'Farmstay' initiative gains momentum

THE South African Agricultural Union's comprehensive Internet portal for the promotion of agricultural and ecotourism in South Africa known as Agri SA, has gained an exciting ally in Ronelle Henning, the author of the best-selling book 'Your Own Guesthouse'. August du Preez, director: public relations Agri SA says the initiative which hopes to have its consumer launch in May, has received overwhelming support and endless enquiries from interested parties. He says the book is the ideal manual for those who intend becoming part of Farmstay, irrespective of whether they have one room or ten rooms. Henning says the most general questions asked by prospective owners are covered in her book. It also contains valuable hints and advice for both prospective and existing guesthouse owners that can save them a great deal of effort, time and money. Du Preez added an additional benefit offered by Farmstay exclusively to its members is a series of one-day seminars on effective guesthouse management presented by Henning and Carine Willemse - a former guesthouse owner. Farmstay offers a total electronic function - from reservations to payment - and operates in partnership with ECnet. The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has also committed itself to the project. (Miguel de Sousa)