All posts by kusaglobal

Andrew Camp, Group Manager of International Sales and Marketing at Sun International, shares his insights and tips on navigating the tourism industry. From managing customer expectations, restructuring teams, and focussing on sustainable development initiatives, Andrew provides valuable advice for anyone looking to make a career in tourism. Listen to Andrew’s unique perspective on connecting with colleagues and external stakeholders, and gaining knowledge on the world-class product South Africa has to offer.

After studying marketing and business management at the Institute of Marketing Management, Andrew spent seven years in London working in the pharmaceutical industry and financial recruitment. Andrew then returned to South Africa where he started his journey in tourism, and has now joined Sun International.

As an early bird, Andrew wakes up around 4:15am to feed his three dogs and check emails. He believes that waking up early is beneficial for productivity and he also relies on a combination of a digital calendar and a physical written to-do list to plan his day and week, and suggests exercise and relaxation activities to handle the pressures of the tourism industry.

Andrew suggests taking a gap year after finishing studies and traveling, as it is a great way to get into the tourism industry. Andrew loves South Africa and highlights the importance of remembering how first world the cities are, how easy it is to get around, and the world-class product available. South Africans are known for their hospitality and willingness to help strangers, which enhances the experience for international guests.

When asked about the changes needed in the industry, Andrew said that networking and staying connected with colleagues and external stakeholders is key to success in the tourism industry.

Sun International is dedicated to helping disadvantaged communities outside of Sun City, and have a manager who focuses on socioeconomic development initiatives such as green and sustainable tourism. They also offer a great circuit of destinations in South Africa, with hotels in key locations including The Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town Waterfront, the Boardwalk Hotel in Gqerberha, Wild Coast Sun south of Durban, The Palace of Lost City at the award winning Sun City Resort, The Maslow Sandton Hotel and Maslow Time Square near Pretoria.

Andrew believes that the world has learned a lesson from the pandemic and it should not be repeated. Tune in to A Conversation with Andrew Camp and see how his advice can help you in your own career journey.

Martina Barth, Group Sales Manager of the Liz McGrath Collection, and Graeme Watson explore the world of hospitality and tourism discussing the impressive collection of five-star, boutique hotels in the Western Cape that Martina represents. From the ways in which the pandemic has impacted the industry, to the importance of providing a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ travellers, this podcast dives into the nuances of global hospitality and the importance of being inclusive and understanding different cultures. Whether you’re an industry insider or just looking to get a better understanding of the hospitality industry, this podcast is sure to provide you with an enlightening and informative listening experience.

Martina noted that Constantia is the oldest wine region in the Southern Hemisphere and urged people to visit the properties in the area. The hospitality industry should strive to be hospitable to everyone, regardless of their background, and it is important to ensure that marketing material is inclusive and represents the all communities. The IGLTA, which is a leading network of LGBTQ+ tourism businesses, works to create safe and welcoming spaces for the LGBTQ+ tourism community to travel worldwide. To further this goal, the IGLTA has launched a new division called IGLTA Accredited, which will start off with hotels and provide an IGLTA Accredited stamp to those who have gone through a vetted system.

The pandemic has caused many changes in the tourism industry, such as the realisation that people can accomplish just as much work without having to travel and the importance of taking time for oneself and for loved ones. The pandemic has also taught the importance of being flexible with policies, having a two-way dialogue, and embracing virtual communication. In addition, the IGLTA is working to increase its presence in African countries even though some have laws against LGBTQ+ rights, and is hosting its biggest convention ever in October in Puerto Rico.

Finally, Martina encouraged businesses to work with young entrepreneurs to help them get into the tourism industry. One of the key takeaways from the conversation between Martina Barth and Graeme Watson highlighted the importance of being inclusive and understanding different cultures, which is essential for the growth of the tourism industry.

Martina can be reached on martina@collectionmcgrath.com.

Explore the world of tourism with leaders from all corners of the globe. Join Graeme Watson and his guest, German-born traveller Marion Renk-Rosenthal, as they discuss the current climate of the travel industry, Marion’s plans for future trips and how the travel industry is shifting towards more in-depth local experiences.

Learn about the staff shortage in the hospitality industry, how people are starting to consider their carbon footprint and local economy when travelling, and get insider tips on the longest stretch of Route 66. If you’re looking for the latest travel information, this is the podcast for you.

Marion has been living in the United States since 1986, and recently joined Graeme Watson on Kusa Cast. Marion shared her insights and experiences in the travel industry, from her work with the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board to writing travel books and leading groups of German vegetable growers.

Marion discussed the current climate of the travel industry, noting that many cities rejected the state’s orders to lock down and that many restaurants were allowed to move outside. She also noted the worker shortage in the restaurant industry and the shift towards remote working in California. Marion shared that businesses have downsized their office space, particularly for the younger generation, and that people are starting to consider their carbon footprint and local economy when travelling.

Marion detailed her own plans for future trips, sharing her excitement about visiting Africa for exclusive and uncrowded trips. To stay up to date on her travels, she recommends following her on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and checking out her blog for the latest travel information.

When asked about Route 66, Marion noted that Oklahoma has the longest continuous stretch of the legendary road still in existence, and that there would be a centennial celebration in 2026. As for travel trends, Marion said they are shifting towards more in-depth local experiences, such as food-based, architecture-based, and cultural experiences.

More information on Marion and how to follow her can be found on https://www.renk-rosenthal.com/.

Senior Director of Partner Success at Holibob, Martin Hawke, shares his journey in the tourism industry and offers his insights on the challenges and opportunities in the attractions sector. Martin dives deep into the logistics of the industry, discussing the importance of technology, innovation and platform consolidation. He also provides advice on how to make your product stand out and make the most of direct bookings. If you’re looking for an insider’s perspective on the tours and activities business, this is the podcast for you.

Holibob, a company that has been around for four years, is focused on being the e-commerce engine for the tours and activities sector in the travel space, and it has achieved success as a fully remote company, with employees in 14 different countries, and a focus on camaraderie with regular meetups in an office space.

Martin and the team have identified some of the biggest challenges in the attractions field as the adoption of technology. Many operators and attractions have difficulty getting their products out into the world and distributed. This is why Martin is exploring tools that can consolidate multiple platforms into one platform, to stay on top of communication. Technology is also being used to enable wider distribution of attractions and activities.

Logistical challenges also exist in the attraction world, such as finding guides and vehicles. The need for innovation and change has been highlighted since the onset of the pandemic, and Martin believes that there is now a driving force that will help the tours and activities and attractions space to really explode.

Martin believes that having an open mind and embracing new ideas and technology is key to success. Holibob helps operators build their digital strategy, increase direct bookings, and get their product in front of the right consumers without spending a lot of money. Operators interested in working with Holibob can go to the website and fill out a form. Log onto holibob.tech for more information.

Sam Chatham, the founder of Somewhere SOUTH, is a very experienced professional in the tourism industry. She began her career as an apprentice hairdresser, and then ended up taking a job as a chambermaid in a hotel. From there, she worked her way up in the food and beverage department, front of house, and other departments of the 128 bedroom, four star hotel in Jersey.

However, the most surprising move that Sam made was to South Africa in 1994. She worked in the Peninsula Hotel in Sea Point and the Winchester Mansions Hotel and thereafter founded Somewhere South, a marketing and representation company based in Cape Town. In addition, Sam and her business partner Luckmore recently combined their different skill sets to start a social media business.

Sam and Graeme discuss how the tourism industry has been resilient during the pandemic, and has taught people to appreciate more. It is important to remember that everyone is still in recovery mode, and to help each other out. This industry is a collaborative one, where colleagues often become best friends.

Sam notes that people should do what they love and love what they do, and should never forget the pandemic and the lessons it has taught them. They should empower themselves by learning new skills and knowledge. Networking is also important, as casual conversations can lead to potential revenue. People should embrace every opportunity to rise up after the pandemic and should have the drive to keep going. Sam believes that passion is very important as well as your skillset.

By tuning in to Kusa Cast, people can explore the world of tourism with leaders from all corners of the globe. It is an opportunity to learn more about the industry, and to find out how to help the tourism industry recover. Everyone should take the time to learn and understand the industry, and to appreciate the lessons the pandemic has taught us.

Sam Chatham can be reached on sam@somewheresouth.co.za.

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

Recorded earlier today, Adele Mackenzie of Tourism Update discussed many of the current stories in the tourism industry. We chose to release this podcast early as we discuss the latest stories and trends in the industry.

Join industry experts Adele Mackenzie and Graeme Watson for an inspiring journey as they discuss the world of tourism. Listen to their discussions of the global industry, its resilience during crisis, and how to prepare for the future.

With topics like creating jobs, eliminating visa and transportation barriers, and the importance of storytelling, this podcast is an essential resource for those interested in the tourism industry both nationally and internationally.

Adele has seen the industry through some of its toughest times. In 1994, Adele started out as a journalist for the first black community newspaper in the Free State and as a freelancer. Since then, she has risen to the forefront of the industry and become a respected figure in the tourism world.

Adele and the podcast host, Graeme Watson, discussed the importance of spreading the word about the industry and the stories that people are relating to. She also believes that the tourism industry in Southern Africa needs extra focus in order to create more jobs and small businesses. She hopes to see national government take tourism seriously and eliminate major barriers such as visas and transport licenses.

Despite the difficult times, Adele has hope for the future of the tourism industry in the country. She has learned to be flexible and adaptable in any situation and to not take things for granted. Graeme suggests that people plan for the worst and hope for the best in order to be prepared for any situation. Furthermore, the tourism industry in Southern Africa is relatively young, having only been around for about 30 years. The industry has proven its strength and resilience during the last three years of crisis.

Adele Mackenzie and Tourism Update are determined to keep the industry alive and thriving, and they do not intend to stop anytime soon. The industry has come a long way and will continue to do so with the right support.

To subscribe to Tourism Update, log onto www.tourismupdate.co.za.

Chantal Potgieter, the founder of Themba Travel, a UK-based travel company specialising in South African-inspired journeys, has been working hard to bring attention to the people and stories of South African communities. With the support of the Women in Tourism Cape Town chapter and Travel Network Group, Chantal has been able to help her partners in South Africa and to empower women in the tourism industry.

Chantal’s passion for travel was sparked by her father who took her on trips to Oudsthoorn every year. Journeys such as these and the sights and sounds she witnessed along the way, inspired Chantal to create a company that focuses on community-based tourism, volunteering holidays, and offering travellers the opportunity to experience authentic local living.

Chantal believes that the local people should be given the opportunity to tell their stories, and that South African tourism products are often inaccessible to South Africans due to their high prices. In order to make these experiences more accessible, one of the projects Chantal is working on is with a local guide from the Hammanskraal community to bring locals into the reserve to expose them to the beauty of conservation and the potential of becoming a ranger or guide.

Chantal is also passionate about connecting the indigenous people of South Africa with travellers and educating students in culture, community, and wildlife conservation. For young businesses looking to start up, Chantal recommends joining a network of people to get support and advice and taking advantage of all available resources.

Chantal’s story proves that with determination and resilience, you can make a real difference in the world of tourism.

Listeners are encouraged to tune in to Kusa Cast, subscribe, and leave a rating, as future episodes will dive into the latest trends and insights from the industry.

You can get hold of Chantal by logging on www.thembatravel.com or emailing her at chantal@thembatravel.com.

Paul de Waal, founder of the itinerary building platform Wetu, dives deep into how the travel industry is being reimagined in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. You’ll get the inside scoop on the latest trends and technologies in the travel industry, from AI, machine learning and GDPR compliance, to reducing time to get from a customer’s inquiry to the final decision. This podcast will leave you with a deepened understanding of the travel industry and the future of customer journeys.

Travel technology is constantly evolving and finding new ways to make the journey easier and more efficient for customers, and Paul de Waal is no stranger to this ever-changing landscape. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Wetu reduced their fees to help their clients while also using the time to reimagine the future of the travel industry.

“We’re also in the process of rebuilding our system and migrating data to new servers, as well as adding new features and functionality to our system”, said Paul.

Paul believes that the customer journey should be automated and that the right information should be provided at the right time. He has moved all of his business tools to take advantage of the efficiencies of having one platform. Trade shows have become more important as they provide an opportunity for face-to-face interaction, as well as a chance to interact with customers and find out what they need.

As technology advances and evolves, traditional methods of travel are being reimagined and improved. Wetu is set to help travellers make the most of their time and experience with the power of itinerary building and travel technology.

Don’t miss out on this fascinating podcast episode with Paul de Waal as he shares his insights on the hospitality industry, technology and the future of the travel industry. Tune in to Kusa Cast and get inspired!

To get in touch with Wetu, log onto www.wetu.com or email info@wetu.com.

Rudi Wagenaar, a South African entrepreneur, grew up with very little exposure to luxury travel. His parents were both school teachers, and the only taste of luxury in his household was his father smoking his pipe while driving through the Kruger National Park! Rudi has since managed to build a successful career in the luxury hospitality industry.

Rudi believes that integrity and delivering on promises is the key to success in the hospitality industry, and to this end, he has developed On-Demand Hospitality Solutions – a company that provides tailored marketing plans to clients without the need for a full-time person dedicated to their brand. He strongly believes in collaboration and the power of positive thinking as essential tools for success.

The pandemic has been a difficult time for many in the hospitality industry, with many businesses having to close their doors and employees struggling to find work. Rudi has been committed to ensuring the wellbeing of the people in the industry. He has encouraged businesses to focus on the positives and celebrate the small wins, as well as collaborating with fellow entrepreneurs to get through the pandemic.

Technology has been essential to help with productivity, and Rudi also strongly urges people to support local businesses. He uses a local business to run his CRM system, as well as creating a video endorsement platform to help people get recognition from others.

Rudi is passionate about the Handshake platform and he also strongly believes in the importance of skills recognition in the South African hospitality industry. He has done a lot of work to ensure that people have the opportunity to get back on the horse. Check out Handshake here.

Rudi believes that a successful day is one where he can make a difference and leave an impact and his dedication to the industry over the past few years has been invaluable. We can only hope that the industry will continue to grow and be successful under the guidance of entrepreneurs such as Rudi Wagenaar

Jacqui Reynolds and Graeme Watson are both experienced in the tourism industry, and their conversation on the podcast recently touched on many of the key challenges and opportunities within the sector.

Jacqui Reynolds is the managing partner of On Show Solutions and the creator of the Africa Showcase roadshow. Having worked in the industry for over 20 years, Jacqui knows first-hand the power of face-to-face interactions and the importance of tailoring offerings to different markets. As such, she has developed a strategy for selecting the right people in each market to connect them with preferred suppliers.

When discussing the challenges of the last few years, Jacqui highlighted the need to rebuild her business and look after her team. She recognised the importance of modern tools to increase productivity, as well as the emergence of travel for a purpose. She also discussed the upcoming launch of Africa Showcase in Latin America and the need to target different age groups when it comes to tourism.

The conversation between Jacqui and Graeme was both insightful and engaging, offering a unique glimpse into the challenges and opportunities of the tourism industry.