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consumer demand for shared ownership in well-administered pro-
grams and resorts.”
Covering the entire southern tip of the African continent, South
Africa measures more than 468,000 square miles (1.2 million square
kilometers). It is home to nearly 55 million people; the median age of the
population is just 25.9 years.
“South Africa is one of the best-kept secrets in the world,” says
Darren Ettridge, Interval’s senior vice president of sales and business
development for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Ettridge, who
admits the country is one of his “favorite places,” has visited there 30 to
40 times in the past 10 years.
A Tale of Two Resorts
“We are fortunate to have a diverse vacation experience for any type
of traveler,” Wilson says. “If you are looking for sun and white-sand
beaches, there are plenty of these, as well as the African bush safari
tours and world-renowned mountainous, wine-growing areas. There
are the urban centers of Cape Town and Johannesburg, offering
endless shopping opportunities. There is plenty to do and see,
whatever the age group.”
A quick comparison of two Interval member resorts in the region
illuminates the observation. Mjejane Game Reserve, in the northern part
of the country, borders Kruger National Park, with direct access to the
world-famous game preserve via a bridge. It offers unparalleled oppor-
tunities to see Africa’s “big five” — lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants,
and Cape buffalos — in their natural element, all from the comfort
of the rustic-chic resort.
Just 47 miles (76 kilometers) from Cape Town, eLan L’Ermitage
Chateau & Villas, by contrast, exudes European elegance, underscored
by chandeliers, snowy linen, and flutes of Champagne. Whispering
fountains, manicured gardens, and postcard-worthy views invite
guests to relax and be pampered.
“Most of the properties we have affiliated in the region are situated
in the most highly demanded areas for both local and international
travelers alike,” Wilson says. “We are proud to have multiple globally
recognized award-winning affiliates as part of our network here.”
A Home-Grown Market
“We see this market as being very domestic, meaning the majority of
the exchange traffic is within the region,” Ettridge says. There are
many contributing factors: Due to socio-political reasons, the South
African rand has steadily declined since 2011 in comparison to the
U.S. dollar, euro, and British pound. Wilson says, “For many South
Africans, our weakening currency, increases in airport taxes, and rising
fuel prices make international travel increasingly more expensive.”
According to Ettridge, an additional factor is in play: The country
offers so many diverse experiences that there often is no reason to ven-
ture farther. In addition to Kruger National Park, there are nearly 2,000
miles (3,219 kilometers) of stunning coastline kissed by the Atlantic and
Indian oceans, vineyards producing celebrated wines, and many other
venues. With all of these treasures in their backyard, “South African res-
idents seem to be content to explore their own country,” Ettridge says.
Regarding the currency exchange situation, Wilson notes, “On one
hand, the travel sector has been negatively impacted. However, we at
Interval South Africa experienced an 11-percent increase in interna-
tional exchanges over 2015, as our regional member base found using
their exchange options to be more affordable than cash bookings.”
A ‘Wow’ for International Markets
International travelers are in for a singular experience when they step
on South African soil, Ettridge says. “In terms of value for money, it’s
remarkable. The food and wines are some of the best you’ll ever find.
The value to the euro and British pound is amazing and the people are
very friendly.” He adds that international travelers are surprised that the
country is so urbane, safe, and sophisticated. “And they are amazed
that they can get modern-day service at such low prices.”
Why is this destination such a secret? “South Africa is right up
there with Australia in terms of remoteness,” Ettridge says. The country
draws many more visitors from the U.K. and Europe than from the U.S.
because of the flight times and time differences involved, he adds.
The future of South African timeshare may well rest doubly on the
curiosity and adventurous nature of savvy international travelers and on
a domestic economy that will eventually rise from the doldrums.
Additionally, like South America, India, and China, South Africa is
seeing a rise in the numbers of middle-class families. Notwithstanding
the currency devaluation, positive social and economic change has
come swiftly to South Africa, he adds.
According to a 2015 report by Credit Suisse, middle-class South
Africans account for 13.7 percent of the adult population in the country,
with nearly 4.3 million adult citizens. A November 2015 article in
Business
Day
, the country’s national daily newspaper, noted that South Africa’s
middle class grew by around 250 percent between 2004 and 2012.
Ettridge predicts that a recovering worldwide economy and
changes in travel patterns will bring more visitors to South Africa, which
may further boost timesharing there. “Globally, people desire to do dif-
ferent things now; they are more adventurous, especially in the U.K. and
in Europe.”
Catherine Lackner, based in Miami, Florida, writes for newspapers,
magazines, and various media, and has been covering the vacation
ownership industry for 11 years.
Interval’s affiliated resorts in South Africa
offer a variety
of exchange opportunities, whether the traveler prefers a city,
beach, or safari adventure. Here is a sampling:
■
Bantry Bay International Vacation Resort
is an idyllic setting
from which to enjoy the wonders of Cape Town, and is
situated a short distance from the famous Clifton and
Camps Bay beaches.
■
Simola Golf & Country Estate
is located high in the hills
above the Garden Route town of Knysna, a favorite vacation
destination among South Africans. The resort’s golf fairways
merge seamlessly with lush vegetation and forest.
■
SunSwop at Pine Lake
in White River has cozy two-story
villas accented by tall fieldstone fireplaces. Exquisite
sunrise and moonrise views on the lake are draws.
■
SunSwop at Sabi River Sun
offers guests an 18-hole golf
course, bowling green, squash and volleyball courts,
swimming pools, and wildlife sightings along the river.
■
SunSwop at Umhlanga Sands
boasts all sea-facing
accommodations. Within walking distance is the village of
Umhlanga Rocks, where guests can golf, dive, shop, dine, or try
their hand at casino gambling.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE