FIVESTAR PR has also been appointed on the marketing team to launch Brookdale Estate in the Paarl winelands, a boutique winery with luxurious Manor House accommodation, as well as a restaurant and wine tasting centre that is currently under construction.

It was also contracted to provide PR support to members of an international travel marketing agency, Inspirational Places, including the recently launched Perivoli Lagoon House and Mosaic Lagoon Lodge in Stanford. It will also support Schoone Oordt in Swellendam, The Residence in Houghton (Johannesburg) and Federal Airlines.

Janie van der Spuy, who heads up FIVESTAR PR, says, "Naturally, it has been a very difficult year for the industry, but it is encouraging to see that clients continue to invest in marketing and PR, recognising that they will reap the benefits once travel normalises."

"Now is not the time to take a back seat. The PR industry has to be proactive and work smarter and harder than ever before, albeit within a smaller media network, in order to maintain a public presence and generate exposure for our clients," van der Spuy adds.

"We operate in a niche market of small, privately owned luxury boutique hotels, safari lodges and lifestyle brands. A solid track record and proven results over more than 20 years in the PR business has stood us in good stead, once again affirming that in the PR industry reputation is everything," van der Spuy says.

"It’s not all doom and gloom. It’s encouraging to see the rebirth of some lifestyle titles such as House and Leisure and Woman & Home, and the launch of some exciting new print publications such as Modern Living," adds van der Spuy.

"Many niche publications have not only survived but are thriving. In terms of the travel and hospitality industry, the business has shifted to the local market and South African travellers now have the opportunity to book iconic travel experiences locally, at rates that may never be repeated. It’s our mission to carry this message into the market and to make sure that, when they do book that bucket list trip locally, they choose our clients," she concludes.

For more information, visit www.fivestarpr.co.za. You can also follow FIVESTAR PR on Twitter or on Instagram.