One of CapeNature’s video productions, “Customer Service values - Eco-tourism and Biodiversity Conservation” filmed at its popular Gamkaberg Nature Reserve, was selected among 378 entries from 59 countries as a finalist at the 5^th Edition of the International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA). The ITFFA recently took place at the Labia Theatre, one of the most iconic cinema venues in 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, recognized by Africa’s Finest as one of the top 50 facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. In addition, 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 with the same name.

The origin of 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. Mr Sheraaz Ismail, Executive Director for Eco-Tourism and Access thanked ITFFA for recognizing 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 across all levels, from the diligent housekeeping staff to the visionary management.

Dr Razeena Omar, CEO of CapeNature, expressed her gratitude and excitement, stating, "Being recognised at the prestigious ITFFA is a tremendous honour for CapeNature. This achievement highlights our commitment to live our core values in delivering outstanding eco-tourism experiences and upholding our mission of biodiversity conservation. We are immensely proud of our team's commitment and their remarkable efforts captured in this film."

Producer, Jo-Ann Strauss, shared in the honour, “We thank the ITFFA for recognising and awarding the valuable contribution of this production and others that were selected to celebrate and foster the growth of the tourism and travel industry.”

The film festival was founded in 2019, by Caroline Ungersbock and James Byrne to honour and promote exceptional and innovative content created in tourism and travel. This exceptional recognition by the ITFFA further solidifies CapeNature's reputation as a leading force in sustainable tourism and nature conservation.

For more information and to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of CapeNature and Jo-Ann Strauss Video Production, the film can be viewed here: Customer Service values - Eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation - YouTube

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

Petro van Rhyn

General Manager: Advocacy

pvrhyn@capenature.co.za

071 231 7576