The Truth about sanparks Booking system

[Richprins]

Ja, the donor system enabled camps and other accomodation to be built FASTER where there were already areas earmarked naturally for development that would fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle, so to speak. (Especially Mopani)

There is not much that can be done, except wait for the 40 years, or whatever the contract may have been for each accommodation investment, to run out.

Were it not for the donors some of the small camps may never have been built...who knows?

But the devious/incompetent way it was handled is unacceptable, and becoming symptomatic. I had similar bad experiences which I shall put under the "maintenance" thread...

[PRWIN]

Something just came up on the other side , looks like it's also in camping as well. Where a person can use there time share camping points to pre book sites in kruger also. I pre this will fall under the 12 month cat.

[Flutterby]

"you white guys have had your time in the park, times are going to change".

If that statement could be corroborated we could have a field day with Dr Mabunda!!! (0) (0) (0)

[Penga Ndlovu]

Guys.
This is just too sad.
When we were all still a member on "the other side" this topic also emerged and Rumuruti (who is also into that business)
confirmed to me that they have the first choice.
It was vehemently denied by Sanparks at that time, but slowly the truth is emerging.

They are simply a bunch of lairs.

[Twigga]

I give it an hour max - then that topic will probably be locked

[PRWIN]

Twigga

The best is still to come

[PRWIN]

Are things Changing


Media Release: New accommodation bookings terms and conditions for 2013

Back to all news

Date: 8th October 2012

The South African National Parks (SANParks) will embark on a process of introducing new terms and conditions for accommodation sales as of 01 January 2013.




This according to Bheki Zwane, SANParks General Manager: Sales and Marketing who said the new rules will apply to all accommodation bookings made from 1 January next year and will affect the general public, pensioner clients, travel trade – tour operators and donor clients.

According to Zwane the reason for the new rules are to be in line with industry standards and also to increase short and long term availability of the accommodation. “The problem that SANParks encounters with its current terms and conditions is that, customers hold bookings for longer periods and only decide at a later stage not to utilize such a booking… “and this often results in loss of sales and revenue.”

He said often people complain about camps being fully booked but upon arrival several units will be vacant. “The new terms and conditions will encourage full payment long before arrival and minimize no shows without payment.’

Zwane said the last review of the deposit terms and conditions was done more than ten years ago. The new rules state that the first deposit to be paid 30 days after the booking was made will be increased to 50% as compared to the current payment of 33%. The second deposit of 50% must be paid 60 days before arrival in the new rules, whereas in the past 67% payment had to be made 30 days prior to arrival. “This will minimize last minute dumping of inventory especially by the public and travel trade that leaves SANParks with reduced time and opportunity to sell unused accommodation inventory.”

“This new rule will not affect old bookings that are already in the system unless a new arrival date is requested by the client. Web and online bookings will not be affected as they require full payment upfront.

The current public cancellation fee rules will also not be affected by these changes,” he said.

With the new rules, the due date of the deposit will not be able to be extended as reservations consultants at Central Reservations and at Camp receptions will not be able to change the date as the system is programmed to only confirm reservations that have an exact amount of the deposit due paid on time… “any reservation with a short payment of the deposit or no payment will be automatically cancelled,” concludes Zwane.

For more information on accommodation sales contact Bheki Zwane: GM: Sales and Marketing on telephone 012 426 5054 / 083 675 0332 or email: bheki.zwane@sanparks,org



Issued by:
SANParks

For media enquiries:
Reynold “Rey” Thakhuli
GM: PR, Media and Stakeholder Relations
Telephone 012 426 5203 / 073 373 4999,
email: rey.thakhuli@sanparks.org



http://www.sanparks.org/about/news/default.php?id=55342

[Mel]

As far as I know, common practise in the tourism industry is to take a deposit of 50% and pay the other half AFTER your stay.
Or was I just lucky with all the accomm I booked throughout SA (and not in SANParks)?

Although I have to admit that I think it's a good thing to get rid of the current system.
As stated by others, I too experienced not being able to book the camps in the order and with the quantity of nights I had wanted to.
Because quite obviously someone had hogged - in this case - Grootkolk for 4 nights in a row. About two weeks ago, when the final deposit
was due, all of a sudden 4 consecutive nights popped up, with 2 of them showing 2 free units and 2 even 3 (out of 4 units).

Also, I was told that members (I assume it was 'only' one in particular) from the other side has the habit to book out a
whole wilderness camp to make sure he/she got what he/she wanted and would release most of the units just before
the final deposit is due. (0)

[RobertT]

Mel, not sure if it would help you much in your planning unless you are within the 2 month window. Whether it is 1 month or 2 months I do not think would make such a difference for overseas tourists as they plan and book further in advance, locals could benefit from it tho.

[Sprocky]

Are things Changing

I get the feeling they are reading here a lot.