Southern Africa’s Travel News Weekly
June 16 2010 I No. 2111
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INSIDE
TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY
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See TNW’s ITC feature on page 4
News
feature
GAUTRAIN OPENS
Airline Alliances
Hard times drive airline consolidation
World-class transport for SA Page 2
Page 9
An ITC explosion! Natalia Thomson
M
ETEORIC growth – that’s how the expansion of the home-based retail agency model, or Independent Travel Consultant (ITC) model can only be described. A recent survey released by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) shows that the homebased model is the only area where retail travel is experiencing growth in the United States. According to the report, the percentage of home-based agencies in the US grew by 312% from 2003 to 2010. This is in comparison with the 27% decline in retail location agencies and 6% decline in number of office location agencies during the same period. In SA, while there are no figures indicating how fast this part of the retail sector is growing, their high enquiry-to-sales conversion rates, experience and entrepreneurial spirit have prompted suppliers to take notice of their contribution to their bottom line, giving them access to great rates. In an exclusive TNW ITC survey run recently, most of the ITCs polled said they had been consulting for more than 13 years. Some 30% actually said they had 20 years or more experience. “ITCs certainly have vast knowledge about travel and their clients’ needs. They have a following of loyal clients
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who believe they are the best person for the job,� says Qantas manager Africa, Michi Messner. Air Holidays’ David Wood agrees. “I often find ITCs more knowledgeable as they are senior consultants with experience.� It is this knowledge, says Robyn Christie, Asata ceo, that makes them ideal to use as mentors and trainers in the industry. Robyn admits ITCs are an “important part� of the supply chain but says efforts to incorporate them under the Asata umbrella have been fraught with “complexities�. “We object to the current situation where head offices attain Asata membership and share Asata resources and information with their ITCs when these are not Asata members. “This is why we have introduced a model specifically for ITCs so Asata is working with ITC host companies to resolve the situation.�
Experience spells success
Sealing the deal appears to be no problem for South African ITCs. Some 43% of ITCs polled in the TNW ITC survey say their conversion rate from enquiries to sales is between 81% and 100%. A further 30% claim they have a conversion rate of 61% to 80%. This, says Will Puk, director Travel Counsellors South Africa, is because ITCs’ interaction with their clients is not transactional. Rather their interactions are
based on their relationship with clients. “Once they get to this relationship level, they tend to get better conversion rates.â€? ITCs have a set customer base, adds Jonathan Gerber, Travel Assignment Group md. “Their customers are typically not phoning around to get the best price. They know they’re going to buy travel from their ITC.â€? ASTA’s recent research shows that many small to mid-sized agencies are either moving to a home-based model or considering it for financial savings. “The term ITC could refer as effectively to ‘Independent Travel Consultant’ as it can to ‘Independent Travel Company’,â€? says Jonathan. ITCs typically make the move from a traditional retail environment as they’re looking for flexible working hours and the opportunity to work for themselves. At least 47% of those consultants polled also said they wanted to earn a better salary. But choosing to move is not a decision taken lightly. Some 32% of consultants polled said they were concerned they wouldn’t be able to pay the bills and 20% were worried they wouldn’t have any clients. David Bradshaw, Travel Vision sales and marketing director, believes the ITC model in South Africa will continue to grow: “ITCs are passionate about their work. We see more consultants taking the ITC route.â€? â–
Bitten by the 2010 bug! Never a dull moment at Pentravel Garden Route while 2010 football fever is in the air. Strutting their soccer stuff are (back from left)Â Ursula Marais, Mardi Barnard and Schanel Chomse with (front from left) Nicole Coetzer and Janene Britz
New Mozambique security tax introduced Kate Els THE Mozambique Airports Authority (MAA) has introduced a new security tax for passengers departing from Mozambique, with immediate effect.
The tax is charged at US$3/R31 per person on the VNX-Johannesburg routing. Security tax is already being charged on all island flights as well, in addition to the standard domestic departure taxes. â–
NEWS Top web stories Iata lessening the baggage load Take note: 1time changes Iata code New Moz security tax introduced Holiday Aviation appointed GSA for Hellenic Imperial Airways BA: strike not a threat to World Cup flights Nominate the ‘Hottest Men’ for TNW's Naughty 40s calendar
The Gautrain launches operations Natasha Tippel
T
HE new, state-of-the-art rapid rail service – the Gautrain – has opened its doors to the public. Services launched on June 8 with hundreds of Johannesburg residents queueing to buy their ticket to experience the new world-class public transport system. Operations ran smoothly and authorities are expecting more people to start using the service. Here’s what you need to know to advise your clients using the Gautrain. Passengers will pay R100 for a single train trip to OR Tambo International Airport. These services include a train service linking stations at Sandton, Marlboro, Rhodesfield and the airport. The airport service only departs from Sandton Station and is
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Rubes® By Leigh Rubin
a 15-minute trip. Commuters can access all services by means of a contactless smart card – the Gautrain Gold Card. Cash will not be accepted for passage on the buses or trains or at the parking exit gates. The Gautrain Gold Card allows seamless transfer
“Passengers will pay R100 for a single train trip to OR Tambo International Airport.” between Gautrain’s train, bus and parking services. The cards are available for a once-off charge of R10 from ticket offices and ticket vending machines at all stations and at selected retailers. Value can then be loaded on to the cards as
required. Passengers can also register their Gautrain Gold Cards at a ticket office, which will enable the blacklisting of a card should it be lost or stolen. Unused value on the card can then be transferred to a new card. Commuters who combine a bus trip or parking usage with a train journey will get reduced rates on the bus and parking components. Special weekly and monthly packages are also available for regular users. The train and bus services will operate from Monday to Sunday between 05h30 and 20h30. Trains and buses will be available every 12 minutes during peak times (05h30 to 08h30 and 16h00 to 19h00), and every 20 minutes during off-peak times. On weekends the train runs every 30 minutes. ■
1time changes prefix code Natalia Thomson 1TIME flights will, from June 19, reflect a new flight prefix code: T6. Iata issued the official code as the airline expands its African route network
where airports need to be set up according to actual Iata codes and not predetermined flight prefix codes. Says Desmond O’Connor, 1time commercial director: “No disruptions
to bookings already made will occur and all e-tickets booked on the 1T prefix code will be accepted during the changeover.” All flight numbers, times and schedules will remain unchanged. ■
Travelinfo,s Hayley Cochran selects the top specials from Travelinfo
TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY
Published by Lugan Investments (Pty) Ltd trading as Now Media Printed by Juka Printing (Pty) Ltd Phone: (011) 327-4062 Fax: (011) 327-4094 E-mail: tnw@nowmedia.co.za Web: www.nowmedia.co.za Address: Now Media Centre, 32 Fricker Road, Illovo Boulevard, Illovo, Johannesburg. PO Box 55251, Northlands, 2116, South Africa.
EDITORIAL Editor: Natalia Thomson nataliat@nowmedia.co.za Deputy Editor: Natasha Tippel natashat@nowmedia.co.za Sub-Editor: Ann Braun annb@nowmedia.co.za Cape Town Editor: Hilka Birns hilkab@nowmedia.co.za Journalist: Jeanette Phillips jeanettep@nowmedia.co.za Photo Journalist: Tijana Huysamen tijanah@nowmedia.co.za Founding Editors: John H Marsh (1914-1996) Leona Marsh (1923-2003) ADVERTISING Sales Manager Kate Nathan Advertising Coordinator: Natalie Walker PRODUCTION Design Head: Brendon Bester
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Subscriptions: Subs tvlsubs@nowmedia.co.za Annual Subscription: RSA R490.00 Foreign R730,00 SADC R545,00 TNW Domestic may receive up to 10 copies per subscription to one address
2 n Wednesday June 16 2010
Specials Spot
El Al is offering a special fare ex-JNB to Israel from R6 490. Valid July 17 to August 21 with minimum stay seven days, maximum 21 days. Includes fuel surcharge, excludes airport tax. Pure Sport is offering Dublin rugby packages from R15 570pps. Includes return flights ex-JNB, airport taxes, three nights’ accommodation with breakfast, a half-day city and Guinness Storehouse tour and a match ticket to see SA v Ireland. Packages for games in Wales, Scotland and England are available. Valid November 4 to 9. Club Med. Skiing in Switzerland. Packages from R19 475pps include return flights ex-JNB, airport taxes, return transfers, seven nights’ accommodation with all meals, open bar, snacks, activities and travel insurance. Children’s activities at selected resorts. Valid on selected departures between December 5 and May 1. Early booking bonus applies to bookings made before July 10. Seyunique. 15th birthday special from R10 691pps at Paradise Sun, Seychelles. Includes return flights ex-JNB, return flights between Mahé and Praslin, transfers on Praslin, six nights’ accommodation with dinner and breakfast and all current taxes, surcharges and levies. Valid during July. Packages must be booked and paid before June 15. QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS
Enjoy everything under the sun at just one price. LUGOGO SUN
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Per Child Sharing Over 12
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R3 326
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INCLUDES: INCLUDES: 1 x Activity Voucher 2 x Activity Voucher 1 x Royal Spa Voucher 2 x Royal Spa Voucher 3 x Breakfast 4 x Breakfast 3 x Lunch 4 x Lunch 3 x Dinner 4 x Dinner 3 x Beverage Allowance 4 x Beverage Allowance 1 x Activity Voucher 2 x Activity Voucher 3 x Breakfast 4 x Breakfast 3 x Lunch 4 x Lunch 3 x Dinner 4 x Dinner 3 x Beverage Allowance 4 x Beverage Allowance 1 x Activity Voucher 2 x Activity Voucher 3 x Breakfast 4 x Breakfast 3 x Lunch 4 x Lunch 3 x Dinner 4 x Dinner 3 x Beverage Allowance 4 x Beverage Allowance Prices for children of other ages are available on request.
R7 438
R10 670
R7 005
R10 280
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Per room per night (for 2 rooms)
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INCLUDES: 2 x Activity Voucher 2 x Royal Spa Voucher 5 x Breakfast 5 x Lunch 5 x Dinner 5 x Beverage Allowance 2 x Activity Voucher 5 x Breakfast 5 x Lunch 5 x Dinner 5 x Beverage Allowance 2 x Activity Voucher 5 x Breakfast 5 x Lunch 5 x Dinner 5 x Beverage Allowance
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Book your all inclusive break now by calling your nearest ASATA travel agent or Dreams on 011 217 5555, or visit suninternational.com. Specific Terms and Conditions apply. E&OE
ITCs
Love it or hate it, there appears to be a bright future ahead for the ITC model in South Africa. Natalia Thomson reports.
Ignore ITCs at your peril
R
ECOGNISING that they could lose consultants to the ITC world if they don’t introduce a more flexible work environment, several retail groups have, over the past few years, introduced what they term ITC models. Whether or not you agree that these more adjusted working conditions deserve to be considered as ITC models, there are increasingly more agents demanding more flexibility from their employers. “ITCs are growing on a monthly basis,” says Travel Assignment Group md, Jonathan Gerber. “Becoming an ITC provides an
opportunity for the go getter to earn more money as well as flexibility. “Travel skills are in short supply. We are a nation of entrepreneurs and at the outset, to many it appears to be daunting but if you are the right person there will always be opportunity.” There will always be a role for professional ITCs to flourish, says Travel Counsellors director, Will Puk. “This is provided they add value, know more than their clients, respond quickly and accurately to their needs, market proactively, have access to world-class tools and specially negotiated rates
and are supported and backed by a professional reputable company.” “Yes, the Internet will take the people looking for the cheapest prices, but there are a lot of travellers out
“ITCs have access to great fares, it’s a viable business option and customers love them.” there who are time poor and don’t have time to sit and search on the web. There are also people who are looking for professional personal service and are willing to pay for it,”
4 n Wednesday June 16 2010
professionals in their field looking after their clients,” concludes eTravel operations manager, Tammy Hunt.
Hilka Birns
Top 3 characteristics of an ITC 80
Percentage of ITCs who selected this criterion among their top three: Experienced ■ 72% Hardworking ■ 53% Flexible ■ 37%
70 60 50 40 30 20 10
Source: TNW 2010 ITC Survey [171 respondents]
0
Satisfaction with ITC host On average 71% of ITCs polled in the TNW ITC 2010 Survey were fairly satisfied with their current ITC host, while some 73% were extremely satisfied. 100
91%
80
60
42%
TAG
20
eTravel
40
Travel Counsellors
80% 77%
Club Travel
are unlikely to tell us after a short period of time that ‘they want to go off to see the world’.” In addition to the nonnegotiable personality traits of being self-motivated, passionate, energetic, entrepreneurial and enthusiastic, ITCs have to be exceptionally service oriented. “They must be prepared to move heaven and earth for their clients,” says Travel Assignment Group’s Jonathan Gerber. ITCs have to be go-getters, says eTravel’s Tammy Hunt. “They must be able to manage their client relationships even though we do accompany them to clients for presentations and feedback.”
“We believe the ITC model is the way of the future.” Tammy Hunt
Travel Counsellors SA keeps on growing
ITC leap not for everyone NOT every junior consultant who joins the travel sector dreams of becoming an Independent Travel Consultant (ITC) one day. Nor should every consultant even consider it as an option. It takes some very specific qualities, in addition to having the right attitude and self confidence, for a consultant to make the switch successfully. Experience is by far the most important criterion for making the switch from regular retail travel consultant to becoming an ITC. Five years’ retail or wholesale travel experience appears to be the bare minimum ITC groups like eTravel, Tourvest Travel Services and Travel Counsellors expect from anyone wishing to join their ranks. “Consultants have to have a solid track record in the industry, a client base or a strategic plan to get business,” says Club Travel’s Wally Gaynor. Mature individuals who have a settled background work best as ITCs, adds Travel Counsellors’ Will Puk. “We’re looking for people who have been around and
adds Club Travel md, Wally Gaynor. Major corporates, says Jonathan, are once again seeing value in intimate and high-touch relationships with a service supplier. “It is not all about online and global. ITCs have access to great fares, it’s a viable business option and customers love them.” Those ITCs who take the time to build true relationships with their clients and go beyond normal client-service-provider relationships are the ones that will flourish. “We believe the ITC model is the way of the future as ITCs are the top
0
Extremely satisfied Disclaimer: Tourvest and Uniglobe were not included in the calculation of the graphs as TNW did not receive the required amount of respondents for the survey to be able to give a fair representation of statistics.
TRAVEL Counsellors, the home-based global travel company, has been doubling its business in SA every year and expects to post R300m in sales and number 140 ITCs by the end of October, the end of its financial year, says director South Africa, Will Puk. He says South Africa, along with Australia, now represents the UK-based company’s fastest growing region. Local membership stands at 122. “We expect to grow to about 250 ITCs over five years, which means we’ve grown to about half our target since we began in South Africa in September 2007.” In SA, at least 75% of TC’s business is corporate. “There is no head-hunting, no targeting of anyone else’s staff. Interested parties must approach us or come through referrals from other TCs, who in return earn 10% of the new member’s first year commission.” He says new recruits come from an even spread of other consortia. The company says 83% of TCs are women; 71% are aged between 31 and 50 with on average 20 years’ experience. Before joining, 60% were either managers,
Will Puk, Travel Counsellors’ director South Africa at the Cape Town head-office deputy managers or owners of retail travel agencies. Some 96% of TCs would not return to their previous job and 83% say their work/life balance has improved. Comprehensive head-office support is too numerous to list, but includes R25 000 worth of initial office setup; a three-day induction programme; step-by-step guidance in business development; an Intranet that offers daily personalised performance stats and individualised business pages; dynamic packaging; and free international video communication with TCs around the world and monthly web-casts. Commissions are paid twice a month.
QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS
With us you
earn more
So give yourself a raise The money you make, is the money you keep as an eTravel Independent Travel Company. Check out these advantages to being an eTravel ITC and write your own cheque – • Highest commission pay-out, average 78.5%, up to 90% • Annual override payment of 60 to 80% • You keep your independent identity, not ours • Option to use Galileo OR Amadeus • Office space available in JHB, CPT and Umhlanga • 100% dedicated support to ITC’s from management and staff 24/7/365
“Why spend all your time and expertise making somebody else rich? eTravel is the market leader in making Independent Travel Companies more successful, much less stressful. You get everything you need from us to be a professional, competitive outfit while keeping your independence and your own identity.” Garth Wolff, CEO eTravel
If you have 5 years’ or more retail travel experience, with 2 years as a senior c o n s u l t a n t a n d e x p e r i e n c e w i t h f a re b u i l d s , i s s u e i n e x c h a n g e s a n d i n t e r l i n e agreements, plus you hold an Amadeus/Galileo certificate, find out more about joining eTravel as an ITC. Be your own boss and work for yourself, not by yourself.
• • •
Garth on 083 440 8808 / garth@etravel.co.za Tammy on 011 502 3300 / 072 378 1105 / tammyh@etravel.co.za Charmaine on 021 521 9200 / 084 509 6695 / charmainem@etravelcpt.co.za
®
e
l
Group Inland Coastal
Trav
Work for yourself. Not by yourself.
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Exclusive TNW ITC Survey
30 20
eTravel
Travel Counsellors
40
TAG
50
Club Travel
60
Travel Counsellors
70
Travel Assignment Group
80
10 0
48%
37% 22% 29%
21%
Good
53%
44% 66%
Excellent
30
Club Travel
Travel Counsellors
40
eTravel
50
Travel Counsellors
80
TAG
eTravel
Supplier relationships
60
20 10
“An experienced, professional travel consultant who takes that experience and professionalism to new heights of service excellence to family and friends, and their families.” “Exactly as the name states – an independent travel consultant can make their own decisions, work their own time and do things to suit their clients that they (the ITC) know works for them.”
24% 22% 29%
Good
42% 71% 56% 65%
Excellent
60 50 40 30 20
TAG Club Travel
70
Travel Counsellors
Travel Assignment Group
80
eTravel
Payouts
eTravel
“An ITC is an independent travel consultant or non-Iata travel agency which runs their own travel business for their own account but which contracts to a host for services, products and deals.” Morné du Preez
32%
Travel Counsellors
0
Agent views...
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Technological support
Club Travel
an ITC is an independent travel consultant or non-Iata travel agency which “runs their own travel business for their own account but which contracts to Tourvest for shared infrastructure and or services, products and deals”. Will Puk believes an ITC is a “fully accredited experienced and qualified travel professional who can supply the necessary skills warranty and who is fully supported by a company which is appropriately licensed and bonded and who provides a professional and responsible infrastructure”.
PAYOUTS, technological support and supplier relationships are the top types of support required by ITCs in South Africa. Some 81% of ITCs polled in TNW’s ITC 2010 survey picked payouts as extremely important, while 79% selected technological support and 78% supplier relationships. Least important, according to the results, are BEE accreditation (33% selected it as extremely important) and training (40%).
70
What is an ITC? THE definition of what actually qualifies one to be called an ITC is as varied as the different types of models and support each one provides. And the more support an ITC group provides, the more encompassing its definition of what an ITC actually is. An ITC, says Wally Gaynor, is a business model where a “professional travel consultant owns and operates their own business taking advantage of the infrastructure of a bigger agency group”. Morné du Preez says
ITCs rate their models…
Travel Assignment Group
Iata-licensed agencies, the corporate travel and wholesale agents.” Tourvest Travel Services, says md, Morné du Preez, offers two models: one for consultants requiring assistance with their business set up, use of various Tourvest services and full back-office support; the other providing ITCs with a ticketing solution and backing of Tourvest deal negotiations, products and services based on a menu of products. And what you start off with might not also be what remains in place forever. As your need for support changes, so too will your preferred ITC model. Said one ITC in a recent TNW ITC survey: “When I started more than five years ago I was completely dependent on the ITC host. Now I only have a ticketing agreement with my supplier and do all the rest myself. “I now have my own backoffice system but had to employ someone to handle that for me as I’m too busy with consulting, marketing and networking with my clients.”
eTravel
“We are not in the business of teaching travel. We give all the tools to be successful as your own boss,” says Club Travel’s Wally Gaynor. “It’s advisable that [ITCs] run with the ball as it is their own business. We prefer established ITCs or ITCs we know from past experience,” adds Travel Assignment Group’s, Jonathan Gerber. Travel Counsellors and eTravel, however, say different levels of support are offered according to the requirements of their ITCs. “If you’re starting from scratch, our new Starter Programme is particularly relevant but if you’re coming with business then you’ll want to wow your existing clients even more to make sure you don’t lose them,” says Travel Counsellors’ Will Puk. eTravel, says Tammy Hunt, accommodates a wide spectrum of agents, from those who need a lot of handholding to those who merely require eTravel to be a ticket hub. “We have a variety of different options that cater for the different consultant needs within travel today, including
Club Travel
WHEN it comes to the different ITC models on offer in South Africa, there’s certainly no ‘one size fits all’ approach. The variety of ITC models range from fully independent consultants working from home under the name of a registered cc travel company without any support from a host ITC group, to ITCs who work with the full support of a host group like eTravel or Travel Counsellors. Then you get everything between, like those consultants who have persuaded their current employers to let them work from home and fringe ITC companies that offer ticketing and a portion of overrides. While most groups offer flexible ITC models, it’s clear agents seeking to make the change should evaluate what level of support they need, and in which areas, before deciding which ITC group and model will give them a greater chance of success. TAG and Club Travel openly state that their respective models will appeal to professional senior consultants or existing ITCs.
Club Travel
ITC models – choose one that suits you!
10 0
37% 20%
34% 27%
Good
21% 77% 67% 71%
Excellent
Disclaimer: Tourvest and Uniglobe were not included in the calculation of the graphs as TNW did not receive the required amount of respondents for the survey to be able to give a fair representation of statistics. QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS
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Which ITC model should I choose? ITC host groups offer… Club Travel
Training
● Start-up training offered on Club’s systems ● In-house training: technology, destination, supplier workshops
eTravel
● Ongoing fares training ● PP product training at HQ
Travel Assignment Group
Travel Counsellors
Tourvest Travel Services
Uniglobe
Top scoring (TNW Survey)
● Induction start-up training ● Ongoing supplier training
● 3-day induction New Starter programme ● 6-month Re-induction programmes. ● System of Success programme
● In-house and outsourced training ● Intranet online destination training
● Online and offline
● Travel Counsellors
● Support on three GDSs and online booking support ● New TAG Online system being developed for full booking facility with own branding
● Intranet ● Contact Centre ● Travel Counsellors TV ● Microsoft Communicator
● Dashboard serves as comms forum ● TTS Intranet serves as electronic document storage & management system ● Dynamic database of over 2 000 preferred tour op products and packages with dynamic access control ● Travel portal: white label website ● Fare finder
● Online booking system ● Quality control ● Online accounting and reporting ● Intranet
● Travel Counsellors
● Depends on requirements
● Supported by regional office of 10 and global offices
● Travel Counsellors
● Key supplier first tier deals and global deals
● eTravel
● Comprehensive intranet with online fares, hotels, visa info, etc. ● Access to Speed fares and GDSs
● Hardware set-up ● On-site technology dept
Start-up advice
● According to needs
● Assistance with presentations ● Accounting and tax advice
● Depends on requirements
● 3-day induction New Starter programme ● System of Success programme
Supplier relationships
● Extra commission at source ● If they qualify, share of overrides and GDS income
● All contracts handled centrally by HQ
● Managed by ITC Travel ● Total supplier deal transparency promised
● Handled by HQ ● No preferred partners ● 160 vetted suppliers
● Multilevel relationships with preferreds
Marketing
● White label any e-newsletters, websites
● 50% advertising support that is mutually beneficial
● Depends on requirements
● Opt-in programme whereby TC will do 50% of base marketing for ITC every month ● Contacts Centre
● ITC may use facilities of marketing dept (model 1)
Centralised Administration
● Can use online accounting system Procon
● MIS reporting for ITC’s clients ● All admin handled centrally including referral commission collections
● Full back-office support systems, including ticketing
● Ticket issuing (no ADM guarantee) ● All invoices and vouchers ● Process client payments ● Chase commissions
● Full back-office support (model 1)
● No, but online support
● eTravel
Payouts
● Extra commission at source plus a share in airline and operator overrides if qualify
● Up to 90% of commissions/ professional fees ● Up to 80% of overrides
● Monthly commission payouts ● 85% of all comm ● Annual preferred payouts. 70% override payout
● Commission paid twice monthly
● Commission depends on contract (between 50% and 88%) ● Override share up to 80%
● Commissions all upfront
● eTravel
● Most prefer to work from home
● Travel-ready offices with the entire infrastructure and travel support already in place at discounted rental costs
● On- and off-site ITC model
● 100% work from home
● Can assist with rental of offices, IT set up, full admin, technology, etc.
● Laptop
● eTravel/ Travel Counsellors
Technology
Office infrastructure
● Travel Counsellors
Note: Top-scoring host group according to TNW ITC 2010 Survey, where group with highest number of respondents scoring ‘excellent’ are noted (responses from 171 ITCs). 8 n Wednesday June 16 2010
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feature
Airline alliances
In the news Oneworld
Airlines are joining forces and plugging into the power of an alliance to save costs and provide new networks and opportunities.
Hard times drive airline consolidation Staff reporter
T
HERE is only so much cost cutting that individual airlines can do when responding to global events that cause people to stop travelling. The next step is consolidation and the recent wave of mergers is a testimony to this. Some, however, look for a home among the like-minded in an alliance. In the past, alliances brought codeshares and revenue sharing but carriers can now enjoy many of the synergies and cost-savings from alliance membership that others gain in mergers. “They (alliances) started as loose marketing agreements, for codesharing, frequent linkages…we are now seeing those groupings forming tight
economic relationships,” said Tom Horton, cfo of AMR (the parent of American Airlines) at the February Reuters Travel Summit. Benefits of alliances are: ● an extended, optimised network, often through codeshares, providing better connections; ● ‘rightsizing’ of capacity where there is flight duplication (bad news for consumers with less competition and fewer flights); ● cost-savings (sharing facilities and systems); ● sharing of operational staff; ● extra volume discounts on purchases; ● a wider loyalty programme; ● round-the-world tickets. More challenges loom, like the pending open-skies
agreement between Japan and the US, which triggered a tug of war between oneworld and SkyTeam over JAL (which is bankrupt but has an extensive Asia network that any alliance would like). Oneworld prevailed, keeping JAL in its Asia network. Now SkyTeam has China Eastern in the fold, giving the Chinese carrier access to 13 000 daily flights operated by the alliance members. In 2003, Lord Marshall, then BA chairman, said necessary consolidation could result in only three global carriers in Europe. Some observers reckon the fulfilment of the prophecy could be upon us, classing the three major global alliances as three large global airlines, albeit they’re composed of smaller airlines.
White spots THE alliance with the most diverse network and the alliance but this will change when Air India joins Star most clout in the busiest markets will dominate. The Alliance and Kingfisher Airlines is expected to start race is on for the ‘white spots’ – areas where alliance flying as part of oneworld in 2011. presence is thin. Some ‘white spots’ are common to In South America, oneworld’s LAN has a good all three alliances – China and its neighbours, India, continental network. Combined with Iberia’s Spain/ sub-Saharan Africa and South America. South America routes, it has a lot of strength on the In China and neighbouring countries, SkyTeam has continent. Brazilian carrier TAM has just joined the China Eastern, China Southern and Korean; oneworld Star Alliance as its only South American member. has Cathay Pacific and JAL and Star Alliance has Sub-Saharan Africa is the thinnest network for all Air China, ANA, Asiana (Korean), Shanghai Airlines, three alliances. The only airlines in an alliance are Singapore Airlines and Thai. SkyTeam’s associate member, Kenya Airways, and Star ALLI_1005013_10YEARS_UK_122x60__ 11:08 Page1 On the Indian subcontinent no carriers are in an03/06/10Alliance’s SAA. HRU • BAT
● Japan Airlines reaffirmed its commitment to the oneworld alliance in February after considering joining SkyTeam. It is expected that a joint venture between American Airlines and JAL will be given antitrust approval. Meanwhile, at Heathrow BA and JAL will share location and lounges, expand codeshare flights and make transfers smoother for passengers. The US DoT has already given tentative approval to oneworld’s transatlantic partners American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair and Royal Jordanian for antitrust immunity across the Atlantic. The European Commission has taken key steps towards approval of the proposed transatlantic joint business agreement between American Airlines, BA and Iberia. ● Meanwhile Russia’s S7 Airlines is expected to become a full member of the alliance later this year. Mexicana joined in November 2009. Kingfisher will add 58 cities in India to oneworld’s route network, while S7 will add 54 cities, 35 of them in Russia. ● oneworld was voted the World’s Leading Airline Alliance for the seventh consecutive year in the 2009 World Travel Awards. ● Finnair has opened the Via Spa in its Helsinki lounge. ● LAN Peru will launch four weekly services from Lima to San Francisco on July 1, the only non-stop flight between San Francisco and South America.
SkyTeam
● SkyTeam will welcome China Eastern Airlines, Vietnam Airlines and Tarom Romanian Air Transport as an associate member. Vietnam Airlines will join on June 10, adding 17 destinations in south-east Asia to the alliance’s network. Tarom’s entry is scheduled for June 25. China Eastern will officially join the alliance in 2011. It serves more than 150 destinations in China and abroad. Its main hub is Shanghai. ● SkyTeam's new facility at Heathrow’s T4 includes an exclusive premium check-in area for first- and businessclass, premium economy and SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus passengers. It also opened the second level of its co-branded lounge at Heathrow complete with Quiet Room, two VIP rooms and a children’s area. SkyTeam has a new shared facility at Barcelona Airport’s new Terminal 1. At OR Tambo, eligible SkyTeam member airline passengers can enjoy the Air France lounge. ● SkyTeam member airline passengers flying to Mexico can now utilise the Mexico Pass, with discounts of about 50% on standard airfares. Passengers can explore 42 destinations in Mexico on flights operated by AeroMexico.
Star Alliance
10 YEARS OF SEAMLESS TRAVEL WITH SKYTEAM, AS ALL YOUR MEETINGS ARE IMPORTANT. SOME MORE THAN OTHERS.
● Brazil's TAM Airlines joined the Star Alliance on May 13. It flies to 40 destinations in Brazil, to 10 destinations across South America and to the US and Europe. ● Brussels Airlines joined the Star Alliance in December 2009. It flies to 55 European airports and 14 African destinations including four not served by other alliance members – Bujumbura (Burundi), Conakry (Guinea), Kigali (Rwanda) and Monrovia in Liberia. Star Alliance carriers serve 81 destinations in 40 countries across Africa. ● Star Alliance launched Meetings Plus in December. It’s aimed at meeting planners and incentive agencies that need to organise gatherings with participants from different countries. ● The Queen’s Building at Heathrow will make way for the new Terminal 2, the new home of Star Alliance, expected to be completed in 2014. Meanwhile member airlines operate from the refurbished Terminals 1 and 3.
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EURO RSCG 4460/E
TNW (Afrique du Sud) • FU • Quadri • 122 x 60 mm • Visuel : 10 years • (Remise le 1er/06/2010) • Parution du 16/06/2010
Quiet, spacious and comfortable, the
with
Daily flights from Johannesburg to Paris.
www.airfrance.co.za
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Wednesday June 16 2010 n 9
NEWS
US considers enhanced passenger compensation Staff
reporter
P
ASSENGERS bumped from flights in the US could soon enjoy enhanced compensation if new consumer protection regulations are enforced. The recently proposed compensation rules would allow passengers to make and cancel reservations within 24 hours without penalty, enforce fair price advertising and require full and prominently displayed disclosure of baggage fees as well as refunds. The proposed rule would also increase the potential compensation for passengers involuntarily bumped from oversold flights. Currently, airlines may limit compensation for involuntary bumping on flights
to US$400 (R3 126) if the carrier arranges substitute transportation scheduled to arrive at the passenger’s destination one to two hours after the passenger’s original scheduled arrival for domestic flights, or one to four hours for international flights, and to $800 (R6 253) if the substitute transportation is scheduled to arrive more than two hours later for domestic flights, or more than four hours later for international flights. The proposed rule would quickly increase these limits to $650 (R5 081) and $1 300 (R10 162), respectively, and thereafter adjust the amounts for inflation every two years. All foreign airlines’ operations at US airports would also be affected. ■
KSIA changes landside ops for 2010 tournament Kate Els TO ensure the smooth flow of passengers through King Shaka International Airport, Acsa has developed a Special Transport Operational Plan. The public drop-off and pick-up area will be moved, with immediate effect, from the current location to a designated area in the shaded parking, until July 11. The eastern portion of the shaded parking has been converted into a temporary pick-up and drop-off zone and the public and all unaccredited vehicles will be directed there. Parking will be free and airport staff will be available to direct vehicles to the available parking area. To ensure that the facility is not used illegally, all unattended vehicles will
be wheel-clamped or towed away. The maximum stay allowed is one hour. Due to the location of the temporary public drop-off and pick-up area and the operational plan, the eastern entrance to the shaded parking and the northern entrance to the parkade will be closed to the general public. It will be used for the movement of World Cup-accredited vehicles. Acsa also announced that the eThekwini Municipality would be operating an ‘Airport to City Shuttle’. It will operate at 10- to 15-minute frequencies and will travel from the airport through Umhlanga Rocks, Gateway, along the Durban Beachfront and will terminate at the city’s Central Transport Hub. For additional information on the Airport Shuttle, visit www.fifaworldcup.durban.gov.za (click on ‘transport plan’). ■
COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR – AIR BOTSWANA Reporting to the CEO the Director Commercial is responsible for the commercial success of the airline. The Post Holder Commercial plays an important role in the overall success of the company; therefore the following qualifications and experience are required: ● At least five years experience in a commercial airline’s Marketing and Sales role at executive management level; ● Experience in the development of a marketing and sales strategy for an airline; ● In-depth knowledge of the distribution channel management of an airline; ● Knowledge of customer needs in the region as well as in overseas markets; ● Understanding of airline network planning and scheduling; ● Understanding of airline pricing and revenue management; ● Familiarity with aviation industry and processes; ● Working knowledge of aircraft leasing or finance; ● Sound negotiation techniques and strategy development. ● Exposure to IOSA process essential. Please apply via email to cherie@connectresources.co.bw
DIRECTOR FLIGHT OPERATIONS – AIR BOTSWANA The DFO will carry the responsibility for Flight Operations, Operations Control, Flight Safety and In-flight Safety, ensuring that Air Botswana’s flights operate to the highest possible safety standards in accordance with flight schedules. The Post Holder Flight Operations reports to the CEO and plays an important role in the overall success of the company; therefore the following qualifications and experience are required: ● Minimum of 5 years Flight Operations experience; ● Minimum of 3 years in a Director or Post Holder position; ● Minimum 5 years experience in a commercial scheduled airline; ● Previous experience in IOSA audit and certification process essential; ● Current or previous Air Transport Pilot’s License (ATPL); ● Flight Operations Management Course; ● Minimum of 6000 flying Hours plus 5 years experience in the position of Captain. Please apply via email to cherie@connectresources.org
DIRECTOR GROUND OPERATIONS – AIR BOTSWANA The Director Ground Operations reports to the CEO and is responsible for the entire ground operations across the country and regional offices. The Post Holder Ground Operations reports to the CEO and plays an important role in the overall success of the airline; therefore the following qualifications and experience are required: ● University degree in Business Administration or comparable qualifications accepted by the approving competent authority; or ● Minimum of 10 years ground operations experience with a minimum of three years in a Director or Post Holder position; ● Previous experience in IOSA audit and certification process essential. Please apply via email to cherie@connectresources.org TNW3938SD
10 n Wednesday June 16 2010
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jobs
COMMUNITYNEWS
Births, deaths, marriages, promotions – we want to know! Please fax or e-mail TNW's Jeanette Phillips, at jeanettep@nowmedia.co.za or (011) 327 4094.
Obituary
Our website is updated daily! Visit www.specialized.co.za
the company in 1986 as promotions manager and a year later became involved in advertising the brand. Allan soon became promotions and advertising manager. In 1989 he was promoted to marketing services manager and in 1994 became marketing services director – a position he held until his retirement in 2009. Allan was a keen golfer and an avid reader.
AVIATION DIVISION: Airline Accountant – Technical Support Engineering Dept – East Rand. BCom + 3 years, ACCPACC, GL & Journals. Responsible for Aircraft activity summaries, Job costings, Recons of rotable/consumable stocks, Budget preparation and Cost Controls.
TCs going for gold in South Africa! A commitment to offering customers the best possible travel advice has paid off for South African Travel Counsellor, Charmaine Higgins. She has retained her Gold status for another year and Charmaine McFarland has recently achieved Gold status for the first time. To reach Gold status Travel Counsellors must earn commissions of over R675 000 in the financial year. Both Charmaines join a group of 120 other Gold Travel Counsellors world-wide as part of the company’s top performers. To celebrate, the Gold Travel Counsellors travelled on an all-expensespaid trip to Las Vegas from June 11-15. Charmaine Higgins (second left) and Charmaine McFarland are pictured here receiving their Gold Status certificates from Will Puk, SA director (left) and Malcolm Hingley, sales director UK (far right)
Appointments â– Gail McCann, former ceo of Southern Africa Tourism Services Association, has been appointed the hospitality group's director of sales and marketing. Gail has over 20 years' experience in the tourism sector and was responsible for rolling out a national training programme for small tourism businesses. She also held marketing portfolios for Exeter Game Lodges and the Don Executive Apartment Hotels. Gail is also the director of McCann and Associates. Joining her is Craig Parvess, formerly of Thompsons Holidays and Three Cities.
â– Warren Stone has been
appointed as the new gm of Orient-Express Botswana. Warren was previously operations manager for All Terrain Services in Ghana – a company that set up and ran residence town sites for the mining and manufacturing industry. In his new position he will train local staff into management positions, invest in community projects and strengthen the guest experience at OrientExpress’s three camps in Botswana – Eagle Island Camp, Khwai River Lodge and Savute Elephant Camp. C
EQUITY CONNECTIONS cc GENERAL MANAGER Moving out of Travel? Extensive Management/Marketing/Operational experience? Superb opening with dynamic Organisation could be yours. Must have high-level negotiating ability, keen interest in “green� Urban solutions and exceptional people skills. INTERMEDIATE CONSULTANT PRETORIA Impress with Amadeus know-how, corporate experience and “make-things-happen� attitude! GROUPS & INCENTIVES In-bound boffin highly rewarded by leading Operator. SA knowledge a must. SENIOR CONSULTANT Corporate expert needed to join great team. Handle VIP bookings plus leisure spin-off. Call NADINE (011) 803 0056 or e-mail equitycon@mweb.co.za for these and many others! TNW1997
EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES for
EXPERIENCED TRAVEL CONSULTANTS If you have: t t t t t
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MY Specialise in Meetings & Conferences in South Africa and accompany your groups!! /"5*0/"- 4"-&4 ."/"(&3 CY /035)&3/ 46#63#4 CHARTER BROKER/FOURWAYS )BOET PO QPTJUJPO XJUI UPUBM SFTQPOTJCJMJUZ GPS Strong ,FZ "DDPVOU .BOBHFST BOE #VTJOFTT candidate required to increase sales - Excellent basic plus commission!! CMY %FWFMPQNFOU .BOBHFST JUNIOR TRAVEL CONSULTANT/ #3"/% ."/"(&3 K SANDTON /035)&3/ 46#63#4 Min 2 years Tours consulting 1FSTPO TUSPOH JO .BSLFUJOH JOWJUFE UP KPJO experience essential!! MFBEJOH 8IPMFTBMFS INTERMEDIATE WHOLESALE 4&/*03 $0/46-5"/5 #0,4#63( CONSULTANT/AUCKLAND PARK +PJO XFMM FTUBCMJTIFE GSJFOEMZ DPNQBOZ BOE XPSL Previous experience with Mediterranean DMPTFS UP IPNF and Middle East quotes to join 1MFBTF 5BLF /PUF PG 0VS /FX 5FMFQIPOF Market Leader!!
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CONTACT WENDY/KIM TEL: 011Contact 465 8221 FAX: 086 538 5889 Wendy/Kim E-MAIL: wtp@icon.co.za (011) 704 4909 or e-mail: wtp@icon.co.za
#BISBJO t +PSEBO t ,VXBJU t 0NBO t 2BUBS t 4BVEJ "SBCJB t 6"& TNW4024SD
lee botti & associates Tel: Tracey (011) 803 6606 rivonia@nowjobs.co.za
THIS WEEK’S HOT JOBS! JOHANNESBURG
JOHANNESBURG
KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER - NORTH
WEB & MARKETING EXECUTIVE - NORTH
Promote this high profile hospitality company with pride! Your proven record in maintaining relationships with inbound tour operators and DMC’s and growing this market will see you winning this one. A fantastic opening for the target driven, figure orientated sales fundi who wants to make a career move. R20 000 ctc neg
Assume full responsibility for all aspects of marketing, promotions and web campaigns for prominent company. Your creative flair, ability to think out of the box and record of success in marketing will secure this exciting opportunity. Dynamic company with a reputation for excellence awaits you! Competitive offer.
CAPE TOWN
CAPE TOWN
RESERVATIONS MANAGER 5* HOTEL – CBD
Tel: Wayne (021) 418 1084 capetown@nowjobs.co.za
Tel: Jill (031) 201 8330 durban@nowjobs.co.za See our website for a further selection of exciting vacancies! www.leebotti.co.za
2010
QUICK READ FOR busiest people
Luxurious opportunity to lead and motivate team of 4 agents! Drive to up sell and must be guru on Opera. Previous 5* reservations experience is essential. Come blow this GM away with your ability to smash that ARR! Top Salary for Top Manager!
RIP ROARING AREA REP – CAPE TOWN
Riveting hotel chain with superb 4 & 5 star products that sell themselves! Calling on the travel trade updating on latest specials/products, training of agents when required and more! Min 5 years previous exp in Travel Agency or Tour Operator is highly advantageous. Salary from R20 000 CTC
CAPE TOWN
DURBAN
OPERATIONS MANAGER – CBD
AGENCY SALES!
Previous experience managing small team of consultants? Come join this Inbound specialist in the Nordic market in making a u-turn and converting them to be the leader of the pack. Endless challenges to keep you riveted with enthusiasm. From R15 000
Do you have a strong work ethic & a passion for the industry? Then this one is for you! Use your high energy levels & resilience to promote this leading retail travel agency to corporates, whilst developing new business. Work to specific sales targets & assist with tender processes. R15,000 CTC + comm.
Airline Sales Executive – Gauteng Develop and implement a relevant Sales Call Plan to the Travel industry. Previous external sales experience required. R12000.
For all aviation opportunities email CV to joyce@sgroup.co.za We apologise for not being able to respond to every applicant. Should you not hear from us within 10 days please consider your application unsuccessful, however we will keep your details on file for alternative opportunities.
TRAVEL DIVISION World Cup Fever!!! Whilst in the grip of World Cup fever our strategy over the next month is to boost our data base so that we are ready for “normality� once the games are over. So, if you would like to consider a career move and have a minimum of 2 years travel industry experience, in any capacity, from consulting to accounts, sales, marketing or office support, please forward your CV to us so that we can load your details into our data base and have you ready to be contacted when ideal jobs become available. Candidates who have already submitted their CV during this year need not send their details again as they will already be on the data base. In the meantime Viva Bafana Bafana !!!! Operations Manager – Cape Town Plan, develop and implement strategy for operational team of established Inbound Operator. Will also be responsible for establishing and maintaining systems; people management; product development and being involved with sales and marketing. Candidates with a solid background in either inbound or wholesale travel, together with superb knowledge of Southern Africa, will be considered. Kati Marketing/Brand Manager – Jhb N/Suburbs Join a global company taking responsibility for the marketing function. Candidates must have an IMM or similar and no more than 15 years working experience. A creative person with fresh ideas is required. Kati Inbound Consultant – Cape Town Be part of a specialist division of international inbound operator. Will manage the entire booking process from sending out proposals, to making the reservations, to looking after the clients when in the country as well as customer service after travel. Candidates must have previous inbound travel experience. Kati Assistant to Account Executive – N/W Suburbs Join highly successful incentives company. As Assistant to an Account Executive the job description will be diverse and challenging. Must be able to take on a tour leader role; be confident to interact with top clients; be well groomed and articulate; and be prepared to work long hours. Candidates who have completed an Event Management diploma and have some working experience will be well suited. A travel industry background is not required. The ability to frequently travel is essential. Excellent scope to develop further! Salary up to R15000 depending on experience. Kati Inhouse Consultant – Swartkops area Job description incorporate 60% group bookings and 40% corporate travel. To commence asap. Amadeus is required. R12000/ R13000. Tina Wholesale Consultants!!!! If you are an experienced Wholesale Consultant we have opportunities for you! Contact Tina for details! Inbound and Incentives Consultants Experienced Inbound and Incentives Consultants are constantly sought after! Tina Financial Manager – Cape Town Salary to R24000. Take responsibility for all financial aspects of this highly successful and well run agency, working on Pastel and Quicktrav. An individual who enjoys being accountable and has a high energy level is required. Kati
Office Hrs (011) 884-9113 Website: www.specialized.co.za e-mail: kati@sgroup.co.za or tina@sgroup.co.za
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■Allan Duke, the former group marketing services director for Protea Hotels, died on June 3. Allan’s career in the Protea Hospitality Group spanned more than 20 years and he was an integral part of growing the company from a small hotel management organisation to its present position as the largest hotel group in Africa, with more than 125 hotels. Allan joined
SPECIALIZED TRAVEL PERSONNEL
Wednesday June 16 2010 n 11
TNW NEWS
2010 room rate decline ‘unusual’ Kate Els
and
Natalia Thomson
T
une into any radio station in South Africa and you’ll hear room nights being advertised for as little as R270 and R399 in some cases. This is in stark contrast to the hype a The Holiday Factory offices are buzzing with soccer few months ago that South fever! Staff members have each drawn a country out African accommodation of a hat that they will support during the World Cup. providers had been guilty of Work stations at The Holiday Factory are decorated with serious price gouging. country flags and funky soccer gimmicks to add to the Leading online search friendly rivalry. Everyone has contributed into a winning engines are now saying pool and the employee whose team wins the final will rates have “drastically walk away with a total of R600. Pictured here from left decreased� in the lead-up to are Trevor Tsuai (reservations), Flora Fubbs (marketing the World Cup. and reservations manager), Jenny Cole (groups “We never expected the manager), Bavisha Devchand (reservations supervisor) hotel industry to drop prices and Nick Badenhorst (sales) during a peak sporting event. It’s most unusual that prices have dropped this significantly,� says Michael Doubinski, gm HotelsCombined.com. Expedia market manager Africa, Ross Kata, says many accommodation providers have sold their inventory for deeper discounts than normal and prices are about equivalent to their 2009 lowseason rates. Thumbs-up for the new eTNW This is only happening in Cape Town and Durban, says 71: 3ROO VSRQVRUVKLS 723 9 3 ) LQGG City Lodge md, Clifford Ross. “The demand for rooms in these areas has been ■Love it! 54% dismal. Everyone wants to ■It’s OK 26% stay in Johannesburg. Over 65% of the rooms held were ■Needs work 9% released in these two cities, ■Hate it 10%
Football fever!
gask | 0976 | TNW | poll
“I congratulate you on your new eTNW, but please put the poll back. We don’t all have time to sit and read the magazine as much as we would like to.� Rochelle Weinreich, Travel Counsellors “I am struggling with the new eTNW. The e-mail layout is not concise – too spread out. The website is memory hungry and takes too long to load. Too many graphic enhancements are a struggle for older PCs.� Christiane Driver, Von Moricz Bon Voyage Travel Editor’s note: The eTNW poll can now be found on the new eTNW website’s homepage and not Travelinfo’s homepage.
71: 3ROO VSRQVRUVKLS %27720 9 3 ) LQGG
so hoteliers have had to take steps to try and at least get the same occupancy they would have normally achieved in these cities in non-World Cup years.� Danny Bryer, director of revenue Protea Hotels, agrees that special packages and offers available are equivalent to low-season 2009 rates. With the release of a large volume of room nights back into the market for the World Cup, says Danny, Protea has managed to create “very attractive specials� at its properties, which don’t form part of MATCH’s inventory. “School holiday breaks are starting from R270pppn.� Clifford says rates have not really dropped. “Since the release of contracted MATCH rooms, which we were not allowed to sell below this MATCH-contracted price, we have been able to sell our rooms at our normal rate with a small margin.� There has been a dramatic drop in take-up for rooms, he says, but this is due to a number of factors, including crime reporting, high airline prices and the world economy. Says Danny: “Several factors have contributed to the fewer than initially expected numbers of foreign visitors travelling. Among them is that South Africa is a
long-haul destination, and belt tightening in the wake of the global financial crisis. This led to MATCH releasing a greater number of room nights back into the market than was initially expected in Cape Town, Durban and secondary cities. The hospitality industry has had to engage in more active marketing over this period than it had expected to, however we are now seeing a number of South Africans taking advantage of the deals in the market.â€? Expedia says it has moved large amounts of inventory over the period of the tournament with fairly aggressive late demand from international markets. It says this is as a result of the company having point-of-sale outlets in the countries that will be participating in the World Cup. Said Ross: “It’s also significant that we do not just have independent accommodation providers signing up to sell their inventory through Expedia’s channels but also hotel chains that had previously sold off their inventory to MATCH for the World Cup.â€? Meanwhile, Clifford says corporate travellers stopped travelling a week before the start of the World Cup and it will be a “slow return to normalâ€?. â–
Touch down for Hellenic Natalia Thomson THE recent strikes in Greece do not appear to have deterred South Africans visiting the country. Tour operators in South Africa report that while travellers have been wary of the strikes and there has been a subsequent drop in enquiries, they are continuing to travel. Tertia Summerford, ITT sales and marketing representative, says it’s high season in Greece and the operator has not had passengers affected by the Athens disruptions.
Land-only specials offered by Thompsons Holidays are from R6 049 for seven nights, while Sure Tours is offering five-night Mykonos packages for R6 645. The introduction of Hellenic Imperial Airways three times a week to SA, says Holiday Aviation gm, Bets Combrink, will further stimulate outbound demand for Greece. Holiday Aviation is the GSA for Hellenic, whose inaugural flight landed in Johannesburg on June 8. Operating a B747-200 aircraft on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, Hellenic also has ambitious
plans to expand its fleet and activities to create a large network of scheduled flights around the globe. In phase 1, Hellenic will be connecting Greece with nonstop flights to and from New York, Damascus, Bucharest, Dubai, Casablanca, Jeddah, London and Paris. 
 Bets says Hellenic is in the process of entering the South African BSP in the next few weeks, which will allow all Iata travel agents to book and e-ticket through the GDS. In the meantime Holiday Aviation will assist the industry with reservations and ticketing. â–
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12 n Wednesday June 16 2010
QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS