Dear <<First Name>>
It’s been some time since my last update and although we still feel frustrated at times at the gradual pace at which travel is being reintroduced, we are also feeling optimistic and hopeful for a bright and positive future.
We have been hard at work behind the scenes primarily dedicated to innovating ways in which to improve both the customer and guest experience with Thompsons Africa.
Our key focus over the past months has been the CUSD (Cullinan Unique Systems Division) which we know will be a revolutionary experience, offering unique enhancements which include, amongst other things:
We're very excited about the work we've completed and look forward to the official launch of the CUSD system. We'll be in touch with details of this in due course. My recent travels While looking for new and exciting product to introduce to customers and guests, I've had the opportunity to visit a number of properties in Botswana, Cape Town and the Kruger area. Botswana Xigera Safari Lodge I was privileged to enjoy two nights at the beautiful Xigera Safari Lodge. Only accessible by air, (20 minute light aircraft flight from Maun), this lodge, located in a remote area of the delta, exudes opulence at every turn. From the accommodation, the meals and staff, it was simply outstanding. Thanks to the impressive skills of our ranger, we were able to see all of the Big Five (and more). What a surprise to see a luxurious and air-conditioned library where I was quite content to spend a good few hours catching up on some reading, with a refreshing cocktail in hand. Xigera surpassed all expectations and should (and will) definitely be a bucket list item for anyone visiting Botswana. Sanctuary Retreats Chiefs Camp While in Botswana, I was lucky enough to spend two nights at Sanctuary Retreats Chiefs Camp. What a spoil! This timeless camp was absolutely beautiful with the highlight being the exceptional staff who are all well versed at exceeding the guest expectation. The enthusiastic guides and attention to detail by all staff at the camp are known as hallmarks of all Sanctuary Retreats experiences and I was not disappointed. Certainly another property to add to your Botswana bucket list.
Cape Town and the Winelands
In Cape Town, I spent time at Pepper Club Hotel & Spa, Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel, Three Boutique Hotel, Table Bay Hotel and Southern Sun Waterfront. It was wonderfully reassuring to see their health and safety protocols in practice and even more exciting to see a few guests at these properties. I was able to watch first hand how the staff at these establishments navigated the 'new normal' and offered guests a first class service.
While in Cape Town, we hosted a small get together for our highly respected Guides. How absolutely wonderful to see so many faces! In spite of the difficult times, it was inspiring and humbling to hear how positive they all were about the future of our industry and our beautiful destination, Southern Africa. Kruger What a wonderful time to travel to the Kruger. As the season changes from autumn to winter, sightings of wildlife are fantastic. With bush becoming more and more dry and sparse, there is greater visibility with the game concentrated around water sources. A fabulous opportunity for avid wildlife photographers.
While there I saw Abelana Game Reserve, aha Makalali Private Game Lodge, Hippo Hollow Country Estate, Perry's Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel and Mdluli Safari Lodge.
In other news
Earlier this month we were delighted to receive a visit from Linda Pampallis. Linda traveled from Germany (where she now lives) to South Africa and shared some of the highlights of her time in our country which we share with you below. A word from Linda Pampallis I recently had the opportunity to visit South Africa from Germany. This was a long overdue trip! I have missed my regular visits back home because of the pandemic.
In case you are not aware of my role these days, I remain a director and am available to assist with advice where needed. As always, I am passionate about our customer relationships and continue to work with Jonathan on the development of these. It was lovely to spend quality face to face time with Jonathan during my visit after many months of online catch ups.
Now back to my trip.
My first impression arriving in Cape Town was of the reminder of the friendliness and warmth of our people, together with complete respect for all corona protocols. This theme was to travel throughout the country with me – a happiness that emanates from the people who realise that the situation is serious, that all caution must be taken to protect their own and others health, but at the same time a willingness to happily and with motivation move on towards a successful outcome for South Africa. This is not a nation who sits back and complains but one who consistently moves forward with great expectations of their ability to achieve the best through whatever challenges comes its way.
This was and is my biggest joy throughout my trip.
All South Africa is open. It is quiet as people take care of being in crowds and pay attention to regulations. We miss our tourists, the tourism industry having to rely mainly on the domestic tourist at present.
My travels took me to Cape Town and the Winelands, then I flew to Durban and then by car onto Pretoria and then to Kruger. It was a busy visit with me trying to pack everything in – tourism, friends, family, and business.
Some of my highlights were:
The visit to the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden – Dylan Lewis is recognised as Africa’s most widely known figurative sculptor – he started with animals and now also sculpts the human form, the garden is a beautiful place of serenity and peace, set in the glorious Stellenbosch area with the sensitive and life like art placed amidst nature. It is truly a must visit on your next trip to the Cape! One can also host small functions or lectures there, meet the artist, and weddings are also arranged.
A drive through the Natal Midlands – after enjoying a weekend in tropical bliss I left Durban early on a Monday morning and travelled to Pretoria taking a detour through the Midlands Meander to enjoy the beauty of these rolling hills – it was a beautiful day and the world felt so good.
Pretoria with all its beautiful trees – my stay in Pretoria was with family but I took the time to drive through the many streets which are arched with trees, there had been so much rain this summer that the city had turned into one big green park!
Dullstroom – a weekend here in self catering cottages surrounded by spectacular scenery and a visit to this lovely little town filled with shops selling quaint and interesting things for the tourist.
Kruger Sabie Sands stay at Leopard Hills Lodge – again I drove through the Lowveld to Hazyview – another wonderful part of the world of rolling hills and excellent roads. A visit to our Manager Matt Louw and then a helicopter transfer to Leopard Hills Reserve. The game drives where wonderful! On one drive we saw three separate pride of Lions…. A definite first for me. Being in the reserve and seeing the beauty of Africa even for such a short visit was balm to my soul.
South Africa is open and it is amazing, get there as soon as you can, it will not disappoint.
Linda Pampallis
Feedback from guests on the ground
We were thrilled to hear feedback from a customer regarding guests who are currently on the ground. Its so wonderful to hear first hand from those experiencing our world class service.
'The guests are over the moon happy with the restaurants, touring and other services on the ground in Cape Town.
They are crazy about their guide, Alistair. They said the Platinum Meet & Greet breezed them through the Covid-19 testing checks. I guess that once you get past the flight cancellations and protocols the experience on the ground is awesome. Thank you for making us look so good.' Our Nomination in the World Travel Awards 2021 We are delighted to be nominees in the categories South Africa's Leading Destination Management Company and Africa's Leading Destination Management Company in the World Travel Awards for 2021. Please take a moment to register and vote for us to win. A final word In closing, I am proud and inspired by the way that Thompsons Africa has risen to this challenge - with flexibility, resilience, courage and a caring heart. Thank you to everyone, those within our organisation and our valued partners across the globe, for their tremendous support. I look forward to working even closer together for a brighter tomorrow.
Best personal regards, Jono Jonathan Gadiah - CEO Thompsons Africa
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