MAKANA TOURISM AGM --- CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Honoured Guests, Members of Makana Tourism, Ladies and Gentlemen.
On behalf of the Management Committee of Makana Tourism, it gives me much pleasure to welcome you here tonight. In the next hour or so you will hear what the Director and his staff in the Tourism Grahamstown office have accomplished in the past year, bearing in mind their main objectives:-
1. To promote Makana as a place where visitors feel welcome and want to come back to
2. To ensure that the benefits of tourism are understood and extend throughout the greater community
Since our last AGM there has been great turbulence in the tourism industry. The international tourism industry has been hard hit by the recession, and world wide, figures released by South African tourism show that there has been a considerable decline in the number of overseas tourists visiting South Africa. This decline is most noticeable amongst our traditional European markets that are so important to the industry in the country areas of Makana. Reports we have been receiving from elsewhere have been disturbing. Grahamstown has been more fortunate, largely because of the number of events that take place here. The dedication of all those involved in the industry and the efforts of the Makana Tourism must also be applauded. It is against this backdrop that Willem and his staff has had to operate.
Willem and his staff have worked like beavers in the past year which has seen great achievements for Makana Tourism. In the year under review they have seen the launch of a new website, the launch of a superb new brochure, the production of an interactive CD for the tourism operators and the make over of the office which is now more attractive and customer friendly, as well as being more up to date without having lost its traditional ambiance.
There is an in interesting dynamic at present between local authorities and the tourism offices. We have seen this throughout the country. The difficult relations between the Local Tourism Organization and a neighbouring municipality have received a great deal of publicity of late. Here in Makana the relations between the Municipality and the LTO are quite amicable and remain close. As much of our funding is received from the Municipality and the fact that over 700 jobs in Makana is sustained by the tourism industry we must ensure that these relations remain close.
Makana Tourism will continue to support and be an integral part of initiatives such as the Edutourism Project which can only assist in our efforts to increase the numbers of tourists overnighting in our town. We have enough attractions in our area to appeal to so many niche markets and this project is the ideal vehicle to assist in this regard. Makana Tourism will continue to co-operate with the other Tourism Organizations such as the Cacadu District TO who have been doing such sterling work in ensuring that our area weathers the storm. We will continue to maintain close contact with our neighbouring organizations and Willem has been of such great help in assisting Somerset East reestablish their LTO. In an industry that relies on networking the way tourism does this can only be of benefit to both areas. Makana Tourism will continue to network with our neighbours and friends and we will continue to assist members in the local tourism trade to build up their networks. We will also encourage those businesses who ostensibly have nothing to do with tourism to come on board because everybody benefits from tourism and because Tourism is everybody’s business.
MAKANA TOURISM
ANNUAL REPORT TO THE AGM
WEDNESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2009
The Chairman and members of the Management Committee of Makana Tourism, Members of Makana Tourism Association, Honoured Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is with great pleasure that I present the annual report of Makana Tourism for the year 1st July 2008 to 30th June 2009 to you.
Apart from the day to day, routine activities like supplying information on Grahamstown and the Makana Municipal region, marketing and branding of Grahamstown as Africa's Festival Capital, The Frontier Country Route, selling of luxury bus tickets and festival programmes, I shall briefly report as follows:
INTRODUCTION
With Grahamstown at its centre, Makana includes Alicedale, Riebeeck East, Salem, Fort Brown, Seven Fountains and Sidbury. This is truly the place in the Eastern Cape where the past and the present come together in a unique blend of culture, history, architecture, wildlife and vegetation; set squarely in a region offering magnificent rock climbing, game parks, hiking, historical and cultural tours, all kinds of freshwater fishing: in fact anything a visitor would want to see or do on his visit to Africa. After all, most overseas visitors come to Makana (Africa) for the “African Experience”.
Grahamstonians are characteristically proud of their city’s historic heritage, a pride that is evident in the care taken to preserve and enhance the many historic buildings, which endure to this day. Prominent among these are the city’s many places of worship, numbering well over forty, which testify to the variety of cultures that coexist in the city, the premises of Rhodes University and the several excellent schools and colleges, all of which combine to lend the city its air of cultural diversity.
To fulfil the visitor’s needs and curiosity in exchange for his/her much-desired “tourism Rand” we at Makana Tourism aim to:
· Service visitors to our region by providing comprehensive information and advice.
· Profile, market and promote all the different facets of the Makana Municipal Region.
· To assist the LED office of the Makana Municipality to develop and facilitate training of previously disadvantaged entrepreneurs in establishing and running Kwam Bookings, as the accommodation booking arm of Kwam eMakana.
· Promote the value of co-operation.
· Make the expertise available in Grahamstown accessible.
Our aim is to develop, promote and maintain Makana with Grahamstown at its centre as the Festival Capital of Africa: A vibrant, prosperous, safe and hospitable city.
Together with the much appreciated financial backing and assistance from the Makana Municipality, assistance from The Grahamstown Foundation, Rhodes University, organised business and input from a committee whose members represent a wide cross-section of the Makana community, we strive to promote the prosperity of our city and its environs through tourism.
Our Mission
To primarily focus on efficiently marketing Makana as a quality tourism destination in a dynamic visionary and goal-driven manner, so as to ensure that the community at large will benefit optimally, while preserving and enhancing the socio-economic and ecological environment of our city.
Our Vision
Makana Tourism will be recognised as the best destination marketing organisation in South Africa, with Grahamstown as Africa's Festival Capital
MARKETING AND BRANDING
· FRONTIER COUNTRY TOURISM ROUTE
The Frontier Country route, now in its 9th year, continues to grow in popularity. The Frontier Country Marketing Association, a product driven, private marketing initiative, has become dormant. Nudging from us at Makana Tourism may not be out of place.
Although not present as an entity with its own stand as previously was the case at Indaba, individual members of the Frontier Country Marketing Association exhibited their products and promoted the route along with their products and Makana as a DMO from within the ICC and DEC.
· YOUR TRAVEL COMPANION TO THE EASTERN CAPE
The full colour, 6th edition of the Eastern Cape Section of “Your Travel Companion”, one in a series of DL sized booklets, named Eastern Cape – Greater Addo, Karoo Heartland, Sunshine Cast, Wild Coast, is still a “winner” and is available from Makana Tourism and DMO’s and tourism / Information offices in the Easter Cape Province.
The economic meltdown is quite evident as the publishers only managed to canvass 12 advertisements which forced them to reduce the advertorial and generic pictures of Grahamstown and Frontier Country.
There are 3 stunning generic pictures of Grahamstown and Makana. The area map has been dropped.
Sadly the publishers elected not to have the booklets distributed by Brochure Management, putting quite a burden on storage facilities DMO’s and publicity institutions like Makana Tourism, who do not have big store rooms.
· GRAHAMSTOWN GOURMET GUIDE
The Grahamstown Gourmet Guide, previously known as the Grahamstown Grub Guide, a guide to restaurants and eating places in Grahamstown, compiled and published by Makana Tourism once a year, has not yet been reprinted.
A reprint will, however be undertaken during October to November this year. The publication and printing costs are borne by the advertisers, leaving a small profit to cover distribution costs.
· Makana map – Accommodation guide
A joint venture between Makana Tourism and the Grahamstown Hospitality Guild, the second edition of the very successful and popular, product driven accommodation guide with a map of Grahamstown and a location map of the region was reprinted late last year. Distribution started in October, just in time for the holiday season and Rhodes University orientation and graduation ceremonies at the beginning of the next year. Makana Tourism contributes financially to the distribution of this brochure / map to the tune of
R 850.00 per month by Brochure Management to 65 selected sites in the Eastern and Western Cape provinces, the Garden Route, Route 62 and a number of sites in Gauteng and the Free State. In addition to this, The Grahamstown Hospitality Guild is also contractually bound for the distribution of this publication to some 20 additional sites.
The third edition is due to appear in mid November this year. It is not certain whether the reprint will be 30 0000, 40 000 or 60 00 copies.
· GRAHAMSTOWN GENERIC BROCHURE
The marketing and branding portfolio committee recommended that the generic Grahamstown brochure be replaced with a more striking A3 size full colour brochure, covering the whole of Makana, folded to DL size. Due to lack of funds, this could as yet not be undertaken. A limited number of generic brochures are still being printed to see us through until the new generic brochure is available.
However, the existing generic Grahamstown brochure still works very hard for us; it is the first leaflet that goes into the information folder, along with What to do in Grahamstown, What to do in Frontier Country, the Grahamstown Gourmet Guide and whatever else the prospective conference attendant or visitor's anticipated needs are.
· WHAT TO DO IN GRAHAMSTOWN AND WHAT TO DO IN FRONTIER COUNTRY
These two publications are very popular, extremely useful and informative. They are packed with information on Grahamstown and Frontier Country; list all places of interest and the most popular recurring events in Makana.
The Marketing portfolio committee recommended earlier this year that these two brochures be combined with the generic Grahamstown brochure folded to DL size into a Makana generic brochure.
· WALKING TOURS OF GRAHAMSTOWN BOOKLET
The latest edition of the Walking Tours Guide, published by the Albany Museum, is available for sale at Makana Tourism at R20.00 per copy. The black and white line drawings by John English were scanned in while the front cover now sports a stunning, full colour picture of Grahamstown’s Church Square.
It is a very handy and useful publication and complements our publicity and promotional material very nicely.
· Grahamstown Reflected
There are still a number of copies of this very popular publication available. It is for sale at Makana Tourism for R39.00 per copy (soft cover). The hard cover edition is no longer available.
· ADVERTISEMENTS
Makana Tourism placed a full colour one page advert with advertorial in “The Eastern Cape Tourism Directory” and a full colour one page advert in “Sawubona". We ran a six months session of ¼ page advertisements in “Makana Moon”. Due to lack of funding this year, Makana Tourism did not advertise in any of the printed media we usually use during the year under review. This is not healthy as Makana as a destination will lose the market share it painstakingly built up during the previous years.
· MAKANA TOURISM NEW GENERIC BROCHURE
Cacadu District Municipality provided R28 000.00 for the creation, printing and distribution of a generic brochure of Frontier Country and Makana. The project was awarded to Creatives on Click, a local company who submitted the cheapest of 3 quotations. Five advertisers, Rhodes University, National Arts Festival, SciFest Africa, St Andrews College group and Kingswood College contributed R7 950.00 towards publication of this brochure. The Eastern Cape Tourism Board was also approached for financial assistance in this regard. Regrettably no response as yet, despite a personal visit to the ECTB offices in East London followed by two letters of appeal.
· MAKANA TOURISM NEW WEBSITE
Cacadu District Municipality very kindly promised to contribute R20 000.00 towards the cost of the new Makana Tourism website. The quotation from Goat Multimedia in Port Alfred, although not the cheapest, was accepted. The website was taken into operation early in July this year. It is possible to do all maintenance, including the addition of more pages, by accessing the “back end” of the website.
The following website domains are registered in name of Makana Tourism and point visitors to the Makana Tourism website:
o www.grahamstown.co.za
o www.makanatourism.co.za
o www.grahamstownaccommodation.com
o www.makana.info
o www.irhini.co.za
o www.irhini.com
o www.rhini.info
o www.egazini.com
For the months of June, July & August, the Makana Tourism website received 344 467 Hits
|
|
Month
|
Unique visitors
|
Number of visits
|
Pages
|
Hits
|
Bandwidth
|
|
Jun 2009
|
1695
|
3093
|
13777
|
104234
|
2.45 GB
|
|
Jul 2009
|
2754
|
5181
|
19026
|
142429
|
3.02 GB
|
|
Aug 2009
|
1651
|
3122
|
10465
|
97804
|
2.44 GB
|
|
Total
|
6100
|
11396
|
43268
|
344467
|
7.91 GB
|
|
|
Some abridged statistics are shown above. Full statistics on the website are available from Makana Tourism.
· INDABA 2009
Indaba 2009 was from 9 – 12 May 2009. Makana Tourism booked a booth on the ECTB Provincial stand. Funding from Cacadu District Municipality of R12 000.00 is in place. This allowed me to fly to Durban and back and hire a car while in Durban.
Thembinkosi Sindane shared the stand with me. His expenses were taken care of by Makana City Council who also sponsored some 70 lovely, very functional laptop bags, high quality golf shirts, lanyards, pens and water bottles.
Planning for 2010 was a big theme at this Indaba. Springbok Atlas has announced that they have ordered an extra 22 new busses. Many coastal tourism agencies such as tourism KZN are negotiating packages with cruise operators. A Durban concern has gone one step further - they are building an ultra luxurious yacht cruiser for trips along the coast. FIFA world cup cannot be underestimated, the last one changed Germany and the Germans – they realised that they had a sense of humour.
Although the number of exhibitors was slightly down on last year – by 2.75% - the media number was significantly up, by 10.24%. All these travel journalists write reports of the area for their various publications which is an extremely positive development. I made contacts with a number of journalists and tour operators. Some such as Helga Hermann of the self-drive German tour operator TTA Gruppe, is going to include this area in future packages having previously concentrated on the usual icons, the Garden Route and the Kruger Park.
Kagiso Events, the organisers of the Indaba reported that a total number of 10 500 visitors, 2 500 delegates and 1 250 exhibitors frequented Indaba 2009.
About 120 of the 200 CD’s along with a large quantity of the new generic brochures were distributed. Both were very well received. There were about 30 of the CD’s left when we returned from Indaba. These were handed to visitors who showed interest in these, practically “flying out the door”.
· MAKANA INDUSTRIAL BROCHURE
The Makana Industrial brochure, consisting of a full colour, 20 page glossy A4 booklet, an A4 page full colour flyer, a VHS video and CD ROM, which is now in its fifth year, is still handed out to visitors and prospective industrialists.
· Getaway Show and other trade fairs
Due to lack of human, financial and other resources, Makana Tourism did not attend any trade fairs or consumer or adventure shows this year.
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM SECTOR PLAN 2009 REVIEW
The final proof of Kyle Business Projects in Port Elizabeth’s Tourism Sector Plan (Draft Review Ver. 2) originally undertaken and paid for by the Development Bank of South Africa, was delivered to members of Makana Tourism on 14 May 2009.
A draft of their study was forwarded to Makana Tourism late last year. This is quite a comprehensive study and a big improvement on the original study, including up to date figures and statistics.
On completion of this study, it is proposed that we have a strategic workshop; outcome or which is to be a 5 year Marketing Plan.
FESTIVALS AND CONFERENCES
§ NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL
Despite the depressing figures of international tourists, the Festival was a pleasant surprise, we were expecting a decline but all the reports indicate the opposite, with ticket sales being up, and reports from the industry show that accommodation in Grahamstown was as busy, if not busier than previous years. Such news was a welcome relief. However, the festival was not without its problems. The move of the Village Green from the Village Green to the Rhodes Great Field did create much confusion; many visitors came to the MT offices to enquire where the crafters had gone. Many disgruntled visitors asked to book departure tickets early one saying that “Hierdie is ‘n fees sonder gees”. The return of the traders to Church Square brought an end to these early departures, but that brought a flux of bewildered people asking where the advertised street theatre had gone to. The MT offices were noticeably quieter than in previous years.
Previous reports and research show that the Festival brings in approximately R50 million to the region each year with many residents of Grahamstown entirely dependent on revenues brought in during the Festival.
The table below shows some statistics of this year’s National Arts Festival compared to previous years.
|
Number of tickets sold
|
|
|
Main
|
% Change
|
Fringe
|
% Change
|
Combined Attendance
|
% Change
|
Free show Attendance
|
% Change
|
Total Attendance
|
% change
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
131 900
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
139 100
|
5.18%
|
|
2006
|
36 638
|
|
75 147
|
|
111 785
|
|
29 175
|
|
140 960
|
1.32%
|
|
2007
|
40 758
|
10.11%
|
72 991
|
-2.95%
|
113 749
|
1.73%
|
29 654
|
1.62%
|
143 403
|
1.70%
|
|
2008
|
39 533
|
-3.10%
|
78 041
|
6.47%
|
117 574
|
3.25%
|
30 000
|
1.15%
|
147 574
|
2.83%
|
|
2009
|
42 978
|
8.02%
|
90 917
|
14.16%
|
133 895
|
12.19%
|
36 150
|
17.01%
|
170 045
|
13.21%
|
§ SCIFEST AFRICA
SciFest Africa 2009, the national science festival, blew the minds of the 68 000 people who visited Grahamstown from 25 to 31 March, with children and adults coming from all over South Africa to enjoy science outside of the classroom.
The theme space to explore allowed for many diverse topics to be discussed and explored through workshops, exhibitions, lectures and talk shops. The big science shows were especially popular. The festival highlighted the International Year of Astronomy and the anniversary of Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday.
The SciFest Africa team of five are very encouraged after having sold 10 000 more tickets than last year making the 2009 festival the biggest yet.
“We are especially grateful to our longest standing sponsor, Sasol, who have supported us from the beginning,” said Vera Adams, SciFest Director.
SciFest Africa is sponsored by Sasol Ltd, Old Mutual South Africa, the Department of Science and Technology and SAASTA. SciFest Africa 2010 takes place from 24 – 30 March.
· NATIONAL SCHOOLS FESTIVAL
The National Schools Festival follows immediately after the National Arts festival. 870 Delegates and students stayed on to participate in this event.
§ MAKANA FREEDOM FESTIVAL: SIYAKUNQANDWA ZIINKWENKWEZI
The Freedom Festival did not take place this year. Hopefully this very popular festival, organised and funded by MAKANA Municipality will take place next year.
· CONFERENCES
The following is a list of some of the conferences that will take place in Grahamstown during 2009/2010
|
CONF. DATE
|
EVENT NAME
|
Nos.
|
CONTACT
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
|
06/09-12/09/09
|
SRC Training
|
15
|
Lutando Charlie
|
|
07/09-09/09/09
|
Mandela Rhodes Scholars Conf
|
90
|
Chris
|
|
06/09-08/09/09
|
Highway Africa
|
200
|
Chris Kabwato
|
|
07/09-10/09/09
|
ISER Summer School
|
35
|
Debbie Bruiners
|
|
07/09-10/09/09
|
E Cape Agricultural Research Project - ECARP
|
35
|
Lali
|
|
10/09-12/09/09
|
S A Folklore Soc Conference
|
60
|
Bulelwa Nosilela
|
|
01/12-04/12/09
|
RUMEP ACE (MST) & ACE (SC) exams
|
85
|
Lynette Sparrow
|
|
07/12-11/12/09
|
Table Tennis SASSU/USSA
|
170
|
Guy Gordon
|
|
07/12-11/12/09
|
Tennis SASSU/USSA
|
330
|
Roger Adams
|
|
07/12-11/12/09
|
RUMEP ACE 1 & 2 Exams
|
86
|
Lynette Sparrow
|
|
07/12-09/12/09
|
SANORD (Southern African-Nordic Centre Conf
|
200
|
Carolyn Stevenson-Milln
|
|
09/12-10/12/09
|
RUMEP B.Ed (in Serv) B.Ed (Zenex)
|
45
|
Lynette Sparrow
|
|
14/12-18/12/09
|
ISEA ACE & B Ed
|
60
|
Carol Leff
|
|
12/12-13/12/09
|
College Reunion 2009
|
75
|
Helen Renton
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
|
March/April 2010
|
ISEA Conference
|
150
|
Monica Hendricks
|
|
24/03-30/03/10
|
SciFest Africa
|
|
Margaret Wolff
|
|
June/July
|
S A Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) Winter School
|
|
Penny Haworth
|
|
Jul-10
|
Linguistic Conference
|
80
|
Sally Hunt
|
|
June - July 2010
|
NAF
|
3000
|
|
|
Jul-10
|
25 degrees South Festival of New Music
|
|
Marc Duby
|
|
06/07-08/07/10
|
Highway Africa & World Journ Education Congress
|
300
|
Guy Berger
|
|
Jul-10
|
Schools Festival
|
800
|
Neville Engelbrecht
|
|
04/09-06/09/10
|
Southern African Assoc of Geomorphologists SAAG
|
50
|
Kate Rowntree
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
|
11/04-15/04/2011
|
Estuarine & Coastal Shelf Science (ECSA)
|
|
Alan Whitfield
|
|
04/04-06/04/11
|
ODAM Conference
|
250
|
Matthius Goebel
|
|
Apr-11
|
Classic Assoc of South Africa
|
100
|
John Jackson
|
|
|
International Maths Conference
|
|
Marc Schaffer
|
|
18/07-22/07/2011
|
Architectural Student Conference
|
800
|
Gavin Mclachlan
|
· OCTOBER IS INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS PRIZE GIVING MONTH
October is traditionally the month in which all the independent schools have their prize giving and other social and sporting events. Parents, grand parents and other family members then flock to Grahamstown to share in the students’ fun and glory.
· RHODES UNIVERSITY ORIENTATION WEEK
Rhodes University expected to enrol 1 500 new students this year. A mammoth task for the accommodation booking agents, including Makana Tourism, to place over 3 000 parents in suitable accommodation for the 3 -5 days of ‘O’ week. Happily no parent was turned away, even if it meant staying over in one of the surrounding towns. All the beds in the Grahamstown hotels, Guest Houses, B&B’s, Farm Stays and Entabeni Home stays were filled for the 3 – 5 days of ‘O’ week.
· RHODES UNIVERSITY GRADUATION WEEK-END
Once again, the hospitality industry flourished with more than 3 000 parents, friends and relatives having had to be put up in and around formal and informal accommodation in Makana and surrounding towns.
All the beds in the Grahamstown hotels, Guest Houses, B&B’s, Farm Stays and Entabeni Home stays were filled to capacity for the duration of Rhodes graduation week-end.
TOURIST NUMBERS
Since the last AGM dramatic things have happened, notably the world wide economic recession which manifested itself during the last quarter of 2008. Until October 2008 the year on year increase of international visitors was showing a steady rise in tourist numbers. But after October there was a six per cent decline in the number of European arrivals while North American numbers remained at the same levels. There was a 24 % decline in the number of Asian visitors. In November the same story unfolded except that the American visitors were down as were the Australians.
There has been no respite since then, the latest figures that we have, from May 09 continued to show the same woeful decline. If one wishes to see the figures they are at the MT Offices
FROM OUR VISITOR’S BOOK
The visitor’s book in the Makana Tourism Office indicates that, as expected, most of the visitors seeking information are from South Africa. However foreign travellers make up the majority of the visitors who entered information into the book. South Africans made up 42% of the visitors, while visitors from the United Kingdom were 26%. 13% of the visitors were Germans, 7% came from the United States and 4% hailed from the Netherlands. Other visitors came from such diverse places as Reunion, Argentina and Sweden.
46% of the South African visitors originated in Gauteng. The only provinces not represented were the Free State and North West.
It must be stressed that not all visitors sign the book. Nearly all the people who visited the office were self drive independent travellers.
Apart from the usual queries of where to stay and what to do other queries were of a diverse nature including ancestor tracking, and the public nature reserves in the area. Other unusual queries included:
“How did this town come about?”
“Where does the name Albany come from?”
“Why is the Municipal area called Makana?”
“Do you have a list of all the properties with swimming pools in the area?”
“Can we hire Mountain Bikes in the town?”
“I am looking for a person, who is hiding from me, and I only have his nickname, can you help me?”
“What’s with the skeleton type gargoyles on the Mutual Building next door?”
“Are there any ghosts in Grahamstown?”
MEMBERSHIP
New Members
26 New members have come on board since July last year. They are:
Guest Farm - 1
Guest House - 3
B&B Establishment - 10
Entabeni Home stay - 3
Booking Office - 1
Business General - 1
Restaurant - 1
Game Reserve - 2
Resort / Caravan Park - 1
Hotel - 1
Transport / Taxi - 2
Tourist Guide /Tour operator - 0
RESIGNATIONS
Whitnall’s Cottage
The Hermitage B&B
Carpenter’s Cottage
TOTAL GAIN
The total gain is therefore 23 new members.
§ REVISED MEMBERSHIP FEES FOR 2008/09
The membership fee for 2008/09 has been revised. The following table shows the new fess and category structure.
|
MEMBERSHIP AND ADVERT FEES JANUARY 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CATEGORY
|
MEMBERSHIP FEES 1 JULY 09 - 30 JUNE 10
|
|
|
|
|
PER YEAR
|
|
BB1BRM
|
Individual Members, B&B's & Self Catering Establishments with 1 Room in Makana
|
144.00
|
|
BB23BR
|
B&B's & Self Catering 2&3 Bedrooms in Makana
|
204.00
|
|
BB4BRM
|
B&B's 4 and more Bedrooms in Makana
|
252.00
|
|
GHLMAK
|
Guest Houses and Lodges in Makana
|
360.00
|
|
ACCMAK
|
All Accommodation Outside Makana other than Hotels, Lodges , Pvt. Game Reserves
|
192.00
|
|
HOTCNT
|
Hotels Country
|
240.00
|
|
HOTMAK
|
Hotels & Lodges in Makana
|
480.00
|
|
PGRMAK
|
Pvt. Game Reserves in Makana
|
480.00
|
|
PGRCNT
|
Pvt. Game Reserves Outside Makana
|
240.00
|
|
BUSMAK
|
Business Member, Estate Agents, etc in Makana
|
360.00
|
|
BUSCNT
|
Business Member, Estate Agents, etc outside Makana
|
240.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
MTN ADVERTISING RATES 1 JULY 09 - 30 JUNE 10
|
|
|
|
|
PER INSERT
|
|
MTN4X6
|
Makana Tourism Newsletter 45 X 60
|
75.00
|
|
MTN7X6
|
Makana Tourism Newsletter 75 X 60
|
95.00
|
|
MTN413
|
Makana Tourism Newsletter 45 X 130
|
95.00
|
|
MTNBPG
|
Makana Tourism Newsletter Full Back Page
|
120.00
|
|
MTNFPG
|
Makana Tourism Newsletter 45 X 60 on Front Page
|
120.00
|
|
WEBSITE ADVERTISING RATES 1 JANUARY 09 - 30 JUNE 09
|
|
|
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PER YEAR
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WEBLPG
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Feature Advert on Front (Landing) Page
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600.00
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WEBACC
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Advert. on Accommodation Page
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480.00
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WEBTSP
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Advert on Tours and Transport Page
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360.00
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WEBRES
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Banner with link on Restaurants Page
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360.00
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WEBSLT
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Single Listing with link on all pages
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192.00
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WEBPIC
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Single Hosting with two pictures and link on appropriate pages
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240.00
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GHGBAN
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GHG Banner with link on Accommodation Page
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3,000.00
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SETUPF
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Once-off Set Up Fee
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50.00
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LINKAL
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Trade off for interactive links on links page, others only if MT benefits
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· FEES VERSUS BENEFITS
Membership Fees
All membership fees, in one form or another, are utilised for marketing and promoting Makana as a destination. Ideally, no taxpayer monies should be used for marketing private products. The generous subsidy provided by Makana Municipality should strictly be utilised for overhead costs, salaries and other running expenses. The R 43 204.00 membership income derived this year did not go anywhere near paying for website maintenance, brochure printing and distribution, attending trade fairs and exhibitions, Indaba, World Travel Markets, printed and electronic media advertising, conference organising and information, to name but a few vitally necessary ways to market Makana as a DMO.
Benefits
Makana Tourism website
Visitors use the Internet and electronic media, like e-mails and fax lists, to enquire about bookings and place their bookings book direct with the prospective host. A “walk-in” tourist requesting information on accommodation these days is a rarity.
Accommodation List
A list of all hospitality members, which is updated constantly, is faxed, emailed or made available to all enquiries about available accommodation in Makana.
Brochure displays
All members are allowed a free A4 size display of their product in Makana Tourism show room.
Enquiries and bookings received are largely due to the marketing efforts of institutions like Rhodes University, the museums and other research institutions, the independent schools, the various festivals, the public and private game reserves, Bushman Sands hotel and the Afritemba Leisure group, Alan Weyer, Amahlati Excursions and EP Skydivers and of course, Makana Tourism.
Tourists do not come to Makana to stay in a hotel, guest house or B&B. They come here to experience an event or to attend a conference, what to see and what to do. Only when they have decided on Makana as their destination, do they look for a place to stay. It is our job to convince the prospective visitor that Makana is the ideal place to visit and provide him/her with as fully comprehensive a list of accommodation and activities as possible. It is up to the individual accommodation establishment to convince the visitor to stay in his/her establishment.
ENTABENI HOME STAYS
Eighteen previously disadvantaged B&B’s in Grahamstown East so far have taken up the offer of a 50% discount in becoming members of Makana Tourism and setting up their own B&B’s and Home stays. They were inspected and are tutored and accredited by an ad hoc committee, consisting of two members from the GHG and Vuyani Njovane from MT.
Following upon such accreditation, the Entabeni Home stays are included in the, “fax list” and the Grahamstown website at no additional charge.
Two members, Esihle B&B (3 star) and Eluyolweni (2 star) were star graded recently. Since they are now star graded, they qualify as full blown B&B’s and are listed as such on the website and the accommodation data pages. They will continue to receive 50% discount on all marketing publications of Makana Tourism.
KWAM eMAKANA
59 hosts, accredited by Eastern Cape Tourism Board.
The steering committee has not yet met this year
The following budget was approved by the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture who provided the funds:
· The Project R43 210.00
· Kwam Bookings R46 680.00
· The Hosts (Signage) R24 750.00
· The Taxis R208 800.00
· Accommodation R400 000.00
· Total R723 440.00
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been entered into between Fair Trade in Tourism South
Africa (FTTSA) and Makana Tourism representing Kwam Bookings on the “Strengthening Community
Tourism for Sustainable Local Development” project. To this end a 2+2 day workshop (20 products each for 2 days) has been completed recently. This workshop was sponsored and driven by The SA Host Programme.
MAKANA RESORT (CARAVAN PARK)
The Makana Resort, previously known as the Grahamstown Caravan Park, has been renovated and opened its gates to the public at a glittering public and media launch on Friday 17 July 2009. It now offers the following services / facilities:
- Twelve chalets
- Four Cottages
- Four De-luxe Units
- Sixteen Caravan or Camping Sites, each with its' own private ablutions.
- Conferencing facilities
- Restaurant
- Swimming Pool
The chalets and cottages are all fully serviced. The chalets, cottages, and de-luxe units are fully furnished, and all have large screen DSTV, all with separate entrance.
There are single and double room accommodation units, and all units have their own shower and toilet.
Each unit has its own braai (barbecue) area, including a covered braai area, for visiting or just lazing around.
The conference facility is able to accommodate up to 120 delegates, seated cinema style, or 60 at tables, and is equipped with full, state of the art audio-visual equipment, including:
- Overhead Projector,
- DVD/Cassette player ,
- Plasma Screen Television Set
The conference room is fully air-conditioned, and our highly trained staff will provide exceptional support to our clients.
The restaurant is open 7 days a week for all meals. All are welcome, whether staying at Makana Resort or elsewhere. Booking is essential.
ALICEDALE – GRAHAMSTOWN – PORT ALFRED RAIL LINK
Sadly the Alicedale – Grahamstown section of the Alicedale – Grahamstown – Port Alfred is no more, the Port Alfred – Grahamstown section having been closed a few years ago. It blew its last whistle on 20 February this year. Chances of a scheduled train service on this route are almost zero.
To say a final “good bye” to this historic mode of transport, “The last train ride to Alicedale” will take place on Saturday 10 October this year. Mr Hennie Ferreira, a retired Spoornet official, is driving this process. Makana Tourism will sponsor the printing of a commemorative booklet. Over 500 persons have indicated their desire to partake in this commemorative event. The price of the ticket, including the booklet will be R60.00. The local media and SABC TV will be invited to join this sad, but historic event. The Mayor and City Council will be invited to join us in this, the last train ride to Alicedale.
The architects are Flint & Lear in Port Elizabeth. Rite Design Cabinet’s did a splendid job in revamping the interior of the Makana Tourism show room. The electrical work was done by Jakes Electrical and the IT network distribution by IT Solutions. The interior decoration was done by James van Rensburg Painters. Makana Municipality very kindly funded this project to the tune of R75 000.00. We are extremely grateful for this most generous offer by the Municipality. Robyn Timm and Sharon Thompson from Creatives on Click gave sterling advice in the interior decoration, which is highly appreciated.
The three desks and a few other redundant pieces of furniture were sold on a public auction, while an 8 seater table and six chairs for the new board room and 2 benches for the transport public waiting area were purchased.
Luyanda Lugodlo, a Diploma student from Walter Sisulu University, served his 6 months practical experiential training with us from June to January this year. Ncebakzi Calana 3rd year B Com student from Rhodes University and Viwe Frans, second year Marketing and Communication studies from Cape Town University helped out during the National Arts Festival.
Millicent Alexander joined Makana Tourism in place of Zenobe Vosloo as Admin Officer and PA to the Director. Zenobe resigned during September last year after 4 years excellent service with us
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, I would like to thank the Executive Mayor and the Makana City Council, The Municipal Manager and her staff for the much appreciated, very substantial financial support and the excellent cooperation and assistance. We at Makana Tourism are treated as “part of the family” and are invited to all meetings and events where it is felt we can bring input and assistance.
Thank you to the Management and Executive Committees for their unstinting support and co-operation. I cannot do it alone and sincerely appreciate your guidance and assistance.
Likewise, I would like to thank the staff of Makana Tourism for their energetic service, expertise and overwhelming devotion to duty, especially during “Festivals”, when we work long hours and very hard.
You are always there for me and I am truly grateful.
WILLEM MAKKINK
DIRECTOR
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