African Design Magazine October 2016 | Page 88

Inside the pioneering mind of one of the At leading property de Last year, Cape Town experienced an 8.9% year-on-year increase in the total num International Airport. This increase took the annual figure up to a record high of 4 Company South Africa. While the Cape’s popularity can be attributed to a wealth o to the Mother City, one of its greatest drawcards is no doubt the Camps Bay region has been captivated by this coastline’s dramatic contrast between ocean and mou and property developer, Tony Stern. No stranger to the luxury tourism market – as of Botswana’s Zambezi Queen floating boutique hotel – Stern, 20 years ago, recogn accommodation to match the area’s exclusivity. C omments Stern: “Given the region’s incomparable lifest amongst visitors, I decided to start purchasing properti rebuilding them to let on a long-term basis. At the same photographers, film teams and the tourism industry pin and with this, I identified a unique gap in the market for It was at this stage that his vision of providing an altern catering properties was born, and in 1997 that it becam Collection – a pioneer in the luxury self-catering accomm This collection, less than two decades later, comprises 29 villas and apar and the Camps Bay beach-front, including one- to seven-bedroom prope a selection of 19 sea-facing suites. Uniquely, Blue Views owns all the pro properties that are not part of the collection. Stern continues: “Over the years, these exclusive, private self-catering accommodation options have become an extremely popular choice amongst internationals and locals. The demand for this style o great that we decided to open another 10 five-star, sea-facing suites as an extension of the nine exis end of 2016. The property, which is internationally recognised and has received a noteworthy awar including a concierge service seven days a week, daily housekeeping, as well three swimming pools According to Cape Town Tourism’s official statistics, self-catering accommodation made up 10% of during peak season, from October 2015 to March 2016. Compared to the percentage of guests that as hotels, Airbnb facilities and bed and breakfasts, the demand for self-catering accommodation wa below: Breakdown of guests’ choice of accommodation type in Cape Town during high season, from Guesthouses: 18% Hotel: 38% Multiple: 4% Self-catering: 10% Click here to read more 88 africandesignmagazine.com