A CapeNature video production, ‘Customer Service values - Eco-tourism and Biodiversity Conservation’, which was filmed at its popular Gamkaberg Nature Reserve, was selected from among 378 entries from 59 countries as a finalist at the fifth International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) which took place recently at the Labia Theatre, Cape Town.
The captivating short film, produced by Jo-Ann Strauss Productions, gives the viewer a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to develop the eco-tourism potential of a nature reserve from a couple of tents to an award-winning destination, recognised as one of the top-50 facilities in sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. (The reserve’s Tierkloof Trail has been hailed by British authors, Steve Watkins and Clare Jones, as one of the “unforgettable walks to take before you die” in their book of the same name.)
The film was based on the customer service blueprint of the reserve, showcasing best practice in the customer experience journey. Gamkaberg Nature Reserve enjoys an abundance of compliments from visitors, singling out the staff and management for their excellence in hospitality.
Sheraaz Ismail, Executive Director for Eco-Tourism and Access at CapeNature thanked ITFFA for recognising the film. “We did not make the video to win awards, we produced it for our own internal staff to replicate excellence in customer experience throughout the entity. We aspire to maintain the high standards Gamkaberg achieves at all of our eco-tourism reserves.”
Through heartfelt interviews with the dedicated local staff, some of whom represent generations deeply connected to the reserve, the film leaves viewers in awe and instils a renewed admiration for the seamless teamwork that spans all levels, from the diligent housekeeping staff to the visionary management.
