Tourism Indaba 2006 Snippets and Comments

Indaba is a very important platform for any organisation in the tourism industry. We are confident that we have achieved our objectives and time will tell to see if we have achieved the results we had hoped for. On a personal note I believe the security system at the ICC could have been more professional than what it was. Lucy Nhlapo, head of tourism and marketing, Kruger National Park.
"Attendance has not only been impressive, it has exceeded all expectations. So far a record-breaking 10 409 participants have attended Indaba, and there is still today." Moeketsi Mosola, CEO South African Tourism in the Indaba Daily News on Tuesday, May 9, 2006.

"This has been another successful Indaba for us at Mohlabetsi. We have had the opportunity to reinforce business relationships with our clients as well as forge new bonds with prospective travel industry players. We look forward to great results from Indaba 2006!" Tony and Alma Williamson, Mohlabetsi

"Travel professionals can play a vital role in the protection of our natural and cultural assets to the benefit of future generations of Africans and tourists." Greg McManus, managing director of the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme, (courtesy Indaba Daily News.)

"Limpopo Tourism is about people and real empowerment and the province's heritage. Further to promoting the role of women, the province's wildlife expo will assess the role of women in the wildlife industry the day after Women's Day on 10 August. Special focus will be given to crossborder conservation and the benefits of wildlife, hunting, BEE within the wildlife industry and the sustainable use of claimed communal land. Hosted in partnership with the Waterberg District Municipality the expo will be held in Mabatlane from August 10 to 19, 2006." (courtesy Indaba Daily News)

"We are very proud of Marius (Snygans) and his team," says Bradley Brouwer, sales, marketing and PR director of Forever Resorts. Marius Snygans manages Forever Resort Aventura Swadini, winner of this year's AA Travel Guide best resort with varied accommodation award.

"The exposure to Timbavati's community awareness message has been fantastic and very positive. I am very happy with our community involvement. Business-wise, the Indaba has been very busy and it has been wonderful to re-establish old links and explore new markets, notably India, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore." Brian Masters, Tanda Tula Safari Camp, Timbavati

"In the area of empowerment the government must lead by example by utlising its immense buying power to support empowered businesses and enterprises in the tourism industry." Moeketsi Mosola, CEO South African Tourism (courtesy Indaba Daily News.)

"The European Union has donated R940 000 to Phalaborwa Tourism - thanks to the efforts of the Palabora Foundation. Head of the Foundation's economic development and tourism section, Mark Glanvill says this follows an extensive marketing plan produced to promote tourism to the area." (courtesy Indaba Daily News.)

"Tourist guides in Mpumalanga are being trained to speak foreign languages in time for 2010. Alliance Francaise teachers have already taught more than 30 tour guides to speak basic French. Next they will be learning Chinese, German and Portugese." (courtesy Indaba Daily News.)

"CC Africa has taken over the operations contract for Exeter Private Game Reserve and Kirkman's Kamp in Sabi Sand in Mpumalanga." (courtesy Indaba Daily News) 1 We have established many contacts and are very satisfied with this year's Indaba. We generated a lot of new business leads with Brazil and Australia this year." Adine Roode, Camp Jabulani

"We have been busy non-stop. It is unbelievable. We have probably done more business in two days that what we did the whole of last year. I do not know if 2010 has anything to do with the interest, but we definitely want to have everything in place and ready for the World Cup." Christiaan Basson, manager Kapama River Lodge

"There has been a lot of Spanish, Italian and Indian interest in our product. We have also received a lot of very good feedback about the game viewing experience in our area. We have also made a point of having lodge staff and management at the stand to meet the tour operators and agents first hand, and the feedback on this policy has been very encouraging." Warren Moore, Kings Camp Private Game Reserve

"It is very good to be here and to have the opportunity to experience the Indaba. With the help of many people I could see things what I never thought would be possible. I will now have the opportunity to go back and bring our product up to an acceptable standard. I want to make it the best of the best. I want to advise others in my community of what I saw here and what is needed to compete. I was told that whatever you do, good people will give you help on the way. It is true and I want to thank all the people from the Timbavati Private Game Reserve who have helped me and Ringetani - Marco Scheiss from Umlani bush camp who is like my mother and Steve Bergs from Motswari who is like my father and all theother people who has helped on the way. Thank you." Lodrick Manyathele Ringetani Dance Group

According to the organisers, there are 28% more international visitors to Indaba this year. The unofficial feeling is that there are less international people, but more quality time has been spent with them and that made this Indaba well worthwile. Feedback from the international trade indicates that our product is too expensive compared to Kenya and Tanzania. We have had encouraging interest from the United States of America, unlike previous years, as well as from other African countries like Mozambique. Eugene Potgieter, Tangala Authentic Safari Camp