Latest news with #Maritz
France 24
17-07-2025
- Sport
- France 24
Fan energy key for Swiss in Euros clash with Spain, says Maritz
The Swiss host Spain in Bern on Friday trying to reach the last four of a major international women's tournament for the first time, and will be backed by enthusiastic fans at the Wankdorf Stadium. "There is a positive energy which we've taken from the previous matches... we lived up to the challenge and we were confident, we believe in ourselves," Aston Villa defender Maritz told reporters. "It's really indescribable, we all expected to have a positive atmosphere, but playing in such a big stadium in front of so many people is really special. The energy of the fans really pushes you on. "It was a really special moment when we equalised against Finland (to qualify from Group A) and could see the crowd cheering us. It was great to share such a unique experience with our fans. I also think the fans will give us lots of energy tomorrow." Switzerland have a huge task on their hands against Spain, who rattled in 14 goals in their three Group B matches, but have less pressure to win than their opponents who are favourites to lift the trophy later this month. "I think the pressure comes from inside now... we have a chance, and it's a quarter-final," said coach Pia Sundhage. "We played five against five today (in training), just a couple of minutes, and we were standing like this and saying: 'this is so much better than it was just a couple of weeks ago'. "And I think part of that is that we are able to deal with the pressure, because it has been a lot of pressure." The winner of Friday's match will play one of France or Germany in the semi-finals, in Zurich on Wednesday.
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Two South Africans, one laptop and a billion-rand travel company
What started as a casual party pitch by two young South Africans in London has grown into a global tour operator. Zakes Maritz and Carl Cronje started their travel business with just an idea. Picture: Supplied Two decades ago, two young South Africans were in London looking for something to do and figuring out how to make some bucks. Carl Cronje and Zakes Maritz did not exactly know the travel industry at the time, but they had an idea and decided to start a business anyway. A second-hand laptop and SA-style party So, with a second-hand laptop and a handful of flyers, Expat Travel was born. 'It's a fascinating story, one I like telling,' said cofounder Jakes Maritz. 'Carl and I were two young South Africans in the UK, like many of our peers back then, just looking for some adventure. 'He had a real talent for showing people around and said he wanted to do this for a living. I told him I knew everything about business. I didn't, but it didn't stop us.' The pair didn't know it at the time, because the business was kind of started on a lark, but the company grew and now the business is a global travel provider and, at least, they can afford several laptops now. But rewind first to the beginning. The flyers the twosome started with were not to advertise any kind of tour. It was an invitation to everyone they knew, and then some, to attend a party. Maritz called it a South African style party and between the Klippies and Castles they announced that they were starting a tour business. ALSO READ: A slice of bush heaven that delivers more than just wildlife It started small with visa services, leading trips themselves, working weekends and running operations during the week. Now, they offer over 150 guided tours across six continents and recently reported a turnover over R1 billion. No small feat for a pair of Mzansi boys. Not just for expats anymore Though the name Expat Explore stuck from the early days, it no longer mirrors the full picture. The tours Maritz and Cronje create are not just for expats. 'We see families, solo travellers, young people, retirees. The mix of age and culture works, even though some industry experts once told us it shouldn't. We do not just offer tours. We optimise time. We take the pressure off travellers so that they can enjoy what they came for,' said Maritz. 'If you've got two weeks to see Europe, we'll make sure you actually see it.' The tours Maritz and Cronje create are not just for expats. Picture: Supplied South Africa remains a cornerstone destination South Africa, says Maritz, is still high on international travel wish lists. Despite the headlines, inbound travel numbers are growing. 'We've always had strong ties to the UK and Germany, particularly around safari tourism. But there's a noticeable uptick from Australia and the US, too. 'Cape Town is a huge drawcard. It is a world-class city and the perfect gateway to explore the rest of the country and continent.' ALSO READ: St Petersburg's serene splendour belies a nation at war And the appetite for more is growing. 'After South Africa, travellers want to go further north. There's interest in Namibia and Northern Africa is picking up momentum, too,' said Maritz. 'Within South Africa, there's growing potential in overlooked places like KwaZulu-Natal. That coastline can rival Egypt or Turkey in the right conditions.' A mission to inspire and uplift through travel Maritz has also seen a marked rise in interest around socially conscious travel. 'Travellers want their holidays to have meaning. They want to know their visit is benefiting the local community, not just ticking a box,' he said. 'Cultural tourism is becoming a key part of the offering, often through food, local experiences, and yes, still the shows.' Then, there's another mission. He wants South Africans to rediscover their own country. 'Many have never been to Kruger National Park or driven the Garden Route. That's something we want to change.' It's about staying true to their founding idea that travel should be available to everyone, he said. Not just the wealthy or the retired. NOW READ: Travel alert: Two less visa-free entries for SA passport holders
Skift
24-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
Geopolitics, Inflation, Staffing: Incentive Planners Share Their Top Pain Points and Solutions
Incentive experts stress the importance of a Plan B and C as the geopolitical landscape shifts and costs continue to skyrocket. Incentive planners play the role of the middle man between their clients/senior management and their attendees — with both groups having high expectations for each year's trip. Despite tight budgets (some having remained the same since 2019), planners are expected to design an experience that will excite even the most seasoned winners. Now there's the added stress from new government policies such as tariffs andthe fact that a third of industry companies are struggling to find talented workers, according to research from the Incentive Research Foundation. So it's no surprise that the room was packed and the frustration level high during a discussion of 'pain points' at the IRF Invitational at AVA Resort Cancun in early June. The panel featured Jeremy Bielski, vice president of sales, ITA Group; Rachel McInnis, vice president, solution strategy, Maritz; and Janielle Peacock, director experiences & learning, RDV Corporation, and was moderated by Melissa Van Dyke, senior vice president, integrated marketing and innovation, Creative Group. Panelists at the IRF Invitational: Rachel McInnis, vice president, solution strategy, Maritz; Janielle Peacock, director experiences & learning, RDV Corporation; Jeremy Bielski, vice president of sales, ITA Group, with moderator Melissa Van Dyke, senior vice president, integrated marketing and innovation, Creative Group Following are the top four pain points identified by the group: 1. Safety and Security Whether a company works with its own internal security experts or hires an outside firm, destination and attendee safety concerns are heightened due to the geopolitical climate in the U.S. and around the world. ITA's Bielski said his company's security partner helps provide context to what everyone is hearing in the news. 'They're in the trenches globally and they understand what's going on,' he said. 'We have them come in pretty early on and do a risk assessment of every destination we're looking at. It gives a sense of security and trust to the client to know that their well-being and the well-being of their participants will be taken care of.' Building partnerships with hotel brands is key to being able to pivot if there's a need to change destinations, along with including force majeure protection at the contracting stage. 2. Impact of Tariffs The incentive merchandise industry has had to quickly adjust to the threat that tariffs will impact both pricing and availability. The key, panelists said, is to have a wide range of choices, so that if there are certain items that are impacted, recipients can still find something of the same value. More companies are turning to local vendors for on-site gifting, a strategy that the IRF practiced at its final evening event, where attendees were given 'fun money' to shop at a marketplace of goods from Mexican artists and vendors. 3. Crippling Costs 'If you have the same budget in 2025 that you had in 2019, your costs are 23% higher for travel,' said Van Dyke. But a 23% degradation in the experience is not an option. 'How do we start to look at these programs and make the best decisions with rising costs and inelastic budgets?' she said. One option is to increase the perceived value of the experience without increasing hard costs. 'Focus on things like access, or status,' she said. 'Who gets the priority seating at an event? Who gets first access to redeem their reward? Those are things that you can add without adding a whole lot of cost to a program.' Another strategy would be to add a meet-and-greet if the program includes an entertainer. 'That would add a little bit of value and maybe not impact the cost, depending on the relationship you may have with the vendor,' she said. Other cost-cutting suggestions included: • Cutting out one day's hosted activities • Adding more free time, which IRF research has shown is a top priority for incentive attendees • Cutting the number of hosted meals • Doing away with on-site gifting • Having attendees arrange their own transfers • Capping air credits so that attendees cover the cost of their own upgrades • Cutting lavish entertainment and relying more on background playlists • Replacing signature cocktails with beer and wine, or using drink tickets. 4. Staffing Concerns IRF research has found that a third of incentive planners are concerned about staffing. Most people don't begin their careers thinking they want to be an incentive planner, so the first step, the panel said, is to grow awareness of the industry. The two major industry associations, the IRF and the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence, have created various initiatives such as podcasts to attract young talent to the industry. SITE's Texas chapter brings hoteliers and planners together with hospitality students and represents the industry at job fairs.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I'm a Travel Expert: 5 Top Travel Destinations for Millennials Worth the Money in 2025
According to Jakes Maritz, co-founder and board chair at TourAxis, millennials are completely reshaping the travel landscape. In fact, when it comes to travel, millennials are now one of the world's most influential demographics. So what is it they're looking for in a vacation? 'Millennial travelers seek out unique destinations, prioritize sustainable tourism, and crave authentic and immersive cultural experiences,' Maritz said. And, importantly, having entered the workforce during the Great Recession, many millennials want the most value for their money. Read More: Explore More: Here are five travel destinations worth the money and aligned with millennial values, according to travel experts. 'With its captivating blend of cutting-edge innovation, ancient traditions and breathtaking aesthetics, Japan is a top destination on many millennial travelers' bucket lists,' Maritz said. From cherry blossoms and sumo wrestling to authentic sushi and serene temples, the island nation of Japan submerses travelers with a unique combination of old and new. Travelers can explore neon-lit skyscrapers and shrines in well-known cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima, as well as gardens and castles in hidden gems like Kanazawa and Takayama. And they shouldn't leave without a visit to a green tea farm or a ride on the legendary Shinkansen bullet train. Per Maritz, a 13-day tour (with lodging included) can begin around $2,600 per person. Check Out: 'With its unrivaled natural diversity from rolling winelands and towering mountains to sweeping coastal scenery and world-class safaris, South Africa truly offers something for everyone,' Maritz said. Tourists can check out Cape Town — the oldest and perhaps most well-known urban city in the country — or drive the Garden Route, an ocean-hugging highway stretching from Mossel Bay to the Storms River that showcases the best of South Africa's beauty and hospitality. Then, of course, there's Kruger National Park, South Africa's most famous game reserve, offering multiday, once-in-a-lifetime safaris. With its diverse ecosystems, South Africa offers opportunities to support local businesses and communities, as well as the option to unplug and digitally detox — all things some millennials crave. Per Maritz, a 14-day tour (with lodging included) can begin around $2,170 per person. 'Mexico City has transformed into a dynamic cultural hub with world-class museums, vibrant street art and one of the most exciting food scenes in the world,' said Alex Alioto, founder and head of growth and partnerships at Whimstay. A spot Condé Nast Traveler once called 'the tastiest destination in North America,' Mexico City offers everything from fine dining establishments to sizzling street tacos and churro shops with lines around the block. Tourists can visit Monumento a la Revolución (commemorating the Mexican Revolution) and Mercado Jamaica (Mexico City's principal flower market), or they can take an Uber ride outside the city to catch a Teotihuacan hot air balloon tour. In Mexico City, both ancient and modern cultures fuse to create lively and colorful experiences at affordable prices. Per Alioto, accommodations run between $70 and $150 per night for everything from hostels to boutique hotels, and daily expenses usually run between $40 and $70 per day. He estimated the average cost of a seven-day trip to be between $1,800 and $2,600 per person. 'Greece is always a good idea for millennial travelers,' Maritz said. 'A visit to the Greek capital and its most celebrated islands perfectly combines ancient culture with Instagrammable scenery and vibrant nightlife!' Not only is Athens, Greece, a budget-friendly city full of cultural and historical wonders like the Acropolis and Parthenon, there are many Greek islands to explore too, like Mykonos and Santorini. Per Maritz, a seven-day tour of Athens, Mykonos and Santorini (factoring in lodging and travel between islands) can begin around $1,975 per person. What millennial travel guide would be complete without the city of Portland, Oregon? Embracing sustainability, creative expression and endless Fred Armisen references, 'Portland offers an eco-friendly urban experience with excellent public transportation, an incredible food and craft beer scene, and proximity to stunning natural attractions,' Alioto said. The city also contains the world's largest independent bookstore and a bridge specifically reserved for bicyclists. Per Alioto, accommodations run between $120 and $180 per night and daily expenses usually run between $60 and $90 per day. He estimated the average cost of a seven-day trip to be between $1,800 and $2,600 per person. More From GOBankingRates Warren Buffett: 10 Things Poor People Waste Money On This article originally appeared on I'm a Travel Expert: 5 Top Travel Destinations for Millennials Worth the Money in 2025
IOL News
29-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Straining to support: South Africa's social grants are vital but can the state keep up?
Economic challenges and the future of social grants in South Africa Image: Tracy Adams Social relief of distress, or social grants, is a key part of South Africa's welfare system; however, recent data indicates that its role is increasingly strained, raising concerns about sustainability, economic growth, and social cohesion. According to the latest General Household Survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), an unprecedented 40.1% of the population - approximately 25.4 million individuals-now rely on social grants. This marks a significant increase from previous years and reflects a steady rise in dependence, particularly amid persistent unemployment and economic challenges. Risenga Maluleke, Statistician-General of South Africa, noted that the country's official unemployment rate hit 32.9% in the first quarter of 2025. Such figures highlight the stark depth of economic hardship many face, with social grants serving as a vital safety net without sufficient employment opportunities. Paul Maritz, Director at Free SA, a foundation advocating for rights, equality, and systemic reform, highlighted the gravity of this dependence. 'The growing reliance on social grants - now affecting over 25 million people — highlights deep socio-economic challenges and the urgent need for structural change,' he explained. 'Our proposed Power to the People Amendment aims to address these issues by reducing waste, devolving policing, and breaking monopolies that hinder economic opportunity.' Maritz warned that 'sustained dependence on grants without parallel investment in job creation risks entrenching a welfare economy that stifles individual potential and hampers long-term growth.' He warned that if current trends persist, South Africa's economy could face stagnation, shrinking tax bases, and rising inequality-all threatening social stability. The fiscal burden of social grants is significant. In 2011, the South African government allocated around 3.5% of GDP to social assistance, which has grown over the years. The Centre for Global Development estimated that expenditure on social grants, particularly the Child Support Grant (CSG), reached nearly ZAR31 billion (approximately US$4.2 billion) in 2010-11. Instead, they argued that they serve as a necessary-but insufficient-measure to support those unable to provide for themselves. "While grants have helped improve food security, children's well-being, and school attendance,' Maritz warned that they are not a long-term solution to poverty. 'Overdependence can distort labor markets. When social assistance becomes a substitute for employment, it can disincentivize active job-seeking and skills development. 'Countries with more developed economies often implement prerequisites or conditions tied to grants, encouraging recipients to pursue upskilling or community participation.' He added that the current approach risks creating a stagnating workforce and reducing overall productivity in South Africa, thereby hindering economic growth and perpetuating inequality. 'Ironically, the system designed to reduce inequality may inadvertently reinforce it if not paired with empowerment strategies. 'Without access to meaningful employment, quality education, and secure communities, social mobility remains elusive for many beneficiaries.' Furthermore, dependence on grants without addressing the root causes-unemployment, corruption, and inefficient public services-could erode trust in institutions. Maritz warned that 'a society where millions feel trapped and unheard is inherently unstable,' stressing the need for comprehensive reforms.
