Ypie Kingma

Experience

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  Independent Media

  Jan 1992 - Jan 1995

  Client Services
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  AMS

  Jan 1995 - Jan 1997

  Operations Manager
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  Inyathi Guest Lodges

  Sept 1999 - Jan 2006

  Owner

  Hands-on, but business-like approach of running a internationally recognized holiday accommodation establishment. Personalized service, excellent marketing together with a unique concept of accommodation made this guesthouse a 'must stay' place in Knysna, South Africa.

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  Platinum Golf, Tours & Accommodation

  Jan 2005 - Jul 2017

  Managing Director

  Africa's Best Golf Tour Operator 2014 AND 2015 - World Golf AwardsAfrica's Best Golf Tour Operator 2016 - nominee (March 2016)Welcome Awards 2010/2011 Tour Operators less than 5 years - Runner upInbound (golf)tour operator to South(ern) Africa, specializing in tailor made individual or group tours, self-drive or chauffeur-driven (golf) tours, incl. accommodation, tee-off times, sightseeing, car rental, etc. in Cape Town, Garden Route, Sun City, Kwazulu Natal. Leopard Creek, Sun City, Lost City, Arabella, Fancourt, Simola, Pezula, etc. Platinum Golf Tours - for a superbly organized golfing holiday to South(ern) Africa! English, Dutch, German and Russian spoken. Show less

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  Knysna Country House ****

  Dec 2010 - Nov 2017

  Owner / manager

  The 9-room, 4-star Knysna Country House is situated in a quiet suburb of the renown leisure destination of Knysna along the Garden Route in South Africa. My experience in marketing to the international as well as national tourism industry brought the occupancy rates from only 30% in the 1st year to doubling that within the next 5 years. The guesthouse is now listed on numerous OTA's and with several internationally recognized tour operators. I initiated and have since been responsible for the social media strategy and implementation as well. This includes facebook, twitter, instagram and google+.Since taking over the Knysna Country House has received yearly awards from TripAdvisor (including Travellers' Choice Winners awards 2014 and 2014 and inclusion in their Hall of Fame in 2015), consistent ratings on Booking.com of over 8.5 as well as being rated the No.4 Guesthouse in South Africa on Zoover.nl in 2014.Besides the marketing I am also actively involved in the day-to-day running of the guesthouse, including guest liaison, check-ins, admin and operations. Show less

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  Destination Garden Route

  Oct 2017 - now

  Tourism Marketing Organization, connecting Garden Route tourism products with visitors to the area, either directly or through the travel trade. Trade Representation, Online / Social / Email Marketing and Tour Planning are our main areas of expertise. Focus on smaller establishments and owner run/managed operations.

  • Managing Director

    Nov 2017 - now

  • Geshaftsführer Destination Garden Route, Süd Afrika

    Oct 2017 - now
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  Garden Route Collection

  Nov 2019 - now

  Director

  Travel Trade Representation and Tour Operators’ go-to source for unique, lesser known and authentic accommodation establishments, activities, adventures, restaurants and other places to eat, drink and have a good time along the Garden Route and Klein Karoo – the Southern Cape Coast of South Africa’s Western Cape Province.

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  Greater Knysna Business Chamber

  Mar 2021 - Feb 2023

  Office Administrator

  Office Administration of growing Greater Knysna Business Chamber with mission to be the Voice of Business in Greater Knysna. Organizing networking events, sharing business info and opportunities, seeking accountability and encouraging collaboration between businesses, different spheres of government and other stakeholders in Greater Knysna and beyond.