As we speak this month, I reflect on our environment, on what is taking place around us, and how it impacts our business. The key message is that the global economic forum has changed forever. It has become evident that prudency in all we do has come to the fore and is now a key business imperative more than it has ever been.

In order to preserve value for the business, for ourselves and attain sustainable growth, we will have to become mavericks at what we do and in all areas of operation while maintaining our values. Although I use the term maverick, very much tongue in cheek, I must emphasize that we must realize that we will have to do more with less.

Income streams from our existing and potential clients are largely rationalized thereby resulting in a ripple effect to the service industry. This means that our guests are more likely to be price sensitive and at the same time demanding better service standards and delivery from us. This expectation has a direct bearing on our staffing and the requisite levels and caliber of personnel handling our guests.

I recently presented a paper at the Institute of People Management of Zimbabwe (IPMZ) conference held in Victoria Falls and my talk touched on these key issues of what is expected of our people to enable them to deliver to internationally acceptable standards, yet at the same time managing head count as any efficient business should. The issue of multi-skilling with the right candidates is a real one which should be the backbone of any organization. In order to effectively deliver at all times, we need to identify talent, nurture it, and this will eventually ensure our competitiveness not only on the African platform but on a global scale as well.

This forces me to revisit our staff skills competitiveness globally. What comes to mind is that we have pockets of excellence, but in order to change the perception of current skills level for Africa, our current training and development model has to be revamped in order to fit and meet modern challenges. The framework of the past will not work, therefore I leave you with this food for thought, what part can you play in your organization to ensure that your team remains relevant for today's world and beyond?

"Are you crazy?" This is the response as we tell our friends that we're going to drive to Victoria Falls! "All the way from Johannesburg?" "Why don't you just fly?!"

In all honesty the decision of where to go came after the decision to drive. Having flown all the way to South Africa, it seemed a waste to fly back to Europe, having not explored a little of Southern Africa. Hiring a 4x4 for cross-border travel was easy. A number of companies offer comprehensive insurance with only a small cross-border surcharge.

With Zimbabwe practically on the doorstep, it seemed anything other than a crazy decision. If we'd flown we would have missed most of the country. This way we experienced the beauty of the landscape, the warmth of the people and everything else that our adventure threw at us.

Within four hours drive from Johannesburg we're already at the border. The drive has been easy, huge toll roads almost all the way with signs to Zimbabwe as well as Musina. We stand in line, submit our driving licences and letter of authorisation from the hire car company and patiently wait. Indeed that is all we can do - follow the process - although we are itching to get back in our car and see that sign, "Welcome to Zimbabwe".

Two hours later, with a tank full of petrol from South Africa, we pass that long awaited sign and drive into Zimbabwe. Within a few hundred metres the tarmac road peters out, to be replaced by an uneven dirt road complete with potholes. Thank goodness we've got a 4x4! We're practically driving on unmarked sand, so how do we know which way it is to Bulawayo? The traffic, all two trucks, heading in the opposite direction is our only guide. However, just as we begin to recalculate the time it will take to reach our hotel, we spot tarmac!

The roads for the remainder of our journey throughout Zimbabwe are perfectly drivable. The odd pothole and police road block slow us down, but with plenty of fruit and a few US dollars to pave our way, we're well on course for an early evening arrival. Within four hours drive, we're amongst the wide, tree-lined avenues of Bulawayo. If we'd opted to drive to Cape Town, we wouldn't even be in sight of the Ocean by now.

Before we complete the last leg of our outward journey to Victoria Falls we need to refuel. Then the counter argument hits - it is USD 1 for a litre of diesel and petrol cost us USD 1.50. Availability is also a problem, so we make sure we fill the tank, before we head into the rural areas. The road to Victoria Falls puts this all in perspective. Passing alongside the Hwange National Park we're surrounded by lush, green vegetation, making the drive as refreshing as it is interesting.

It was a great drive, but I think tonight we'll take the boat rather than the car!

Why would African Sun operate three hotels within such close proximity? I discovered that, aside from the obvious demand for accommodation at the mighty Victoria Falls, each choice of Victoria Falls lodging offers a unique atmosphere.

Whilst Elephant Hills Resort is regarded as the men's playground, with a Championship golf course as its centre piece, The Kingdom is the family adventure playground with three swimming pools and The Victoria Falls Hotel, at the head of the African Sun family is "the grand old lady of the Falls". One key distinction being that at The Victoria Falls children may be seen, but at the Kingdom they are most certainly heard!

The Elephant Hills Resort is the perfect Victoria Falls lodging for a competitive sporting escape. With a championship 18-hole golf course, designed by the legendary Gary Player, tennis and squash courts, swimming pool, bowling greens, gymnasium and casino there's no end to the challenges to test the most competitive of colleagues or friends. The only things to halt play are the elephants sauntering across your fairway! For those whose competition is more work orientated, the conference facilities are renowned for being superbly equipped and fully adaptable.

For fun-filled family adventure The Kingdom is the resort to play at. From the three swimming pools and children's play area for the youngest members of the family to bungee jumping, flights over the Falls and white-water rafting to keep the older kid's adrenalin pumping. There's no need to worry about anyone going hungry with a food court offering a wide choice of relaxing or quick meals, over which to relive the day. The African Sun team have completely designed this Victoria Falls lodging for the family, offering additional bunk beds in most of the rooms. Once the children are in bed, the four bars offer the parents a choice of entertainment.

If all this seems rather too energetic and tranquillity and seclusion is your preference, The Victoria Falls Hotel will be your cup-of-tea. With suites decorated in the gracious Edwardian style of Zimbabwe's colonial era and a pace of life to suit, you can be sure of both a perfect cup of tea and an exquisite serving of 'afternoon tea'. A stroll down the corridors, reflecting the history of this unique part of Africa, to the opulent Livingstone Room for fine dining and dancing, provides a perfect end to a day of nostalgia.