© 2016 Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. All rights reserved.
The TGCSA is thrilled at the overwhelming response that greeted our sparkling new addition to this year’s Indaba (now renamed Africa’s Travel Indaba) in Durban, the Lap of Luxury pavilion.
This initiative saw the showcasing of 26 high-end brands, ranging from big name brand establishments, including hotels to guest houses, resorts, lodges, venues and B&Bs.
“While Indaba has always seen a great selection of product ranging from luxury offerings to the mid-market and more affordable offerings, we identified an opportunity to showcase South Africa’s diverse luxury offerings,” explains Darryl Erasmus, the TGCSA’s Chief Quality Assurance Officer.
To participate, the luxury brands had to meet a number of criteria, including a five-star grading from the TGCSA, geographic location and where possible, being a Lilizela Tourism Awards winner.
“We are very fortunate that we have such a plethora of high-quality graded product in South Africa in many different categories, and the pavilion is a great opportunity for smaller establishments to sit alongside some bigger players and network, learn and, in many cases, compete for some market share,” Erasmus says.
The launch of the pavilion is in line with the trend of South African Tourism’s core international source markets seeking out more luxury options, which are deemed more affordable due to a favourable currency exchange rate, he explains. He adds that attracting such tourists will help the country to achieve its target of attracting five more domestic and international travellers in five years.
“The luxury end of the market remains a thriving sector of the industry,” he says.
The next edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba takes place at the Durban International Convention Centre from 8 to 10 May 2018. Visit www.indaba-southafrica.co.za for more details.
The TGCSA thanks these Lap of Luxury pavilion exhibitors:
See link below for a testimonial from one of the Lap of Luxury Exhibitors at Indaba 2017 sharing their testimonial on participating at the Speed marketing sessions and the benefits of being graded.
http://www.tourismgrading.co.za/about-the-tgcsa/news-media-and-events/video-gallery/speed-marketing-testimonial/
Pakamisa Private Game Reserve
Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa
Jock Safari Lodge
Sondela Nature Reserve
The Collection by Liz McGrath
Mosselberg on Grotto Beach
Fairmont Zimbali Resort
Radisson Blu Hotels
Lakeside Lodge and Spa
The Angels Place Boutique Guesthouse
Wild Horses Exclusive Mountain Lodge
Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa
Shambala Private Game Reserve
The View Boutique Hotel & Spa
Forest Manor Boutique Guesthouse
Knysna Luxury Accommodation
Isango Gate Hotel
Rovos Guesthouses
Waterkloof Guesthouse
Westville B&B
Tau Game Lodge
Lawhill Luxury Apartments
Gallagher Convention Centre
Menlyn Boutique Hotel and Fifty-Seven Waterburg
Hayward Safaris
Tshiberry B&B
The Loerie’s Call Guesthouse