Dear customers and industry partners, the year seems to be moving apace and with the onset of winter, business has no doubt started to slow down somewhat, in light of this, perhaps it is a good time to reflect on how we can improve our services and strengthen industry as well as customer relationships.

Marius du Plessis with Minister Derek Hanekom at Indaba

The Tourism Indaba is always a highlight on the AHT calendar, as one has a chance to celebrate our industry, forge new relationships and gain an insight into what opportunities are emerging from other parts of our continent. Minister Hanekom’s speech was also a highlight for me as he touched on many of the positive aspects of our industry, but did not gloss over some of the negative issues that we in the tourism industry have to contend with in South Africa. The Minister also reflected on the fact that 21 years ago President Mandela opened the first Indaba and included an excerpt from President Mandela’s speech at that time, which has always inspired me and is something we all need to keep in mind.

“To reap the full benefit of the increased international interest in South Africa as a destination, we cannot rely merely on our natural and cultural heritage. We need also, as a nation, to make a concerted effort to continually increase the levels of hospitality and friendliness, and the general level of service.”

Harley Davidson Chauffeur Tours and Rentals

It is with this thought in mind that we welcome the Indian Tourist market to our shores and as always, we at AHT will strive to meet and exceed all our customers expectations.

As I write this I am preparing for a Garden Route Tour and must say that in the weeks following the Indaba we have been extremely fortunate to have organized and operated an array of interesting and diverse tours and excursions, from helicopter trips to an amazing Harley excursion (thanks Sarah and Jason from Harley Chauffeur Tours and Rentals, I’m officially hooked!) Thanks must also go to Private Jet Group for their continued support and all our customers for choosing AHT to operate their tours.

Going the extra mile for Private Jet Tours

The Wacky Wine Festival in Robertson is next on the itinerary and as always African Hoopoe Tours are positive and enthusiastic about future opportunities, despite the extra layer of clothing required.

Marius du Plessis
and the
African Hoopoe Team!

: View over Camps Bay

: Marius & Andre du Plessis with Max du Preez

: Indaba

: One & Only

: Bird’s eye view of Hout Bay

: Private Jet Group

: Cape Point Lighthouse

: Penguins at Boulders Beach

: Hout Bay Harbour

: Cape Point

About the Author

In 1996, Marius du Plessis made a career change and started working at a medium sized tour company in, Cape Town. He qualified as a tour guide and was soon on his way to becoming a top guide. A year later he joined a big tour operator specializing in day tours and charters. It had always been Marius’ dream to run his own business and in 2007 he purchased his first touring vehicle, a Mercedes Vito, while still guiding full time. Renting his vehicle to the movie industry he realised the potential, so in 2010 he went on his own, and African Hoopoe Tours and Charters was born. With the 2010 FIFA World Cup being hosted in Cape Town, timing could not have been better. From these humble beginnings African Hoopoe Tours have grown from strength to strength.