Visit Knysna Tourism Office has appointed Colleen Durant as GM, effective February 11.

Durant has 11 years of industry experience, having spent the last four years as Race Director for IronMan South Africa. Her previous industry experience includes acting MD of Tourism Buffalo City for East London and surrounds, as well as CEO of Emfuleni Corridor Tourism, a section 21 Company with Sun International.

"The appointment follows an extensive search both provincially and nationally,” said Wesgro’s Chief Marketing Officer, Judy Lain. “We believe that Durant’s prior experience in the public and private sector, coupled with her impressive skill set will be the perfect combination to optimise the promotion of the greater Knysna area as a preferred tourism destination.”

Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris, on behalf of Wesgro and its board, thanked Marcia Holms for temporarily filling the role for the past three months, adding: “We similarly extend a warm welcome to Durant and wish her well in her new position. We look forward to her contribution to growing Knysna tourism."

Western Cape Minister for Economic Opportunities, Beverley Schäfer, commented: “The appointment of the GM is a significant milestone for Visit Knysna, providing the leadership and stability required to market and grow tourism in the town. Growing tourism across the province is key to growing our economy, and as such Durant will receive our full support.”

 "We are confident that with her vast experience she will bring the necessary change and growth the Greater Knysna tourism industry deserve," said Knysna Executive Mayor, Mark Willemse.

Albert Lombaard, Chair of Knysna Tourism Association, concluded: "We are pleased to welcome a permanent General Manger to Visit Knysna. We urge everyone in the greater Knysna tourism value chain, from the Municipality through to the private sector, to work together to support the team at Visit Knysna to make this partnership a success.”

Visit Knysna, a division of the Wesgro's Destination Marketing Unit, has been mandated by Knysna Municipality to assist with local tourism promotion and visitor services for the Greater Knysna area.

Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) has appointed Bryony Acutt as Group Sales and Brand Manager after having left the group in 2011 to pursue her passion in advertising.

AAT Chief Executive, Ross Kennedy said Acutt would use her extensive experience in brand management to further strengthen the hospitality group’s corporate and product brands.

Acutt previously worked for Zambezi Cruise and Safari Company, where she solidified her experience in the hospitality industry, and prior to that was with DDH&M Advertising.

“Acutt brings energy and ideas, ambition and drive to her new role in the group, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of these attributes and skills. The induction and transition process will of course be much quicker and smoother given her prior experience and knowledge of the properties and people, plus her recent interaction with the travel trade,” said Kennedy.

Acutt is passionate about conservation and sustainability in tourism operations, and was instrumental in the establishment of the Green Steps to Sustainable Tourism policy.

“It is always gratifying to welcome back colleagues who come back to the Africa Albida Tourism family,” concluded Kennedy.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Prisca Mupfumira has appointed Touchroad International Holdings Chairman, Dr. He Liehui as the country's tourism ambassador to China.

The appointment follows Liehui’s exploits in advancing Zimbabwe as a premier tourist destination, especially in China, as Touchroad International Holdings recently concluded a new tourism package that will see Zimbabwe receive 350 Chinese tourists every month, starting in March.