30 October 2015

Duminy indicated that the latest statistics indicate positive growth year-on-year in air travel to Cape Town and that Cape Town Tourism’s strategies in combatting seasonality had paid off.
Specifically, Duminy highlighted a successful “Hello Weekend” campaign that resulted in 21% increase in domestic bookings and the impact that this had in combatting seasonality in tourism – the campaign specifically designed to attract visitors in off-peak season.
http://helloweekend.capetown/

He reminded everyone that achievements were made despite the current tourism industry climate which has taken a significant knock from the birth certificate requirements, biometric visas and the tail-end of the Ebola crisis, and thanked David Frost of the South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA) for his commitment to the industry in light of Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom’s announcement that some of the visa and birth certificate regulations will be relaxed.
Enver Duminy welcomed the newly-elected board members selected at the AGM who will assist in driving efforts to get visitors and locals exploring every inch of the city. The new board members are:

• Enver Mally; Director at African Eagle Tours
• Jonathan Jacobs, Director, Skylar Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd
• Michellene Leo; Marketing Manager, Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront

Key statistics and highlights he noted

• Total airport arrival figures are up 3.4% year-on-year: domestic arrivals by 2.9%, regional arrivals by 6.4% and international arrivals by 6.1%
• Cape Town Tourism achieved an unqualified audit as an organisation, and, in addition, achieved a level 4 BEE status.
• Of the big attractions, Kirstenbosch Garden showed a favourable 29% increase in visitors
• 95% of visitors polled said that they were either very satisfied or satisfied with their Cape Town experience
• Increased capacity at Cape Town International has had a positive effect on regional and international arrivals and presents an opportunity going forward.

Councillor Garreth Bloor, Mayoral Committee Member, Tourism, Events and Economic Development, concurred, stating during his own presentation that a long-term strategy aimed at counteracting seasonality is already in place and that this is encouraging tourists to stay longer, spend more and visit more places. He mentioned the specific targeting of niche tourist markets as one means of growing tourism in the city.

Executive Mayor of Cape Town Patricia de Lille encouraged members at the AGM by saying that they should keep up the good work, not rest on their laurels and act on strategies aimed at strengthening year-round tourism.

“Cape Town Tourism is closely monitoring visitor trends, and is cautiously optimistic about the upcoming holiday season, especially since domestic tourism remains the focus during December and January. Placing the emphasis on campaigns such as ‘Hello Weekend’, the ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’ video series which showcases select city suburbs and a drive to encourage visitors to ‘travel like a local’ will add impetus to tourism-related businesses”, Duminy states.

Further comments:
“Cape Town Tourism is a wonderful example of a destination management organisation, and I want to compliment them on a job well done. I also thank Enver Duminy for standing shoulder to shoulder with SATSA during the past 16 months while we have been battling the pernicious visa regulations”. – David Frost, CEO, South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA)

“The City with Cape Town Tourism and industry and provincial government has developed a clear action plan on seasonality, which is being implemented with successes to date already on record. The 365 agenda has been met with great enthusiasm. Our tourism industry has shown resilience in the face of challenge and cooperation whenever opportunity arises; as last night’s AGM shows, there is no doubt we are on track tackling seasonality head on, underpinned by access to new markets, major events, additional air routes and private sector partnerships”. – Councillor Garreth Bloor, Mayoral Committee Member, Tourism, Events and Economic Development.