News at Pepperclub Hotel & Spa

There is no doubt that millennials’ travel trends continue to change the face of the global travel industry. This demographic comprises the biggest travel group of all ages, and often accounts for the largest travel spend too.
Below, we explore some of the biggest millennial travel trends, such as the rise of ‘bleisure’ travel, experience-based trips and evolving hotel preferences.

Experience is key
Topdeck Travel did a study that showed that 86% of millennials would choose to experience a new culture, with only 44% choosing to party or shop. Baby boomers typically seek tourist venues, while millennials are more likely to find new and interesting experiences that take them out of their comfort zone. In the same study, 78% of respondents said that they wanted to learn something during their travels. What this means is that millennials travel in a very different way to their predecessors. Instead of ticking off boxes on a travel brochure, they are more likely to seek unique experiences that enrich their lives in some way. This also explains the rise of volunteer holidays and eco-travel experiences.

Mixing business with pleasure
Not too long ago, business travel was something to endure. Today, millennials are fusing business and leisure, in a new type of travel that has been dubbed ‘bleisure’ travel. This group is far more likely to travel for work compared to older age groups. In fact, Expedia says that employees under the age of 30 travel 4.7 times per year for work on average, while those over 30 travel around 3.6 times per year on average. As many millennials have fewer responsibilities and often, no children, a large number are more likely to extend their business trips to include a holiday. Many companies are jumping onto this trend, giving employees extra time off while they are traveling.

A new way to travel solo safely.
Millennials certainly aren’t afraid of traveling by themselves. A new way of seeing the world has emerged, however, that offers the best of both worlds, whereby millennials travel solo, but as part of a group. This means that they fly into their destination of choice with a group, but spread their wings to enjoy solo activities and adventures after settling. This provides an opportunity for tour operators and hotels to learn how to cater to both groups and solo travelers.
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Hotel facilities are a make-or-break factor.
Major drivers for guest satisfaction in this group include room, check-in and welcome. Millennials also typically seek out accommodation that offers features such as free Wi-Fi, free breakfast and in-room fridges. Many travellers in this group are seeking central accommodation that offers a well-rounded guest experience with a great level of flexibility. Value-added services provide even more incentive to this group.​

The Cape Town City Centre is a vibrant, urban neighbourhood that is home to some of the city’s most popular attractions. With Table Mountain forming a breath-taking backdrop, the colourful cottages of the Bo Kaap add a whimsical mood to its enchanting culture and a constant sense of festivity.
Wondering what to see and do during your time in the Cape Town City Centre? Use our blog as a guide to planning a jam-packed itinerary encompassing activities that can be enjoyed during the day or after dark.

#1 Explore Long Street
As the name implies, Long Street is a long stretch of road that runs all the way from Orange Street to Strand Street in the city centre. Lining the way are shops, pavement cafes, restaurants, bars, market traders, food trucks and plenty to see. By day, this is a great place to take a leisurely walk, stopping for lunch or coffee along the way, and calling in at the shops you pass. By night, the street comes alive in a different way… Bars, restaurants and nightclubs attract the city’s young and trendy, with locals and visitors alike getting together for a night out on the town!

#2 Have Afternoon Tea
To enjoy your day in the most classic and relaxing way, we suggest having a spot of afternoon tea right here at the Pepperclub Hotel & Spa. Afternoon Tea at Paparazzi Bar offers an assortment of delectable dishes on an exclusive tasting menu. A variety of speciality exotic loose-leaf TWG teas are served with a perfect accompaniment of tartlets, chocolate chiffon cakes, savoury quiches, gourmet mini sandwiches and other tasty treats. On offer, every day between 14h00 and 18h00 at R299.00 for two or R150.00 for one, reservations for Afternoon Tea at Paparazzi Bar can be made by emailing banqueting@pepperclub.co.za or calling +27 (0)21 812 8888.

#3 Visit the Museum
A place that is attractive in more than one aspect is the South African National Museum, located on Government Avenue in the VOC Company’s Gardens, which harbours a beautiful urban garden with paths, lawns, ponds, statues and a bird aviary, along with a restaurant. The museum itself offers a wide variety of exhibitions spanning across natural and cultural history. You can even take a moment in the whale room to see a life-size whale skeleton or visit the planetarium next door to get a better idea of the African skies.

#4 Drink Craft Beer
Do you think you’ve got the belly for beer? If so, Beerhouse on Long Street is the place to go. This popular bar serves delicious pub food and a staggering range of over 99 local and imported beers by the bottle and 22 beers on tap. Beerhouse is open daily from 11h00 until 02h00.
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#5 Catch a Movie
The Labia Theatre on Orange Street is one of the oldest cinemas in Cape Town and has managed to maintain much of its original charm, with an old-fashioned ticket office and foyer. There is a full bar inside the building and you are able to take your drink in with you as you enjoy the latest release. A range of art nouveau and mainstream movies are screened here and while ticket prices vary each season, they are generally affordable. This cinema is in close proximity to Pepperclub Hotel & Spa.

“The World Luxury Hotel and Spa Awards were established in 2006 and are recognised as the pinnacle of achievement in service excellence and awarded to luxury hotels and spas based not only on world class facilities and service, but also on extending their service standards beyond the normal call of duty,” explains Efi Ella, general manager at Pepperclub Hotel & Spa.
“As such, winning two award categories is a top honour for our hotel, as it serves to recognise our staff’s hard work and dedication to the guest experience at Pepperclub Hotel & Spa,” he comments. “And the fact that this award is voted for by the public cements this sentiment,” he adds.   
“Recognition from global awards like the World Luxury Hotel and Spa Awards are also a significant way to drive global tourism to South Africa and, in turn, provide more jobs,” explains Ella who points to the recently released Tourism and Migration Survey by statistics South Africa, which revealed that almost 3,5 million travellers passed through South African ports of entry in August 2017 – 97% of whom were in the country for a holiday and a 5% increase in tourists year-on-year.
“As we enter the busy festive season in Cape Town, traditionally characterised by an influx of both local and global guests, we are proud to say that our staff are ready to offer excellent service to our guests, ensuring repeat visits to our beautiful country,” concludes Ella.

How did you become a pastry chef?
“I don’t remember ever wanting to be anything else!  As a young girl, I would spend hours looking at cake pictures in my mom’s recipe books and ended up completing my Chef’s Diploma in England, after which I worked my way up the ranks.”
What is your favourite thing about your job?
“I love the satisfaction of sending out plates of beautifully crafted desserts and seeing the guest’s “ooh and aah” reactions. I also have an incredibly special place in my heart for all the trainees that come under my tutelage.”
What is your best creation?
“I’ve made some good wedding cakes, however, I think my best creation is my Christmas gingerbread house. It’s not as easy as it looks, trust me!  My first attempt was a dog’s breakfast, but every year it gets better.”
What inspires you?
“Flavours and good quality ingredients inspire me. There’s nothing worse than eating a piece of cake that looks amazing but tastes poor!”
Do you have any advice for aspiring pastry chefs?
“Be a purist. There is no room for short-cuts in pastry…  Do things the right way from beginning to end and this attention to detail will be evident in the final product.”
Paula’s advice to Pepperclub’s guests this National Cake Day? Life is short! Eat the cake….

For the fifth consecutive year, Cape Town’s Pepperclub Hotel & Spa has been named Africa’s Leading City Hotel at the 24th annual World Travel Awards™ regional Africa Gala Ceremony, recently held in Rwanda.
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“Not only is this considered a major achievement for our hotel, but awards like the World Travel Awards™ – lauded the Oscars of the international tourism industry – continue to put Cape Town on the global tourism map and, in turn, boost the country’s GDP and further job creation,” says Chantal Maxim, spokesperson for the Pepperclub Hotel & Spa.

“Since Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba announced in the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement that GDP growth has been forecast at 0,7%, down from 1,3% percent as tabled in the February Budget, it is imperative that the tourism sector remains a stable contributor to our GDP,” adds Maxim.
“Last year, the travel and tourism industry contributed R402bn (9.3%) to SA’s total GDP and is expected to grow by 2.5% to R412.2bn (9.4% of GDP) in 2017*,” explains Maxim. She continues, “In the Western Cape alone, significant tourism growth continues to be reported, with international arrivals growing by more than 18% last year and growth of 16% recorded in the province’s domestic tourism market.”
Commenting on the achievement Maxim remarked: “We are delighted to have been recognised yet again, and our staff and management remain committed to delivering the highest quality experience to all our guests, ensuring that both business and leisure travellers continue to flock to our beautiful city.”
“Given the international reach of the awards, the exposure for the hotel, as well as Cape Town, is significant. Having competed against other exceptional hotels across Africa, this award cements the Cape Town tourism industry as an internationally acclaimed destination,” concludes Maxim.
*According to a report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)​