Good luck with the great work you are doing in positioning the city as a pacesetter.

In terms of pricing, we held the first industry pricing workshops as far back as 2006, followed by a series of workshops with industry and MATCH where we debated the contract and the issue of price. This included many one on one meetings between members of the industry and MATCH. We enjoyed working with CapeInfo on this programme in the months leading up to the World Cup and appreciate your ongoing support and input. The issue of price and better value is as relevant now, post the World Cup, and will remain a focus area.

We are leading the way in many relevant issues for Cape Town and tourism i.e. brand, eTourism and post-World Cup event strategy development.

As far as the debate on Freedom of Speech in Social Media is concerned, I agree that Skye’s comments were very balanced. I am also not suggesting that team members may not participate in debate.

It is important to adhere to communications protocal especially when the organisation and industry you represent are affected. Cape Town Tourism’s communication protocol is simple. As CEO, I am the official spokesperson and should lead external communications that affect Cape Town Tourism. Under special circumstances communication will be elevated to the Board Chairperson or delegated to an appropriate team member mandated to talk on an issue.

In this instance (where the tourism industry is affected), it would have been more appropriate to discuss the issue internally and agree on our position as Cape Town Tourism before responding – it would’ve carried much more weight and prevented further personal attacts against one team member i.e. continue fueling the debate. Having the backing of an entire organisation and its board and speaking with one voice on key issues have a far greater impact and prevents the targeting of individuals.

It is difficult seperating our personal and professional lives, especially if we represent certain key positions in an organisation. When our integrity and professionalism are questioned it is difficult not to react immediately, but I have learned that a well thought through and well timed response have a greater impact. Our stance as Cape Town Tourism is not to get involved in petty public mudslinging – but we will act and speak out when strategically important or relevant and then through the appropriate channel/s.

As I said in my original response, we do not condone bullying neither do we just accept accusations made against a team member without question. We are dealing with this at the appropriate level.

Great leadership is not always about running ahead of the pack – you run the risk of leaving your troups behind or lose sight of the bigger picture. It is often more effective to lead from behind with your eyes fixed on the prize.

But…we never stop learning.

CapeInfo engaged with CTT on pricing issues in the lead up to 2010 WC for many months before you started addresses some very real issues. When you did start addressing the issues, you did so with great effect and we worked very closely with you, as we always strive to do.

But you should have started earlier so our message here is: “lead more, react less.” A sore that is allowed to fester grows out of all proportions.

CapeInfo removed a comment on our Spaniard in the Works blog by a member of CTT’s staff at CTT’s request. We did so with regret because, in our opinion, it was one of the sanest contributions to a debate and discussion.

We question your use of “helped to fuel the debate” rather than having said “participated in a debate.” It seems as though you are saying that CTT staff may not participate in debates until an official view has been endorsed and sanitised by your board.

Can you publish CTT’s communications protocols here for all to see?