Trainees and professionals working in the Cape’s wine, food and tourism industries are encouraged to register now to take advantage of the preferential ‘early bird’ rate of R2 950 (excl. VAT) per delegate. After 12 June, a standard fee of R3 950 (excl. VAT) per delegate will apply, up until 18 August. Those registering after 18 August will need to pay R4 500 (excl. VAT) per head.
The annual conference, now in its second year, is convened by seasoned travel and tourism specialist, Margi Biggs. She says that this year’s edition of the forum would be presented by a selection of international and local tourism specialists such as CEO of SA Tourism, Sisa Ntshona; Don Shindle, an expert in customer service and GM of the Westin Verasa Napa in California's renowned wine tourism epicentre; world-renowned TV personality, Andrea Robinson, one of only 23 female master sommeliers in the world; as well as Dr Robin Back, a South African-born, US-based academic who conducts wine tourism research in both South Africa and the US.
The overall focus of the conference would be on best practice and how to improve the customer experience to build customer loyalty. The programme will also cover such topics as virtual reality, attracting new markets (even within South Africa), and PR trouble shooting.
Biggs contends that, if done right, travel and tourism can contribute even further to South Africa’s national GDP. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has calculated that last year, the direct contribution of the travel and tourism sector to the South African economy was worth R127,9bn, accounting for 3% of the country's GDP.
For more information on the conference, or to register online, visit www.wineandfood.co.za.
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