April 2024

The dependence on intermediaries

Talking to an accommodation owner, they mentioned how frustrated they are with one of the online booking engines – yet are still with them and taking bookings from them.

It is one of the frustration’s grave consequences: losing influence over where your clients come from. The world of marketing and sales had a short saying – the customer is always king, or perhaps, in this sanitized, gender fluid world, it should be queen – but the point is ‘The customer is number one.’ Loose contact with them, alienate, omit to know where they come from, how they heard about you, ignore the importance of word-of-mouth marketing at your peril.

At the one guest house I ran, I was utterly dependent on one online booking engine – bookings.com – for customers, but at the other, I was fortunate to shed myself of this powerful intermediary. Having access to and a close relationship with my client base, be they past, current and potential, means I am able to offer a direct booking model.   

I am sorry there’s no great advice this month, other than to say that without doing something to address the issue, the only certain thing is that business will continue as it has been going. If being dependent on an intermediary is it, well then, just know that.

All the best for the month of April.

Regards,
Richard Lendrum & the GHASA team

NEWS

GHASA FICA Verified With Nedbank

To all our members, please note that our FICA with Nedbank was successful. This means everyone who are using our merchant discounts will continue to do so and the members who haven’t taken up the merchant discount have the opportunity to do so as well.

To find out more about the merchant discount with Nedbank or to activate your merchant discount, send an email to Brighton [email protected]

GHASA and Decorex Africa Partnership

Dear Members,

We are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership between GHASA and Decorex Africa. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our efforts to promote excellence in hospitality and showcase the finest offerings of South Africa to the world.

At GHASA, we are committed to fostering connections, driving innovation, and providing unparalleled experiences for our members and their guests. Similarly, Decorex Africa has a long-standing reputation for excellence in curating exceptional design and décor experiences, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

This partnership brings together the best of both worlds, leveraging the strengths of GHASA's esteemed members and Decorex Africa's extensive reach and influence in the design and décor community. Through this collaboration, we aim to create synergies that will benefit all stakeholders involved.

As part of this exciting initiative, GHASA members will receive complimentary trade access to the Decorex shows in Joburg and Cape Town. This exclusive offer provides our members with the opportunity to explore the latest trends and innovations in design and décor, further enhancing their expertise and offerings to guests.

Members will also enjoy discounted rates on the Samsung e-commerce website, enabling them to access cutting-edge technology solutions to enhance their guest experiences and streamline operations.

As part of this partnership members are encouraged to offer discounted rates or complimentary nights to be used as giveaways at the upcoming Decorex shows. This presents a unique opportunity for our members to showcase their hospitality offerings to a wider audience and attract potential guests who share a passion for design, décor, and unforgettable experiences.

By participating in this incentive program and leveraging the exclusive benefits offered by Decorex Africa, GHASA members can elevate their properties to new heights of excellence and visibility in the industry.

We believe that this partnership holds immense potential to drive growth, foster collaboration, and elevate the guest experience to new heights.

We encourage all GHASA members to seize this opportunity to showcase their properties and extend a warm welcome to visitors attending Decorex Africa.

Best regards,

GHASA Team

Hostex 2024 shatters 10-year visitor attendance record

Hostex, the leading showcase for the food, drink and hospitality industry, has marked a triumphant return after two years, breaking attendance records and cementing its legacy as Africa’s food, drink & hospitality expo. Held at Sandton Convention Centre, Hostex was a resounding success, attracting a record-breaking 6,816 visitors – the highest in the last decade.

Says Mark Anderson, Portfolio Director for Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, “This year's edition saw a remarkable surge in attendance, signalling not only a resurgence of the hospitality industry but also the unwavering spirit of resilience and adaptability within the sector. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the quality of innovative exhibits and insightful seminars, showcased the dynamism that defines the hospitality industry.”

The 6,816 attendees included a diverse mix of decision-makers and industry professionals, with nearly 200 visitors hailing from various countries across the globe.

Hostex 2024 highlights

Sold-out hall: The event witnessed a sold-out hall, with exhibitors pulling out all the stops to create visually engaging and interactive stands.

Themed days and districts: Three theme days and six dedicated districts, including Equipment Africa, Food & Drink Africa, Tea & Coffee Africa, Contract Furnishings Africa, Technology Africa, and Sustainability Africa, provided a comprehensive showcase of the latest trends and innovations in the industry.

Seminar topics and ambassadors: Seventeen curated seminar topics, featuring five industry leaders as Hostex Ambassadors, offered valuable insights into the trends shaping the future of the hospitality sector under the themes of Taste Tomorrow, Hospitality Horizons and Design & Deliver.

Diverse offerings: From culinary trends to sustainable products and services, Hostex 2024 delivered solutions for decision-makers, allowing them to connect, source solutions, and stay ahead of industry trends.

Culinary interactions: SA Chefs brought another jam-packed programme of interactive demonstrations designed to inspire and showcase the talents of chefs to Hostex visitors, along with a selection of products and service-providers in The Skillery and Chefs Village.

National Coffee Championships: Hostex 2024 was a stage for excellence in the South African coffee scene, as the Speciality Coffee Association of Southern Africa (SCASA) proudly announced the winners of three National Coffee Championship competitions. These outstanding champions – Andre Blignaught (Cup Tasters Champion), Luke Letts (Barista Champion), Jeff Stopforth (Latte Art Champion) – will be representing South Africa on the global stage, showcasing the country's prowess in the world of coffee. Their remarkable skills and dedication were on full display at Hostex, adding an extra layer of excitement and celebration. “As South Africa's ambassadors in global coffee competitions, these champions embody the innovation and talent that the local coffee industry has to offer, reinforcing the nation's position as a force to be reckoned with in the international coffee community,” says Iain Evans, Hostex ambassador and publisher of The Coffee Magazine.

Exhibitor feedback

Overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors highlighted the quality of the visiting audience and the number of leads generated from the show.

Maryke Polley (Sales Manager, The Local Farmer): “It was a great show and we saw a lot of chefs and restaurant people that we were hoping to see. We were extremely busy and we've got hundreds of leads so I'm really excited to follow up on them. Everyone gave their contact details so it's really been worth it. We've got the right type of people here.”

Mario van der Walt (Managing Director, FoodServ Solutions): “The show has been great. It exceeded the expectations from the previous shows we’ve participated in. Our last exhibition was in 2020 just before Covid and that was a phenomenal show. We had such a great response from our customers and then Covid happened so we didn't come back in 2022 show because we didn't feel the industry was in the right space. This year has definitely been well worth it. The quality of leads was phenomenal, and most of our key accounts also came through, which is unusual because they don't come to all the shows.”

Carmel Rubinstein (Sales Division Manager, Hospitality Suite Hotel Supplies): “This year’s Hostex has been very good. We've had a lot of our customers come by, especially high-level people from the African regions. It's been absolutely amazing because Africa is the main focus for us. And then from South Africa we've had a really good mix of lodges and hotels and larger guest houses, giving us their details, wanting us to contact them.”

Visitor feedback

Visitors commented on the vibrant atmosphere and Hostex’s ability to connect the industry under one roof.

Yonela Motloung (Marketing Lead for Unilever Food Solutions SA): “It is so awesome to see the hospitality industry get back to life after the trauma of Covid. It’s my first time visiting Hostex and I loved the vibe. I want to give a shout out to Hostex for organising this amazing event. We cannot wait for 2026 when Hostex turns 40 – that’s 40 years of impact, 40 years of creating the greatest hospitality industry that we want see, 40 years of preparing for the future. Unilever Food Solutions will be on that journey with Hostex.”

Claire Johnson, Founder and Curator of Nuecleo & Hostex Ambassador: “Walking into the exhibition, there was so much electricity. There was really quite an atmosphere. I absolutely loved it. People were eating and drinking and having conversations, which speaks to hospitality as a whole – and I feel like they really captured it at Hostex. I really think that this is the place for hospitality professionals, not only one to come and source products, but to be able to network and just find more innovative solutions for your companies or your clients.”

Craig Elliott (Head Chef, Unilever Food Solutions SA): “I’m blown away. I've been walking around having a look, catching up with old colleagues and contacts. That's what keeps this industry going. It's all about people. And it’s been valuable to keep in touch with our competitors and what they’re doing. It's about being real and keeping in touch with the reality of what's happening in the industry. And there couldn't be a better show to do that.”

Hostex 2026 – opening doors for 40 years and beyond

As Hostex 2024 concluded on a high note, the industry now eagerly anticipates Hostex 2026 – the 40th-anniversary edition – taking place from 8 to 10 March 2026. Hostex will continue its legacy of unlocking opportunities, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of the hospitality industry.

Follow Hostex on social media for updates and information on the full programme of activities in the Skillery, Industry Hub seminar theatre and Coffee Championship:

• Facebook - @hostexza
• Instagram - @hostex_2024
• LinkedIn - @hostex-2024

PREFERRED SUPPLIERS

Viking Beds

At Viking Beds, our mattresses and bed sets are designed and manufactured by our owner, an engineer. This means they are manufactured to exacting standards that meet and exceed the requirements for the Hospitality industry.

Viking Beds is a 100% South African owned 5 Star Google Rated mattresses and bed set manufacturer.

Now available in Gauteng

We manufacture a range of mattresses and bed sets specifically engineered to the standards required by the hospitality industry. All our mattresses are turn (flip) and rotate.

At Viking Beds, you are guaranteed a high-quality product at hospitality pricing.   

Viking Beds is Vat & SADC Registered, and a licensed exporter.

We manufacture a range of high-quality beds, including Bonnell Spring, pocket spring, pillow top, foam mattresses, and bed-sets, mattress toppers, mattress converters, and base converters.

Available in Single to King size and Super King size, in standard or extra length. All mattresses are turn (flip) and rotate.

We offer a national and international delivery service.

Western Cape  

Viking Beds 

Lindsey O’Neill

Sales & Marketing Manager

Tel: 087 806 3735

Cell: 083 783 5003 

E-mail [email protected]

Gauteng

KDCD

Hilton Watson/Mercedes Aucamp

Office 26 Waterford Office Park,

Maroeladal

Tel: 010-534-5817

E-mail: [email protected]

JENEV

Wow your guests at the perfect time with Smart Pineapple

Struggling with bookings or aiming to boost guest experiences without breaking the bank?

Affordable wows: In times when guests demand both affordability and quality, it seems impossible to keep up without sacrificing your margins. Yet, it's entirely feasible to wow even the pickiest guests with smart, cost-effective strategies.

Strategic Actions
 

Value over cost: Impress guests with value-added services like complimentary upgrades that enrich their experience without denting your budget.

Memorable Welcome: A simple, locally sourced gift in their room can leave a lasting impression, proving that thoughtfulness doesn't have to be expensive.

Personalized Excellence: Exceptional, personalized service isn't just preferred; it's expected. Training your team to anticipate and cater to individual guest needs can turn a good stay into an unforgettable one

Smart Pineapple is exhibiting at WTM taking place in Cape Town (CTICC)

10 - 12 April 2024

Visit us @ Stand N15