village of stanford

Meandering uncertain waters

Over the past few weeks, many of us have been wondering how Tourism in South Africa, and more specifically, Stanford, is planning to navigate the impact of COVID-19. It is difficult to forecast, but we can possibly scenario plan.

Of course, uncertainty lies ahead, which makes engaging and communicating with our partners, industry experts, members and associations is key as we scenario plan looking forward. Our primary market (overseas) continues to see exponential growth in infections and in all instances, the recovery of the tourism industry is entirely dependent on the reopening of all borders (theirs as well as ours) and the resumption of international flights once again.

We are aware that Tourism is the game-changer in our country for both community upliftment as well as wildlife protection. Tourism recovery therefore needs to spearhead any recovery plan. The chain of businesses that support tourism (travel agencies, tour operators, activity owners and accommodation and food providers) therefore need to ensure that they survive the immediate rough road in order to entice the return of travel demand in South Africa asap.

The impact that this pandemic will have on our interconnected industry has to be understood from a few viewpoints looking forward:

Possible vaccination

  • As we’ve read, clinical trials are under way, but it is estimated that a vaccine may not be available for another 12-18 months. With such a high infection rate of the disease, ongoing, intermittent lockdowns could possibly become a norm in order to assist the health providers in coping with the load.

Opening of international borders

  • For our source markets to return, three things need to be in place: healthy travellers (our source markets however have the highest rate of infections), those with disposable income (all economies are taking a hit which will impact directly on individual disposable income), and international flights back in operation (good news … Emirates have just launched a rapid COVID-19 on-site passenger test program using finger prick blood testing and pre-flight testing will become the norm moving forward)
  • A plus for consideration however …. because our source market’s personal spending has been physically constrained (as ours have during lockdown), disposable income may be less impacted than initially thought, which could drive recovery demand for travel post the initial crisis.

SA’s potential to re-open and welcome tourists

  • Because of South Africa’s quick acting and decisive leadership (speared due to the vulnerability of a large number of our population), the slow uptake of infections and the lull in the projected curve (possibly due to the current BCG programs in South Africa), together with aggressive door-to-door contact trace testing, we can be cautiously optimistic that containment will not reach the explosive scale of the slower acting source markets we rely on, launching South Africa to the top of the list as a destination market when travel opportunities do return.

Interdependence between the tourism industry pillars

  • Flights: both regional and international routes will return slowly based solely on confidence in control of the virus by both airlines AND governments as ‘business returns to normal’
  • Tour operators: those offering the full package from flight to activity to accommodation, have been encouraged to practise postponement rather than cancellation (you’ve all seen the #postponedontcancel campaigns) in as many cases as possible, providing a measure of belief that travel will pick up more rapidly post crises than if new business were to be sought from scratch after travel restrictions are lifted, thereby providing an initial pipeline of business as travel confidence and health reassurance (from both airlines and governments as per above) picks up again over a projected 6-12 month lead time.
  • Accommodation and Activities: until the above two travel market suppliers are once again operating, we must rely on local and regional markets in the Western Cape for heads in beds and feet at our establishments. Pricing restructure is going to be key in this instance, together with COVID-19 safety measure reassurance to visitors, to entice local market travel to start the travel wave once again, and in time, due to our weaker (in this case, therefore more appealing) emerging market currency, possibly appeal to the international market sooner than others.

As we have all felt so longingly during lockdown, our desire to connect with both nature AND our fellow human beings is strong and runs to the core of human nature. This need for connectedness will drive travel tourism once again. It will be back. They will be back.

In the meantime however, our step up (individual, business as well as government) to support those in need during this crisis further emphasises the connection between tourism and poverty alleviation as well as education and wildlife preservation for which our future visitors will feel further motivated in support of when considering travel to South Africa once again.

 

So get involved.

Do what you can to help in the meantime.

We can only get through this by helping one another.

 

Some worthwhile local causes to get involved with or support through donations at this time:

Food Parcel Schemes in Stanford:  https://www.facebook.com/Stanford-Village-Foundation-109780980691328/

The Foundation is a Public Benefit Organisation (Non-profit Company) with the aim to facilitate and coordinate projects and programmes that will benefit the entire Stanford community and ensure overarching sustainability

Contact: 028 341 0430

Stanford Rotary: https://www.facebook.com/groups/130813770283217/

Situated in the Overstrand area of the Western Cape, our small Club consists of 10 members and is active with Soup Kitchens, Swap Shops, Winter Warmth and Youth/Early Childhood Development Projects.

Contact: stanford@rotaryclub.org.za

Food4Thought: https://www.facebook.com/food4thoughtstanford/

Food 4 Thought Community Projects NPC, runs a successful
and well-loved Xhosa pre-school in Stanford, Western Cape, South Africa.

We are an early child development (ECD) school for children aged 3 to 6 years old.
Our language of tuition is IsiXhosa. We also encourage the use of English as a second language.
Our day starts at 7.00am and the children go home at 4.00pm.
We feed breakfast, lunch and snacks.
We provide safe transport to and from school.
We teach using a curriculum accredited by the South African government.

Contact: food4thoughtstanford@gmail.com

Creative Works: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeWorksSA/

Creative Works aims to promote a nurturing, safe and stimulating environment for children and young adults to explore their creative potential

Contact: regina@creativeskillsfactory.co.za

Children’s Book Network: https://www.facebook.com/ChildrensBook/

Children’s Book Network (CBN) was founded by Gçina Mhlophe, Lesley Beake & Sindiwe Magona. Our purpose is to bring books to children and children to books.

Contact: info@childrensbook.co.za

Animal Welfare: https://www.facebook.com/StanfordAnimalWelfareSociety/

SAWS aka Stanford Animal Welfare Society are a group of voluntary Stanford citizens that devote our time to save and help our unprivileged Stanford animals.

Contact: mailto:sawsstanford@gmail.com

Stanford: What’s in a name?

In Stanford we just love uncovering history – whether it’s a building’s architectural past, or something about its tenants, function or its geographical positioning. It comes with being a heritage village – we have a natural curiosity for ‘what was’, a curiosity we so enjoy sharing with visitors and friends of our little part of the Overberg. Let’s take a look at the origins of some of the names of establishments, wineries and natural gems in and around Stanford.


Did you know, Springfontein Wine Estate is named for a natural spring found on the property (responsible for keeping the 25 hectares of vineyards irrigated). Follow them on Instagram here.

Just down the road from Springfontein at Mosaic Private Sanctuary, the 1892 Spookhuis is named for well, yes, being haunted (Spook is the Afrikaans for ghost). Follow them on Instagram here.


Blue Gum Country Estate owes its namesake to a 150-year old Blue Gum on the property. The estates farm roots date back to 1839. Follow them on Instagram here.

Platbos Forest . This ancient forest is named after the Afrikaans word for ‘flat forest or bush’ – when looking down on the property from an elevated road, the forest resembles a “flat green swath of fynbos”. Follow them on Instagram here.

Bodhi Khaya Retreat. A combination of the words enlightenment (or perhaps ‘awakening’ translates closer to the original meaning) coupled with the Zulu word for “home”. Follow them on Instagram here.

White Water Farm. If you think this name dates back to cascading waterfalls, think again. The farm’s chapel is “converted from the old distillery barn, where Witblits (a local liquor like Grappa) used to be made, hence the historic farm’s name – Witwater or White Water.” Follow them on Instagram here.

Bugler’s cottage in the heritage part of the village was one of the original labourer cottages on Sir Robert Stanford’s Farm. Dating back to the early 1860s, it “is the only cottage in Stanford that is still true to its original form, except for internal changes and the addition of a bathroom at the back.”

If you’re looking to supersize your historical knowledge on Stanford, pop into the Tourism Office for a copy of Historical Stanford on Foot (for just R10), then head on to one of our local wine farms and grab a few bottles of their finest, and you’re on your way to being the most interesting person at your next dinner party!

 

 

Memories of the year gone by

Wow what a year in our little village, the holidays are upon us and there is still so much to see and do in Stanford before the clock strikes midnight and we bid farewell to 2018. For a fun little recap of Stanford life, we thought we’d bring you some Instagram Memories. Capture your own these holidays and remember to tag @visitstanford and #visitstanford #nowherebetterthanstanford so that we can share your experiences with other travellers looking for a country escape. Here’s to even more fantatsic memories in 2019, cheers!

– We celebrated the return of warmer weather with White Water Farm and Don Gelato.

 

– We shared moments of Stanford’s History (we like to think it boosted our IQ a little) with gorgeous images from Annalize Mouton Photography and Mosaic Private Sanctuary.

– Bikers galore showed that they have heart power along with horse power for the annual Overberg Toy Run

– The fit and fearless swam, cycled and ran in this year’s Race2Stanford

– We daydreamed about foodie things a lot (pictured here: Misty Mountain Estate, Zesty Lemon and Ou Meul Bakkery)

– Our members shone in Print (featured: HaesFarm, Springfontein Eats, Stanford Valley Guest Farm, Walker Bay Estate)

– We drank tea and wine and had another great year in Stanford ! (Lion Tea Party hosted by Stanford Tourism in support of Panthera Africa; Springfontein Wine joining the other members of the Stanford Wine Route at the Stanford Sunset Market)

From Flowers to Fabulous – homegrown entrepreneurs’ flower farm blossoms into a full guest experience

Turn off the R43 from Hermanus up a gravelly road sprinkled with restaurants and vineyards and you’ll find Stanford Hills – a guest farm, function venue, vineyard and restaurant and flower farm born out of a love of family celebrations. We sat down with co-owner and entrepreneur, Jami Kastner, to find out more about making a success of life in the hills.

“Born out of family & celebrations – the good things in life and everything kind of came from that. Being parents ourselves we wanted to share our great life here on the farm. It gives us great joy!”

Kiddie fun at Stanford Hills

Having grown up in the area, with a keen eye for business and hospitality, Jami and husband Peter purchased their farm on April 1st 2005, an auspicious day for a young couple who originally started with Protea farming but soon branched out into the then unknown territory of wine – a decision Jami admits was both naive and a little crazy, but one which has guided their business into the food and hospitality realm.

The Shop serves as the wine tasting, sales and reception hub at Stanford Hills. Pop in for wine, flowers or even some pinotage jam. Sounds yum!

A small rustic building with gorgeous views over the dam grew from a deli/picnic type spot into a small tasting room for their estate wines and now has blossomed into a 140-seater restaurant with the same gorgeous views. The growth of the restaurant opened up the opportunities for special occasions and eventually weddings.

Chef Jana changes the blackboard menu daily according to what is fresh and available. There is also an extensive mezze menu to choose from

Live music concerts with some of SA’s finest musicians can also be enjoyed in the summer months with families spread out across the green lawns soaking up the sun, sounds and local food & beverages.

A big turning point for live music at Stanford Hills was the partnership with Louise Carver (who returns on January second with Ard Matthews).  She was the first big artist to take a chance on the venue and attracted 1000 people! Artists refer to their concerts at Stanford Hills as a ‘Kirstenbosch but more intimate’. Jeremy Loops will be rocking the hills in December, have you booked?

With each venture, the couple have been conscious of allowing for organic growth – while some elements were on their original business plan, others have grown from observing and listening to their customers’ needs, and branching out when the brand and team were confident and ready for the next step – bearing in mind that the new additions needed to reflect the brand’s values:

“Everything we do reflects a celebration of life” says Jami. From the food people enjoy to wine, beautiful pincushions or a family-holiday in one of the cottages or the Africamps. Keeping this ethos at the core of their brand has guided the family, and other entrepreneurs looking to enter the industry would do well to take note of their passion – “Be authentic and be consistent. Commit to your decisions. If you’re going to be open 7 days a week, be open 7 days a week. People need to trust they can come to you.”

Stanford Hills may seem laid back and casual – trademarks of their vibe, but their branding is sharp, well-displayed and consistent. Even Pinot the giant ridgeback is part of the Stanford Hills experience.

What about the challenges of running a business that relies on such a strong tourism focus? “One of the biggest challenges has been keeping up with the times and the technology. As a business owner you have to figure out a way to keep up.” says Jami. The brand has embraced social media and once she’s tuned into a new platform Jami explains “it’s such an easy thing to market something you genuinely love. Business has to have heart. People can feel that energy in your business.” It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to offer something based on revenue potential, but if it’s not your passion, you’re not going to have the fuel you need to get you through the difficult times. Authenticity is important, “consider what you love and offer that.”

“Peter & I both love the hospitality industry, we love watching people enjoying themselves.” Share your Stanford Hills good times with the team on their social media channels and tag #stanfordhills #visitstanford

And what about success? What works when marketing a business like Stanford Hills? “It’s vital to listen to your local people and keep them happy, it’s not just them coming here, it’s them telling people to come here.” says Jami. Mid-week food specials and community-initiatives like the Stanford Striders walking group who meet for a meal and glass of wine for just R60 after an active walk around the farm on the last Monday of the month, are just two of the ways Jami and her team reach out to the local market. Jami emphasizes how important it is for locals in an area to know that a business values them. Word of mouth marketing, especially in a small community like Stanford is invaluable. Other key points for the business’ success, in addition to being sensitive to a local market, has been clever collaboration with like-minded brands.

All accommodation is self catering but guests can order breakfast or braai baskets delivered to them to prepare at their leisure.

“What has really tipped the scales for us has been the collaboration between Africamps and Stanford Hills.”

While Stanford Hill’s accommodation arm was enjoying steady weekend trade, the partnership with the boutique camping brand has seen an impressive increase in midweek stays – which has a positive knock on effect for the restaurant, and surrounding businesses.

African Wings, an air charter service popular during whale season also based on the farm, has benefited from the Africamps clientele who are well matched to the service.

TIP: For entrepreneurs looking to expand their footprint or marketing reach, look for partnerships that complement your own, aim for a ongoing working relationship and nurture it.

The magic ingredient for Stanford Hill’s longevity, has been the very hands-on involvement of both Jami and Peter –

“Nothing can replace owner business involvement – nobody cares for or loves your business like you do. Keep your own finger on the pulse.” Says Jami. Complementing their management style is a happy, enthusiastic team who embody the brand. Jami shows a keen interest in her staff and loves discovering hidden success stories right in her own backyard – Vuyo, who started on the farm as a flower picker for example, is now an amazing, and proud, teacher at The Butterfly Centre, another family initiative Jami is unbelievably passionate about. (You can find out more about them here).

Despite the brand’s success Jami is very aware that no man is an island, especially not in the hospitality and tourism game. With experience on both the Hermanus Tourism Committee, and later as the chair of Stanford Tourism, Jami has a keen understanding of the value of Destination Marketing – she explains that tourism businesses shouldn’t look at tourism as competing against each other, rather with the idea that the whole town or region is competing against other destinations. This helps people to unify under their tourism brand and represent a strong front. 

“I couldn’t feel more strongly that we need to work together. It comes down to aligning with brands who have a similar ethos.” – explains Jami. Support other businesses trying to achieve similar goals; value word of mouth – it is more powerful than even the most active social media accounts!

Weddings are popular and very often become weekend celebrations – that means more and more people are benefiting. Her best advice for businesses in small towns and villages? Remain aware of the fact that you’re part of the bigger picture.

Jami goes on to discuss Stanford’s unique offerings, including the gorgeous river and its related activities – “People still don’t realise the beauty of the river. One of the most unique Stanford experiences” And don’t forget the village’s food scene – “We are proud we are to be linked to Stanford, which has a number of very highly rated restaurants and is becoming more and more of a ‘foodie’ destination.”

A big thank you to Jami for her time and for sharing her entrepreneurial insights!

With so much on the go, the village of Stanford offers just about something for everyone. Come and meet our entrepreneurs, support owner-run businesses and enjoy an escape from the city with us. We look forward to welcoming you! Share your experiences with us on Facebook (@stanfordtourism) and Instagram (@visitstanford) and tag #visitstanford!