Get educated about gaycations
WHEN speaking of
romance, there
needs to be
inclusivity, which means
using gender-neutral
language and taking LGBTQ+
couples into consideration
when creating and marketing
romantic getaways.
This is the view of John
Tanzella, president and ceo
of IGLTA, the International
LGBTQ+ Travel Association.
He adds that it is important
for travel agents to be aware
of places and properties
where LGBTQ+ couples can
safely show affection.
“This applies not only to
romantic getaways, but
also destination weddings
and honeymoons, which
are on the rise as more
countries are legally
supporting marriage
equality,” says John.
Homework
It’s essential for travel
agents to do their
homework in advance,
says John. “Learn more
about destinations that are
popular with our community.
Speak to local LGBTQ+ tour
operators and community
leaders to understand the
market in your own back
yard better.”
John says agents should
also study the laws that
impact LGBTQ+ travellers
around the world.
“ILGA.org produces maps
with country-by-country
information. The IGLTA
Foundation collaborates with
numerous organisations to
create resources for the
industry to achieve greater
understanding of LGBTQ+
travellers; this information is
available for free download.”
Michael Gladwin, md
of The Travel & Event
Company says it boils down
to training, education and
awareness.
“Homophobia remains
an issue in some places,
from well-established
venues to small guest
houses in remote places,
often because staff are not
trained and/or educated. We
as the LGBTQ+ community
shouldn’t assume that
everyone knows or is
okay with two guys or girls
sleeping in the same bed.”
Michael believes the world
still needs to work on the
issue of non-binary titles,
but this will take time.
Legacy Hotels & Resorts
divisional operations
manager, Robert Hodson,
says Legacy’s systems can
accommodate non-binary
titles. “Romantic getaways
are romantic getaways and
they are not differentiated
in any way. All reservations
are done according to the
standard procedure.”
Cruises International head
of product, Thaybz Khan,
says the cruise lines that
the company represents
cater for the LGBTQ+ market
so travel agents shouldn’t
have problems when
booking. “Royal Caribbean
and Celebrity Cruises are
two brands in particular
that have shown extensive
support for this segment of
the market.”
It’s always best to double
check with an operator
before booking a getaway
for any client to find an
appropriate resort, adds
World Leisure Holidays
marketing assistant,
Marlin Magadani.“Mauritius
resorts are generally
LGBTQ+ friendly, which
makes them ideal.”
Specials
The Lux Collective offers
honeymoon and wedding
specials for same-sex
couples, says Alexis
Bekker, head of sales and
marketing South Africa &
Africa. “For us there really is
no difference.”
Beachcomber Tours takes
the same approach and, as
with all couples, honeymoon
packages are available
so long as the couple
can produce a wedding
certificate, adds sales
and marketing director,
Joanne Visagie.
Thai people value
hospitality, tolerance and
respect of people from all
walks of life, which has
enabled the development
of facilities in Thailand
that foster safe and
inclusive places for the
LGBTQ+ community, says
Lesley Simpson, marketing
representative for the
Tourism Authority of Thailand
(TAT) in South Africa.
TAT has also initiated
the LGBTQ+ Travel
Symposium in Bangkok in
September for the second
consecutive year.
AfriGay – open for bookings
The Travel & Event Company
engineered AfriGay to bring
gay, lesbian, bisexual,
transgender and gender-fluid
people from around the world
together for an exclusive and
unique adults-only experience
in Africa.
Guests can join an itinerary
in South Africa (February 23-
March 1, 2020), buy a
package in Mauritius (March
2-7) or combine the two in a
combo package.
AfriGay South Africa
enables participants to join
gay icon Rocco Steele on a
two-night safari at aha Ivory
Tree Game Lodge in the
Pilanesberg Game Reserve
followed by a tour of the
Cape, concluding at the
Cape Town Pride festival on
February 29 before heading
to Mauritius.
The Mauritius packages
include five nights’
accommodation at World
Leisure Holidays’ Ambre
Resort & Spa on an allinclusive basis, return airport
transfers as well as access
to AfriGay parties, events and
activities. Cathy Specific and
The Trolley Dollies will host
the Mauritius event.
“We’re offering 10%
commission on all bookings
by travel agents. The trade’s
help in promoting and selling
the event will help us turn
this into the gay event of the
year,” says Michael Gladwin
of The Travel and Event
Company.
Honeymoons with a twist
NEWLYWEDS are looking for
a different type of honeymoon
in relation to the norm these
days and while Mauritius
remains an ever-popular
romantic destination, there
is an uptick in demand for
honeymoons with a twist.
This is the experience of
World Leisure Holidays’ Marlin
Magadani, who says this kind
of honeymoon includes, for
example, a breakaway for a
night or two in a luxury bubble
lodge, a form of glamping.
“These transparent bubbleshaped tents provide a sense
of closeness with nature as
well as sleeping under the
stars while being comfortable.
Tea tasting, welcome drinks
and gourmet dinners are some
of the inclusions.”
Also in Mauritius,
Beachcomber Tours’
honeymoon, familymoon,
wedding and anniversary
clients enjoy a ‘Beautiful
Experience’, valued at up
to R5 300 per couple, says
Joanne Visagie.
Experiences include
discovering Mauritius in
a Mini Moke, couples’
massage, photoshoot session,
speedboat trip, lobster dinner
or horse riding around Le
Morne Mountain.
“Our honeymoon package
is offered year-round at a
discounted rate of 25%
and topped off with these
experiences.”
Since opening the SALT
of Palmar in Mauritius, The
Lux Collection has seen
renewed interest in destination
weddings and honeymoons
of a different kind, confirms
Alexis Bekker.
“This resort caters for
millennials who are looking
toward health, wellness
and being kinder to the
environment, but also wanting
to explore the destination.
Now, more than ever, is the
perfect time to go back to
nature and throw a wedding
with a positive impact.”
Tourism Authority of
Thailand’s Lesley Simpson
says the island of Koh
Samet is a spectacular
honeymoon destination.
“After a boat transfer from
Rayong, newlyweds can
make the most of this much
less commercialised island’s
attractions such as white
sandy beaches, water sports
and a nightlife scene in an
array of beachside bars and
restaurants.”
Roland Müller, marketing
manager of Development
Promotions, has noticed
an increase in more
adventurous and out-ofthe-ordinary requests
for honeymoons. “Two
examples are Northern
Lights cruises with
Hurtigruten, and we offered
a G Adventures trip to a
couple wanting to climb to
Everest base camp for their
honeymoon.”
Cruises are increasingly
popular for honeymooners
wanting wellness and
adventure, says Ross Volk,
md of MSC Cruises SA.
“MSC Cruises offers
honeymoon couples a
10% discount on local
cruises and 15% if they
book either a balcony or
suite cabin. Couples even
choose to have a symbolic
ceremony on board, as we
offer wedding packages to
suit all budgets and guest
requirements.”
According to Ross, Pomene
in Mozambique is a popular
choice closer to home. It
offers activities such as
quad-biking, mangrove tours
and sea-kayaking for two.
Deidre Ward, leisure sales
manager for aha Hotels &
Lodges, confirms a high
demand from honeymooners
for unique wildlife
experiences that include
romantic bush dinners under
the stars, walking safaris,
outdoor spa experiences
and bungee jumping from
the Victoria Falls Bridge.
Legacy Hotels & Resorts
divisional operations
manager, Robert Hodson,
says the group has seen
an increase in international
guests choosing an African
bushveld option for their
honeymoon.
Agent pick – SALT of Palmar, Mauritius
SALT of Palmar is a
product of The Lux
Collective. Gm of product
and marketing for XL
Travel, Aadil Esack,
visited the Mauritian
property in May and
describes its concept as
unique and revolutionary.
Aadil says the boutiquestyle environment may
not appeal to people
looking for the usual big
resort experience but it
will strongly appeal to
modern travellers who are
willing to approach the
experience with a clear
mind-set.
“The average millennial
traveller or those who
want to support ecotourism will absolutely
love it. They’ve combined
earthly elements and
sustainability initiatives
with brilliant tech,” says
Aadil.
“I loved the fact that,
upon arrival, guests
are not checked in at
reception but by staff
with tablets. Your room
key is accessible via an
app, which means your
phone becomes your
key. Not only is it more
efficient, it also means
less plastic and because
it’s paperless, it helps the
environment.”
He adds that, as the
property is on the east
coast, the beach is
outstanding and the
spa, with its various
salt treatments, and its
unique colour-changing
Salt room – the only one
of its kind in the Indian
Ocean – is a highlight.
There is no plastic
anywhere says Aadil
adding that guests
receive a steel water
bottle on arrival at the
property.
“Even the paint on the
wall is organic. There is
no television in the room
but there is state-of-theart WiFi so you can watch
Netflix and relax. The
food is outstanding and
organic, mostly sourced
from their own farm. Even
the cutlery is organic.
You won’t be hungry or
disappointed.”
Aadil suggests
consultants should do
whatever it takes to get
there and experience
SALT for themselves, be
it via selling, saving or
incentives. “You really
do feel cleansed and
detoxed within hours.”
Find the romance when travelling with kids
WHEN parents take their
children on holiday, often they
want them to have a funpacked time leading their own
adventures and making new
friends. It is also while the kids
are entertained that parents
can slip away for a respite and
some romance.
For this reason, many
suppliers recommend choosing
an option – resort, hotel, cruise
– that offers a comprehensive
programme for young guests,
or at the very least has
babysitting facilities supervised
by qualified staff members.
Alexis Bekker of The Lux
Collective, says from treasure
hunts and sandcastle
competitions, to water sports
and outdoor games, the LUX*
PLAY programme keeps kids
occupied.
“We can arrange romantic
dinners on the beach around a
beautiful bonfire while the sitter
has the children safely tucked
away in their beds – or at the
kids’ club watching a movie at
Cinema Paradiso.”
Legacy Hotels & Resorts
offers a Junior Rangers
Programme for kids aged 6-12
years, as well as holiday and
weekend programmes, says
Robert Hodson.
“In our Sandton hotels, we
offer babysitting services for
parents who may want to enjoy
a quiet wine-pairing dinner
in Piccolo Mondo restaurant
at The Michelangelo Hotel,
or a date night dinner at the
DaVinci Hotel every Thursday
evening. Of course, romance
can still include the kids and
the Quarter Kitchen restaurant
at the PortsWood Hotel in Cape
Town dishes up a Cape Malay
feast every Wednesday night.”
Ross Volk of MSC Cruises,
recommends a cruising holiday
because it includes a full
programme of activities such
as Lego building, movie nights,
water games, dance contests,
sports tournaments and
karaoke.
“Parents can also take
advantage of the Happy
Dinners for kids, where little
ones join parents for starters
and are then taken back to
the Mini Club by entertainment
staff. This leaves parents to
enjoy the rest of their meal in
peace. They can then also treat
themselves to a performance
at the ship’s theatre or enjoy
live music and after-dinner
drinks at a cocktail lounge.”
In addition, for local cruises,
children under the age of 18
years cruise free when sharing
a four-berth cabin with two
adults, adds Ross.
Roland Müller, marketing
manager of Development
Promotions, says Norwegian
Cruise Line has the first
double-storey Race Track at
Sea and the new ship, Encore,
will have a VR gaming arcade
and laser tag.
Bigger cabins and villas at
resorts normally have more
than one room, which allows
further quality time for parents,
he adds.
Marlin Magadani of World
Leisure Holidays says resorts
such as Sugar Beach, Long
Beach and La Pirogue have
two-bedroom family rooms with
direct access that offer both
children and adults the comfort
and privacy they require.
Tourism Authority of
Thailand’s Lesley Simpson
recommends that families
visit the Koh Sok National
Park where there is a choice
of floating accommodation
available.
“The most well known in the
SA market is Elephant Hills, but
there is also 500 Rai floating
resort, which brings more of
a traditional Thai experience.
With inter-leading rooms, it is
ideal for family travel because
this beautiful lake is attractive
for swimming, kayaking and
hiking.”
She says early-morning
or late-afternoon boat rides
looking for Gibbon monkeys
and then returning for a
romantic dinner under the stars
while local guides entertain the
kids, culminate in a unique,
intimate family experience.
Did you know?
Most properties offer family
packages, but often the
rooms are limited in size
and shared. For parents
needing to relax, Deidre
Ward, leisure sales manager
for aha Hotels & Lodges,
suggests an inter-leading or
two-bedroom family room
option. “At the Shepherd’s
Tree Lodge in Pilanesberg
we have the most amazing
family rooms where each
room offers an en-suite and
a shared lounge. I am also a
big fan of Alpine Heath in the
Drakensberg, which offers
self-catering chalets as well
as the option of dining in the
hotel.” Deidre recommends
agents pre-book their clients’
date night and babysitter
with the hotel or lodge before
arrival.
Seeking solitude
SOLITUDE seekers or
couples who need time on
their own – even in familyfriendly environments – have
many options available if
they need to escape to an
exclusive zone for adults.
Princess Cruises vessels
have The Sanctuary, which
doesn’t admit anyone under
18 years, says Sabrina
Allcock, director of Discover
the World.
It is a plush, outdoor
spa-inspired setting with
signature beverages, light
meals, massages and
attentive service, she says.
Some itineraries also
attract more adult than
family bookings, says
Sabrina. “As an example,
Canada and New England
as well as Alaska typically
draw more attention from
adults only. Having said
that, however, Princess
Cruises caters for kids of
every age (even babies)
so couples can also enjoy
their time together knowing
their children are happy and
cared for.”
Clients generally plan
their cruises in a way that
suits them, with or without
children, says Cruises
International’s Thaybz Khan.
“We do not offer adult-only
cruise options.”
Roland Müller of
Development Promotions,
says on most cruise lines
there are facilities for kids
even though the itinerary
may not be appropriate.
There may also be areas
or restaurants on specific
ships that only allow adults.
Virgin Voyages, on the other
hand, only accommodates
adults.
Beachcomber takes the
concept a step further.
“Our portfolio comprises
a hotel within a hotel
for adults only,” says
Beachcomber Tours’ Joanne
Visagie.
“Victoria for 2 at Victoria
Beachcomber Resort &
Spa has that extra privacy
and tranquillity for couples,
with a total of 40 rooms,
including 17 with direct pool
access (Swim-up rooms), a
secluded beach, a bar and
the Morris Beef steakhouse
and grill.”
At Dinarobin Beachcomber
Golf Resort & Spa,
tranquillity is found at the
adults-only Zen Suites.
“These suites combine
intimacy and serenity for
special moments in an
elegant tropical setting –
a swimming pool service,
the Butik Bar with its
selection of free drinks,
reserved gazebos and
deckchairs at the beach,
WiFi connection on the
seaside, and a beach
concierge for bookings.
“Guests can also enjoy
free access to an exclusive
lounge and services at The
Club.”
Book It!
World Leisure Holidays is promoting its Long Beach
honeymoon special, with a 40% discount for a junior
suite on a half-board basis, selling at R25 970 (ex-DUR/
JNB) for seven nights. The package includes return flights
to Mauritius, approximate taxes and levies, return seatin-coach transfers, breakfast and dinner daily. The hotel
requires a wedding certificate on check-in, not older
than nine months, to qualify for the special and extras.
Honeymoon extras include a T-shirt, pareo, fruit platter,
three-course romantic dinner, a bottle of champagne and
a free 45-minute massage per adult per stay. The offer is
valid fror travel until October 1. T&Cs apply.
Did you know?
Aha Hotels and Resorts is placing emphasis on selling its destinations
and will be launching offers to various properties that include local
experiences. For example, Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel will have a
Cape Point and the Sights offer launching soon and David Livingstone
Safari Lodge and Spa now has packaged options that include a
cruise on the Lady Livingstone. The Rex Hotel in Knysna offers guests
complimentary bicycle hire to explore the town.
MSC Orchestra will visit SA’s shores for the first time in November and
remains here for the entire SA cruise season until April 2020. Most of
the sailings will be from Durban to Pomene and Portuguese Island in
Mozambique, but the ship is also doing cruises to Cape Town, Walvis
Bay, Réunion and Mauritius.
