Southern Stroll Marketing

Another SUCCESSFUL MARKETING CAMPAIGN!!

2011-01-19T17:23:00.006+02:00

We have just finished Another Successful Marketing Project in the Cape Whale Coast - which was such fun as well!!! Our "Celebrity Weekend in the CWC"

We love living and working in Hermanus and look forward to the next exciting marketing project!! Watch this space for the next one!

Joan-Anne Harris & Dave Snoek
Southern Stroll Marketing Team

FANTASTIC "Celebrity Weekend in the Cape Whale Coast"

2011-01-19T16:56:00.004+02:00

Ard Matthews (lead singer Just Jinger), Landi Swanepoel (international model), Mark Bayly (All Access Presenter), Brigitte Willers (model & DJ), Rod Labuschagne (rugby player), Edith Venter (socialite), Johnny Schwartz (Edith's husband), Vanessa Marawa (Winner of 1st SA Survivor) and friend Tamsin.

We had so much fun organising the "Celebrity Weekend in the Cape Whale Coast" with a hand full of well-known Celebrities that were such sports, easy to please and with whom we had a fantastic time!!

Thank you to the sponsors for making the weekend 'extra special' and a BIG Thank You to the celebrities for joining us on the weekend! We look forward to hosting you soon again in our beautiful part of the world!

"THANK YOU SPONSORS" for a great "Celebrity Weekend in the Cape Whale Coast"

2011-01-19T16:43:00.004+02:00

We would like to thank our Sponsors for ensuring that our "Celebrity Weekend in the Cape Whale Coast" was a great success.

Pebble Beach Guesthouse hosted Jared Orlin (YOU Entertainment Editor) and Megan Miller (YOU Photographer) for the weekend and ensured they had a very comfortable stay.

Misty Waves Hotel hosted Brigitte Willers (swimsuit model / DJ) and Rod Labuschagne (Boland rugby player), Pelagus Hotel hosted Edith Venter (socialite) and her husband Johnny Schwartz, On the Cliffs Guest House hosted Ard Matthews (lead singer from Just Jinger) and his fiance Landi Swanepoel (international model) and Harbour House Hotel hosted Vanessa Marawa (Winner of the 1st SA Survivor) and friend.

AVIS kindly sponsored a Combi for us for the weekend so we could transport our celebrities around in comfort as we travelled throughout the Cape Whale Coast, from Hermanus to Gansbaai to Stanford and to the airport.

A BIG "Thanks" to you all!

2011 Could Be A Bumper Year For Travel

2010-12-15T00:15:00.004+02:00

Early predictions indicate that 2011 could be a bumper year for travel, with more tourists from the US and UK planning holidays abroad, according to a recent Tripadvisor survey.

In a poll of over 3,000 US-based travellers, 69% said they planned to take international trips next year. What’s more, they also plan to spend more while away, with 36% indicating that they will splash out more on travel in 2011 than they did in this year.

British travellers are also keen to travel long haul in 2011, with 66% of the 6,000 travellers surveyed stating that they plan to take an international trip next year. Over a third plan to spend more on their holidays in 2011 compared with 2010.

The survey also indicated that 2010 had been a year of travel anxieties, altering travel trends for the coming year. Top concerns for the Brits were further strikes but many were also worried about the rises in APD, the air travel tax, as well as the high-profile collapse of travel firms. US travellers are mostly concerned about high carry-on baggage fees, hotels fees and TSA full body scanners but believe 2010 has seen several positive developments for the traveller, including more online travel deals and cheaper hotel rates.

American tourists are also reporting a rise in ‘fake-ations’, where travellers take their work on their trip. Technological advances have led to 59% of travellers in employment being more connected to work than ever before on leisure trips in 2010. Most travellers admit to checking their work e-mail on leisure trips, while 13% call the office to check in. Only 8% consider the remoteness of their destination specifically to avoid connecting with work.

Medical Tourism Untouched In Hermanus

2010-12-14T06:27:00.004+02:00

The Medical Tourism sector worldwide is growing exponentially and set to become a $100bn sector by 2012, according to industry research. The sector is growing at a whopping 20-30% annually and is bound to continue its growth pattern in the years to come.

According to Frost & Sullivan, the medical tourism industry is currently a $78.5bn industry [end-2010], catering to over three million patients who travel around the globe for medical care. The Middle East is one of the latent source markets of patients and it is estimated that 20% of healthcare seekers worldwide are from Gulf and Arab states. Significantly, patients from UAE alone spend about $2bn in healthcare travel on an annual basis. As a result, many countries are targeting the region to woo guests and patients to their own medical tourism destinations. Germany, in particular, and Europe, in general, have been a primary medical tourism hubs for hundreds of years and continue to lead the industry today followed by Asian countries such as Thailand, India and Malaysia. Boasting of an excellent healthcare system, high quality, safe and quick treatment.

Germany is considered to be a top destination for patients from all over the world, and particularly from the Middle East, UK and the US. Germany is also an attractive destination for patients from the region, in terms of distance, costs and tourism attractions - thus reinforcing it as a premier medical tourism hub in Europe.Source: ehotelior.com

Travel Stats Are On The Up And Up

2010-12-10T10:07:00.003+02:00

StatsSA has released the arrivals numbers for October and, once again, the numbers of tourists, both overseas and regional, have shown increases across the board.

The US market appears to be showing very strong signs of recovery and other core markets are also on the up, including Canada, Australia, China and India. European markets are also showing promising returns with healthy growth over the month in comparison with 2009. The total overseas arrivals grew by 9,7% from 189 932 to 208 276 while African arrivals grew by 13% from 438 756 to 496 071.

The top overseas markets for October 2010 were:
UK, down 2,9% from 40 829 to 39 642
USA, up 22,9% from 19 536 to 24 002
Germany, up 6,8% from 23 300 to 24 895
The Netherlands, down 5,2% from 15 612 to 14 796
France, up 9,8% from 11 834 to 12 995
Australia, up 32,9% from 7 029 to 9 339
India, up 24,6% from 5 047 to 6 291
China, up 73,7% from 3 280 to 5 697
Canada, up 25% from 4 536 to 5 668
Switzerland, up 28% from 3 983 to 5 097

Source: SA Tourism Update

"Where are the Cape Whale Coast Whales" COMPETITION

2010-12-10T09:25:00.005+02:00

The "Where are the Cape Whale Coast Whales" Competition ends on at midnight on the 15th December. So visit www.capewhalecoast.co.za and click on "Competition" now.

Enter the "Where are the Cape Whale Coast Whales " Competiton. SMS EUBALAENA AUSTRALIS plus your Name and E-mail Address to 35297 - SMS's cost R3 each.Enter before the 15th December to Win one of the Three Main Prizes!!! Nearly R40,000 worth of Main Prizes to be WON!!!!

Lufthansa Ahead Of Schedule

2010-09-06T03:53:00.007+02:00

Lufthansa has confirmed that it will introduce its newest A380 aircraft to Johannesburg six weeks ahead of schedule.

From September 12, the Airbus A380 will depart Frankfurt for O.R. Tambo twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays returning to Germany on Mondays and Fridays. The remaining five days will be operated using the Boeing B747-400.The Airbus A380 has 526 seats in the best and most modern service classes offered by Lufthansa.

The completely revamped First Class, with eight generous seats on the upper deck, promotes a sense of individuality (I'll say). Business Class, with 98 seats on the upper deck, and Economy Class, with 420 seats on the main deck, provide unprecedented comfort and an impressive feeling of space. Lufthansa operate a daily non-stop service between Johannesburg and Frankfurt.

From October 26 until end of March 2011, a further daily non-stop flight from Cape Town to Frankfurt will be added to the airline’s timetable.

Source: SA Tourism Update

It's Not Only Our Whales We Need To Care Fur

2010-09-05T10:43:00.008+02:00

International students say no to fur at the Design Against Fur 2010 competition.

The winners of the Europe & International regional competition have been announced. First prize went to Camille Clemmensen, Signe Andersen & Mai Mi Dahmlos Eriksen from Copenhagen, Denmark.

Source: Humane Society International

Where Are The Cape Whale Coast Whales?

2010-09-04T03:10:00.005+02:00

In a bold and innovative manner, we at Southern Stroll Marketing have designed a competition to increase awareness and encourage holiday makers to visit the Cape Whale Coast. The competition was created to encompass the entire family, from Grand Daughter to Grand Mother.

The baby whales are up to mischief as usual and playing 'Hide and Seek'. Camo-Charlie is chasing Engine-Ernie and all mayhem is about to break loose. Visit the Cape Whale Coast website often to search for all the clues and keep an eye open for the Cape Whale Coast competition in the YOU magazine as well. Oh dear, Putting-Pat just missed a shot...

The End Of The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe?

2010-08-26T07:56:00.003+02:00

Transnet Limited has announced that the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe train service operating between George and Mossel Bay will be terminated as it has become financially unviable.

In its announcement Transnet said that it identified the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe service as one of its non-core assets in 2007. Following extensive studies and stakeholder consultation, the company decided to follow an open tender process to find a new operator for the service. ”Unfortunately, this process could not identify a new operator and as a result, Transnet was left with no option other than to terminate the service subject to the required approval by the Minister of Public Enterprises in terms on the Public Finance Management Act – this has since been finalised.” the statement said.

Commenting on the announcement Alan Winde, Western Cape MEC said that despite Transnet’s announcement, he remains resolute in his commitment to reviving the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe service and ensuring that it remains a vital part of the South Cape’s heritage and tourism offering. Winde continued to say that Transnet’s decision comes after an open tender process did not yield any positive applicants to take over its operations, which they state have become financially unviable.

SA Tourism Hosts 100 German Travel Agents

2010-08-20T11:40:00.006+02:00

German tourist arrivals to South Africa has grown impressively this year. In the first three months of 2010, German arrivals grew 24% compared to the same period last year, giving every indication of a market starting to recover from the global recession and eager to begin long haul travel again. This trend is set to continue on this course with the arrival in South Africa this week of 100 DERTOUR delegates on a fact finding and familiarisation visit that will last nine days.

The objective of the DERTOUR visit is to give German travel agents the confidence they need to sell South Africa through personal experience of the destination.

DERTOUR is a major affiliation of German travel and tour operators. The delegates begin arriving in South Africa on August 24. They are here on invitation of SA Tourism and DERTOUR and they represent travel agencies across Germany who sell DERTOUR products and itineraries.
Their familiarisation trip of the country takes them to places as diverse as Zululand and the KwaZulu-Natal coast; the Kruger Park and adjacent private wildlife reserves; Cape Point; Oudtshoorn; the Western Cape winelands, Johannesburg and Soweto.

DERTOUR has approximately 10 000 retail travel sales offices across Germany. South African Tourism’s partnership with DERTOUR extends way beyond mega familiarisation visits. The DERTOUR delegation meets in Fourways on Tuesday and Wednesday (24 and 25 August) for an intensive destination workshop and for meetings with South African trade and product representatives. The mega familiarisation visit and associated workshops have been made possible through partnerships with DERTOUR, South African Airways, Southern Sun, AVIS and Drifters Adventours.

Mauritius Launches Campaign To Attract German Market

2010-08-11T01:47:00.006+02:00

The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Agency (MTPA), in co-operation with Dertour and Travelzoo, has intensified its marketing efforts through a special flyer and an online campaign appealing to German travellers to visit the destination.

The special Mauritius flyer was enclosed as a supplement in each Dertour Indian Ocean winter catalogue for 2010/11. The catalogue has a circulation of 220 000 copies and will be distributed to all travel agencies of Dertour. The flyer contains eight pages of general information about Mauritius pertaining to nature, culture, cuisine, sport activities and other activities.

The online campaign is conducted with Travelzoo and aims to boost sales for the low season. The Mauritius destination page was sent out along with a newsletter to over 700 000 subscribers.

Source: SA Tourism Update

BA Passengers Pick Cape Town As Favourite Destination

2010-08-05T01:40:00.003+02:00

British Airways has announced that its passengers worldwide have identified Cape Town as their favourite destination.

As of November this year, British Airways will offer a second daily flight between Heathrow and Cape Town ahead of the 2010 summer season due to increased popularity. The additional flight will see the introduction of BA’s new Boeing 777 for the Cape Town route.
British Airways Commercial Manager in South Africa, Sue Botes, says demand for flights to Cape Town was on the rise even before the FIFA World Cup, and the airline is accommodating the increasing demand by offering an additional daily flight.
Cape Town Tourism CEO, Mariette du-Toit Helmbold says, “An additional daily British Airways flight is very good news for Cape Town’s tourism industry. Cape Town’s popularity has been rising steadily over the past few years and with all of the positive 2010 FIFA World Cup coverage and word-of-mouth recommendations, the city’s popularity has sky-rocketed.”

Source: SA Tourism Update

Cape Town is Cool

2010-08-04T01:39:00.004+02:00

Cape Town Tourism has launched a winter season campaign, ‘Cape Town is Cool’, to boost post-World Cup tourism and counter seasonality, enticing domestic and international visitors with value-for-money deals on accommodation, tours and car hire.

Sending the message that Cape Town is trendy (not cold), the campaign will run until the end of September, predominantly on the Internet through CTT's website and supported by broadcasts on Radio 702 and billboards in Gauteng. Through Tripadvisor.com it will focus on key European markets and new markets such as Brazil, India and the Middle East. CTT says e-marketing proved its worth during the World Cup when its website received more then 135 000 visits compared with 60 000 visits in May. Almost 7 000 of these were via mobile phones and CTT's ‘mobi’ site. CTT's Facebook fan page grew by 28 000 fans during the tournament.

CTT CEO Mariette du Toit-Helmbold says 69,7% of accommodation providers surveyed during the World Cup said visitors found the Cape weather to be much better than they had expected. "Winter in Cape Town is wonderful. There are warm fires, gourmet foods, excellent wine, theatre, art, music and more. As we move into spring, visitors will enjoy all of these things and also whale watching and the burst of flowers in our neighbouring regions. With value-for-money specials making the proposition all the more alluring, it’s a great time to be visiting Cape Town.”

Focus on sharks during Discovery Channel's Shark Week

2010-08-03T09:26:00.003+02:00

In conjunction with the beginning of the 23rd year of Discovery Channel's annual Shark Week, Humane Society International and The Humane Society of the United States celebrate recent advances in shark conservation and urge the public to take action to protect these magnificent ocean predators.

Sharks are disappearing from the oceans at an astonishingly rapid rate as overfishing and burgeoning demand for their fins, a main ingredient in shark fin soup, have led to the depletion of many populations and some entire species.

It is our resposibility to inform restaurant owners, managers and staff that it is totally unethical to serve shark fin soup.

Van Schalkwyk to woo Moscow on tourism?

2010-08-02T06:49:00.004+02:00

Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk is off to Russia, along with President Jacob Zuma, the ministry said on Sunday.

"The Russian Federation is one of the fastest growing outbound tourist markets in the world," van Schalkwyk said in a statement. "We would like to make sure that we extend our co-operation in the field of tourism." Van Schalkwyk said he hoped to tackle issues such as direct air links, visa processes and the marketing of South Africa as a tourist destination.

Russia is bidding to host the Fifa World Cup in 2018 and South Africa would share its experiences with Moscow. South Africa and Russia signed a tourism co-operation agreement in 1998. The agreement was never implemented and as such, discussions will be held between the two countries on how to revive the signed agreement.

In 2009, South Africa saw 10 214 arrivals from the Russian Federation.

Will the stars shine brighter?

2010-07-30T03:33:00.003+02:00

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) has launched the final version of its new grading criteria.

Effective from October 1, the new criteria will bring greater consistency to the grading process and bring standards in line with international expectations, says the TGCSA. The new criteria can be viewed on the TGCSA’s website at www.tourismgrading.co.za.

Thembi Kunene, Chief Quality Assurance Officer for the TGCSA says: “We will be coming down hard on all those abusing our star grading insignia. The reliance on our star grading system by local and international tourists leaves us no other choice. It is critical for all establishments to take note that going forward, the grading plaque will be issued by the TGCSA and no longer can establishments purchase it directly from the manufacturer. This is an essential added benefit being extended to the graded establishments since the cost of the new plaque will henceforth by borne by the TGCSA.”
The next phase will see the review of the criteria for the camping and caravan, backpackers and conference venues. The TGCSA is hoping this process will be complete by the end of March 2011.

It's not an ill Winde that blows...

2010-07-26T06:19:00.004+02:00

The board of Cape Town Tourism has rejected a proposal for a single tourism destination marketing organisation and brand for Cape Town and the Western Cape, as mooted by Western Cape Tourism MEC, Alan Winde.

CTT CEO, Mariëtte du Toit-Helmbold, in a newsletter to CTT members, says: "Cape Town Tourism has noted the proposal and embarked on a comprehensive negotiation process with the City of Cape Town and the office of the MEC. The board of Cape Town Tourism has indicated that it is not in agreement with the proposal in its current format." She says CTT has received reassurance from the City of Cape Town, which funds CTT's marketing of the city, that: "CTT is, and will remain the city’s tourism promotional and marketing body and that CTT's structure will not change".

Source: SA Tourism Update

Old Mac Daddy Comes To Town

2010-07-20T07:39:00.005+02:00

The Elgin Valley in the Western Cape has an avant-garde new eco-accommodation option to entice visitors with the opening of the Old Mac Daddy luxury rural trailer park on one of the region’s famed apple farms, just 1 hour away from central Cape Town.

Accommodation consists of 12 vintage reclaimed Airstream trailers with individual interiors designed by Cape Town-based artists, architects, and stylists. Décor includes tongue-in-cheek retro and post-modern themes like Mills and Boon, Dirkie Sanchez, Life before Colour, and The Dream. The labour-intensive interiors took between 1-3 months to complete, and are liveable, are once-off works of art. There is also a stand-alone 3-bedroomed Daddy’s Villa.

Nine hillside trailers connect to a chalet with a viewing deck that offers 270˚ views of the pine tree covered countryside, and doubles as a living room/children’s bedroom. Most of the trailer-units sleep 2 adults and 2 children (under 16 years). Others, like The Birdy, and Life before Colour, which has a bath in the bedroom, are better suited to romantic couples. Trailers are fully catered and serviced, and have air conditioners, a fridge, a queen-size bed, and an in-room intercom link to the hotel reception.
Lakeside trailers are single trailer units with picket-fenced gardens. Park facilities include an organic restaurant, licensed bar, babysitting services and designer children’s play area, communal barn with satellite TV, Wi-fi and internet access, and secure parking.

mailto:reservations@daddysworld.co.za

Tourism Beyond The Iron Curtain

2010-07-13T00:37:00.004+02:00

Russia is the ninth biggest outbound travel market in the world in terms of expenditure according to the latest UNWTO study, and only 15% of Russia’s 142 million population have travelled internationally, there is massive pent-up demand and trip taking is on the increase.

On Show Solutions and Travel e-Sense is taking a selection of tourism companies to Russia and the Ukraine to meet with a highly targeted group of African specialists in St Petersburg, Moscow and Kiev.

Companies already signed up for this exclusive roadshow include African Sun Hotels, An African Anthology, Dragonfly, Legend Lodges Hotels & Resorts, Mpumalanga Tourism & Parks Agency, Namibia Tourism Board, Nomad Adventure Tours, Sun International and Under One Botswana Sky.

Paddington Tucker, market representative for African Sun Hotels and Legend Lodges, states: “Southern Africa has done very little to actively market itself in the Russian-speaking markets, but the potential is huge due to the country's vast resources of wealth and population.”

Source: SA Tourism Update

Coffee on the House @ Beach House Interiors, Hermanus

2010-07-10T18:43:00.005+02:00

BEACH HOUSE Interiors & Homeware is offering a Complimentary Cup of Coffee to everyone that visits their store in Hermanus, corner Broad and High Street.

Pop in and view the beautiful clothing, gorgeous tableware, linen, interior accessories and so much more.

See you soon!

FEDHASA launches on-line stats

2010-07-06T02:12:00.005+02:00

The Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA) now offers members of the hospitality industry a user-friendly statistical benchmarking facility. Hospitality Stats-on-Line, specifically designed for accommodation establishments in South Africa. HSOL is independently administered on behalf of FEDHASA and is fully automated, secure and confidential.

There is a very definite need for reliable industry statistics relating to occupancy rates, average room rates and average revenues per available room (Revpar). HSOL will provide participating establishments with consolidated monthly reports on these statistics, nationally, provincially, per tourism region or locally. Reports will also be available by star grading. It is simple, easy to use and quick.

Industry members are encouraged to visit www.statsonline.co.za for more information and to register for the service.

Source: Southern African Tourism Update

India, The Emerging Global Power

2010-07-05T09:10:00.006+02:00

India's new ultra-modern, multi-billion-dollar airport terminal opens in New Delhi. A shiny glass and steel symbol of the country's aspirations as an emerging global power.

The state-of-the-art hub can handle 34 million passengers a year. The terminal sprawls over four square kilometres and boasts 97 automated walkways and 78 aerobridges.

Visa reports R1,3 billion spend for first half of World Cup

2010-07-03T03:33:00.005+02:00

The South African economy has seen a boost in foreign visitor spending during the lead-up to and during the group stage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup according to new cardholder spending data from Visa Inc.

During the period leading up to the kick-off of the FIFA World Cup and the end of the group stage spending by international visitors in South Africa on Visa-branded payment cards exceeded R1,33 billion, up 65% from R810 million during the same period in 2009. The number of transactions for that period was 1.3 million (51 000 per day on average), up 74% from approximately 730 000 (29 000 a day on average) during the same 25 days in 2009.

Visa spending data indicates that the United States, followed by the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil and France, has been the strongest contributor to tourism spending to date. These five countries alone accounted for 47% of spending. Over 90% of spending was on typical leisure and business travel categories - accommodation, restaurants, retail, auto rental and air travel.

Colouring-In Competition : Beach House Living, Hermanus

2010-07-01T10:41:00.005+02:00

COLOURING-IN COMPETITION FOR KIDS
Beach House Living and Time for Living, at Hemel en Aarde, Hermanus, are having a Colouring-In Competition for Children.
So rush there today to colour-in your picture - and you could win some great prizes.

The "Win R2010 in the World Cup Flags Competition" is in full swing, so collect your entry form today and submit your entry before the 12th July 2010.

Contact us if you require more information or details : Southern Stroll Marketing at 082 442 6545 or 028 316 1868 or southernstroll@mweb.co.za

FIFA Admits It's A Balls Up

2010-06-27T05:38:00.005+02:00

FIFA has finally acknowledged that there may be something wrong with the Jabulani World Cup ball, but won't act on the problem until after the tournament.
Many players have likened the Jabulani to a 'supermarket ball', saying it is too unpredictable and flies through the air too easily.
"We're not deaf," FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said Saturday at a news conference. Valcke said that FIFA will discuss the matter with coaches and teams after the World Cup, then meet with manufacturer Adidas.
Denmark defender Daniel Agger said the ball made some outfielders look like 'drunken sailors'.

The Jabulani could create even more problems in the knockout phase beginning Saturday, since games could be decided by penalty shootouts.

"The balls have changed over the last couple of years, they have become a lot faster and in addition to that, in Johannesburg, we are playing at an altitude of 1700 metres, which makes the ball even faster," former Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn said.
"Thus the goalkeepers work even harder, but I don't think that we can take the ball or the altitude as excuses."

Moratorium To Stay

2010-06-26T14:13:00.001+02:00

AGADIR, Morocco — As the 62nd annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission closed, Kitty Block, vice president of Humane Society International and head of the HSI delegation, released the following statement:
"We came to Agadir to defeat a proposal that would have undone the global commercial whaling moratorium, putting the world's whales at greater risk of the suffering and death from the harpoons of the whaling nations. We did not come to Agadir alone — we came representing millions of citizens from around the world who did not want to see the IWC once again approve the slaughter of whales for commercial gain. Their voices were heard, and they shifted the balance. We were successful, and our team returns home with the knowledge that the moratorium remains and that those countries that continue to kill whales do so with international condemnation and scorn."

Return to Commercial Whaling Option Rejected for Now at Annual Whaling Meeting

2010-06-24T21:36:00.003+02:00

Humane Society International leaders expressed their satisfaction at Wednesday’s withdrawal of a 'compromise' package that would have legitimized commercial whaling, set aside by the delegates at the morning session of the 62nd annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission.
“The proposal was fatally flawed from the beginning, above all because it promised to validate commercial whaling without setting a true deadline for its extinction,” said Kitty Block, vice president of HSI and head of the HSI delegation at Agadir. “There were also significant defects in the alternative plans championed by several nations and non-governmental actors involved in the discussions at IWC 62, and we opposed those for similar reasons.”
But Block cautioned that the deal could resurface later this week in another form, and that HSI would remain vigilant in its efforts to protect the global moratorium on commercial whaling.
Block also noted the strong opening statement of the United States delegation at IWC, which affirmed that “The conservation of whales is paramount to the United States,” and underscored the point that the American government would “not support an agreement at any cost.”

Pierce Brosnan Gives His Support to IWC

2010-06-22T22:05:00.004+02:00

Pierce Brosnan is also well-known as an advocate for oceans and marine life, especially whales.
Recognizing how high the stakes are for whales this year at the annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission, in Agadir, Morocco, Pierce and his wife, Keely Shaye Smith, television host and correspondent, decided to meet the challenge by producing a video advertisement. The video encourages President Barack Obama to honour his promise to uphold the commercial whaling moratorium, and to oppose an international deal that the majority of international environmental and animal protection organizations oppose.

Pierce and Keely teamed up with Humane Society International, The HSUS, the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the National Resources Defense Council to distribute the advertisement.

The IWC is meeting behind closed doors this week, so keep abreast of the latest news here.

WIN R2010 - World Cup Flags Competition

2010-06-21T20:01:00.008+02:00

WIN R2010
World Cup Flags Competition

Identify the flags on the Beach House Living building at Hemel en Aarde Shopping Centre in Hermanus, buy something for at least R100 and fill out the entry form at Beach House Living and Time for Living - and you can WIN!!!
Pop in today and get your entry in before the 12th July 2010!

Whaling Moratorium Must Continue...

2010-06-20T18:20:00.002+02:00

Pro- and anti-whaling nations face off this week in a battle over the 24-year-old ban on the commercial killing of whales.
Gathering in Morocco, the 88 countries of the International Whaling Commission will tussle over controversial changes to a moratorium which experts say has saved several whale species driven to near-extinction by more than 150 years of industrial hunting.
The changes aim to coax Japan, Norway and Iceland back into the IWC mainstream.
Australian environment protection minister Peter Garrett says the proposal would sanction the killing of whales in the IWC whale sanctuary in the Southern Ocean and also allow threatened species to be killed.
He says Australia won't be voting for a bad deal for whales and he'll try to convince countries opposed to the proposal to reject it.

Support Like Never Before

2010-06-20T07:32:00.003+02:00

Now is the time to support our national soccer team, Bafana Bafana like never before.
Take your head out of the ground, the vuvuzela out the garage and your SA flags, mirror socks, jerseys and scarves out the kit bag. Bafana go up against a fiesty France in a group 'A' match number 34 at the recently upgraded Bloemfontein stadium. Kick off is at 16h00 on Tuesday 22nd June.

Nothing Like Reliable Stats To Perk You Up

2010-06-16T07:29:00.007+02:00

South Africa saw a 34% increase in inbound tourism spending during the first quarter of 2010 and anticipates additional growth opportunities around the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
This is according to an annual report released by Visa, which analyses Visa cardholder spending for the past two years.

The report showed that the top contributors to South Africa’s inbound tourism spending in 2009 included:

United Kingdom: 26%
United States: 15%
Mozambique: 5%
Germany: 4%

France: 4%

While travellers from Western Europe and the US continue to be the strongest contributors to South African tourism, significant increases in spending by cardholders from emerging markets are indicative of South Africa’s growing stature as a tourism destination.

As host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa is uniquely positioned to further enhance its visibility globally.

Hermanus Leads The Way Ahead Of 2010

2010-06-15T05:36:00.007+02:00

EThekwini Municipality's Durban Tourism Unit launched the 2010 Fan Centre last week, writes SA Tourism Update.

The centre, which is situated at the beachfront, boasts an impressive array of services which include the Tourist Information Centre, a Police Station, an Internet café, a lost and found facility and a Consul Office where international visitors can have assistance with problems such as lost travel documents. It will be operational 24 hours a day. There is a traders’ market where one can buy arts and crafts. A marquee is set up with chairs and tables to serve as a hang-out spot and eatery. Tour operators have also set up at the precinct to make their services readily available.

The Fan Centre's purpose is to be a one-stop shop for tourists to experience the warmth of the city.

Sounds to me like they have taken a peek at our new Info Kiosk in Hermanus.

Beach House Beats The Best

2010-06-14T08:47:00.002+02:00

The front facade of Beach House Interiors is complete and is causing quite a stir in Hermanus.

South Africa Rocks and Shocks

2010-06-13T07:29:00.003+02:00

Word is out that this will be the most successful FIFA World Cup ever.
The world was taken by storm on Friday when tens of thousands of Bafana fans flocked into the streets of Johannesburg to show their support for the 'boys'.
Germany only saw a surge of interest after their national team went into the middle games.
South Africa has once again shocked the world. When all the doomsayers were predicting doom and gloom after Madiba was released from prison, our country once again stands proud with head and shoulders erect.

One Flag Of Chips To Take Away

2010-06-08T05:33:00.003+02:00

The grandmother of England's fast foods, the chippy, was first mentioned by Charles Dickens in his classic novel 'Oliver Twist' in 1838.
My first recollections of this culinery delight, are watching a Portuguese shop owner tipping out a basket of steaming 'slap' chips onto a page of yesteryears newspaper.
Lekker man.

Food Flag Fun

2010-06-07T06:19:00.002+02:00

In the spirit of the World Cup, here is an Italian flag made from authentic Italian ingredients.
Let's see who can make up a food flag for South Africa. Possible ingredients could be: Pap (White), Chakalaka (Red), Squid Ink (Black), Marog (Green), Mielies (Yellow) and Bloem's Bleu Cheese (Blue).
Watch this space as we will post Britain's finest tomorrow.

Parkies Placed In Pause Mode?

2010-06-06T06:59:00.004+02:00

Would it not be a fantastic gesture if Hermanus' parking attendants (Parkies) waivered the parking fees for the duration of the World Cup?

Best Dressed 2010 Business in CWC : Challenge Hotting Up

2010-06-03T18:04:00.003+02:00

We challenged the businesses in the Cape Whale Coast to find the Best Dressed World Cup 2010 Company and we have had a fantastic response - Well Done to everyone who is making a great effort in showing the world that we are a colourful, FUN nation!

Pick 'n Pay Hermanus are even decorating doughnuts in the colours /designs of the participating countries' flags.

And what is happening at Beach House Living at Hemel en Aarde? Sally and Sjaak have definitely embraced this challenge and are determined to be the 'talk of the town'.

Eyjafjallajoekull! Bless You.

2010-06-02T20:40:00.007+02:00

So much for the volcanovation that this puff of smoke brought with it. The numbers of tourists has dwindled to an insignificant plume of smoke compared to when the violent eruptions saw hundreds of eager 'happy snappers' heading for a foggy Iceland.
If you want sustainable eco-tourism look no further than Hermanus.

Eyjafjallajoekull?

No thank you, we prefer Hermanussuccessful.

Beach Villa Brags With Verve

2010-06-01T13:22:00.002+02:00

Charl from Hermanus Beach Villa sent in this photos to enter our competition.

Bookies Back Bullfighters

2010-06-01T06:23:00.003+02:00

If bookmakers are to be believed, the current European champions, Spain have the best chance of winning the World Cup.

The odds are 4-1 for Spain, Brazil is at 5-1 and England at 6-1, Brent Graham, told News24. "Although sports betting is not an exact science with perception and demand deciding the odds, bookmakers were generally speaking, good at setting the odds, although ‘big upsets’ are possible." South Africa is between 150 and 200-1 to win and have a 2 in 1 chance of proceeding to the second level.

Let's give Bafana our support and prove the bookies wrong...

Bad Ball Ballistics

2010-05-31T13:04:00.000+02:00

Several players are going all out against the new World Cup ball, with more than one comparing it to those bought at a supermarket.
And this time it's not only goalkeepers who are complaining. Strikers, defenders and midfielders are also lashing out at the Adidas ball just a few days before the month-long tournament is to begin.
The ball is called Jabulani, which means 'to celebrate' in isiZulu, but not many are celebrating it so far.
It's hard to find a player who is happy with it, and those who don't like it are not saving adjectives to describe their feelings.

SOCCER BALL CAR in Hermanus

2010-05-27T14:31:00.003+02:00

Nissan Overberg have a stunning "soccer ball" car - Well Done, guys, this is what the World Cup "GEES" is all about.

We hope all businesses in the Cape Whale Coast will celebrate the Soccer World Cup with us and have FUN while they decorate their offices and cars.

Watch this space for more Soccer GEES!

Challenge : Best Dressed World Cup Business

2010-05-26T20:15:00.006+02:00

Southern Stroll Marketing Challenges all the businesses in the Cape Whale Coast to show their World Cup GEES.
We look forward to seeing the SA Flag (and the 31 others) adorn your buildings, cars, etc.

Calling businesses from Kleinmond - Hermanus - Stanford - Gansbaai : We are looking for the Best Dressed World Cup Business in the Cape Whale Coast!

Let's celebrate the World Cup 2010 and have FUN, FUN, FUN so we can tempt the world that are watching, to visit us very soon!

Best Pitch We Have

2010-05-26T12:17:00.001+02:00

Cape Town Stadium has the best pitch of all the 2010 soccer World Cup venues, Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke said on Wednesday.

He was speaking at the ceremonial handover of the 68 000 seater stadium to the world soccer body ahead of the start of the tournament.

"It's definitely the best pitch we have during all this World Cup, if you compare with all the other stadiums," he said. "I'm sorry for the other stadiums, but it's a fact."

Jabulani, As Unique As Us

2010-05-23T08:39:00.003+02:00

Dubbed Jabulani the ball forms part of a growing pedigree of World Cup footballs that now spans four decades.
The ball consists of an outer polyurethane coat and three inner layers, which mutually complement one another with their different ‘Adicron’ structures. These are intended to ensure the ball’s resistance, ability to retain its shape and its waterproof properties.
Responding to Engineering News questions, a FIFA spokesperson says that Adidas is the undisputed technology leader when it comes to official match balls. The sports equipment firm has introduced innovations such as the use of colour, syntactic materials, new panel shapes and seamless bonding for many past World Cups.

Eleven different colours are used in Jabulani because it is the eleventh Adidas World Cup ball. These colours also represent the 11 players in every team, the 11 official languages of South Africa and the 11 South African tribes that make the country one of the most ethnologically diverse countries on the African continent.
The final game in Jo’burg will have a unique ball for a unique event called Jo’bulani. It looks like Jabulani, but the pattern colour is gold because Johannesburg is the city of gold.

Floating Hotels Snubbed

2010-05-22T07:11:00.003+02:00

The two luxury cruise ships, Noordam and Westerdam among the most luxurious in the world, were to have docked in Cape Town during the 2010 world cup. The idea was to use them as floating hotels and dilute the Cape's tourism income. Unfortunately for them and fortunately for us locals these plans have been cancelled due to a lack of interest and bookings.

Accommodation on the ships would have cost up to R71 000 per person sharing a five-night package.

Landlords Are A Tenacious Lot

2010-05-21T07:31:00.008+02:00

The centrepiece of a R66-billion complex intended to redefine the Las Vegas resort experience, opened Monday 17th May 2010 with a lavish private party and fireworks.
Aria is the glass-sheathed Cesar Pelli-designed 4,004 room hotel at the heart of CityCenter, a 67 acre complex of hotels, condominiums and retail on the Las Vegas Strip.
President Barack Obama is tentatively scheduled to tour the complex on December 23 en route to his Christmas holiday in Hawaii.
Still, MGM Mirage faces other challenges with CityCenter, which adds about 6,000 new hotel rooms to a market that already has 141,000 and has seen occupancy reside in the low 80% range for most of 2009.
The Las Vegas economy has suffered its worst downturn since gambling was legalized in the 1930s. Visitation slumped to 35 million in 2009, down from a record 39,2 million in 2007 and the destination's lowest count since 1999.
Room rates now average R718 per night, 23% lower than the 2008 average, according to data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. And 2008 was 10% below 2007.

So, it is quite evident that the hospitality industry is taking strain, and South Africa is no exception. All the more reason to have a profesional marketing campaign up your sleeve.

Talking to a few local guesthouse owners and hotel managers recently, it is evident that they are a tenacious lot and are optimistic about occupancy rates for the near future.

"Bring them on, I say."

Is There Life After 2010?

2010-05-20T03:13:00.004+02:00

Sebb’s circus has come and gone, your bottom line is not looking as rosy as what you anticipated and you’re fatigued. The medical term for this ailment is: Post FIFA Stress Syndrome or PFSS… Like a deflated party balloon. Whilst not being an ailment that is fatal, irritate me once more and it might just prove to be so.

Many South Africans will be licking their financial wounds and wondering why on earth they over-capitalized on this single major opportunity to make the quick buck. Spare a thought for those who approached their friendly bank managers with this ‘dead-cert’ or those who forfeited their annual holiday to have costly renovations done to their properties in order to cash-in on this cash-cow.

So, where to from here are you asking? Let’s lift ourselves up, dust ourselves off and press on. And it goes without saying, “Always look on the bright side of life.”

It’s going to be the end of July and it will be the perfect time for you to plan your attack while the rest of South Africa is recouping from the dreaded PFSS. Now is the time to call in the marketing specialists to give a candid report on your establishment’s marketing health and how to improve that bottom line.

And ponder: ‘The old girl did need that lick of paint now didn’t she?’

Is there life after 2010? You Betcha.

Rent A Local Friend

2010-05-19T06:56:00.005+02:00

Live the local spirit with a local friend!
Experiencing a new town with a local friend makes us feel at home. It brings us the confidence of making the right choices, so we can relax and enjoy the local spirit.

Now, if you don’t have a local friend at your travel destination, you can always rent one!
Your local host will design and propose a personalized itinerary based on cool and charming places to visit, according to your personal interests.

We Are Ready

2010-05-18T08:13:00.002+02:00

When South Africa was chosen to host the 2010 World Cup and Cape Town needed a new stadium, a group of Fifa officials flew over the city, pointed to a golf course on Green Point and said: “Build it there.”
Two years later, the golf course has been moved and the new Cape Town Stadium is ready for action.
Built in natural colours to avoid sun-bleaching, its backdrop is Table Mountain and you have to admit, FIFA bigwigs got this one spot-on. If there’s a better setting for a football stadium anywhere in the world, then I’d love to see it.

Praises Heaped On Fairest Cape

2010-05-16T08:05:00.004+02:00

The international press is singing South Africa's praises ahead of the World Cup and most of the bouquets are directed at Cape Town.

All the major international media outlets are featuring World Cup stories every day, focusing on South Africa as both a travel and a football destination.

Crime is a concern for many tourists visiting South Africa, but the Sydney Morning Herald this week wrote that despite 50 murders per day, British tourists had "a greater chance of becoming hospitalised in Thailand, Greece, Egypt or India".

Good to hear some positive feedback for a change and keep it up...

Argus, Sunday edition.

Top 10 Trips In South Africa During World Cup

2010-05-15T08:42:00.005+02:00

Weighing in at #3 on the UK Daily Mirror Top 10 list is Hermanus.

Football fans seeking off-pitch action will find lots to do.. from whale-watching to wine-tasting.
There is nowhere better for whale-watching than Hermanus, at the eastern end of the Garden Route.
A cliff path winds from one side of the town to the other and whales come so close they can be seen in the small bays. They begin arriving in May and can be regularly seen until late autumn.

Take Your Shirt Off

2010-05-14T08:02:00.009+02:00

Show your enthusiasm for the 2010 Fifa World Cup™ by wearing a football shirt to work, school or college every Friday. Join with other companies to get employees excited about the biggest sporting show on earth.

Bafana Bafana A quick history.

Vuvuzela SA's football trumpet.

Makarapa SA fans' crafted mine helmet.

Not too sure on whether I want the R97 shirt or do I take the shirt off my back to purchase the R1200 jobbie...

Tourism Tsunami Travels to Hermanus and CWC

2010-05-13T05:04:00.005+02:00

A giant wave of excitement is about to break over us soon.

The towns of the Cape Whale Coast area have been warned to brace themselves for another ‘first’ experience.

A unique ‘GeoCache Treasure Hunt’ is being planned specifically for tour operators and travel agents.
These leaders of the travel industry will be introduced to our tourism hot-spots in the most exciting manner imaginable, in order to showcase our ‘treasures’.
More on this giant wave of adventure soon.

We Survived INDABA 2010

2010-05-12T22:10:00.005+02:00

Southern Stroll Marketing enjoyed participating at INDABA once again in Durban. After 4 days of appointments, renewing old friendships (and having some fun), we are pleased to be "back in the office".

We would like to thank all our loyal and supportive tour operators, travel agents and corporates that have contributed to a great year during such a difficult financial period. We look forward to working with you all again during 2010 / 2011.

See you all at INDABA in 2011!

Learn The Moves

2010-05-11T01:07:00.021+02:00

Fly The Flag and Find the Rhythm

2010-05-11T00:39:00.003+02:00

Play the interactive Diski Dance game at www.southafrica.net/2010 Click on 'Find the Rhythm' and you will be hooked.

Let The Games Begin

2010-05-10T14:50:00.001+02:00

Every cent of invested in the infrastructure ahead of the 2010 World Cup equips the South African economy to grow into the future, says Monhla Hlahla, CEO, ACSA. Read more.

INDABA Daily News, 10 May 2010

Indaba To Be Blown Away

2010-05-09T08:05:00.004+02:00

Indaba will come to a loud standstill on Monday, May 10 at noon when about 10 000 delegates are set to gather outside the Indaba precinct to blow vuvuzelas, fly South African flags and celebrate a month to kickoff of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The mass celebration of the tourism industry will take place outside the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban.

Delegates will begin gathering from about 11h30. Each will be given a temporary tattoo of the South African flag to apply to their faces. A limited number of flags and vuvuzelas will be handed out. At the stroke of noon, delegates will blow their vuvuzelas, wave their flags and celebrate the imminence of the World Cup, and the significance of the event for destination South Africa.

Diski Dance 'Til We Drop

2010-05-08T15:40:00.009+02:00

Experience the vibe of South Africa.

A World Cup like no other and never again.

Appreciate the extravagance our country has generously bestowed upon us and ponder...

'If I dance, will I have food on my plate tonight?'

It's Good For You

2010-05-08T08:10:00.002+02:00

Our local Spar franchise has gotten into the spirit of World Cup 2010. And about time too...Now how about the rest of Hermanus following suit.

Grant Thornton is trying to put a positive spin on the tourism benefit of the World Cup, by claiming that the average length of stay now is 18 days as opposed to 14 days as estimated originally, and that the average spend per trip would be R 30 200 as opposed to the originally estimated R 22 000. On average, international soccer fans will watch 5 World Cup matches, as opposed to the 3 previously estimated.

Like I've said before, "As long as the tourists don't soft footie past the Cape Whale Coast."

Go Green You Greedy Global Giants

2010-05-07T13:51:00.005+02:00

We've all seen the outrageous images: a monstrous oil spill is gushing 200,000 gallons of crude a day into the Gulf of Mexico. Before the spill, U.S. President Obama and Congressional leaders were planning to ramp up offshore drilling. Now, with the spill, the politics have shifted - and an opportunity has opened for the world's biggest historical climate polluter to shift away from oil and towards climate-safe energy sources.

In other words: Hands off any sensitive area we care for.

Porter Plans a Party

2010-05-07T08:33:00.002+02:00

The BIO DIVERSITY FESTIVAL 2010 is a collaboration between Birdlife Overberg, SANBI, Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa, National Biodiversity Institute, Birding Western Cape and the National Botanical Harold Porter Gardens and many other orginisations - this is set to be a VERY big treat.
Filled with beauty, science, walks, hikes, lectures, talks, displays, natural wonder, animals, birds, fauna and flora, food, great people, botanical nursery and thirst quenchers - It is just jammed packed with lots and LOTS of interesting stuff!! And for these two days only, entrance into the Gardens will be for FREE !!

Start Time: Friday, May 28, 2010 at 8:30am
End Time: Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 4:00pm
Location: Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens - Betty's Bay

Let Us Show You How...

2010-05-06T02:55:00.001+02:00

Shark Alley Shows Us How

2010-05-05T16:32:00.007+02:00

Jaws gaping with razor-sharp teeth bared, the great white shark launches after the tuna bait and smacks into the metal cage holding a row of wetsuit-clad tourists.
The group surfaces with whoops and a few stunned expletives, after the giant hunter circles away in the chilly waters known as Shark Alley off Gansbaai, 160 kilometres from Cape Town.
The small town tags and pride's itself as the world's great white shark capital, with an adrenaline-fuelled cage diving industry that is reporting doubled bookings during the month-long World Cup, which starts on June 11.

Playing Disc Jockey...

2010-05-04T15:03:00.006+02:00

Playing DJ today to get Joan-Anne's CD's burned, labeled and ready for Indaba.
Burn, Baby, Burn...

Why You Should Attend INDABA 2010
As we continue to say over, and over again – this year’s INDABA is going to be an incredible event where product-owners get to showcase their products to the international media in a big way AND where the media will get all the inside info on SA’s hot new attractions, establishments and experiences.
Representatives from South African Tourism are hugely positive about this event for many reasons. Sugen Pillay, SAT’s Global Manager for Events says, ‘INDABA is our flagship travel trade show and Africa’s top travel show. It hosts approximately 12 000 international visitors from the trade, media and consumer so it is the principal communications platform in the lead up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.’ Read more.

Whale Hunting To Return?

2010-05-03T21:39:00.005+02:00

Recently a proposal was unveiled that could legalize commercial whale hunting for the first time in 24 years. The fate of the proposal will be determined largely by the world's immediate reactions to it - and according to insiders, many governments are planning to stand aside and allow commercial whaling to resume. An outcry is needed now to ensure they stand strong to save the whales.
Avaaz has launched a last-moment petition to show our leaders their people want to protect whales, not hunt, kill, and sell them. The petition will be sent to the delegates to the International Whaling Commission every time we raise another 100,000 signatures.
To register your signature, visit - http://www.avaaz.org/en/whales_under_threat_5/?vl

Hermanus, The Adventure Capital

2010-05-02T08:24:00.002+02:00

Our eager participants were treated to archery lessons and the only tree top gliding track in the Western Cape. The longest span being more than 110 metres. Just look how this little kiddie is watching her bigger sister aim the arrow. Too cute for words...

GeoCache Goes Gaga

2010-05-02T07:59:00.003+02:00

Hermanus Wine Village kindly hosted the start and end points for our 2010 Autumn GeoCache Adventure Day. The fortunate participants were treated to a day jam packed with adventure from start to finish. So packed with fun that a few teams had to return to the Wine Village without completing the entire course. A huge Thank You goes to all who sponsored and helped on the day.

It's Not All Bull

2010-04-30T00:12:00.004+02:00

Imagine one single town in the Overstrand where you can carry out all your most extreme adventure dreams...

Hermanus

The latest adventure-packed 'must-do' is archery. Clinton and Eugene have worked hard to provide a venue in the Hemel en Aarde valley that will turn anyone into a modern day William Tell. With the latest and most advanced archery equipment available there is no excuse for 'missing your apple'.

Looking Down On Creation

2010-04-29T05:42:00.004+02:00

Joani and I visited the Hermanus Hobby Fair this past weekend and watched in awe as the paragliders slowly descended and touched down on Mother earth so gracefully. Ever hear the phrase 'Poetry In Motion'?

So, with interests on high alert, we took off to where they launched from - just above Hermanus, along Rotary Way through fields of blooming proteas and fynbos. By the time we arrived at the launch pad there were approx 8 gliders in the air circulating and keeping company with two huge eagles.

We sat and watched as 'ground control' kept strict control over who was taking off and who was landing. Within 15 minutes we were green with envy as 12 gliders were sailing through the air.

One day when we have the time to take things easy we will join a club and learn to 'Look Down On Creation' we decided together.

Data Storage Turns 30

2010-04-28T05:59:00.004+02:00

Long before the sleepy village of Hermanus learned what bits and bytes were, we were storing information on this handy paper medium.

The little yellow square of paper that changed lives was actually the product of an engineering mistake by 3M scientists who stumbled upon an adhesive like none other, that could stick and be repositioned on just about any surface. It's one of those things that just can't get much better than it already is, but is…

With environmental sensibilities on the rise, 3M has launched a new product line, the Post-it Greener Note, engineered with a plant-based adhesive and 100 percent recycled paper.

The humble little Post-it Note, is marking its 30th anniversary this month as popular as ever.

Porcupine Hills Olive Oil

2010-04-27T09:07:00.002+02:00

Frantóio, Leccino and Coratina.

A unique blend of Italian olive varieties, cultivated in our very own backyard.

This natural boutique olive oil is sure to enhance the flavour of any meal and reveal the Gourmet in every kitchen.

Grown in the Groenlandberg mountains, close to the Van der Stel Pass, by Murray and Fiona Weiner. Enjoy!

GeoCaching : Nearly R30 000 Prizes to be Won

2010-04-26T18:32:00.010+02:00

GeoCaching / GPS Treasure Hunt / Activities Fun Day
Saturday 1st May : Hermanus, Cape Whale Coast

We have some superb prizes for all our GeoParticipants to win : More than R28 000 worth of prizes!

GeoPrizes :

SharkLady : R2 700 : 2 Shark Diving Vouchers

Pebble Beach Guesthouse : R2 200 : 2 Doubles for 1 night each

Mitchell Street Village, Hermanus : R2 200 : 2 Nights Double

Southern Right Charters : R2 200 : 4 Whale Watching vouchers

Francolinhof Guest House : R2 000 : 2 Nights, Double, B&B

Aquae Vitae Adventures : R2 000 : 2 Shark Diving vouchers

Misty Waves Hotel, Hermanus : R1 600 : 1 Night in Honeymoon Suite

Ivanhoe Adventures : R1 500 : 2 Whale Watching vouchers

Feathers' Bistro : R1 500 : Meal Vouchers

Wine Village : Wine Discount Vouchers

Beach House Interiors : Discount Vouchers

Time for Living Interiors : Discount Vouchers

Europa Coffee Shop : Meal Voucher

Raka Wines : Wine Gifts and Vouchers

Wildekrans Wines : Wine Gifts and Wine tasting

GeoSponsors :

Cubana Restaurant, Hermanus : Start GeoCache

The Wine Village : Finish GeoCache

Hermanus Adventures : Tree Top Slides & Archery

Mountain Falls Spring Water

Paintball Junkies

Kleinmond Pleasure Boats

Pebble Beach Guesthouse

Birkenhead Breweries

Creation Wines

Season Restaurant

Beach House Interiors

Time for Living Interiors

Southern Right Charters

Foschini, Hermanus

Equestrian Centre Arabella

We have loads of fun activities : tree top slides, archery, kayaking, paintballing ... beer sampling and wine tasting.

Join us for a day of FUN, FUN, FUN and loads of prizes!

Phone Joan-Anne on 082 442 6545 or visit www.southernstroll.com/geocaching.html for more information.

Hermanus Sparkling Champagne Air

2010-04-25T13:47:00.005+02:00

Recently spotted on the shelves in a nearby Hermanus store.

Now where did this idea come from?

Moments Guesthouse in Kleinmond - SPECIAL

2010-04-25T11:23:00.002+02:00

Moments Guesthouse in Kleinmond is offering a great special for Winter - Stay for 4 Nights and only Pay for 3 Nights - so contact them today and visit the beautiful and peaceful town of Kleinmond, only 1 hour's drive from Cape Town.

Moments offers you luxury accommodation, superb food and service, space to relax outside by the large sparkling pool or to have a 'braai', or by the fireplace in the spacious yet cosy lounge on cold winter evenings.

They offer 8 bedrooms all en-suite, and are ideally equipped for holidaymakers, corporates and small conferences for up to 12 people.

Tel: +27 28 271 3554 or 078 625 4007

Fax: +27 86 535 2654

E-mail: info@momenstguesthouse.co.za

Web: www.momentsguesthouse.co.za

GeoCaching / GPS Treasure Hunt in the Cape Whale Coast

2010-04-25T09:15:00.003+02:00

This time next week we'll be recovering from a huge overdose of FUN and excitement. Our GeoCaching project will have brought numerous new visitors to the Hermanus region and in excess of R20 000 worth of fantastic prizes handed out.

2010-04-24T09:32:00.006+02:00

47 HELD FOR ILLEGAL MINING
Argus 23 April 2010
Forty-seven alleged illegal miners were arrested in Stilfontein near Klerksdorp on Friday, North West police said.
"The suspects were allegedly conducting these illegal acts in the old mining shafts at a farm called Eleazer in the Stilfontein district," said Lieutenant Colonel Lesego Metsi.

Why, I ask, are these mine shafts not sealed off properly. The owners of these mines should be held responsible.

Pebble Beach Guesthouse Winter Warmers

2010-04-23T14:16:00.005+02:00

PEBBLE BEACH Guesthouse in Hermanus Heights, Hermanus, is offering a super Winter Warmer to be enjoyed by all :

R480 per person sharing
R200 Meal Voucher or Spa Treatment per Double Room.

Pebble Beach Guest House is nestled in the majestic Hermanus mountains. Superbly located and built as an exclusive, upmarket guest house. Pebble Beach offers a great escape and a chance to relax and take in the tranquility of the beautiful surroundings. Situated with the 25th green of the Hermanus Golf Course forming the front lawn.

From the backyard you will be treated to the magnificent backdrop of the Overberg Mountain range and the world renowned Fernkloof Nature Reserve.

So "take a break" and visit the beautiful Cape Whale Coast and enjoy the Winter Warmers at Pebble Beach Guesthouse.

Tel: +27 28 313 2517
Mobile: +27 83 659 0455
E-mail: mailto:info@pebblebeachguesthouse.com
Website: www.pebblebeachguesthouse.com

FUN Day in Hermanus : 1st May

2010-04-20T15:50:00.004+02:00

Join our GeoCaching / GPS Treasure Hunt on Saturday 1st May in Hermanus and have LOADS of FUN enjoying tree top slides, paintballing, kayaking, archery and so much more ... and ending with wine tasting and beer sampling.

Discover the treasures of the Cape Whale Coast as you travel from Kleinmond - Hermanus - Stanford to find the hidden GeoCaches ("treasures" / GeoCoins), have fun along the way and win amazing prizes at the end.

We have more than R20 000 worth of prizes to be given away - something for everyone - as well as 3 big prizes : shark diving, whale watching, stunning accommodation, restaurant and wine vouchers and more.

Contact Joan-Anne on 082 442 6545 or e-mail geocaching@mweb.co.za. Visit our website www.southernstroll.com/geocaching.html for more information and to fill out the Registration Form.

See you on the 1st May in Hermanus!

Southern Stroll Marketing - Design - Route

2010-04-19T21:52:00.000+02:00

Southern Stroll Marketing specialises in tourism / retail marketing in the Cape Whale Coast, based in the beautiful Hermanus region.

We have great fun working with our clients to ensure their products get excellent exposure and their businesses / products grow from 'strength to strength'.

Southern Stroll Marketing is owned by Joan-Anne Harris, a seasoned "hands-on" marketer and David Snoek, web designer - we are dedicated to the success of each and every marketing campaign implemented to ensure it is completed timeously, within the approved budget and timeframe.

We are always looking for new and innovative marketing ideas to attract new clients and retain existing clients.

Contact me if you want to get more information :
JOAN-ANNE HARRIS
Tel : +27 (0)28 316 1868
Cell : +27 (0)82 442 6545
E-mail : southernstroll@mweb.co.za
Web : www.southernstroll.com