Memorable, meaningful meetings – aha

DEMAND for South Africa’s diverse landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage continues to shape the incentive travel market, local and international, and aha Hotels & Lodges is building on these strengths by creating experiences that extend well beyond the conference room. Over the past year, the group has focused on strengthening its offering for groups, conferences and incentive travel by combining professional meeting facilities with authentic South African experiences, Deidre Broodryk- Ward, Sales and Marketing Executive for aha Hotels & Lodges, tells Travel News. “Our approach has been to offer more than just a venue and accommodation,” says Broodryk-Ward. “We want to provide destinations where teams can connect, collaborate, celebrate achievements and create lasting memories.” Curated A key priority has been enhancing curated experiences that allow planners to create incentive programmes that are meaningful and memorable. At aha Lesedi Cultural Village in Johannesburg, delegates can immerse themselves in South Africa’s cultural heritage through traditional performances, storytelling and local cuisine. Safari properties continue to play a central role in the group’s incentive offering. At aha Ivory Tree Game Lodge in Pilanesberg, the ‘Bush and Business’ offering combines conferencing with Big Five game drives, bush dinners and outdoor experiences. A recent addition to Ivory Tree Lodge is a new state-of- the-art conference venue. Broodryk-Ward says the new venue provides guests with the opportunity to combine productive meetings in a world-class setting with the tranquillity, adventure and inspiration of the African bush. Diversity The group offers a variety of different properties able to cater for varying group requirements, according to Broodryk-Ward. For international incentive groups, aha Skukuza Safari Lodge offers modern conferencing facilities in the heart of the Kruger National Park. “Skukuza Safari Lodge was a particular highlight during the G20 period,” she says. “It demonstrated how world-class facilities, African hospitality and an iconic wilderness setting can come together to create a truly unforgettable event experience.” In Pilanesberg Game Reserve, aha Shepherds Tree Lodge provides an exclusive retreat suited to executive groups seeking privacy, personalised service and luxury safari experiences. KwaZulu-Natal offers aha Alpine Heath Resort & Conference Centre, a Drakensberg setting for conferences, team-building retreats and incentive stays. Alternatively, aha Gateway Hotel in Umhlanga combines business convenience with easy access to Durban’s beaches, attractions, shopping and cultural experiences. Across the portfolio, groups are offered Big Five safaris, guided walking safaris, conservation- focused experiences, cultural encounters, curated tasting experiences, bush dinners, mountain adventures, wellness offerings and scenic excursions. Ultimately, the group’s focus is on creating journeys that leave delegates with more than successful meetings. “South Africa remains one of the world’s most compelling incentive destinations because it offers incredible diversity, exceptional value, warm hospitality and experiences that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere,” says Broodryk- Ward. “Our role is to bring those experiences to life and create journeys that guests remember.”