South Africa Tourism News Page 11
Qatar Airways launches new Durban flights
Qatar Airways has launched new services between Doha and Durban, offering passengers the opportunity to experience another idyllic subtropical destination. The four-times-weekly service to Durban further complements the airline’s existing daily flights to Cape Town and double daily flights to Johannesburg, and is an expansion of the airline’s operations in South Africa.
Qatar Airways expands network in South Africa
Qatar Airways has launched new services between Doha and Durban. The four-times-weekly service to Durban further complements the airline’s existing daily flights to Cape Town and double daily flights to Johannesburg, and is an expansion of the airline’s operations in South Africa. Travellers can now choose from a total of 21 flights a week to South Africa from Qatar Airways’ hub Hamad International Airport.
South Africa makes play for international MICE tourism
Derek Hanekom, minister of tourism for South Africa, outlined how South Africa, as a world-class business events destination, will respond to the next decade in the face of rising interest in the African continent. Speaking at ibtm world in Barcelona, Hanekom outlined how South Africa hosted 124 international association conferences in 2014 alone which attracted just under 70 000 industry professionals.
WTTC commends South Africa tourism visa changes
The World Travel & Tourism Council has congratulated the government of South Africa for adopting new visa policies that will see the implementation of biometric visa applications on arrival and changes to the unabridged birth certificate policy. The new recommendations that were presented by an inter-ministerial committee that was set up to address the visa issue in the country were accepted by the cabinet and will be implemented over the next three months to over a year.
Marriott expands South Africa property portfolio
Marriott International has continued to expand its footprint across the African continent by announcing the signing of two new properties in South Africa, in partnership with The Amdec Group. Expected to open by February 2018, the 150-room Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch and 200-unit Marriott Executive Apartments Johannesburg Melrose Arch will be located in the Melrose Arch precinct in Johannesburg.
WTTC praises African tourism potential ahead of World Route Development Forum
Africa is set to develop the world’s fastest growing tourism market over the next ten years, alongside Asia-Pacific, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. This will be the key message of WTTC president David Scowsill when he delivers his keynote speech to aviation and travel industry leaders at the World Route Development Forum taking place at the Durban International Conference Centre.
Pinheiro takes up Leeu Collection leadership role
Luis Pinheiro has been appointed regional director for Leeu Collection and general manager of Le Quartier Français in Franschhoek. Pinheiro, who is well-known in the global hospitality industry having worked in it for more than 30 years, will take up the role in September, overseeing all operational activities at Le Quartier Français. Based at Le Quartier Français, his initial focus will be to ensure continuity after the recent acquisition of this iconic property by Leeu Collection.
Singita Ebony to re-launch in South Africa this summer
This July, Singita will unveil a complete re-design of its original lodge, Singita Ebony, in South Africa. Singita Ebony is where the Singita story began twenty-two years ago on land owned by Singita founder, Luke Bailes. The re-launch will complete Singita’s reinvention of its private 45,000 acre game reserve that is set within the Sabi Sand.
Tourism Indaba 2015 gets underway in Durban, South Africa
INDABA 2015, the annual travel and tourism tradeshow that puts South African and African travel destinations on the map, is underway in Durban bringing together a team of exhibitors whose mutual aim is to drive Africa forward.
Nelson Mandela’s former home reopens as a private villa at Shambala
Just a few hours’ drive north of Johannesburg, in a vast landscape of pristine African bushveld, is Shambala Private Game Reserve. And here, amid the quiet and peace, is a place for contemplation and inner reflection. A place that personifies the ideas of reconciliation and hope. The Nelson Mandela Centre for Reconciliation has been a private home since 2001 and was closed as a mark of respect since the former president’s passing in 2013.
WTTC commends Zuma for visa overhaul pledge
The World Travel & Tourism Council has offered its support to South African president Jacob Zuma following a promise to review visa laws. “South Africa is leading the world in many areas of its tourism development and President Zuma’s commitment to reform visa regulations should enable the country to maximise the industry’s potential for economic growth and social advancement,” said WTTC president David Scowsill.
Qatar Airways boosts South Africa flights
Qatar Airways has announced a major expansion in South Africa with the launch of a new destination Durban while simultaneously increasing its weekly frequencies to Johannesburg. The airline will also increase its weekly frequency to Cape Town going up from five flights a week to a daily service.