LODGE MARKETING, SALES AND RESERVATIONS

STRATEGIC PLANNING DEVELOPMENT

TNW Lodges focuses on the development of marketing strategies for organisations within the tourism, ecotourism, conservation and environmental fields. Product strategies; public relations and promotional strategies; website development and Internet marketing are covered.

INDEPENDENT MARKETING, ADVERTISING AND COMMUNICATION SPECIALISTS

TNW Lodges has access to the services of a number of specialists with regard to the advertising and marketing of our client's products. Each of these specialists has been identified by TNW Lodges for their knowledge and understanding of ability to provide our clients with the quality of service required.

MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

TNW Lodges views the role of all forms of both local and international media as crucial to the long-term viability of any tourism product. This is achieved via the attainment of exposure for our clients through Public Relations, editorial and advertising in both the print and electronic media including the Internet.

ADVERTISING

Routine institutional advertising in major trade journals worldwide, focusing on special sections that feature Southern Africa; and limited targeted magazine and periodical advertising that reaches a large educated and affluent market. We carefully maintain listings for all representative lodges in all major trade directories i.e. GSA. The electronic media is also pursued both in terms of airline in-flight programming, as well as television network programming of specific lodges and eco / nature regions of interest.

INTERNET AND WEB MARKETING

The Internet is a vital component to your marketing and sales effort. The development of a user-friendly website that is easy to navigate and informative is imperative. The marketing of the site is equally vital. The use of Google AdWords and other internet marketing tools are highly recommended, as are listings of the lodge on various websites. It is vital that the links connect your site to websites that have the frequency of usage amongst your primary target audience in order to maximise the use of Internet technology. This needs to be reviewed constantly. Today more than ever the Internet is being used to access information and to place bookings.

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT

Together with an associated Company (Develec CC), The Nature Workshop provides a website development service for lodges and other ecotourism operators. The websites are hosted in the United Kingdom and the quality of production and the download times are exceptional. Website marketing services are also provided.

PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL

TNW Lodges ensures that all clients and their sales staff are equipped with all the correct promotional material and selling tools, vital in creating the correct image for our client's products in the marketplace.

MERCHANDISING

TNW Lodges merchandising range includes clothing, photographic material, video material, CD material, books, luggage, and curios etc. This range is developed in keeping with the image created for each tourism product.

DATABASE MANAGEMENT

This may be the single most important marketing tool to develop. There is a process known as 'integrated or relationship' marketing which encompasses the use of a database to market effectively to a market that has already visited the lodge. With return business such a feature of the travel industry there is nothing like approaching the market directly offering specials for school holidays, promotions, sending of Christmas cards, special events etc.

INFORMATION SERVICE PROVIDER

The Nature Workshop has an "Information Bank" to supply clients with the necessary information pertaining to the Environmental; Conversation; Tourism and Ecotourism industries.

PHOTOGRAPHIC LIBRARY

The Nature Workshop has a large nature-based photographic library that can be used by advertising agencies, publishers and the print media. The library can also be used by lodges for brochure and website development. The substantial library includes wildlife and scenic photographs from all the countries of southern Africa.