SANParks 2010 State of readiness briefing to the Portfolio Committee on Tourism

March 2010

2010 strategy State of readiness Conclusion Questions

Agenda

SANParks 2010 Strategy Sustainable Infrastructure Development

Initiatives Develop accommodation as per Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) Implement tented product over event period to be used for Kids in

Parks, Honorary Rangers and “Green” low impact product post the event

Progress IDP new accommodation developed Proof of concept developed & concept communicated to MATCH. Match did not buy into the concept and therefore due to the

uncertainty of the product being sold it was prudent to shelve the project.

Way forward Continue IDP implementation

Challenges Shortfall of budget (despite major progress made in terms of ageing

infrastructure)

SANParks 2010 Strategy (Cont)• Optimal Occupancies in Parks (over event period)

InitiativesApproximately 30% of inventory (across many National Parks) was

contracted to MATCH (FIFA appointed body for IT systems, marketing and ticket sales) but more than 80% of this was released back to SANParks in February 2010

ProgressReleased inventory was opened to the general public on the 4th of

March 2010 and demand was high Record 1-day sales figures were recorded through the Web Booking

channel Way forward

Work closely with MATCH to optimise opportunities from nights booked by them

Monitor progress and keep public informed on any additional releases (final release planned for mid April 2010)

ChallengesDemand to visit the park during the event supersedes supply

Retain committed client base Initiatives

Initially 70% of inventory was sold through traditional reservation channels (together with the longer school holiday this equated to regular June/July supply)

After releases from MATCH (in December and March 2010) this market segment has access to more inventory than is usually the case over June/July school holidays

ProgressMore than 80% of all available inventory has been sold

Way forwardContinuous communication to keep the general public

informed Challenges

Communication to general public and keeping the media informed

SANParks 2010 Strategy (Cont)

Optimise Marketing Opportunity and Brand Building Initiatives

Kuduzela product launched in partnership with FNB Together with MATCH we’ve developed dedicated brochures on National

Parks that was used by appointed tour operators Progress

The Kuduzela was launched on 14 July 2009. As per the FNB media coverage report SANParks received editorial coverage on their brand in extent of R3.4 million

Brochures on the South African National Parks and accommodation offerings were developed and handed out to 45 tour operators representing the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, China, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Russian Federation, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom and the USA.

Way forward Optimise opportunities during the event by providing a memorable

experience to anyone that visits the park Challenges

Popularity of period might result in many people not accommodated in the park – especially foreign visitors

SANParks 2010 Strategy (cont)

Continue to work with MATCH to optimise visitor experience and ensure that logistical arrangements are closely managed.

Task Team is operational Camps in the Kruger National Park

Virtually fully booked 60% of newly released accommodation (excl camping) sold on the day of release

Task team accountable for implementation of the following areas:

State of readiness

Safety and Security Reservations Transport and Logistics Activities Entertainment Areas Sponsorships Legal Support Concession liaison Catering

Accommodation Communication Marketing Human Resources Day visitor management Technical Finances Procurement Community Liaison

Forex and financial issues Infrastructure development Wild card Park management liaison Emergency services and disaster

management System administration

Conclusion SANParks has actively participated by contracting

accommodation to MATCH and by working closely with MATCH to create unique offerings

MATCH’ receptiveness for unique products and selling ability has proven to be disappointing

This was identified as a a major risk and SANParks’ 2010 Management Team acted quickly to mitigate against this shortcoming

This resulted in early release of the accommodation which was then offered to the general public

With 3 months to go, 80% + of the accommodation in the Kruger National Park has been sold

Sales of accommodation in other parks are in line with previous years’ June / July school holidays

QUESTIONS?