THIS TOURISM WEEK Number 52 – Monday, 4 September 2006
Want the BarefootBenefit? There’s more at the end of this message.
It’s been a terrible couple of weeks for the Southern Cape – and, I’m sorry to say, I don’t think the reports in the media have helped the Garden Route’s beleaguered tourism industry at all.
But then again, has the tourism industry helped the media?
You see, the problem is this: the area has had more rainfall in the past month than it normally gets in a year (at Buffalo Hills near Wittedrif, outside Plettenberg Bay, they had more than 800 mm in August alone – historically the annual average is something like 950 mm. But Buffalo Hills, like everyone else in the area, is still very much open for business).
And yes, the rain has caused a bit of chaos, and, unfortunately, the Kaaimans Pass on the N2 between George and Wilderness took quite a beating. So much so, in fact, that it had to be closed for a day or two – but it’s open now and passable for vehicles of up to 5 tonnes (although there are delays because only one lane’s in use).
Now, see, this is where the problem comes in: when the Pass was closed, there was an alternate route for light vehicles – a detour of only about 10 km (heavy vehicles, though, had to take the long way round). But was this reported?
No – And many people cancelled their visits to the Southern Cape.
And now that the Pass has been opened again, what angle have the stories taken? Have they emphasised that yes, there are inconveniences, but they’re minor and not insurmountable?
No – And many people are still cancelling their visits to the Southern Cape.
Terrible Media! Bad Media! The Media Only Reports The Negative Stuff!
Er, yes – but did the tourism authorities have a disaster management plan in place that included a critical incidents communication plan? One that would ensure that the media would receive the attention it should? And if such an incident management plan had been followed – well, you never do have control over what the reporters say, but you can influence them. Positively.
If you have a plan….
The Cape Outdoor Adventure and Leisure Experience – popularly known as the Cape Outdoor Show – is moving to new premises. Organiser Shirley Shearer tells us that the show takes place this year from September 29 to October 1 at Bien Donne in Franschoek – and that “over 250 exhibits will cover some 46,000 square metres of space, with an added array of activities for the whole family.”
And here’s the advantage of the Bien Donne venue: a special Camp Out has been organised for the night of the 29th, to “give families, fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, or anyone the opportunity to camp under the stars. Bonfires, music and more are on offer…”
Brilliant idea, don’t you think? It rounds out the whole Expo Experience – and you couldn’t do anything like it at the old venue in the middle of the city.
Diarise the dates – and remember that the 29th is Trade Day. And if you want to exhibit, visit the web site or mail shirley@outdoorexpo.co.za.
This is the best fun I’ve had in any vehicle – ever!
Follow the Land Rover G4 Spirit of Adventure at www.thistourismweek.co.za.
I’ve spoken about ChakariNet before – often. But have you ever visited them?
As the web masters for Ezimvelo KZN Wildlife (and a number of others), ChakariNet have a deep understanding of what the tourism industry needs in a web site. The Ezimvelo site has more than 1,500 pages and is responsible for generating almost a half a million bucks worth of bookings every year.
But not everyone in tourism is as big as KZN Wildlife, and ChakariNet has a number of small sites on its books, too (and they’ve got the experience – and the understanding – of what it’s like to run a small business) .
Go and have a look at their site – www.chakari.net – and make a point of going to the E-brochures page. Because the e-brochure is a tool that can really enhance your marketing arsenal.
Want the BarefootBenefit?
Visit www.barefootclients.co.za
The BarefootBenefit
BarefootClients provides communications services (copy writing, advertising, printing and that kind of stuff) as well as strategy planning and creative thought for select clients who share our Barefoot On The Beach approach to business.
It’s simple. We believe that successful marketing creates relationships – friendships – between businesses and their customers. Our job is to help you develop friendships with your clients: to make them so comfortable with you that they’ll happily walk Barefoot On The Beach with you … Because business works best between friends. That’s the BarefootBenefit.
Want it? Visit www.barefootclients.co.za
ABOUT THIS TOURISM WEEK
Telephone +27(0)44 384 1810 | Cell +27(0)84 951 0574 | martin@thistourismweek.co.za
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