Travel

SANParks 2010 Strategy

Questions that might arise:

The following aims to answer some of the questions that you might have:

• Should we really allow these visitors to come to the park seeing that they are actually coming for the soccer?
  • In terms of the economic climate in the world it is of the utmost importance to build market segments. SANParks has worked closely with FIFA (through MATCH) to create a model which is manageable in which we could build a new market but also respect the interests of the people visiting our parks over the event period. This is a wonderful opportunity to capture this market and get them to enjoy our natural heritage. This is also in line with SANParks’ Vision: “National Parks will be the pride and joy of all South Africans and the world”.
• What exact dates are the ones contracted with MATCH?
  • Arrival 6 June 2010 and departing 13 July 2010.
• Do we really need these people to come to the National Parks? Is the park not already over occupied?
  • The occupancies in the National Parks during school holidays are very high – in most cases close to 100%. However, out of season there are long periods where demand is not optimal. By introducing more people to the park over the event period spin off during off peak times could contribute to the park and conservation areas surviving times of economic down turn.
• Will the soccer people staying in these camps not abuse the park – specifically in relation to the Kruger National Park where it seems like most of the camp will be occupied by visitors to the event?
  • The model in the Kruger National Park is one whereby a group with mutual interest are grouped together. By following this approach it becomes much more manageable and controllable and planning is enhanced. In all discussions about the model all three major Departments in SANParks namely (1) Conservation, (2) People and Conservation and (3) Tourism were involved. The initiative is underwritten by all three these Departments. In the other National Parks the 30% units occupied by international tourists will be in line with the normal foreign occupancy tendency. SANParks welcomes any people to our parks and trust that they will learn to love and appreciate nature.
• With regards to the Kruger National Park will guests staying at other camps be allowed access to Skukuza, Berg-en-Dal and Pretoriuskop during the day?
  • Yes, you will be able to visit these camps as you are used to do.
• You state in your strategy that you should look after your loyal client base. By contracting 30% of the inventory to MATCH are you looking after these loyal supporters / regular visitors to the parks?
  • By following the 30% principle SANParks ensured that we are looking after our loyal clients. The event resulted in the holidays being extended by 34%. In light of this SANParks will have the same number or even slightly more units available for the general public but over an extended time period (in line with school holidays of 2010). Apart from this, as part of SANParks’ vision SANParks has an obligation to expose our heritage to the rest of the world.
• How do I go about booking in other camps?
  • You follow the normal procedure and request accommodation 11 months in advance (within July 2009) by phoning central reservations or SANParks’ satellite reservation offices.
• Will I be able to watch the Soccer World Cup matches in the non-contracted camps?
  • As per the norm when major sporting events do take place, the management of many SANParks camps will in all likeliness take the initiative to provide such facilities for camp residents. However, such initiatives are always done in line with camp ambiance and respect for other visitors.