A new business unit developed by Agri SA promises to be the key to unlocking agricultural and eco-tourism in SA through a newly launched e-commerce portal, Farmstay.co.za.
Farmstay was developed by Agri SA in partnership with leading commerce service provider ECnet, a company within PQ Africa`s Electronic Commerce Division, a part of JSE-listed Comparex. Agri SA represents approximately 40 000 commercial and 30 000 small farmers countrywide.
Farmstay MD August du Preez says this development offers a tremendous boost to agricultural and eco-tourism in SA`s rural areas. At the same time, he says, it offers farmers the opportunity to broaden their economic activities through diversification.
"The viability of Farmstay lies in the fact that this initiative was encouraged by South African farmers and developed with their assistance. The Farmstay gateway meets all tourist requirements and offers the entire spectrum - from guest houses on farms and in towns, to game viewing, bird-watching, rural tours through accredited tour operators, fly-fishing, 4X4 routes, mountain biking, hiking trails, horse riding, etc. South Africa`s rural areas also offer a mosaic of scenic beauty and a cultural heritage waiting to be experienced."
Du Preez says the Farmstay development can be distinguished from similar developments in various respects, including the fact that it has a fully electronic reservation and payment function via the Internet, which is supported by ECnet and Boland PKS.
"Farmstay also offers a guarantee that what the Internet user sees on the screen, is what will be found on the farm or at the tourism facility. Each facility is inspected and, besides digital colour photographs, a special atmosphere is created. Particulars are given of the recreational and farming activities on the farm, the history of the farm, general agricultural and eco-tourism sights in the area as well as tariffs and menus. Prospective visitors even 'meet` the 'farm people` before they embark on their trip," says Du Preez.
Farmstay is the first Web site to participate in ECnet`s recently launched Best Practice Guarantee Programme. The programme outlines best online standards.
"In addition to the Best Practices Guarantee Programme, utilising PQ Africa`s security measures, Farmstay can exploit the strategic advantages the Internet offers for improving communication, cutting costs, enhancing customer services and leveraging their competitive advantage," says Willem van Rensburg, group executive of PQ Africa`s Electronic Commerce Division.
Share
