Join Knysna Tourism

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MEMBERSHIP OF KNYSNA TOURISM (LOCAL TOURISM OFFICE - LTO)
OFFERS YOU BENEFITS THAT WILL MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE TO YOUR BUSINESS.

There are three kinds of benefits - Standard benefits, Additional benefits and Benefits in conjunction with Tourism authorities.

01Standard benefits of membership.

These are available to members of Knysna Tourism.

1. Association with the Official Tourism structures
  • Membership certificate (endorsed by the CTRU).
  • Recognition as an accredited member of the official Visitor Services Network.
  • Use of the Knysna Tourism Membership logo*
  • Use of the "Cape" brand (CTRU logo) for promotion*
*(Any printed material displaying either of the above logos should be approved by the relevant manager and follow the relevant brand guidelines).

2. Visitor Information Services

Visitor Information Centers provide visitors with:
  • Information on the local destination, including a printed map and "What's on" information.
  • Information on other Western Cape destinations where requested by the visitor.
  • Information and referral advice on members' products and services that meet their requirements. This includes members of other tourism offices, where relevant contracts are in place.
  • Member's brochures and promotional material, where provided by members of the LTO.
3. Promotion

The following marketing and promotion activities will be undertaken:
  • Produce and/or co-ordinate the production of endorsed marketing material.
  • Co-ordinate the distribution of the marketing material.
  • Co-ordinate representation in travel and tourism publications.
  • Collate and distribute an events calendar or "What On" information.
  • Actively manage and promote the area using the e-Business website and other online marketing tools.
  • Actively manage and promote up-to-date information of its members and tourism attractions using the eBusiness website and other online marketing tools.
  • Provide advice on marketing opportunities to members.
  • Liaise with government departments, agencies and promotional organizations e.g. wine, trade, investment, film, agriculture etc to promote joint marketing of the destination.
  • Liaise with external parties e.g. press, production companies, wine routes, campaign organisers etc to promote the destination.
  • Support and promote local events and activities. o Provide an information enquiry service for members to access product information for their guests


4. Networking

You will benefit from the following:
  • Organising regular functions for members.
  • Issuing regular circulars or newsletters regarding promotional opportunities, meetings and tourism activities.
5. Assistance and support

Knysna Tourism will assist and support you to:
  • Prepare and understand the criteria, process and need for the CTRU minimum requirement assessments, where required.
  • Use the minimum requirements inspection to add credibility to the accommodation establishment or tour operator.
  • Submit their marketing information (contact details, description and photos) and include these in the central database for marketing and information distribution by any LTO across the Western Cape as well as on local, regional and provincial websites.
  • Assist in applications for standardised road signage.
  • Present their views on key issues via their local committee and/or a representative on the Visitor Services and other Advisory Committees of the CTRU.
6. Online promotions

You will benefit by Knysna Tourism providing you with:
  • Information and access as a benefit of paid membership to the Accommodation Product Content Management System (Accommodation Light Product) in order to make accommodation inventory available online via the Tiscover system. Terms and conditions apply and access (login and password) is subject to training.
  • Information regarding additional upgraded and paid for licences (only as a benefit while a paid membership) for online promotional products for accommodation, attractions, tour operators, conference venues, restaurants and hotel groups.

02Additional benefits

In order to maximise your benefits, additional benefits to the Standard Benefits are provided to members, some of which will attract additional fees:
  • Reservations for accommodation, car hire, trips and tours at a charge of 11% commission (either online or by phone, fax, email or walk-in visitors at tourism office).
  • The production, co-ordination and distribution of theme-based publications directed at special interest groups such as golfers, and those interested in adventure and sport etc.
  • The co-ordination of discounted rates for collective advertising in relevant publications.
  • The promotion of the destination, including products and services by participating in local, national and international consumer shows.
  • Informing the travel trade via travel and trade events and publications.
  • Ensuring product knowledge of the local industry through educational events.
  • The co-ordination of discounted purchasing schemes, insurance, health care, etc.
  • The provision of an information enquiry service for members to access product information for their guests.

03Benefits in conjunction with tourism authorities (including CTRU)

1. Visitor Information Network
  • Referrals and bookings via the Booking Centre, i.e. from any official tourism office in the Western Cape - initially for accommodation and later for trips and tours, as well as car hire.
  • All the electronic promotional mechanisms, web sites, etc. for the network of LTOs and Visitor Information Centres (VICs), will be drawn from the central database on the products and services of members.
  • The CTRU will co-ordinate the activities of a world-class visitor information centre network across the province (branding and service levels).
  • Brochure distribution through Gateway centres that form part of Visitor Information Network
2. Publications
  • Produce a range of printed guides, brochures, directories and listings focused on the geographically regions of the Western Cape.
  • Others will be theme-based for the various niche markets such as wine, food, golf, nature and wildlife, health and wellness, etc.
3. Advertising campaigns
  • Undertake and co-ordinate advertising campaigns in print (newspapers, magazines) and electronic media (radio, TV and Internet).
4. Travel Trade
  • Co-ordinate travel trade activities and produce a travel trade directory
  • Maintain a travel trade database and distribute marketing collateral to travel agents and tour operators.
  • Attend exhibitions and travel fairs.
  • Co-ordinate visits for travel agents and tour operators attending national and international exhibitions.
  • Maintain a database of travel contacts and provide support to members wishing to make contact with agents in the main markets.
5. Public, industry and media relations
  • Initiate travel media activities to ensure that members receive maximum marketing exposure.
  • Host visiting journalists and support feature writers and editors with a website dedicated to their needs.
  • Issue press releases and images to registered journalists and actively manage press activity
  • Produce regular briefings of activity to enable the private sector to get leverage from public spend.
  • Ensure that it has good relations with South African Tourism, government departments and NGO's, embassies and consulates and ensure each has the appropriate promotional items and resources to service enquiries at their respective organisations.
6. Online marketing
  • Distribution of your information via our partners to various websites and via e-newsletters.
  • Online access to database of tourism businesses, on a selective basis to establish business-to-business links.
  • Online bookings for accommodation.
  • Search engine registration and promotion.
7. Film and television
  • Ensure that maximum exposure is gained from location shoots.
  • Co-ordinate and encourage media who wish to feature destinations or a particular theme in travel shows and holiday programs.
8. Business support
  • Information about sources of specialist legal, business tourism and marketing advice.
  • Provision of and access to market intelligence, tourism statistics, research results and tourism trends.
  • Provision of and access to information sheets on various business topics.
  • Support appropriate projects and activities to develop new products.
  • Organise formal training courses, as well as conferences and seminars.
  • Assist and advise emerging entrepreneurs on business development via Provincial Tourism Help Desks/Red Door Centres.
  • Information about sources of funding and assistance in making grant applications via Tourism Help Desks/Red Door Centres.
9. Other
  • Advertise vacancies
  • Provide access to high quality destination digital images.
 

Application Form

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Membership Fees

View our membership fees for 2011/2012
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Meet the board

View the board members details

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Waterwise Campaign

waterwise Learn more about the “Knysna Water Wise” Certification System that was implemented by the Knysna Municipality in conjunction with Knysna Tourism.
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Our Mission

  • To promote and advance tourism in the Greater Knysna area by providing tourist information, marketing specific events and establishing a market branding of the Greater Knysna area as a tourist destination.
  • To act as a point of registration for tourism businesses in terms of the provincial registration and minimum standards system.
  • To receive and channel tourism road signage applications to the Knysna Municipality.
  • To promote tourism awareness and a culture of hospitality and service amongst the local residents.
  • To provide advice to Knysna Municipality regarding matters pertaining to tourism development and the industry's interests.

Our Goals

  • To generically market the Greater Knysna Area to visitors to and residents of the Western Cape.
  • To integrate previously marginalised communities into the tourism industry.

Our Objectives

  • To provide world class information and reservation services.
  • To promote and leverage existing events to draw more visitors to Knysna and surrounding areas.
  • To develop the Greater Knysna area as an all year round premier holiday destination.

Code of Conduct

  • Maintain high standards of courtesy and hospitality and ensure that facilities and services are appropriate.
  • Describe fairly to all visitors and prospective visitors the amenities, facilities and services provided by an establishment whether by advertisement, brochure, word-of-mouth or by any other means.
  • Allow each visitor reasonable opportunity to view the services prior to registration.
  • Make clear to visitors exactly what is included in the prices quoted, including taxes and any surcharges. Details of charges, for additional services or facilities available should be made clear.
  • Give each visitor, on request, details of payments due and a receipt, if required.
  • Adhere to and not exceed current prices and advise guests of any alteration in rates prior to registration.
  • Deal promptly and courteously with all enquiries, reservations, correspondence and complaints from visitors.
  • Ensure, within the bounds of legal liability, the safety of guest and their possessions.
  • Ensure that no guest is discriminated against in an unfair manner, notwithstanding the operator's Right of Admission.
  • Actively protect and enhance, where possible, the environment and experiences of tourists in the Western Cape.
  • Implement lawful, healthy, safe and equitable employment conditions, enhance equal employment opportunities and support human resource development through training.
  • Allow a LTA representative reasonable access to an establishment to confirm that the establishment is complying with the minimum requirements of the DMO.

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