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And it’s true. South Africa is awe-inspiring. This country, with its controversial history, its diverse cultural heritage, outgoing and open-hearted people, beautiful and rich landscape, and majestic animals, draws you in and leaves you just that little bit changed forever.

Tourists have been flocking to South Africa in droves since 1994 when Nelson Mandela was elected as the first black president in the country’s first all-race elections. With apartheid finally outlawed, it’s as if history began again for South Africa those 12 years ago, and the country has been working hard to achieve united goals ever since. However, with a generation of black South Africans poorly educated because of the appalling apartheid system, some 27 per cent of the country’s 47 million population remains unemployed, leading to poverty and crime. But it’s not as bad as you might think. In fact, tourists are realising the rewards of visiting South Africa far outweigh the risks, and as any traveller knows, there are risks associated with visiting any foreign country.

Now, with tourism on the increase, South African Tourism has begun promoting the country as a conference and incentive destination.
“Business tourism is South Africa’s yet untapped new gold mine,” South African Tourism Australian general manager Bangu Masisi says.
Last year the tourism authority rolled out a new business tourism brand, initially within South Africa and then to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. The new concept, Business Unusual, was launched to the Asia-Pacific region last month in Singapore while it went to the United States earlier this year. Ms Masisi said with leisure tourism doing so well, now is the time to begin tapping into the C&I market.
“Business tourism has actually contributed to the economy already so if we start to drive that then we can alleviate some of the problems we have in South Africa,” Ms Masisi says.

Business Tourism has a current return on investment of 35:1 and is worth R20 billion to the South African economy. It sustains almost 260,000 jobs, provides more than R6 billion annually to salaries and contributes R4 billion to the central fiscal in the form of taxes.
“Business tourism is the future and it’s very important for the region,” she adds.

South African Tourism CEO Moeketsi Mosola says the new campaign is called Business Unusual because the authority believes South Africa has a completely unique offering based on its brand positioning; South Africa is the ‘break away that breaks new ground’.
“Through the Business Unusual process, we present the ways in which the learnings from our past play a vital role in inspiring and prompting innovative and creative ideas,” he says.
“In addition, we showcase the leisure options, natural wonder and awe, and human spirituality that make us proud to be South African. We demonstrate to international decision makers that we have an edge over our competitors. We highlight the differentiators that make travel to South Africa so special. We’re proud to present this concept to the business travel world.”
Ms Masisi says South Africa Tourism sees business tourism as two-fold; as drawing business travellers to the region, but also as translating into leisure tourism in pre and post trips and activities.
“We believe that we are a very fresh destination for C&I especially for this (Australian) market because this market hasn’t yet taken full advantage of South Africa for conferences and incentives.”
South Africa’s uniqueness stems from the number of tribes, the different provinces and the fact 11 languages are spoken throughout the country. The colourful traditions, rhythmic drum beats, ancient religions and recipes passed down among generations make it a destination alive with culture and heritage.

Then of course there’s the wonderful opportunity to go on safari and see African animals at their finest, in their spectacular natural habitat. And it’s all pretty inexpensive due to the weak Rand. An exhilarating experience, participants say there’s nothing else like it – a perfect incentive reward for conference delegates. South Africa is a country with a warm and inviting hospitality, which gives delegates a chance to live the experience.

“We realise we have a long way to go but we plan to work with the private sector to make the facilities reliable and better.”
And to that end South African Tourism hopes to add its presence to AIME next year, alongside some of the South African operators who exhibited in June. Meanwhile Ms Masisi says South African Tourism will be ensuring a focus on the Australian C&I market through its commitment to employ a business tourism manager based in the region. The appointment was still being finalised at the time of going to press, however Angeline Lue is the new business tourism portfolio manager based in South Africa after starting with the authority in April.

ICC Durban
A focal point of Durban’s business district and home to Southern Africa’s biggest tourism tradeshow – INDABA – the International Conference Centre Durban is one quarter of an hour from the airport, and minutes from hotels and beaches. One of the ICC’s unique features is the 1800 raked-seating system in the plenary hall which can be lifted into the ceiling, leaving flat floor space below. Double operable walls separating Halls 1, 2 and 3 can be moved to create a venue which seats up to 5000 delegates. Additional venues include up to 23 meeting rooms ranging from 43m2 to 396m2 situated on levels two and three, and the Durban Exhibition Centre next door. The ICC is linked to the nearby Hilton Durban hotel. For more information telephone +27 31 360 1000, email mktg@icc.co.za or visit www.icc.co.za

Zimbali Tree Lodge, Durban
The Zimbali Tree Lodge, meaning The Valley of the Flowers, is situated on 750 hectares about 45 minutes drive north of Durban. Bordered by the beach on one side, and set within a coastal forest, Zimbali Tree Lodge offers 76 rooms – including 10 new luxury Forest Suites – each with a private, furnished balcony with sweeping views down to the Indian Ocean. Part of the Sun International group, the lodge features a host of conference and special event facilities for up to 100 delegates including the Zimbali Country Club, plus a health spa, 18-hole golf course, and outdoor pool. For more information telephone +27 32 538 1007, email tmoodley@sunint.co.za or visit www.suninternational.com

Protea Hotel Simunye
Simunye is a traditional Zulu culture destination with royal suites or thatched roof huts to choose from. The village can accommodate up to 44 guests twin share. Up to eight of the authentic huts feature their own rock pool bath ensuite with flush toilet, but no electricity. Instead, candles and lanterns are used, while the lodge and Africa rooms now have power. Across the river at the lodge is a conference centre, restaurant, boma and bar. The conference centre can hold 35 classroom-style. Simunye features unique team-building experiences and a chance to learn traditional Zulu culture through the real onsite village. To top it off delegates journey to the hotel on horseback or ox cart. For more information telephone +27 35 450 3111, email simunye@shakaland.com or visit www.proteahotels.com/simunye

The Westcliff, Johannesburg
Overlooking Johannesburg is The Westcliff Hotel, featuring 115 luxurious rooms. Created in the image of a Mediterranean hillside village The Westcliff cascades down the hillside and is surrounded by seven acres of lush greenery. Its restaurants Loggia and La Belle Terrasse offer Mediterranean cuisine with expansive views across the city. There’s also the Camelot Spa, a gym, nearby golf club and a floodlit tennis court. Most impressive is Jacaranda Hill, an events venue within the hotel grounds, featuring a conference centre and ballroom. The Westcliff is one of dozens of hotels around the world including The Mount Nelson in Cape Town managed by Orient-Express Hotels Trains & Cruises. For more information telephone The Westcliff on +21 11 481 6000, email reservations@westcliff.co.za or visit www.westcliff.co.za or www.orient-express.com

Melrose Arch Hotel, Sandton
The Melrose Arch Hotel in northern Johannesburg offers 117 luxury rooms plus penthouse. The hotel features five executive boardrooms for conferencing and an auditorium which can seat 55. A pool is on the same level as the conference floor making it a great breakout space while an atrium is also available for functions and can hold up to 60 people. The hotel has a library, a sound room complete with large flat-screen TV, and the march restaurant and bar. For more information telephone +27 11 214 6666, email info@melrosearchhotel.com or visit www.africanpridehotels.com/melrosearchhotel

The Michelangelo, Sandton
The Michelangelo on Nelson Mandela Square is situated in the heart of Sandton’s central business district and offers 240 rooms in Renaissance architecture. The hotel, just 26km from Johannesburg International Airport, features conference and banqueting facilities for 160 delegates, plus a business centre, health and fitness centre, indoor pool and the Piccolo Mondo Restaurant. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the five-star Michelangelo is just one of 11 hotels, four lodges and four resorts managed by Legacy Hotels & Resorts in Southern Africa. The other two in Sandton include Michelangelo Towers and Raphael Penthouse Suites. For more information telephone +27 11 806 6888 or visit www.legacyhotels.co.za

Cape Town International Convention Centre
Located on Cape Town’s northern foreshore beneath Table Mountain, the Cape Town International Convention Centre is a flexible and well-designed facility. The CTICC’s two-storey gallery extends the full length of the centre, linking all its venues and allowing a phenomenal amount of natural light into many of the rooms. The centre has 10,000sqm of pillarless exhibition space, a 2000sqm Grand Ballroom seating up to 1300 delegates banquet-style, four sub-divisable meeting rooms holding up to 330 delegates, 13 meeting suites for up to 25 people each, and two auditoriums seating 1500 and 620 pax.
For information telephone +27 21 410 500 or visit www.cticc.co.za

Mkuze Falls Game Lodge
Mkuze Falls Game Lodge is almost halfway between Durban and Johannesburg and is located along the northern bank of the Mkuze River in the heart of KwaZulu Natal. Overlooking the Mkuze waterfall, the game lodge features nine luxuriously appointed thatched chalets, accommodating 18. Each chalet features a secluded plunge pool and an outside shower to enjoy the African sounds in ultimate privacy. The suite is decorated in traditional safari style but with a five-star twist while there is also a conference centre, bar, restaurant/lounge and boma. Not far away is the Mkuze Falls Tented Lodge, a tented version of the main lodge with five ‘Hemingway’ East African tents, each overlooking a game waterhole. The tents are outstandingly appointed and have luxurious ensuite bathrooms. The surrounding Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve features a wealth of African animals including the ‘Big Five’. Here guests can enjoy sundowner safaris, bush dinners and walking tours. For more information visit www.mkuzefalls.com

The Mount Nelson Hotel
At the foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town is The Mount Nelson Hotel, steeped in tradition, history and luxury. Set on nine acres of lush gardens the elegant hotel has been hosting guests for more than 105 years. It features 144 rooms and 57 suites, and is one of Cape Town’s finest venues for conferencing. It offers six smaller function rooms plus a ballroom which can hold 240 for banquets. The ballroom is about to undergo a facelift after the third phase of renovations to the hotel began in June. Refurbishments will include the addition of balconies to the suites on the level four mountain facing rooms, as well as completely new bathrooms. The remaining rooms and suites on other floors will also have bathroom and room changes. The final phase of the renovations will commence later this year with the construction of a spa. For more information telephone +27 21 483 1000, email reservations@mountnelson.co.za or visit www.mountnelson.co.za

Cape Grace
The Cape Grace on Cape Town’s waterfront is a blend of traditional elegance and contemporary luxury. Cape Grace has 122 rooms and suites and is situated on a private quay on Cape Town’s Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Opened in 1996, the hotel features a boardroom suitable for 14 people, a meeting room for six people, and the Bascule Whisky Bar and Wine Cellar lounge – containing a selection of more than 450 whiskies – which can hold 60 for cocktails or 25 for a whisky tasting. Holding 40 people seated is the Conservatory overlooking the pool terrace while onewaterfront restaurant seats up to 90 guests. For more information telephone +27 21 410 7098, email functions@capegrace.com or visit www.capegrace.com

Spier – the Cape
Historic Spier in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands is about half an hour’s drive from Cape Town. The village includes a 155-room hotel, several restaurants and bars, a spa, the Spier Wine Centre, souvenir and diamond shops, picnic areas, an eagle encounter, The Cheetah Outreach Program, horse riding facilities, crafts, an antique and art collection and a conference centre. There are seven conference venues on-site including the Spier Auditorium seating 430 cinema-style and a 1000-seat open-air amphitheatre, plus tented marquee areas. Private boardrooms can accommodate up to 22 guests or there is the informal Riverside Terrace overlooking the Eerste River. The village holds plenty of functions and has a host of team-building options including golf days, wineland tours and tastings, The Spier Vintage Train, mountain biking and shopping excursions. For more information telephone +27 21 809 1100, email info@spier.co.za or visit www.spier.co.za

Phinda Private Game Reserve
Situated in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Phinda Private Game Reserve encompasses 21,000 hectares of prime wilderness and has seven distinct habitats. Featuring Africa’s ‘Big Five’, lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino, the World Heritage site is also home to dozens of other birds and animals including the shy suni antelope, and giant turtles on the nearby shores of the Indian Ocean. Phinda can be explored by 4x4 safari game drives led by experienced rangers and Zulu trackers, on foot, by air or from the water. Established in 1991 Phinda has initiated and completed many successful community empowerment projects and conservation victories. Home to six magnificent lodges, two of these – Zuka Lodge and Getty House – are owned by Tara Getty, the grandson of America’s first oil billionaire J. Paul Getty Senior. Zuka Lodge, where Brad Pitt stayed earlier this year, sits in the reserve’s western region. It has four thatched Zululand bush cottages, making it an intimate retreat for incentive groups of eight or less. Each cottage boasts a luxurious ensuite bathroom complete with a circular bath chamber, and private verandas.

Getty House is an outstanding private residence for Getty and his family, but which for most of the year is hired out for AUD$5000 a night when the family is not in residence. It also features four luxurious suites, the main one including another bedroom for Getty’s two sons while a fifth villa was built to host nannies. The living areas offer sweeping views over an extinct volcano, now covered in vegetation and grazed by animals, on which the house sits. There’s an interactive kitchen for informal dining, outdoor dining and an eternity swimming pool, also with views over the game reserve. Each of the two exclusive use lodges include a private ranger/host, tracker, butler, chef and sole use of an open 4x4 safari vehicle. Phinda is just one of the game reserves managed by Conservation Corporation Africa (or CC Africa). For details visit www.phinda.com or www.ccafrica.com

Ubizane Wildlife Reserve
Situated next to the renowned Hluhluwe Game Reserve in Zululand, Ubizane Wildlife Reserve is only a two hour drive from Durban. Zulu for ‘the Place of Calling’, Ubizane Reserve boasts more than 450 species of birdlife as well as a wide variety of game including white rhino, giraffe, wildebeest and most species of buck. There’s guided walks plus horse trails while trips to the nearby Umfolozi or Hluhluwe Game Reserves can also be arranged where the Big Five roam in numbers. The Zululand Tree Lodge accommodation is set in a Fever Tree Forest and includes 24 stilted chalets. Managed by Three Cities, the lodge itself can host small conferences and provides quiet lounges, observation decks, a huge open fire and a sunny pool area where guests might be visited by a family of warthog. For more information visit www.ubizane.co.za or www.threecities.co.za

St Lucia Wetland
Lake St Lucia is Africa’s largest natural estuary with a water expanse of 300 square kilometres. Situated on the coast 35km from Hluhluwe, the Indian Ocean washes up on miles of uninhabited beaches with dune forests ideal for exploring. On the banks of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park is Makakatana Bay Lodge, the only privately owned lodge totally surrounded by the Conservation Reserve. A beach safari is one of the key activities offered at the lodge while wildlife in the pristine reserve includes more than 360 species of birds. Hippos reside in numbers on the lake and tours on the estuary are offered from nearby St Lucia with St Lucia Tours & Charters. There is also crocodile to watch out for, and on land zebra, antelope, giraffe and more. Owned and run by Hugh and Leigh-Ann Morrison, Makakatana has been in the Morrison family for three generations and offers six luxury suites, a private bush pool and all connected by wooden walkways. Food at the lodge is five-star and can be served in the traditional boma, while the outdoor shower is heaven. For more information visit www.makakatana.co.za

The pioneering destination management company Dragonfly Africa works across all sectors of the tourism industry, including the MICE market. Well known for its creativity and high levels of service, Dragonfly’s MICE division can produce original and spectacular proposals for small, exclusive groups of 20 to large groups of up to 1800 or more. The company tailor-makes packages for travel through Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands, and only uses the best support companies, hotels, and game lodges which are selected for their warm and friendly welcome, superior rooms and efficient service. Dragonfly also specialises in both fixed wing and helicopter air charter as well as coach and car hire and can co-ordinate transfers, day tours and safaris from offices in Johannesburg, Mpumalanga and Cape Town. Tour fleets include BMWs, Chrysler Voyagers, Jeep Grand Cherokees, and the VW Caravelle Microbus. Dragonfly also owns Cybele Forest Lodge and Health Spa in Mpumalanga. The lodge, near Kruger National Park and its game reserves, can accommodate 30 people and features six luxury suites with private, heated swimming pools. Cybele has a gym and wellness centre with a range of spa treatments. Dragonfly also works with Nationwide Airlines, the only South African airline still 100 per cent privately owned. Nationwide Air Charter began in 1991 and has been operating as a commercial airline for more than 10 years. With 350 flights a week the carrier has an extensive domestic schedule within South Africa, flying to Johannesburg, Cape Town, George, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Mpumalanga. A regional service to Livingstone in Zambia is a double daily flight plus the airline now offers services to London Gatwick Airport three times a week. It has a fleet of 17 Boeing aircraft with economy and business class on all flights, and a full onboard service. Outlined in this article are some of the properties Dragonfly Africa delivers its guests to.

Sun City Resort
Touted as ‘Africa’s Kingdom of Pleasure’, Sun City has everything a visitor needs to enjoy all of Africa. The resort, a two-hour drive from Johannesburg in South Africa’s North West province, features four hotels, an entertainment centre, casino, conference facilities, cinemas, restaurants, health spa, a cultural village, amphitheatre, 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, bowling green, aviary, gardens, stables, wave-pool and water slides, outdoor adventure centre, access to the nearby game-rich Pilanesberg National Park and much more. In the middle of it all is the resort’s flagship hotel, The Palace of the Lost City, designed to look like a lavish lost African tribe fantasy. This Leading Hotel of the World property features 338 opulently decorated rooms while the nearby Entertainment Centre features a 6000-seat Superbowl. Convention facilities include The Pilanesberg Room in the centre which can hold 600 banquet-style, and the Royal Ballroom which can seat 1200 theatre-style. The centre also features 13 breakaway rooms catering for between 10 and 90 delegates.

Ivory Tree Game Lodge
An hour’s drive from Sun City is the Ivory Tree Game Lodge, located in the Pilanesberg National Park. The lodge’s 60 luxury chalets, each with an outdoor shower, ensuite and air conditioning, are positioned along foot-hills in the north eastern region of the park. Its isolation and clever design can make a guest feel like the only person there. New spa facilities and authentic thatched roofs set the scene for a combination of contemporary and traditional elements, perfect in the African wilderness. Ideal for incentives, the lodge also features an intimate conference facility and is well known for group activities such as elephant back safaris and interactive drumming.

ArabellaSheraton Grand Hotel
The ArabellaSheraton Grand Hotel epitomises contemporary luxury. Situated on Cape Town’s foreshore, ArabellaSheraton features 483 rooms offering views of Table Mountain or the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Guests are welcomed by warm, spacious rooms as well as friendly, helpful and competent staff. Elegant and sophisticated, the hotel also features a Grand Ballroom which can hold 400 for dinner plus 10 breakout rooms. Linked to the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the hotel is perfect for groups and has a number of restaurants/lounges and bars while the Towers Club for executive guests offers spectacular views of the city from the 19th floor. Situated on this level is also the internationally acclaimed AltiraSPA, rejuvenating guests in body and mind. Down on the ground floor, the lobby is just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the city and the vibrant waterfront.

The Table Bay Hotel
Set on the historic harbour in Cape Town, The Table Bay Hotel is a tribute to this world-famous bay and entirely in keeping with these surroundings. The 329-room hotel is an architectural treasure providing views either to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, or across the water to Table Mountain. It even has two presidential suites while the rooms are newly refurbished with a contemporary style. The Atlantic Restaurant within the hotel can seat 130 and is decorated in a Cape Winelands theme complete with an open-face cellar stocked with the best South African wines and champagne. Opened with much fanfare in 1997 by then President Mandela, the hotel features a 300sqm ballroom which can seat 200 banquet-style or be divided into two. Its adjoining pre-function area holds 200 for cocktails while the hotel itself is linked to the Victoria and Alfred Shopping Centre.

The Royal Livingstone
From the moment of arrival at The Royal Livingstone in Zambia, guests know they are in five-star luxury. This magnificent 173-room hotel is set in a lush riverine belt touching the banks of the great Zambezi River. Situated near the Victoria Falls, the hotel’s wide sundeck provides amazing views of the fine white spray of the falls as it floats across the water. The Royal Livingstone features a grand boardroom which can seat 20 delegates, or is just moments away from the Falls Entertainment and Convention Centre. This gracious hotel is a testament to the legacy of Dr David Livingstone, the first European to see Victoria Falls. Christened by the tribes people Mosi-Oa-Tunya – The Smoke that Thunders – the falls awed Dr Livingstone who named them after Queen Victoria, and who described them by famously saying, “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”.

For more information on Dragonfly Africa and the above venues telephone +27 11 219 5600, email info@dragonfly.co.za or visit www.dragonfly.co.za

Zambia is home to the Victoria Falls – called ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ by locals, and the Zambezi River as well as excellent national parks teeming with wildlife. And apart from the sightseeing, Zambia is a haven for adrenalin rush activities such as white-water rafting the Zambezi River, canoeing and bungy jumping to name a few.

The Victoria Falls is the largest sheet of falling water in the world with up to 500,000m3 of water a minute pouring into a gorge 1.7km wide and 108m deep, producing a spray which can sometimes be seen up to 40km away. Dr David Livingstone was the first European to witness the falls in 1855, and visitors can still retrace his steps to the island to experience the best view. Mosi-oa-Tunya is the area’s national park and is home to a host of game and wildlife including giraffe, waterbuck and elephant.

Populated by 11.2 million people, Zambia is also home to the Kafue National Park. Covering 22,500 square kilometres, this is the largest park in the country and one of the biggest in the world. With a terrain ranging from the lush riverine forest of the Kafue River to the vast grassland of the Busanga Plains, the park rewards wildlife enthusiasts with glimpses of a generous diversity of African animals.

Another wildlife park is the South Luangwa National Park which has 9000 square kilometres of protected area on a small tail of the Great Rift Valley. More than 100 animals can be found here and 400 recorded kinds of birds. With elephant, hippo, buffalo, puku, crocodile, impala, waterbuck, zebra, vervet monkey and baboon, plentiful sightings are guaranteed. It is without doubt one of the richest game parks in Southern Africa. Predators include leopard, lion, hyena and some of Africa’s rarest animals, the cheetah, wild dog, Moloney’s monkey, roan and sable antelope.

Destination management company Bushtracks Africa can organise accommodation and incentive rewards for groups visiting Zambia. Some of the most exclusive accommodation at Victoria Falls includes The Royal Livingstone hotel on the banks of the Zambezi. From the luxury five-star hotel’s wide sundeck, the awesome mist from the falls can be seen, while all rooms are air-conditioned. Reflecting the essence of African bush life, The Royal Livingstone indulges guests in a colonial-style atmosphere, offering the African Queen jetty to those who want to savour the tastes, sights and sounds of Africa. Sister property, Zambezi Sun, is a three-star, 212-room hotel located on the edge of the Eastern Cataract of the Victoria Falls. Here Adobe-style architecture is highlighted by bright mosaics and ethnic artifacts. Linked to the Zambezi Sun is The Falls Conference Centre which can be divided and seats up to 450 delegates.

For more information on Zambia contact Dragonfly Africa on telephone +27 11 219 5600, email info@dragonfly.co.za or visit www.dragonfly.co.za