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Online check-in. Farewell to Concorde. The world’s first fully flat flying bed. The last ten years have arguably been some of the most eventful and revolutionary periods in the history of air travel. As the new decade commences, British Airways takes a look back at the innovations brought to the skies during the ‘noughties’ as well as some of the company’s fascinating landmarks.

Below are some of the ground-breaking developments of the last ten years

• British Airways launches the world’s fully flat bed in business class (2000)

The start of the new millennium saw a new era in comfort for British Airways passengers with the introduction of the world’s first fully flat business class bed. Towards the end of the same year, the new-look First cabin offered improved cushioning, bedding and in-seat telephones and laptop power. In another commitment to innovation and customer service, British Airways will be unveiling its latest state-of-the-art First class suite offering in February 2010. (more…)

Table Mountain National Park has recently come under fire in the media for alleged racism, related to its People’s Trail Hut. According to media reports, two students were allegedly refused accommodation there because they were “white”. The complaint was apparently lodged with a civil rights group and then taken to the media. South African National Parks [SANParks], which manages Table Mountain National Park, has to date, not received any formal complaint about the matter and was alerted to this through the abovementioned media reports.

Reynold Thakhuli, spokesperson for South African National Parks said, “We understand that incidents of this nature can happen and we do have systems in place for dealing with this but what surprised us most, was that SANParks never received a formal complaint from the boys. The first we heard of it was through the media.” (more…)

In two major launch events which saw megastar Jennifer Lopez and husband Marc Anthony perform live in front of more than 15,000 guests over two nights, South African leisure and casino giant Sun International officially opened its newest complex in Chile.

The opening of the US$250-million Monticello Grand Casino and Entertainment World in Mostazal, 60 km south of Santiago, took place over two nights and delivered a taste of the glitz, glamour and extravagant entertainment to come.

These spectacular world-class launch events played host to some of the country’s preeminent celebrities and dignitaries, along with senior Chilean government ministers, dignitaries, business partners and the media. In addition to Lopez and Anthony’s performance, the A-list guests were treated to a high-tech 3D-mapping light show extravaganza and ‘symphony’ fireworks show, along with a gourmet banquet which delighted guests and celebrities alike. (more…)

In a move to synergize its vision and mission for the future – a white shark diving and viewing company based in Gansbaai in the Western Cape Region of South Africa – White Shark Projects announced the transfer of 25% ownership of White Shark Projects CC to Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) partners.

The new partnership will see the White Shark Projects Employees Trust (hereafter referred to as “WSP Employees Trust”) acquiring 25% of White Shark Projects CC.  The deal puts White Shark Projects CC firmly on the road to full BEE compliance.

White Shark Projects CC has for some time stated its intention to introduce a BEE shareholder and to this end has held discussions with various parties.

The WSP Employees Trust was set up by White Shark Projects in 2009.  The WSP Employees Trust was established to provide assistance to previously disadvantaged employees at White Shark Projects CC;  and to provide the WSP Employees Trust with a sustainable source of income in order to fulfil its objectives. The ultimate beneficiaries of the WSP Employees Trust are the previously disadvantaged employees at the company, their families and the communities that it supports.

Charmaine Beukes, Owner and Director of White Shark Projects, said:  “Central to all initiatives is our emphasis on people being our greatest asset. This is reflected in our choice of our black economic empowerment partner (The WSP Employees Trust), the diversity of our staff, our capacity-building social investment programmes and in our preferential procurement and enterprise development achievements.

Abraham Newman, an employee at White Shark Projects and trustee-holder in the WSP Employees Trust commented as follows:  “The owners and management team at White Shark Projects has not only showed the way by empowering others – but also empowering our business in the true sense.  I am smiling – because I know that I am working at a company that values people centredness, integrity, performance and overall sustainability in a very exciting and challenging South African environment.  Surely, this is the start of new beginnings – and has ignited a renewed fire of passion for sharks and service amongst the “Shark Team”!”

Noetzie Beach in Knysna has been voted 3rd best beach in South Africa in a national poll conducted by the popular travel website GoTravel24.com.

Cape Town’s Camps Bay was voted 2nd best and the well known Clifton Beach, also in Cape Town, came out tops. A total of 15 beaches were nominated, including Long Beach and Boulders Beach in Cape Town, North and South Beaches in Durban, and Robberg Beach in Plettenberg Bay.

Noetzie Beach is a pristine, secluded beach which lies in a hidden bay bordered by the lush forest of the Sinclair Nature Reserve on one side and the fynbos landscapes of Pezula Resort Estate on the other. It owes its seclusion to the fact that it is accessed along a gravel road from Knysna’s N2 and a steep climb from the parking area down a narrow path and a flight of stairs hewn into the cliff. It boasts a beautiful lagoon formed by the mouth of the Noetzie River which meanders through the Knysna forest.

The beach is famous for the Noetzie Castles built in the 1930s, two of which have been restored by the Pezula Group. It is a small beach with an expanse of golden sand protected on the north and south sides by rocky outcrops. From June to November whale sightings are common as the Southern Right and Humpback whales migrate into the coastal waters of the Western Cape to calve and nurse their young.

Noetzie Beach falls under the protection of CapeNature having been declared a conservancy in 1999.

Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa provides a shuttle to the beach for hotel guests who also have access to Montrose Castle and can order a gourmet picnic to enjoy on the beach.

The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide, announces two new Park Inn hotels: The Park Inn Luxembourg City featuring 99 rooms is scheduled to open in Q4 2010, and the Park Inn Abeokuta in Nigeria with 173 rooms will welcome the first guests in Q4 2010.

“These signings further underline and strengthen the ambitious growth of our dynamic mid market brand Park Inn”, comments Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor. “Launched in early 2003 only Park Inn today comprises more than 130 hotels with more than 24,500 rooms in operation and under development across Europe, Middle East and Africa”, continues Ritter. Luxembourg also marks a new milestone for Rezidor – being the 60th country where the company is present.

The Park Inn Luxembourg City enjoys a prime location in the city centre of Luxembourg (which is linked to 30 cities via high speed train and is the gateway for the majority of visitors to Luxembourg). Located in one of the city’s most important retail streets, the hotel will have great visibility and easy access to the centre. Besides 99 colorful guest rooms, the new build property will offer a restaurant and bar, a meeting room, a fitness room and a parking. The hotel is part of a mixed-use building including retail units on the ground floor.

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is located in the heart of Europe. Its importance as a centre for banking and commerce compensates for its small size. In addition, Luxembourg successfully attracts internet companies, including the global headquarters of Skype and the regional headquarters of Ebay. Its population is amongst the wealthiest in the world and, thanks to sustained economic growth, has seen a rise in highly-skilled expatriate workers. Luxembourg also is a seat of several institutions of the European Union, including the European Court of Justice, the European Court of Auditors, and the European Investment Bank.

The Park Inn Abeokuta follows recent signings Rezidor has made in the emerging market of Nigeria – the group already develops hotels in the capital city Abuja and in Lagos. Abeokuta (meaning “under the rocks”) is a major commercial centre in Ogun State 75 kilometres north of Lagos. Thanks to some of the most fertile farmland in West Africa, the city has historically been a major agricultural producer, and has subsequently embraced tourism and commercial development. The city’s existing “Gateway Hotel” will be completely renovated into a modern Park Inn property with 173 guest rooms, a signature RBG Bar & Grill, meeting space including a ballroom and auditorium, a swimming pool, a gym and retail shops.

In terms of population, Nigeria is the largest country in Africa. Thanks to its massive oil reserves, it is also among the wealthiest and most economically important countries on the continent. With an ambitious reform agenda and strong macroeconomic policies, the oil wealth is being better utilised to promote the growth of the country and diversify the economy. This continued development has resulted in a surge in demand from international business travellers and Nigeria’s emerging middle class.

British Airways has launched a R29 million initiative to encourage local companies to expand overseas and reinvigorate business travel.

British Airways Business Opportunity Grants will award 50 small-to-medium sized South African companies a year’s worth of business travel. Each of the winners will receive 10 Club World tickets that are valid for a year.
The economic downturn has seen business travel budgets internationally slashed by more than 56% over the past year and South Africa has been no exception, with the airline experiencing a considerable contraction in corporate bookings.

“This is a really tough environment in which to do business and we’re hoping that by offering 50 South African companies an opportunity that they wouldn’t otherwise have had, we can help them open up new opportunities and start to reinvigorate business travel by demonstrating the benefits of doing business face-to-face,” says Sue Botes, British Airways Commercial Manager.

Alan Knott-Craig and Sue Botes at the BA Opportunities Announcement

A recent Harvard Business Review study found that 95% of international businesspeople believe that face-to-face meetings are key to establishing and maintaining long-term relationships and 89% agree that these are essential to seal the deal.

Alan Knott-Craig, one of the judges, says his experience bears this out: “The value of face-to-face meetings is incomparable and it’s encouraging to see that British Airways is supporting SMEs through this difficult time, giving them a chance to expand into new markets.”

Nkhensani Nkosi, renowned South African entrepreneur and the founder of Stoned Cherrie, is also an advocate of the BA Opportunity Grants initiative. “SMEs are becoming increasingly important to South Africa’s economy and development. British Airways Opportunity Grants initiative to give South African SMEs an opportunity to develop into new markets in this challenging economic environment will provide SMEs with a much needed boost,” says Nkosi.

The Business Opportunity Grants are for registered companies with 250 employees or less. Entries can be made online at www.ba.com/safrica-grants and applicants will need to outline their objectives for 2010 and how being awarded a grant would benefit their business.

*Figures taken from the Harvard Business Review Analytical Services study of 2,300 subscribers
British Airways Business Opportunity Grants invites South African businesses to make their case for an unmet business travel need and win travel for one year to attend crucial, face-to face meetings. The grants will allow each of the businesses 10 return Club World (business class) tickets to be used at their discretion in 2010. British Airways is covering the cost of the fare; winning companies are responsible for paying taxes, fees and charges.

Whether it’s a sit-down appointment with a potential client, buyer, investor or a check-in on an office that has not been visited because of budget cuts, the programme is designed to help budget-conscious businesses get where they need to go, physically and financially.

Businesses interested in entering the competition should visit www.ba.com/safrica-grants to complete the entry form telling British Airways about their business objectives in 2010 and how a British Airways Business Opportunity Grant would benefit their business.

• Entries will be reviewed by a panel of British Airways executives and independent judges.
• Entries will be accepted until 12h00 on 19th February 2010 and winners will be notified by 19th March 2010.
• Entries must represent companies with 250 employees or less

An incredible  R1,189 957 is the  amount that 10 days of fun raised for local charities and non-profit organisations in Knysna.

Mike Mills, Chairman of the Knysna Tourism Board, said that the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival has grown into an incredible asset for Knysna. “In addition to the economic impact, the funds raised for charity will make a difference where it is needed most in the community. Four years ago we introduced a condition that all profit-based events on the official programme must contribute to a local charity or non-profit organisation, and the initiative is clearly paying off.”

He went on to say that this achievement would have been impossible without the help of festival sponsors. “Pick n Pay came on board six years ago, and since then the Festival has gone from strength to strength.  Their contribution ensures that the Festival continues to  grow and that we can offer an enhanced experience year after year. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Pick n Pay team for their support of the Festival. They have just renewed their sponsorship for another five years, and this is key in ensuring the Festival’s sustainability.”

The success of the Festival over the past few years also attracted a number of other sponsors. “I want to thank Heineken, Independent Newspapers, Tabasco, The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, as well as Cape Town Routes Unlimited for their contribution to helping Knysna Tourism boost the town’s economy during what is  historically our ‘off season’, and of course, for the increased amount we were able to raise for charity.”

Jonathan Ackerman, Marketing Director of Pick n Pay, said that one of Pick n Pay’s priorities is to encourage their staff and customers to embrace healthy lifestyles; and that the Festival was an excellent platform from which to communicate this message “The activities, which cater for  all ages, are all geared to having fun in a ways that are both healthy and accessible. I have run the half marathon a few times and it is a wonderful experience. In addition to this, the heart of the Festival is in the right place – we are thrilled that through the various events we were able to raise more than R1-million for the local community. If you consider our  company philosophy, it makes perfect sense to partner with the Knysna Oyster Festival.”

The biggest contributors toward the money raised were the Pick n Pay Weekend Argus Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour, which raised R500,000, and the Pick n Pay Cape Times Knysna Forest Marathon and Half Marathon, which raised R271,000.

Mills said that organisers have already started with arrangements for next year’s Festival. “The Festival will take place from 2 to 11 July, during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, which essentially means that  Knysna is gearing up for what promises to be the busiest Festival ever.”

Protea Hotels, Africa’s largest hotel group continued to experience growth in 2009 with the opening of a series of new hotels throughout Africa.

2009 saw Protea Hotels celebrate its 25th anniversary with the group proving its status in the market though 5 recessions, by continuing to be the brand of choice with consumers both locally and internationally.

“We have a tremendous ability to adapt to change and having been around for 25 years have learnt valuable lessons from the changing South African landscape in every aspect – politically, economically and of course with evolution of the information age,” said Danny Bryer, Group Marketing and Revenue Director, Protea Hotel Group, “This adaptability and the ability to reinvent ourselves in relation to the demands of the economy and our guests means that we are confident in tourism in South Africa in spite of the current economic climate and look forward to booming growth well beyond the FIFA Football World Cup next year.”

Protea Hotels has added a number of hotels to its portfolio throughout South Africa including Protea Hotel Willow Lake, Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge, Protea Hotel Hilton and Protea Hotel OR Tambo which will be opening its doors in November 2009. To add to the new builds and acquisitions, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice has undergone a major expansion and is set to be a highly talked about property in the group. Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! – Melrose Arch will be ready in the popular Johannesburg precinct in the first quarter of 2009.  In terms of Africa; Nigeria continues to be a country of strategic growth and value to Protea Hotels with a collection of hotels in the bustling cities of Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt.  On the back of this growth, two new hotels namely Protea Hotel Ikeja and Protea Hotel Ikoyi Westwood have recently been opened which brings the total number of hotels in Nigeria to eleven.   This growth continues into Namibia with the 4-star Protea Hotel Moon Mountain Lodge en-route to Sossusvlei, Namibia which opened in October.

All these properties form a part of Protea Hotel’s strategic ongoing development for 2010 and beyond.

In the spirit of responsible tourism, white-water rafting operators, Swazi Trails have provided a sum of over ZAR 80,000.00 (approx. US$11,000.00) to a rural riverbank community in central Swaziland.

Mphaphati is a impoverished community of over 100 homesteads, whose existence is a fragile mix of subsistence agriculture and remittances from family members working in the distant agricultural estates and cities of Swaziland. The Great Usutu River is one of Southern Africa’s major water systems, with its source in South Africa, the bulk of its catchment area in Swaziland and its estuary in Mozambique just south of Maputo.  The river has exciting white-water rapids in the mountainous Swazi Kingdom.

“We have a very long relationship with this particular community,” explains Swazi Trails Managing Director Darron Raw,” as not only do we pass through this area on a daily basis with our rafting groups, but all of our river guides are drawn from families and homesteads within the Mphaphati area.”

Swazi Trails, a Swaziland-based adventure company, have operated white-water rafting trips on the Great Usutu River since 1991. The company offers half and full-day rafting excursions departing from the Kingdom’s tourism hub in the Ezulwini Valley.

“Back in the 1990’s we undertook to voluntarily contribute a sum of money for each person who joined one of our trips,” explains Raw, “as we wanted to contribute in some way to the development of this area, long before the concept of responsible tourism was born.”

Like many under-developed communities in Africa, the people of Mphaphati are linked by a common desire to provide greater opportunities for their children. Education is the key to this and it is for this reason that the Swazi Trails donation is directed to the local primary school.

“There are hundred’s of homesteads in this community,” explains Raw, “with many differing needs, some exceedingly desperate, however the one thing that cuts across all of them is the need for quality education for their kids.”

“The school is the one place that joins our whole community,” explains Head Teacher Mrs Busi Lukhele, “as children from almost every homestead pass through here. We are grateful for the help that Swazi Trails and their tourists have brought, otherwise there is no-one else that can assist us.”

To most travellers white-water rafting is all about adrenaline, risk, excitement, screams, shouts, wildly beating hearts and wildly expanded bar stool stories. However the fleeting glimpse that visitors get of exotic locations and of local people like those alongside Swaziland’s largest river is a daily backdrop to the operators that run these rivers.  Many of these remote communities are markedly under-developed.

“We cannot divorce ourselves from the hardships that people undergo to eke out an existence in these rural areas,” continues Raw, “nor are we able to change a situation that the weight of government and global activism is clearly struggling to reverse. But inertia is not something that we adventure operators are comfortable with – so are glad that we and our crazy clients have been able to play a small part in doing good.”

It was for this reason that Swazi Trails has developed a relationship with this particular school which is situated almost within earshot of the thundering Holomi Falls.  It is a relationship that dates back more than fifteen years, and which includes a time when the company’s current rafting guides were themselves barefoot schoolchildren wondering what the future would bring.

“Yes – our entire contingent of rafting guides come from Mphaphati,” explains Raw,” and no doubt their own kids are going to be attending the same school over the next few years.  Possibly they will aspire to be adventure guides as well – and keep it in the family?”

As to what the Mphaphati community plans to do with the funds, there is a long list of capital projects that the school committee has already laid down. In fact the list is so long that these funds seem already over-stretched, but like the river rafters inertia is not an option, so the priorities will be picked off one at a time.

So if you’ve been rafting on the Great Usutu River at some point over the last few years, give yourself a pat on the back. Not only did you survive the rapids and crocodiles, but by your headcount you’ve also left a contribution behind that is causing some shouts of joy on a dusty African schoolyard.