Travel is one of life’s most heightened experiences. So the more gems, trends, secrets and sure things you know that will help you create an exceptional experience, the better. Lew Rood is the travel consultant with the key to that treasure chest. He’s been in the industry for four decades, and understands every aspect of the travel business. This knowledge is the add-on that will help give your hospitality business – tour operation, safari lodge, hotel or restaurant – the distinctive edge that will make a difference to your bottom line.
‘Lew has played a key role in the evolution of Singita and is without peer in his knowledge of the mechanics of the hospitality industry. Furthermore, he is the best networked person I know. It is his ability to access this network that has contributed so handsomely to Singita’s success.’
– LUKE BAILES, Singita’s owner, South Africa
Why Lew Rood
Experience, discernment and composure: Lew’s insatiable curiosity, accumulated knowledge, specialist expertise, excellent connections and vast experience places him in a unique position to provide the best advice and ideal itinerary for any travel company or tour operator to southern Africa, for corporate or leisure travellers. His knowledge of his home country and its neighbours is deep and thorough – he’s experienced all the tried-and-tested favourites and is constantly taking note of the new and innovative – but also importantly, he’s able to remedy unexpected hitches.
Services
Lew consults to the international and local travel trade, hotels, lodges and guesthouses and, on occasion, discerning individual and corporate travellers. He will source new venues, products and properties, give advice on public relations, marketing, strategies for local and international trade shows, media strategies to stimulate international and local travel. He can also advise on building client relationships and networks, as well as travel-industry trends and broadening business opportunities. Finally, Lew offers the ultimate concierge service, sourcing anything from new hotels and wine estates to galleries and quality shops.
Places
As a developing economy, Africa is one of the most exciting and memorable continents to explore for travellers, and it’s a rewarding area for the international and local travel trade to operate in. However, with the exception of South Africa, information and knowledge can be scarce. Lew has worked at SA Tourism, spent several years at local and international hotels, as well as in the tour-operating business handling inbound requirements for foreign visitors. He’s also spent two-plus decades in the safari industry. His knowledge of the broader region from a geographical point of view is excellent, but also importantly, he understands how it operates currently, historically and logistically.
Latest
Keeping up with the latest information is important when it comes to the travel and hospitality industry. It’s dynamic and organic, constantly shifting and reinventing. Lew spends several days a month travelling for research, during which time he keeps an eye out for innovative and creative enterprises, be it food and wine or innovative products, partly for his own pleasure, partly to pass on information that will delight a potential client and add value to a business. Keep in the loop with Lew’s blog.
Experience
Lew started his career at the Johannesburg Hotel School. In forty-plus years he’s had experience of almost every sector of the service industry.
Network
In his forty-plus years in the industry Lew has built invaluable networks and relationships, which he can use to any business’ advantage.
Without Peer
Lew has incomparable networks and relationships, but what sets him apart is his many years of experience in dealing with people the world over
Passion for Africa
‘Africa done right can delight every time,’ Lew believes. He’s spent a lifetime promoting this remarkable continent and knows it intimately.
Tailored
Understanding people is core to the hospitality industry. Lew can recommend authentic experiences that suit the person or group, and budget.
Sourcing
Lew’s insatiable curiosity constantly exposes him to what’s new, interesting and of quality. His talent is being able to match the ‘product’ with the person.
Insight
Four decades in the same industry means Lew has valuable insights into operations, trends, and local and international standards that can help set your business apart.
Solutions
There are no problems in Lew’s world, merely challenges and ways to solve them. His huge network means access to a wealth of information.
Southern Africa
The south is made up of countries with magnificent natural resources and warm, interesting cultures. Lew knows the best of what each has to offer.
Countries
Within each country are beautiful regions with a wealth of properties and interesting experiences to offer.
Locations
Lew has sought out a range of authentic addresses with heart and soul. He’s tested them all, and being independent, recommends only what he’s confident of.
Off the beaten Track
Experiencing places off the beaten track can often make the greatest memory. This is especially useful knowledge for those who’ve ‘seen and done it all’.
Lew’s Blog
The travel industry is constantly changing and it’s important to keep up with new developments. Keep in touch with Lew’s experiences here.
Gallery
See images from Lew’s recent travel experiences here.
Press
Exposure on Lew and the businesses he’s represented over the years.