South Africa’s booming tourism industry is poised for long term success South Africa's tourism industry has emerged strongly from the effects of the pandemic. Within the next 10 years, the sector is expected to contribute 800,000 jobs and R287 billion to the national economy. Furthermore, according to the Department of Tourism, the country hosted more than 2 million visitors in the first quarter of 2023 and more than 5.8 million last year. The first quarter of the year also saw foreign direct spending hit an impressive R25.3 billion, a 143% increase compared to the same period in 2022. The local tourism industry is well positioned to continue witnessing unprecedented growth and by leveraging innovative strategies, key players in the industry will be able to further augment that and help South Africa fulfil its tourism potential. Marc Wachsberger, CEO of The Capital Hotels, Apartments & Resorts says, “Our currency, cost of living and gorgeous scenery make this country a magnet for international visitors and the rising number of visitors reflects this. We have a golden opportunity to turn this boom into meaningful long-term growth, all we need is for government to move out the way and let the private sector do what it does best.” It starts with E-Visas Implementing an e-visa system stands as a paramount step towards fuelling the growth of South Africa's tourism industry. Streamlining the visa application process not only expedites entry for travellers but also demonstrates a commitment to welcoming visitors. The proposed e-visa system promises to significantly reduce bureaucratic hurdles, making South Africa an even more attractive destination. Unfortunately, as it currently stands the e-visa system is a barrier to the growth of the industry. Earlier this year, the Department of Home affairs informed the country that 58% of e-visas had been rejected because they had not been processed in time. This following an announcement that only 48.7% of all …
Premium travel master brand ‘Cathay’ launches globally, powered by new campaign ‘Feels Good To Move’
Premium travel master brand ‘Cathay’ launches globally, powered by new campaign ‘Feels Good To Move’ Cathay will now be the master brand around the world, simplifying the way our customers interact with us Cathay is excited to announce that its new premium travel lifestyle brand is officially rolling out to markets around the world, celebrating passion for travel as a way of living under the “Cathay” master brand and simplifying the way our customers interact with us. Cathay represents much more than airline travel. It represents our evolution into a premium travel lifestyle brand consisting of a host of complementary categories – flights, holidays, shopping, dining, wellness and payment. Asia Miles is our currency to earn and burn under these pillars. Around the world, Cathay will now be our master brand while Cathay Pacific remains the brand of our airline, and proudly so. Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “This month of September marks 77 years since the Cathay story first began with a single Douglas DC-3 aircraft nicknamed ‘Betsy’ and a drive to connect the world and its people. As the habits and needs of our customers have changed over the years, so too have we. Our evolution into Cathay marks an exciting new chapter in our history, and reflects our renewed focus on the customer and our determination to fulfil our vision of becoming one of the world’s greatest service brands.” Customers across the globe can look forward to an array of new and aspirational offerings in holidays, shopping, dining, wellness and payment, providing more opportunities for us to engage with our customers every day. To celebrate the rollout of Cathay around the world and inspired by its purpose to move people forward in life, the brand has launched its first global campaign in three years – Feels Good To Move. This campaign is a celebration of humanity’s innate urge to move, starting from our very first heartbeat, and every piece of content is an …
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Sony and Zoom partner to bring video conferencing to BRAVIA TVs
Sony and Zoom partner to bring video conferencing to BRAVIA TVs Connect with family and friends on the TV screen from the comfort of your living room JOHANNESBURG, 12 September 2023 - Sony announced that Zoom Video Communications, Inc. is now available on Sony’s BRAVIA TVs that are compatible with BRAVIA CAM[i]. This partnership will allow users to easily connect with friends, family, and colleagues for video calls and meetings from the comfort of their living room. Sony’s BRAVIA is the first TV brand to support the Zoom for TV app on Google Play Store. With Zoom on BRAVIA TVs, users will be able to take advantage of all the features that make Zoom one of the leading video communication platforms. This includes video communication on a TV screen, screen sharing, and collaboration tools. Users will also be able to use BRAVIA CAM’s advanced features – it recognises where you are in the room and how far you are from the TV, then adjusts sound and picture settings so they're just right. All of that is possible with a very simple setup – when using a compatible TV with a BRAVIA CAM, it only takes downloading the Zoom app from Google Play and launching it with the TV’s remote. “We are excited to partner with Zoom to bring video conferencing to our BRAVIA TVs, making Zoom services available on the Android TV platform” said Shusuke Tomonaga, Head of BRAVIA TV Product Design, Product Technology Center, Sony Corporation. “This partnership will make it possible for our customers to enjoy more realistic video communication on a large TV screen in the living room, enabling them to be more connected with the people they care about, whether they are working from home, learning remotely, or just catching up with friends and family.” “We are thrilled to work with Sony to bring Zoom to their BRAVIA TVs,” said Eric Yu, Head of Hardware Partnership at Zoom. “We are allowing our customers to enjoy the best of both worlds – the convenience of video conferencing on their TV …
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Cipla Medpro South Africa (Pty) Ltd (“Cipla South Africa”) to acquire Actor Pharma (Pty) Ltd
Cipla Medpro South Africa (Pty) Ltd (“Cipla South Africa”) to acquire Actor Pharma (Pty) Ltd. Strengthens its over-the-counter product portfolio South Africa, 5 September 2023 Cipla South Africa, a 100% owned subsidiary of Cipla Limited (BSE: 500087; NSE: CIPLA EQ; hereafter referred to as "Cipla”) signed a binding term sheet with Actor Holdings (Pty) Limited to acquire 100% of the issued ordinary shares of Actor Pharma (Pty) Limited (“Actor”). This development underpins Cipla’s commitment and investment in its over the counter (OTC) business and supports its journey to be a leading healthcare player in South Africa. This is a strategic acquisition for Cipla South Africa to unlock the future growth opportunities and leverage cost synergies in the South African market. Actor was founded in 2009 and has quickly grown to become the 5th largest, privately owned, OTC player in the South African private market. Actor specialises in OTC and generic medicine, where they have established strong consumer brands, and identified niche prescription markets in categories of Women’s health, Nasal, Cough & Cold and Baby & Child. In addition, Actor has an exciting and innovative pipeline and in its last financial year (FY23) delivered revenue of R234 million, on the back of strong double-digit growth. Commenting on the acquisition, Umang Vohra, Global MD & CEO, Cipla Limited said, “This is in line with our strategy of strengthening our OTC and wellness portfolio. We believe this is an excellent opportunity to leverage our existing marketing capabilities, unlock future growth opportunities and optimise the performance of our pipeline”. Paul Miller, CEO, Cipla South Africa said, “This is a unique opportunity that helps to build Cipla’s OTC portfolio, providing the business with a more balanced revenue contribution between the prescription and over-the-counter business and continue to provide additional quality medicines for consumers”. Lynton Lomas, …
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Sony Introduces World’s Smallest and Lightest[i] Wide-Angle Zoom Lens G-Master FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II with the Acclaimed G Master™ Image Quality and Advanced High-Speed AF
Sony Introduces World's Smallest and Lightest[i] Wide-Angle Zoom Lens G-Master FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II with the Acclaimed G Master™ Image Quality and Advanced High-Speed AF With the introduction of this second generation wide-angle zoom, along with the second generation of standard, and telephoto zoom lenses with a maximum aperture of F2.8, Sony enhances the total Alpha system. JOHANNESBURG, 31 August 2023 – Sony announces the launch of the wide-angle zoom lens G Master™ FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II (model SEL1635GM2) as a 35mm full-frame ?™ (Alpha™) E-mount lens that covers focal lengths from 16mm to 35mm with a maximum aperture of F2.8 over the entire zoom range. With spring around the corner, the cream of South Africa’s content creating crop will be itching to upgrade their equipment and capture the colours of the season. Fortunately, the launch of the new Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is exactly what photographers and videographers who are interested in elite lenses with descriptive power and high-speed AF (autofocus) have been looking for. The FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II makes it possible to get the most out of Sony’s advanced camera bodies, allowing users to shoot everything from sweeping panoramic shots of the Drakensburg, to high intensity action shots at Konka. With the expansion of the range with this wide-angle zoom lens, a maximum aperture of F2.8 second-generation[ii] zoom lens will be available, along with standard (24-70mm) and telephoto (70-200mm). These lenses, which are each the world's lightest,[iii] have excellent resolution performance, further strengthening the Alpha system, creating rich and varied shooting environments. World's smallest and lightest1 high-resolution F2.8 wide-angle zoom lens Thanks to a new optical design that effectively arranges the extremely high surface precision XA (extreme aspherical) lens, the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II achieves high resolution with a maximum aperture of F2.8 over the entire zoom range. This is made …
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Sony Releases Two New Alpha 7C Series Cameras
Sony Releases Two New Alpha 7C Series Cameras including the Alpha 7CR with 61MP[i] High-Resolution Sensor and the Alpha 7C II with the latest still image and video performance. JOHANNESBURG, 30 August 2023 – Today, Sony announces the release of two new additions to the Alpha 7C series of compact full-frame interchangeable lens cameras, the Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7CR. The Alpha 7C II is equipped with a full-frame image sensor with approximately 33.0 effective megapixels and features the latest still image and video functions and performance in a compact and lightweight design (approximately 124mm wide x 71.1mm high x 63.4mm deep and weighs approximately 514 g[ii]). It is the second-generation version of the Alpha 7C series, which is celebrated for its combination of performance and features in a compact size, perfect for a wide range of shooting scenarios such as beautiful travel shots of Table Mountain or gritty street photography in Maboneng. The Alpha 7C II and the Alpha 7CR are the new gold standard for high-performance and spring has never looked as good as it will when shooting with these new state of the art cameras. The Alpha 7CR is a new compact full-frame interchangeable lens camera, boasting the high-resolution and rich gradation performance of a full-size image sensor with approximately 61.0 effective megapixels, the same sensor found in the Alpha 7R V, into a compact and lightweight body (similar size and weight as the Alpha 7C II2, approximately 515 g). In addition to daily snapshots, it easily realises high-quality image capture in a wide variety of settings, such as portrait, wildlife, and landscape photography, realising the combination of extreme high-resolution image capture with mobility and lightweightness. Both models are equipped with the same AI-processing unit and BIONZ XR® processors found in Sony’s newest interchangeable lens cameras such as the Alpha 7R V and Alpha 6700. Real-time Recognition AF recognises a wide variety of …
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Dealing with disruption: Rhenus South Africa shares best practices for maintaining smooth supply chains
Dealing with disruption: Rhenus South Africa shares best practices for maintaining smooth supply chains Monday, 28 August 2023 - Disruption has become the norm in today’s global supply chains with various challenges impacting the efficiency and reliability of logistical operations. South African organisations must embrace a proactive mindset and develop robust strategies to deal effectively with disruption in this ever-evolving landscape. The logistics industry is no stranger to disruptive events, ranging from global pandemics and natural disasters to trade disputes, energy shortages, and labour complexities. Realising the significance of having a resilient supply chain, leading logistics providers as Rhenus have taken strategic steps to minimise disruptions and ensure seamless operations for their clients. This includes leveraging advanced technologies to optimise supply chain visibility, enabling real-time tracking and monitoring of shipments. “This level of transparency empowers clients with actionable insights, allowing them to manage potential disruptions and make informed decisions proactively,” says Rhenus South Africa Regional Director Kishore Kanayelal. In addition, logistics companies understand the importance of strong partnerships and collaboration. Acknowledging that disruption is inevitable, it is how it is dealt with that sets companies apart. By working closely with third-party service providers and fostering out-of-the-box thinking, the logistics industry has maintained supply chain integrity and provides exceptional service to their clients through challenging times. Taking a proactive approach to disruption by investing in staff, developing agile processes, and constantly reviewing practices are just as important. “It's the capability of an organisation to work around disruptions and maintain uninterrupted supply chains that is the differentiating factor. Disruptions in the logistics industry can have severe consequences for …
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From Awkward Beginnings to Cinematic Brilliance: How Vlogging Went From Family Fun To A World Of Content Creation
From Awkward Beginnings to Cinematic Brilliance: How Vlogging Went From Family Fun To A World Of Content Creation For many of us, there is a good chance that the first vlogger we ever met was long before the YouTube era. It was probably an uncle or maybe even an older sister. Whoever it was, the first vlogger we met was almost certainly that one family member who always had a camcorder strapped to one hand. Back then, the name vlogging may not have existed, but millions of households across the globe knew who the family content creator was, and that person's camcorder was probably big and clunky by today's standards. Shaky Beginnings The first vlog is widely believed to have started on January 2, 2000, by Adam Kontras when he posted a video alongside a blog entry to document his cross-country move to Los Angeles. It would later become the longest-running video blog in history. Since then, we have come leaps and bounds. In the early days, vlogging resembled a bumpy ride on a pothole-riddled road. Armed with handheld cameras, aspiring content creators struggled to find the right balance between capturing the moment and remaining authentic. Awkward angles, shaky shots, and distorted audio plagued their videos, but they persevered. In 2005, YouTube burst onto the scene, and the growing pool of vloggers finally had a platform where they could easily share their work with the world. A Continuing Evolution As time passed, vloggers grew more sophisticated. The introduction of flip-out screens allowed them to see themselves while recording, saving countless takes from ending up on the virtual cutting room floor. Improved autofocus technology ensured that vloggers remained in sharp focus, enhancing the overall viewing experience. But there was still something missing—a camera that understood the unique needs of vloggers, a camera that could capture both their personality and the world around them with finesse. The rapid improvement of technology and the …
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Embracing the AI Revolution: How Technology Will Transform The Industry For The Better
Embracing the AI Revolution: How Technology Will Transform The Industry For The Better: Despite what many may fear, artificial intelligence (AI) is not going to replace humans in the job market. At least not yet. If harnessed correctly, AI could do wonders for the way we live, work, play, and travel. The future of the hospitality industry in particular, is intrinsically linked with artificial intelligence and it could be a powerful tool for those who have an eye for opportunity. The high-speed evolution of the technology will undoubtedly lead to challenges and new possibilities in the hospitality sector and by understanding the potential impact of AI on jobs in hospitality, industry professionals can proactively harness its power to improve guest experiences. Jose Soares, Director of IT at The Capital Hotels, Apartments and Resorts, says, “By enabling the rapid processing or understanding of user data, AI helps us provide a more personal touch without inundating staff with work. It will help hotels reduce the amount of rudimental work our staff has to do thus freeing them up for other work.” Streamlining Operations: AI can optimise back-end operations such as inventory management, supply chain logistics, and reservation systems. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, AI can analyse large volumes of data, leading to improved efficiency, cost reduction, and enhanced guest experiences. Soares says, “One of the big tasks we are involved in is building out a platform that enables various parts of our business to seamlessly ‘talk’ to one another in real-time. AI can then interpret that information and we can use the data to glean insights that influence our business strategy.” By leaving AI-powered systems to automate repetitive tasks, companies can free up human resources to focus on more creative and complex tasks. Personalised Guest Experiences: One of the greatest strengths of AI lies in its ability to analyse guest preferences and behaviours. …
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Sony’s Battery-Powered Marvels: The Perfect Companion During Load Shedding
Sony's Battery-Powered Marvels: The Perfect Companion During Load Shedding Finding ways to entertain yourself during load shedding is a crucial part of keeping your sanity this winter. If you are not properly prepared, you could find yourself going without electricity for hours with only your thumbs to twiddle. Keeping a couple of long-lasting gadgets on hand is the best way to avoid the load shedding boredom blues. From immersive audio experiences to vlogging adventures, these devices will keep your spirits high when the lights go out. An Audio Oasis: Load shedding can be an opportunity to escape from the world for a while and indulge in your favourite music or podcasts. Taking just 3,5 hours to fully charge, Sony’s WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones are an audiophile's dream and deliver stunning sound. If you are in a hurry, just three minutes on charge will get you 3 hours of playback. Once fully charged, these immensely comfortable headphones will keep going for up to 30 hours which means no amount of load shedding will leave you stuck in silence. Stuffed full of industry leading technology, the WH-1000XM5s also features Adaptive Sound Control which learns your behaviour and the places you love to visit and adjusts your listening experience accordingly. The WH-1000MX5s are available for just R7999 at incredible.co.za. Unleash Your Musical Freedom: If you prefer the freedom of movement while enjoying your favourite tunes, the Sony WH-CH720 wireless headphones are the perfect fit for you. With noise cancelling technology that includes dual noise sensor technology and an integrated V1 processor, you will be able to comfortably immerse yourself in your own world. These stylish and lightweight headphones offer remarkable battery life, letting you groove to your favourite beats for up to 35 hours on a single charge and can hit 50 hours with the noise cancelling feature turned off. Weighing just 192g, their comfortable design and industry leading …