The past few years have been a tremendously exciting time for the tourism industry in South Africa. Gone are the days of hefty annual increases – many based on the greed of some unscrupulous operators in the wake of a weakening rand. With the recovery of our currency, however, has come the industry’s return to sensibility. Cape Town in particular has once again become a good-value-for-money destination for the thousands of tourists who continue to visit us. From accommodation to restaurants, from air travel to transport – slowly the industry has succeeded in turning the negative perception around. It is clear that this will enable the industry to prosper once more.

South Africa is a wonderful country to visit and Cape Town in particular outsparkles most cities in the world. Direct connections have reduced travel time, and with the added benefit of no jet lag from many countries, we have become a popular destination for many of our friends. New markets – many from the African continent – continue to open up as more air routes are established, bringing an ever-broadening tourist base to the Mother City.

And whyever not? We have it all! Besides, I sense a growing pride amongst my fellow South Africans; from shebeen owners to business leaders – all are opening their hearts and welcoming our visitors with the big smiles and easy-going friendliness that have become our trademark.

With a few short years left before the World Cup Soccer event, I believe that the true benefit of hosting this prestigious event will become apparent only in the wake of 2010. Hopefully the spectacular South African scenery, combined with the positive feedback of those spectators who visit us, will draw some of the millions of worldwide television spectators to our shores in the years following 2010. In doing so, they will help fuel this industry and ensure that the tourism sector becomes not only the biggest employer of people but also the biggest foreign-currency earner for our great country.

However, this is hardly the time to sit back and be ‘passengers on the bus’. Now is the time to climb into the driver’s seat and help build the infrastructure and service levels that our international visitors have come to expect. It is a time to empower fellow South Africans, particularly those who were excluded in the past, and to share the knowledge and skills learned over many years. By broadening the base, we will ensure the continued success of our industry in the years to come.

At Hylton Ross Tours we have a proud reputation of open-minded and hands-on assistance to underprivileged communities.
The past year has been no exception. Not only did we continue our support of the TCD Trust and the wonderful work it does, we also sponsored and became directly involved in several projects; from supporting crèches to the building of a home. The team at Hylton Ross Tours has had a busy year and I am exceptionally proud of our achievements. For more details, see our website at
http://www.hyltonross.com/connecting-dreams.php.

If you have not yet visited us, I urge you to do so. Come experience our city, our province and our country – for I know that, wherever you go, you will be welcomed by the open-hearted warmth and friendliness of our South African people.

Claus Tworeck CEO

Managing Director
Hylton Ross