Tourism figures around the world are showing a decline in tourism numbers. But people are still travelling. I went to a fascinating talk a few weeks ago on what people will give up in a recession. The first things to go are eating out and going to coffee shops. This fits with a recent article that Brits will eat sarmies (and cut back on bought meals) rather than give up their travel.
Some big ticket purchases go - like buying a new car - and that releases cash for other smaller purchases.
So right now restaurants and coffee shops are suffering as are car sales and retail in general. Here in Australia the shops are busy but not as frenetic as they have been at Christmas time in past years. Domestic tourism in Australia is 5% down.
What we don't know is how tourism will fare in the next 12 months. Long haul travel is a long term purchase. The tourists travelling now booked last year based on money they had earned the year before.
Some sources are saying that in Britain forward bookings are sharply down because people don't want to book ahead and then find that they have no job and can't afford to travel.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
The Beijing Olympics are over
What an amazing closing ceremony. We have all seen a reat deal more of China in the past 3 weeks than ever before. So we can see what a big event does for a country. It is less than a year until the Confederations Cup which takes place 14th - 28th June 2009.
The 4 cities where matches will take place are Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Rustenburg.
To find accommodation quickly in these cities go to www.essentialtravelinfo.com and select online bookings.
The 4 cities where matches will take place are Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Rustenburg.
To find accommodation quickly in these cities go to www.essentialtravelinfo.com and select online bookings.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
World Cup 2010
Where will you be during the 2010 World Cup. If you are a South African who normally travels on business will you be travelling around SA on business during the World Cup? Or will you stay at home during the 5 weeks that the event is on? Or will you be following your favourite teams around the country? Or will you deliberately go overseas and not be here.
I am asking because have a little guest house in Johannesburg. http://www.abbotsfordhouse.co.za/. I don't want to let my regular guests down but (horror of horrors) I would not like to sit with empty rooms over that period.
I have been asked by tour operators to sell now, upfront, all my rooms for that period. But I can't decide if it is a good thing so up until now I haven't. Comments please.
I am asking because have a little guest house in Johannesburg. http://www.abbotsfordhouse.co.za/. I don't want to let my regular guests down but (horror of horrors) I would not like to sit with empty rooms over that period.
I have been asked by tour operators to sell now, upfront, all my rooms for that period. But I can't decide if it is a good thing so up until now I haven't. Comments please.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Knysna - a day out on a Lightley's House Boat
Knysna House Boat Adventure
“Plain sailing” was what this was - the easiest and most relaxing way to experience Knysna, South Africa's "best town". I was at the tiller; husband was taking photos of me and our son. Blue sky, blue lagoon, absolute bliss. Suddenly, without warning, the engine stopped. Just seemed to stall. Oh help, I thought, how weird! The warnings in the briefing flashed through our minds. “Not much can go wrong. Just keep the buoys on your left. Travel from buoy to buoy.” Well that’s what I thought I was doing. But I misunderstood quite how close to the buoy one has to be. We had run aground. (Some unprintable language from the men in the party could now be heard). Quick action from our son. He tilted the engine and fortunately a few minutes later we were moving again, and we were off the sandbank. Needless to say, I was banished from the tiller.
The cabin was just right for me. Light and airy, Knysna, floated by. When I felt a bit cool I climbed on the roof of the cabin and stretched out in the sun. Under the bridge of the main road, past Crab Creek, past Belvidere, under the next bridge and the Knysna Waterfront was on our left, through to Thesen Islands.
We moored and lazed watching other yachts, people fishing, the paddle steamer and the ferry boats. Who would ever want to leave this gem in the Western Cape?
But the tide was coming in and there are only a limited number of hours in the day that you can pass under the bridge. We hadn’t planned to stay on board over night so our day of sublime relaxation and serenity was sadly coming to an end.
Next time we will plan to stay at least a night on board, probably longer. Paradise does exist and it’s right here in Knysna. On the water and off. Take a Lightley's House Boat for a day, a night or longer if have the time. It’s a sublime experience.Remember that Knysna is on sale and much more affordable during the winter months! Click here for more info about renting a Lightley’s Houseboat.
“Plain sailing” was what this was - the easiest and most relaxing way to experience Knysna, South Africa's "best town". I was at the tiller; husband was taking photos of me and our son. Blue sky, blue lagoon, absolute bliss. Suddenly, without warning, the engine stopped. Just seemed to stall. Oh help, I thought, how weird! The warnings in the briefing flashed through our minds. “Not much can go wrong. Just keep the buoys on your left. Travel from buoy to buoy.” Well that’s what I thought I was doing. But I misunderstood quite how close to the buoy one has to be. We had run aground. (Some unprintable language from the men in the party could now be heard). Quick action from our son. He tilted the engine and fortunately a few minutes later we were moving again, and we were off the sandbank. Needless to say, I was banished from the tiller.
The cabin was just right for me. Light and airy, Knysna, floated by. When I felt a bit cool I climbed on the roof of the cabin and stretched out in the sun. Under the bridge of the main road, past Crab Creek, past Belvidere, under the next bridge and the Knysna Waterfront was on our left, through to Thesen Islands.
We moored and lazed watching other yachts, people fishing, the paddle steamer and the ferry boats. Who would ever want to leave this gem in the Western Cape?
But the tide was coming in and there are only a limited number of hours in the day that you can pass under the bridge. We hadn’t planned to stay on board over night so our day of sublime relaxation and serenity was sadly coming to an end.
Next time we will plan to stay at least a night on board, probably longer. Paradise does exist and it’s right here in Knysna. On the water and off. Take a Lightley's House Boat for a day, a night or longer if have the time. It’s a sublime experience.Remember that Knysna is on sale and much more affordable during the winter months! Click here for more info about renting a Lightley’s Houseboat.
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