This has got to be the craziest time to be celebrating our 30 years! Just yesterday the UK took Southern Africa off it’s Covid red list of countries. As you can well imagine, we have all breathed a hugh sigh of relief!
Over the past 30 years we have seen many world events that have impacted our industry, but nothing to compare with the Covid Pandemic. In all this craziness we would like to step back and reflect on our past.
From small beginnings in 1991
When we started out in 1991 we needed a niche product in order to enter the market. In those early days golf served us well and allowed us to establish our credentials. Germany and the UK were the two largest source markets and at one stage we had the lion’s share of the German golf market and some key accounts in the UK.
The Links at Fancourt Estate
By 1995 we had established a vibrant leisure business and saw the opportunity to take what we had learned so far and expand into other destinations and to apply it to the incentive market. We focused on our core skill set, of designing thoughtful programmes, developing meaningfrul relationships and delivering on our promises.
A great example is a golf incentive that we ran, the destination worked so well they returned 4 times in 5 years. On the odd year they took their incentive to Mauritius where we were able to add assistance.
We built on our skills and experience to break into new markets
While Southern Africa remains our core focus we continue to offer our expertise for Mauritius and other surrounding countries and islands, especially where our clients appreciate the individual input which we bring.
Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club, Mauritius
Golf remains an enticing component whether as a free-day activity in a corporate programme or a focus for our leisure clients
The base from which we have grown is still very relevant today. Over the last few decades several championship level courses have been developed. This means that there is now an exciting diversity of courses on offer. One can even play golf on the banks of the Crocodile River, opposite Kruger National Park.
Hans Merensky Golf Club, Phalaborwa
The golf offering in South Africa is amazing – especially for Europeans looking to play in their winter. For inspiration see below 5 of South Africa’s top Golf Courses.
5 TOP GOLF COURSES Pearl Valley Golf Estate Arabella Golf Club Gary Player Country Club The Links at Fancourt Country Club Leopards Creek Country Club
The Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leoparks Creek Country Club
Traveling at the moment has it’s challenges, but we are here to help
In this time we believe what we offer is more relevant than ever. We have the right team, strong fundamentals and great product, but mostly what our clients are looking for is the reassurance that we are there to help.
Golf has provided a solid platform from which we have grown, from Leisure into MICE, from South Africa into East Africa. This foundation has helped to carry us from strength to strength over the last 30 years, and in this time has meant that we endure.
Fond memories
Bengt Gillborg fell in love with South Africa when he came out to play golf here with his friends in 1984. Our business relationship with Bengt goes back to the very start.
Wishing everyone well this festive season!
During these strange times it seems especially important to remember all the wonderful friendships that we have built over the years!
We’d like to send our heartfelt wishes to you and your families in this festive time. We look forward to the lifting of all travel restrictions and to seeing you in 2022.
