TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY SOUTHERN AFRICA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY INSIDE NEWS DEFAULTING AGENCIES Fear of Iata guarantee hikes ROUND UP THE SMILE HIGH CLUB Your craziest travel enquiries Page 10 Page 9 November 19 2008 I No. 2036 TNW3080SD THERE’S ONE WAITING FOR YOU Call your nearest ASATA travel agent or one of our Dream Makers on 011 217 5555 or visit www.suninternationaldreams.com *Subject to availability and definite terms and conditions. E&OE Pay for 2 nights, stay for 3* R5 999 TNW3201SD CHANA VILJOEN T HE UK working holiday is officially over for young South Africans as the British High Commission will soon stop issuing working holiday visas. From November 27, the UK is implementing its points- based Youth Mobility Scheme (Tier 5) and South Africa is not part of it. Ed Bossley, deputy director of visa services (projects) Southern, Eastern and Central Africa at the British High Commission in Pretoria, says South Africa was made well aware of what the requirements were to be included in the scheme, and it didn’t meet the criteria. The requirements included South Africa introducing a reciprocal scheme for young Brits, which Ed says could be difficult for the country to deliver given the current environment. A strong relationship in terms of immigration and returning illegals between South Africa and the UK was also required, and this was not achieved. Ed says South Africa could still apply to be part of the scheme in future if it did make the necessary changes, unless a visa regime is imposed next year, in which case it is automatically excluded. Liezl Gericke, commercial manager at STA Travel, says the company has spent around R2,5m educating its target market about the working holiday. As a result, she says there has been a mad rush in UK working holiday applications in the last month or so. Applications received up until November 26, says Ed, will be processed and, if correct, applicants could still get a working holiday visa. He says applications can be post dated for a maximum of three months. Those already in the UK need not worry. Ed says their visas will still be valid for the period they were originally issued for. Still some options Young South Africans who would like to visit and work in the UK still have some options, says Ed. Tier 1 of the Points Based System allows South Africans with a qualification and some work experience who have enough points to find employment in the UK for up to three years. This tier, he says, has minimal restrictions, so it would be a good option. Tier 2, being rolled out on November 27, is similar to the current work permit. It would require a company to sponsor the applicant who wishes to work in the UK. To page 16 Goodbye UK working holiday Until December 10, Mango is offering a 10% discount on all its Mango Flex (K class) and Mango Plus (G class) fares. Mango Flex is a fairly new product, introduced to provide business travellers with more flexibility (read more about it on page 6). The one-way, all-inclusive fares start from R489 for Mango Flex and from R645 for Mango Plus. Showing just how flexible Mango is getting is Nico Bezuidenhout, the airline’s ceo Photo: Mark Jackson-Moss How flexible are you? CHANA VILJOEN SAA’s announcement that it will outsource its call centres has the travel trade concerned about whether or not the service they receive will in fact be improved. From December, the Dimension Data consortium will be operating SAA’s Reservations and Voyager call centres. Bhabhalazi Bulunga, SAA gm: human resources, says the call centres are being outsourced to “improve productivity, efficiencies and ultimately the service offered to customers”. SAA says capacity will also be increased at call centres where necessary. However, travel agents are worried that outsourcing the call centres could lead to staff who do not have adequate training and the proper information necessary to handle their queries. SAA says: “Additional training is in progress to refresh skills as well as train additional capacity.” The airline says it does not foresee any changes to the current operating hours. Bhabhalazi says it is anticipated that about 250 SAA staff members in the two call centres will be affected. They will be transferred to Dimension Data but have also been offered voluntary severance packages. A letter recently sent to SAA customers said there may be some delays with queries while the airline continued its discussions with labour on the implementation, but that contingency plans were in the process of being implemented. “We ask for your understanding and support during this transitional phase and assure you of our commitment to provide you with the most effective service possible,” it reads. ■ Better service from SAA’s call centres? Page 8 AGENTZONE THE NAKED AGENT Give your clients detailed info
Transcript
TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY
SouThERN AfRicA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY
INSI
DE news
defaulting agenciesFear of Iata guarantee hikes
round upthe smile high club
Your craziest travel enquiries
Page 10 Page 9
November 19 2008 I No. 2036
TNW3080SD
T H E R E ’ S O N E W A I T I N G F O R Y O U
Call your nearest ASATA travel agent or one of our Dream Makerson 011 217 5555 or visit www.suninternationaldreams.com
*Subject to availability and definite terms and conditions. E&OE
Pay for
2 nights,
stay for 3*
R5 999
TNW3201SD
Chana Viljoen
THE UK working holiday is officially over for young South Africans as the
British High Commission will soon stop issuing working holiday visas.
From November 27, the UK is implementing its points-based Youth Mobility Scheme (Tier 5) and South Africa is not part of it. Ed Bossley, deputy director of visa services (projects) Southern, Eastern and Central Africa at the British High Commission in Pretoria, says South Africa was made well aware of what the requirements were to be included in the scheme, and it didn’t meet the criteria.
The requirements included South Africa introducing a reciprocal scheme for young Brits, which Ed says could be difficult for the country to deliver given the current environment. A strong
relationship in terms of immigration and returning illegals between South Africa and the UK was also required, and this was not achieved.
Ed says South Africa could still apply to be part of the scheme in future if it did make the necessary changes, unless a visa regime is imposed next year, in which case it is automatically excluded.
Liezl Gericke, commercial manager at STA Travel, says the company has spent around R2,5m educating its target market about the working holiday.
As a result, she says there has been a mad rush in UK working holiday applications in the last month or so.
Applications received up until November 26, says Ed, will be processed and, if correct, applicants could still get a working holiday visa.
He says applications can be post dated for a maximum of three months. Those already in the UK need not worry. Ed says their visas will still be valid for the period they were originally issued for.
Still some optionsYoung South Africans who
would like to visit and work in the UK still have some options, says Ed. Tier 1 of the Points Based System allows South Africans with a qualification and some work experience who have enough points to find employment in the UK for up to three years. This tier, he says, has minimal restrictions, so it would be a good option.Tier 2, being rolled out on November 27, is similar to the current work permit. It would require a company to sponsor the applicant who wishes to work in the UK. To page 16
goodbye uK working holiday
Until December 10, Mango is offering a 10% discount on all its Mango Flex (K class) and Mango Plus (G class) fares. Mango Flex is a fairly new product, introduced to provide business travellers with more flexibility (read more about it on page 6). The one-way, all-inclusive fares start from R489 for Mango Flex and from R645 for Mango Plus.Showing just how flexible Mango is getting is Nico Bezuidenhout, the airline’s ceo Photo: Mark Jackson-Moss
how flexible are you?
Chana Viljoen
SAA’s announcement that it will outsource its call centres has the travel trade concerned about whether or not the service they receive will in fact be improved.
From December, the Dimension Data consortium will be operating SAA’s Reservations and Voyager call
centres. Bhabhalazi Bulunga, SAA gm: human resources, says the call centres are being outsourced to “improve productivity, efficiencies and ultimately the service offered to customers”. SAA says capacity will also be increased at call centres where necessary.
However, travel agents are worried that outsourcing
the call centres could lead to staff who do not have adequate training and the proper information necessary to handle their queries. SAA says: “Additional training is in progress to refresh skills as well as train additional capacity.” The airline says it does not foresee any changes to the current operating hours.
Bhabhalazi says it is anticipated that about 250 SAA staff members in the two call centres will be affected. They will be transferred to Dimension Data but have also been offered voluntary severance packages.
A letter recently sent to SAA customers said there may be some delays with queries while the airline continued
its discussions with labour on the implementation, but that contingency plans were in the process of being implemented.
“We ask for your understanding and support during this transitional phase and assure you of our commitment to provide you with the most effective service possible,” it reads. ■
better service from saa’s call centres?
Page 8
agentzonethe naKed agent
Give your clients detailed info
NEWS
2 n Wednesday November 19 2008 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS
Phone: (011) 327-4062 Fax: (011) 327-4094 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.nowmedia.co.za Address: Now Media Centre, 32 Fricker Road, Illovo Boulevard, Illovo, Johannesburg. PO Box 55251, Northlands, 2116, South Africa.
TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY
Published by Lugan Investments (Pty) Ltd trading as Now Media Printed by Juka Printing (Pty) Ltd
SUbSCRIPTIONS: Subs [email protected] Annual Subscription: RSA R460,00 Foreign R700,00 or annual debit order: RSA R365,00 Foreign R560,00Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe – on request (Subscription includes up to 10 copies for your staff at the delivery point)
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Natalia thomsoN at wtm
PACKAGE holidays are likely to suffer the most as the result of the
global economic crisis, says World Travel Market chairman, Fiona Jeffery speaking at this year’s event in London. “We have to face that in some parts of the world in 2009, fewer package holidays will be sold and those that are will undoubtedly increase in price.”
Outgoing secretary general of the World Tourism Organization, Francesco Frangialli, echoed this: “We are worried but we are not giving in to panic. Our conviction is that tourism will
dampen the impact of the crisis and not accentuate or accelerate its effects.”
Francesco rejected the idea of a stimulus package to kick start the tourism economy. “For 2008, the outlook is not negative. International arrivals up to the end of August registered a steady increase of 3,8% on an annual basis. Whatever happens, there will be positive growth in real terms.”
Meanwhile, renewed interest is being shown in responsible tourism destinations such as South Africa. The Country Brand Index (CBI) released at WTM showed the country had dropped from the annual list
that reports how countries are branded and ranked according to key criteria.
In last year’s CBI report, SA came third in authenticity, fourth in outdoor activities, fifth in natural beauty and fifth as a rising star. This year New Zealand, Japan, Thailand, India and Egypt claimed the top spots for authenticity, while Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Belize and Switzerland were cited for their outdoor activities. New Zealand, Maldives, Switzerland, Norway and Australia were revealed as tops for natural beauty and this year’s rising stars were the United Arab Emirates, Croatia, Vietnam, India and Cuba. n
Downturn expected to hit package holidays
tessa BlaNe
ETHIOPIAN Airlines has increased capacity on the Johannesburg-Addis Ababa flight from November 15 to January 15 by introducing a B757-200ER and B767-300ER on the route.
Busera Awel, vp commercial, Ethiopian Airlines, said the JNB market had responded well to the Addis Ababa flight and the airline believed it was time to up the capacity.
The route was previously serviced by a B737-700 and now with the larger aircraft, the number of business-class (Cloud Nine) seats has increased from 16 to 24 and from 102 to 213 in economy class.
Pierre Du Plessis, sales manager SA, Ethiopian Airlines, said flights on the SA routes were generally full with travellers using Addis Ababa as a hub for onward flights to Europe and other regional African destinations. “The airline is growing and this route has been doing exceptionally well. Depending on how profitable the route proves to be from November to January, the airline will consider keeping the larger aircraft on the route.”
Ethiopian Airlines is also looking forward to the arrival of its 10 Dreamliners due for delivery in 2010.
“We have big plans for expansion on routes and frequencies despite the
current economic crisis. Ethiopian is also one of the few airlines that reported a profit for the past year (nett profit of ETB507m (R520m) from June 2007 to July 2008),” said Busera. n
Ethiopian ups JNB-ADD capacity
Pierre Du Plessis, sales manager SA Ethiopian Airlines (left) showed off his dancing skills at a traditional Ethiopian cultural dinner and dance show in Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Airlines hosted an educational trip to the capital on November 4 where it announced the new aircraft on the JNB-ADD route Photo:Tessa Blane
It’s just like being at home, except someone else makes the bed in the morning.
807047 CL just like.indd 1 7/7/08 11:06:58 AM
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SA
BA
H MALAYSIAFor more information, please contact Tourism Malaysia Johannesburg Tel: +0027 112680292/5 E-mail : [email protected]
Deep in the Malaysian Borneo’s rainforests lies Maliau Basin, the ‘Lost World’ of Sabah. A land with the wildest flora and fauna, filled with waterfalls, streams, rivers and the thickest of rainforests, you’ll feel like the first person ever to explore it. Danum Valley, 43,800hectares of pure virgin forest and one of the world’s richest ecosystems, preserves manyrare plants and endangered species. The days you spend here will be an adventure of a lifetime. There’s truly more with every visit. It must be Malaysia, where you can experiencethe warm welcome of Asia’s three greatest civilizations and other indigenous cultures.
TM00630_Thematic In-Market South Africa • Batch 3 • Travel News Weekly (Mag) – 222x317mm • TrekkingDate: 22 Sept 08
www.tourismmalaysia.gov.mywww.virtualmalaysia.com
MORE THAN JUSTLOST WORLDS AND
Hidden valleys
BLACKYELLOWMAGENTACYANTM00630_TraNW317x222_Trek_SF_X2:Layout 1 24/9/08 5:15 AM Page 1
It’s just like being at home, except someone else makes the bed in the morning.
807047 CL just like.indd 1 7/7/08 11:06:58 AM
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NEWS
4 n Wednesday November 19 2008 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS
Kathryn Jones
THE 10 members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)
have signed a multilateral agreement removing constraints on passenger and freight services by 2010.
Airlines in the region will be able to fly to any major destination within south-east Asia, with unlimited fourth freedom rights between ASEAN countries
The agreement is expected to pave the way for a unified aviation market by 2015, similar in style to the EU environment, in which carriers may fly from any EU city to any
other EU city, and the entire market is regarded almost as one entity.
The Asean deal will see the end of restrictive bilateral air services agreements, which often constrain seat capacity, frequencies and the number
of carriers permitted to fly between two countries. Bilaterals are often blamed for keeping ticket prices on certain routes artificially high
as natural competition is blocked from entering the fray when states protect their national carriers in this way.
The Asean members are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. n
Open skies dawn in SE Asia
Get a feel of the colour, smells and sounds of Morocco with Wild Frontiers. The 13-day land-only Moroccan Mosaic package costs from R14 175pps (additional €250 (R3 240) local payment). Taking in the sights are Wild Frontiers’ senior consultants Vanessa Bell (left) and Serisha Sewgambar Photo: Mark Jackson-Moss
Moroccan Mosaic
TNW apologises for inaccurate reporting in the article entitled ‘Get it right, SAA!’ in the issue dated November 12. Due to editing constraints, the full statement by Steve Oberholzer, co-owner of Travel Airscape, was omitted. The full comment is as follows:
“As a result, this simple time change, which is allowed in terms of the rules, could cost more than double the simple change fee stipulated for that fare.” Steve suggests that an alternative is for agents to start issuing each sector for domestic flights separately so if a change is made on a sector, repricing only affects the airfare and taxes for one sector and not the entire
routing. This is obviously not an efficient way of working. “Alternatively the agent could delay changing the ticket until after departure, after which no repricing is required, but this is not possible if the outbound sector is changed before departure.”
Incorrectly stated was the reference to how a time change should be processed. For a simple time change, the agent would have to charge a change fee plus VAT as a DU tax, then recalculate the airfare on the entire routing and charge any additional increase in airfare, and then reprice and charge any increase in taxes (mainly fuel surcharge). Not, as TNW mentions, for the entire routing.
for the recordTravelinfo ,s Michele Reynolds selects the top specials from TravelinfoIberia Airlines – Europe and Middle East special fares from
R2 500 ex-Johannesburg. Minimum stay is seven days and the maximum stay is one month. Valid for travel until March 31. All tickets to be issued before November 30. Excludes taxes.Intrepid Bunda is offering a 15-day southern Thailand package from R6 695 per person sharing. The rate includes accommodation, local transport and some
meals. Excludes flights. Valid until December 31. Origin Tours is offering a seven-night Seychelles package from R11 776 per person sharing. The rate includes return flights ex-Johannesburg, accommodation with breakfast and transfers. Valid from April 15 to October 31. Excludes taxes.Best Western Cape Suites is offering a special family rate of R999 per suite per night. The rate includes accommodation only. Valid from December 1 to January 15. Minimum stay is three nights.
QUICK READ FOR bUsIEst pEOplE Wednesday November 19 2008 n 5
NEWS
TNW3167SD
Natasha tippel
THE Rezidor Hotel Group has announced that plans for expansion in
Africa are well under way. The company signed seven new hotel deals, four of which are under construction and will open over the next few months.
In South Africa, four hotels are under construction: the 290-room Radisson SAS Sandton, which is set to open later this year, the 173-room Radisson SAS Port Elizabeth, which is expected to open early next year, the Radisson Blaauwberg Hotel in Cape Town, scheduled to open in late 2010 and, also opening in 2010, Rezidor’s mid-market brand, Park Inn, in Sandton.
Projects in progress in other parts of Africa are the Radisson Hotel Lagos in Nigeria, scheduled for completion by the end of this year, and the Radisson Hotel Dakar in Senegal, scheduled for completion early next year.
The Radisson Hotel Bamako in Mali opened in September.
Future projects include the construction of two Radisson Hotels in East Africa: the 209-room Radisson in Addis Ababa and the 245-room Radisson in Nairobi.
Also on the cards is a sixth hotel in Egypt. The
Radisson Hotel Cairo will be located in the Heliopolis area, next to Cairo International Airport.
In Morocco, the Radisson Resort and Spa Saïdia and the Radisson Resort and Spa, Tangier are both scheduled to open in 2010.
The group has also announced that an existing hotel in Libya is undergoing renovation and will be renamed the Radisson Hotel Tripoli.
Recognising Africa’s growing potential and the lack of quality hotels in many countries, the Rezidor Hotel Group signed a €35m (R450m) financial joint venture agreement
to expand its presence on the continent, setting up Afrinord Hotel Investments, which provides financing or secured loans to companies owning and developing hotel and resort projects in Africa.
“As a hotel management company, The Rezidor Hotel Group has identified a strong demand for internationally branded and operated full-service hotels and resorts in Africa,” says Andrew McLachlan, business development director of Rezidor.
“With these development signings, we are now present in 53 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.” n
Rezidor’s African expansion plans on track
Natasha tippel
THE Trump brand of hotels and residential developments will soon make its mark in Southern Africa with various projects planned in South Africa and Mauritius.
South African property developer and owner of Devland Holdings, Neill Bernstein, has secured a 10-year property development deal with US business magnate, Donald Trump, that is expected to deliver hundreds of new leisure and residential products in South Africa over the next
few months. The joint venture covers a
mix of leisure, golf, hotel and residential condominium and condo-hotel developments in South Africa and Mauritius. It is expected to create 300 000 sqm of saleable real estate worth around R5bn in the first three years.
Neill says the partnership with the Trump Organisation, which was sealed some weeks ago, already has several projects in the pipeline.
Donald’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jnr, recently toured various projects in Gauteng
and the southern and Western Cape to assess potential investments.
The Trump Organisation has interests covering hotels, resorts, residential towers and golf courses in major US cities, South America and the Middle East. Neill says: “It makes sense for them to look at projects in Africa too. The organisation has a great formula for success, enormous experience and an appetite for quality developments across the leisure, golf and residential spread. There is opportunity for all these in our market.” n
Trump invests in Southern Africa
An artist’s impression of the Radisson Blaauwberg Hotel in Cape Town
In the edition dated October 29, TNW’s Specials Spot incorrectly stated that the Air Mauritius economy-class special fare ex-CPT was R3 190 excluding taxes. The correct fare ex-CPT is R4 190 excluding taxes.
for the record
Prices are per person sharing. Thompsons Standard Terms and Conditions apply. E & OE.
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WAS R2 199 NOW R1 759 (self-drive)
Ex JNB from R3 549, Ex DUR from R3 459 (taxes R127)
The Spier Hotel Located in the heart of the Cape winelands, the 4* Spier Hotel has loads to offer from spa treatments at the Camelot Spa to golf at the De Zalze Golf course.
WAS R4 639 NOW R4 029 (self drive)
Ex JNB from R5 789, Ex DBN from R5 669 (taxes R127)
Added Value: Full buffet at Moyo at Spier-lunch or dinner depending on availability, 2 course meal at Spier - lunch or dinner depending on availability, Full buffet at Jonkershuis restaurant, Family picnic, Children activities at the Kiddies Club House, One Hour Family horse rid, Entrance into the Cheetah Outreach centre, wine tasting. Bonus: Stay for 5 nights and only pay for 4 nights! 2 Kids under 12 stay free!
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NEWS
6 n Wednesday November 19 2008 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS
Chana Viljoen
DESPITE the economic downturn, Mango’s passenger numbers
are still growing. Mango ceo, Nico Bezuidenhout, says this is because more and more corporates are turning to low-cost carriers.
To cater for the corporate market, Mango launched Mango Plus, which gave passengers ticket flexibility without penalties, access to a business-class lounge, an additional 10kg checked-in baggage, a R40 meal voucher and 10% executive parking discount at OR Tambo International Airport. Nico says there has been a big uptake on Mango Plus.
Mango FlexMango has since introduced
a new option, Mango Flex, for travellers who need flexibility when travelling. Nico explains that Mango Flex does not include all the “frills” of
Mango Plus but it allows the passenger to make changes to their booking without the administration fees. Mango Flex fares are typically R100 less than Mango Plus, he says.
Nico says there is a need for products like this. He says the number of leisure travellers is decreasing yet low-cost carriers are full,
which indicates that there is a migration of corporate travellers from legacy to low-cost carriers. Price-conscious regular travellers are also moving to lower prices.
What’s next for Mango?Nico says Mango would like
to expand its routes in the domestic market, but that it first needs to acquire new aircraft to do so. He says there are currently some options, but that the time needs to be right.
He also says Mango would like to strengthen its partnership with the travel industry and travel agency groups. Nico says Mango welcomes a stronger relationship, but that it is opposed to anything that would increase its costs. At the moment Mango is on the basic booking product on Galileo, and there is no interest to stimulate growth through this channel due to the cost involved. n
Mango gets flexible
Nico Bezuidenhout
AirHeadsEU may lift liquid limits on flightsEUROPEAN Union officials have said that the limits on the amount of liquids passengers may carry on board in their hand baggage on flights from the EU will be lifted by 2010, provided new scanners are in place that distinguish liquid explosives from harmless substances. According to Jens Mester, European Commission spokesperson, new technology is being tested in the US, Britain and France. He said they were confident that using the technology at airports would be possible by 2010.
Another delay for 787 DreamlinerBOEING has confirmed that there will be yet another delay to the production of its B787 Dreamliner. Boeing originally planned the launch of the Dreamliner for 2007, but it has already been delayed four times due to problems with suppliers and parts shortages. Some airlines will now only take delivery of the aircraft two years or more after the original date.
KLM launches Amsterdam-Liverpool serviceKLM is to launch a new service between Amsterdam and Liverpool. Effective March 29, 2009, KLM Cityhopper, the regional airline subsidiary of KLM based in Amsterdam, will operate the new service using a Fokker 70. Liverpool will be KLM’s 15th destination in the UK.
Join Speedbird Club and winBA is urging travel agents to make Speedbird Club their first port of call when they need information or updates about the airline. To encourage agents to register and introduce friends to the information portal, BA is offering prizes and vouchers until the end of December. Speedbird Club includes the latest information on routes, products and services, reservation, ticketing and fares information as well as all the rules and regulations. There are also downloadable booking guides, prompts and brochures as well as useful links and contacts for baggage information, seat maps, destination guides and real-time arrivals and departures information. Registration is simple and automated and the more colleagues an agent encourages to register the better chance he or she will have of winning some of the prizes. For more information visit www.speedbirdclub.com
Full throttle at Emirates’ T3EMIRATES launched the final phase of operations from T3 at Dubai International Airport on November 11. The fourth and final phase launched flights to Emirates’ route network in the Indian subcontinent, east Asia and Australasia. From November 12, all Emirates flights will criss-cross its network, spanning 91 destinations on six continents, from Terminal 3.
SAA expands its codeshare with ANAThe codeshare agreement between SAA and All Nippon Airways (ANA) has now been expanded to include Hong Kong to Narita Airport, Tokyo, and central Japan. SAA entered into a codeshare agreement with All Nippon, a fellow Star Alliance member, in March last year for flights between Hong Kong and Osaka.
KQ offers direct Bujumbura and Kigali flightsKENYA Airways will now offer more convenient connections and flights to Kigali and Bujumbura from Nairobi.
�������Direct flights Bujumbura-Nairobi: Flight KQ470 will depart Nairobi at 07h50, arriving in Bujumbura at 08h30. The return flight will depart Bujumbura at 09h20, arriving in Nairobi at 12h00.�Direct flights to and from Kigali:
Flight KQ472 will depart Nairobi at 12h30, arriving in Kigali at 12h55. The return flight will depart Kigali at 13h45, arriving in Nairobi at 16h15.�The second flight departs Nairobi at 22h15, arriving in Kigali
at 22h40. The return flight departs Kigali at 04h00, arriving in Nairobi 06h30.
To the pointThe Grace Hotel in Rosebank has officially launched its new conferencing centre. The eight rooms now occupy an entire floor, providing five-star facilities for 14 to 240 guests
attending conference, banquet and corporate functions. The venue offers hi-tech, state-of-the-art equipment. The centre has its own stand-alone kitchen and banqueting
facilities on the same floor. Parking is available in the hotel basement and on the top floor of the adjacent Mall shopping centre, with easy access via the adjoining skybridge.
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QUICK READ FOR bUsIEst pEOplE Wednesday November 19 2008 n 7
NEWS
Jeanette PhilliPs
UK-BASED courier service, First Luggage, has launched
a baggage handling service for South African air travellers.
Through First Luggage, travellers can send their luggage separately ahead of departure and it is delivered direct to the customer’s hotel or home before arrival.
The service aims to make journeys to the airport easier, check-in times shorter and remove the need to wait at the baggage carousel at the other end.
The baggage is also couriered via cargo terminals rather than through the heavy traffic of passenger terminals.
Electronic monitoring by First Luggage in conjunction with FedEx ensures the security of luggage. All items are tagged on collection and subsequently tracked up to 20 times while en-route to their destination.
Self-check facilityTravellers will also be able
to check on the progress of their luggage by logging on to the First Luggage website using a unique password.
“The South African route was created as a result of extensive enquiries received by First Luggage, both from the UK and South Africa,” says Gideon Kasfiner, from First Luggage. “It was also felt that the nature of air travel in South Africa – where airports are often beset by luggage handling problems, including theft – meant that the time was ripe to offer a secure, convenient alternative to travellers to and from the country.”
Bookings can be made online at www.firstluggage.com. n
New baggage-handlingservice for SA travellers
Rugby fanatics will adore SA Sports Packages Rugby Springbok tour to Twickenham from November 21 to 23. Included in the package are return flights ex-JNB, return airport-hotel transfers, three nights’ accommodation in London with breakfast, return stadium transfers to Twickenham and official RFU ticket, from R13 466 pps. Fielding your calls is SA Sports Packages owner, Stephen Taylor Photo: Mark Jackson-Moss
On the ball!
hilka Birns
BRITISH Airways is well prepared for the current world financial crisis, which Iata predicts will see the aviation industry lose R48bn this year and R37bn next year.
Lin Glass, gm for SA, Angola, Mauritius and the Seychelles, says: “An oil price that has averaged more than US$100 a barrel, despite recent short-term fluctuations, falling demand because of the
global economic downturn and declining consumer confidence, (has) created the perfect storm.” Fuel at BA now represents 35% of costs compared with 10% a decade ago. The carrier has reduced capacity
by 3% without compromising its network and ordered new, fuel-efficient aircraft for delivery between 2010 and 2014.
The planned merger with Iberia and transatlantic agreement with American
Airlines, explains Lin, will mean discounted airfares, more convenient schedules and improved frequent flyer rewards.
BA will soon add cellphone check-in to its online and self-service products in SA. n
BA will weather global financial crisis
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We’re proud to advise that The Rosebank is open in style and splendour, with superb facilities and services. This brand new hotel boasts 318 rooms, each with tea and coffee making facilities, Sony Bravia
LCD TV’s with 28 DSTV channels, Sony clock radios with an i-pod docking station in all suites, laptop friendly safes, fully functioning work station in all rooms, mini-bars, en-suite bathrooms with oversized
showers, FREE wireless internet access (first 30 minutes free), salon quality hairdryers, individually controlled air-conditioning and double-glazed windows which prevent noise pollution.
With 2 restaurants, a café and cutting edge bar, The Rosebank promises to keep you entertained both within and outside your room. ‘Fresh’, the hotel’s all day dining restaurant, serves lavish meals for
breakfast, lunch and dinner, whilst the Butcher Block will tantalise your tastebuds with its sumptuous cuisine in an intimate and relaxing dining environment. The Circle Bar serves cutting-edge drinks
boutique style, whilst The Rosebank Café offers artisan coffee, brewed by expert Baristas.
The hotel offers easy access to the M1 and N1 highways and is located only 30 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport and is also in close proximity to Johannesburg’s finest shopping centres. Seven
Colours Spa, opening December, will revitalise and re-energise you with its impressive treatment selection, whilst Croft & Co. Boutique will ensure that you don’t go home empty-handed. Top this all off with
a 24 hour Executive Lounge, Gym, outdoor rim-flow swimming pool, chauffeur service, a dedicated GUEST Relations officer and 24 hour room service and you’ve got the ideal hotel for your next getaway.
8 n Wednesday November 19 2008 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS
Pam’s top tips1 2 3
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
AGENT ALERTSn SQ reduces fuel surchargesSINGAPORE Airlines has reduced fuel surcharges in business and economy class across all routes, effective November 7. Besides the length of the flight, the surcharges now also take into account the class of travel. The new surcharges are as follows: � Between Singapore and south-east Asia the surcharge
remains at US$36 (R362) in first class and drops to $32 (R322) in business class and $28 (R282) in economy class. Between Singapore and Europe or South Africa the first-class
surcharge remains at $110 (R1 107) and drops to $105 (R1 057) in business class and $95 (R955) in economy class.
� Between Singapore and North America the surcharge remains at $180 (R1 810) in first class and drops to $175 (R1 762) in business class and $170 (R1 711) in economy class.
On all other flights the first-class surcharge remains at $100 (R1 007) and drops to $90 (R906) in business class and $85 (R856) in economy class.
n More A-class fare destinations from LHLUFTHANSA has introduced the following additional destinations to its A-class fare introduced in June: Athens, Malaga, Birmingham, Bucharest, Genoa, Istanbul, Lisbon, Oslo, Pisa, Sofia, Venice, Stockholm, Nice, Helsinki and Mexico. First-class fares are available from R53 990, excluding taxes and surcharges.
n AF KLM launches bluenity.comAIR France KLM has launched bluenity.com, a social network website for air travellers. Travellers signing up with bluenity.com will be able to share their top tips for hotels, restaurants and shopping anywhere in the world. According to the airlines, bluenity.com is unique as it allows customers of both airlines to make their flight schedule public and to get an update from other travellers about their flight arrangement. Travellers can meet online before they travel to arrange to share a taxi or meet up in a lounge. Other bluenity.com features include: Benefit from tips of other travellers and Air France KLM staff. � Giving advice and sharing travel experiences with other
travellers.� Contacting and meeting other travellers throughout their
journey. Keeping in touch with members of their personal community.
Bluenity.com is free of charge and is available in French, English and Dutch.
n Minimum connecting times at T5EFFECTIVE October 26, the following minimum connecting times apply at Heathrow’s T5: From T5 to T5 – 60 minutes From T5 to T4 – 105 minutes From T5 to T3, T2 and T1 – 90 minutes.
★ ★ ★ ★
Winning agent:Pam Cloete
Give your clients detailed information
the agent
Scenario: A two-week Contiki-style trip for one adult to South America in January
Pam gave me a detailed, step-by-step itinerary of my trip
The sMile High Club The weird and wonderful!
Harvey World Travel, Cresta Shopping Centre I’ve been to quite a few Harvey World Travel agencies, but this agency ranks top on my list. Although it was not yet open, Pam Cloete greeted me with a smile and ushered me in. She jotted down notes while I explained my request. Determined to get every bit of information, she asked questions regarding travel dates, passport details and requirements. After looking up information on the Internet Pam began mapping out a step-by-step route, explaining all the details, and included popular destinations she thought I might be interested in. Her knowledge of the destination was impressive. She said she had been to South America, which further inspired confidence in her suggestions. Throughout the consultation Pam engaged in friendly conversation. I left feeling my trip was mapped out, every step was organised and I was ready to go!
Sure Penzance Travel, AlbertonI was welcomed by a friendly consultant and after detailing my request, she went to fetch some brochures. When she returned, she asked if I could move to another consultant, who would attend to me. I then had to repeat my request, whereupon the new consultant confirmed that there were no Contiki Tours available in South America, but suggested I consider other tour options such as Gap Adventures. She went through a brochure with me and explained the different tour routes, prices and dates. She asked me how long I wanted to travel for and which areas of South America I’d like to travel to. She suggested I read through the brochures and then return to the agency for another consultation. The brochure was quite handy and helped to firm up my rather vague request.
Flight Centre, Alberton CityThe agency looked professional and organised with plenty of pamphlets and posters on display. I approached an agent and she immediately began searching for information on her computer. Shortly afterwards, she explained there were no Contiki Tours available in South America and handed me several brochures on the destination. I had to prompt her for information as she did not volunteer any, nor did she try to get a better understanding of what I was looking for to suggest an alternative. I left with no quotes and no helpful information. The agent gave me her card and suggested I return for another consultation. The consultation was extremely rushed, short and unproductive. The only positive aspect was that the agent was friendly.
Advise clients to book the first and last nights’ accommodation before travelling.
Advise clients to be wary of locals who try to
persuade them to use certain accommodation.
SA passport holders need visas for all South American countries except Brazil and Argentina.
To sponsor this page please contact Kate on:011 214 7334 or e-mail [email protected]
The sMile High Club The weird and wonderful!
What’s the weirdest and wackiest travel enquiry you’ve ever received? We asked agents to send us their memorable enquiries, featured in this month’s sMile High Club column. The answers proved to be even more wacky, weird and unusual than we expected.
“When I was team leader on duty at East London airport, passengers often arrived so late that the flight was already taxiing down the runway or already in the air. They would often become abusive, hysterical, or both, and would insist that I call the cap-tain as they thought there was something that I could do. After several of these encounters I decided to ‘call the captain’ from my mobile in front of the passenger. I would
have ‘lengthy conversations’ where I would plead with the captain and put the client’s desperate plight. I’d even beg the captain to abort take-off and return to base. I would then tell the passenger how sorry the captain was but that he had ‘passed the point of no return’. It made the passengers very happy that I was willing to go to such lengths to assist them.”Sandy Nienaber, Willards Travel
Sandy Nienaber, Willards Travel, would ‘call’ the captain to placate late and disgruntled
passengers Cartoon: Ernst du Plessis
“I kept a straight face and had to use an aircraft seating plan to explain to my client what ‘time’ business class takes off!”
Monique ManleyUniglobe Bay Travel
So, when does business class take off?
“Wish I’d kept the e-mail on file for this instruction received from a client about three years ago: ‘Don’t worry to book a flight from Hong Kong to Taipei, we’d like to hire a car and drive there’.” Jill Joubert Thompsons Holidays
Houston, I have no brakes!One of my most weird and wonderful enquiries was:
Mr X (very stressed and impatient): “Genine, I’m driving on the highway between Jo’burg and Pretoria at 140km/hour and I’ve got no brakes on the vehicle I hired through you. What do I do?”Me: “Hmmhhmm, Mr X. I really do apologise on behalf of so and so car rental. What I would suggest is you gear the vehicle down from fifth to fourth to third to second and lastly to first gear. You would be able to slow down this way and make sure you get a safe spot to pull over. In the meantime I will phone so and so car rental to replace your vehicle. Oh and Mr X, try not to hit other cars.” Mr X: “Ok, hold on while I try this .... hoot hoot #$%^&@#$% biep biep #$%@#$$%%#...hoot hoot #$%#@!%&*$$ ....OK ... I’ve stopped. Sjoe, thanks Genine.”Me: “No problem Mr X, we are always here for you”
Genine BooysenNational Alamo
Turning the tablesFor fun, we have been compiling this list for a while:
Agent: How far is the hotel from the station?Me: 500 metres.Agent: How long would that take to walk?Me: *silence*
Agent: Do you sell anything in Vikingland?Me: Sorry, where?Agent: Vikingland, you know, Helsinki and Stockholm. Me: Sorry, no.
Agent: Do you do costume hire for the Rio Carnival?Me: No.Agent (miserable): Why not? I would have expected you to do something like that! Me: Well, it’s not a travel-related product.
Susan HollanderThompsons Holidays
How’s the weather?“I had a client who travelled to Washington in December 2006 to visit family. In July 2007 she booked another trip to visit again for Christmas but wanted us to call Washington Airport first to find out which days the airport would be closed due to bad weather so she could avoid travelling on these dates.”
Brad MuirBurns Cunningham Corporate Travel
QUICK READ FOR bUsIEst pEOplE Wednesday November 19 2008 n 9
We’d like to drive please
Call the captain!
10 n Wednesday November 19 2008 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS
NEWS
Natalia thomsoN aNd hilka BirNs
TRAVEL retailers say Iata should not impose blanket increases in
guarantees to counter the recent spate of defaulting agencies in South Africa, but would support “stricter” controls.
This follows industry speculation that Iata would be forced to introduce more stringent conditions such as higher bank guarantees to curb the trend. Iata has not confirmed whether it is planning such measures.
The Iata criteria for South African agencies, says Travel Assignment Group md, Jonathan Gerber, are already too strict on well-run agencies and not strict enough on badly run agencies.
“I would not support stricter conditions (on agencies) but feel that the current conditions just need to be better managed for the benefit of all parties,” he suggests.
Jonathan believes there’s more to a business then its financial status. “Issues such as reputation, length and standing in the industry,
director CVs, customer base and type of business should also be considered when trying to determine who is high or low risk.”
Stricter controlsClaude Vankeirsbilck,
Tourvest Travel Services director sales and global, says TRT would not like to see further barriers to entry, but that it supports “stricter control measures” to ensure “potential defaulters are detected earlier”.
In SA Travel Centre’s opinion, says marketing manager Evi Zacharis,
financial training is key to minimising the number of defaulting agencies in South Africa. “Iata could assist in mandating that financial management courses are attended as part of their accreditation and affiliation processes.”
This step, says Evi, will be supported as “the calibre” of agencies opening up in the market place would improve and ensure the industry’s sustainability.
Asata ceo Robyn Christie agrees that it doesn’t matter what guarantee Iata requires from new entrants. If they
are not mentored or coached by industry they’re going to fail. “We have to embrace the process of hand holding to ensure these new entrants succeed,” says Robyn.
Last year, Iata proposed two insurance policies that would make it easier for new agencies to enter the industry. The two products by different insurance brokers, said Iata at the time, would make it far cheaper to get Iata bonding. New agents would no longer have to lodge a deposit with a bank and the premiums were far lower than at present. n
SA defaults trigger fear of Iata guarantee hikes
Patrick Barta, the man synonymous with golf tourism, is putting together a novel golf holiday that will blow the socks off the well-heeled men and women who enjoy the game.Instead of taking South Africans to a single destination, he has used his international golf network to offer a round the world package in business class with stopovers at five destinations to play at trophy courses.Patrick reckons that with the RTW fare and his local contacts in each destination, the value will be unbeatable and the experience unforgettable.Patrick and his Johannesburg-based company, recently rebranded Golf Gourmet, has built his business on using golf as a passport for a really good time. The popular destinations at the moment for the SA market are Thailand, Vietnam, Argentina, Brazil and Chile. In Europe he finds that apart from the obvious attractions in the UK and Ireland, when it comes to the gourmet aspect, golfing in France and Italy cannot be beaten. Photo: Natalia Thomson
The ultimate for golfersTo the point ☞The Grace Hotel in Rosebank has opened its new eight-room conferencing centre, providing five-star facilities for 14 to 240 guests. The venue offers hi-tech, state-of-the-art equipment and
has its own stand-alone kitchen and banqueting facilities. Parking is available in the hotel basement and in the adjacent Mall in Rosebank, with access via the adjoining skybridge. n
tessa BlaNe
DINERS Club launched its virtual Travel Lodged Account Card on November 1. Diners Club now no longer issues physical plastic Travel Lodged Account Cards.
The new virtual card aims to make online bookings and the use of self-booking tools simpler and more convenient.
One of the new features is the introduction of a CVV2 number. This ensures greater security and better acceptance, particularly in the international travel arena.
The design of the virtual card still includes the Diners Club brand and distinguishes between Phase I and Phase II.
Details on the new virtual system and how it will affect Diners Club members will be published in the Diners Club monthly travel newsletter. Register online at http://travel.dinersclub.co.za n
Diners Club goes virtual
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NEWS
QUICK READ FOR bUsIEst pEOplE Wednesday November 19 2008 n 11
Hilka Birns
CRUISE companies are trying to stimulate demand with jaw-dropping deals to boost floun-
dering sales following the worldwide financial crisis.
Sales in the local cruise industry have slowed down quite sharply in the past month in the wake of the rand’s downward plunge, says Stewart Venn, md of Triton Cape Sea Travel. While there have been no significant cancellations, he says passengers holding big bookings are concerned about the exchange rate and cruise lines are allowing them to downgrade if needed.
Stewart says higher income and retired and entry-level cruises have been resilient. Fred Olsen’s Cape Town-Southampton cruise in March is selling well, because many of its passengers are retired. However, the middle-income cruise sector has been quiet as people ponder whether they can afford a holiday. He says
it will be worrying if this persists from December to March, usually a busy time. However, as with previous global crises such as Sars and 9/11, Stewart expects cruise lines will stimulate demand with deals that will boost sales the following year.
Cruises International md, George Argyropoulos, says already there has been a significant drop in the dollar prices of cruises. “I have not seen this level of pricing since 2002. Even when you convert to rands, the dollar prices more than compensate for the recent devaluation.” He cites a two-week cruise in Europe currently offered at US$50pppd (R505). He says cruise lines are also offering discounts, on-board cash for drinks or excursions, free excursions, gratuities or port taxes. George says: “Now is a time of re-alignment but certainly not a time of fear and inactivity.” He advises agents to position themselves to take full advantage of the economic upturn that is certain to follow.
Cruise lines add value to beat the recession
Add value: Think of services and products that you may want to offer free when a client buys a cruise package. Perhaps travel insurance or a night’s accommodation before or after the cruise, or absorb the fuel surcharge.
Motivate your clients: After you show them what a great opportunity you have created for them, MOTIVATE them to close the sale. Offer an additional discount or ‘freebie’ if they commit by a certain date or show them what the monthly payment will be if they use their credit card budget facility.
� Engage and excite your clients:
Show them the destinations, the ships, the facilities, the value. After they have booked, send them an e-mail with port descriptions or information on the ship with images.
Communicate, communicate, communicate: It’s all very well to have all these great offers that give value like never before, but it’s of no use if you do not make your clients aware of them. Call them, visit them, send them e-mails, pamphlets and brochures. Organise a cheese and wine cruise evening at your agency, show them the latest DVDs and talk to them about the wonderful destinations. n
Cruises International’s tips on how to weather the storm
The 2008 Charity Mile recently took place at Turffontein Race Course in Johannesburg, with 16 horses racing for 16 charities, each represented by a different celebrity. Cruises International showed its support by sponsoring a horse that took third place and won R50 000 for the World Wide Fund for Nature.Pictured here: Tracey Krog (Cruises International product manager: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Voyages of Discovery), Jenny Arthur (Cruises International product manager: the luxury portfolio), Anthony Delpech (jockey), Neil Andrews (celebrity) and Christine Suzor (Cruises International PA to managing director)
Cruises International goes racing
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NEWS
Natalia thomsoN
ETRAVEL will be the first ITC group to expand regionally. By March
2009, eTravel will have established offices in both Namibia and Botswana, says ceo, Garth Wolff.
Currently, eTravel has some 160 ITCs nationwide, with the group’s coastal network rapidly catching up to eTravel inland. “The split between revenue is currently 48% coastal vs 52% inland with a further growth of 15% expected for the next year.”
Investing in its coastal infrastructure, eTravel launched its Cape Town offices last month, offering 24 ITC offices, two meeting rooms, a boardroom and a pub. An Umhlanga office will come online in March 2010. A facility fee of R150, which includes access to IT, GSA, TNW and Docex, has remained the same over the past three years.
eTravel, says Garth, is receiving increasingly more calls from full Iata registered agents who want to cut or do away with their Iata licence fees. “By joining eTravel,
agents could save up to 40% of their current overheads, do away with audit fees, BSP monthly costs, Iata bonds and monthly accounting costs.”
Garth is optimistic about the growth in the SA market and believes the number of ITCs in South Africa will continue to grow despite the economic downturn. “SA won’t feel the pain as much as the rest of the world because the economy is continuing to grow
in the run up to the 2010 World Cup. We will ride out the storm and are budgeting R660m turnover in 2009, with a 2012 target of R1bn.”
The focus for eTravel in addition to regional expansion, says Garth, will be on technology. “By 2012 we will probably look at partnering with international technology investors to add a technology arm to eTravel.” ■
12 ■ Wednesday November 19 2008 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS
Regional growth on the cards for eTravel
PillowTalkA brief look at this week's hotel newsRijk’s Boutique Hotel joins African PrideHAVING undergone extensive refurburbishment, Rijk's Boutique Hotel near Tulbagh in the Cape Winelands has joined Protea’s luxury African Pride Hotel portfolio. The five-star property – built in 1997 – is just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town and positions itself as a luxury weekend getaway. Guests can enjoy wine tasting at the nearby Rijk's Private Cellar, just one of many wine estates in the area that produce world-class wines. The hotel offers 12 superior suites and three two-bedroom family cottages with views of a nearby lake.
Southern Sun opens StayEasy RustenburgSOUTHERN Sun announced the opening of StayEasy Rustenburg on November 17. It is the group’s first hotel in the North West Province and is located close to major intersections and within walking distance of the Waterfall Mall. The hotel will run an opening special of R670 for up to three guests per room until January 31. The offer includes breakfast.
Relais changes addressThe Relais Hotels group has moved premises. The group is now located at The Piazza on Church Square on Adderley Street in Cape Town. The new phone number is 0861 RELAIS (0861 735 247) and +27 21 465 3530, and the new fax number is +27 21 465 3377. The new premises are located adjacent to the group’s Adderley Hotel.
Hans Merensky Hotel continues expansionHans Merensky Hotel and Estate in Phalaborwa continues to expand with recent changes to the property and building additions. ‘The Halfway House’, the hotel’s new golf clubhouse, is a double-storey building situated near the 18th hole. The top floor is still under construction and will open as a restaurant in mid-2009. In the meantime, the original golf clubhouse next to the new Halfway House remains fully operational. The new spa building is almost complete and should be ready for the soft opening in April 2009. A conference facility with the capacity for 500 people will be built and completed by February 2009. Plans are also in place to build a bird hide on the property within the next two months.
Cape Royale opens spa and wellness centreCAPE Royale has launched its new Equinox Spa and Wellness Centre. The French boutique-style spa offers a variety of treatments, ranging from healing and relaxation therapies to beauty treatments, such as facials, manicures and pedicures. The centre also features a sauna, steam rooms and a large luxury treatment room for groups and special occasions.
Responsible conferencing at SpierSPIER Hotel and Conferencing in Stellenbosch recently launched its newly refurbished environmentally and socially responsible conference centre. In an effort to conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions, the venue provides alternatives to traditional conference facilities, including the installation of a whirlybird fan instead of an air-conditioner, a 20-litre mineral water dispenser to encourage the reuse of water bottles, and clearly marked bins for recyclable and non-recyclable items.In addition, Spier has taken steps to contribute to the local community. Conference delegates can now purchase their corporate gift selections from recommended local associations. A stationery collection basket will soon be placed at the back of the venue for the donation of Spier conference pens and notepads, which will be distributed to schools in the area. Meanwhile, conference menu selections will include fresh, seasonal, organic and local produce. All leftover food will be distributed to those in need in the community.
Garth Wolff believes the number of ITCs in SA will continue to grow despite the economic downturn Photo: Mark Jackson-Moss
While location is one of our main features, our guests’ experience of the hotel itself is what will earn loyalty and keep guests coming back for more.
Workshop available: 01 Nov-31 Jan 2009
Complete the TI Workshop and stand in line to win a weekend at the Holiday Inn Sandton for two people sharing inclusive of dinner, bed and breakfast and a full day spa treatment for two at Mangwanani, valued at R6 400
TNW3195SD visit www.travelinfo.co.za
workshopsON-LINE
NEWS
QUICK READ FOR bUsIEst pEOplE Wednesday November 19 2008 n 13
Natalia thomsoN
CELEBRATED luxury safari company, CC Africa, surprised the
industry with its name change to &BEYOND in November.
The new brand, says group marketing director, Nicky Fitzgerald, had to combine the company’s bed and travel business and it had to work before the name of the lodges, so instead of simply Phinda Private Game Reserve, it’s now referred to as ‘&BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve’ in an effort to showcase the mother brand.
“The rebranding process started 18 months ago and was based on the fact that the previous name, CC Africa, was far from ideal. ‘Africa’ no longer accurately reflected the company’s operating regions and we realised that delighting guests to make a difference was our core
focus. This is what enables us to make a difference, not the other way around.”
Reaction to CC Africa’s name change has been mixed, says Nicky. “At least 70% say they adore it, 20% need more time and 10% have asked us if we’ve lost our marbles.”
The company is now embarking on aggressive expansion plans both in Africa ‘and beyond’ to export the company’s “100% African spirit”, with the launch of an additional two lodges, Banjaar Tola adjacent to Kahna National Park and Pashan Garh near Panna National Park, in Madhyapradesh, India, by the end of the year. Nicky says &BEYOND also has its eye on a presence in Gir, the Asiatic lion’s last stronghold.
Closer to home, &BEYOND will be looking at developments in Madagascar,
southern Tanzania and northern Kenya, near the pristine wildernesses of Marsabit and Lake Turkana. In August the company opened two new lodges in Botswana: &BEYOND Xudum and &BEYOND Xaranna in the Okavango Delta.
Also on the cards is a circuit in South America, including properties in Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil and Bolivia. “Costa Rica is the closest wilderness to the US and by establishing a presence there we will be closer to our core market of the US.”
Although 42% of &BEYOND’s market comes from the US, South Africa remains a fantastic market for the company, says Nicky. “We already have over 2 500 members in our Bateleur Club and offer great value safaris for South Africans through our Bush Breaks specials.” n
Natalia thomsoN
THERE are no nasty surprises with Holiday Homes Africa’s 2 500 properties across the Southern African region. “All properties are physically inspected onsite so what you see online is what you get,” explains chairman, Glenn van Heerden.
“All guaranteed and personally managed by Holiday Homes preferred agents, these properties range from coastal, inland, mountains, bush and cities, and from five-star to rustic.”
According to Glenn, all
restrictions are listed on the site, including whether or not pets are allowed, as are details on security, the size and number of rooms, free or included services and facilities. Local contact is provided for arrival, emergencies and additional information and payment by all major credit cards or bank transfer is accepted.
Holiday Homes Africa is a joint venture between RCI Vacation Rental Network and local partners. It has access to over 55 000 self-catering homes, villas and apartments throughout the world, in addition to the properties in the region. n
Above &BEYOND delighting guests
Holiday Homes offers peace of mind
One of the rooms at the new Pashan Garh Panna Wilderness Lodge in Madhyapradesh, India
(plus taxes. subject to currency fluctuations)
2 flights/week - departures Friday & Sunday from October 26
Valid until November 30 2008
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14 n Wednesday November 19 2008 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS
Natalia thomsoN
SUN International Dreams’ new tour operator management
system, developed by ISO Travel Solutions, will auto-mate and improve its existing reservations processes.
The new system, says SID md, Erica Barrett, will help agents by enabling them to book a Sun International package in their office online with direct availability, thus “cutting their communication costs and allowing agents to be super efficient with their clients”.
Dubbed ‘OCEAN’, the new system will provide Dreams with several important online connections. Flights can be booked online in the Amadeus flight reservation system, while Dreams’ own hotel properties can be searched and booked online.
Flights and hotels can be dynamically combined in
one OCEAN booking and additional services from the OCEAN database can be added, such as transfers and excursions.
An online connection to ISO Travel Solutions’ ‘Ivery’ credit
card system will allow for online authorisation of credit card payments.
The OCEAN features, combined with ISO’s CRM system ‘Emerald’, will enable Sun International Dreams to automate 80% of its business and improve efficiency by up to 30%.
Says Erica: “We will be the first tour operator in SA to be able to dynamically package online with direct interfaces into Sun International’s property reservation system and into Amadeus.”
For ISO, this project is an “important step” to widening its customer bases. Sun International Dreams is the first customer in South Africa, making SA the 23rd country in which ISO’s tourism solutions are being used.
“We believe the SA tour operator market has a lot of potential and is in need of the good IT solutions we can provide. OCEAN has been adapted to the local specifics of other countries before. For Dreams we will make the adaptations that are necessary for SA tour operators and we will then look forward to getting more customers in the region,” says Markus Kretschmer, ISO sales director. n
Real-time bookings with Dreams’ new IT system
“We will be the first tour operator in SA able to dynamically package online with direct interfaces into Sun International’s
property reservation system and into
Amadeus.”
● The Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita opened recently. The all-pool villa resort is part of the Anahita World Class Sanctuary, which includes private residences and the Four Seasons Golf Club Mauritius at Anahita, featuring an 18-hole
championship course designed by Ernie Els. The 123 villas have unique features like waterfront gardens behind the mangroves. All villas have an alfresco shower, a large verandah, plunge pool and private garden filled with indigenous plants and trees.
To the point ☞
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KEY ACCOUNTS MANAGER- WEST RAND5 years experience. Actively seek new business responsible for one big account- Afrikaans Client. Fluent in Afrikaans. Salary R12 000.00 CTC plus performance bonus . Ann ACCOUNTS CLERK- ROODEPOORT Grade 12 with Accounting, Pastel knowledge an advantage. Deal with Tour leaders, process information, prepare payments, perform Adhoc projects and General admin work. Salary R6 000- R7 000 CTC. Nono
JUNIOR CONSULTANT - RANDBURG No experience required. Must have a Certificate or Diploma in Travel & Tourism and a Certified in Amadeus. No Benefits. Start Immediately. Jeremy
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heard! Strategic Management / Mktg qual ess + 5 years exp. R13 000
B.E.E. A GRAdE KAM - CBdTired of selling ice to Eskimos? Change to this electric
corporate agency and sell the real deal to crispy corporate clients now! Don’t just dangle the carrot, be the carrot! Solid Sales initiative & never say die attitude will reward you handsomely. R10 000 plus
commission.
EXTRA CASH FOR XMAS?Why not temp? With everyone going on leave over the festive season the travel trade will be looking for
experienced travel temps. Don’t delay, contact us now for muche needed dollar pumping assignments!
Visit our website for a full listing of these and other jobs!www.specialized.co.za
Make Hay While the Sun Shines!Fantastic positions open to commence employment in January/ February. Call today to set up an interview with one of our professional consultants…Maddy, Virushka, or Lisa.
Divisional FIT Manager – Cape TownPrestigious position on offer with a large inbound tour operator based in Century City. Beautiful offices and a rewarding company to work for. Mentor, train and manage reservations staff. Minimum of 5 years reservations experience. German language skills a must. Salary negotiable. Lisa
Yield and Pricing ManagerTop position for a car rental agency based in Edenvale. Control and maintain dynamic pricing ensuring maximum yield is obtained. Plan pricing and rates based on demand. Manage stop-sale by business channel. Strong financial background essential. Three to five years management, leadership as well as pricing experience. Virushka
Senior Corporate ConsultantTop travel management company based in Sandton is looking for a senior corporate consultant with a minimum of 7 years experience. Must be able to handle complex international bookings. Amadeus. Salary negotiable. Maddy
Senior Corporate Consultant – BoksburgWork closer to home! Strong corporate consultant urgently needed for an established and successful travel agency. Minimum of 5 years consulting experience on Galileo required. Handle a demanding client with ease. Highly negotiable salary. Virushka
Senior Corporate Consultant – StellenboschExciting work environment! Handle a large corporate account. Must be able to quote and book domestic, regional and international bookings. Galileo coupled with 3-4 years experience. Salary negotiable with medical aid and pension! Lisa
Senior Leisure ConsultantWork for a market leader that is never short of business! Lovely work environment where you are rewarded for your passion for travel and sales skills. Packages as well as flights. Own car essential. Salary negotiable. Virushka
Junior Leisure ConsultantWant to work for a company that has a fantastic culture? Leading youth and adventure travel agency has an opening for a junior leisure consultant. Must be confident in your sales ability and enjoy working towards target. Lucrative commission scheme. Amadeus. Maddy
Processor/ Junior ConsultantGot a few months consulting experience? Then this is for you! In-house based in Sunninghill is looking for a consultant with Galileo experience to join their team. Great opportunity to grow and learn in a busy environment. Salary negotiable. Virushka
Sales ExecutiveThis could be it! Travel software company has a vacancy for a professional, well presented and well groomed sales executive. Must be comfortable doing presentations at executive level and love working towards a target. A strong IT background is a pre-requisite. Salary is negotiable on experience. Lisa
Accounts ManagerWell known travel management company is looking for a finance manager to manage the accounts department and handle all aspects of the department. Must be a fully qualified bookkeeper and able to handle staff issues as well as the day to day accounting function. Quiktrav. Salary to R16000. Virushka
BookkeeperVacancy for a junior bookkeeper to start January 2009! Minimum of 1 years experience to trial balance as well as experience assisting with VAT and SARS returns. Vibey environment that would suit a young and strong personality. To R12 000. Lisa
Junior Debtors ClerkAA position. Fast growing family owned business in the northern suburbs! 1 years experience in debtors essential. Salary to R8000. Virushka
Senior Creditors Clerk TempPretoria! Travel agency accounts experience essential and have a total of 5 years of creditors experience. Will prepare reconciliation and assist with general accounts when required. Will be working at an in-house in the CBD. Lisa
Procurement Assistant TempRandburg! Large inbound tour operator. Must have project work, procurement and logistics experience and be computer literate with good communication skills. Will be assisting with placing of operational equipment orders, curio shop orders as well as building material and project goods. Lisa
PRODUCT MANAGERComair Limited , a leading player in the Domestic and Regional Commercial Aviation Arena, seeks to appoint a Product Manager with strong leadership skills and excellent interpersonal skills.
Key Attributes: Matric, A tertiary qualification will be an advantage. Key account management and customer relationship experience is essential. Proven Project management experience in a Financial/Telecoms environment .Business development experience desired. Strong presentation skills at board level. Target driven and Customer Centric
Key Responsibility: Manage, develop and grow the revenue and customer base for a key Comair Business Development portfolio. Compile and manage annual and quarterly partner plans. Investment Management: maximise the profit potential of your portfolio and identify new business development opportunities. Grow the portfolio database according to annual targets. Com-mercial Management: analysis and distribution of performance reports, interpretation of progress and feedback at board meetings. Assume a Project Management or Analyst role for ad-hoc projects. Manage or co-ordinate new product integra-tion requirements. License Management: manage License and SLA delivery of both Comair and Partner/s. Attend regular Partner meetings (Manco, Board) to present relevant data, progress, issues and opportunities in line with the License Agreement. Work to deadlines. Kindly forward your CV to: [email protected]; Closing date: 20 November 2008 at 12h00.
In accordance with the EE Act, preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from the designated groups.
Should you not hear from us by 5 December 2008 you may accept that your application has been unsuccessful. No cor-respondence will be entered into.
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Comair Limited is looking for a Product Manager who must be customer centric; self managed and pro-active, possess the ability to work under pressure in a fast developing and changing environment.
Key Attributes: Matric. Three years Airline experience. Project Management Skills. Analytical and reporting skills. Strong presentation skills and attention to detail is important. Experience in managing Loyalty programmes or experience in the financial services industry would be extremely advantageous.
The incumbents would be required to have South African citizenship or permanent resident status.
Key Responsibility:Compile and manage an Annual and Quarterly Partner Plan (Development; Operational Management and License Performance). Investment Management: maximise the profit from each partner or product within your portfolio and identify possible NEW business development opportunities for both brands (Comair and Partner)
Kindly forward your CV to: [email protected]; Closing date: 04 July 2008 at 12h00.
In accordance with the EE Act, preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from the designated groups.
Should you not hear from us by 30 July 2008 you may accept that your application has been unsuccessful. No correspondence will be entered into.
F.I.T. CONSULTANT Creative itinerary design and Africa knowledge highly sought after.INTERMEDIATE/SENIOR CONSULTANT Happy relaxed office with corporate/leisure mix – no Saturdays!CORPORATE CONSULTANT Senior position for go-getter with a flair for International bookings.INCENTIVES/GROUPS EXPERT If you enjoy travelling and have sound Incentive know-how this superb opportunity could be yours! IN-BOUND CONSULTANT Deal with top-level International agents handling exciting travel within Africa.ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT Sound general office know-how, basic accounts and ability to assist seniors well rewarded.
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Passenger Sales Executive – Gauteng
Requirementsl At least 3 years relevant Travel Trade experiencel Proactive, self-motivator and a team playerlResults drivenl Good presentation and negotiation skillsl Computer literate (word, excel, power point)l Previous Airline experience an advantagel Fluent in English (Mandarin an advantage).
“Most airlines do not offer enough info on their websites, they want you to call them. They offer a cellphone number as the call centre (e.g. KL/AF ) and it takes 45minutes for someone to answer – totally unacceptable! Those are dreadful costs and only once clients have called airlines themselves do they realise what a battle we have every day!” – Inge Beadle, Corporate Travel Services “Would LX’s website, for instance, tell an SA passport holder making an online booking that they need a Schengen visa soon to enter Switzerland? This is vital info for passengers. I have not checked this out, though it is just an example of why travellers need a travel agent.” - David Barron, Sure Link Travel
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From page 1This would, however, only be applicable in areas where the UK has a skills gap.
Tier 5 also includes gap-year travellers and students. Ed says the option for South Africans to go over as students is still available and that certain changes have been made to the rules of a student visa. Students are allowed to work part time for 20 hours per week and during the summer and winter break they can work full time.
Liezl says there has been a shift in interest to the United States and South America as alternative destinations.
She says as a youth travel provider, STA Travel has to provide other options. She says young people are very resilient and will just look at alternatives instead of not taking a gap year. There is an incredible selection available to fill the gap that will be left by the UK working holiday, so STA Travel is not overly
concerned.Liezl says for years there
has been ‘tunnel vision’ about the UK for a working holiday, and this provides an opportunity to sell new and exciting destinations.
“We know that the youth market is the most resilient. While travel in other markets is slowing, there has been a year-on-year improvement of 76% in youth travel. This shows that the youth market is still very much alive and kicking.” n
Liezl Gericke – upbeat about new opportunities to fill the gap Photo: Mark Jackson-Moss
Chana Viljoen
THE French Consulate in Johannesburg says the appointment system it
has just introduced will improve the quality of its service in terms of processing and issuing visas.
Since November 12, all visa applicants living in the Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and Lesotho are required to schedule an appointment. This can either be done online at http://fr.vfsglobal.za.com or through the call centre at +2782 234 4433. The Internet facility is available 24/7 while the call centre is open from Monday to Friday, 08h00 to 15h00.
Vice consul, Jean-François
Robert, says the decision to introduce an appointment system was taken for a number of reasons. He says previously many applicants visited the consulate very early in the morning and queued outside the premises for a long period of time, which, he says, was inconvenient for them as well as for the consulate. “With this new system, our goal is to avoid queuing. Applicants who adhere to all the requirements should be able to spend less than 15 minutes in the consulate,” he says.
Jean-François says the system will also ease applicant flow during peak times and in preparation for the future implementation of
biometric data, it will enable the consulate to deal with the increase in time needed to process an applicant’s file.
The website and call centre are run by VFS Global, which will also be able to provide applicants with the necessary information for submitting an application. Applicants are required to pay a R90 appointment scheduling service charge to make an appointment for the date and time most suited, but subject to availability.
“We can modulate the number of applicants we will take according to the period of the year. At this time of the year for instance, we have a maximum of 80 per day. Our maximum will be 160 during peak season,” says
Jean-François.Although he says it is
difficult to say at this point how far in advance applicants should make the appointment, Jean-François says in low season applicants should be able to make an appointment in two to three days during peak season. He says it would not make sense for applicants to make an appointment a month in advance. “If we see that the scheduling gets too busy, we will increase the number of daily applicants,” he adds.
He says: “Applicants must get used to coming in person, not only at the French consulate but at all the Schengen consulates, as biometric visas will be mandatory next year.” n
French visas – new system avoids queuingClients must cough up
Now passengers have the expense of travelling to Johannesburg to apply for a French visa and have to pay R90 for the privilege.When are we all going to stand up and say “NO MORE”?Air France, where are you? Can you not lobby your embassy to make alternative arrangements?They should establish a Schengen collection centre in each major centre where interviews can be conducted. All the embassies could hold their interviews and then applications could be sent to embassies for processing.Some enterprising visa service could set it up and run it.
