Bloukrans Bungy jumps to TripAdvisor success

Bloukrans Bungy needs no introduction. For over 30 years, they've been the name in South African adventure, pushing limits and creating unforgettable experiences. Now, they've added another feather to their cap: a coveted TripAdvisor award!

While the exact criteria for this accolade remain a mystery (even to Bloukrans Bungy themselves!), one thing's for sure – consistently going above and beyond for their customers is in their DNA.

“Our main aim is to offer the best quality experience possible... so people leave here having had an enriching experience,” says Judy Phillips, Bloukrans' CEO. “We remember each day that every guest who comes to us is here to tick something momentous off their bucket list. Usually, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we must deliver exceptional service and experiences for our clients... It’s not an option to mess that up for them.”

Creating a holistic experience

From their first bungee jump back in 1989 at the Gouritz River Bridge near Mossel Bay to helping establish the legendary Victoria Falls Bungy, Bloukrans Bungy has always been about embracing adventure. Today, they hold six Guinness World Records to their name, including the world's highest commercial bridge bungy.

Recognising that a heart-stopping freefall isn't for everyone, Bloukrans introduced their popular Skywalk tour. "It has opened up a whole new world for other people to participate. We've got the bungee jump, which is what we're most famous for. And then our skywalk tour, which has been very well-received," Judy explains. 

This move toward inclusivity allows everyone, regardless of their thrill tolerance, to experience the breathtaking beauty and engineering marvel of the Bloukrans Bridge.

The Bloukrans difference: It's all about the people

Ask anyone at Bloukrans, and they'll tell you – the team is their secret weapon.
"Our crew really LOVE what they do," Judy shares. "Anyone who has ever been on the bridge will attest to this. The team delivers high energy for each and every client."

Everyone, from the guides to the crew behind the scenes, shares a deep pride in what they do. And because not everyone's a born showman, Bloukrans smartly plays to individual strengths, ensuring every team member feels valued and contributes in a way that feels natural. The result? That infectious, feel-good energy that visitors rave about.

Authenticity in the age of digital storytelling

We all know navigating the online world is increasingly important. For Bloukrans, the challenge was authentically capturing their visitors’ raw emotions and diverse stories. Their solution? Upping their media game, big time!

They now offer personalised videos, professional-quality photos, and have a dedicated social media team working their magic. It's about showcasing the real deal across different platforms, giving viewers a genuine glimpse into what makes Bloukrans so special.

This commitment to authentic storytelling has paid off. "Since investing in this, we’ve seen exponential growth on our platforms worldwide, and this has, of course, had a positive impact on our sales," says Judy.

The future is bright

With a coveted TripAdvisor award under their belt, Bloukrans shows no signs of slowing down. Their vision for the future includes diversifying their offerings to attract a wider audience, with a focus on family-friendly activities that retain the Bloukrans brand of high-energy fun and unwavering safety standards.

"We have a few," Judy teases about future plans, "and one of them is adding ‘softer’ adventures to our offerings to reach a wider audience but still retain the same professionalism and vibes that our team brings to the forefront of bungy jumping. Watch this space for new products coming soon!"

Bloukrans Bungy: Key takeaways for SATSA members

Bloukrans' journey to success offers invaluable lessons for fellow South African tourism operators:

• Embrace diversity and inclusivity: Cater to a wide range of interests and comfort levels, ensuring every visitor feels welcome and has a memorable experience.
• Invest in your team: A happy, motivated team is the heartbeat of any successful tourism operation. Foster a positive and supportive work environment where individuals feel valued and empowered to share their passion. “Your team is key, and working together to build a fantastic company culture is where it all flows over to your clients.  Keep building your teams and the results will show,” says Judy.
• Positive reviews begin from the ground up. “It is from your clients’ first encounter to their last with you. If your team does not understand the importance of positive interactions right from the first email or phone call all the way through to their activity experience, all these things can work against the goal of providing the best quality service and enriching experiences,” says Judy.