South Africa’s tourism industry is a vital part of our economy, known for offering unique experiences that blend natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and warm hospitality. In recent years, a new player has entered the scene, enhancing the South African tourism experience in unexpected ways. The Tickle Tub, a proudly South African fire-driven hot tub, is making waves across the country’s hospitality sector.
Enhancing South African Tourism
Born in the creative hub of Cape Town, the Tickle Tub has quickly spread its reach from the Western Cape to Limpopo, finding its place in a variety of tourism establishments. From boutique guesthouses in the Winelands to luxury safari lodges in Kruger National Park, this innovative hot tub is adding a new dimension to the South African holiday experience.
One of the key reasons for Tickle Tub’s success in the tourism sector is its perfect alignment with eco-tourism principles. As more travellers seek sustainable travel options, accommodations that offer eco-friendly amenities gain a competitive edge. The Tickle Tub, with its fire-driven heating system, allows lodges and guesthouses to provide a luxurious hot tub experience without increasing their electricity consumption or carbon footprint.
In the Cape Winelands, boutique hotels are using Tickle Tubs to create unique wine-and-soak experiences. Guests can enjoy a warm bath under the stars, sipping on local wines, with the majestic mountains as a backdrop. The built-in ledge of the Tickle Tub provides the perfect resting place for a bottle of the region’s finest, enhancing the overall wine tourism experience.
Moving up the Garden Route, coastal guesthouses are installing Tickle Tubs to offer guests a warm respite from the chilly Atlantic waters. The portability of these hot tubs allows them to easily be placed at different locations based on booking requests of the client, offering the hot tub as a room upgrade, or luxury add-on experience. What better way to maximize ocean views, allowing visitors to whale-watch in comfort during the cooler months.
In the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, game reserves are incorporating Tickle Tubs into their luxury offerings. After a day of game drives, guests can unwind in a warm tub, watching the sunset over the African bush. The off-grid nature of the Tickle Tub means it can be placed in remote locations, offering unparalleled privacy and immersion in nature.
Perhaps nowhere has the Tickle Tub made a bigger impact than in the lodges surrounding Kruger National Park. Here, the concept of a “bush bath” has been revolutionized. Lodges are setting up Tickle Tubs on Glamping sites, allowing guests to soak while observing wildlife at nearby waterholes. The quiet, fire-driven system doesn’t disturb the animals, creating magical moments of connection with nature. In the warmer months, they double as a splash pool, allowing the guests to submerge themselves on those balmy bushveld evenings.
The customizable colour options of the Tickle Tub (300 choices!) allow each establishment to perfectly match their tub to their aesthetic. Whether it’s blending in with the earthy tones of a bush lodge or making a bold statement at a design-forward city hotel, there’s a Tickle Tub for every setting.
Beyond enhancing guest experiences, the Tickle Tub is also helping tourism establishments manage resources more effectively. In water-scarce areas, the ability to easily empty, circulate, and purify water makes the Tickle Tub a more sustainable option compared to traditional built-in hot tubs or pools.
The addition of a Tickle Tub can also extend the tourist season for many establishments. In areas where winters are too cold for traditional swimming pools, the easily heated Tickle Tub provides a year-round attraction. This has been particularly beneficial for coastal areas and highland regions, allowing them to attract visitors even during the cooler months.
As the tourism industry recovers from the impacts of the global pandemic, unique and memorable experiences are more important than ever. The Tickle Tub offers exactly that – a distinctly South African innovation that combines luxury, sustainability, and a connection to nature.
Moreover, by choosing to install Tickle Tubs, tourism establishments are supporting local industry. Each tub represents South African craftsmanship and ingenuity, contributing to job creation and economic growth in the manufacturing sector.
From the vineyards of Stellenbosch to the savannas of Sabi Sands, the Tickle Tub is enhancing the South African tourism experience. It’s a testament to our nation’s creativity and our ability to create world-class products that are both luxurious and sustainable. As more visitors discover the joy of a Tickle Tub soak under the African sky, it’s clear that this Cape Town innovation is set to become an integral part of the South African tourism landscape.