All posts by kusaglobal

Today’s guest on Kusa Cast is Katy Lee, Senior Business Development at Feefo, a consumer insight business, who through their ratings and reviews technology help businesses collect, verified customer reviews and insights, allowing you to improve your products and customer experiences.

Katy discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the tourism industry in the wake of the pandemic. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Katy shares her insights on the importance of personal responsibility, strong foundations, and inspiring leadership in the industry. She also talks about Feefo’s innovative subscription model, which helps businesses collect customer sentiment and improve their reviews.

The tourism industry has faced unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic, with travel restrictions and lockdowns impacting businesses around the world. However, there are signs of hope as the industry slowly comes back to life, with events like World Travel Market seeing high attendance.

Katy believes that the industry needs leaders to inspire people to travel and explore. She also stresses the importance of having strong foundations in life, which allow individuals to rebuild even when they get knocked down.

Katy’s experience in the industry spans over 30 years, starting with her absolute love of travel from a young age. She worked at Virgin Holidays and British Airways Holidays, selling the virtues of travel to agents and operators. Now, she helps businesses collect customer sentiment and data to improve customer experience and drive sales.

Feefo’s subscription model is based on the number of transactions or interactions a business processes a month. Their technology gives you visibility over issues that are impacting your Feefo rating and the ability to prioritise changes to improve your customer experience. Feefo also has a team of account directors and customer service managers to provide guidance and best practices based on industry experience

Join us as we explore the future of tourism and the role of technology in shaping it.

The tourism industry in South Africa has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with limited help assistance to support struggling businesses. Despite the challenges, there is still a strong desire for travel to South Africa, particularly for wine tourism and safaris.

In a recent episode of the Kusa Cast, “A Conversation with Cathy Entwistle and Nick Fox,” the challenges facing the tourism industry in South Africa were discussed, along with potential solutions to revive the industry.

Cathy Entwistle, owner of Val du Charron Wine and Leisure estate in Wellington, shared her experience of buying a wine farm and expanding to four and five-star accommodation with plans to add more family rooms. Nick Fox, who owns Sibuya Game Reserve highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges.

To revive the tourism industry, the government needs to prioritise tourism and work with banks to provide financing for businesses in the industry. The revival of South African Airways (SAA) is seen as crucial for the tourism industry, as it would help bring more flights into the country and promote the national flag.

Starting a tourism or winemaking business in South Africa is challenging and requires significant investment and infrastructure, but it is important for job creation and the growth of the economy. The advice given is to have a dream, believe in oneself, and seek mentorship from experienced individuals in the industry.

Despite the challenges, there is still a strong desire for travel to South Africa. t is important for the government and banks to provide support to struggling businesses in the tourism industry to help revive the economy and create jobs. The potential for tourism to drive economic growth and job creation is significant, and it is vital that the government and industry work together to overcome the challenges faced by the industry.

Tune in to hear how Cathy and Nick have managed to survive and come out stronger on the other side, and get inspired to pursue your dreams in the tourism and winemaking industry!

Learn more about Val du Charron here, and more about Sibuya Game Reserve here.

Zile de Kock, executive marketing manager of Marine Dynamics, shares insights on how the tourism industry can adapt and survive during the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses the impact of the pandemic on Marine Dynamics and how they have cut costs, expanded to Saudi Arabia, and offered specials for locals to sustain their business. Zile also emphasises the importance of conservation efforts, particularly in protecting the declining great white shark population, and urges the industry to prioritise it. Through attending tourism shows and making people aware of the significance of marine wildlife, Zile believes that companies can help protect the ocean ecosystem for generations to come. Join Zile as she shares her experiences and insights on the future of tourism in this engaging and informative podcast.

During the pandemic, Marine Dynamics had to cut costs, expand to Saudi Arabia and offer specials for locals. The tourism industry in South Africa, and globally, has been greatly impacted by COVID-19, but industry professionals have come together to support each other through the tough times. The friendships formed during the pandemic have strengthened the industry and made professionals more loyal to each other. They have also learned to prioritise each other’s health and well-being, checking in regularly and offering support.

One of the biggest challenges facing Marine Dynamics, a shark cage diving company, is the decline in marine wildlife, particularly the great white shark population. This is due to overfishing, pollution, and the hunting of sharks by orcas. Marine Dynamics has tried to protect the shores of South Africa through court cases and lobbying the government, but financial support is needed to continue these efforts.

Zile de Kock, a representative from Marine Dynamics, has traveled extensively to experience different whale watching and marine wildlife tours around the world to stay on top of the industry and offer the best experiences to customers. She believes that the main thing that needs to change in the world of tourism is more focus on conservation.

Zile will be attending various tourism shows, including WTM Africa and Indaba, and hopes to attend WTM in London and other shows. She believes that attending these shows is the only way to make people aware of sharks and what amazing species they are, and that we should protect them and look after the ocean and the sharks because it’s really important for the ecosystem.

To learn more about the conservation efforts of Marine Dynamics, click here.

Travelling to South Africa from the UK? Don’t forget to pack a plug adapter!

South Africa uses a unique plug type, known as Type M, which can be challenging for travellers from the UK who are used to Type G plugs. Don’t worry, though – with the right adapter, you can charge all your devices without any hassle.

Here’s everything you need to know about buying a plug adapter for your South African adventure.

Buy Your Plug Adapter on Amazon.

Types of plug adapters

There are two types of plug adapters you can choose from: a basic adapter or a universal adapter.

A basic adapter is designed to fit your UK plug into the South African socket. It’s a simple and inexpensive option that does the job, but it doesn’t have any additional features.

On the other hand, a universal adapter is a more versatile option that allows you to charge your devices in multiple countries. If you’re planning on doing more international travel, a universal adapter might be a better investment in the long run.

Compatibility with UK appliances

Before you buy a plug adapter, make sure to check the voltage and frequency of your UK appliances. South Africa uses 220-240 volts and 50Hz frequency, which is the same as the UK. Most modern electronics have a dual voltage system, which means they can handle both the UK and South African voltages. However, some appliances, such as hairdryers, may not be compatible. In that case, you’ll need to purchase a voltage converter as well.

Ross Kennedy, CEO of Africa Albida Tourism, discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Victoria Falls region’s tourism industry. Kennedy shares the tough business decisions that were necessary for survival, but also highlights the community outreach programs and focus on sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices that emerged during this difficult time. With a commitment to its long-standing employees and a vision for a more cooperative and efficient border system, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of tourism in southern Africa.

The Victoria Falls region in southern Africa has been a central hub for tourism for over 50 years, with the flagship Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show being just a few of the many offerings provided by Africa Albida Tourism. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the tourism industry to re-evaluate its priorities and adapt to the new normal.

In a recent episode of Kusa Cast, “A Conversation with Ross Kennedy”, the CEO of Africa Albida Tourism discussed the impact of the pandemic on the region’s tourism industry. He noted that tough business decisions, such as cost-cutting measures and putting the estate into a care and security status, were necessary to survive. However, the community came together to provide outreach programs, feeding programs, and care for children.

The pandemic also brought about a new focus on sustainable and eco-friendly tourism, with the industry implementing measures to make borders more user-friendly and efficient. Ross emphasised the importance of getting bureaucracy right and making borders quick, efficient, and clean ports of entry. The goal is to create a culture of cooperation with competitors and make the region a desirable destination for visitors.

The Victoria Falls region is made up of four countries: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia, and is part of the KAZA Transfrontier Conservation Area. Ross believes that the lasting difference from the pandemic will be a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly tourism, as well as community outreach and training programs.

Africa Albida Tourism has a strong commitment to its employees, with many team members having been with the company for 20-30 years. They recently held a long service award ceremony, with three people receiving their 30-year awards and six receiving their 25-year awards. During the pandemic, businesses in the region were judged on how they treated their staff, and history will likely continue to judge them based on this.

Kennedy believes that the pandemic has taught important lessons that will continue to shape the future of the tourism industry in the region. Cost-cutting, efficiencies, and productivity will be critical in the post-pandemic world, but so will sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices. The Victoria Falls region has always been a beautiful and unique destination, but with the right priorities and focus, it can become an even more desirable place to visit for years to come.

To learn more about the beautiful experiences of Africa Albida Tourism, click here.

We hear from Andre du Toit, a consultant to tourism players across Africa, about his two exciting projects that aim to provide peace of mind to travellers and minimise liability risk. He discusses the SECURA traveller app, which aggregates emergency response services for security or medical incidents and the inbound travel insurance that includes access to Africa’s leading critical incident management service.

Andre also talks about the importance of resilience and collaboration in the tourism industry, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of African tourism and how technology can play a vital role in enhancing guest safety.

Andre is also working on an inbound travel insurance owned by South African tour operators that includes a buy-up option for cancellation for any reason. The product includes access to Africa’s leading critical incident management service, which sets it apart from other travel insurance products. While there is currently no product that insures against a pandemic from an operator’s perspective, travel insurance products that include cancellation for any reason are becoming more requested by travellers. Andre acknowledges the challenge of marketing and selling products that address safety and security concerns in Africa. Still, he believes in being honest with travellers and providing them with peace of mind through services like the SATSA supported SECURA traveler app.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught the tourism industry the importance of resilience and the need to surround oneself with credible and trustworthy partners. It has also brought the industry together and forced it to take a step back to push forward with lasting changes in the future. People have realised how much their health, well-being, and mental health depend on travel, and tourism is here to stay and will be bigger and stronger than ever.

Tourism relies on partnerships and collaboration, and newcomers should build relationships and collaborate with individuals who have integrity and sustainability in mind. African governments need to understand the critical point of preserving wilderness landscapes across Africa, securing wilderness landscapes that work with communities to create healthy wildlife economies, and integrating wilderness safaris or other models to ensure biodiversity is at the centre of sustainable and regenerative practices around wilderness areas.

To learn more about the services Andre can assist your business with, please email andre@firstequity.co.za.

Duncan Greenfield-Turk, Chief Travel Designer at Global Travel Moments, shares his expertise on the importance of sustainable and inclusive travel. He addresses the need for the tourism industry to consider the impact of travel on the environment and local communities. Additionally, Duncan shares his insights on productivity, and communication with clients and suppliers.

Duncan also emphasises the importance of sustainable travel, stating that the tourism industry must look at the impact of their travel on the environment and local communities. He believes that true sustainability means leaving a destination better off than when it was arrived at, and that travel is a privilege, not an entitlement.

As an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, he discusses the challenges and safety concerns that members may face when traveling and emphasises the importance of using the LGBTQ+ safety index to gauge the safety of travel destinations. This podcast offers valuable insights for anyone in the travel industry or anyone interested in sustainable and inclusive travel.

Global Travel Moments works with providers who have sustainability as a core focus and aims to create experiences that give back to communities. The company focuses on curating experiences for clients across the globe, no matter where they are in the world.

During the pandemic, Duncan used the time to rebrand his business and focus on identifying his target customer, which has resulted in an uptick in bookings for Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Japan, the Maldives, and Africa. He is interested in promoting travel to South America, Southeast Asia, Japan, and up-and-coming destinations in Africa such as Namibia and Rwanda.

Duncan has learned to break his day down and utilise tools and tasks to improve his productivity. He advises anyone looking to start a travel business to ask themselves if they have the resources to do it and to get a mentor or business coach.

To find out more about booking a trip with Duncan, log onto https://globaltravelmoments.com. Duncan can also be reached at duncan@globaltravelmoments.com.

Quintin Smith, managing partner of Cape Adventure Brands, shares insights into the surge of adventure tourism in South Africa post-pandemic. He discusses the company’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility, highlighting the popularity of e-biking as an activity that accommodates guests of varying abilities. Quintin also emphasises the importance of the tour guide or leader in the adventure travel industry, even as automation and new technologies are adopted. With a focus on sustainability and collaboration within the industry, this podcast offers a fascinating look at the future of adventure tourism in South Africa.

Adventure tourism in South Africa has seen a surge in demand post-pandemic, with Cape Adventure Brands reporting a 10-15% increase in month-on-month comparisons. The company offers outdoor and adventure-based travel experiences, including kayaking, biking, and wine tours, and recently acquired iRide Africa, which caters to experienced cyclists. Quintin attributes the increase to pent-up demand and the return to regular booking patterns.

Cape Adventure Brands offers a variety of tours, with no age restrictions and accommodations made for all fitness levels. E-bikes, which provide assistance while pedalling, have revolutionised cycling, making it accessible to anyone who knows how to cycle. Quintin notes that e-biking has become a popular choice for tours, as it is an inclusionary activity that can accommodate guests of varying abilities.

The company places high value on the tour guide or leader, recognising that their skill and personality can make or break the success of a tour. Quintin emphasises the importance of human capital in the adventure travel industry, even as automation and new technologies are adopted. The booking process is 80% automated, but there is always a human touch at the end of the line for customer service.

Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Cape Adventure Brands has remained optimistic about the future and has received bookings as far out as 2024. The company plans to launch a walking and hiking brand in the near future, which will complement its existing products and infrastructure. However, the industry as a whole has faced logistical challenges, particularly with products that have moving parts. The supply chain for cycling equipment has been affected, with some wholesalers waiting up to nine months to receive components and spare parts.

Sustainability is a major focus in the adventure tourism industry, and there is a need for self-charging batteries in the e-bike world. Quintin notes that the adoption of new technology may be slower in South Africa due to the smaller volume of travellers compared to the US and Europe. However, he believes that there is untapped potential for adventure tourism in the area and that the negative media coverage of South Africa needs to change. He emphasises the need for collaboration within the industry to promote the country’s positive aspects.

For more information, log onto https://capeadventurebrands.co.za/ or email Quintin at quintin@capeadventurebrands.co.za.

Cindy Muller, owner of South Africa’s GOLD Restaurant, shares her experiences of running a restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cindy’s determination to prioritise safety, care for her staff, and maintain the authenticity of her business offer valuable insights into the challenges faced by the restaurant industry. Cindy’s story is inspiring and serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability required to survive and thrive during difficult times.

GOLD Restaurant, which offers an interactive entertainment and culinary experience featuring dishes from various African countries, faced numerous challenges during the pandemic. With limited capacity and the emergence of the Omicron variant in November 2021, Cindy had to make tough decisions about when and how to reopen her restaurant. However, she was determined to prioritise the safety of her staff and guests, implementing strict protocols to ensure everyone was protected.

Cindy also spoke about the importance of taking care of her staff during this difficult time, prioritising their needs above all else. She believes that businesses will be remembered for how they treated their staff during the pandemic, and hopes that the industry will move towards treating waitering as a profession rather than just a stop-gap job.

Despite the challenges she faced, Cindy remained committed to her business and her staff. She divided her staff into three teams to work on a rotating schedule, even though the restaurant was not making much money. She also made the decision to reopen her restaurant despite restrictions on serving alcohol and limited capacity, in order to provide employment for her staff.

Looking to the future, Cindy plans to keep some of the protocols implemented during the pandemic, such as daily sanitisation and inclusive decision-making, going forward. Cindy’s experiences offer valuable insights into the challenges faced by the restaurant industry during the pandemic, and the importance of putting people first. As the industry looks towards the future, it will be critical to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of staff and guests, and to treat waitering as a profession worthy of respect and fair compensation.

Tune in to A Conversation with Cindy Muller for an engaging and informative discussion on the restaurant industry’s future. Log onto https://goldrestaurant.co.za/ for more information.

Julie Cheetham, managing director and founding member of sustainability software platform Weeva, discusses how businesses in the tourism industry can become more sustainable. From understanding the importance of resourcing to learning tips on how to manage time efficiently, this podcast delves into the practical application of sustainability in the tourism industry. Listeners will also gain insights on government regulations, consumer behaviour, and how to implement sustainable practices. Tune in to get a unique perspective on how to navigate the industry with sustainability in mind!

Weeva was created in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to help the troubled tourism industry. Julie believes that sustainability needs to become a conversation among the mainstream, not just the super luxury lodges.

Weeva uses a balanced scorecard approach to sustainability which includes four main areas: commerce, conservation, community, and culture. These areas are further broken down into 18 measurable areas of impact, such as waste, energy, water, biodiversity, embodied carbon, customer satisfaction, supply chain analytics, and Weevanomics. Julie also emphasises the importance of resourcing for businesses in becoming more sustainable, as they often don’t have the money or time to dedicate to it.

Julie has adopted sustainable practices in her personal life, such as not buying clothing for six months of the year and eating less meat. She also suggests time blocking as an effective way to manage time. She recommends that those in the tourism industry act with utmost integrity and avoid exploitative or extractive practices.

The pandemic has taught Julie that she is more resilient than she thought and that it is important to make quick decisions. She also believes that governments are becoming more involved in the tourism industry, requiring reporting on energy usage, carbon footprint, and waste. Consumers are also now willing to pay more for environmentally and ethically sustainable products.

Julie is passionate about sharing the practical application of sustainability with others and emphasises that sustainability practitioners, lodge managers, head of housekeeping, and maintenance managers have a unique perspective on the topic. She encourages everyone to ‘enjoy the ride’ and embrace the life-affirming industry.

Finally, she highlights Weeva.earth, where hoteliers and property owners can start a 21-day trial of the Weeva platform. Once onboarded, they can create a profile and track their impact across 360 degrees of their business.

Tune in to get a unique perspective on how to navigate the industry with sustainability in mind!