Arts meets tourism through storytelling at Africa’s Travel Indaba

The unveiling of a wall mural at the African Tourism Indaba 2019 represents a big step forward in driving the opportunities culture can bring to tourism.

The wall mural was unveiled by the South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, following the opening of the trade floor at this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba at the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Speaking at the unveiling, Michelle Constant, a member of the South African Tourism (SA Tourism) board, says one of the great challenges for South Africans is unlocking the great potential of its’ extraordinary historical and present culture.

“If we think about the five pillars of tourism, one of these is cultural roots and through this we can drive creativity. Today’s unveiling of this mural is an opportunity for we to demonstrate this,” said Constant.

She adds that art is key to opening the door to science, technology and engineering. “We are seeing a move from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) to STEAM, which is the inclusion of art because art is key to opening those spaces.”

Four artists came together to create the mural, which took a year to plan and 10 days to create.

“It was very pressurised to get it done, but it was exciting to come together with the other artists and produce something we are very proud of,” says artist Samora Chapman.

He adds that while the mural represents Durban and its inclusive spaces, this extends to the broader South Africa. “It includes symbols of South Africa and represents an inclusive not exclusive space.”

Mural artist, Sphephelo Mnguni says it was a great experience being part of this mural and working with other artists. For him the mural welcomes the world and opens its’ arms to everyone. “I would like people to view it and feel a sense of unity, peace, love and positive vibes.”

Kev Seven, another of the artists involved has been a graffiti artist for 12 to 15 years. “This mural is significant not only because it is one of a kind, but because it is the first mural of this kind in the Durban ICC.”

Constant encouraged visitors to the Africa Travel Indaba 2019 to find the time to stand in front of the mural, take a selfie and share it to the world. “We need the rest of the world to acknowledge our extraordinary culture.”

Take a #Shotleft at an Affordable Price With Shuttle Lady by Zama Ngwenya

Founded by Ms Zamantimande Ngwenya, The Shuttlelady is a Johannesburg based women shuttle service provider.

“We exist to take care of the women traveller transportation needs,whether on business,holiday or moving around locally”

“This woman to woman transport affair, is ensured by us having well mannered, experienced and safety conscious well trained drivers for our clients”

• Why the name ‘Shuttle lady’? 

• How long has your business been running for?

The business has been operating since July 2016.

• Why a business in travel?

• Which has been your most successful tours?

All my tours are successful, but the latest which ended Saturday 13April-it was a family it was SUPER👌👌👌

• What do you enjoy most about conducting these tours?

• During which time of the year are you mostly booked?

Nov-May as most international clients visit us because its summer.

• Where in SA do you love or enjoy to go on holiday?

• Do you only host tours in South Africa?

Yes for now.

• What makes Shuttle Lady stand out?

I can die for my clients and my country South Africa, to make sure I leave them with sweet memories.

• Most people travel to relax and for you this is a job, what do you do to take some time off work?

I just don’t have tours on dates I want to take a break.

• Why should people choose Shuttle Lady?

Can You Be Eco Friendly When On Vacation?

Vacations are one of the most consumption heavy times in your life – you’ll be heading out to restaurants and using paper cups and plastic straws, you’ll be grabbing bottles of water every time you head out for a day’s exploration, and who knows what might be dropped around you along the trail as you go!

All in all, people can generate a lot of waste whilst they’re off on their travels. And that begs the question: can you be eco friendly when you’re on vacation? Well, let’s have a think about that below.

Your eco friendly trip away starts as soon as you get to the airport!

Know Your Green Hotels

If you’re off on your travels, and you’re looking to be less of a drain on the environment as you do so, then you’re going to need to book yourself into a sustainable hotel. There’s quite a few around the world, and wherever it is you’re going, you’ve got a good chance of arriving within a 10 mile radius of one.

Fairmont Hotels, or Hilton Hotels, are quite popular with the green traveling tourist. Or you can check through this list, if you want to book a room in more local, boutique-y hotels, rather than using a chain brand. We all still have our personal tastes, even when aiming to be eco friendly!

Use Eco Friendly Transport

Public transport is the best way to get yourself around a new city, or into the nearby countryside to explore the natural, and slightly exotic, world you’ve found yourself in. Getting on a bus is going to be a lot cheaper than trying to hire a taxi, and it can get you closer to your destination than using a train. But that’s still a viable option; the trains are more regular than the bus, and arriving at a station is a great way to pinpoint yourself on the map, after all.

Or you can book yourself a rental car from somewhere like Bayswater Car Rentals, that offer hybrid or electric cars for people looking for fuel efficiency and far less fumes billowing out into the environment! It’s a lot cheaper than trying to take your own car off with you, isn’t it?

Be Liberal with Do Not Disturb

The room you’re staying in is going to get regularly cleaned whilst you’re using it, and that means fresh linens on a daily basis, as well as your towels in the bathroom being constantly changed, even if you haven’t used them. And when you think about it, that’s just unnecessary!

As a result, you’re going to need to use the do not disturb sign very liberally, to help cut down on the hotel’s usage of water during your stay. It’s good way to help out the local environment whilst you’re there – you wouldn’t keep the faucets running wild, with no reason, whilst you were at home.

Being eco friendly whilst you’re travelling can be quite easy, as long as you remember details like these.

The Secret is out – at Beverly Hills hotel

The Beverly Hills, an iconic, landmark hotel in uMhlanga, has launched ‘The Secret Garden’ – an exciting new venue space in the neighbouring property, which is owned by Tsogo Sun, by transforming it into a beautiful venue for events and special occasions.

The secluded and picturesque grounds with uninterrupted sea views present a blank canvas for clients to use their ideas and visions and create their own perfect event. The facilities can cater for cocktail functions up to 150 people and set lunches and dinners for up to 100 guests.

Samantha Croft, Tsogo Sun’s Director of Operations for KZN, says, “There is a great demand in the Durban area for unique venues for both corporate and leisure events. This venue space is a response to that need and it is also a great opportunity to take the legacy of this great hotel a notch higher.”

The exclusive and secluded Secret Garden features the natural flora of KwaZulu-Natal’s coastal region, with a protected Yellowwood tree forming the entrance, which then opens up into the garden and stunning views of the sea and pier.

John Aritho, General Manager of the Beverly Hills, says venue space at the hotel is operating at maximum capacity. “Beverly Hills has an excellent reputation for delivering signature events. This new alfresco venue offers an endless range of event options that includes dining under the stars, and our professional team is more than capable of creating magical events and memorable experiences for our clients. We believe The Secret Garden will soon become the most sought after venue along the East Coast.”

The hotel is partnering with Nomadik Stretch Tents & Canopies for structures and marquees, and with M&B Events for bespoke décor and furniture.