http://www.southernafricadirect.com/news/Latest entriesen-gbThu, 22 Oct 2009 12:05:005Southern Africa Direct With faster online speeds, the dominance of e-commerce and the rise of social media networking the tourism business has been revolutionized. Add to this the global interest in Africa for the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup™, and it is critical that tourism companies across Africa take advantage of online marketing opportunities. E Tourism Africa will be holding a two-day conference, with a Travel Technology Exhibition in Johannesburg on the 1-2 December this year, to help the sector understand and leverage the online opportunities and the new technologies available. http://www.southernafricadirect.com/news/entries/2009-10-22/e-tourism-africa-summit--bringing-the-online-tourism-world-to-johannesburg.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:05:00 After a rigorous selection process, finalists for the 3rd Hospitality Investment Awards have been announced. The awards form part of the exciting line up for the annual Hospitality Investment Conference Africa (HICA) scheduled to take place on 4th to 6th November 2009 at the Sandton Sun hotel in Johannesburg. The CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), conveners of the conference, Ms. Mmatsatsi Marobe maintains that the vision for the awards is to acknowledge the work and achievement of the people within the industry while showcasing their products and services. http://www.southernafricadirect.com/news/entries/2009-10-22/finalists-for-2009-hica-awards-announced.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:59:00 Its full steam ahead for South Africa’s iconic steam train, affectionately known as the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, the Garden Route’s iconic steam train.   http://www.southernafricadirect.com/news/entries/2009-10-20/full-steam-ahead-for-south-africas-iconic-steam-train.html Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:36:00 The third Hospitality Investment Conference Africa will be held in Johannesburg South Africa from 4 – 6 November 2009. This has now become an annual event on the local and international hospitality and investment calendar. The Hospitality Investment Conference Africa is hosted by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), in association with the conference’s founding partners, the Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism of South Africa and the Pam Golding Hospitality Group. http://www.southernafricadirect.com/news/entries/2009-10-07/3rd-hospitality-investment-conference-africa-to-be-held-in-south-africa.html Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:52:00 Why do European tourists choose to holiday in Malawi? JOHN DOUGLAS, co-author of the Spectrum Guide to Malawi, explores some of the country's unique attractions. I recently flew from Berlin to London. The air fare? It was zero! OK, I had to pay taxes and a baggage fee but it was still a wage-packet or two away from the thousand dollars I might have to pay for a return flight from Europe to the Warm Heart of Africa. Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet continue to make holidaying in Europe within most people’s grasp. Packages to North America and to many Asian destinations from Europe continue to be attractively priced. For example, it’s possible to stay 3-star for ten days in Sri Lanka, including flights from Europe, for less than the air fare to Lilongwe. http://www.southernafricadirect.com/news/entries/2009-10-07/why-go-on-holiday-to-malawi.html Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:44:00 Lake Victoria Serena Resort, set on the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda, is set to officially open its doors today. Serena Hotels acquired and renovated the property, which will complement its existing 5 star city hotel in the capital, The Kampala Serena Hotel. http://www.southernafricadirect.com/news/entries/2009-10-01/new-lake-victoria-resort-in-uganda.html Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:12:00 Tour Operator Thomson Tailormade has launched the Africa brochure, offering an extensive selection of quality hotels and unique experiences tailored to suit every need. Witness the annual migration in Kenya, climb Table Mountain in South Africa or hear the thunder of the mighty Victoria Falls in Zambia – Africa is so diverse that every visit will peel away a new layer to reveal something new and enticing. http://www.southernafricadirect.com/news/entries/2009-09-23/thomson-launch-new-africa-brochure.html Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:46:00 The Gastronomica culinary festival kicks off in South Africa's Garden Route town of Knysna this week and includes a food theatre, art exhibitions and live music. Cooking demonstrations, fun for the kids, fine arts and evening entertainment will be the order of the day at the 4 day festival running from 24-28 September 2009. http://www.southernafricadirect.com/news/entries/2009-09-21/knysna-gastronomica-kicks-off.html Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:03:00 South Africans will have free access to national parks during national park week starting 14 September to encourage people to take pride in and greater  care of the country's natural heritage. The country’s body charged with the management of national parks, South African National Parks (SANParks) will officially launch the 2009 SA National Parks Week (SANPW) in the Mopani Camp of the Kruger National Park on Monday, 14 September 2009. http://www.southernafricadirect.com/news/entries/2009-09-15/launch-of-2009-national-parks-week-in-south-africa.html Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:57:00 British tour operators believe the scramble for 2010 World Cup tickets will start now that England has secured its championship spot. England beat Croatia 5-1 at Wembley on Wednesday evening. The victory in their Group Six match seals England's place in the World Cup finals with two matches to spare. http://www.southernafricadirect.com/news/entries/2009-09-10/scramble-for-2010-packages-to-south-africa-after-england-qualifies.html Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:46:00