Darryl departs TGCSA
Chief quality assurance officer at the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) and SA Tourism, Darryl Erasmus, has left TGCSA and SAT after five years’ service.
Darryl is well known in the tourism and hospitality sector, having worked with brands such as Protea Hotels, IHG and Travelport, for many years.
Asked about his five years at SA Tourism and the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, he said: "It's been an inimitable privilege to work for my country in a sector that I love, surrounded by wonderful and passionate industry colleagues and friends.”
Darryl said he will explore new opportunities and hopes to continue to add value to the tourism sector both locally and abroad.
Wesgro CMO vacates position
Travel, trade and investment agency, Wesgro, confirmed to Tourism Update that its chief tourism officer (appointed in January this year), Margie Whitehouse, left in July to take up a position as chief marketing officer at Saudi Tourism Authority.
New chair for FEDHASA Cape
Jeremy Clayton has been appointed Fedhasa Cape Chairperson following Jeff Rosenberg’s departure after two successful terms.
Jeremy has 20 years’ experience in the SA hospitality industry. He said he is optimistic about the recovery of the industry despite the hardships faced in the last few months.
18 year service
After 18 years at SA Tourism, Bashni Muthaya, chief strategy officer, has left the organisation.
Bashni held several senior marketing portfolios including regional director: Europe from 2012 to 2014. In 2016, she set up SA Tourism’s Southern Europe hub, established a viable operating model to serve the French, Spanish and Italian markets.
Bashni is currently exploring opportunities to meaningfully contribute to the growth of South Africa.
New managers at the Balalaika
The Protea Balalaika in Sandton has appointed two new managers: Natalie Botha is the new general manager, and Marina Ackerman is the new sales manager.
Natalie has 27 years of experience in the hospitality industry, and 13 years’ experience as a general manager across the country looking after several hotel groups. Marina has 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
