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The Irish Independent's "Cape Expectations"
The Irish Independent's Gemma Doherty stayed in Cape Portfolios' "Tree Villa" in April 2010 and wrote this glowing review of her experience and of her visit to Cape Town generally - click here for a link and here for a PDF of Irish Independent Weekend Review of 8 May 2010.
 
"Law & More" Interview with Simon Kneel

"Law & More" is the UK's Leading Career and Lifestyle website aimed at the legal profession. In this extensive interview with Law & More's Vanessa Wozniak, Cape Portfolios' Managing Director and former English solicitor Simon Kneel reflects on his decision to leave England and a 10 year career in the law behind in 2000 to set up Cape Portfolios and start an exciting new life in Cape Town.

Follow this Link to Law & More interview with Simon Kneel

 
CNN - Cape Town best for sports fans!

CNN online reports on 3 April that Cape Town has suddenly become the hot destination for sports fans from around the world with several major international sporting events coming to the City in 2009!

The Indian Premier League cricket tournament was recently relocated to South Africa because of security concerns, and now Cape Town is set to host the opening match on April 18. Both the Lions Tour rugby and the FIFA Confederations Cup football will follow the cricket tournament, heading down to South Africa later this year. Combined with the arrival of the World Cup in 2010, CNN states that South Africa has suddenly become the ultimate holiday spot for sports fans.

Calvyn Gilfellan, chief executive of Cape Town Routes Unlimited -- the region's tourism board -- told CNN the boost to the region had arrived at a crucial time. "When the financial crisis started people went into gloom and doom but these events are helping a lot to restore confidence in the industry. The fact that we have a positive exchange rate also helps us a lot as a destination," he said.

CNN's report continues that as the focus strengthens on these international events, the Cape Town region looks set to benefit more than many from the expected surge in tourism. Gilfellan says this is largely due to the city's location."We are lucky to be in such a wonderful spot. A lot of these events revolve around the marine industry and revolve around the harbor." In April, Cape Town's picturesque Victoria & Alfred Waterfront plays host to the Cape Town International Jazz Festival -- one of many upcoming festivals in the area. The Waterfront, set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, has become South Africa's most visited tourist attraction.

The Commodore of the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) John Martin, told CNN the Cape Town port was used widely for business, leisure and sports. As well as being the country's second biggest functioning port for trade, the port played host to racing yachts in events such as the Volvo Ocean Race and the Clipper Round-the-world Challenge. "We have several major yachting events that stop here and we are very proud of that."

Meanwhile, the Indian Premier League Twenty20 cricket, which starts this month, had been tipped to go to England, but ultimately South Africa was chosen for its sunny weather. The tournament, which will feature 59 matches across six venues, will run from 18 April to 24 May.  The 2009 British and Irish Lions tour officially kicks off on May 30 in Rustenberg. Matches will be held in Cape Town on June 13 and June 23.

The eight-team Confederations Cup runs from June 14-28, and will take place across four cities. The event marks the first time an African nation will host an international FIFA tournament.The landmark event foreshadows the much-anticipated World Cup football tournament in June 2010, for which qualifying matches are currently being held.

Although that's still a year away -- there are signs that the excitement in South Africa is already palpable.A new television commercial that began airing last month features Spain and Liverpool star, Fernando Torres, and Brazilian icon Kaka showing off their football skills.The advertisement ends with Torres saying "Ke Nako", which in South Africa's Sotho language means "it's time." I Ittseems for Cape Town and the whole country -- this could not be more true!
 
Cape Town Tourism to market city until 2010
The City of Cape Town's portfolio committee for economic, social development and tourism and its department of tourism have recommended the appointment of Cape Town Tourism to perform the destination marketing and visitor services for the city for the three-year period until 2010.

"The public participation clearly indicated that industry stakeholders and sub council focus groups are in agreement that the destination marketing and visitor services should be delivered by an external mechanism," said the city's Director of Tourism Nombulelo Mkefa.

Mkefa said Cape Town Tourism was the local tourism organisation that was recognised by the council and the appointment would enhance "seamless" service delivery. "I am happy with the business plan presented by Cape Town Tourism. Their key thrust of the business plan will be to establish Cape Town as one of the world's greatest cities to visit, live, work and invest in; to drive economic and social transformation and to be celebrated globally for 'creative freedom'," said the executive director for economic, social development and tourism, Mansoor Mohamed.

He said the key themes in the business plan included responsible tourism, transformation, community tourism and the 2010 World Cup. "Cape Town Tourism will continue to leverage funding from the private sector to help it supplement the funding it receives from the city in the ensuing years. Cape Town Tourism is best placed to be the custodian of brand Cape Town," he said.
 
Top Travel guide lists Cape Town in 10 favourite cities
The UK’s Times Online reports that Dorling Kindersley, publisher of the world’s best-selling city guidebooks, has included Cape Town in its top 10 list of favourite cities for 2009.

“The hosting of the world cup in 2010 means that visitors in late 2009 will see an upgraded Cape TownStation and the arrival of the One&Only Cape Town luxury resort, complete with Africa’s first branch of Nobu,” says the Times Online. “Cape Town looks set to raise its tourist game in 2009 as it gears up for the sporting events of the following year. Add this to the world famous vista, outdoor activities, and affordable prices due to the exchange rate, and it’s a good time to visit.”

The city joins Vilnius (Lithuania), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Gdansk (Poland), Seattle (USA), Bristol (UK), Fes (Morocco), Washington DC (USA), Copenhagen (Denmark) and Vienna (Austria) in Dorling Kindersley’s list of top destinations.

The UK Herald also recently put South Africa – and specifically Cape Town – in its list of 10 best destinations for cost-conscious travellers.
 
SA one of New York Times “Places to Go in 2009”
South Africa has been declared one of the New York Times’ top holiday spots in 2009. On their annual list of “44 Places to Go”, South Africa has been placed 34th, thanks to the “affordable luxury” that we offer overseas visitors.

In the face of the recent credit crunch, South Africa and its “bargain prices” are more attractive than ever to American travellers.

With our celebrated safaris, magnificent beaches and world-renowned wineries, the editors of the New York Times – widely considered as one of the world’s top newspapers – are punting South Africa as “one of the best bets for American travellers looking for high-end experiences at relatively low-end prices.”

To see more of the “44 Places to Go in 2009” visit www.nytimes.com.

In light of the economic downturn, Cape Town Tourism has also gathered information on great value for money experiences and will be providing visitors and locals with last-minute accommodation and tour specials.