Alan Hawkins is the CEO of StaySA. StaySA is a leading South African Accommodationportal. Visit StaySA next time you are looking for a kind of Accommodation in South African
Buzz words abound on this subject…service delivery…a service industry…service is our secret. Tourism and travel is about service, as the South African tourism industry looks forward to the 2010 Soccer World cup and hopefully toward fully booked Hotels and bed and Breakfasts, we need to strive and step forward to the plate, it is about service.
Whether you are in Calitzdorp or in Calvinia, Cape Town or Kariega, you are advised to focus on this. Why? Why not just make a quick profit, after all we will be busy, will be able to rent out every room we have. Tourism must become a stable industry for South Africa…an industry that grows and grows to the level seen in other countries, we simply have to lift our game a little and embrace travel and service.
I had the privilege of travelling route sixty two with my family a few weeks ago, how lovely was this experience. We made a point of sleeping over on our travel from Stellenbosch to East London, we popped in at the Barrydale wine cellars, Bo-Plaas estate near Calitzdorp and the farm stores between Montagu; Ashton; Oudtshoorn and wherever we saw a nice looking stop. Never once did we experience bad service, this was an absolute pleasure.
On the sad side however we had booked accommodation near Franschoek through RCI, what a disaster, to cut a long story short, the accommodation reserved; confirmed in writing was cancelled by them literally the day before arrival after the booking was made some three months previously, owned by the Wyndham group, we were firstly let down and their attempts to help us out of a predicament cause by them were absolutely non-existent. Travellers beware, whether your holiday or travel plans include, South Africa, England or Egypt, the onus is on you to check and re-check all your plans, your air tickets, the dates and agreed rates, the whole lot.
The lack of service led to a disaster for us, thank goodness the industry members along the way, lunch at Hermanus; wine on the rocks at Gans Baai and other wonderful experiences meant our holiday was a success.
Just in case there is anyone reading this and perhaps planning a holiday in South Africa, please don’t be alarmed, South Africa remains one of the best kept travel secrets in the world and you are sure to enjoy a wonderful holiday. From Cape Town to Knysna, the Kruger Park and Durban, I challenge anyone to a debate on this one, a world one country. Please click here for travel information and accommodation on South Africa.
YOUR INPUT IS CRITICAL…….. Please send any travel tip or travel idea to info@staysa.co.za help fellow travellers to enjoy safe and happy travelling.
Alan Hawkins – CEO
www.staysa.co.za
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