The four “P’s” that positioned Kunene Travel and Tours for success from the start
Kunene Travel and Tours owner Siphiwe Kunene has navigated various tourism industry challenges by leveraging the “how-tos” he learned during extensive research and training.
Siphiwe Kunene loves travelling and everything that comes with it. “I like to communicate with different people and learn more about the diverse cultures across the world,” he says. “Tourism doesn’t discriminate, and working in this industry means you love your country, as well as the people and cultures that live in it.”
But Siphiwe knew that working in the tourism industry wouldn’t be easy and decided that he would be well-prepared. “I decided to do my research – to see what the industry could possibly throw at me – and joined a tourism incubator programme for three years,” he shares.
“The programme was a massive support, providing me with the exposure and platform I needed as a tour guide to build and grow my own business,” Siphiwe explains. “They taught us how to go to market, how to communicate with people, how to deal with customers, and how to accurately identify what the industry needs.”
Siphiwe used this training to grow his business into a destination management company (DMC), and, in 2000, he registered it as Kunene Travel and Tours. “By understanding the diverse interests and preferences of our customers, we were able to tailor our services to create a truly memorable and transformative experience,” he explains.
The company’s mission is to showcase the unparalleled beauty and richness of Africa. “We want to introduce the travellers to the diversity in landscapes, cultures, and experiences that make the continent extraordinary,” Siphiwe notes.
He adds that there is a dedicated team of individuals working tirelessly behind every journey to make it extraordinary. “With our team, guests discover the passion, expertise, and dedication of Africa’s travel industry – whether we’re helping guests plan their itinerary, booking flights and accommodation, and even providing on-the-ground support.”
These guides – better known as curators, storytellers, and ambassadors of African tourism and hospitality – ensure that your trip to the continent is unforgettable.
How to be ready for anything the tourism industry throws at you
The tourism industry is dynamic and, like many businesses, Kunene Travel and Tours has faced several significant challenges over the years. Siphiwe encountered his first obstacle not long after registering the business… but he was ready for it.
“In 2006, the business was busy collapsing, but I knew I couldn’t give up. I looked at where I went wrong, found out what was preventing me from achieving success, and then changed my strategy – like I had learned during my training,” he says.
When Kunene Travel and Tours started to grow again, he also knew that he had to keep the momentum. He bought some cars and an office space to accommodate the current and future scale of the business.
One of the most notable challenges came in 2020, when the COVID pandemic swept across the world, bringing the global tourism sector to an abrupt halt. Most businesses had to shut down completely and didn’t survive, but Kunene Travel and Tours was ready again. “After the first challenge we encountered, we managed to save money for whatever could come next. That saved us,” Siphiwe explained.
In 2022, when international and national lockdowns were starting to lift, Kunene Travel and Tours could return exactly where they left off – like everything had been on pause. “While many companies were scrambling to start up again, we were able to continue delivering our service like we never left,” he adds.
Now, you can find them amongst other big industry players at international trade shows.
How to scale your tourism business with support
Siphiwe is addressing the business’s current challenges through collaboration: “We believe in the power of cooperation and actively seeking partnership with companies that share our commitment to the tourism industry,” he explains. “By joining forces with industry leaders like SATSA, we aim to enhance the quality and scope of our services – delivering greater value to our clients.”
Kunene Travel and Tours needs to improve its industry awareness if it hopes to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive market. “Becoming a member of SATSA offered new brand visibility opportunities and gives us access to a growing network of travellers and tourism-related organisations,” Siphiwe shares.
The company is hoping to attract new growth opportunities, whether it’s new business partners or top industry talent. “I’m looking for someone who can further my vision for Kunene Travel and Tours,” Siphiwe explains. “However, at the moment, we are mostly working with graduates and university students who come to gain experience and then leave once bigger companies offer better salaries.”
As a result, there are only two other employees working at Kunene Travel and Tours at the moment. “We’re hoping to hire more staff, but that will be determined by the volume of work we get, which will depend on our network,” Siphiwe says.
Pricing their services is also proving to be challenging in the current market conditions. “We try to build a good relationship within the tourism, hospitality and airline industries so we can negotiate better prices and discounts for our clients,” he adds.
For the Africa’s Tourism Indaba and G20 Summit engagements this year, Kunene Travel and Tours will be providing shuttle services to SATSA members and other industry stakeholders.
How to follow in Siphiwe Kunene’s footsteps
Siphiwe believes that you have to be open to learning to achieve success in the tourism industry.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the support I’ve received along the journey,” he explains. “I had many coaches on my journey, each of whom taught me something valuable.”
The key lessons that Siphiwe carries with him still today are as follows:
1. Be prepared: It’s important to research every industry you want to enter first.
2. Be patient: Don’t have high expectations, because it won’t be an easy route.
3. Be persistent: You have to stay committed to your business, bad weather or sunshine. “Tell yourself, I will do it, I won’t quit,” he advises.
“Most importantly, however, you have to love what you do. This industry is not for the faint-hearted… but it can be very rewarding for those who are passionate,” Siphiwe concludes.
You can access a brochure for all services offered by Kunene Travel and Tours here.
