Operators hope for last-minute bookings
AFTER a tough 2018 for the Cape, with demand affected by concern over the water crisis, many operators report a resurgence in demand for the summer period but give conflicting predictions about how occupancy and loads will fare during the winter season. Many say the jury is still out on whether last-minute school holiday bookings will savethe day. Senior product manager of kulula holidays, Craig Parvess, says, year to date, he has seen an increase of 15% on its Cape Town domestic packages. He says winter versus summer occupancy fluctuates and that if the deals are priced right and done in advance, they get similar numbers in both seasons, although winter packages are discounted more heavily and frequently to stimulate demand. The drought last year had a significant effect on tourism and packages to Cape Town, however this seems be recovering now, and kulula holidays is expecting higher growth in the second half
of the year. From an airline perspective, Kirby Gordon, head of sales and distribution at FlySafair, says forward bookings more than a month out are difficult to predict because booking times are short, but at present FlySafair statistics indicate that loads are exactly the same as last year for the Cape winter season. “May was a difficult month for airlines as there weren’t any long weekends or school breaks. However, as airlines often run specials for their winter inventory, we are optimistic for the upcoming school holidays,” says Kirby. Mark Jakins, Premier Group sales, revenue and marketing director, says all its Cape properties are demonstrating resilience this winter, with forward occupancies looking better than last year. According to Ruzandri Stolz, marketing manager of aha Hotels & Lodges, it is still too early to predict winter sales due to the short lead timeover this period. She says rates are generally
highly discounted duringthis period to attracttravellers. Patsy Hayter, owner of Exclusive Getaways, says despite winter rates being lower across the country, South Africans are choosing to take advantage of game lodge discounts rather than Cape winter discounts this year. Game lodges market winter as being the best time of year to see game, with animals gathering near waterholes during the dry season. Patsy says there is plenty of demand for Cape Town for the upcoming summer months but the region hasn’t fared so well for its green season this year. Tourvest Destination Management ceo, Martin Wiest, reports that forward bookings are down 10% yearon-year. Martin doesn’t believe in offering winter rates or promotions as it reinforces the message that South Africa and the Cape are undesirable in winter. “We need to drive an acceptance of travelling here in winter,” says Martin.
Beat the winter blue
THE weather may not be perfect for the beach, but a visit to the Cape during winter season has many benefits. From wine, cheese, chocolate and port tastings, to crackling fires, whale watching, big wave surfing, marathons and foodie festivals, TNW rounds up some great reasons to visit during its green season. Wildlife viewing in family-friendly, malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park is at its best from June to September, as the water levels are lower, resulting in animals gathering near waterholes. One of the biggest highlights on the Cape winter calendar is whalewatching, which runs from May to November, with peak calving season taking place during July and August. Venture along the Cape Whale Route from Betty’s Bay through Kleinmond, Pringle Bay and Gansbaai, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and mountainous fynbos terrain on the other. Hermanus is the largest town along the route, boasting excellent accommodation, restaurants and adventure activities. It is recommended to schedule a stop at De
Hoop Nature Reserve, which is known for its Southern Right whale migratory calving population. A number of tour operators specialise in whale-watching boat tours, with additional activities on offer, including shark-cage diving, sea-kayaking, parasailing and horse riding. From June 27-July 7, the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown offers more than 600 shows, ranging from opera to cabaret, drama to jazz and standup comedy to folk music. The Cape Town Festival of Running offers 5 x 5km relays, a 21km, 50km and 100km runs. It will take place on July 20 and 21, starting and finishing on the Sea Point Promenade. The Nelson Mandela Bay SA Half Marathon Champs will take place on July 27 at Pollok Beach, offering a 5km fun run and a 21,1km run. The consistent surf in the winter months makes the Cape ideal for surfing competitions. From July 9-22, the JBay Open will take place at Jeffrey’s Bay and the MercedesBenz Buffalo City African Nations Cup will take place from August 14-17 at Nahoon, East London’s most popular beach.
Photocap: New Knysns eatery opens
Aha’s The Rex Hotel in Knysna has recently opened The O Bar & Eatery, featuring an outdoor terrace where guests can indulge in coffee or light snacks. The cuisine draws inspiration from the Mediterranean and North Africa. Vegan and vegetarian dishes are available.
The Cape of good food
KNOWN as a great foodie destination, this region goes above and beyond during the winter months, hosting a plethora of fun wine, alcohol and foodie festivals. The annual Knysna Oyster Festival will take place from June 21-30. The festival’s unique events include marathons, wine festivals, soccer and basketball tournaments, and shucking competitions. The highlight of the festival are the oysters, served naked, cooked or garnished at over 30 hotspots throughout the festival. Stellenbosch Wine Routes will host a series of winter events at Stellenbosch Town Hall. On July 17 and
August 14, a selection of cellars will showcase their wines, and there will also be food vendors and live entertainment. The Great South African Gin Festival will take place at the Castle of Good Hope on June 28 and 29. Guests can indulge in 100 different gins from around the world, cocktail demos and live entertainment. The Franschhoek Wine Valley will host its annual Bastille Festival on July 13 and 14, to celebrate the Valley’s French Huguenot heritage. Awardwinning wine estateswill offer tastings with entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, including parades and craft stalls.
Book it!
Premier Hotels has various special offers for the Cape including winter conferencing and winter leisure. Get 20% off bookings (bed and breakfast included) until the end of August with promo code ‘Winter 2019’. This offer is valid for weekend and midweek bookings. Conference clients can organise a customised winter comfort menu to enjoy with lunch and tea/coffee breaks. Premier will offer special day conference package rates for overnight guests, where organisers will stay free, subject to 10 or more rooms booked.
