A Success Story


From Humble Beginnings

Inseparable as partners and friends, John and Bram made a team destined for success. Their complementary strengths were symbiotic and ensured they were unstoppable in their rise to the top. This rock-solid partnership formed the foundation for the Group’s impressive growth.

Bram and John Beekman opened a paint contracting business called Beekman Group Painters in 1970. This expanded rapidly to become one the largest contracting companies in Johannesburg with a staff compliment of approximately 80 people. The company was sold in 1980.

Becoming a major developer in the Vacation Ownership industry

Bram and John moved to Durban in 1980 where they diversified and entered the Vacation Ownership industry. Their first development situated at Banana Beach on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast was affiliated to RCI (UK) and paved the way for them to enter the local leisure industry. It also set the scene for the official launch of the Beekman Group in 1981, a respected developer and marketing pioneer of the Vacation Ownership industry. This was followed by the development of a further six conventional Vacation Ownership resorts under the Suntide brand, ending with Suntide Qunu Lodge at Qunu Falls near Ixopo.

Revolutionising the concept of Vacation Ownership

Launched in 1993, The Holiday Club was established in South Africa and expanded into Australia, New Zealand and Botswana. The company introduced a flexible Points System, which meant that Members were no longer restricted to one destination for their family holidays but have a tremendous variety of choices in Southern Africa and overseas.

Expanding an already strong property portfolio

The Club, the largest in South Africa has acquired investments in resorts throughout Southern Africa and has developed its own quality resorts in the most popular holiday areas of the region. Currently valued at around R660 million, these investments are administered by the Beekman Group and are held by The Leisure Property Trust. In addition, the Trust also owns stock in many resorts giving Club Members access to about 130 resorts in Southern Africa. The Holiday Club accounts for 40% of the total leisure industry’s sales within South Africa. The Holiday Club has expanded into both Australia and New Zealand and is actively investigating other potential markets.

Diversifying the property portfolio

Having gained invaluable experience in developing properties targeted at the leisure market, it was only natural that the Beekman Group would expand into property developments within the commercial and residential sectors.

Achievements

The Beekman Group has acquired numerous awards in recognition for its contribution to the South African leisure industry:

World Travel Awards

These global awards serve as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.

  • Africa’s Best Travel Club 2019 – winner (BMP)
  • Africa’s Best Travel Club 2019 – nominee (THC)
  • Africa’s Best Travel Club 2020 – nominee (BMP)
  • Africa’s Best Travel Club 2020 – nominee (THC)

Industry Awards

Over the years, we have had numerous accolades and awards from our peers in the industry, and we are especially inspired and proud to be recognised for our dedication and contribution to the industry.

RCI

  • Hall of Fame Inductees:
    • Bram Beekman (Late – Former Chairman)
    • John Beekman (Managing Director)
    • Steve McCarroll (Sales Director)
  • Presidents Club award in 2012, 2013, 2014
  • Presidents Club award for Ultiqa

Industry Awards — General

  • Industry Performer of the Year 2009
  • Service Excellence 2011
  • Lifetime Achievement 2011
  • Outstanding Newcomer of the Year 2011
  • Environmental Award for Placid Waters resort 2011

Top Business Awards

These KZN based awards showcase and recognise the companies that contribute to the province’s ongoing success.

  • Tourism 2017 (winner)
  • Tourism 2018 (runners up)
  • Tourism 2019 (winner)

Awards — General

These are awards received from various bodies and organisations recognising our positive contribution to the economy, environment and community at large.

  • The Holiday Club Head Office: Platinum Certification from The Green Path for Group’s green ambitions 2013
  • SANBS Controller Award 2020
  • Newsmaker of the Year 2016 (SC Tourism)
  • Private Edition Magazine wins Bronze Sappi printing award

Industry Awards –RADA

  • Most Company Enrolment award for 16 consecutive years in 1995 – 2010
  • Best Marketing Programme in 1999, 2002, 2003, 2005
  • Won Developer of the Year Award in 1998, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008
  • Sustainable Business Practices Award 2012
  • Technological Initiatives 2013
  • Top Unit Maintenance 2013, 2014, 2019
  • Top Resort Maintenance 2013, 2014
  • Long Service Award 2013, 2014, 2018
  • Managers of the Year 2015, 2016
  • Employees of the Year 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
  • Salesperson of the Year 2014, 2016
  • Resorts Recognition Award 2014
  • Investment in Hospitality 2015, 2017
  • Top Hospitality Resort 2016
  • Innovation Award- Unique family centric Resort Initiatives

PMR.africa Awards

PMR.africa wants to acknowledge a company’s vision, integrity, values, competence and empathy that contributes to ethical and sustainable business practices on the South Coast, KZN.

  • Corporate Responsibility Initiatives And Investments 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
  • Exceptional Managerial And Corporate Governance Qualities 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019
  • Doing Most To Protect The Environment 2013, 2014, 2015, 2019
  • Doing Most To Enhance Conservation And Tourism 2018, 2019
  • Doing Most To Accommodate And Enhance The Interests Of Physically Challenged/Disabled People 2015, 2019
  • Doing Most To Develop And Enhance The Interests Of The Elderly/Senior Citizens 2019
  • John Beekman: Outstanding Service and Contribution to the Economic Growth and Development 2011, 2018
  • Conducting Its Business in the Most Ethical Way 2015, 2017, 2018
  • Doing Most to Fight HIV/ 2012, 2018
  • Most Innovative Companies 2015, 2017
  • Doing Most To Develop And Enhance Infrastructure 2012, 2012, 2017
  • Doing Most For Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
  • Doing Most To Enhance And Promote Sustainable Development 2011, 2015, 2016
  • Doing Most To Enhance The Interests Of Children With Special Needs 2015
  • Doing Most To Develop And Enhance The Interests Of 2013, 2014
  • Doing Most To Promote Arts And Culture 2011