We are progressively getting a clearer picture of the impact of the World Cup, in quantitative terms on our economy. It may seem a somewhat protracted topic, but the significance of this event for the tourism industry is undeniable.

In the past week, Statistics South Africa released its official arrivals stats for June 2010, which serves to confirm the industry’s anecdotal accounts. The picture is very promising, pointing towards an unprecedented growth in the source markets of Central and South America. These, hitherto non-traditional, markets displayed a phenomenal 924, 7% increase from 4 605 visitors in June 2009 to 47 188 visitors in 2010. South Africa’s traditional core markets, the USA, the UK and Northern Europe, did not disappoint and recorded significant growth, albeit not as quantum.

In practical terms this means that we in the tourism industry have a very vivid profile of the future inbound tourist - a profile that has changed significantly in a matter of a year. The repeat visitor market is of critical importance to the tourism industry and we are therefore faced with the challenge of ensuring that the World Cup boost is harnessed and sustained.

As you know we at Thebe pledge that we are Inspired by the African Quest for Excellence and nothing brings me more pride and joy than witnessing the people of Thebe Tourism breathing life into this undertaking. It is on this note that I offer hearty congratulations to the Head of Thebe Tourism Inbound Heather Gutierrez, for her election as the new South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA) President. In my view, recognition by one’s professional peers is one of the highest accolades one can ever receive. Heather’s unanimous election by her peers in the industry is testimony to her expertise and commitment to excellence and for that; we count ourselves fortunate to have her in our camp.

In the same vein, I am similarly proud of Carol Weaving and her team at Thebe Exhibitions and Projects for the company’s nomination for the TopCo Media Top Gender Empowered Company; it is with equal gratification that I applaud the team at Thebe Tourism Group Retail for the nomination of the SA Flag and Supporters Store as a regional finalist for the South African Council of Shopping Centres’ Special Star.

You will find all of this and more discussed in greater detail in the newsletter.

Best regards,
Monwabisi Fandeso
CEO, Thebe Tourism Group

Heather Gutierrez, Head of Thebe Tourism Inbound, was elected as the new SATSA President at the South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA) AGM in September. Heather, who has been a SATSA ExCo member for many years, brings to the SATSA Presidency a wealth of knowledge and experience.

The new SATSA president is passionate about the tourism industry and describes South Africa as a year-round destination, “We offer tourists an amazing destination and as SATSA members we want to expand our offering to show off the country as a whole.”

Heather believes that, as South Africans, we all have a responsibility to have a positive and welcoming attitude towards the many visitors to South Africa “When they leave here tourists will be influenced just as much by the attitude of the people they encounter as they will by the beauty we have to offer,” she says...Full Story

Club Travel Cares grants wishes to those in need, such as the children of the Stepping Stones crèche, owned and run by Almaree Jones. The small crèche, situated in Athlone and accommodating 16 children, was in desperate need of a stimulating play area and spacious classroom.

On Saturday 02 October volunteers from Club Travel arrived at the crèche to dig, rake and paint their way to a beautified and more functional crèche.Generous sponsors came onboard to help Club Travel Cares achieve its goal of providing a safe environment for the children.

Mr Reggie Naran of Universal Steel Enterprises and Mr Carlo Bravetti of Ital Projects respectively sponsored the steel and production/installation of two gates to secure the property. The Stepping Stones crèche now enjoys a beautiful garden to play in, including newly laid lawn, colourful flowers, trees, a jungle gym and a brand new 9x3m wendy house. Club Travel’s sponsorship is valued at R17 500.

Club Travel Cares, an in-house Club Travel initiative, began in 2002. Each employee donates an amount of their choice, averaging R20 per month, which Club Travel then matches Rand for Rand. This money is used by Club Travel Cares to assist those in need, by granting ‘wishes’...Full Story

The Thebe Tourism Group has recently become 51% shareholders in Kamnandi Retail, thereby increasing its significant portfolio in the retail industry.

Kamnandi Retail (Pty) Ltd was formed in 2002 in partnership with Quinmatro Retail, the Southern African licensee of Accessorize London. The Kamnandi venture has a specific focus on

airport retail and so far the company operates 3 Accessorize stores, two of which are at OR Tambo and one at Cape Town International Airport.

This popular brand stocks a globally sourced, well-priced and good quality collection of fashion accessories. The constantly changing range includes a wide range of accessories including bags, purses, jewellery, belts, hats, scarves, flip flops, gloves and hair accessories to name a few. The stores are colourful and the accessories are displayed in an original and impactful way.

Situated in one of the fashion hubs of the world, the in-house design team at Accessorize London is exposed to the very latest fashion trends. Each season’s collection showcases the very best in current trends, incorporating Accessorize’s eclectic and vibrant style. Features that remain constant throughout the collections are the attention to detail and the distinctive combination of fashion and fun. The Accessorize South Africa team work very closely with magazine fashion editors and the colourful, and sometimes unusual, accessories are often featured in some of South Africa’s leading fashion magazines thereby positioning Accessorize South Africa alongside top international fashion brands.

Accessorize South Africa, which has experienced a phenomenal growth, opened their first store in Cavendish in 2000, and will be celebrating its 10 Year anniversary in November this year. Sandy Christie, Marketing Manager at Accessorize South Africa attributes their success to the passion and dedication of the small but dynamic team lead by the Director: Ronnie Fivelman, Financial Manager: Kirsten Westman and Marketing Director: Rose Fivelman.

Accesssorize South Africa aims to be the leading accessory brand in South Africa by offering beautiful, quality merchandise in a fun environment.