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September 22, 2014
The 5th Annual South African Concierges Conference 2014
The Art of Welcoming Guests
South African concierges understand the importance of making guests feel at home. A genuine smile, friendly demeanor, and a firm handshake create a warm and inviting atmosphere, ensuring that every guest’s experience begins on a positive note.
Celebrating Excellence in Hospitality
Held on 17 September 2014 at the SAB World of Beer in Newtown, Johannesburg, the 5th Annual Concierge Conference brought together guest relations managers and concierges from 4-star and 5-star hotels across South Africa. Sponsored for the second consecutive year by SAB, the conference provided a platform for hospitality professionals to share knowledge, discuss industry trends, and enhance their ability to create memorable guest experiences.
Conference Highlights
D&D Concierge Consultancy will offer Concierge and guest relations consulting, guest relations training, inspirational speaking and facilitating as well as continue hosting the South African Concierge Forum. Going forward they will expand on offering social media events partnering with Edith Venter promotions for hotel concierges as well as offering luxury property Concierge services. They have very recently hosted training sessions for Standard Bank, Hirsch’s and Pam Golding.
The Concierge’s Role in South African Tourism
According to Neesha Padayachy, South African Tourism Global Manager: Product, concierges play a vital role not just in hotels, but in promoting the country as a travel destination. Their warm hospitality encourages visitors to return and recommend South Africa to others.
To further enhance tourism, South African Tourism launched the ‘Shot Left’ campaign, aimed at encouraging locals to explore their own country beyond the typical Visit Friends and Relatives (VFR) trend. Additionally, new multilingual resources are available for concierges, providing insights into the preferences of international travelers.
About The Event
This year’s conference saw 21 exhibitors and all contributed to fabulous prizes that were given away on the day ranging from meal vouchers, stays at luxury hotels and lodges and many more.
Golden Keys – Recognizing Excellence in Concierge Service
Several South African concierges are members of the prestigious Union Internationale des Concierges d’Hotels (Les Clefs d’Or). These professionals have achieved international recognition for their expertise and service excellence:
- Ronnie Govender – Sandton Sun
- Archie Christodoulides – Michelangelo Hotel Sandton
- Claude-Francois Ndala – Beverly Hills Hotel, Umhlanga
- Deon Prinsloo – Palazzo Hotel, Fourways
- Lizelle De Haas – Radisson Blu Sandton
- Vinny Maharaj – Intercontinental Sandton Towers
- Billy Chetty – Da Vinci Hotel & Suites Sandton
- Ryan Van Zyl – The Table Bay Hotel, Cape Town
To establish South Africa’s own Les Clefs d’Or chapter, a minimum of 10 members is required. Vera Jackson, Head Concierge at Intercontinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport, is working toward this goal and awaiting approval for her membership after completing five years in the industry.
Upcoming Events and Conferences
6th Annual Concierge Conference – 16 September 2015 (Sponsored by Moyo, venue TBA)
Cape Town & Durban Conferences – Also sponsored by Moyo in 2015
Joburg Concierge Forum Year-End Event – 26 November 2014, hosted by Joburg Gems (Golf day and dining experience at Hard Rock Café, Sandton)
Acknowledgments and Sponsors
A special thanks to SAB World of Beer, keynote speaker Thuli Sithole, and all exhibitors and sponsors, including:
- Guvon Hotels & Spas
- In Your Pocket
- Hard Rock Café Johannesburg
- Jewel Africa
- Joburg Gems
- South African National Biodiversity Institute
- Radisson Blu Sandton
- Lion Park
- The Oyster Box Hotel
- Suncoast Towers Hotel and Spa
- Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris
- City Sightseeing Johannesburg
- Holiday Inn Sandton
- Da Vinci Hotel & Suites Sandton
- 54 on Bath
- The Palazzo
- The Saxon
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“I loved being a Concierges/Guest Relations so much that I now endeavour to turn it into a Business Venture, the First Original, as far as I know, to initiate this as a full-time venture! I decided to bet on myself, that’s the only way you never to lose!”
