About Touch Down Africa
Touch Down Africa operates lodges, boutique resorts, and travel experiences across South Africa, from the Western Cape to Limpopo, offering guests unforgettable lodge stays rooted in nature, adventure, and South African culture.
The challenge
Before using Hoop, daily operations across our properties felt scattered. Housekeepers had to report room status in person, guest requests got lost in WhatsApp threads, and upsell opportunities slipped through the cracks. During a packed high season in Hoedspruit, the chaos hit a peak: delayed check-ins, missing items, and frustrated teams. We knew something had to change.
Why we chose Hoop, and why it worked
We were hesitant at first. Would our staff adapt? Would it be too complex or too costly? So we started small, focusing on housekeeping tasks and guest requests at our Tshukudu lodge, and gradually expanded from there.
To our surprise, the adoption was quicker than expected. By week two, the benefits were already clear: fewer room readiness issues, fewer missed requests, and most importantly, calmer staff.
To our surprise, the adoption was quicker than expected. By week two, the benefits were already clear: fewer room readiness issues, fewer missed requests, and most importantly, calmer staff.
The checklist that changed everything
One of the biggest shifts came from something deceptively simple: digital checklists. Suddenly, every task had a clear owner, a due time, and real-time visibility. No more walkie-talkie chases or handwritten notes. Everything was structured, shared, and trackable.
Our head housekeeper in Hoedspruit said it best:
“I used to write reminders on my hand, now I just open the app.”
Our head housekeeper in Hoedspruit said it best:
“I used to write reminders on my hand, now I just open the app.”
Real results
- Task resolution time dropped by more than half
- Guest satisfaction rose by 5 points, especially in “cleanliness” and “responsiveness”
- Most importantly, the chaos gave way to clarity. Our teams started each day with purpose and a plan
Moments that matter
During a tight back-to-back weekend in Hoedspruit, two large groups arrived just hours apart. Normally, that would’ve meant delays. But with Hoop’s checklists and live updates, every room was turned around ahead of schedule, and the tour leader even complimented our precision. That felt good.
What we’d tell other hotels
Checklists might sound basic, but they transformed our operations. They brought structure, reduced stress, and helped everyone, from housekeepers to managers, feel more in control.
To anyone hesitating, we’d say this: you don’t need a full tech overhaul. Just give your team the right tools to stay organized. The difference is night and day.
To anyone hesitating, we’d say this: you don’t need a full tech overhaul. Just give your team the right tools to stay organized. The difference is night and day.
