Many may not know that since the 90’s the 1000 Hills Bed and Breakfast Association has been working hard to represent their members at all levels of government where possible.
Joining the association goes beyond simply displaying a membership badge, it also means it’s members benefit from the following;
- Being advertised on the official 1000 Hills B&B website,
- Enjoy the ability to network within the organisation leading to referrals and the like,
- And are represented at all levels where possible.
We reached out to the Chairperson of the association, Jane Candow, and asked her to tell us more about the association.
The 1000 Hills B&B Association Chairperson, Jane Candow
My name is Jane Candow and I am one of the original founding members of the 1000 Hills B&B Association and current Chairperson.
The Association was founded in 1998 by a small group of people in the industry who believed we needed a body to ensure standards, ethics etc so our establishments would be a credit to the industry.
The aim was also to keep all our members informed of current legislation and to represent them when issues needed to be addressed with Government and Council. For example we joined forces with the NAA to fight Council for the current rates rebate which our members now enjoy.
We also assisted in applying for bulk signage applications with the roads department which we did in conjunction with our local CTO.
Our members have a wealth of knowledge in this industry which is at your disposal should you become a member.
We also offer the following benefits
Website
Your annual membership includes advertising on the “Stay in 1000 Hills” website, a unique website designed to generate inquiries which can be forwarded to all of our members so they all have an equal opportunity to quote or if they like your establishment they can contact you direct.
Your contact details are reflected on the area page applicable to your establishment as well as having a full page advert with a gallery of photos, facilities, description, dedicated Google map and more.
We only advertise establishments in our area which gives you an element of exclusivity and we also only represent legal establishments unlike other websites who just advertise everyone, that way you know you can trust booking with our members.
There is no commission payable on bookings from this site.
Networking
All our members network on everything from referring business to each other to information regarding crime, bilking or bad guests, suppliers and general information. You will receive our e-mail address which links you to all our members for this purpose.
We also offer assistance and information regarding licencing your business. We can help in assessing whether or not your property is going to be viable as a B&B or Guest House as we can supply you with stats and figures for the area.
We no longer hold official meetings but we do arrange lectures from time to time for information purposes. For instance we had an awesome talk on fire prevention, a reasonably priced booking system etc. We also arrange social lunches throughout the year with a Xmas function in December.
Representation
Together with other Associations we represent our members at Government and Council level regarding changes in legislation.
We are currently working with Government regarding the problems the online travel agent, Air Bnb are causing in our industry not only in South Africa but worldwide. Establishments currently advertising on the Air Bnb site without a business licence are considered to be illegal.
As an Association we are in a position to help with bulk registrations to get these establishments legal. We urge all un-licenced businesses to do this especially in light of COVID19 as you can get prosecuted for trading illegally.
We also urge the public to support legal for your own protection especially when booking through an Online Travel Agent.
Register with the 1000 Hills B&B Association
As a result of Covid 19 several of our members have sadly been forced to close so we are of course looking for new members. It’s easy to register with the association,
- Email candow@netactive.co.za for the relevant application form.
- Submit with a copy of your current business licence and proof of payment.
- Subs are currently R400 per annum with a once off R300 joining fee.
- You will also receive a certificate which can be displayed in your reception area.
About Jane Candow
Jane has spent 24 years in the Accommodation industry with her B&B Lindisfarne in Botha’s Hill and is Chairman of 1000 Hills B&B Association and member since 1998. Jane is currently a director on the local CTO tourism board since 2019. Jane is also a professional singer and musician since 1982 with her husband Paul in the duo Inter-Alia.