A New Take

Change it's vibrant, challenging, spirit lifting and of course, the only constant. Remaining stagnant for too long is a death sentence. As a writer I feel the need to constantly be moving and changing, testing myself and my boundaries, figuring out the new as well as the old. You only truly know yourself once you've experienced as much as possible and seen how adaptable you can be and then throwing that all out of the window and starting from scratch again.

This is the shared belief at Tourism Radio, just like a marriage, you need to spice things up again, keep it fresh. That's why we've given our current website www.tourismradio.co.za a mini face lift. It's better written, better presented and has some awesome videos you can check out!

It's all about us and what we do here and we love it. See who advertises with us, see who we are partnered with, latest news and most importantly have a look at our new social networking site, for people on the move..... Hummba.com and Tourism Radio are proud to be taking you places!

It'll be a Breeze!

When mentioning the lap of luxury, images of crystal blue pools and king sized beds with crisp white linen springs to mind immediately and when luxury cruise liners are thrown into the mix it's a recipe for instant success. This is what tourists can look forward to in the festivities of the FIFA 2010 World Cup.

As the city livens and the people express their excitement by blowing a vuvuzela, three luxury cruise liners are expected to dock here for the World Cup offering tourists everything from spas to sports activities, wine cellars, shops, libraries and a casino. The MS Amsterdam, a five-star floating hotel similar to those that will dock in Cape Town during the tournament, arrived in the city this week. The MS Amsterdam's sister ships, the MS Noordam and the MS Westerdam, are expected to sail into Cape Town on June 10 for the soccer extravaganza. The vessels have been described as the world's most luxurious cruise liners, and are scheduled to remain in South Africa until July 12, a day after the World Cup final.

The clear view of the impressive Green Point Stadium and world renowned Table Mountain are all part of this glorious package. But remember to experience all that Cape Town has to offer in the city and in the further reaches and what better way than with Tourism Radio and Hummba.com? You'll be amazed what can be seen and done in the mother city, take advantage of it and let us help you along the way. Or upload a breadcrumb so we can all see what it would be like to appreciate this man made marvel. Looking forward to seeing you on Hummba!

Ode to Cape Town

These are exciting times in Cape Town. Not only does it seem that the recession depression is taking a turn, however gentle, for the better. Summer is almost here, despite the July-like weather we've been experiencing of late. And, its almost that time of year. Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, the truth is, you'll probably get a few days off to spend with friends and family. Sigh. Its such a great time to be in Cape Town. One thing we mask well as Capetonians is the simple bliss that comes standard with living in a city that smiles, in spite of the sometimes looming misery of its residents. Even today, when the skies are gray and dreary, take a second look at the horizon Cape Town-style. Even when the sun isn't shining the workforce is building, wheeling, dealing, making and buzzing. The airports and harbours are alive with inquisitive visitors or prodigal anybodies coming home. The colour never drains out of Cape Town. Nor does the excitement surrounding 2010. Not only is it South Africa's turn to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, its also the start of a new era in SA (and Cape Town) for that matter.

Lonely Planet, one of the world's most renowned travel guides, has declared that in spite of money worries the world over, South Africa is still one of the most economically viable countries to visit. The top ten list also included Thailand, London, El Salvador, Germany, Greece, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Portugal, Suriname and the United States.

So that's the good news. The other bit of good news is that visiting Cape Town means hiring a Tourism Radio device to guide you around this beautiful city. Log on to www.tourismradio.co.za to find out how to book your device!

Cape Town or Sydney?

Uk newspaper, The Guardian announced Cape Town as second place winner in their annual Travel Awards. Cape Town is the second Favourite Overseas City after Sydney, Australia as voted for by UK readers.

And that's not all...so far the Mother City has racked up quite a few travel awards including the Travel & Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best Poll 2009, where readers voted Cape Town the world’s number two city (did the counting only start at number 2?). National Geographic Traveler thinks that Cape Town is definately one of their 50Places of a Lifetime selection. And the very coveted Conde Nast Traveler accolade named Cape Town the Top City in Africa & the Middle East (fourth in the World) and The UK Telegraph voting Cape Town their Favourite Foreign City.

So don't take our word for it...the accolades speak for themselves. Visit www.tourismradio.co.za to get Tourism Radio is your car and see Cape Town the way it was intended.

Carry the World on your Shoulders

Travel and tourism has become sophisticated. Even when it's not, it is. Travelling independently from an organised tour group or the help of a travel agent requires a fair amount of time and planning, not to mention a fast Internet connection. Thank goodness for that 2 Year Working Visa in the UK bit because it was so popular that where ever you seem to be going, someone knows someone who knows someone they met in London who can put you up/show you around/show you in the right direction.

The world's gotten smaller and so have the backpacks. Who needs 'em with exclaim with reckless abandon and a book full of names of friends of friends to call just in case. Its great that so much more of the world is so accessible, its even better that even when you don't have a friend, you have someone else's friend to lean on.

But consider the backpack again. Filled with only the bare essentials, some paperwork in a waterproof file and a guidebook, maybe. These days you could maybe lose the guidebook and just download some travel guides to your mobile phone from www.hummba.com. Or wait until you reach your destination, hire a car and Tourism Radio to go with it. Either way, the beauty of the backpack is that it is so versatile, there are no rules and it's making a come back from the cliched "backpack around Europe" so popular in the 80's.

These days backpacking means one thing...travel light and make up the rules as you go along. An inability to travel like a backpacker with have you lugging a "wheelie bag" through cobbled stoned streets, if you're very lucky the wheels will break under the weight of your "essentials" and you'll then have to carry your 20 kilogram limit along uneven and even...unpaved streets of your destination.

The moral of the story is this...it's time to bring the backpack back. With some careful planning and a little adventurous spirit you can see the world on a smaller budget and a slightly more open mind. So pull it out (the backpack and your courage), dust it off and start travelling. For a list of backpacking classics visit www.travelindependent.info

Gone Hof Love?

Why are we still talking about Steve Hofmeyer? Let me tell you the earliest memory I have of old Steve. I was in Grade 6, my family and I had just recently moved back from the US to Cape Town after spending several years there. Now, at that stage I knew about New Kids on the Block and that 3 Musketeers soundtrack - that was big then, but I'd never heard of Steve.

It wasn't until an English class oral assignment that I heard his name for the first time. The topic was "Predators," the red head who seemed to know so much more than a ten year old should, got up and proclaimed that Steve Hofmeyer was in fact, the world's biggest predator.

At that stage he had already fathered a number of illegitimate children and Natasha, well, she was still the face and heart of Kideo. Too innocent to fall prey to a minor South African celebrity who apparently, doesn't really care much for condoms. Anyway, a very public and embarrassing Ode to the Pumpkin Eater was anything but singing Hofmeyers praises when his extra-marital affairs went from incognito to exposed. I'm not really too interested in what Hofmeyer's justifications are and I don't think he really believes that he owes it to anyone - least of all his fans. So I have to ask...why are we still talking about Steve?

He's clearly made up his mind about how often and with whom he'd like to have sex with so...good for him? Not really that great for you mind you, if you've got anything that old Steve would like to explore. Briefly. I was reading an existentialist philosophy book this weekend and, in short and slightly out of context, Osho believes that the minute love becomes a relationship it becomes bondage. Yip. Fear, conditioning or insecurities are sometimes the motivation for getting married and essentially nailing down your one and only. Let it be a lesson to you ladies, gents...Steve?

Just imagine, if everyone stopped being together when they stopped loving each other, there would be so much more love in the world. Got me thinking about love and travel again. Travel is my first love, but that doesn't speak for the rest of the world. Especially not India. I've been to India and one of the cultural surprises I found was that despite the fact that you can't be openly affectionate, marriages are largely arranged, you can't be bare in too many places on your body, the notion of love and union are still regarded as the highest and most coveted human experience.

You'll be happy to know that India is now offering "divorce tourism." A nice trip complete with marriage counsellor to determine whether you and your bitter half really are on the road to nowhere - relationship wise. Crazy? Don't knock it till you've tried it, that's all I have to say. It could go one of two ways...bury the hatchet or burn at the stake. At least you'll have your answer. The tours are apparently being very well received by those couples about to call it a day. There's probably no better place to search your memory bank for traces of love than in India. Where some of the greatest and grandest gestures of love still stand and welcome foreigners to revel in their beauty and partial insanity. Who says you can't buy love? Couple of hundred rupees and its yours.

The alternative is to take a little trip, alone or in tow, and see for yourself if home is really where your heart is. Don't know where to go? Why not get Tourism Radio in your car today and start exploring the Western Cape and KZN. Why not? Or, if you'd like to go further afield, check out www.hummba.com for free audio travel guides and a pretty wicked mobile application. Keep a look put for the Paris tour coming soon...you won't be sorry. So fall in love, that's my take on it. Over and over again.

That's it from me and Steve on Convenient Theories For You...y'all have a nice day now, ya hear?

Love to travel...

I took a wrong turn somewhere between Being-Strong-And-Independent and I-Can-Do-Better-Than-This and wound up in a desert. A love desert to be exact. Now, I hate to be the cliche and whine about not having a partner and blah blah blah but whatever,it's my bloggy and I'll cry if I want to.

Now, you are correct, the desert is fabulous. For a while. But woman cannot live on sand alone. Every now and then, you need an oasis. Do you know why people get so excited when they hear about an oasis? Because its very rare. No one mentions that. Its like having children 20 or 30 years ago - no one talked about how terrible labour really is and how having children might not be high on every one's priority list. No one mentioned that and look, now we have entire generations of people who just don't get it. But I'm getting side tracked.

As I was saying, an oasis is hard to find. You only think it isn't because all your other female friends/sources-of-information have begun to dehydrate and hallucinate themselves. The result is that they end up calling every mirage an oasis. Like the Internet boyfriend and the ex that you keep getting back together with. Those are mirages. But for my own sake and that of this blog, I'll believe in the ever illusive oasis. In fact, I have one tall drink of water in mind - hence the hope.

The point is that while planning a trip to Brazil (alone), I had a thought...I'll be watching a fabulous tango show in some Plaza de Shag, eating and drinking something sexy and no one but me will live to tell the tale. Suddenly it struck me, what the world needs now is love, sweet love.

Revolutionary I know. Love. Tough one. But how bout we keep it simple in theory...let's leave love out of it and just talk romance. Yip, good old fashioned romance. Most people don't seem too keen on the idea of romance. It might be the reason that so many relationships struggle to stay alive. That and the fact that trying to sustain the I'm-so-great-I'm-like-a-travelling-circus idea in your partner's head, I don't know, that might be too much pressure. For anyone. I think what most people are trying to avoid with romance is the cliche. But let's just define it as being nice to your partner. How's that? Big step considering all the hissing and teeth bearing that I've witnessed of late.

For instance, I would forego a piece of jewellery for a holiday with the one I love. (Unless he kept the reciept). Truth is that people don't go on holiday enough. Yes, yes, economy, recession etc, its not just that - its that its not enough of a priority. But the fact remains - romance, romantic getaways, romance, romance, romance. Its the way forward.

I thought I would compile a list of romantic getaways, feel free to do your own and more than that - take yourself (and hopefully the one you love/like/are co dependent on) on a journey.

1. Paris - not the creative choice I will admit but come on...it's Paris.
2. A tropical island - it can be volcanic but make sure that they've built some "idyllic" white sand beaches
3. Cape Town is pretty romantic, the West Coast, the winelands...
4. Anywhere in South America
5. KZN is also romantic, especially the Drakensberg
6. Italy
7. Thailand, its romantic, cheap and if the romance doesn't work out you can always buy love from as little as the low, low price of five dollar
8. Northern Ireland. I have to say books and babies are produced along the Giants Causeway
9. A cruise - doesn't matter where you're going or where you've come from, the Titanic lives on
10. Greece, call yourself a local and pack some KY.

Ah, love travelling. Get on the road with Tourism Radio and take yourself to a romantic spot somewhere in the Western Cape or KZN. Visit www.tourismradio.co.za to find out how to get Tourism Radio in your car.

I'll have a number one romance meal please, with extra cheese and super size it.

Love,
t

Keep the Change...

I think that for the most part, people are resistant to change. Now, everybody with a tattoo, a "wild" ambition and a few dusty drinking stories throw their arms in the air in response to that statement. "We love change," they declare. I wouldn't have as much doubt if they didn't have fear in their eyes, despite the defiance plastered on their faces. It softens the declaration some what, I'm sure you'll agree.

Word on the streets is that Google plans to digitalize and sell millions of copies of books online. Of course they are. Now, you can imagine that all the bookies out there are claiming that Google is endangering the cultural species even further by taking the romance right out of book buying. Sure, there will still be bookstores, like there will still be newspapers (we assume) but buying and selling online is the wave of the future. And why not books? First came digitalized music purchases, now books. (Do you think that Google is also feeling the effects of the recession? Talk about a long shot.)

I will admit, there is a certain convenience to buying digital copies of books and I think when it comes right down to it...whether you're a writer or a reader, books will live on. They are one of the only constants in the technological age. We'll never surpass the spoken and/or written word. Long live language. And travel. In the midst of the rush for technology, we haven't forgotten our motivation. What's our motivation again? Oh yes, knowledge.

On a recent trip to where ever, I sat in an over crowded airport and passed the time with a hilarious Bill Bryson novel and a complete disregard for the Internet access only metres away. The beckon of Facebook and Twitter and Myspace could not outshine the basic human truths I like to uphold...To laugh, to travel and to read something that will, in fact, impart some knowledge on me. Even if it is fiction.

Embrace the change? I don't know. That's up to you. Change is uncertain and certainly a little scary. Fear of the unknown might keep you from discovering a certain pleasant book that would have otherwise gone unnoticed on the shelf of a dusty second-hand book shop.

Just like Tourism Radio. Sure, you might think you need a private tour guide and you might be right. Just don't expect it to look the way you think it should look. it might just look like a device that is installed into your hire car that tells you all about the area that you're driving through and points out landmarks and highlights as you approach them. We're talking to the adventurous spirit at Tourism Radio. And if you couple that with a keen interest in exploring the world with nothing but your back pack and your cell phone than log on to www.hummba.com and share your experiences the new age way.

Oh, and...keep the change.

Crystal Net Addict

It was inevitable. Would have happened sooner or later. What goes up must come down - the universal addiction Catch 22 statement. Feels so good but is so bad for you. Now along with alcohol, narcotics, prescription medication, painkillers, glue, sex, and food...you can now be addicted to the Internet.

Not surprising really. The Internet is really the place where people fall in love with themselves. Its this mass media projection of their alter egos or their coolest self, sans extra weight, hang ups, complexes, bad childhoods and inadequacies of any kind. No wonder its the world wide web of deception. Spiders out there...yes, you - you know first hand what I'm talking about. Of course, the net is used for good, communication, information dissemination etc but the downside is the side that interests me most for now.

Executive director of the ReStart Centre for Internet addiction in Seattle, Hilarie Cash has published a list of symptoms to figure out if you're addicted to the Internet.

Here are the rules...three of the symptoms indicate abuse, if you ticked five or more...you're a likely candidate for Internet rehab. Here goes...

- Increasing amounts of time spent on Internet

- Failed attempts to control behaviour

- Heightened euphoria while on Internet

- Craving more time on Internet, restless when not there

- Neglecting family and friends

- Lying to others about use

- Internet interfering with job and school

- Feeling guilty or ashamed of behaviour

- Changes in sleep patterns

- Weight changes, backaches, headaches, carpal tunnel (A painful disorder of the wrist and hand caused by repetitive hand movements)


- With drawl from other activities

Any of that sound familiar to you? Hopefully less than three. That would make you an incy wincy spider on the www. Take a break from the net and go outside, take a drive with Tourism Radio as your on board guide through the area you're travelling through.

Enjoy the ride...

Tourism Radio Takes Flight on Expedia

Cape Town, South Africa – Tourism Radio, a location-based radio station for independent tourists, is the latest service provider to join the Expedia.com website. Expedia is one of the world’s leading travel websites. Users have access to all the information required to plan, research and pay for their travels. In addition to features such as airline tickets, hotel reservations, car rental and cruises, travellers from across the globe can now opt for Tourism Radio in their rental cars to enhance their travel experience.

Chief Operating Officer, Mark Allewell said, “We’re very excited about partnering with Expedia. They are a fantastic travel resource and Tourism Radio can positively contribute to the service they’re offering tourists to South Africa and particularly Cape Town and Kwa Zulu Natal.”

Tourism Radio is an onboard travel guide, offering listeners location-based information about the area they are travelling through. Other broadcasts include radio shows covering topics like South African food, language and culture, as well as local music. Tourism Radio also boasts a unique “Intellipoint” system that will draw a listener’s attention to landmarks and highlights as the car approaches them.

The latest offering from Tourism Radio is the inclusion of routes within their line up. Wine lovers can follow up to five wine routes throughout the Western Cape to experience the winelands at their leisure. The Cape Point route highlights some of the most impressive natural surroundings in the whole of the Western Cape.

Expedia is regarded in the industry as a leading service provider to scores of travellers. In 2008, Expedia brought more than 100 000 tourists to South Africa with their comprehensive web portal.

“We’re looking forward to talking to more tourists coming to South Africa, we’re confident that the partnership between Expedia and ourselves will deliver on the promise to enhance the travel experience to South Africa, especially in light of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup,” said Mark Allewell.

Visit www.expedia.com to book Tourism Radio for your travels in and around SA.

Speaking My Language...

There's something about travelling that forces you to extend your communication skills. in everyday life, grunts and nods will do when you're talking to your colleagues or partner but when you're travelling, you have to speak Travel. Its a whole other language, like French.

I found this article on News24 about what to say and what not to say when next you take the road and skies. Call it your travel glossary...


Airport Code: These three-letter codes will help you identify airports.

APEX ("Advance Purchase Excursion") Fare: It sounds like the latest Nike trainer. But in travel terms it refers to the lowest and most heavily restricted airfare.

Baggage Check: You’ll get this official receipt, issued by a carrier, for your luggage.

Base Fare/Rate: This is the price you’d pay for your travel service before taxes and add-on charges. So in other words, you’ll pay more than the base rate.

Blackout Periods: When your special rates are not in effect because of a period of high demand.

Bumping: It’s the practice of removing confirmed passengers from overbooked flights.

City Pair: The origin and destination points of a flight segment.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): This is the daily insurance fee paid by you to cover liability for accident damages to your rented car.

Companion Fare: It’s promotional airfare whereby you can purchase a second ticket at a discount provided you have a travelling partner.

Concierge: This is individual in a hotel responsible for attending to your special needs and services.

Delay: A term we're all familiar with and hope we never have to deal with.

Extended Stay: This means a hotel stay of seven or more nights.

Fare basis: Refers to the conditions, including service class and ticketing provisions, which determine a fare.

Group Rate: If you and your entourage make up 10 or more guests, you qualify for this special room rate.

Hub: This when an airline has major operations and connecting flights to smaller destinations from a specific airport.

Last-Room Availability: The hotel’s electronic reservation system that provides you with current information about the hotel’s available inventory.

Meeting Fare: If you’re 10 or more travelling to the same event, you get a negotiated airline discount.

Net Fare or Net Rate: The price for a travel service, minus an agent’s commission and without tax.

Open Ticket: If you have one, it’s valid for transportation between certain points up until a specific time but indicates no specific reservation.

Prepaid Ticket: This isif you purchase an airline ticket in one location for a traveller in another. The traveller picks up the prepaid ticket from the airline ticket counter.

Room Tax: You’ll pay this state or local tax which is imposed on hotel room charges.

Split Ticketing: This is when the airline issues two one-way tickets instead of a round-trip ticket, usually for purpose of obtaining a lower fare.

Tourism Radio: When it seems like you have a local tour guide in your hire car telling you everything you need to know about an area when you're in it! Visit www.tourismradio.co.za to find out more...

Unlimited Mileage: When you can drive a rented car with an unlimited number of miles without paying an additional mileage charge.

Window of Convenience: Refers to two hours on either side of ideal departure or arrival time.

Of Mountains and Molehills

Mountains aren't enough. Mountains and springs won't be bringing Asian visitors to African shores according to a Japanese diplomat speaking at the fifth Africa-Asia business forum in Uganda. River deep and mountain high no more, if Africa wants to attract a more diverse tourism clientele.

25 000 Asian tourist visit sub-Saharan Africa compared to the 2,5 million tourists that frequent Europe each year. The numbers seem to speak for themselves and the "lax" attitude African countries for attracting visitors. Apparently, there is room for a clearly defined, marketing strategy based on detailed research and analysis of what potential tourists are looking for.

Perhaps we do rest on our laurels ever so slightly, there is no where else on the planet like Africa. And so, with our inherent uniqueness does come a small amount of complacency that we will always have visitors to African shores. Before our luck runs out and complacency is replaced with complaining, Africa needs to develop high-end destinations and target specific markets to really tap into our tourism potential.

Now, although the Japanese diplomat said a mouthful when she debunked our African-time/African-style attitude, there are tourists who still want to see rural villages, traditional dancing and experience the purest form of African culture that Google and Paramount Pictures will allow. But there is room for improvement, a 5/6 star room at that.

African countries were encouraged to capitalise on the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup held right here in South Africa. Now, I don't think there are many who don't see the opportunities that hosting the games will have on the country and the economy but there are those who are concerned about just how our soccer boys can carry the South African flag into the games.

My answer to that is "rest assured." Kiwi juice anyone? Cause there's plenty to go around. Bafana bafana beat the New Zealand team in a convincing 2-0 victory last night. That's sure to "improve the image of Africa." Not only can we host international games but we can be contenders in those self same games. All we need now is a radio station that talks directly to tourists and a lifestyle and travel website that keeps everyone in touch while they are here in our very mountainous and spring infested land. Luckily, Tourism Radio and hummba.com have the answer, if you're brave enough to ask the question.

Well done boys!

Are you a Self Drive Tourist?

To self drive or not to self drive? That is the question. Self-drive tourism is the way forward. No, its the future. Complete with Tourism Radio to keep you on top of what's going on in your immediate surroundings the only thing standing in your way are the wide-eyed, expressionless, bused tourists wanting to hitch a ride on the cool-mobile. So if you don't know if you fit the mold, take the test...you can't turn into a self drive tourist, you're born a self drive tourist. So here goes, know your status, I dare you.

1. You have a map book, Garmin, back up Tom Tom and a hand drawn route that you committed to memory the night before?

2. Your car is a variable Pu Pu platter of McD's, Steers, Woolworths ready-made hamburgers and assorted empty cool drink bottles ranging from Powerade to good old Coke.

3. You try to engage locals in inept conversation. Even when their dead pan stares and yawning clearly indicates that they're either not interested in what you have to say or they don't understand a word of your smiley-smiley chit chat.

4. You ask for directions, not because you need them but because it is kind.

5. You wear the same clothes for several days, mud smeared or not.

6. You have developed a truckers ass.

7. You think "Contiki" is something you should be vaccinated against.

8. You point to short haystacks on open fields and call them sheep (this is an extreme example of many days on the road).

9. You claim public property as your own. "My roads, my route, my, my, my."

10. You can't think of anything better than the open road, Tourism Radio and the memories you're bound to make.

There you have it. If you answered yes to any of the above, get yourself a Tourism Radio device and get packing. And one thing is guaranteed, tomorrow will boast a brand new sun.

Tourism Radio pulling the plug on Global Warming

Once again, we were fortunate enough to be featured on Travelwires.com this week:

In just two weeks it’ll be time to cast your vote – not for the leader of a country but rather for the future of our planet. Now is the time to give the Earth its chance and all it will take is one hour.

On the Saturday the 28th of March, Tourism Radio will be joining 17,000 businesses around the world in support of Earth Hour, a global climate change initiative organised by the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF).

Tourism Radio has been a strong supporter of eco tourism from the time the company was founded in 2005. The company’s area specific information and entertainment shows are all created with the aim of being environmentally, culturally and socially friendly.

Tourism Radio’s founder and Chief Operating Officer Mark Allewell said, “Over the years we have made sure that not only do we entertain people but also subscribe to the principles of ecotourism – namely minimize the impact we do have and to raise awareness, both cultural and environmental. It’s something that both our users and our advertisers appreciate. That’s why we were part of the Earth Hour initiative last year and are excited about doing it again!”

During Earth Hour, people are invited to join millions of others all over the globe in turning out their lights for one hour to show their support for action on climate change.

Earth Hour first began in Sydney, Australia in 2007. 2 Million people answered the call to action and switched off their lights. In 2008, this number grew to over 50 million people. In 2009, the organisation is hoping to reach 1 billion people in 1,000 cities as the event becomes more important than ever.

In 2009, the WWF wish to present a list of their supporters to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in 2009. This conference will determine official government policies to take action against global warming and it’s a real chance for humankind as a whole to make their voice heard. Tourism Radio is more than happy to be one of those voices.

“I know it sounds cliché but this is the only planet we have and we need to start taking serious action to protect it. Earth Hour is a wonderful initiative to make world leaders realise that humanity as a whole is serious in its desire for a change in attitude. That’s why every branch of Tourism Radio in the world will be casting their vote and taking part in this momentous occasion and we urge others to do the same.” said Allewell.

On March 28th, join Tourism Radio and millions across our fair planet and vote Earth. Simply switch off your lights for one hour starting at 8:30pm local time and become an agent of change.
For more information visit http://www.tourismradio.info or http://www.earthhour.org/

To see the original post check out Travelwires.

Tourism Radio scores a goal as they kick off with the Dreamfields project

On the 21st of March, Tourism Radio will be amongst the various sponsors proudly attending a DreamEvent to celebrate the spirit of soccer and present a school with a personalised DreamBag.

DreamEvents are a part of the Dreamfields Project, a non profit organisation which was launched in 2007 to aid township and rural schools. The DreamBag that Tourism Radio will be presenting at this event will include three soccer balls, 15 sets of soccer kit and 15 pairs of boots – all the gear needed for a schools soccer team to have the chance to dream big.

Tourism Radio’s founder and Chief Operating Officer Mark Allewell said, “Sponsoring a Dreamfields DreamBag really is something that we’re immensely excited about. Being able make a difference in the community that has helped us grow, especially through a sport like soccer, is really one of the most amazing things we could be involved with.”

This latest venture by Tourism Radio was coupled with their announcement that they are two months away from expanding their service out of the Western Cape to Kwa-Zulu Natal. At the beginning of May, the company will be launching their GPS-driven radio station in Zululand. This service includes area-specific information, topical radio shows and local music.

CEO of Tourism Radio Jacques Teichmann says, “Last month we released our Western Cape statistics of where our tourists are going and how long they are there for. Those results were really positive and proved to us that now is the time for Tourism Radio to take over other parts of South Africa. What better time is there to do that in Kwa-Zulu Natal than in time for INDABA 2009?”

INDABA is one of the most important tourism industry events hosted in South Africa and attracts visitors from all over the globe. The event is being held in Durban from the 9 – 12 May and Tourism Radio has guaranteed that their service will be ready for the influx of visitors wanting to explore the city beyond the bounds of the INDABA.

For more information visit http://www.tourismradio.info or Email info@tourismradio.co.za

A quick and easy look at Cape Town's hot spots!

Tourists are discovering the treasures of Cape Town and Tourism Radio has found the X’s that mark the hotspots.

Tourism Radio is a device that is fitted into hire cars and plays information specific to their location using GPS technology. In a year-long review, conducted from January 2008 until January 2009, they tracked where and when self-drive tourists were travelling in the greater Western Cape Area through these devices.

Tourism Radio’s founder and Chief Operating Officer Mark Allewell said, “We pride ourselves on offering the best possible service we can to the tourists that hire our devices. We are also constantly developing that service. This is our way of finding out what needs to be improved and where, especially with the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup just around the corner!”

Overall, 54 areas were identified as ‘tourist hotspots,” such as Cape Town’s City Bowl. Other surprising results included the towns of Riebeek Kasteel and Worcester.

“As locals, we can forget the attraction that our City Bowl holds for visitors and tend to think that they would rather spend their time in the trendy area of Camps Bay for example.” said Allewell.

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and Table Mountain are just a couple of the popular attractions found in and around the City Bowl. With highlights such as these, it’s not surprising that Tourism Radio’s users spend 8.42% of their time there.

The Atlantic Seaboard wasn’t far behind and bagged three of the top five positions. According to Tourism Radio’s statistics, tourists spent a lot of their time in Sea Point (6.08%), Camps Bay (3.6%) and Hout Bay (2.35%).

CEO of Tourism Radio Jacques Teichmann says, “You would think that it was a lot of hard work putting these statistics together but actually, thanks to our simple and effective technology, it’s just a click of a button. We’ve now gained an insight into the independent traveller and we’ll be able to understand these people better and therefore are able to give them more of what they want and need.”

For more information visit http://www.tourismradio.info or Email info@tourismradio.co.za

10 facts about Cape Town in 60 seconds!

• The first inhabitants of Cape Town were pastoralists called ‘Hottentots’, coastal dwellers called ‘Strandlopers’ and hunter-gatherers named ‘Bushmen’.

• Cape Town has a few well known nicknames. The first that most people know it by is the “Mother City”. Another one, which was used by sailors, is “Tavern of the Seas”. This term was used by the sailors because it was a welcome stop for fresh produce and change of scenery.

• Cape Town’s motto is “Spes Bona” which is Latin for “Good Hope”

• Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki and former Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu all have homes in Cape Town.

• Cape Town’s sister cities are Nice in France and Haifa in Israel

• The city is home to Table Mountain. The mountain is the most recognized landmark in the city and is even the symbol on Cape Town’s flag.

• The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest standing building in South Africa. It was constructed in 1666 as a replenishment station. Today it acts as a ceremonial facility and a home for the Cape Military Museum.

• Cape Town is South Africa’s legislative capital.

• When there is a cap cloud (cloud that covers the top of a mountain) over Lions Head, one of the peaks in the Table Mountain range, rain is guaranteed within 12 hours.

• Cape Town has been the setting for many medical breakthroughs. This was where the first heart transplant by Dr. Chris Barnard took place as well as where the first recorded caesarean birth was done by Dr. James Barry in 1826.

Want more?

Visit http://www.tourismradio.info to find out how you can tune into the number one information station.

Tourism Radio set to barrack the otherwise silent Zululand bush

Tourism Radio has announced their plans to break their barriers and expand their local service. Beginning in May, the South African branch of the company will be operating in Kwa-Zulu Natal as well as in the Western Cape.

Visitors to Kwa-Zulu Natal will then also have access to the local music, radio shows and area-specific information that visitors to the Western Cape have been enjoying for years.

Tourism Radio was established as the world’s first GPS-driven radio station in 2005. It was then purchased by an international venture capitalist a year later. Since then, the company has expanded from South Africa to places like Namibia, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland and Hawaii.

Mark Allewell, founder and Chief Operating Officer of Tourism Radio says, “The expansion into Zululand is something we’re very excited about. We’ve got offices all over the world but it has always been one of our goals to have Tourism Radio in every part of South Africa and this is the beginning of that.”

One of the shows that are broadcast on the station, ’20 Questions’, recently did a short interview with Mark where he talks about the expansion of the company, in what direction he is steering the company and even gives some advice for budding entrepreneurs. This interview was also uploaded to the popular online video service, YouTube.

Tourism Radio Interview with Mark Allewell

Press play below to listen to an interview with Tourism Radios founder and Chief Operations Officer, Mark Allewell.

Coming Soon

Look out for an interview with Tourism Radio founder and Chief Operations Officer Mark Allewell. Learn all about Tourism Radio and the man behind the idea.

You'll also get the chance to hear some surprising outtakes!