Forever Resorts South Africa has announced the appointment of Eugene van Jaarsveldt as its new Managing Director.
Van Jaarsveldt will take over the position from Kobus Tait, who has been with Forever Resorts for over four decades and serving as MD for the last 18 years.
With more than 20 leisure and corporate destinations to choose from, Forever Resorts Lodges Hotels and Retreats is one of the top tourism and hotel groups in South Africa.
In a statement released on Friday, 28 May, Forever Resorts said Van Jaarsveldt will assume the position on Tuesday, 1 June 2021, and will be based at the Company’s Head Office in Gauteng.
Van Jaarsveldt, whose journey with Forever Resorts started in 1999 where he joined the team at Warmbaths, A Forever Resort, says: “I am excited about the future, and look forward to enjoying this new chapter in our Company’s history with our passionate team, our loyal guests, and our valued partners.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly presented challenging times for us as an industry over the last fourteen months, and navigating the market dynamics towards our full recovery is the current priority.
“The Forever Resorts group will continue to deliver safe and innovative experiences combined with exceptional hospitality to guests visiting our properties across South Africa.
“For the past 43 years, Kobus has been an integral part of our Forever Family and has shaped the organisation during its various transitions. His passion for the Tourism industry and vibrant approach to business will be missed. We would like to thank Kobus for his invaluable contribution and leadership he provided during his time with the group, and wish him a retirement filled with many more adventures.”
Van Jaarveld has worked at various Forever properties, including Forever Blyde Canyon and Forever Badplaas where he held the position of General Manager for several years. More recently, he held the position of Group Business Development and Marketing Executive.
Tait’s journey with Forever Resorts started in February 1978 where he was a Senior Financial Clerk at Forever Blyde Canyon, Mpumalanga. Since then Tait held multiple positions within the group across South Africa before taking up various Managerial roles and ultimately the role of Managing Director in 2003.
Tait will be joining his wife in retirement and will be taking up his role as a full-time grandfather to his two beautiful grandchildren.
Read the full statement from Forever Resorts South here.