CEO: David Brenner
Travel Retail is an international business, which caters to the retail requirements of the travelling consumer. It does so through four sub-divisions: world respected destination retail stores reflecting a sense of place and offering a wide range of souvenir; craft and destination related gifting that showcases the core and culture of communities; specialist jewellery stores and experiential diamond cutting operations to excite and entice the traveller; destination and airport restaurants, including taverns, so that the traveller may experience local in every sense; inflight duty free and buy-on-board services to airlines including British Airways, Airlink, Kenya and other international airlines. The duty free sub-division has expanded its operations to include ground duty free outlets, e.g. Murtala Muhammed International Airport, in Lagos, Nigeria.
Destination Retail
Tourvest Destination Retail (TDR) began in 1973 as a family business with a single store in Johannesburg’s Carlton Centre. It has since expanded into a global chain of 75 souvenir and craft stores, with 48 in southern Africa, 13 in the Caribbean, and 14 in New Zealand. TDR’s stores are strategically placed in international airports, popular hotels, wildlife parks, and bustling tourist areas.
Operating in a diverse market, TDR caters to various gifting needs across multiple price points. The company manages approximately 120,000 stock-keeping units (SKUs) and collaborates with around 1,200 South African suppliers. In addition to traditional tourist locations, TDR features destination-specific brands at notable sites like Robben Island, Kruger National Park, and Cape Point, leveraging these iconic names for exclusive products.
TDR emphasizes storytelling to forge emotional connections with customers, aiming to create memorable experiences that encourage sharing. The company recognizes a growing demand for personalized, sustainable products, inspiring retail innovation. Its brands and stores are crafted to engage customers and suppliers alike, initiating the “Experiential Retail” journey. TDR combines experience and insight to curate and present products thoughtfully, enhancing the atmosphere of its iconic locations.
Retail Services
Travel Retail is a global sector that addresses the retail needs of travelers through four main divisions. It features esteemed destination retail stores that embody local culture and provide a variety of souvenirs, crafts, and gifts that reflect the essence of their communities. Additionally, it includes specialized jewelry shops and experiential diamond cutting operations designed to captivate travelers. To enhance the travel experience, the sector offers destination and airport restaurants, including taverns that allow visitors to savor local flavors. In-flight duty-free shopping and buy-on-board services are also provided for airlines such as British Airways, Airlink, and Kenya Airways.
The award-winning food and beverage offerings combine traditional favorites with trendy items made from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Many of the globally recognized brands in Travel Retail are exclusive to airline partners, selected through thorough audience analysis and market research. Furthermore, the sector provides specialized technology solutions tailored for the travel retail industry, integrating seamlessly into existing customer experience ecosystems to elevate service delivery. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of the traveler’s journey is enriched, promoting memorable experiences that resonate with the essence of each destination.
Restaurants & Taverns
Tourvest Restaurants & Taverns curate exceptional dining experiences across Africa, showcasing a diverse array of cuisines and culinary styles. The offerings range from authentic local flavors to international classics and innovative fusion creations, catering to every palate. This culinary journey transcends borders, celebrating the universal language of food and bringing people together through shared experiences.
Tourvest aims to establish itself as the premier culinary destination on the continent, presenting a world of flavors within one esteemed collection. Each restaurant reflects its unique identity, honoring the richness and diversity of the cultures they represent. The focus is on creating memorable dining experiences that not only satisfy the taste buds but also foster a deeper appreciation for the culinary arts. By highlighting local ingredients and traditional cooking methods alongside contemporary culinary trends, Tourvest emphasizes the importance of quality and authenticity. Through this approach, Tourvest seeks to engage guests in a vibrant culinary narrative that invites exploration and connection, making each visit a celebration of Africa’s gastronomic heritage. Ultimately, Tourvest Restaurants & Taverns is dedicated to enhancing the dining landscape, ensuring that every meal is an unforgettable experience.
Jewellery
Tourvest Jewellery Division has pioneered experiential retail in South Africa’s jewellery industry. The Diamond Works facilities allow visitors to witness the intricate processes of diamond cutting, jewellery manufacturing, and tanzanite discovery, showcasing the essence of Africa. These brands and stores are designed to actively engage customers and suppliers, marking the beginning of the ‘Experiential Retail’ journey. Leveraging our experience and insights, we focus on sourcing and creating products tailored to the unique environments of iconic locations.
Established in 1897, Murdocks is Cape Town’s oldest jeweler, offering a selection of distinguished brands, including the luxury names Fabergé and Moraglione. The Tanur Collection embodies the spirit of luxury, inspired by African light, fauna, flora, and contemporary vibrancy. Unique experiences are also a highlight of our jewellery retail sub-division. A newly launched virtual reality experience explores the history and mining of our jewellery. Additionally, the Diamond Works features the only publicly accessible tanzanite polishing studio in the southern hemisphere. For a memorable touch, visitors can try on exquisite jewellery, including crowns and tiaras, and capture the moment with a selfie on the Red Carpet, creating lasting memories of their extraordinary experience.
OUR BRANDS
RESTAURANTS & TAVERNS
JEWELLERY
DESTINATION RETAIL
RETAIL SERVICES PROVIDED TO THESE AIRLINES
