Best butler in the business

TOURISM thrives on individuals who go the extra mile to make guests feel welcome and ensure they have the best possible time, which is why Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) is searching for the person or group who is worthy of this year’s “Walking the extra tourism mile”.

Anyone from Nelson Mandela Bay or NMBT’s member companies can enter.

Butler Moses Temaremoyo from Addo Afrique estate is this month’s deserving nominee. Known for his warm friendly smiles and delicious braais – he knows what it means to be a stand-up host.

“Working in the hospitality industry is often described as more of a calling than an actual career choice. It takes a special kind of person to create that magic moment that will make an experience stand out long after it actually happened,” said NMBT marketing manager Titus Chuene.

“Moses is the epitome of the kind of person we at NMBT are looking for. There’s no doubt about it, he walks the extra tourism mile. We all love Nelson Mandela Bay for all its wonderful sights and attractions it has to offer, but it is important to add that special touch to tourism in the city and its surrounding areas,” added Chuene.

Manager of the estate, Bertie van Deventer, said it’s a pleasure working with Moses, “It sets me at ease knowing at all times that the guests are in good hands. Moses enjoys what he does and it shows.”

TripAdvisor, an online travel website, recently awarded the estate with a 2012 certificate of excellence award, scoring them an exceptional 4.5 points out of five.

“Moses was our butler and took fantastic care of us. The BBQ he orchestrated was great and his stories and knowledge were really helpful...Moses was great with our children and when my son woke up looking for a snack, Moses was all too happy to help!” said an online reviewer who goes by ‘DJBSFO’ from San Francisco, California, United States.

When asked how he felt about being nominated, Moses humbly said: “I love working with the guests, cooking for them and making them happy.” Employed at Addo Afrique estate for the past two years, Moses moved to South Africa in 2004 from Zimbabwe where he had some chef training.

“I really enjoy cooking and braaing. The South African culture and cuisine has grown on me and I especially like making stews, my own special chakalaka and roosterbrood. We have a lot of foreign guests and I want them to appreciate the beauty of this country just as I have learnt to,” said Moses.

Another online reviewer, LindaLu62 from Oslo in Norway, commented, “What actually made the stay great are the two persons working there, Moses, the butler, and his wife. They are so nice and are taking very well care of you in always (sic). Moses is a great cook, love his food.”

Even local tourists agree Moses is the best in the business, “Moses, the host of hosts, always willing to assist,” said Chris T from Colchester, South Africa.

NMBT is looking for unique stories of tourism service beyond the call of duty and tourism experiences that highlight how people have gone the extra mile in making Nelson Mandela Bay a better and brighter destination for tourists. “It is clear from the nominations received to each month that we have some very special people out there that share in our love and passion for our city.  They are without a doubt leading examples of what it takes to go the extra mile and we believe that it is important that we acknowledge these contributions to the local tourism industry, hence this award,” said NMBT chief executive, Mandlakazi Skefile.

Candidates must be nominated before the 20th of each month. A winner will be selected who will gain exposure in the Imvaba newsletter, syndicated to over 2 000 readers, on the NMBT facebook page and are in the running for the overall title, announced at the final NMBT membership meeting.

Send all ‘walking the extra tourism mile’ nominations to Reuann Smith at membership@nmbt.co.za or phone 041 582 2575.

For more on Moses and Addo Afrique Estate - visit TripAdvisor or Addo Afrique.