Media Release: Mossel Bay Tourism. 28.10.10.

Two Blue Flag Beaches for Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay’s Santos and Hartenbos Beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status for the second year running.

Mossel Bay's Blue Flag Santos Beach

This was announced by the Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, at the launch of this year’s Blue Flag programme, which took place at Mossel Bay’s Santos Beach Thursday, 28 October.

The ceremony – at which municipal officials from around the coast received flags for 27 beaches – marked the tenth year of the programme in South Africa.

Minister van Schalkwyk said that just three beaches qualified for Blue Flag status in the first year, when South Africa became the first country outside of Europe to enter the programme.

The Blue Flag is awarded annually to beaches in more than 42 countries whose managers meet the highest standards of safety, amenities, and cleanliness, and provide appropriate levels of environmental information and environmental management. The programme is managed in South Africa by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) and participating local authorities.

“Nearly 4,000 beaches around the world have now achieved Blue Flag status, and the brand has become instantly recognisable to most international travellers,” said Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm.

“This means that the fact that two of our beaches have Blue Flag Status will give Mossel Bay a significant edge in our marketing campaign – but more importantly, it’s a recognition of Mossel Bay Municipality’s efforts towards environmental education and conservation.”

Minister van Schalkwyk said that he’s always maintained that tourists vote with their feet, and “if the latest arrival figures to South Africa are anything to go by, our country is getting a resounding vote of confidence from visitors. Foreign arrivals for January to July 2010 show an increase of 18.1% across all markets compared to the same period in 2009.”

Alison Kelly, WESSA’s Blue Flag Program Manager, said that “the success of the Blue Flag programme in South Africa can be attributed to the commitment of participating municipalities to provide beach-goers and holiday-makers with world class beaches offering safe, clean and well-managed facilities.

“The municipalities managing Blue Flag beaches are showing that high levels of excellence and delivery of services to benefit both local and international visitors are possible.”

She said that local authorities face challenges in managing damage to infrastructure and the coast as a result of climate change, but that those that have committed to the Blue Flag programme are providing significant benefits in terms of improved environmental management.

Visit www.blueflag.org.za for more about Blue Flag; for information about all of Mossel Bay’s beaches, go to www.visitmosselbay.co.za/play/beaches/

ENDS 441 WORDS

INFORMATION FOR EDITORS

This year’s Blue Flag Beaches:

• MacDougall’s Bay, Port Nolloth
• Yzerfontein Main beach, Yzerfontein
• Clifton 4th beach, Cape Town
• Camps Bay, Cape Town
• Muizenberg, Cape Town
• Strandfontein beach, Cape Town
• Mnandi beach, Cape Town
• Bikini beach, Gordon’s Bay
• Kleinmond beach, near Hermanus
• Hawston beach, near Hermanus
• Grotto beach, Hermanus
• Lappiesbaai, Stilbaai, Southern Cape
• Witsand at the mouth of the Breede River
• Santos beach, Mossel Bay
• Hartenbos beach, Mossel Bay
• Robberg 5 beach, Plettenberg Bay
• Dolphin beach, Jeffrey’s Bay
• Humewood beach, Port Elizabeth
• Wells Estate, north of Port Elizabeth
• Kelly’s beach, Port Alfred
• Kariega Main beach, Kenton-on-Sea
• Umzumbe (Pumula) on the south coast KwaZulu-Natal
• Lucien beach near Margate
• Trafalgar beach, south coast KwaZulu-Natal
• Marina beach, south coast KwaZulu-Natal
• Ramsgate beach, near Margate
• Margate beach

Additional information: Blue Flag National Manager Alison Kelly -  alisonk [at] wessa.co.za or 033 330 3931 ext 146 or 082 337 1273.

Mossel Bay Mayor Alderlady Marie Ferreira

Sophie Bachet International Blue Flag Coordinator speaks at the nnouncement of South Africa's Blue Flag Beaches 2010 / 2011

Minister of Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk at the announcement of South Africa's Blue Flag Beaches 2010 / 2011

Mossel Bay's Blue Flag

Announcement of South Africa's Blue Flag Beaches 2010 / 2011

Announcement of South Africa's Blue Flag Beaches 2010 / 2011

Announcement of South Africa's Blue Flag Beaches 2010 / 2011

Media Release 4 April 2010. Mossel Bay Tourism

Four Mossel Bay Properties in AA Awards List

http://www.dibiki.co.za/

(IMAGE: Dibiki Resort, Mossel Bay)

Four Mossel Bay properties have been selected as finalists in the 2010 AA Travel Guides American Express® Accommodation Awards.

“Dibiki Resort has been named in the Caravan / Campsites category; The Protea Hotel Mossel Bay made it into the Full Service Hotel category; the Garden Route Game Lodge is a contender for Game Lodge of the year; and the ATKV Hartenbos Beach Resort is a finalist for the Large Self-Catering Resort of the Year Award,” said Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm.

According to the organisers of the Accommodation Awards, they have been recognising “the cream of South African accommodation establishments for 17 years – and thanks to the continuing high standards of winners, the Awards have become a highly sought after feather in the cap of establishments across the country.”

“The AA Award is a benchmark of quality, so whilst we’re thrilled that four local properties have made the cut, we’re not totally surprised – because Mossel Bay is one of South Africa’s best quality destinations, both in terms of its accommodation and attractions and terms of price,” said Ms. Holm.

“It’s important to us that the awards are consumer-based (guests can vote electronically or by post whenever they stay at a participating property), and that, because of the wide variety of categories, the winner in each market segment has been judged against properties of similar size that offer similar services,” she said.

Ms. Holm said that Mossel Bay Tourism was excited that the four local finalists are all popular with South African visitors, “because South Africa remains first and foremost our largest source market.

“Mossel Bay is currently promoting itself as the South African’s Destination during this year’s FIFA World Cup because it is accessible and affordable, and, taken together, our four finalists represent a good core sample of the kind of accommodation on offer,” she said.

Martie Pretorius, who owns Dibiki Holiday Resort with her husband, Oosie, said, “Of course we’re very happy, and we’re hoping to win again.” (Dibiki took the prize in 2009, after having appeared in the list of finalists in 2007 and 2008.)

Asked what she felt had contributed to getting her resort onto the list this year, she said: “I think it’s because we work hard to get to know all our guests.

“It’s a small resort, with four self-catering chalets, one safari tent, and 31 caravan sites, so it’s relatively easy to keep an eye on everything.”

Ms. Pretorius said that the resort still had capacity for the June and July holidays – the period of the World Cup.

“We’ll be charging our normal out of season rates at that time of year, and we’re hoping to attract a lot of South Africans, and perhaps also some of those World Cup fans who’ll be travelling the country in motor homes,” she said.

The organisers of the Awards said that, “The winners of the top awards are those establishments that consistently outperform their peers in the industry, and work exceptionally hard to make sure that their guests tell us all about it.”

Ms. Holm said that properties that won AA Travel Guides American Express® Awards would stand to benefit enormously.

“It’s always easier and more convincing to sell something that’s been endorsed by consumers – and these Awards are recognised as such,” she said. “Being able to display a winner’s certificate in your lobby and on your marketing material is therefore hugely beneficial.

By tradition, the winners are announced at a Gala Banquet during the annual SA Tourism Indaba, which will run this year at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre from the 8th to the 11th of May. The Banquet itself will take place on the 9th of May.

“We’re very proud of our four finalists, and we’re looking forward to congratulating them as winners on that evening,” said Ms. Holm.

More information -

Mossel Bay: www.visitmosselbay.co.za
Dibiki Resort: www.dibiki.co.za
Protea Hotel Mossel Bay: www.oldposttree.co.za
Garden Route Game Lodge: www.grgamelodge.co.za
ATKV Hartenbos Beach Resort: www.hartenbos.co.za

ENDS

Media Release. Immediate. 3 February 2010. Mossel Bay Tourism

New Hotel For Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay’s newest hotel – The Point Village Hotel – has opened for business in the historic heart of the Southern Cape’s quaint harbour town.

“The Point Village has been a favourite family holiday destination for generations, and this hotel aims to continue that tradition,” said the owner and developer of the property, Albert Wiffen.

“The atmosphere is ‘chic yesterday blended with modern today,’ and we’ve gone for a philosophy of ‘never judge a room by its price’,” he said.

The recently completed hotel, which is situated on the corner of Bland and Marsh Streets, offers extremely affordable luxury accommodation in sixteen en-suite rooms (each with its own kitchenette), and seven self-catering suites (each with a fully equipped kitchen and two en-suite bedrooms).

All rooms have sea views and comfortable balconies, and undercover parking is available.

The hotel can accommodate up to 60 guests, but has no breakfast room, so, for people requiring a bed-and-breakfast rate, vouchers (which are redeemable at the neighbouring Delfino’s restaurant) are supplied.

“What makes the Point Village Hotel special is its feel, its relaxed style, and its unique atmosphere, which has something old, something borrowed, something new about it,” said the hotel’s Annemarie le Roux. “So for example we have a number of old photographs of the families who used to holiday in the old houses at The Point, and who had such a lovely time here, and we’ve aimed to recreate that kind of feeling,” she said.

Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm said that the opening of a new property of this calibre was a significant event in the history of tourism in the town.

“We believe that Albert has read the market perfectly, and that the Point Village Hotel will appeal to everyone, including South African holiday-makers, international self-drive tourists, and tour companies.

“Its position less than 50 metres from the waves, the beach, and the municipal tidal pool at The Point, and the fact that it is close to the town centre (and within less than five minute’s walk of six beachfront restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines), coupled with Albert’s reputation for service and style, will ensure that The Point Village Hotel will be a major asset for the town,” she said.

Importantly, with the World Cup just months away, and at a time when the tourism industry and the media are paying particular attention to the cost of accommodation and travel in South Africa, the Point Village Hotel has opened at a rate of R495.00 per night for a double room.

“And this won’t go up significantly during the event,” said Ms. le Roux.

Although the hotel has not yet been graded, Ms. le Roux indicated that it would apply for three stars.

The Point Village Hotel will hold an open day on Friday, 5 February, when members of the public and the tourism industry are invited to join Mr. Wiffen and Ms. le Roux for a drink and to inspect the property.

More information at www.pointvillagehotel.co.za or www.visitmosselbay.co.za

ENDS 505 WORDS

MORE INFORMATION: Annemarie le Roux, Point Village Hotel
GPS 34°10’58.38″S 22° 9’22.05″E
5 Point Road, Mossel Bay, South Africa
Telephone & Fax: + 27(0)44 690 3156
info@pointvillagehotel.co.za
www.pointvillagehotel.co.za

The Santos Express Train Lodge is a genuine train situated on the Santos Beach in Mossel Bay with all cabins facing the sea. With the ocean so close, you can’t really beat its unbelievable position and exquisite views. An invigorating sea breeze keeps everything cool even on really hot days.

We offer you a unique stay in a double compartment or single coupe similar to the Trans Karoo. We are 5-10 minutes walk from the Dias Museum Complex, Harbour and Town Centre.

We have 5 coaches, 4 of which are identical with 5 compartments (2-4 sleepers), 2 coupes (1-2 sleepers), 2 toilets and 1 shower. The 5th coach is divided into a 16 bed dormitory with lounge plus the Caboose – an on-suite room with balcony.

Double and single rates include a free continental breakfast. We can accommodate a max of 114 peoiple and have special STO rates for groups of 30 people and more (low season). Seasonal rates apply. Menus can be customized to suit your budget and requirements.

Our happening restaurant and bar serves breakfast all day, and other delicious meals such as steaks, seafood and our most famous traditional meals, that can be served inside or on the sundeck. The restaurant is open from 7:30 am.

Our staff is on the ball and can help with all travel and adventure arrangements such as shark cage diving, boat-based whale watching, sky diving, game drives, quad biking, deep-sea fishing, pleasure boat trips to Seal Island etc.

Facilities include BBQ; Internet & Wi Fi; Phone cards & Airtime; Baz Bus Stop; Laundry; Security; Catering; Functions & Conference

RATES

• Compartments (2-4 people) R 145.00 p.p.p.n. sharing
• Coupes (1-2 people) R 160.00 p.p.p.n. single
• Bedding & Continental Breakfast included.

• Private Bag 5 number 254, Mossel Bay, 6500
• Santos Beach, Mossel Bay
• Phone: +27 (0)44 691 1995
• Fax: +27 (0)86 515 7779
• Email: beds@santosexpress.co.za
• Homepage: http://www.santosexpress.co.za

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