A visionary, a pioneer, an incredible leader, a dedicated family man and a pillar of the Gooderson Leisure family.
These are just some of the words used to describe Alan Gooderson (30 April 1937-14 February 2025), Chairman of the Gooderson Leisure Group, who passed away last Friday.
With a legacy of 67 years in the tourism and hospitality sector, Gooderson was, to put it simply, a legend who contributed significantly to the tourism and hospitality sector in South Africa.
His Gooderson Leisure family said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Gooderson. He was an incredible leader, mentor and inspiration to us all. His kindness, wisdom and passion shaped the company and the lives of those who worked with him. We are forever grateful for his guidance and the legacy he leaves behind.
“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Mr Gooderson. Thank you for everything.”
Jade Castleman, Regional Manager at Gooderson Leisure, told Tourism Update: “I will miss him. He was always a pleasure to be around as he was always positive and happy – even in the hardest times.
“He always encouraged us to look to the future and never pay much attention to the past, noting that, as we can’t go back and fix it, all we can do is move forward and ensure we don’t make the same mistakes.”
With many businesses and staff across the country, highly respected Gooderson took his role as mentor seriously, regularly imparting lessons and wisdom. The three wisdoms he mostly shared were: “Cash is king. You can’t change history. Always remain positive.”
On Facebook, SA Hoteliers said: “Alan was an innovative hotelier. It was a privilege to have known him. He sat in various tourism meetings he chaired with a personality of determination and vigour.”
Gooderson is survived by his daughters, Cheryl and Colleen, and is reunited with his late son, Daniel, and beloved wife Judith. “His kindness, vision and unwavering determination will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Gooderson Leisure said in a statement.
The Gooderson family moved to Durban from the bleakness of post-war Britain in the 1950s, bringing with them a sturdy ethic of entrepreneurialism, hard work and family solidarity.
Building on a legacy
Gooderson Leisure Corporation was established in 1958 when Robert Henry Gooderson acquired the first of his hotels in Durban – The Lonsdale Hotel – one block from the beachfront.
Later that year, Gooderson left England to join his family and begin his career at The Lonsdale Hotel. He developed hospitality skills and expertise that served him throughout his career.
His passion and entrepreneurial spirit led him to take over the Gooderson Leisure Group in 1979, shaping it into the company it is today. From pioneering timeshare developments in the Drakensberg to overseeing the growth and transformation of hotels and resorts, Gooderson’s legacy is woven into every part of Gooderson Leisure.
In addition to his leadership at Gooderson Leisure, he played a significant role in the broader hospitality industry. He served as Chairman of the KwaZulu-Natal branch of FEDHASA where he worked tirelessly to support and advocate for the industry. His dedication and contributions were widely recognised. In the early 2000s, he was honoured with the prestigious Hotelier of the Year award.
