ROUND THE BEND IN THE NEWS AGAIN !!! DATE POSTED 8 OCT 08
As technology advances at the speed of light, so too do trends in the exceedingly competitive corporate conferencing market. Clients are leaning towards venues that are able to offer more convenience, full technical capabilities and added creature comforts. In a bid to keep abreast of the shift in trends, Felix Unite River Adventures have invested in major development upgrades at the ever-popular Round The Bend camp. Subsequently the camp can now offer all the modern conveniences to ensure client’s stay connected to their world, but still enjoy the benefits of brainstorming in the great outdoors with river frontage.
The camp has undergone a radical upgrade on the 24 chalets, all of which now boast en-suite bathrooms. M.D., Mark Kampers comments: “We found the improvements necessary, as our corporate client’s requirements become more sophisticated and their conferencing needs evolve. We trust that the improvements will add value to their river experience with us. Enhancements include a few more creature comforts & facilities such as bathroom en-suites, premium linen and plug points and reading lights in each chalet. The plug points are convenient for both corporate and leisure trips, affording them the opportunity of using mod cons such as hairdryers and laptops. So whilst the camp remains rustic, it does offer more bush comfort.”
The camp also now boasts full internet connectivity and 3G capabilities and both MTN and Vodacom cell phone reception. The network service providers specially installed cellphone repeaters that receive the signal and then beam it back to the camp. These improvements have elevated the camp from a river rafting camp to a more upmarket bush-style river lodge, without having to impose much of a price hike on the trips.
The access road approaching Round The Bend has also been revamped making it more easily accessible for any type of vehicle. Furthermore a generator has been installed that can operate the entire camp. Mark said, “We can no longer risk the possibility of future load shedding. We need to be able to guarantee our clients a fulltime conferencing facility without interruption, cold beers and piping hot showers and meals.”
Other improvements to the camp may go unnoticed to clients, but include several new storerooms and revamped guide-room and operations area. All enhancements have facilitated improved management of operations behind the scenes.
Management has also appointed a new camp manager, Robert Chandler. Robert’s background and experience has been garnered in the restaurant and catering management industry. Very capable and amenable, he is resident at the camp with his wife and two children who are schooled in Swellendam.
