Big expansion plans on the horizon as Maropeng turns seven

Maropeng general manager Tony Rubin is an excited man.

There are three reasons why: Maropeng turns seven on 7 December; the organisation is on the verge of massive growth; and he is looking forward to improving his golf handicap.

Tony explains: “We have developed a comprehensive two-year expansion plan for Maropeng – extending the hotel, upgrading Hominid House, revamping the amphitheatre and upgrading our exhibitions.”

The next two years will keep Tony busy, as he steers the massive project to fruition. And then he can turn his attention to more relaxing pursuits.

“Once all the changes have been made, I will give serious consideration to retirement and chasing after a small white ball,” he quips.

Maropeng’s planned expansion comes on the back of substantial growth in visitor numbers over the past seven years, from zero in 2005 to 250 000 per annum jointly for Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves.

“This is such a dynamic business and it keeps us on our toes every day. The beauty of Maropeng is that we need to keep reinventing ourselves to remain current. Unlike conventional hospitality concerns, every new day comes with its own challenges and highlights, which is why I enjoy it so much,” says Tony.

Over the past six years Maropeng has established itself locally as one of South Africa’s preferred tourist destinations, with visitor numbers on the increase.

Global recognition is not far behind, with palaeoanthropologists worldwide showing a keen interest in the Cradle of Humankind and in Maropeng following Professor Lee Berger’s Australopithecus sediba fossil discovery and the well-attended “Ples” Conference that followed in 2010.

“The sediba fossils really helped to put us on the international map,” says Maropeng marketing and communications manager Lindsay Marshall.

Although the length and depth of humankind’s common ancestry never fails to impress first-time visitors, Maropeng’s world-class facilities and service are as highly rated.

“Feedback often makes mention of Maropeng’s warm, efficient service, as well as general amazement that such an establishment exists in South Africa,” says Lindsay.

“People love the distant mountain views, our conference facilities and how visitor centre information expands their understanding of fossil finds in South Africa, especially those of Sterkfontein.”

The hominid models and original fossil displays remain perennial favourites, with the sediba fossil display proving a massive drawcard during 2010.

Over the years Maropeng has regularly canvassed the public to see how they can improve their product offering. The last time this was done, the most memorable request Lindsay received was: “We wish to see more live fossils on display!”

Maropeng customer relationship manager Magel van de Venter’s most interesting challenge to date has been a request from a bridal couple to get married during the Maropeng boat ride.

“I think they had visions of a gondola in Venice, but in reality our boat trip takes around four-and-a-half minutes, so I told them it would unfortunately not be operationally viable,” she explains. The story did end on a happy note, however, with the couple taking their marriage vows at Maropeng’s boutique hotel instead!

Apart from keeping prospective couples happy, Magel keeps the focus on sustainability and encourages visitors to “go green”.

We asked her whether the convenience of direct communication with visitors via social networking platforms was proving beneficial.

“People haven’t been as forthcoming as we would like about their experiences, although we do see a lot of website activity, with questions and comments, especially on our Twitter and Facebook accounts,” she says.

Magel says Maropeng’s communication icon, Harry the Hominid, has endeared himself to the public and has proved to be a useful communication tool, but future plans will make more use of social media.

“What we offer is unique and diverse – Maropeng, the Tumulus, the hotel and the restaurants – so we plan to run online competitions and post questions to generate interaction.

“It’s important for us to get feedback from visitors, to enable us to perfect our options as we move into 2013,” she adds.