Belinda Grootveld Dar Safran Djerba : “The market for alternative accommodation needs to be regulated”

She returns in detail on the strengths of his property, but also on the fact that the destination Tunisia is unfortunately sold off again and again.

1001Tunisie: Dar Safran is a guesthouse highly acclaimed by Trip Advisor. What are its strengths?

Belinda Grootveld: What distinguishes “Dar Safran” of other B & Bs and boutique hotels is that our customers benefit from total privacy while enjoying permanent and special attention. After receiving the customer at the airport, we leave the only master of the need for assistance they need. Most of the customers of “Dar Safran” prefer a holiday in complete privacy and tranquility. That said, we also offer for those who want additional services and card such as a cook, babysitting, massage, yoga instructor … “Dar Safran” gets a lot of families with young children who do not want to stay in a big hotel. They adopt our “menzels” as a base and make trips to explore the island or go to the beach.

“Dar Safran” is ranked 4th guest house in Djerba but still these accommodations are not subject to any control. How to regulate the market for you?
Except that “Dar Safran” is ranked second on TripAdvisor … That said, you are correct, the market needs to be regulated and controlled. A classification according to standards and level of quality must be implemented as quickly as possible. The department that is supposed to regulate this activity is slow. For now, these rankings lack objectivity.
How do you set your prices, what are your sales tools and promotion?
My prices have not changed since the opening of “Dar Safran” just a few years. They are quite reasonable and commensurate with the level of comfort of the house and its occupancy rate. While Tunisia has not yet recovered from the effects of the Revolution and the bad press it suffers, it is difficult to increase prices while it is entirely possible to require higher prices especially Europe and North America.

You are a member of the “Dhiafa ‘Association. How are the activities of this association of alternative accommodation Tunisia between boutique hotels, campsites, apartments and guest houses?
I joined the “Dhiafa ‘Association into thinking that by forming an association we could cooperate and do more and better national and international level. I put as a contribution my expertise as a photographer and the level of project management. And it is me behind the logo of the Association and its official guide as well as equipment for Exhibitions of Paris, Brussels and Frankfurt. I must admit that the chemistry of the group is not very good and productive. I resigned yet.

Interview by Amel Djait

For further information about «Dar Safran» : www.safran-djerba.com