Bookings and Bottles

It's live! 🥂 Time to pour your glass and join the conversation. This is the episode that is a must-listen if you have been speaking about sustainability and compliance in the tourism sector in South Africa. We’re talking about lessons from others that could be costly for you, too. So, sit back and enjoy as the wonderful Melissa Foley tells you a hard truth you need to hear if you have not been ta...

Could a robot masseuse be the next big thing in travel wellness? In this episode, host Simone Snedorf sits down with Toni Hanekom, CEO and founder of Weltech, to explore the groundbreaking, AI-powered Robosculptor. Far from being a threat, this technology is designed to be a powerful partner to human therapists, with the potential to triple their income and enhance the guest experience. Toni unpac...

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the admin of running your travel business? In the vibrant, fast-paced world of South African travel, organisation isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a necessity. Between juggling client itineraries, supplier networks, and dynamic bookings, finding a moment of clarity can feel impossible. But what if you could have one single, calm, and clear space for all your client d...

In this episode meet my life long friend Zandile Cele , where we have a casual conversation with some giggles. This is the best way to really allow people to give insights; sometimes, they don't even know if they have insights and have fun! In this episode, Zandile's answers give insight into problem-solving and flexibility in travel, personal foundations, kindness and most importantly, se...

What do a yogi, cafe owner, and cancer survivor have in common? In this episode, we speak with a dynamic trio making significant waves in one of the most crucial aspects of business: human capital. They have brought together their uniqueness and an unparalleled set of expertise, forming something that addresses a sorely lacking characteristic of good business in South Africa. Jared, Julian and Tam...

The tables have turned! This week only, Simone is the one being interviewed, because it's high time everyone in the audience gets to know the person behind the voice they've been tuning in for. From her well kept secret wine preferences (sweet red), to proof of why even travel agents should know what API's are, this behind the scenes look is as much about substance as it is about laughs.

This week on Bookings and Bottles, Simone chats to systems engineer Merveille van Eck, who drops a truth bomb that hits home for many in the industry: “Most travel entrepreneurs don’t have tech problems — they have organisational ones.” From the fear of losing the personal touch to why software success depends more on your internal structure than your developer, this episode is loaded with real ta...

Forget what you think you know about Central Asia. This week, Simone sits down with Shakh S, an on-the-ground travel expert and Director at Touromania, to unlock the secrets of one of travel's true hidden gems: Uzbekistan. In this episode, you’ll discover: The truth about Uzbekistan's surprising safety, modern hotels, and high-speed trains that defy common misconceptions. A unique governme...

In the fast-paced travel industry, it's easy to focus so much on the client's journey that you neglect your own. In this episode, we sit down with wellness and productivity expert Jared Shippel to tackle the silent career-killer: burnout. Jared provides actionable strategies specifically for travel professionals to manage stress, reclaim their time, and build the mental resilience needed t...

Is your business ready for the AI revolution, or does it all feel like confusing tech jargon? In our first episode of Bookings & Bottles, Simone sits down with CEO and founder Andrew Parrington for a candid conversation that cuts through the hype. We are one of the first to talk with him about his new project, Agent Kaizen, a localised AI agent built to be your business's new best employee. Th...