General Manager
General Manager
Riaan has extensive experience in the travel industry from both a local and international perspective. Specialising in luxury safari lodge operations and marketing, his career highlights include 5 Years as General Manager including three years as Marketing Director of Royal Madikwe Luxury Safari Residence – one of South Africa’s first and foremost safari villa concepts.
During his tenure Royal Madikwe was recognised as the first establishment in the North West Province to carry the esteemed Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FITSA) Trademark and was voted best lodge in South Africa at the annual Indaba Welcome Awards 2008. This luxury bush retreat also excelled as one of three finalists in the Best Villa category at the November 2008 International World Luxury Hotel Awards. In 2010 Royal Madikwe won the coveted global award as Best Luxury Game Lodge at the International World Luxury Hotel Awards.
After his studies in Tourism and Travel Practice Management at the University of Tshwane, Riaan completed a one year stint at Walt Disney World in Florida (USA) as part of a cultural exchange program.
Riaan also acted as General Manager of the luxury 5-star Robertson Small Hotel where he played an indelible part in the successful opening, marketing and daily operations of the hotel.