12 Nov 2013
There is no doubt 2014 is going to be big year for celebration in South Africa - marking the 20th anniversary since Nelson Mandela was voted in as President, heralding the beginning of democracy in the country.
Here at Ethos Marketing, we will also be celebrating! The same milestone also marks our 20th birthday - for it was this change in South Africa's history that inspired Alison Whitfield to start up Ethos Marketing as one of the first representation companies in the UK focussing solely on promoting Southern Africa.
Last week, 20 years of hard work, dedication and passion for the country paid off as (a somewhat gobsmacked!) Alison received the first ever "Khanya Special Recognition Award" from South African Tourism on 4th November 2013 at their sixth Annual Ubuntu Awards. Khanya means "to shine" and Alison was honoured for her efforts at promoting South Africa for more than 20 years, for proactively developing trade links and for really helping people to understand South Africa".
To watch a video of her moment in the spotlight visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAkQuq0BWLU
Alison is well known in the industry, having started her career in tourism in South Africa, before joining
South African Tourism in 1984. Three years later she was transferred to SA Tourism's London office, where she developed her skills and relationships with the UK outbound tourism market. In 1994, as South Africa was emerging as a democracy, Alison launched her own Representation Company, initially called African Ethos. Alison developed strong relationships with the travel trade and the UK press which have continued to grow and benefit the Ethos Marketing®
client base. Her devotion to Africa is highlighted by the fact that she was voted Chairman of SATOA 8 times, and has represented properties in virtually all the countries in Southern and East Africa over the years.
Current clients include The Blue Train and Garonga Safari Camp (both clients for over 15 years), Fancourt,
Steenberg and Mont Rochelle - as well as newest additions to the portfolio Newmark Hotels and Majeka House. Ethos also actively promotes the Zulu Route and individual properties in KwaZulu-Natal including Fordoun Hotel and Spa, Ghost Mountain Inn, Isandlwana Lodge and Thula Thula Game Reserve. Ethos also works beyond South Africa's borders, representing Serena Hotels in East Africa.
The awards were presented by popular broadcaster Natasha Kaplinksky at a glittering ceremony at Madison Restaurant, on the roof terrace overlooking St Paul's Cathedral, on the inaugural day of the World Travel Market. Valued members of the travel trade attended a cocktail reception hosted by SA Tourism's Chief Executive Officer Mr Thulani Nzima, with a special appearance by Minister of Tourism in South Africa, Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk, acknowledged the key roles played by the evening's audience of trade partners and the intrinsic value of
partnerships and collaborations as the key to South Africa's success, and highlighted why 2014 will be the year to visit the country.
For more information on Ethos Marketing please visit www.ethosmarketing.co.uk, follow us on twitter on @ethos_marketing or email PR Manager Claire@ethosmarketing.co.uk
PR CONTACT
Claire Roadley - Marketing & PR Manager
Ethos Marketing®, Unit 5, Field Place Estate, Byfleets Lane, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham, RH12 3PB
Tel: +44 (0)1403 243619
Twitter: @ethos_marketing / @claireroadley
Facebook: www.fb.com/EthosMarketing
