There may be a cold wind blowing through the travel industry this year, but things are still balmy at World Leisure Holidays, specialists in upmarket holidays.
WLH, an Asata accredited operator, has been purveyors of world-class resorts for 18 years.
At the helm is managing director Johann Strydom, a travel veteran well aware of the challenges but determined to steer WLH through the calm waters of profitability.
"While WLH is fully aware of how tough the markets are these days, we believe surpassing expectations is the only way forward," says Strydom.
The main challenge is to offer the best at exceptional value and Strydom is sticking to WLH's formula of providing the ultimate in brand proven luxury.
"WLH are constantly refining the concept of fulfilling dreams. We sell experiences. It's those little touches that make the difference between a great resort and a spectacular one. The journey starts and finishes with us.
"All our resorts can be sold in different permutations for weddings, incentive purposes, conferencing, family holidays, honeymoons or sport getaways. Each booking can be specifically tailored to individual purposes. For example, WLH can customise any health holiday by providing everything from the correct cuisine with individually tailored menus, to gym, golf or water workouts and spa treatments.
"We specialise in R&R for stressed executives. We take burn-out seriously," he says.
Strydom and his team get up close and personal with all the resorts in the WLH portfolio. The early hours of the morning may find him in earnest conversation over cognac and cigars with the F&B manager of Sugar Beach discussing, for example, the choice of their house wine for the South African market, which has, he says, a distinguished wine palate.
He and his staff are on first-name terms with the resort management, which means they can swiftly deal with any problems that may arise.
"I sample everything my guest will experience in order to ensure outstanding service. I try to understand the client's expectations exactly. I want each guest to feel every cent has been well spent."
If Strydom comes across as a man inextricably linked to the brand he promotes, that's because he is. "WLH is a way of life for me," he admits. "I take pride in and feel part of every resort."
Such attention to detail has paid off with brand loyalty showing a significant number of "repeater guests".
Another reason for WLH's popularity is their transparent prices. There are no hidden costs.
An optional €50 (about R550) supplement per person per day, ensures that all lunches and drinks, including from the mini-bar, are also included.
Formerly the managing director of Thompsons Tours Outbound Division, before being head-hunted to strengthen the WLH's management team, at 50-something Strydom is at the top of his game.
