Travel News Weekly - 21 April 2010

SOuTHERN AFRiCA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

April 21 2010 I No. 2104

INSIDE

TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

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NEWS

FraudSTer or FrIend?

NEWS

SoCIal MedIa

fEaTurE

Protect yourself when ticketing for other agencies

What are your clients tweeting about?

A country with a fascinating history

TurKey

Page 7

Page 8

Page 9

Jet airways arrives in Sa natasha tippel

J Jet-ting into Sa Celebrating the inaugural flight of Jet Airways into South Africa on April 14 were Alex Cost (left), gm Africa Jet Airways, and Nikos Kardassis, ceo Jet Airways Photo: Tijana Huysamen

Holiday Tours, Comair tie up natalia thoMson HOLIDAY Tours is the piece Comair was missing to build its online travel business.

That’s the word from iain Meaker, Comair executive manager for travel, who told TNW that the experienced tour operator would not only bring it a “broad range of product” but that the deal would catapult Holiday Tours’ technological capability to new heights.

“We could have built the extended range of product ourselves but it would have taken a long time. Holiday

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Tours is a very good, quality operation with best of breed product range and a 35-year track record of reliability and financial stability.”

For Holiday Tours, the deal represents technological benefits for its trade partners. “It takes us to a place where we are more than capable of delivering on our partners’ expectations in terms of providing immediate access to inventory, whitelabel sites and a reduction in overall turnaround time,” says Otto de Vries, md Holiday Tours.

To page 16

ET Airways launched its daily services to South Africa on April 14, the airline’s first African destination.

Speaking after his arrival on the inaugural flight, Jet Airways ceo, Nikos Kardassis, said the flights would help realise some of the untapped business and tourist potential between the countries. Trade between the two countries grew by nearly 20% in 2008/2009, despite the global economic slowdown.

“Over the past few years South African companies have been actively looking for opportunities in India and some large Indian companies are already invested here.

Both developing economies are now emerging from recession and a daily scheduled service between their commercial capitals will help to facilitate growing trade,” said Nikos.

“While there’s an existing visiting friends and family market between South Africa and India and growing cricket tourism, we believe India is still a relatively unexplored leisure destination. We’ll be working with Indian Tourism to encourage more South Africans to discover the diversity of India.”

The flights will operate JNBBOM, from where passengers will be able to connect to a network that covers 51 destinations across India and 22 international destinations in south-east Asia, the Far East, North America, Europe and the Gulf.

Flight arrival times vary marginally due to slot times at OR Tambo International Airport but will land between 07h00 and 08h00 and will depart between 10h30 and 11h30.

Flights will arrive in Mumbai at 00h30. Transiting passengers will have a waiting time of around six hours,

depending on the destination, before connecting.

“We stopped using SAA due to the older aircraft on the route and have been using Emirates. I think the daily Jet Airways flight may be a bit ambitious but having lounge access in Mumbai for passengers with a transit time of over six hours will certainly give them the edge,” said Dinesh Naidoo of Serendipity Tours. Jet Airways gm of Africa and Indian Ocean, Alex Cost, said that it would be difficult to arrange lounge access for passengers as the lounge facilities in Mumbai do not belong to the airline but to the airport. However, he noted that Jet Airways was looking to open its own lounge, most likely for business-class travellers. Meanwhile, Jet Airways is in discussion with several airlines regarding codeshare agreements, however, nothing has been finalised, said Alex. n

Schedule from JnB to Indian destinations Connecting departure times to: SAA/Air India (ex-BOM) Jet Airways (ex-BOM) Emirates Airline (ex-DUB)

JNB flight arrival time

CCJ

MAA

HYD

DEL

CCU

AMD

00h30

09h55

07h05

06h15

06h10

06h00

05h30

23h35

11h25

06h45

06h25

06h35

06h35

05h40

00h10

03h40

02h45

03h45

04h35

02h00

04h05

*The connecting departure times indicated are those flights with least transit time from time of Johannesburg flight arrival.

to the point

☞ NEWS

● South African low-cost carrier 1time looks set to expand its wings into Africa yet again, having recently applied for rights to operate between Johannesburg and Harare, Lusaka and Victoria Falls. Commercial manager, Desmond O’Connor, says: “1time’s main focus is now to grow into Africa. We are already operating into Zanzibar, Livingstone and shortly to Maputo in Mozambique.”

Desmond says 1time estimates it could easily drop fares on some of the routes it has applied for by anywhere between 35% and 50% and “this is guaranteed to get more people flying, rather than travelling by road”.

‘We’re 95% ready for 2010’ – Acsa Natalia Thomson

A

CSA says it is 95% ready with its pre-2010 World Cup preparations with only a few concerns remaining before it goes “into World Cup mode” from June 1.

Bongani Maseko, director airport operations, confirms that R17bn has been invested to “transform” 10 airports with an 11th airport, King Shaka International Airport (see TNW April 14) scheduled to launch on May 1.

Acsa is at pains to tell industry stakeholders that although the construction projects were fast-tracked for 2010, they were not specifically initiated for the World Cup. “We have upgraded most of our airports to serve a total capacity of 55m passengers per year. While we only have 30m passengers using these facilities at present, this upgrade looks beyond 2010.”

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Rubes® By Leigh Rubin

Airport upgrades

“It was either fight or flight, partner, and as you can plainly see, nature has been less than generous with me in the wing department.

TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

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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 Journalists: Jeanette Phillips jeanettep@nowmedia.co.za Melody Brandon melodyb@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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2 n Wednesday April 21 2010

At OR Tambo, the R2,3bn Central Terminal Building has already opened many new areas to the public, including a new atrium at International Arrivals and an enlarged Departures level with 75 additional check-in desks.

Work on the R1,5bn development in Cape Town International’s Central Terminal Building has almost concluded with the extension of the existing Arrivals terminal, with pedestrian connectivity to the Central Terminal Building being concluded now.

Work on the terminal building refurbishment and expansion costing R46m is nearing completion at East London Airport. New check-in facilities and a departures

holding lounge are already in operation.

The Upington International terminal building is being upgraded and expanded while Kimberley’s terminal building has also been upgraded.

Temporary facilities have been set up in Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth, and at OR Tambo a dedicated team processing facility will be opened. The airports and support services, like immigration and SAPS will be operational 24 hours a day over the period.

Land transport concerns

Concerns raised by Bongani in the run-up to the event include “slot-hogging”, baggage pilferage and public transport or land transport arrangements between the airport and stadiums.

One small air operator with a 12-seater aircraft is said to have gained over a thousand slots out of Lanseria over the event, preventing international charters, larger charters and scheduled airlines from taking up these slots.

“Slot-hogging was dealt with in Germany,” says Bongani, by charging operators for slots. “If you didn’t use them you’d forfeit the R500 000 you paid for each slot.” Acsa, he says, is asking the Department of Transport to intervene and insist on at least R50 000 per slot to discourage such slot-hogging.

Also of concern, he adds, is baggage pilferage.

Bongani believes the problem is a lot less than it used to be with some four to eight bags being pilfered a day as opposed to the 30 or so of a few years ago. This is at OR Tambo International where upwards of 22 000 bags are handled daily.

Bongani suggests a nameand-shame initiative where airlines that experience baggage pilferage or tampering issues are named to keep both ground handlers and airlines “on their toes”.

“There are airlines that don’t have a problem and other airlines that do,” he says.

Accepting some responsibility for the baggage issues, Bongani says it’s up to all parties, Acsa included, to eliminate the problem.

Seamless connectivity (in terms of land transport) from OR Tambo to destinations like Rustenburg, Polokwane and Nelspruit, has yet to be completely finalised, confirms Bongani. “Most of the traffic will have to come through OR Tambo and not airports like Polokwane and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, which simply don’t have the capacity.

“And what happens even in a place like Johannesburg where passengers are stuck at stadiums and miss their flights? We don’t want a situation where people sit at stadiums and planes are stuck on the tarmac waiting for them to arrive.”

Meanwhile, in a bid to inject a little spirit into the airports over the World Cup period, Acsa has hired motivational speaker, Robin Banks, to create the vibe and feel of the World Cup. “If we are to leave a lasting legacy we need to ensure our people are all on song.” iHelp agents throughout Acsa’s airports are being trained to speak various languages and embassies are being approached to assist with those lesserknown, perhaps more difficult, languages like Slovak. ■

South African airports’ vital statistics: OR Tambo Cape Town Int King Shaka Int Port Elizabeth Int East London Bloemfontein Int George Int Upington Int Kimberley Pilanesberg Int

Departing passengers 9,045m 3,9m 4,3m 705 434 347 124 205 059 302 896 23 647 75 788 4 489

Annual passenger capacity 23m 8,5m 7,5m 2m 700 000 360 000 800 000 40 000 140 000 40 000

Public parking bays 16 570 4 328 6 500 900 419 185 324 20 130 20

QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

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NEWS

to the point

☞

● Extraordinary has announced that, by mutual agreement with Signature Life Hotels, it has been decided to terminate the marketing agreement between the two companies.

Therefore, with immediate effect for all sales, marketing and contracting of the Signature properties, please contact Signature Life Hotels directly.

Destination Experts for Austria Central Europe Croatia Tel: 011 476 3967 austria.co@mweb.co.za www.austriaconnection.co.za

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Spectator and Sporting Event Travel Insurance

TIC’s

Incoming travel product has been packaged specifically for people visiting South Africa, and is ideal for business travellers and tourists travelling into the country in 2010.

TIC is uniquely positioned to provide cover for incoming travellers due to the fact that we are intimately acquainted with the local environment in which the tourists will be travelling. In particular, TIC is in a far better position than foreign insurers to

deal with medical reports and local hospitals, as well as any particular travel risks associated to South Africa.

Offering TIC’s Incoming policy to tourists whose travel plans you are arranging will ensure that should they require any assistance while in South Africa, TIC will be their first port of call.

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SPECIAL FARE

To Ndola and Lusaka

Online facility makes UAE visa process easy Staff

reporter

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FULLY online UAE visa facility has been introduced in SA aimed at streamlining and enhancing the visa application process.

This is according to Etihad Airways, which, in conjunction with TTS, now offers this online service.

Four different visa categories are offered: ● Visit: 90 days for R2 750* ● Tourist: 30 days for R650* ● Transit: 96 hours for R540* ● Entry Permit: 14 days for R600* *All-inclusive fee in rands All visa applications are now processed by TTS. See the following website for further details: (http://www.ttsuaevisas.com/Home/Index. aspx?CountryID=1) n

GPW owed millions for printing passports Melody BraNdoN THE Government Printing Works (GPW) is still printing passports despite nonpayment of up to R126m by the Department of Home Affairs.

But DA member of parliament, Juanita Terblanche, told TNW the GPW made it clear that if payment was not made in the next three months, they would not be able to continue to print passports.

Concerns were raised

by Juanita, who said the portfolio committee on Home Affairs had heard from GPW ce, Tom Moyane, that the department had consistently failed to make payments over an 11-month period.

When TNW contacted the GPW, Tom said the issue of non-payment had not affected the printing of passports and that there

“was no crisis”.

“I would rather not comment on this issue. We are printing passports as normal.

“The issue has been taken up by the parliamentary portfolio committee and I am sure the DA would know how to deal with the matter,” he said.

Juanita said, however, that it was Tom himself who had asked the portfolio committee to take up the issue with the Department of Home Affairs.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs said payments to the GPW were being processed.

“The issue was around the implementation of the new passports. The costs had to be negotiated and the national treasury has been advised to make payments,” said Home Affairs spokesman, Siobhan McCarthy. n

From the Benchmark – Legal tips

Advocate Louis Nel gives his tips on trade marking…

One way fare

R540 plus approx.Taxes – R774 = R1314

Return fare

R1080 plus approx. Taxes – R1189 = R2269 FARE PRICES EXCLUDE ZAMBEZI AIRPORT TAX OF US$25 Selling and Travel Period: 24 March 2010 – 31 May 2010.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY

Inc. Airlines RSA Taxes and Fuel Surcharge; Zambezi is represented in South Africa by:Holidayexcludes Aviation –Zambian A Holiday Holdings Company Tax USD 25; Holiday House, 156 Bram Fischer Drive, Randburg, non-refundable; subject to availability, Johannesburg Tel: 011 289-8172 011 289-8072 Terms &Fax: Conditions apply www.holidayaviation.co.za

4 n Wednesday April 21 2010

Zambezi A I R L I N E S

REMEMBER that you should register as a trade mark any distinctive name, phrase and logo pertaining to your business if you attach commercial value to it (even if it is for a brief promotional campaign, especially if it gives you market share).

Note, however, that you will acquire intellectual property rights through usage, whether or not you register a trade mark.

Such intellectual property is protected as follows: Prior to registration of the trade mark, identify this by adding ‘TM’ in your usage of the name, phrase or logo and then, once it is registered, ‘ ’. The mere registration of a company or close corporation does not immediately give you trade mark protection – that is only acquired as a result of usage over time as mentioned above. n

®

Exclusively Hotels launches in SA NataSha tippel EXCLUSIVELY Hotels (EH), a web-based accommodation booking platform for travel agents, has officially been launched in South Africa.

The platform, which was first developed by Totalstay (a London-based company) around four years ago, has already seen considerable success in Europe and North America.

“Every agency around the world has access to the same hotels and the same rates,” says SA sales manager, Cas Hulsbosch. “We are able to set up accounts for SA agencies with ZAR currencies, local phone numbers for our customer service department and soon a local bank account to make payments easier and quicker.”

Agents can use the platform free of charge and without any contracts.

They can sign up online and once an account has been set up they are able to access over 70 000 hotels around the world and can instantly book and confirm with these properties within minutes. “The system is extremely easy to use and very user friendly, ensuring minimum training is needed to use EH,” says Cas. The system has a unique feature that only displays the cheapest wholesaler for any one hotel. According to Cas, this means EH rates are often cheaper than the best available rate an agent can find on their GDS. Agents also do not need to chase commission from a hotel. The system will automatically pay their commission into their bank account, which means that agents have a guaranteed income stream from their hotel bookings.

All vouchers and confirmations have the agency’s logo and contact details, ensuring the agent’s clients stay in contact with the agency and are not tempted to book direct online. n

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QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

NEWS

Seen at the movies!

Trafalgar, in partnership with Etihad Airways and Tourism Ireland, invited travel agents to ‘rediscover the romance of travel’ at the exclusive première of the new romantic comedy, Leap Year, starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode at Nu Metro, Montecasino. Spotted at the showing are, from left: Jane Davidson, md of Development Promotions, consultant at Flight Centre Sandton City, Busisiwe Radebe, and Darsha Soobramoney, Trafalgar marketing executive Photo: Natasha Tippel

BA-Iberia merger seeks to create airline giant Natalia Thomson

H

OPING to give European alliance giant, Air France KLM, a run for its money, the new British Airways, Iberia Airlines merger deal should be done and dusted by the end of 2010.

Like Air France KLM, BA and Iberia will retain their current operations and operate under their individual brands.

The new ‘airline’ (to be named International Airlines Group) will be one of the world’s largest and certainly the second-largest in Europe.

It will have 408 aircraft flying to 200 destinations, and will offer 1 700 flights a day carrying over 58m passengers a year.

In addition to promising a combined network, the airlines will optimise their dual hubs of Madrid and London, says British Airways ce, Willie Walsh.

The two airlines’ routes do not overlap a great deal, so combining

their two networks will offer flexibility to their clients and the ability to combine fares and cost savings for the airlines as they rationalise routes.

BA offers strong Europe to Asia connections while Iberia is the leading carrier from Europe to Latin America.

Through rationalising these networks, Iberia and BA could combine poorer performing flights into one service from their respective hubs to a destination, or offer a new route operated on their behalf by their new partner.

It is hoped that more carriers will join the group, with American Airlines touted as the most logical and BA and Iberia seeking antitrust immunity for closer co-operation with the American carrier on transatlantic flights.

Completion of the merger is subject to, among others, regulatory approval from the European Commission and both BA and Iberia shareholders. ■

Air Namibia updates routes ex-JNB Jeanette Phillips AIR Namibia has updated its Johannesburg/Accra/Johannesburg and Johannesburg/Lusaka/ Johannesburg routes: Flights from Johannesburg to Accra depart on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 23h30 and at 11h50 on Saturdays. The return service departs at 21h00 on Saturdays, QUICK READ FOR busiest people

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Flights from Johannesburg to Lusaka depart at 11h40 on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The return service departs at 14h40 on the same days.

From April 3 to September 5, Namibia is on daylight saving time.

Systems have been updated accordingly. ■

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Wednesday April 21 2010 n 5

NEWS

Pillow PillowTalk

A brief look at this week's hotel news Stellenbosch hotel has historic charm

A NEW Stellenbosch property has opened, offering a historical experience with its 18th century architecture.

Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa was built in 1713 and offers one classic, three junior suites and 10 luxury rooms, each with extra-length king-size beds, queen-size and twin single beds. The rooms all have en-suite Victorianstyle bathrooms and amenities in the room include a flat-screen television with satellite (DStv) channels, DVD player and in-room wireless Internet access. Guests can enjoy meals from the Provençal kitchen and dine at leisure with a glass of fine Cape wine in the courtyard or in the intimate restaurant. Other facilities and services include a heated swimming pool, valet service, airport transfers and a professional spa.

Bon appetit!

There’s nothing the French like more than to celebrate their love of good food and wine. Maison de la France invited members of the travel trade to do just that at a recent dinner held at the University of Johannesburg’s School of Tourism and Hospitality, which hosts dinner parties at the venue weekly. Pictured here digging into a delicious lavender crème brulée are (from left) Maison de la France’s Hélène Bezuidenhout and Travel with Flair’s Jackie Mukoki Photo: Natalia Thomson

Virgin’s FFPs link up Jeanette PhilliPs

V

IRGIN Blue and its premium long-haul airline, V Australia, have announced a frequent flyer partnership with Virgin America.

The partnership will allow members of each airline’s loyalty programme to earn

points when taking flights on the ‘sister branded’ airlines.

The partnership will see passengers flying Virgin Blue, V Australia and Virgin America able to earn points for their flights that will be redeemable under the three carriers’ frequent flyer programmes.

Effective April 6, passengers can now earn points on all the

carriers and, by the end of the year, will be able to redeem points on any of the carriers.

The reciprocal agreements enable Virgin Blue or V Australia’s Velocity members to earn Velocity points, and Virgin America’s Elevate members to earn Elevate points when they fly with one of the three airlines. n

Allée Bleue launches event venue

ALLÉE Bleue in the Franschhoek valley has launched Le Grand Hall, a 250-seater venue designed for lavish receptions and launches. Offering sophisticated country hospitality, Le Grand Hall has an indoor-outdoor flow as well as cutting-edge sound technology throughout the venue. A wedding or function at Le Grand Hall can be enhanced by wine tasting or a private tour of the estate’s modern cellar.

Overnight accommodation is available in Kendall Cottage, a luxury retreat with two suites and a living room leading to a secluded terrace. The cottage will soon be complemented by further luxury accommodation in historic buildings currently under restoration.

New camp for Africa on Foot

AFRICA on Foot is to open a new camp, nThambo Tree Camp, in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve in the Kruger National Park. The new camp will be able to accommodate eight guests in four tree ‘chalets’ and will also feature a main area with lounge, dining room, bar and boma.

Activities will include morning game drives and afternoon/ night drives. Reservations and marketing for the camp will be handled by the Africa on Foot reservations office in Cape Town.

Courtyard by Marriott comes to Vietnam

MARRIOTT International will introduce its ‘moderatelypriced’ Courtyard by Marriott brand in Vietnam, under a management agreement. The hotel, set to open in 2012, will be the first internationally branded mid-tier hotel in the area. The hotel will feature 200 rooms and will form part of a mixed-use development to be built in phases. The project will initially include a residential component and will later add additional hotels, more residential units, a golf course and golf villas.

Other features will include a variety of dining options, meeting and function areas, swimming pool, recreational pavilion with a Kids’ Club and games room. There will also be an exercise room and a spa with six treatment rooms and an area for foot reflexology. The hotel, named Marriott Ham Tan Vietnam, will be located on a pristine beachfront site with natural sand dunes in the area of La Gi, near the town of Ham Tan.

to the point

☞

● American Express Foreign Exchange, a member of the Tourvest group of companies, has been certified a level-four contributor to broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) by the independent rating agency NERA. The rating means that Amex is fully compliant with the BBBEE Codes of Good Practice and that its clients can claim 100% of their procurement from Amex in their own BBBEE credentials.

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6 n Wednesday April 21 2010

QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

NEWS

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Fraudster or friend?

Careful who you ticket for…

Follow these simple steps to protect yourself when ticketing on behalf of others. Your friend could turn into a fraudster, reports TNW’s Natalia Thomson.

I

T may be easy money, but ticketing on behalf of other agencies can be an extremely risky business.

TNW recently reported on several Cape-based agencies that had been burnt by De Vuyst Travel, on whose behalf they had been ticketing (see TNW, April 7).

In cases like this, says Club Travel md, Wally Gaynor, the normal modus operandi is to approach smaller agencies or “friends” to ticket on their behalf.

“They would generally stay clear of an organisation like Club Travel because they would not get through the checks. We know with whom we are dealing and have personal guarantees, credit checks and criminal checks in place.

“History shows us that smaller agencies that don’t have these systems in place and don’t check the applicants will get burnt.”

Credit card fraud, adds Wally, is one of the most common ways of getting into trouble, and even if you put systems in place to protect yourself, “the reality is you can never protect yourself fully against this kind of fraud”.

Fred McDonald, md Travelwise in Gaborone, says reports of clients having to pay twice as non-Iata agencies get deeper into debt with the issuing agent, are rife in Botswana.

“There’s a perception that because non-Iata agents are small and managed by ‘nice’ people they will go that extra QUICK READ FOR bUSIESt pEOplE

mile. In reality, their non-Iata status is invariably due to the fact that they cannot manage their finances correctly to apply for the licence and related guarantees, and the use of Iata agents is the easy way around this problem.”

But why is there no warning system against these fraudsters or agencies that default against Iata? Inge Beadle, office manager Corporate Travel Services, says it’s time to put one in place.

“We need to name and shame the defrauders,” says Inge. “If an agency defaults, make it known!

There is no obligation to do so but agents should name and shame defaulting agencies and also staff that have been found to defraud their employers.”

Wally agrees that agencies need to know with whom they are dealing. “This is a small industry.

Speak to your competitors. It’s one area where everyone is happy to co-operate.”

When asked whether Iata should put an early-warning system in place to advise the retail industry of defaulting agencies, Iata told TNW its role was limited to alerting airlines and the GDSs according to the terms of the APJC resolutions.

Heed this advice

Only ticket on a cash basis for “absolutely undoubted agencies”, advises Lynton Farr, financial manager Harvey World Travel Groenkloof. “If you do other

than this, you need your head examined!”

Lynton says this applies whether or not you trust or are “friends” with the agency on whose behalf you are ticketing.

Riaan Goosen, Club Zoo Lake franchisee, says when ticketing on another agency’s behalf, make rules that suit you and “never make an exception”.

“Upfront payment is the key not to get into financial hot water. An online transfer with immediate clearance (or between the same banks) ensures that the money goes straight into your account (this must obviously be done prior to issuance).”

Credit card payment of someone else’s client, says Riaan, should never been accepted (especially ‘in absentia’).

“Agencies should ensure they re-file the fare once queued or create the PNR themselves.

Check that all rules have been adhered to. Always get a guaranteed fare from your side.

Do not rely on the other agent to do this correctly. In case of manual fares, make a rule that the other agent gets it in writing from the airline and build the fare yourself. The process is a pain, but will potentially save you in the long run.”

Wally suggests agencies check on the applicants’ history, where they worked and ticketed for, as well as go through credit and criminal checks. n

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Wednesday April 21 2010 n 7

NEWS

AirHeads Heads ShebaMiles partners with SAS's FFP

E ETHIOPIAN Airlines’ ShebaMiles programme has partnered with Scandinavian Airlines’ (SAS) EuroBonus programme. Pax travelling to Stockholm on Ethiopian will now be able to connect to dozens of cities in northern Europe using SAS. ShebaMiles members can accumulate miles when they travel on SAS and redeem their miles to destinations served by SAS. EuroBonus members can earn and burn miles on Ethiopian flights to destinations including Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Nairobi, Mombasa and Johannesburg.

Turkish Airlines to fly daily to Nairobi

TURKISH Airlines will operate a daily service to Nairobi, Kenya, from May 17. The GSA representing the airline in the country is Imaan Air Limited, based in Nairobi. Imaan also represents Air Mauritius, Air Zimbabwe, Air Botswana and Air Sudan.

Canada lifts hand luggage restrictions

Fly with me...

4 X weekly flights from JNB to Kigali with connections to Bujumbura, Entebbe, Nairobi and Dar es Salaam

For reservations GSA: Holiday Aviation – A Holiday Holdings Company Tel: (011) 289-8050 Email: rwandair@holidayaviation.co.za www.holidayaviation.co.za or visit your favourite travel agent

TNW5135

TRAVELLERS flying from Canada to the US may again carry three pieces of hand luggage on board after Transport Canada lifted its ban on a second piece of hand luggage. Travellers may now take two small bags and a personal item, such as a reasonably sized handbag, at no extra cost. The restriction had been put in place to speed up the flow at security checkpoints after extra security measures were put in place following a failed terrorist attack in the US on Christmas Day.

Can you afford to ignore what your clients are tweeting about?

Natalia thomsoN

W

E’VE been banging on for so long about Facebook, Twitter and other social media tools and how you can use these to generate additional business, it seems hard to believe that agents aren’t spending every waking moment tweeting about their every waking moment.

But just how big is social media in travel?

A recent report released by research firm PhoCusWright says it’s bigger than you think.

Social media, it claims, has shifted your client’s online activity from just searching and perhaps even creating their travel, to connecting with other travellers and exchanging views.

And this, says PhoCusWright, is having an enormous impact on online travel. So can you afford not to be engaged?

“Traveller reviews, photos, trip planning and sharing and blogging are all influencing how travellers connect to and interact with suppliers, products and services,” says the report.

Despite the economic downturn, monthly visitors to social travel websites have risen 34% between

2008 and 2009. Ah, but it’s a big deal overseas, but not here, you may think.

Not so, as Tourvest Travel Services shows how it’s pioneering its way into the social media domain.

“Social media is the new media,” says Claude Vankeirsbilck, chief sales officer Tourvest Travel Services.

“User-generated content is designed to be shared.

It supports a new kind of trust and trust is the most valuable thing in business.

How can you ignore that?”

TTS, he says, has a “comprehensive” social media strategy to complement the company’s overall online strategy.

“We have a dedicated resource within our marketing department whose primary function it is to manage online relationships, especially via our social media platforms.”

Claude cites the example of a recent air crash where Tourvest ran tweets and Facebook status updates informing its fans and followers respectively about the incident and its effect on their forthcoming travel arrangements.

“This was hours before it appeared in mailboxes and on websites.”

But where to start?

The first step, says Claude, is to understand social media. “Access and use it, even in a personal capacity. The opportunity for industry is endless.

It just requires some creativity. What about an Asata Facebook group for consultants, managers, directors and suppliers, and even clients, to discuss things and share information?”

According to Claude, Seekers’ travel pages (blog, Facebook and Twitter) have been running for more than a year. These are updated regularly. “We update our blog weekly and tweet every day with various updates like travel reports, news, specials and promotions.

“Within our first month, we received a R250 000 reservation from someone in Kenya who got to see our promotion via a Facebook friend’s update.”

Social media must be taken seriously, concludes Claude. “If you pursue a social media strategy (and you should), subscribe to as many profiles as you can. Once these are up and running, don’t ignore them. Check them at least once a week. Be consistent, transparent and creative!” n

Travelinfo,s Cecile Scharneck selects the top specials from Travelinfo ● Iberia Airlines.. Special fares to Europe, the Middle East and Africa from R2 360 return ex-Johannesburg. Minimum stay is seven days and maximum stay is dependent on booking class. Valid for sales until April 30 and for travel until June 16 and again from July 19 until December 2. Excludes taxes. ● Travel Vision.. Cancun, Mexico, from R23 189 per person sharing. The rate includes return flights ex-Johannesburg, airport taxes, seven nights at the Holiday Inn Arenas on an all-inclusive basis, return transfers and a full-day Chichen Itza tour. Valid from October 25 to November 24. ● Top Places is offering a Spier Hotel World Cup package from R5 800 per room (two adults and two children under 12). The rate includes two nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation, one dinner at Moyo at Spier, one dinner at the hotel, one half-hour massage treatment, wine tasting, entrance into Cheetah Outreach at Spier, entrance into Eagle Encounters at Spier and daily children’s activities.

Valid from June 8 to July 12. ● Mozambique Tourism.

Tourism Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa from R4 690 per person sharing for three nights. Includes return flights ex-Johannesburg, transfers, bed and breakfast accommodation, bottled water, non-motorised water sports and emergency evacuation. Five- and seven-night options also available.

Valid until August 8. Excludes taxes.

Speciapotls S

TNW3938SD

8 n Wednesday April 21 2010

QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

Go west and step back in time

Travelstart’s Nick Paul recommends Izmir, Ephesus and Pergamon for their fascinating culture and history…

T

Mesmerising

Turkey Agents tell TNW’s Melody Brandon why there is much more than Istanbul for history and culture buffs to enjoy…

Antalya – the Turkish Riviera Nick heads to Antalya, Perge and Aspendos in Turkey’s Mediterranean region…

HE Aegean shores of Turkey’s west coast are characterised by idyllic fishing villages and the remains of ancient civilisations dating back some 5 000 years.

Izmir, the capital of the Aegean region, is a cosmopolitan city and is believed to have been where Homer once lived.

Today, in addition to a range of museums, Izmir offers highlights such as Agora (marketplace) in the Namazgah quarter, the excavations at Bayrakli where there is a temple dedicated to Athena, and the Hisar Mosque, built in the 16th century. Shoppers will enjoy a visit to the Kemeralti market, where they will find antiques, jewellery, dried fruit and clothing.

Ephesus, an ancient Greek city just south of Izmir and near present-day Selçuk, was renowned for its Temple of Artemis – built in about 550BC but subsequently rebuilt several times – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The town’s archaeological site lies just 3km from Selçuk, which is dominated by a Byzantine

citadel. The Ephesus International Festival of Culture and Tourism is held annually in May. Otherwise known as Bergama, Pergamon is considered one of Turkey’s finest archaeological sites.

Highlights include the Acropolis Theatre with its temples of Trajan and Dionysus. Dikili, frequented by cruise liners bringing visitors to the town, is Bergama’s harbour town, while the port of Çandarli is home to one of the best-preserved Genoese fortresses in Turkey.

Nick’s top highlights of Izmir and Ephesus: ● For religious travellers, suggest a visit to Mary’s house in Ephesus to collect or buy pre-bottled holy water, which is a great souvenir. There are also a number of Greek Orthodox souvenirs for sale. ● Suggest a drink at one of the vibrant waterfront bars in Izmir to watch the sunset. The corniche stretches for several kilometres along the old section of Izmir’s waterfront. ● A visit to Izmir is not complete without a gulet trip through the bay.

“Turkey’s west coast is a maze of mountains and narrow bays. The region is steeped in history and its mix of cultures makes it a fascinating area to visit.”

Getting there…

There are numerous daily flights between Istanbul and Izmir. The best connection with Turkish Airlines’ flight TK041 from Johannesburg (which arrives at 06h15) is flight TK2312. It departs Istanbul daily at 08h00, arriving in Izmir at 10h05.

ANTALYA and its surrounding coastline and interior are home to many historic gems, many of them tucked into deep valleys, in the mountains or on cliffs along the coast.

The region is known as the Turkish Riviera and enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year. Antalya was founded in 159BC and has been inhabited by the Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans. In addition to Hadrian’s Gate, a beautifully decorated three-arched gate built into the city walls, the city’s highlights include Yivli Minareli Mosque and Hidirlik Kulesi, constructed as a lighthouse in the second century.

Just 18km from Antalya is the ancient city of Perge, which was visited by St Paul on his first journey to Turkey. Highlights of the town, which dates back to 1 500BC, include the Acropolis, the two basilicas, the 4th century Agora with its Tykhe Temple, and Necropolis Road with its ancient graves. A visit to Perge is a great option for visitors who would like to see a Roman bathhouse. Aspendos, located between Antalya and Alanya (to the east) is home to the best-preserved theatre of antiquity, the Aspendos Theatre. It dates back to the second century AD but is still used today and seats some 15 000 people. Nearby, are the remains of a basilica, an Agora and one of the largest aqueducts in Anatolia.

Nick’s top highlights of Antalya, Perge and Aspendos: ● Enjoy lunch and the views at Antalya’s old harbour. ● History buffs will enjoy the coastal towns with their archaeological sites. ● Visitors can swop their beach towels for skis as the Mediterranean region is one of the few places where tourists can both sunbathe on a beach and ski in the same day.

Getting there…

There are numerous daily flights between Istanbul and Antalya. The best connection with Turkish Airlines’ flight TK041 from Johannesburg is flight TK2412. It departs Istanbul daily at 09h30, arriving in Antalya at 10h45.

QUICK READ FOR bUSIESt pEOplE

Treasures of Turkey 15 Days from

Wonders of Turkey 11 Days from

R10 050*

Turkish Delights 8 Days from

R7 125*

R4 975*

Including sightseeing worth

R2867

Including sightseeing worth

R2651

Including sightseeing worth R1765

Remember our discounts: 10% Young Traveller Discount, 5% Frequent Traveller Discount and 5% on our 2nd Tour Discount. *Terms and conditions apply.

Limited off discount of R2 500 pp applies.

Tel: (011) 280 8400 E-mail: reservationssa@travcorp.net Website: www.insightvacations.com

Wednesday April 21 2010 n 9

Captivating Cappadocia Lu Dowell’s Kathy Basson recommends Cappadocia for its whimsical prehistoric-looking terrain and evidence of ancient civilisations…

CappadoCia, presently referred to as the Nevsehir region, is south-east of ankara in the Central anatolian region and is characterised by its ‘moonscape’ volcanic terrain.

The eruptions of Mt Erciyes and Mt Hasan have left a spectacular surrealistic landscape of rock cones, capped pinnacles and ravines in colourful reds, golds and greens. in addition to the striking landscape, the area is also renowned for its rock dwellings that date back as far as 4 000BC. Highlights include Ürgüp, a lively tourist centre and an excellent base from which to explore the sights of Cappadocia. in Ürgüp visitors will see how people once lived in these rock dwellings as well as being able to buy carpets and kilims from the town’s many carpet dealers.

The underground cities of Kaymaklı, Mazı, derinkuyu, Tatlarin and Özkonack were all used by Christians who were fleeing from persecution in the seventh century. Today visitors can take a tour of these dwellings.

10 n Wednesday April 21 2010

Kathy Basson

Kathy’s top three things to do in Cappadocia ● Suggest an exhilarating hot-air balloon ride at dawn over Cappadocia’s capped pinnacles, referred to by the locals as “peri bacları” (meaning ‘fairy chimneys’). ● Visit the cosy restaurants and cave hotels dotted both above and below the volcanic terrain. ● Explore one of the underground cities, of which Capadoccia has an abundance. There are reportedly over 40 of these underground settlements in the region, although some are not open to visitors.

Top tips for visitors

● Suggest visiting Cappadocia during spring and autumn.

These are the best times to avoid the intense summer heat and crowds. ● allow at least two days to see the main highlights. ● The underground cities are quite small and confined. Check whether your client is claustrophobic before suggesting this.

Getting there…

There is one flight a day between Istanbul and Nevsehir offering good connections with Turkish Airlines’ flight from Johannesburg. Flight TK2008 departs Istanbul at 10h05 and arrives in Nevsehir at 11h20.

it!

● Insight Vacations is offering a 15-day Treasures of Turkey tour, valid from March 14 to December 26 from R12 550pps, excluding airfare. The tour includes visits to Istanbul, Bursa, Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Pamukkale, Kusadasi, Izmir and Canakkale. ● Thompsons Holidays is offering a two-night package to Istanbul including return flights from Johannesburg on Turkish Airlines, transfers, two nights’ accommodation in the three-star Metropol Hotel with breakfast for just R5 079pps. An additional three-night package to Bodrum that includes Turkish domestic flights, transfers and three nights’ accommodation at the three-star Atrium Hotel on a half-board basis, costs an additional R3 259pps, making a total of R8 338pps plus taxes of R2 741. Valid until October 31.

Book

In the news...

Turkish Airlines eyes Africa TURKiSH airlines plans to start a massive expansion project worldwide but will be paying special attention to africa.

“Recent decisions taken by the executive board of Turkish airlines include new routes to such destinations as dar es Salaam, Entebbe and accra,” said the airline’s South africa spokesman, Orhan Karaoglu. orhan added that the airline’s expansion would

continue to North america, with direct flights to Washington and Los angeles.

More routes are planned for the Middle East, Canada and Brazil. plans are also in the pipeline for five weekly flights between Turkey and australia. “an agreement will also allow Turkish and australian airlines to enter into codeshare arrangements with third-country carriers to provide services,” said orhan.

Qatar Airways launches services to Ankara QaT aTa aT TaR airways has launched a scheduled service to ankara.

The four non-stop services a week between doha and ankara strengthen the airline’s operations in Turkey,

where it already operates daily flights to istanbul.

Qatar airways is the only Gulf carrier flying to ankara, operating an airbus a320 with 12 seats in business class and 132 in economy.

QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

The world has never been so delicious to fly around.

We're proud to fly you to more than 150 destinations aboard our young fleet, offering you more comfortable seats, culinary delights and an exclusive flight experience along our expanded routes.

Enjoy the privileges of exploring the world on Turkish Airlines and connect to over 960 destinations, taking advantage of Star Alliance network.

turkishairlines.com

0861TURKISH TNW3636SD

Lusaka and

Ndola, Zambia Zambia has much more to offer its visitors than just the Victoria Falls, as Liesl Venter found out during a recent visit to its capital, Lusaka, and Ndola in the Copperbelt.

I

N the vibrant capital city of Lusaka, development can be seen everywhere. It has become a boom town of late with new buildings going up everywhere, including chain stores and shopping malls.

In the Copperbelt where people are reliant on the mining industry, the 2009 global economic downturn hit hard. But the dusty city of Ndola, situated some 320km from Lusaka, has also seen much development in recent years, becoming an important commercial centre. On the outskirts of the town, the new national soccer stadium is taking shape while copper artifacts and art work can be found for sale along the roads.

Both cities are full of opportunity, as people are hungry for business and much effort has gone into developing facilities and services for corporate travellers.

Where to stay

Lusaka offers a range of up market accommodation: ● The Taj Pamodzi is located in the heart of Lusaka’s business and government district. The hotel has 193 rooms and suites as well as five meeting rooms, including a boardroom. The hotel also has a coffee shop, bar, a gymnasium, sauna and spa. ● The Southern Sun Ridgeway is located in Lusaka’s business district close to embassies and government offices and is 27km from the airport. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel. ● The Protea Hotel Cairo Road is located in the heart of Lusaka’s CBD, close to the Arcades shopping and entertainment complex. The hotel comprises 68 rooms and seven suites. The restaurant serves buffet breakfasts, lunch and dinner and the bar is open until 22h00 daily. Conference facilities comprise three 15-seater boardrooms and two conference rooms seating 40 delegates.

The first choice of accommodation for most business visitors to Ndola is the Mukuba Hotel, which is set on a 6,5ha landscaped ranch-style retreat, 10 minutes from the city and 4km from the airport. It has 52 air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, fitness centre, conference room and two bars.

Air Namibia extends competition AIR Namibia has extended its R1 000 voucher competition – which includes its direct services between Johannesburg and Lusaka – due to popular demand.

To qualify, agents need to email or fax copies of the tickets they have issued and

were flown during February, March and April on the airline’s JNB-LUN-JNB and/or JNBACC-JNB. To enter, agents can fax 086 5490 224 or email mfourie@airnamibia.za.com with their name and Iata number. The agent who issued the most tickets during this

period on Air Namibia will win R1 000 in shopping vouchers.

The Air Namibia flight from Johannesburg to Lusaka is direct and not via Windhoek.

Air Namibia is currently offering a special fare of R1 240 per person, excluding taxes of approximately R1 440.

Don’t miss this Vic Falls conference special IF your clients prefer to use Livingstone as a base, Sun International Dreams is currently offering a special to its resort along the Zambezi River.

A few minutes’ walk from the Vic Falls, the resort inside the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Wildlife Park comprises the 173-room five-star Royal Livingstone and 212-room three-star Zambezi Sun hotels as well as The Falls Entertainment and Convention

Centre, which seats 450 delegates theatre style.

The special is selling to conference groups from R9 999pp sharing and is valid for SA residents only until June 30, 2010. It is only applicable for new bookings with a minimum of 10 passengers. The rate includes return airfares JNB/ LVI/JNB, airport taxes, return airport/hotel transfers, three nights’ accommodation at

Zambezi Sun Hotel, meals and beverages, three-day conference, a plenary room (minimum 30 delegates), equipment hire, group star gazing with Russell Gammon (specialist guide and keynote speaker), African Queen sunset cruise, group nature walk in the park, four days’ travel insurance including hazardous pursuits, and unlimited access to the Victoria Falls.

Fast facts Fly direct from Jo’burg to

4

DirEcT FlighTs weekly From Johannesburg To lusaka

Air Namibia Tel: 0860 109 716/ 011 783-8022 Fax: 011 783-8135 / 086 549 0315 Email: reservations@airnamibia.za.com BEsT rEgioNAl AirliNE 2008

www.airnamibia.com.na

12 n Wednesday April 21 2010

acceptable. Most tickets issued are now inclusive of departure tax. Travellers should check this when buying their ticket. ● Medical services: Medical services are underdeveloped and only in Lusaka, Ndola and Livingstone can visitors find anything resembling Western standards. There are a number of small clinics in Lusaka, which are better than the general hospitals. ● Roads: Zambia is notorious for potholes and road signs are few. There are major roadworks on some of the main routes at the moment as the roads are being upgraded. Advise your clients to avoid driving at night if possible as there are no road markings and potholes and animals occur when least expected.

Source: Zambia Tourism

▼

cAPE ToWN & o.r TAmBo iNTErNATioNAl

● Language: The official language is English although there are 73 dialects spoken in Zambia.

Bemba is the most commonly understood, followed

by Nyanja, Tonga, Luvale, Lozi, Mambwe and Tumbuka. ● Currency: The kwacha. ZAR1=ZMK639 There is no limit to the importation of foreign currency provided it is declared on arrival through a currency declaration form. ● Car hire: There are many car-hire companies in Lusaka and a few in Ndola, offering a small range of vehicles. Most charge a daily rate plus mileage, insurance and petrol. Most cars come with a chauffeur. ● Departure tax: Departure tax at airports is US$25 (international) and $8 (domestic), payable in hard currency. Traveller’s cheques are not

QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

Discover moments that will capture your soul.

THE ROYAL LIVINGSTONE ZAMBIA

R7 470 From

excl. approx airport tax of R1520 p/p

p/p sharing

Pay for 3 nights, stay for 4

With Dreams your journey into the adventure and romance of The Royal Livingstone will be uninterrupted, allowing you to savour every moment of this palatial Zambian getaway. A place where you are waited on hand and foot and your only pressing engagement is sundowners, overlooking a natural world wonder: Victoria Falls.

• 4 Nights & breakfast incl.

• Includes flights, transfers & insurance • Unlimited access to Vic Falls & park fees • Complimentary Dreams travel bag

• Nature walks through the falls resort • Star gazing on the Royal Livingstone lawns (Friday nights only) • High tea at the Royal Livingstone Lounge

ZAMBEZI SUN ZAMBIA

R5 035 From

p/p sharing

Pay for 3 nights, stay for 4

excl. approx airport tax of R1520 p/p

Let our Dream Makers take you on an adventure into the heart of Africa. Resting on the banks of the mystical Zambezi River, a mere stone’s throw away from the thunder of the Victoria Falls, the Zambezi Sun embraces the warmth and generosity of the African continent. Here, time is meaningless and life enchanted.

65744B

• 4 Nights, dinner & breakfast incl.

• Includes flights, transfers & insurance • Unlimited access to Vic Falls & park fees • Complimentary Dreams travel bag

• Nature walks through the falls resort • Star gazing on the Royal Livingstone lawns (Friday nights only)

Call one of our dream makers on 011 217 5555 or visit suninternationaldreams.com

Valid until 31 October 2010. Sunday to Thursday nights, excluding peak periods. Valid for South African residents only. Includes return economy class airfare ex JNB, return airport transfers, 4 nights accommodation in a standard twin room, breakfast & dinner daily (dinner only included in Zambezi Sun package), Dreams travel bag, 5 days travel insurance including hazardous pursuits, nature walk around the resort, star gazing on Friday nights at The Royal Livingstone, Lounge high tea (Royal Livingstone package only) & FREE unlimited access to the falls. Excludes airport tax as stated above and items of a personal nature. Rates quoted per person sharing. Only valid for individual reservations. Subject to availability and definite terms and conditions. Subject to currency fluctuation. E&OE.

TNW3936SD

NEWS

Imperial focuses on tourism transport Natalia Thomson

I

MPERIAL is back in travel.

Well, actually it never left, said ce: tourism division, Moeketsi Mosola, in a recent interview with Travel News Weekly.

“We never wanted to get out of tourism and the sale of Tourvest wasn’t about that,” Moeketsi confirmed.

In addition to car-rental companies, Europcar and Tempest Car Hire, the tourism division still retains Capebased touring company, Springbok Atlas, Grosvenor

Tours and Imperial Chauffeur Drive.

With a keen focus on tourism transport, which Moeketsi describes as the “backbone of the tourism sector”, Imperial will be expanding its current operations as well as acquiring new businesses that complement its existing business portfolio.

“Through Springbok Atlas we already provide luxury buses, minibuses, combis and cars for transfers, in addition to touring facilities. We’ve acquired 14 additional buses

for the 2010 World Cup.” A new “exciting” area of expansion, claims Moeketsi, is that of sports and hospitality.

“Springbok Atlas was involved in the IPL, Confederations Cup, English tour and is the transport sponsor for the Proteas, Gauteng Lions and the Springboks. We are now looking to acquire a sports event organisation to leverage this experience.”

Also on the acquisition or investment cards, says Moeketsi, is a dedicated business tourism and incentive business as well

as a hospitality management company. “We’re in the accommodation business to a certain extent. We understand how margins and pricing work and we have to be in the hospitality management field.”

Finally, Moeketsi has his eye on a metered taxi business.

Imperial, he says, has seen a gap in the market for taxi services to middle-income consumers. “There are a number of small players that operate on a limited scale in cities. We are proposing a recognisable national brand with a large company providing

financial backing.

"The chauffeur drive appeals to the higher end of the market while minibus taxis are used by the lower end of the market. That leaves space for something in between.”

According to Moeketsi, now is a good time to be “ramping up” one’s tourism business.

“There’s never been a better time for the realignment of SA’s travel sector. It’s not about cannibalising the market. We intend to create opportunities and are committed to transparency and the industry’s growth.” ■

Resort has to offer.

Targeting families, the resort will offer a wide range of child-care facilities for children from four months to 17 years, built around sports, creative and discovery activities, designed around Egyptian nature and culture.

Sport activities such as

scuba diving, golf (with lessons for children from eight years old), tennis and catamaran sailing will be offered as well as lessons in windsurfing, fitness, archery and free diving. Sports activities that will be offered with no tuition include cardio and weight training, kayaking and other land sports. ■

Club Med family resort to open in Egypt Natasha Tippel DECEMBER 4 will see the opening of the new Club Med Sinai Bay, located in the middle of 27ha of protected bay between Sinai and the Red Sea in Taba, Egypt.

The 4-Trident Resort will feature a choice of swimming pools, three bars,

two restaurants, and the largest Club Med Spa. The resort will also boast a 5-Trident Luxury Space – a new concept launched by Club Med that offers guests an exclusive, private area within a 4-Trident Resort – including accommodation in 14 duplex family suites (measuring 90 sqm) with

personalised services; a private swimming pool; breakfast room-service and snacking room-service at the swimming pool; open bar service with champagne served by the glass after 18h00; priority reservations at the restaurants and access to all that the ‘All Inclusive’ 4-Trident

HEAD OFFICE VACANCY POSITION : COMMERCIAL MANAGER LOCATION: BRUMA, JOHANNESBURG Job purpose This is a senior management position whose main purpose is the ownership of line responsibility and accountability for driving revenue growth through franchisee footprint expansion, strategic partnership management, customer retention and sales strategies.

Key Outputs / Deliverables 1. Formulate and ensure the implementation of a franchisee footprint expansion plan in South Africa and in pre-determined Africa markets.

2. Compile and ensure implementation of Key Account and Sales Management standards for the purpose of growing the performance of existing franchisees and entrenching a professional sales service discipline 3. Formulate and lead execution of a strategy and business process.

4. Formulate and manage the departmental operational budgets.

Key Requirements: 1) Academic Qualifications  Relevant tertiary commercial qualification from an accredited institution is required, minimum requirement is a Business Degree or Diploma.  A Franchising / Tourism related tertiary qualification would be a strong recommendation.  A post-graduate qualification, e.g.

MBA/MBL, whilst not mandatory, will be a major advantage.

2) Skills and Experience  At least five unbroken years experience in the travel trade, most preferably at retail or consortium level.  Exceptionally good negotiation skills with a long-standing success track record.  Good analytical skills.  Proven track record of success in the travel trade / sales environment.  Extensive knowledge of statutory and industry regulations pertaining to the travel trade / industry.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: ● Applicants must be prepared to go through a selection process which includes written assessment. ● Employment Equity principles will be applied. ● Applications accompanied by a detailed CV should be sent by email to: thapelol@satc.co.za ● All applicants will be reference-checked and their qualifications verified; ● SATC reserves the right not to make an appointment to the position contained in this advert; ● Closing date for application is 30th April 2010 at 12 noon.

14 n Wednesday April 21 2010

3) Personality and Attitudinal Attributes  Strong leadership skills, e.g. ability to build a competent team and consistently motivate it to high levels of performance.  A systemic thinking and problem resolution style.  Strong customer service bias.  Willingness to travel in South Africa and into other African markets where SATC has or seeks to have presence.  Preparedness to work in developing markets environment.

TNW5139

QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

COMMUNITYNEWS

jObS

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.

SpecialiZed Travel perSonnel our website is updated daily! visit www.specialized.co.za AVIATION DIVISION:

Tip-top fun at Travelbags

Airline Reservations & Revenue Manager – Jhb N/Suburbs Min 7 years relevant exp in Revenue Management. Knowledge of MARS/ ATRAXIS and Worldspan an advantage.

Pictured here with their golfing grins are:

Airline Financial Controller – Jhb N/ Suburbs Min 7 years relevant Financial Management exp. Proficiency on COMET or similar accountancy software and BSP-Link a pre-requisite.

It was golfing galore at Travelbags’ most recent lunch, sponsored

by Euphoria Golf Estate and Hydro and Leisure Hotels on April 9 at Johannesburg’s Eagle Canyon Photos: Tijana Huysamen

Airline Sales Executive – Based Jhb N/Suburbs Reporting to Sales Manager. Min 5 years relevant exp in a similar role.

Must have innovative sales acumen and proven track record. Own car essential.

Reservations & Ticketing Agents – Jhb N/Suburbs Intermediate and Senior opportunities.

Ticketing experience within an airline is essential.

Airline Storeman – East Rand R6800. Knowledge of ABC class parts and IAS systems essential. Store receipting & a valid drivers license a pre-requisite.

For all aviation opportunities email CV to joyce@sgroup.co.za Due to the volume of CVs received 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.

Wildlife Estate’s (from left) Direct Travel’s Erwina Parfitt (left) and Jorinda Schutte, Jessica Quinn Jenny Hillcoat (right) with Sigi van Putting for a par is Cloud 9 and Vanessa Reid were the Rooyen from Choice Getaways (middle) day’s golf fashion goddesses Golf’s Lindy Rudman

TRAVEL DIVISION

Community news served as an ex-officio member of both the Eskom board and executive committee. Prior to this he held the position of executive manager in the office of the chairman and chief executive at Eskom where he provided strategic support to the chairman and ce. He

was also executive head, external affairs and corporate communications at Neotel and gm communications at the South African Revenue Services.

lodge. After a year away from the hospitality industry, he rejoined Three Cities where he has worked in management for the past eight years.

n Mike Nunan has joined the Shishangeni Private Lodge team as gm of the

n Deodene Els has joined Game Lodge Destinations as reservations consultant.

Personnel with the personal touch FINANCIAL MANAGER/ISANDO FINANCIAl MANAGER/SANDTON Highly negotiable pacakage offered by Market Leader your B.Comm/equivalent and ability to lead Wellforestablished Travel Agency offers super department of 45 people! opportunity to experienced person with BComm or similar qualification!!

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER/ SUBURBS DEBTORSNORTHERN ADMINISTRATOR/NORTHERN Hands on position with total responsibility for SUBURBS Key Account Managers and Business UtiliseDevelopment your experience to join Managers! leading Inbound Operator!!

eQUiTY QU QUiTY CONNeCTiONS cc IN-BOUND CONSULTANT Deal with top-level International agents and handle exciting travel within Africa.

INCENTIVES/GROUPS EXPERT Combine sound Incentives know-how and desire to travel in this great senior position with market leaders.

GENERAL MANAGER – IN-BOUND Exceptional opportunity for highly skilled In-Bound specialist. Extensive Management experience a must.

IN-BOUND SALES EXECUTIVE Represent dynamic In-bound Operator at International Trade Shows and grow the business locally.

LEISURE CONSULTANT Impress with in-depth International destinations knowledge and ability to create ‘financially viable’ itineraries.

BRAND MANAGER/ CASH BOOK & Gl RECON ClERK/ NORTHERN SUBURBS NORTHERN SUBURBS Person strong in Marketing invited to join Ideal for recently qualified B Com leading Wholesaler!

Financial Accounting graduate!!

SENIOR CONSULTANT/BOKSBURG INTERMEDIATE WHOlESAlE

Join well established, friendly company and work CONSUlTANT/AlBERTON closer to home!

Wonderful opportunity to work

closer toOur home!!

Please Take Note of New Telephone No.: 011 704 4909

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

Call NadiNe (011) 803 0056 or e-mail equitycon@mweb.co.za for these and many others! TNW1997

lee botti & associates Tel: Tracey (011) 803 6606 rivonia@nowjobs.co.za

THIS WEEK’S TOP JObS JOHANNESbURG

JOHANNESbURG

SENIOR INCENTIVES GURU! - NORTH

CREdITORS FUNdI - NORTH

Well known inbound operator with a reputation for excellence requires an inbound incentives fundi! Creative flair & excellent South & Southern Africa product knowl to design enticing incentives for the intern’l market. Fabulous working environ!

Competitive offer.

CAPE TOWN SENIOR FIT CONSULTANT – NORTH

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

Va-Va Voom time to join elite inbound operator in senior inbound capacity. Due to expansion they need your experience in working with 5* markets and abilities to provide elite professional consulting services. Wonderful office environment with good structures and systems in place.

R10 000

Great opportunity for the figures fundi! If you have min 2 years creditors exp and have dealt with foreign creditors, payment processes and creditor reconciliations, look no further! Top notch inbound operator will welcome you to their dynamic team. To R11 000 ctc.

CAPE TOWN SALES CO-ORdINATOR – Cbd

Excellent opportunity to provide right hand support to KAM in corporate retail agency. Previous experience in tenders beneficial. Top professional communicator who is confident in negotiating with suppliers and clients alike. R8 000

dURbAN

dURbAN

KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER - UMHLANGA

SPRECHEN SIE dEUTSCH?

Energetic, sociable person required by leading retail agency! Focus on corporate clientele, analysing existing accounts to ensure increased revenue growth. Concentrate on maintaining as well as dev new business, using your analytical & sales skills. Strong Excel knowl. Structured package includes various bens!

Your fluent German communication skills are in demand!

Leading inbound operator seeks ‘people-person’ with strong service delivery skills to liaise with agents & organise itineraries for incoming groups. Will suit energetic person who enjoys a vibey environment & opp to utilise your language skills! Package highly neg.

Financial Manager – Sandton Take responsibility for the financial side of highly successful retail travel company, with approximately ten staff members reporting in to you.

Candidates must have a strong financial background within the travel industry. Kati Wholesale Consultant – Jhb N/Suburbs Minimum 5 years wholesale experience with broad knowledge of international and domestic travel arrangements.

Be part of a small team. Candidates must be emotionally mature and able to deal with demanding clients.

R15000. Kati Available for 3 month contract???

Commence May for World Cup project.

Intermediate and Senior Consultants required. Can have travel agency or inbound experience. Galileo essential.

Tina

TNW2048 TNW2048

To advertise on this page contact Natalie on 011 214 7330 or email nataliew@nowmedia.co.za

Branch Manager – Cape Town Take responsibility for 3 car rental outlets of highly reputable company, with approximately 25 staff members.

Strong leadership skills and the ability to be a team player are crucial to this role together with financial acumen.

Candidates must have either a car rental or fleet management operations background. Kati

Inbound Consultants – Jhb N/Suburbs The demand for experienced Inbound Consultants on all levels continues. If you are considering a career move contact us now! Kati Administrator – Sandton A varied job description assisting with reservations for various game lodges, producing confirmations & invoices, processing commission claims & numerous other admin related functions. Must be figure orientated with good typing skills. R7500. Kati Sales Co-ordinator – Cape Town Play a supportive role to the Sales Manager handling a variety of functions: preparation of tenders, liaising with clients & suppliers and generating reports. Candidates must have held a similar position preferable within the travel industry. R8000. Kati Wholesale Sales Executive –Jhb N/ Suburbs Call on the travel trade representing top tour operator. Previous experience as a Sales Executive within the travel industry essential. Kati Cash Book Clerk – Sandton Highly impressive company. In addition to Cash Book will also be responsible for GL recons. The ideal candidate would be a recently qualified graduate - B Com Financial Accounting. Forex experience would be an advantage.

Highly negotiable salary. Kati

Office Hrs (011) 884-9113 Website: www.specialized.co.za e-mail: kati@sgroup.co.za

TNW0714

n South African Airways has appointed Fani Zulu head of group corporate affairs. Until recently, Fani held the position of senior general manager, group communications at Eskom. He was the power utility’s national spokesperson and also

Brand Manager – Jhb N/Suburbs Highly regarded tour operator requires a Brand Manager to take responsibility for creating brand awareness to both the travel trade and consumers. Our client is looking for a young, dynamic thinker with an IMM or similar and no more than 10 years working experience. A creative person with new ideas is required. Be part of an exciting company. Kati

Wednesday April 21 2010 n 15

TNW NEWS

King Shaka International fuel shock Melody Brandon

P

ASSENGERS flying from King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) may be in for a surprise when they see ticket prices hiked as airlines are forced to pay more to transport fuel to the new airport.

“The old Durban International Airport is situated right next to the Sapref refinery, so it was possible to have a direct pipeline from the refinery to the airport. However, KSIA is 60 kilometres away and fuel will need to be transported by road to the fuel tank farms next to the

new airport,” confirms Acsa manager communications and brand for the DIA, Colin Naidoo.

The fuel tank farm, from which a pipeline feeds KSIA, can hold six million litres of jet fuel.

Colin says the cost of transporting the fuel from the refineries will have to be “negotiated between the airline and the supplier”.

Domestic airlines say the latest fuel issue is one of many inefficiencies at KSIA. Desmond O’Connor, 1time commercial director, says, depending on where the fuel is transported from (Johannesburg or Durban), it will cost the airline in the

region of R4m to get its fuel to KSIA. “Based on our current schedule and assuming we don’t start tankering fuel from other destinations, the increased cost of fuel is expected to be between 20c and 30c a litre in total, in terms of the additional transportation cost and the handling fee at the new airport.”

Desmond says estimates show it will cost an additional R1 100 per flight to Johannesburg and R2 200 to Cape Town to cover the additional fuel costs.

These additional costs, says Comair joint ceo,

Gidon Novick, will ultimately impact passengers. “[Comair] has not yet finalised our fuel contract.

However, there is no capacity for the airline industry to absorb these costs. The increase will be passed on to the passenger.”

Gidon says, while the airline uses relatively new aircraft that are lighter on fuel, price-sensitive travellers will ultimately be “put off” travelling because of the higher costs.

“The building of KSIA was a total waste of money.

When prices go up, fewer people travel.

“We will have to do our

brought to you by eTNW and TRAVELINFO

Heading to the mountains…

Where are your domestic clients going this winter? n Drakensberg 25% n Cape Town 14% n Durban 17% n Kruger National Park 12% n Private game reserves 9% n Neighbouring countries 23%

Take your better half and save!

Drakensberg and the neighbouring states get South African travellers’ votes for a winter holiday in 2010.

Tour operators have already introduced a range of specials aimed at enticing South Africans to escape the 2010 World Cup. The event has influenced the level of domestic travel South Africans can do in the June and July winter season, however despite perceptions that travel will be impossible over the period, the recent release of rooms by Match could change the situation.

To sponsor this poll contact Kate on 011 214 7334 or e-mail katen@nowmedia.co.za

Club Med is offering a ‘Half Off Your Better Half’ special where clients can save up to 50% off the second person’s stay (land portion) at La Plantation d’Albion and La Pointe aux Canonniers in Mauritius. Rates include airfare; transfers and taxes; seven nights’ accommodation; three meals a day with wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner; open bar, day and night; children’s facilities; a range of sports and leisure activities; entertainment; and comprehensive insurance cover. Prices (pps) at La Plantation d’Albion for the first adult start at R16 555 and R11 285 for the second, and at La Pointe aux Canonniers, the first adult pays R15 465 and the second, R10 740.

The offer is valid for sale until April 30 and for travel from May 1 to June 9. Enjoying the sun and sand are Club Med sales consultants, Wesley Herrington and Karin Smit Photo: Tijana Huysamen

Holiday Tours, Comair tie up From page 1 “If one was to look at the stable of content and product Comair offers and our full suite of international product, this was clearly lacking in their portfolio. So Holiday Tours will complement what Comair already offers on the domestic side, however we will continue to offer a range of domestic product.”

Holiday Tours will remain trade focused and says: “Agents can interact with our

experienced consultants for more complicated itineraries or they will soon be able to confidently do the pointto-point quotes and sales themselves online.”

The new technology, says Iain, is based on kulula Holidays’ tour operating system, giving Holiday Tours immediate access to inventory real time. Next on the list for Holiday Tours will be a powerful dynamic packaging engine, although

this will not immediately be available to agents.

Operating full services for the travel trade, Holiday Tours’ management will remain intact. “There will be no operational change for agents. Instead of three shareholders we now have four. And yes, we do now form part of the Comair stable, but we have relationships with agents and suppliers and there will be no change to this.” n

EURO RSCG 4460/E

lauraw@etravel.co.za / charmainem@etravelcpt.co.za

best with the situation.”

Comair has said it hopes to buy the old DIA but Acsa has not yet indicated that it is willing to sell the airport.

Chris Zweigenthal, AASA ce, says airlines have not discussed the fuel issue with the association and will not readily do so due to competition issues.

“We were aware when Acsa decided to build KSIA that it would be unlikely there would be a fuel pipeline to the new airport. The cost of building a pipeline would have been exorbitant and possibly the unit price would have been higher than road transportation. It is very difficult to say.” n

Quiet, spacious and comfortable, the

with

Daily flights from Johannesburg to Paris.

www.airfrance.co.za

TNW3919SD

16 n Wednesday April 21 2010

QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS