitment to easing its visa services for international tourists who travel to the country.

With its key place in Africa’s diplomacy, convenient e-visa service, expanding conference facilities, and an ever growing flag-carrier with seamless service, Ethiopia is set to hold a prime spot on the global map of conferences and exhibitions in the years to come.