Thanks to the exchange rate with the U.S. dollar, trips to South Africa
are now 30 percent less than they were last year. Sthu Zungu, president, South African Tourism, North America, told Travel Agent "South Africa does represent exceptional value for money for US travelers, as the dollar now goes so much further. The current exchange rate is around US$1 = SA Rand 10, which translates into an almost 30-percent reduction in prices on the ground. In this economy, particularly US travelers are seeking great value when choosing their vacation destination and this is what we are able to deliver." Zungu went on to add, "Tourism is one of the most important foreign exchange earners for South Africa, so if we are able to maintain and better still, increase our arrivals based on the value proposition, this is good for our economy."
Here are a few top resorts and tour operators offering several included amenities.
Cape Grace, in Cape Town, offers guests a BMW transfer within six
miles of the hotel, 24-hour Internet access from the communication
center, full breakfast and coffee and tea in-room with wake-up call,
underground parking and use of the hot spa area. Gym equipment can also
be delivered directly to guests’ rooms or they can visit the nearby
Virgin Active health club. African storytelling in the hotel library is
available for children.
Visit www.capegrace.com
At the Pezula Resort Hotel Spa—which is on a cliff over the Indian Ocean—tennis, beach facilities, daily breakfast at Zachary’s restaurant, Wi-Fi Internet access in all suites, DVD and CDs, use of the gym and hot spa area, Maruwa spa amenities in each suite as well as tea, coffee and homemade cookies are all included amenities.
Visit www.pezularesorthotel.com
On the tour operator side, all activities are included in the rate with an andBEYOND safari. Every andBEYOND safari includes accommodation in a private suite, three meals daily, snacks, house beverages, morning and evening game drives, laundry services, nature and bush walks and emergency medical evacuation insurance.
Visit www.andbeyond.com and www.safariasap.com
South Africa is hosting the World Cup in 2010, which adds to the optimism of travel by U.S. travelers to the destination.