2010, Ready, Steady, Go! (with reference to Tourism Tattler issue 1 2007)

With 3 1/2 years to go, the new buzz word on everyone's lips is 2010!

In his recent speech at the African Summit, Thabo Mbeki stated, "We have to make absolute certainty that 2010 will benefit - Africa and the African diaspora" These are words which will be welcomed by millions of Africans. It's no secret - or surprise - that every Southern African country wants to be in on the action when the tournament is staged on the continent for the first time.

Already, all our neighbours have formulated plans to ensure that they will be part and parcel of the extravaganza. Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Swaziland are among the countries which have expressed a burning desire to accommodate some of the visiting World Cup squads and, of course, the thousands of spectators that will inevitably follow them.

So, from a tourism point of view, surely we are about to crack open Pandora's Box - with great rewards. People will require flights, accommodation, food, drinks, entertainment and souvenirs. You have a very specific market in "fans" who will dedicate 4 weeks to following their obsession.

Fans don't necessarily stay in the host city and will travel up to 2 hours to watch a game. Given that each team's games are generally 4 days apart, this will leave plenty of time to pursue other interests. For many, this will be a first time visit to South Africa and their demands will be immense.

Thus we need to fully understand what guests expect. These expectations can vary according to class and culture, wealth and occupation. They can be affected by countless hours of research on the internet, brochures and previous visits. In essence, the expectations of these visitors are very high leaving great challenges for our industry.

Given that we still have time, you need to seize the opportunity! Utilize the time to customise your offers for this specific market. Your staff need to be properly trained, possibly with background information to the World Cup, its teams and players. Go the extra mile and be in tune with guests' need and wants, provide a scoring board with updated results or a big screen TV featuring all the games - remember it is the small things that count. Africanize International trends because people are here to experience "Africa with a Smile!

Although there are obvious concerns, the fact is that we are still going to receive 400 - 500 thousand people over a period of 4 weeks! This constitutes an approximate spend of R 1,6 billion. Not to mention the 3 billion television viewers worldwide who could become potential travellers to South Africa!

Still not excited about the World Cup? Then, best you sit back and watch everyone else ride the wave of opportunity.
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Africa Adventure

2007 marks the 9th anniversary of Africa Adventure Tourist Information cc.

As part of our aim to be the most comprehensive internet travel directory, we have recently completed all the updates to the areas and provinces within South Africa. We now list over 5000 accommodation establishments, as well as informative snippets about the areas in which these establishments are situated.

We are currently in the process of updating Namibia and we hope to be able to include all other Southern and East African countries, thus giving the visitor to our site, all the information they need at their fingertips.

Ultimately, making Africa Adventure your number 1 choice in Destination Marketing and Management.
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" He who refuses to embrace a unique opportunity loses the prize as surely as if he had failed." - William James (1842-1910) pioneering American Psychologist and Philosopher.
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Shungu Story - from Stephanie Shrosbree - Knysna Elephant Park

To the delight of the crew at Knysna Elephant Park, Baby Shungu entered the world at 5am on January 1. ‘Shungu’, the Shona word for patience, was the name suggested by Stenford Motau - trainer and handler of Shungu's mother, Thembile, during her final months of pregnancy.

“This is the second birth experienced at Knysna Elephant Park, the first being Thandi (born to Nandi on October 16, 2004). Of particular importance to us is the fact that our ellies are comfortable within this environment to carry on with their social habits and ways of life.”

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Shungu's arrival was heralded with much trumpeting and fanfare from the other ellies in their stables.

“Thembile and Shungu will slowly be introduced to the group and within a short while, will join them full time. Shungu will then be free to play with his step-sisters Keisha, 3, and Thandi, 2, who currently enjoy the run of the Park.”

Shungu will feed from his mother for about three years and Thembile will start teaching him to eat solids from about nine months old.

Knysna Elephant Park opened to the public in 1994 with Harry and Sally being the first two Kruger Park orphans to establish their new home here. Since then the Park has had a number of orphans finding solace in its surrounds and has provided entertainment to many learners and visitors from all over the world.
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