Peter Troesch is the CEO of Peach International – a brand that currently has two guest houses in Table View in the Cape, and offers golfing experiences for international visitors.

Speaking to Troesch at WTM Africa, Kerry Hayes from Tourism Update learned how the Swiss businessman was encouraged by a member of SA Tourism to visit South Africa two years ago, and on seeing and experiencing what the country had to offer, decided to invest in two guest houses and offer golfing experiences to inbound travellers.

The two properties are now looking at being graded in the four- or five-star category, and currently attract golfers and guests from Asia – in particular China – along with Switzerland, the UK, Ireland, and Germany. “We are looking at getting into the US market as well now,” says Troesch, adding that FIT and family travel are the biggest travel sectors that frequent the guest houses.

Connecting with customers

He says that the Peach’s attractiveness to its Asian customers – and why the brand keeps growing in popularity – is its attention to the needs and understanding of the culture of its guests. Speaking 11 languages, Troesch can converse with guests in their home languages. His wife is Chinese, which enables the couple to bring an authentic experience to guests from China, such as offering Chinese cuisine cooked in the local style. Staff are all familiar with and trained in cultural protocols so that guests ‘feel at home’.

Intriguing offerings

The guest houses, which opened in March, were fully renovated. There are six rooms with en-suite bathrooms; a sauna, gym and swimming pool; golfing green and practice facilities; and gourmet dining.

In addition to traditional cuisine – be it Chinese menus or a Japanese breakfast – Peach offers the option of a local South African braai and has also created a gourmet-golf-safari package, giving guests the best experience of all three. In-house transportation also allows guests the freedom to explore other attractions in the area.

Investment comes with experience

“This is how investment is done – people experiencing and seeing what SA has to offer,” says Bradley Brouwer, Head of Global Trade at SA Tourism. “We want people to support people who are investing in the country.”

“Now we bring families who want to invest as well,” adds Troesch. “That is what we are focusing on here at WTM – growing our guest house business from bringing other businesses in.”