FLASHBACK: Top tourism trends in 2004

“The average consumer must understand that he cannot stay in the Sandton Sun InterContinental, or at Mala Mala and eat at Vilamoura or Panama Jack’s unless he can afford to. In charging the prices that they do, hotels and restaurants such as these are not driving away tourists or killing the goose that lays the golden eggs they are catering for the needs of those who can afford the good things in life.” Andrew Moth, editor Hotel & Restaurant, on complaints of prices being too high in Cape Town during the high season.

“We are extremely pleased to be returning to South Africa – the country where it all began for us. Cape Town’s harbour precinct has been a tremendous success and we believe we can deliver an incredible new product that will serve as a new attraction for this destination. We have some outstanding plans for this new hotel and look forward to working with the V&A Waterfront in its continuing effort to build tourism in Cape Town. A visit to Cape Town is not complete without including the V&A Waterfront and we are excited to be part of this story.” Sol Kerzner, chairman of Kerzner International, on the plans to build One&Only Cape Town.

“We want to nationalize jobs not only because it turns a visit into a truly Zambian experience, but it is also a massive cost saving. It takes time, however, to transfer management concepts and the international concept of tourism. After all, we are providing a first world experience.” Boris Bornman, GM of Sun International’s The Falls Resort in Zambia, on micro-management of inexperienced staff.

“The optimism expressed by speakers at this important congress augurs well for the hospitality industry over the next 12 months. Prospects for my region of the world, the Caribbean, are looking especially good, but other regions of the world are also experiencing a recovery, in line with the improved economic outlook. … I look forward to us all pulling together to make up for some of the lost ground over the past couple of years.” John Bell, president of the International Hotel & Restaurant Association, at a meeting of the world’s leading hoteliers in Cairo in late-2003.

“Sustainable development is good in itself, but it is also good business. The social and economic upliftment aspect of tourism is important if we want tourism to grow.” Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Mohammed Valli Moosa, on the second Imvelo Awards in 2003.

“It’s disappointing, but the business and the nature of the product required consistent supply and that wasn’t happening.” Brendan McGhee, marketing manager of Ocean Basket, on the closure of two restaurants, one in Singapore and the other in Harare, Zimbabwe.

“Never believe your own publicity.” Bill Gallagher, honorary president of the South African Chefs Association and the World Association of Chefs Societies, to youngsters attending the InfoChef 2003 conference and workshop.

“In my view, food with a South African origin ranks with the best in the world and Aurelia’s new cuisine concept may well achieve international recognition.” Global Resorts SA CEO Ernie Joubert on the appointment of new chef de cuisine Gawie le Roux at Caesars Gauteng (now Emperors Palace).

“The beauty of it all is that our rates have not been affected by the installation of this system and it is simple to use. Should guests wish to access the system, they merely phone reception for an access code and for a R50 (excluding VAT) additional charge, they have unrestricted and unlimited access to the internet.” Francoise Muller, GM of The Riverside hotel in Durban, on the introduction of 24-hour internet access for guests via in-room keyboards and monitors.