Shamwari Group calls for increased rhino plight awareness in UK
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A hotel group based in South Africa’s East Cape has called for more action to stop rhino poaching in its safaris after a mother and child were tranquilised and had their horns removed by poachers last week. Despite tighter security around the Shamwari Game Reserve,poachers still managed to get through.
“Poaching is unacceptable so we are calling for action in the UK and getting tour operator consultants to help keep them protected,” Tom Jager, group sales and marketing manager at the Shamwari Group toldTravel Daily. “We have a strong anti-poaching message and need to highlight their plight”.
The call for action is a continued part of the hotel company’s wildlife rehabilitation programme and sustainability efforts alongside wild life charity Born Free.
Meanwhile, Shamwari recently split from marketing corporation Mantis Collection and is now focused on rebuilding its trade relationships and promoting its four luxury properties in the reserve.
“We are trying to consolidate at the moment. Visitor numbers to South Africa dropped 37% last year so thatWorld Cup deflection, the recession, long haul versus short haul and the saturated game reserve product base had affected us. Now it has stabilised and we are looking to value add,” explained Jager.
The family market will be a big focus for Shamwarial though Jager said there was a slant towards more multi-centre holidays. In addition, it has launched a Shamwari Explorer programme to combine its five-star stays with a more authentic bush camp style experience.