International tourism arrivals to exceed 1 billion

 Picture: iafrica

The number of tourists in the world this year will pass the one-billion mark despite the economic crisis, the head of the World Tourism Organisation said Wednesday.

The number of people making tourist trips in 2012 is set to record a rise of 3 % compared to 2011 in recession-bound Europe, 7 % in Asia and 4 % worldwide, he said.

"When you have one billion international travellers, it's one out of six people of the world that cross borders," he said.

That indicated a strong recovery compared to 2009, when world tourism declined 3.8 % at the height of the financial crisis, though the rise has stopped accelerating after growth of 6.6 % in 2010.

He said his organisation forecasts that by 2030 the number of tourists worldwide would reach 1.8 billion.

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Mozambique establishes Africa's Largest Marine Reserve

Picture: 2oceansvibe

The Primeiras and Segundas have been approved as a marine protected area in Mozambique making this diverse ten-island archipelago Africa’s largest coastal marine reserve.

Comprising ten islands off the coast of northern Mozambique, and featuring abundant coral and marine turtle species, the protected area will cover more than 1,040,926 hectares. WWF has worked for eight years to secure this important marine reserve, which has been threatened by overfishing and unauthorised tourism.

Located in the northern region of the country, between Nampula and Zambezia Provinces, the declaration of the Primeiras and Segundas environment protection area represents the second major conservation area to be declared within the last two years.

The archipelago includes the most robust and diverse coral community in Mozambique. It is rich in mangroves, marine life, deep underwater canyons and large seagrass beds. Due to cold nutrient-rich upwellings, the archipelago is spared coral bleaching, a common problem in other coral-rich areas, making these some of the most globally productive and important reefs on the planet.

The area is also of great economical importance. Artisanal, semi-industrial, and industrial fishermen have been carrying out their fishery activities in the same area. Thus, all fishing activity within the archipelago area shows signs of overexploitation, with some species on the brink of collapse.

Read more: http://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?206632/Mozambique-creates-Africas-largest-coa

 

Blue Flag Status for 8 of the City of Cape Town's beaches

Picture: iafrica (source: Tumblr)

The National Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, confirmed that eight of the City of Cape Town’s beaches and two of its marinas have been awarded Blue Flag Status.

The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded annually to over 3650 beaches and marinas in 44 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean. The City has successfully participated in the Blue Flag Beach Programme since its inception in South Africa in 2001.

This year the City applied for Blue Flag status for eight of its beaches across the metropole – all of which have been granted this coveted status. This means that the City has the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in South Africa.

The beaches that have been awarded Blue Flag status for this season, which runs from 1 December 2012 to 31 March 2013, are Bikini, Mnandi, Strandfontein, Muizenberg, Llandudno, Camps Bay, Clifton 4th and Silwerstroomstrand.

Blue Flag beaches are required to meet 32 criteria spanning four aspects of coastal management: water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management and safety and services. The status indicates that the beaches are clean, have adequate ablution facilities and parking, are environmentally sound, are safe and secure to visit, and adhere to international safety and tourism standards.

In conclusion, the Blue Flag brand adds value to Cape Town’s Responsible Tourism offerings and supports the implementation of the City’s Responsible Tourism Policy.

Read more: http://business.iafrica.com/property/news/821952.html?p=1

Increase of tourist arrivals to South Africa

Tourist arrivals to South Africa grew by 10.5 percent over the first six months of this year, Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said.

According to Statistics SA, the tourism figures indicated that South Africa experienced an excellent first half of the year, attracting 4,416,373 tourists to the country between January and June 2012, compared to 3,996,760 tourist arrivals for the same period in 2011.

The tourism industry experienced particularly strong growth in overseas tourist arrivals, recording 17.1 percent growth in arrivals from outside the African continent. A total of 1,163,477 overseas tourist arrivals were recorded for the first six months of 2012, compared to 993,364 tourist arrivals for the corresponding period in 2011.

Image from Destination360

For the full article visit iafrica.com

SA's global rankings in 2012

The World Competitiveness Report has just pronounced that SA’s ranking has improved by two places from 52nd to 50th.

More surveys on just about everything:

• According to the Open Budget Index 2010, South Africa has the most transparent budget in the world. (International Budget Partnership)

•  South Africa’s debt to GDP ratio is 40 percent (USA 100 percent, Japan 200 percent, UK 90 percent). The World Bank recommends a ratio of below 60 percent.

•  South Africa is ranked 1st out of 142 countries in respect of regulation of security exchanges according to the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report 2011/12

• South Africa's banks rank 2nd in the world for soundness, according to the Global Competitiveness Report 2011/12.

• South African Tax Revenue has increased from R100-billion in 1994 to R742.7-billion in 2011-12 and the individual taxpayer net from 2.5-million taxpayers in 1994 to 10.7-million in 2011

• South Africa is ranked 1st in respect of auditing and reporting, according to the Global Competitiveness Report 2011/12.

• The South African rand was the second best performing currency against the US Dollar between 2007 and 2011, according to Bloomberg’s Currency Scorecard.

• The number of tourists visiting South Africa has grown from 3.9-million in 1994 to 11.8-million in 2010. South Africa is ranked among the top five countries in the world in respect of tourism growth (growing at three times the global average).

• The percentage of the South African population with access to clean drinking water has increased from 62 percent in 1994, to 93 percent in 2011. Access to electricity has increased from 34 percent in 1994, to 84 percent in 2011.

• Since 1994, 435 houses have been built each day for the poor.SA has 45-million active cell phones (population 49-million) — ranking in the top five globally in terms of cell phone coverage.

 To see the full article on iafrica.com, click here

SAA drops Cape Town - London

South African Airways announced this week it is halting daily direct flights between Cape Town and London, to avoid losses amid shrinking demand.

The national carrier will close the Cape Town route, operational for 20 years, in August when two daily flights with increased capacity from Johannesburg will become its sole leg to Heathrow.

"A thorough analysis of the route made it clear that we could use our aircraft more profitably elsewhere, while continuing to ensure excellent business and tourism links... via Johannesburg," said Theunis Potgieter, SAA commercial general manager.

"It is also clear that we would lose money on the direct route in the future, whereas it is possible for us to operate more optimally between Cape Town and London via our Johannesburg hub," he said in a statement.

But the local tourism industry is not convinced.

"Our research has indicated that the London-Cape Town route still holds strong economic value for the Western Cape and neighbouring Eastern Cape," said Nils Flaatten, CEO of development agency Wesgro. "International airlines identified this and are increasing their capacity during peak season. Many business and leisure travelers from the United States are using London as a connecting flight into Cape Town and we are at risk of losing these visitors, as the traveling time has been extended even further."

"This is disappointing news for Cape Town’s tourism industry and we fear it could affect tourism arrivals from the UK and the rest of Europe negatively," commented Cape Town Tourism CEO, Mariëtte Du Toit-Helmbold.

To see the full article on iafrica.com, click here

Durban: see more for less

                                  
Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and the third largest cityin South Africa. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism because of the city's warm subtropical climate and extensive beaches.

Visitors to Durban can now see more for less, with the launch of the iVenture Card “See Durban Attraction Pass”.

With its purchase, tourists are able to plan fun days with the family, whilst also enjoying a significant saving of up to 40 percent.

There are eighteen key tourism attractions that iVenture Card users can visit, including iconic experiences such as the Moses Mabhida Stadium, uShaka Marine World, KZN Sharks Board, Mini Town, Phezula Safari Park and Ocean Ventures to name a few.

To see the full article on iafrica.com, please click here

Paternoster for less - Winter special at Abalone House

Paternoster's best-kept secret is its winter season. Clear, still days dazzled with sunshine, epitomize winter here. Velvety green carpets of wheat surround the village and southern right whales frolic in the bay.

Echoing the beauty of Paternoster is Abalone House, the village’s first five-star boutique guesthouse. Beautifully designed around a central courtyard and lapping swimming pool, each of the 10 suites of Abalone House is completely private and utterly decadent.

While some of the suites have Atlantic views, all have access to private relaxation areas where guests can completely unwind to the sound of waves and wind chimes and there is even a rooftop Jacuzzi with views of the bay and powder white sandy beaches.
For those looking for a sociable, cosy evening around the fire, there is the Africa Bar which is an oversized rock fireplace.

Abalone House is offering a special winter package of R995 per person sharing, which includes an overnight stay, sumptuous breakfast and indulgent afternoon tea.
This rate is available 1 May – 31 August 2012 and is subject to availability.

To make a booking contact Abalone House directly.

For the full article on iafrica.com, click here

You do not need a holiday you need Cape Town!

This image video of the "Mother city"
was published by Cape Town Tourism.

Check it out and see yourself why Cape Town is all you need! :)

Times when you just have to trust the pilot.

Wake island, Pacific Ocean.

Macao Intl Airport.

Kuujjuaraapik, Quebec.

A rock, off the coast of Greenwood, Canada.

Tioman island, off the coast of Malaysia.
http://www.findingafrica.com/Flights.aspx

Leopard vs crocodile.

A series of incredible pictures taken at the Kruger National Park in South Africa, document the first known time that a leopard has taken on and defeated one of the fearsome reptiles.

The giant cat raced out of cover provided by scrub and bushes to surprise the crocodile, which was swimming nearby. A terrible and bloody struggle ensued. Eventually, onlookers were amazed to see the leopard drag the crocodile from the water as the reptile fought back. With the crocodile snapping its powerful jaws furiously, the two animals somersaulted and grappled. Despite the crocodile's huge weight and strength, the leopard had the upper hand catching its prey by the throat. Eventually the big cat was able to sit on top of the reptile and suffocate it.

In the past, there have been reports of crocodiles killing leopards, but this is believed to the first time that the reverse scenario has been observed.

It just doesn't make sense. The meat you get out of a crocodile is just not worth the risk it takes a predator to acquire.

Stellenbosch on Two Wheels

A Stellenbosch-based adventure sports company has launched guided bicycle tours through the historic town and surrounding winelands.

"It is something different. You actually have an opportunity to experience Stellenbosch and its surroundings, and not just sit in a bus," says the Adventure Shop's Raino Bolz.

You don't even have to be in peak condition to join in. Bolz advises tourists to travel light and cycle in comfortable gear such as shorts and t-shirts. The guides carry a snack pack for each rider. From here, tourists cycle through Stellenbosch to interesting historic sites.

The tour kicks off in Stellenbosch, at the tourist information centre where riders collect their mountain bikes and helmets.

En route the guides will point out other prominent landmarks such as the 'moederkerk', and the theological seminary.

Heading into the countryside

Next, the group heads out to the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, just outside Stellenbosch. Cyclists might work up a bit of a sweat on this part of the route, but the beautiful mountain fynbos should offer enough of a distraction.

The tour follows a winding road through oak and poplar forests to two wine estates in the Jonkershoek Valley. At Lanzerac Wine Estate, cyclists are also treated to chocolate and wine pairings, the ultimate indulgence.

Ending a perfect day out

After the tasting, the group cycles back into Stellenbosch, which is mostly downhill.

Bolz says that there are some variations to this route, and that the tour can be tailored to suite the group's cycling ability. The duration of the tour is four to five hours and cyclists depart at 9.30am from the Stellenbosch tourist information centre, where the Adventure Shop is located.

The cost is R490 per person, which includes a guide; bicycle and helmet rental; two wine tastings and a snack pack and drink.

Visit www.adventureshop.co.za to find out more.

For the full article, click here.

Visitors stream through SA airports

Johannesburg - There was an "impressive" increase in passenger traffic at airports countrywide from November 2011 to January this year, Airports Company SA (Acsa) said on Monday.

"These are encouraging indications of an improvement in air travel numbers and it is hoped that growth will be maintained through 2012," spokesperson Solomon Makgale said in a statement.

"In spite of tough market conditions as a result of poor economic performance, the three months... showed that 9.2 million passengers... were facilitated through... a countrywide network of airports."

This represented a 2.9% growth when compared to the same period a year ago.

"Traffic was boosted noticeably over the summer period at Cape Town International Airport due to additional international seasonal capacity and the introduction of Velvet Sky flights," he said.

The airport recorded "impressive" increases in international passenger travel over the previous year, with November's traffic growing by 12%, while December and January each had a 17% rise.

In December during the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) in Durban, the number of flights at King Shaka International Airport increased by 7.1% with 10 380 additional visitors.

"International traffic grew exceptionally by 105%, with an average flight occupancy of 95%."

Makgale said although OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg saw a modest 1.5% growth during the three months, statistics confirmed it remained southern Africa's traffic hub with an average of 1.6 million passengers passing through it each month.

"Overall traffic results showed that Acsa facilitated a total of 29.9 million arriving and departing passengers between April 2011 and January 2012, an increase of 2.6 percent over the previous corresponding period," Makgale said.

- Sapa

TripAdvisor in hot water

Travel website TripAdvisor was censured by Britain's advertising watchdog on Wednesday, and told it must not claim that all of its user-generated reviews are from real travellers.

The website carried statements such as "more than 50 million honest travel reviews and opinions from real travellers around the world" and "reviews that you can trust", the Advertising Standards Authority said.

But the watchdog upheld complaints that the US-based company - which claims to be the world's biggest travel site - did not verify the reviews to the extent that it could guarantee they were all genuine.

It said that claims that all reviews on the site were from actual travellers were "misleading".

"We told TripAdvisor not to claim or imply that all the reviews that appeared on the website were from real travellers, or were honest, real or trusted," it said in a statement.

TripAdvisor said its fraud detection systems were "advanced and highly effective" but that it was "not practical" for them to screen all reviews manually.

A key complaint was made last year by an online reputation management firm called KwikChex.com, which said it had spoken to thousands of hotels claiming to be affected by malicious reviews, the Guardian newspaper reported.

Full article on iafrica.com

10 Best places to live in the world

Thanks to its beautiful beaches, great restaurants, friendly communities and wide choice of properties, Cape Town has just been voted one of the 10 best places in the world to live in a survey conducted by the UK Telegraph and Sotheby’s International Realty.

Readers of the newspaper named Camps Bay and Hout Bay as their favourite parts of Cape Town, and sang the praises of the Cape Dutch homesteads in the Southern Suburbs and modern apartments overlooking the V&A Waterfront, notes Lew Geffen, chairman of Sotheby’s International Realty in SA.

"They also listed the Cape’s amazing wine, mountains, fun-loving people and outdoorsy lifestyle among the many factors adding to the city’s appeal."

The online survey was undertaken last year after the Telegraph learned that one in three Britons is now considering emigration, and it asked readers to recommend the top spots for these people to settle, by planting pins on a virtual map of the world.

It drew a huge response from readers all over the world, and a wide variety of recommendations, some of them quite unexpected. The other nine destinations among the top 10, for example, included Hong Kong, New York City, Maui in Hawaii, Barbados and the Turks and Caicos islands, but also the North Island of New Zealand, Tasmania, Buenos Aires and Victoria on the west coast of Canada.

Full the full article on iafrica.com

Welcome 2012!

We wish all of you that have traveled and worked with us over the years, a successful 2012!

The Finding Africa Team