Q: What are your thoughts on the industry’s current state?
A: Currently we are seeing a slow but positive recovery in the market that was due after all the negative perceptions that we have seen about South Africa.
Q: Has the water shortage in the Western Cape affected Fancourt and the Garden Route?
A: Tourism in George has remained busy but not as busy as we have seen in the past, which is understandable. Everything is still open for tourists and extreme water-saving measures have resulted in the situation being managed. We have, however, been cognisant of the reality of the water shortage and have implemented our own measures to contribute towards the sustainment of our environment. We have exchanged our bath plugs for golf balls and although bath plugs are available on request, very few of our guests have requested these. We also use our own water on the estate and not that of the municipality.
Q: What ‘type’ of business travel do you see coming through Fancourt?
A: Fancourt has always been a main attraction for business travellers because of its facilities and its luxury offerings which cater to businesses. This has allowed us unique insight into the subtle transitions that take place within the business travel sector with more visitors adapting a ‘casual’ business style in comparison to the traditional formal corporates. Fancourt is a businessman’s playground with its variety of conferencing options catering for specific meeting requirements and of course, three pristine golf courses upon which visitors can conduct their business. But there is another side to business travel – a fun side. We see many groups come to Fancourt for team-building exercises which incorporate some of the most creative requests, all of which we are happy to help materialise. From themed parties to treasure hunts, we’ve seen (and catered to) it all.
Q: How does Fancourt combat perception that it is only a luxury golf destination?
A: It’s not so much that we combat the perception because the fact remains that Fancourt is a luxury golf destination, but it is also so much more! We try to educate travellers about all the other offerings available at the estate, such as our family and spa packages.The idea is for families to base themselves at Fancourt whilst exploring the Garden Route.
Our spa has recently been awarded the Best Hotel Spa at the Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Awards and the packages on offer encourage group visits, such as a girls’ weekend away. Fancourt is also an extremely romantic destination. The Manor House boutique hotel was the 2015 winner of Africa’s Best Romantic Boutique Hotel and is a national monument steeped in the early history of South Africa, dating back to 1859.
Q: Roughly, what percentage of your business is conferencing business and how is this integrated into the overall Fancourt offering?
A: Business conferences have always been roughly 20% of our total market mix. Fancourt continues to invest in this market segment as MICE business throughout South Africa has seen extraordinary growth through difficult market conditions.
Q: How has the Fancourt food and beverage offering evolved over the years?
A: Our offering has evolved to continuously incorporate different styles and fresh takes on the meals prepared at the restaurants. Four world-class restaurants, each catering to a different style, offer guests a variety of choices to satisfy any craving. Executive Chef Desmond Morgan has incorporated a philosophy of using locally-grown produce in an effort to support the suppliers within the Garden Route community. He has dotingly coined this philosophy Fancourt’s ‘country basket’ philosophy. Through the use of locally-grown produce, we are able to ensure that our guests enjoy the freshest ingredients in each of the carefully thought-out dishes.
Q: What, do you believe, are business travellers looking for from their accommodation provider?
A: The fact that business travellers are always on the go means that they look for short turn-around times, flexibility in requirements and hotels that create experiences instead of just a simple stay.
Q: Where does technology fit into the Fancourt strategy?
A: Technology is such a part of everyday life, we cannot omit it from the offerings at Fancourt. Having said that, we still want people to visit Fancourt for the experience. Our conference facilities are equipped with modern audio-visual and computer equipment and offer full business services including video conferencing. We also utilise the latest cutting-edge technology at The Academy, to assess and improve the golfing skills of participants.