Latest news with #SusanMarais
The Citizen
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
AI is transforming Tshwane's tourism industry
The unveiling of a WhatsApp chatbot, a new Artificial Intelligence-powered concierge designed by four visionary hoteliers, was at the heart of the annual general meeting of the Tshwane Tourism Association held on June 19 in Pretoria. 'Four hotel experts designed the chatbot for the hospitality industry to transform hospitality industry communication,' said chairperson Susan Marais. She explained the purpose was to bridge communication gaps, soften the formality of traditional reception, and offer guests 24-hour concierge service. According to her, the chatbot promises a sense of belonging, smoother guest experiences, and easier marketing by sending targeted emails and follow-ups, with early trials showing excellent feedback rates from WhatsApp interactions. Marais emphasised that AI could take a business in the hospitality industry to the next level. She sees the chatbot as not only a service enhancement but a strategic tool: 'It's a faster, friendlier way to reach guests, keep them informed, and give them that feeling of home'. Looking ahead to 2026, the association is mapping out an outstanding year with several aims, like strengthening safety structures, building on its existing Memorandum of Understanding with the metro and metro police to ensure tourists feel safe at all times. Marais is also looking towards leading the association to expand the grading of establishments to raise the benchmark across accommodation providers. This will support township tourism by spotlighting local cultural experiences and township-led tourism routes, and develop an urban heritage circuit. 'We want to design walkable and guided historic city routes with storytelling flair as well as improve connectivity and transport, forging partnerships with public and private transport players for better links between hotels, attractions, and transit hubs.' She noted that most of these initiatives are 'pretty well on track'. She stressed the importance of keeping hospitality training accessible. 'After Covid-19, training has become a luxury, but our focus must remain on this important aspect.' The year kicked off with the association's showcase event at the CSIR International Convention Centre, drawing 60 exhibitors and over 400 visitors. 'Old friendships were renewed, and new relationships and collaborations were forged,' said Marais. To her, the annual Official Tshwane Guide was a standout promotional tool in the past year. Over 6 000 copies were distributed in key airports, hotels, and lodges, helping tourists easily discover what Tshwane offers. The association is gearing up for its 25th anniversary edition of the guide in 2026. Marais explained the association tapped into university campuses to encourage tourism careers over the past year. 'We spoke to university students to get more students to study in the hospitality industry,' she said. 'This initiative supports long-term workforce development in Tshwane's tourism ecosystem.' In the past year, the association also strengthened its reach by networking with other tourism bodies across South Africa, and maintained safety sessions with the metro police and the service provider of a Tshwane safety app. She underlined these partnerships, noting that resident and visitor safety is critical and continuously improving. Reflecting on the year's successes and looking forward, she said: 'I cannot help but look back at the past 12 months as an absolute whirlwind. We cannot wait to share many of these new initiatives with our members throughout the year to come.' The Tshwane Tourism Awards 2025, scheduled for August 16 at Batter Boys Village, will recognise excellence across hospitality, events, sustainability, and innovation. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
16-06-2025
- The Citizen
Tshwane's Winter Wonders: Where warmth meets charm
Winter has a way of calling us to cosy corners, warm meals, and experiences that make the chill of the season feel like a distant memory. While some might think of a blanket and hot cocoa as the ultimate winter fix, Pretoria has an abundance of spots that will make you forget all about the cold. Whether you are looking for a fireside chat, a gourmet meal or a quiet getaway… Susan Marais, the passionate chairperson of the Tshwane Tourism Association and owner of the tourism platform, The Pretoria Bucket List, has curated a list of delightful winter retreats that promise to keep you both cosy and happy. 'As a city, Tshwane has so much to offer, from hidden gems to well-loved spots,' said Marais. 'At the association, we aim to showcase these experiences so both locals and visitors can rediscover the magic of our city, even when the temperature drops.' If you're looking to keep the winter chill at bay, here are some of Tshwane's best places to explore this winter: Bask in the winter sun For those who believe some healthy exercise in the sun, quietly doing a craft like pottery, good food, and a great atmosphere are keys to surviving the winter, Wolwespruit in Pretoria east is a must-visit. Nestled within the tranquil Wolwespruit trails, there is a creative hotspot in the area where you can do some pottery with friends, and the restaurants are cosy refuges with fantastic menus with food that promises to warm you up from the inside out. You can choose to settle next to the fireplaces at these establishments inside, bask in the winter sun outside while sipping on something warm or take a brisk walk or run on the trails. It's the perfect place for a morning of exercise in the sun, a hearty brunch, a post-run glass of red or a fireside catch-up with friends. Marais describes it as a 'hidden gem where nature meets comfort food'. A winter retreat Looking for a home-away-from-home experience this winter? 3@Marion Guesthouse offers just that. Tucked away in the leafy suburb of Colbyn, this charming guesthouse is perfect for a quiet winter retreat. The cosy lounge, complete with a crackling fireplace, invites guests to slow down, sip on hot tea, and enjoy intimate conversations or a good book. Marais noted: 'It's one of those places that feels like a warm hug the moment you step inside.' Festival fun For those who think winter is not complete without a glass of wine, Fijnwyn Wine & Food Festival is the perfect event to soak in the sunshine, indulge in delicious local wines, and enjoy the sounds of live music. Held at the picturesque Shokran Events Venue, this festival brings together the best of winter warmth: think red blends, laughter, and good times with friends. The next festival will be on June 28–29. Marais suggests bringing your dancing shoes: 'Because the warmth of the crowd will have you moving in no time.' The big outdoors If you're craving a bush escape without the long drive, the Dinokeng Game Reserve provides the ideal winter retreat. Imagine waking up to the crisp morning air, enjoying a game drive, and retreating to your chalet or camping site after a day in nature. The serene outdoor setting is perfect for those who want to combine relaxation with a touch of adventure. 'In the reserve, Ritsako Game Lodge is always a good call to stay. The service there is impeccable, and the landscape is breathtaking,' said Marais. 'It's winter relaxation done right.' Cosy firelit night market For a true winter reset, Rosemary Hill offers a magical escape. The minimalist cabins and wood-fired hot tubs are perfect for a winter getaway, where you can soak under the stars or sip on a warm drink while enjoying nature's embrace. For day visitors, there is a winter fire festival on Friday 20 June starting at 15:00 with a workshop on traditional fire-making. Marais describes it as 'a peaceful, tranquil place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle. The views alone are worth the visit!' Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
IOL News
06-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Tshwane Tourism Association and City of Tshwane join forces to boost local tourism
Sarah Mabotsa, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development and Spatial Planning has hailed the City's partnership with Tshwane Tourism Association to promote local tourism. Image: Supplied/City of Tshwane The partnership between the Tshwane Tourism Association and the City of Tshwane will see both entities marketing the Metro as a vibrant and globally relevant destination to boost the local tourism industry. This was the sentiment expressed by both parties after recently signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on developing, growing, and promoting Tshwane's tourism industry. The Tshwane Tourism Association represents over 200 members, covering various tourism and hospitality sectors including accommodations, tour operators, events, and culinary experiences. Susan Marais, association chairperson, said: 'This diversity reflects our city's richness of offerings for visitors. Tshwane is a vibrant, globally relevant destination. Through tourism, there is the potential to generate significant economic spin-offs for local small businesses as well as the expansion of the market for our creative and cultural products.' She added that besides being a top tourist destination, Tshwane is also notably the safest metro in South Africa by a significant margin. Sarah Mabotsa, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, pointed out that a report titled the 2024 State of Urban Safety in South Africa published by the South African Cities Network confirmed that Tshwane is the country's safest metro city. The tourism association also pointed to Statistics South Africa surveys showing Tshwane residents feel safer walking in their neighbourhoods at night compared to residents in other major cities. Mabotsa said the MoU highlights the tourism sector, particularly meetings, incentives, conferences, and events, as a key area for creating more jobs in Tshwane. She noted that visitor safety is an important aspect for potential tourists to consider when evaluating a destination's appeal. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ She highlighted Tshwane's attractions, including Dinokeng, Gauteng's only Big 5 Game Reserve, which draws international and local visitors, supporting small businesses in nearby Hammanskraal. 'We also have lots of other exciting offerings for guests. Tshwane visitors can choose from a variety of township and inner-city tours, adventure activities, self-drive tours to local reserves, the Voortrekker Monument, Freedom Park and other cultural and historic attractions,' she said. She mentioned that visitors can explore attractions like the historic mining town of Cullinan, where the world's largest diamond was discovered, and the Union Buildings, home to a large statue of the late President Nelson Mandela.
