3@Marion Guesthouse
What does your company do?
At 3@Marion Guesthouse, we create a home away from home for business and leisure travelers in Pretoria. Our welcoming guesthouse offers warm, personalized hospitality, blending comfort and style in a serene setting. With a focus on exceptional service and local charm, we ensure every guest feels welcomed, cared for, and connected to the heart of the city.
Beyond this, I proudly own the Pretoria Bucket List, a platform showcasing our city’s hidden gems, and serve as the Chairperson of the Tshwane Tourism Association, leading the charge for industry collaboration and excellence. I also head up the Safest Capital City campaign, a transformative initiative focused on creating a safer, more connected Pretoria. Additionally, I facilitate hospitality training, helping others in the sector deliver experiences marked by professionalism and fun.
What is your biggest success?
My biggest success has been the creation of the Pretoria Bucket List, a platform born from my passion for showcasing the unique charm and diversity of Pretoria.
Starting with a simple idea to connect residents and visitors with hidden gems, the Bucket List has grown into a powerful marketing tool that promotes local businesses and experiences. By curating authentic adventures and highlighting the city’s beauty, I’ve built a community that celebrates Pretoria’s vibrant spirit.
The initiative has not only boosted tourism but has also strengthened collaborations with local entrepreneurs and stakeholders. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how the Pretoria Bucket List inspires people to explore, support local and enjoy our city.
This project has reaffirmed my belief in Pretoria’s potential and my commitment to driving sustainable growth and showcasing its essence to the world.
What has been your biggest hurdle?
My biggest hurdle was the complete standstill of operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a guesthouse owner and a promoter of local experiences through the Pretoria Bucket List, I found myself facing an unprecedented challenge when lockdowns were implemented. Overnight, our bookings vanished, and the vibrant industry I had worked so hard to nurture was brought to a halt.
The uncertainty of when, or if, things would return to normal weighed heavily. I had to pivot quickly, finding ways to keep our audience engaged online, supporting fellow local businesses, and maintaining hope in the face of adversity. It was a period of resilience, creativity, and learning, teaching me to adapt, stay connected and plan for the future.
Coming through it has made me more determined to keep building a strong, inclusive tourism community and to contribute to the recovery of our beautiful city.
