Monday, 22 October 2012

Hog Hollow gets on the E-brochure bandwagon

Classic print brochures are slowly becoming redundant as technology continues to replace the traditional methods of marketing. Marketers of tourism are very fond of their brochures, handing them out at big travel shows such as the Indaba and the ITB.  Although we strongly agree that we cannot dismiss this marketing medium, we do stress the importance of keeping up with what is new and more convenient to your clients.

An e-brochure is essentially a version of your usual print brochure, just stored and saved on the web. It can be made to look just like the print version with animations that turn the pages like in a book. More and more people are starting to have e-brochures, especially in the tourism industry. Some even use it to  replace their website (however, we do not think that this is a wise choice).

Hog Hollow Country Lodge, one of our very popular partners, has recently launched their first e-brochure and will be sharing it with the tourism industry to make agents lives far simpler.

Have a look at their new brochure: www.hog-hollow.com/hogebrochure.html

If you are wondering what is so great about having an e-brochure, then read the following reasons:

1. It is cost effective
Traditional brochures require printing and posting, which is very costly. An e-brochure can be sent from anywhere in the world and downloaded at anytime by your clients. No printing costs and no postage cost.

2. It is environmentally friendly
With traditional brochures you use paper, ink (which can be toxic) and you need to post it which means that the transport will involve CO2 emissions to some extent.

3. More flexible
With a traditional brochure, if you make a mistake or your information changes and is no longer inline with the brochure, you spend a lot of money on reprint and then postage (again). Furthermore, these changes cannot be made immediately, they take time. However, with an e-brochure you can easily update and correct information within seconds.

4. Looking contemporary
A mistake many business make is not adapting to the digital world. The longer you avoid it, the more you will have to learn when you finally realise that you have to become digital to stay competitive. Having something like an e-brochure will make clients see your business as keeping up with the times.

5. Greater Reach
With print brochures you need to spend more money when you want to send the brochure to more people or reach further distances. And with today's technology and information sharing platforms, it is virtually impossible for print to achieve the reach and distance that the digital version can. With one click, you can share this brochure with thousands of people world wide.

6. Personalised
It is common knowledge that people appreciate being addressed directly by name. With print media this is not practical as this would be time consuming and costly. With e-brochures and client database, you can address each brochure to each client personally and increase client satisfaction.

With print media there is no way of knowing who opened the brochure, saw it, or which pages were most popular. This, however, you can achieve with web analytics which can track these behaviours.

There are numerouse reasons, but these are some of the key points to be made.

Let us know what you think? Can you think of more benefits, or even disadvantages?

Friday, 12 October 2012

Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse is one of Bob Skinstadt's Weekend Getaways

Bob Skinstadt interviews Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse's MD



Every wednesday between 3- 5pm, Bob Skinstadt, a retired SA pro rugby player turned broadcaster,  hosts a radio show on 2Oceans Vibe Radio. This past Wednesday (10 October 2012), Bob interviewed the Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse's managing director Micheal Gregor. 

The interview was well guided by Bob. He asked Micheal to briefly explain what Bartholomeus Klip has to offer and why people go there. 

In response, Micheal stated that many people come on weekends as the property is restful, peaceful and allows guests to feel pampered. Many people taking the Garden Route stop over as well, especially when it is the end of their travel. [This allows travellers time to relax and restore their senses before returning to their everyday life]. Micheal further explains that many come to experience the cooking of the competent and ambitious Chef (Louise Gillett), who invents some of the most exquisite cuisine South Africa has to offer. Bartholomeus Klip has become renowned for their well prepared and presented dishes. They are currently compiling a cook book that will entail some of Louise's most exquisite recipes.   

Bob was able to reconfirm what Micheal was mentioning as he too has been to Bartholomeus Klip and enjoyed it. Bob said that he just relaxed most of the time and that was perfect for him. He confirmed the remarks about the outstanding cuisine with the mention that high-tea caught his interest the most. 

Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse is one of Bob's favourite weekend getaways...only 75 min outside of Cape Town.


Have a listen to the interview: 


Tuesday, 2 October 2012

Press Release: HillsNek Safaris re-opens with a fresh new look!


Press Release
HillsNek Safaris re-opens with a fresh new look!


HillsNek tented camp has undergone a sophisticated refurbishment, creating an inspiring and fresh “new” look. Designed and decorated by Brent and Chantelle Cook, HillsNek Safaris is renowned for its  100% owner managed and run philosophy.

Tucked away in a secluded corner of the Amakhala Game Reserve, HillsNek is a hidden gem in the heart of the Eastern Cape. Constructed from canvas, thatch and wood, the lodge lies in an elevated position framed by a back drop of spectacular cliffs, which evokes a soulful and tranquil atmosphere to the camp.

The public areas and safari tents have been successfully revamped, but the essential integrity and special ambiance of the camp has remained. A fresher African safari feel has been introduced using a clever fusion of natural colours from  tranquil off-whites through to dark chocolates, with contrasts of bright African shades such as lime and burnt orange. Decorative items such as the custom-made knitted chandeliers, wildlife photography, textured scatter cushions and other unique and eclectic hand-made pieces adorn the lodge.

The main lodge has retained its open design that engages the senses with its outside-in feel and gives the impression of a tangible connection to its spectacular surroundings.  Roll-up canvas blinds offer a seamless and welcoming flow from one area to the next. HillsNek has always drawn inspiration from its landscape, and leans on raw and organic materials to enhance its natural aspect.

Each luxurious tented suite features a romantic ‘wash in the wild’ outdoor shower, deep ceramic baths, and private wrap around wooden decks that enhance breathtaking views across the plains. The surrounding environments of the African bush are constantly echoed in the interiors, through the vibrant colours, patterns and textures. Romantic summer dinners are enjoyed under a panorama of star spangled skies on raised decks – you can’t get much closer to pure heaven.

An easy one hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth; or bookable road transfers are also availableillsHill.

Let  the true African spirit of HillsNek enchant you.

For all reservation enquiries please contact HillsNek Safaris by telephone on 082 324 3484 or by email on res@hillsnek.com or visit the website on www.hillsneksafaris.com