Wheels operators are augmenting their offering to differentiate themselves. Kim Emmanuel looks at ways they go beyond the usual pick-up and drop-off.
1. Foreign-language guide
With foreign language groups coming into South Africa, operators may want to ensure that a foreign-language guide accompanies any transfers.
Dimitri Kokinos, MD of Spurwing Tourism Services, says the company can provide passengers with a foreign language tour guide, should they request it. “If you want a German guide in the car, we can provide a German guide at a surcharge,” said Kokinos.
2. Food and beverages on board
Coach charters provide passengers with food and beverages on board the vehicle. Water is offered to guests when they board the coach, says Kokinos, and breakfast and lunch packs can be arranged upon pick-up. SA Coach Charters and Bus Rentals also offer guests a complimentary bottle of water, says Fanie van Zyl, MD.
3. Personal service
Kokinos says all passengers are met and greeted by a Spurwing driver. Passengers being collected from the airport will be able to identify their driver, who will be dressed in a Spurwing branded uniform and holding a signboard with the passenger’s name. Kokinos says this ensures that passengers don’t get lost. Each of Spurwing’s vehicles is fitted with umbrellas for the driver to escort guests in and out of the vehicle to protect them from rain or harsh sunlight.
Van Zyl has also trained his staff to provide personalised service to passengers. He says the coach driver takes on the role of a coach manager, ensuring the safety of the passengers and making them feel comfortable.
4. Staying powered up
Van Zyl says passengers can charge their electronic devices on board the vehicle. “The ports allow people to charge their cellphones and cameras while on the coach.” He says they have fitted one or two points on their older vehicles, which did not initially have USB ports.
5. Private transfers
Ashtons Tours, Safaris & Shuttles offers private transfers between its seven Hoedspruit-area Kruger Shuttle locations and individual game lodges in the surrounding reserves.
The private transfers take place before and after the scheduled Kruger Shuttle service between Johannesburg and Hoedspruit, in accordance with the Kruger Shuttle’s timing. At the time of placing their booking with Ashtons, agents can book the combination of a scheduled Kruger Shuttle transfer between Johannesburg and Hoedspruit, and an add-on private transfer to/from individual game lodges in the reserves in the greater Hoedspruit area.
The rates for this combined service are displayed on a separate tab/worksheet of the Kruger Shuttle rates sheet and reflect the combined transfer all the way between OR Tambo and the game lodge.
