This year I've prioritised exploring the best of South Africa and beyond. Earlier this year I went on an exciting journey to Victoria Falls, a majestic African destination that absolutely captivated me. The main reason for my trip was actually to even a ride on the luxurious Rovos Rail, a luxury train in Southern Africa. Given the route I chose started in Victoria Falls on the Sunday, I decided to make the most of it and extend my trip to start on the Friday so that I could experience a weekend in this beautiful African destination.
As featured on the prestigious lifestyle TV series Top Billing, Antbear Eco lodge truly lives up to its expectations!
I've discovered some hidden gems all around the country, all near major cities, which make them perfect for day trips or long weekend getaways.
To start off the series I have a Midlands Meander Travel Guide, Hartebeespoort Travel Guide and KZN South Coast Travel Guide. Next on the agenda is a Stellenbosch Travel Guide and Clarens Travel Guide so let me know if you enjoy this series!
I've discovered some hidden gems all around the country, all near major cities, which make them perfect for day trips or long weekend getaways.
To start off the series I have a Midlands Meander Travel Guide, Hartebeespoort Travel Guide and KZN South Coast Travel Guide. Next on the agenda is possibly a Stellenbosch Travel Guide and Clarens Travel Guide so let me know if you enjoy this series!
The month of love has ended mara you are still in the dog box for not gifting the perfect gift. Shame! No need to worry because as always Sho’t Left has got your back and is giving you the opportunity to make things right with the perfect gift experience.
Leading hospitality group Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) walked away with five awards at the 28th edition of the Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents (AZTA) awards, including Best Resort Hotel for its flagship property Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for the 25th year. The prestigious event took place on September 30 at the renowned Meikles Hotel, where Africa Albida Tourism received the awards for its exceptional contribution to the Zimbabwe travel industry.
Being extremely passionate about the tourism industry in South Africa, it's always great seeing local businesses play a part in building a world class hospitality sector. A business I've recently come across that's making waves in the industry is PMP Germ Guard, a chemical manufacturer that supplies cleaning and hygiene products for the hospitality and tourism sector.
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The PMP Germ Guard was established in 2020 with the intention of developing a tourism sector that is health-responsive and gives customers the assurance they would be safe wherever they travel.
The Founder and current CEO Ravi Naidoo and his wife Pam Naidoo launched PMP Germ Guard in 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 lockdown, because they couldn't think of anything better when discussing the return of tourism other than health related issues and visitor safety measures.
NevrodSai Acctax Solutions, the Accounting & Tax Practice of the NEVROD GROUP got an exemption to open offices, but had to cleanse the office using 70% Alcohol Sanitizer and Antibacterial Surface spray. It was upon the utilization of hand sanitizers and antibacterial surface spray that the pair looked at venturing into the Tourism space and becoming suppliers to the industry in line with the Tourism and Hospitality standard protocols for Covid-19 operations.
This article highlights initiatives that successfully promote cooperation and health precautions to create a secure and long-lasting tourism sector. The write-up describes the significance of PMP Germ Guard, a business that developed out of worries about the demise of the tourism industry with the introduction of Covid-19, producing not only sanitary products but also making a significant contribution to the new, responsible tourism.
In an article titled "Sustainable development goals and socio-economic development through tourism in Central Africa," Kimbu and Tichaawa (2018) describe the tourism industry as one that runs entirely on goals that seek to meet the requirements of the global sustainable development goals, which means that for tourism to be successful, its objectives must be in line with the Sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Which is essentially where PMP Germ Guard comes into play. Health and safety is one of the SDGs that the entire world must work together to achieve, and PMP plays a crucial role in this. Aiming to inspire consumer motivation toward the new tourism practices that focus on maintaining a healthy and germ-free trip and stay, PMP germ guard was founded to allay traveler anxieties and develop products.
The new tourism sector standards urge the use of hygienic measures to reduce traveler worries while choosing their chosen places, notably lodging facilities. The tourism business is the one that must adjust the fastest to the new rules and standards of Practice after Covid-19 in a world that still exhibits signs of the virus.
By promoting hygienic procedures for the protection of consumers and by helping SMMEs build a platform to use health and safety assurances to drive demand for their travel enterprises, PMP Germ Guard is supporting the practice of "responsible tourism" in the tourism industry. Since tourism is a consumer market, attempts to stop the virus' transmission as well as to make it simpler to choose between enterprises that provide health services and tourism should be taken into account.
Instead of focusing on the safety of those working in the service industry, PMP products emphasizes actions that preserve the experience and comfort of the consumer.
The PMP Germ Guard was established in 2020 with the intention of developing a tourism sector that is health-responsive and gives customers the assurance they would be safe wherever they travel. The company initially provided 50ml bottles of hand sanitizers branded with the name of the lodging establishment in accordance with Section 15.7 of the tourism protocols of October 2020. Since then, the company has added three additional products to further improve the health and safety of travelers and visitors in the lodging sectors.
So far the business has a presence in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Western Cape, KZN & Free State and will shortly be in the North West and Northern Cape.
The goal is to illustrate responsible tourism environments; unless a particular company employs a service-driven approach to guaranteeing customer safety alertness, to enhance confidence, individuals will always find issues in their surroundings.
Managing the effects of COVID-19 and developing a product that reassures customers of the safety precautions taken to allow a healthy and safe travel experience and stay at their reserved lodging facilities.
People vary, and to some extent, some put more effort into adhering to fundamental health criteria, particularly in settings with many people. For others, health information needs to be spread so they may better take care of themselves. The PMP goods are made to encourage people's health concerns in addition to helping people keep a safe distance from other people to foster safe tourism surroundings.
Through strategic partnerships and engagement with industry stakeholders, PMP Germ Guard hopes to play a significant part in the tourism sector's increased contribution to health measures while implementing consumer satisfaction interventions in business operations. This goal is accomplished by providing the sector with PMP Germ Guard travel packs.
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| No seriously, Yas is a place and it's paradise! |
Multi-award-winning airline, Qatar Airways, has triumphed in four categories at this year’s Business Traveller Awards at the Royal Garden Hotel in London. The national carrier of the State of Qatar continues to be recognised for its excellence on a global scale, being awarded Best Long-Haul Airline, Best Business Class, Best Middle Eastern Airline, and Best Inflight Food & Beverage by Business Traveller. The airline’s hub, Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar, has also been named Best Airport in the Middle East, and the Second-Best Airport in the World.
Samara Karoo Reserve, near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo region and home to the Big Five, over 60 mammal species and 225 bird species, was recognised in the Top 15 Resorts in South Africa.
LIFT has shown its support for South Africa’s local theatre and talent, this time for the hit musical, MAMMA MIA!
Embarking on a journey beyond the ordinary, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge promises a redefined family travel experience, transcending the traditional vacation. Nestled in the captivating expanse of the Masai Mara, the 'Interconnecting Family Suite' stands as a sanctuary meticulously designed for families, where the emphasis is on creating enduring stories and weaving bonds that stand the test of time.
Qatar Airways, the leader in innovative air travel experiences, has introduced QVerse environments, offering users an immersive digital journey before even stepping foot in an airport. The airline's MetaHuman cabin crew member 'Sama' guides passengers through First Class check-in counters, Premium Lounges, and various cabins. Alongside this, passengers can now explore the luxurious Al Safwa First Class Lounge and the serene Al Mourjan Business Class lounge at Hamad International Airport. With Qatar Airways' ongoing commitment to excellence, customers can virtually experience their award-winning services online.
As Easter approaches, travelers are gearing up for a memorable Sho't Left adventure across the diverse landscapes of South Africa. With its breathtaking scenery and rich cultures, Mzansi promises an unparalleled holiday experience for those seeking rest, relaxation, and exploration.
Here are some travel tips and advice for planning your trip to Istanbul!
Radisson Hotel Group (www.RadissonHotels.com) solidified its position as one of the leading international hotel groups in the Middle East and Africa during 2023 by signing 22 hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments, adding over 3,800 rooms to its regional portfolio, remaining dedicated to its vision of being among the top three hotel brands globally and the preferred choice for owners, guests, and employees.
Globally, the Group wrapped up 2023 with exceptional growth, adding over 30,000 keys to its international portfolio of 10 leading brands through openings and signings. The Group has grown its business by nearly 50% since the launch of its transformation plan in 2018. It also celebrated a new company record with the addition of its largest number of keys to its portfolio, amounting to over 30,000 keys through openings and signings. Looking ahead, 2024 promises to be a landmark year for Radisson Hotel Group, with 14 new hotel openings slated across various countries in the Middle East and Africa. These openings reflect the ongoing commitment to offering exceptional hospitality experiences while catering to the growing demand for premium accommodation in these regions.
Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit Pool 
Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit Pegasus Bar
Expansion momentum continues in Africa
In Africa, the Group maintained its expansion momentum in 2023, with eight hotel signings, adding over 1,600 rooms to its robust African Portfolio. With this progress, it is well on its way to achieving its objective of reaching 150 hotels in Africa over the next five years, up from its current count of 100 hotels. These hotel signings included new market entries into Gambia with Radisson Blu Beach Resort & Spa, Banjul and Radisson Hotel Benin City in Nigeria. In addition to the Radisson hotel in Benin City, the signing of Radisson Collection Hotel & Conference Center, Abuja; Radisson Blu Hotel, Abuja CBD and Radisson RED Lagos VI further strengthened the Group’s position as the market leaders in Nigeria, with its portfolio now expanding to 12 hotels and over 1700 rooms. Highlighting the Group’s priorities in Africa for 2024, Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Business Development for Africa and Turkey at Radisson Hotel Group, said, “We have an exciting year ahead with five hotel openings in Africa, reinforcing our market leader stance in our key countries such as Egypt, Morocco and South Africa but also maintaining the fastest growth across the continent in tangible openings. Building on the momentum of the Radisson Collection Resort, Marsa Alam Port Phoenice signing, introducing the Radisson Collection brand in the country with an exceptional resort, we will also open the first standalone serviced apartments in Egypt with Radisson Residences Cairo Heliopolis within the coming months.” In Morocco, Radisson Hotel Group further enhances its flourishing portfolio with the highly anticipated opening of Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier, the debut of the Radisson brand in Morocco, scheduled for Q2. This latest opening adds to much anticipation of the growing potential of the country which the Group has made its priority. In South Africa, Radisson Hotel Group is set to add its 12th hotel with the opening of Radisson Hotel Middelburg later this year, following the successful opening of its first safari hotel in Africa with the recently announced Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit. “In addition to these key markets, we are proactively pursuing East Africa this year, with Kenya and Tanzania identified as market priorities. As resorts continue to play an important role in our global strategic growth plan, we will build on our successful resort expansion in Africa, which has included the recent openings of Radisson Blu Resort Mosi-oa-Tunya in Livingstone and our debut in Reunion Island with the opening of Radisson Hotel Saint Denis” adds Ramsay Rankoussi. Over the past three years, Radisson Hotel Group has emerged as the fastest-growing hotel group in Africa, with 20 hotel openings across the continent. This impressive feat has set a record for the Group in terms of the realization of its pipeline into openings and has translated into a commendable 15 percent annual growth on its African portfolio. |
| Radisson Red Lagos Render Suite Bedroom |
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| Radisson Hotel Benin City Night Facade |
Radisson Collection Hotel Conference Center Abuja Nigeria
Radisson Blu Hotel Abuja CBD Exterior
Strategic focus on the Middle East
In the Middle East the Group opened over 1,000 keys in the past 12 months and is on track to open 2,000 keys in 2024. The Group continues to drive its aspirations in the region, targeting 150 properties to be operational or under development across the Middle East by 2030.
In the last quarter of 2023, Radisson Hotel Group revealed new hotels across Oman: Muscat Levatio Suites, a member of Radisson Individuals and Radisson Hotel Muscat Panorama, as well as opening the first Radisson Individuals in Saudi Arabia, with the opening of Vivid Jeddah, A Radisson Individuals hotel. In addition to these openings, the Group has also signed agreements for Park Inn by Radisson Resort Bimmah and Radisson Serviced Apartments Salalah. In Jordan, Radisson Blu Hotel, Amman Galleria Mall opened its doors in offering 178 keys catering to travelers seeking convenience and luxury. Further, the Group was proud to announce the signing of Radisson Hotel & Residences Erbil, in Iraq’s vibrant city of Erbil which also opened during the course of the year, opening a new market and significant development destination for the Group. In addition, Pakistan remains a focus for the Group by signing four hotels and serviced apartments in the capital city of Islamabad with the first opening in this new market anticipated for 2025.
Looking ahead, the Group plans further expansion in Makkah with the highly anticipated debut of Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Thaker West and of Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Thakher East in Q1 with new standards for contemporary lodging in the holy city of Makkah to meet the needs of an increasing number of international and regional visitors. Also set for opening in early 2024 is Radisson Hotel Jeddah Tahlia Street and as well as the introduction of the Park Inn by Radisson brand to Kuwait with the opening of Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Apartments Kuwait.
Elie Milky, Vice President Business Development, Middle East, Greece, Cyprus, and Pakistan at Radisson Hotel Group, said: “Our ambitions remain strong as we continue our robust expansion efforts in the region, focusing particularly on resorts as well as serviced apartments. We continue to penetrate new markets as we have seen in Erbil and Amman while we strengthen our position with strategic owners in established cities such as Jeddah, Riyadh, Kuwait, Makkah and Muscat, to name a few. Our value proposition to our existing and new owners continues to improve with a comprehensive brand offering and a pragmatic conversions approach to drive openings.”
The Group also received the Sustainable Business Award at the Global Travel Hall of Fame, validating the company's dedication to responsible travel and tourism. The Group was also recognized at A World for Travel with the Environmental Impact Award for its role in the development of the Hotel Sustainability Basics. RadissonHotels.com, the Group’s leading website, and app won a total of five prestigious awards, in particular for its pioneering and industry-leading Immersive Content Project.
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| Radisson Blu Hotel Abuja CBD Exterior |
Radisson Collection Resort Marsa Alam Port Phoenice
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| Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle Exterior |
Nestled within the breathtaking Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, the Thaba Eco Hotel has always been an icon of excellence in the world of hospitality. But hold onto your hats, because they've just unveiled a transformation that's set to redefine luxury and sophistication in the industry!
A Seamless Blend of Heritage and Modern Luxury
For nearly two decades, Thaba Eco Hotel has been synonymous with hospitality excellence. Today, they're taking their commitment to the next level by introducing their newly refurbished Superior King Suites. These suites are the result of months of meticulous planning, design, and craftsmanship, all aimed at providing guests with an elevated and unforgettable experience.
Picture this: The Superior King Suites have been carefully reimagined to seamlessly blend the allure of Thaba's heritage with contemporary opulence. Every detail, from custom-built furnishings to harmonious color palettes, has been chosen to evoke a sense of timeless elegance. These suites reflect Thaba's dedication to offering a unique and captivating stay for its valued guests.
A Transformational Approach to Hospitality
At Thaba Eco Hotel, they believe in going beyond just renovating rooms. It's a holistic approach to hospitality, where every interaction, service, and detail is designed to ensure guests' utmost comfort and delight. It's all about crafting unforgettable experiences.
Introducing Our Brand Ambassadors
As part of their commitment to personalized hospitality, Thaba Eco Hotel is proud to introduce its esteemed Brand Ambassadors. These ambassadors, inspired by Thaba's resident wildlife, represent different facets of their transformational hospitality approach:
Kagosi, the luxury seeker: Kagosi embodies modern elegance and appreciates excellence in service and personalization. He envisions responsible luxury, making him the perfect advocate for Thaba Eco Hotel.
Dineo, the romantic: Dineo is a connoisseur of luxury romance, finding beauty in comfort and romantic settings. She represents Thaba as the ultimate wedding venue and experience.
Lesedi, the family traveler: Lesedi focuses on family-oriented travel in exclusive, safe environments. Thaba is the ideal destination for unforgettable family moments.
Ruri, the Trendy Traveler: Ruri craves modern luxury and cutting-edge experiences. Thaba offers a fusion of style and substance for her journey.
Thato, Thaba's Eco-Conscious Ambassador: Thato embraces nature, sustainability, and premium eco-friendly experiences.
Kabo, Thaba's Bleisure Ambassador: Kabo blends work and leisure seamlessly and appreciates luxury, fine dining, and exceptional service.
Oteng, Kraal Restaurant's Ambassador of Culinary Elegance: Oteng embodies sophistication and an appreciation for fresh, innovative gastronomy.
A World Where Opulence Meets Sustainability
Thaba Eco Hotel invites you to step into a world where opulence meets sustainability, where contemporary design merges with the ultimate in hospitality experience. Their commitment to preserving the environment and offering luxurious experiences is at the heart of their transformation.
A Celebration of Shared Journeys
In the words of Kirsty Marais, Chief Excellence Officer for Thaba Eco Hotel, "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our cherished guests for their unwavering support throughout our journey. Thaba Eco Hotel's transformation is a celebration of our shared voyage, and we invite you to immerse yourself in the allure of our newly refurbished Superior King Suites, partake in our bespoke experiences, and create memories that will linger long after your departure."
So, what are you waiting for? The Thaba Eco Hotel's transformation promises a travel experience like no other, where luxury meets nature, and heritage meets modern opulence. It's time to embark on your next adventure in the heart of South Africa's stunning nature reserve. We can't wait to hear about your unforgettable stay at Thaba Eco Hotel. Until next time, fellow explorers!
