3rd Bespoke Destinations launched at Steyn City

by Kirtan Bhana - TDS

14 February 2025

The third edition of Bespoke Destinations, a publication on travel, tourism and hospitality was launched at Steyn City amid a tinge of sadness due to the passing of Douw Steyn, a doyen of South African business. Born in 1952 Steyn was one of the first Afrikaner business leaders to reach out to President Nelson Mandela and share in the vision of reconciliation and build a unified South African Republic.

It is the same commitment and dedication that Rocco Olivier of Bespoke Destinations shares. He is aware of the potential that the tourism industry in Africa has to offer to a unique, discerning traveller. He has combined his love for the great African outdoors with his passion for sharing the abundant natural beauty of this vast continent to those who desire tailor made experiences.

Durban born Zahirah Marty has joined the team as associate editor. Zahirah is a renowned media personality who has an accomplished career including being a host of the popular lifestyle South African television programme Top Billing. She brings her experience of the Arabian Gulf region to the publication having lived in the region for over a decade and the expertise of establishing her own media and travel business that serves a sophisticated and diverse clientele. Zahirah presented a workshop at the launch in which she shared her knowledge and valuable insights of the region which is rapidly modernizing and becoming more influential in global geopolitics.  

READ ALSO: Destination Arabian Gulf – Trade, Tourism, Investment

The bumper annual third print edition of Bespoke Destinations highlights the wondrous and enlightening journeys of self-discovery that people have taken. Angela Yeung, a professional jeweller, entrepreneur and philanthropist summited Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa. The story of Thebe Ikalafeng, a celebrated author and visionary founder of Brand Africa who encourages Africans to embrace their true history and real identity is as relevant as indigenous African knowledge today. From the African Indian Ocean island of Mauritius to Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Botswana among the many travel and tourism experiences that abound on the continent that matches the warmth of the people and hospitality is showcased in this edition of Bespoke Destinations, presenting Africa to the Middle East.

The linkup between African real estate and travel presents dynamic growth opportunities. It has opened new spaces and platforms for innovation and entrepreneurship. From landscapers to sommeliers, the value chains have exponentially increased and have given rise to artists and entertainers and cultural experts. The job market has undergone transformation as new knowledge and skills from speaking different languages and understanding human behaviour become sought after requirements. Sport and recreation tourism is also receiving great attention as athletes and enthusiasts seek out new challenges and fans that attend live events follow. Conferencing and exhibitions are motivating trade and investment while the leisure sector is constantly reinventing itself with new experiences and offerings.  

READ ALSO: Bespoke Destinations with African Luxury for the Middle East unveiled

The launch event hosted at Steyn City, the namesake of its founder Douw Steyn whose passing on February 4 at the age of 72 presented a moment to pause and reflect. Growing up in an Afrikaner family in Johannesburg, his career had humble beginnings as a quantity surveyor at ESKOM, South Africa’s electric power utility. Dr Hendrik Johannes van der Bijl founded the Electricity Supply Commission (ESCOM) in 1923 which grew into an energy utility that provided electrical energy for African nation’s right up to the Equator and had the potential to go beyond. Steyn City is evidence of what South Africans can achieve if they embrace the attributes of true reconciliation, of genuine inclusivity, and a real love for the land.