Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines
* South Africa is the most attractive tourist destination in Africa, overtaking Egypt for the first time, and is on the Top 25 global tourism destination list, in the Bloom Consulting’s Country Brand Ranking Tourism Edition 2014/2015. Close to 200 countries were included in the survey, which measured the performance of the tourism industry, brand strategy, and online presence. South Africa was followed by Egypt and Morocco in Africa.
* South African accommodation establishments Babylonstoren, Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Grace hotel, and the Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa have made the Condé Nast Traveler 2015 Gold List of 100 World’s Best Hotels.
* Global tourism should exceed 1 billion this year, already at 978 million between January and October this year, as measured by the United Nations World Tourism Organization World Tourism Barometer. Highest tourism growth has been experienced in the USA, South Asia, Mediterranean Europe, North-East Asia, and Northern Europe, with growth rates of 7% or more p.a.
* The City of Cape Town Law Enforcement department has confiscated 2000 litres of alcohol (mainly beer and cider) from Cape Town beaches in the past two weeks, three times the volume compared to a year ago. Drinking alcohol on the city beaches is illegal, and beachgoers will be fined.
* Opulent Living Experiences is organising another ‘Valentine under the STARS‘ at The Castle of Good Hope on Valentine’s Day 2015. The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Brandon Philips, will perform ‘classic meets pop’, and will accompany soloists Magdalene Minnaar, Selim Kagee, and Laura Santoni. Tickets cost R480 and include a glass of sparkling wine or R900 for two. VIP tickets include food and beverages and prime seating, and cost R1800. (received via media release from Prestige Communications)
Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com Tel (021) 433-2100, Twitter:@WhaleCottage Facebook: click here
