Executive Summary
Bushbucks™ is a coalition loyalty rewards programme launched by What The Gravel, targeting independent rural accommodation providers (guesthouses, eco-lodges, farm stays, boutique B&Bs) in Southern Africa. It operates as a closed-loop, direct-booking system that eliminates OTA commissions (typically 15–25%) and fosters repeat visitation through points-based rewards.
Guest Side (Gravel Club Membership):
- Annual fees: Adventurer (R800), Trailblazer (R1,200), Wilderness Master (R2,200).
- Earn Bushbucks™ points on direct stays; redeem for 10–30% discounts on future direct bookings (tier-aligned).
- Additional perks: Faster point accumulation, longer expiration (12–24 months), referral bonuses, expanded trails access, and priority notifications for committed members.
Partner Side (Accommodation Businesses):
- Three tiers—Gold (R3,000/year), Platinum (R4,500), Diamond (R6,000, with first 3 months half-price).
- Earn commissions (R150–R300) per new member sign-up via property-specific QR code/link.
- Benefits scale by tier: Basic-to-priority visibility on platform/app, targeted promotions, co-marketing, full analytics, guest data insights, and referral bonuses.
- Properties offer 10–30% repeat discounts to members, driving direct bookings and off-peak occupancy.
Current Status: Phase 1 rollout limited to 80 partners in Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, and Limpopo provinces. Emphasises analogue simplicity (QR codes, POS stands), trust-based community, and sustainable rural tourism—positioning it as a modest, human-centred alternative to big travel platforms.