Travel News Weekly - 31 March 2010 by Now Media

SouThERN AfRiCA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

March 31 2010 I No. 2100

INSIDE

TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

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NEWS

Air MAlAwi A Awi

NEWS

ASATA 50Th CoNgreSS

fEaTurE fE

Temporary schedule changes

Redesigning the story of travel

A feast for culture vultures

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ruSSiA

Page 11

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‘we’re e’re here to stay’ – Thai Airways Natalia thomsoN

“

AST time we ‘sneaked’ out of the country. This time we’re here to stay.” That’s the word from Thai Airways, which last week sought to allay the industry’s scepticism that the airline would ever launch its direct Johannesburg-Bangkok route, having moved the date several times already this year. The launch date had been moved, said Charles Pamonmontri, director Europe & Africa Department, because of a delay in securing a permit from SA authorities. The airline also hopes to obtain rights to fly to Cape Town eventually so that it can extend its Johannesburg flights to the Mother City before returning to Bangkok. Also on the cards is a possible codeshare with Thai’s Star Alliance partner, South African Airways, allowing the airline to carry its passengers through to SAA’s South American destinations, São Paulo and Buenos Aires.

Thai pulled out of the SA market “against its will” for a second time in January 2009 due to the economic situation but now the airline is “ready”, Charles claims. Asked when agents could start booking the airline and when an official announcement would be made on the appointment of a GSA in South Africa, Charles was non-commital, saying details would be revealed “pretty soon”. Stressing the airline’s intention to stay this time, he told representatives from the SA travel sector that the operation would now be sustainable with the improved economy and lower fuel prices. The airline has confirmed it will now start its flights on June 2, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays using a B777-200ER aircraft. The flight departs Bangkok on 01h15 arriving in JNB at 07h30. The return flight departs Johannesburg at 13h40, arriving in Bangkok at 05h55 the following morning. n

Flight times from Johannesburg to Bangkok Airline Thai Airways Malaysia Airlines Etihad Emirates Singapore Airlines Cathay Pacific

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Length of journey Transit time 11h15 None 12h35 3 hours 14h35 8 hours 50 minutes 14h20 1 hour 20 minutes 12h45 1 hour 35 minutes 15h15 2 hours 5 minutes

wlh offers three-star luxury World Leisure Holidays has re-entered the three-star market with a new Mauritius property – Coin de Mire Hotel. Located in the northern part of the island, the recently renovated hotel features 60 superior, 23 de-luxe, and 19 family rooms. The property also features a restaurant and bar, a wellness lounge, two swimming pools, a tennis court, a fitness centre, indoor games, and water activities. “This hotel with a three-star rating offers all the pleasures of a quality stay and the confidence of a ‘best value for money’ offer in its category,” says national sales and marketing manager, Alexis Bekker. Pictured here are marketing co-ordinator, Claudia Carrozza; Alexis; and senior reservation consultants, Kyle Sansbury and Tammy Glendinning. WLH has exclusive sales rights to the hotel. Photo: Tijana Huysamen

Air Mauritius – twice weekly to Durban Natasha tiPPel AIR Mauritius plans to bump up its Durban frequency to two flights a week from April. Despite the economic downturn, the airline saw an increase in demand along this route, says vice president of sales, Rana Ramdaursingh. Rana notes that there will be a third frequency during seasonal peak

periods and if the airline continues to see growth and demand in the market, it will increase flights to three a week on a more permanent basis. In other news, Air Mauritius has decided to centralise its reservations and ticketing operations in JNB as well as having its own offices at Durban and Cape Town airports. This ends a five and a half year relationship with

Holiday Aviation, which has been gsa for Air Mauritius in KZN and the Western Cape. The airline has also appointed Carla da Silva as regional manager for Southern Africa and Latin America. Carla will be responsible for the overall Air Mauritius operations in South Africa and online operations in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. n

NEWS

Air Malawi schedule changes Jeanette PhilliPs

IR Malawi has announced changes to its schedule due to aircraft maintenance. The Embraer aircraft chartered by the airline has returned to its owners in

South Africa for scheduled maintenance and until it returns there will be disruptions to the normal schedule, with some routes operated by the aircraft being cancelled. The airline’s B737 will be re-routed to cover some of the regional

destinations as well as some domestic routes. The schedule will be changed on a daily basis until the Embraer returns. Agents and passengers are therefore urged to contact the airline the day before travel to confirm the flight. n

Pentravel celebrates Paddy’s Day

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Pentravel, in conjunction with Tourism Ireland and Trafalgar Tours, celebrated St Patrick’s Week with an Ireland promotional campaign offering attractive all-inclusive packages to the Emerald Isle. Every Pentravel agency around South Africa (23 outlets in total) was decked out in ‘the green’ including the travel consultants themselves. “Ireland is on many South Africans’ list,” says Karen Donkin of Pentravel Musgrave, “and right now it really is a fantastic value-formoney destination.” Pictured here, all decked out, are the staff of Pentravel Eastgate. Front row from left: Vanessa Thomas, Michelle Arnold and Julie Katopodis (manager). Back row from left: Charlie van der Walt, Lauren Garland, Yvonne Felix, and Jessica Ferreira Photo: Max Marx

Rubes® By Leigh Rubin

Travelinfo,s Michele Reynolds selects the top specials from Travelinfo

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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NEWS

We are ready! – Europcar Jeanette PhilliPs

N the run-up to the World Cup, Europcar has introduced new services that aim to get soccer fans more efficiently and effectively on their way. These include posting multilingual staff at all major airport branches, having sufficient navigation devices and increasing its ‘manpower’ at its 24-hour call centre. Europcar ceo, Dawn Nathan-Jones, says many foreigners won’t want to drive in South Africa on the ‘wrong’ side of the road. “To accommodate this we have a chauffeur-drive service on offer, which we expect will be kept very busy.” In terms of vehicle availability, Dawn believes that the demand for rented vehicles may exceed the industry’s supply, especially for larger vehicles such as minibuses, which will be a requirement for visitors

Dawn Nathan-Jones arriving in groups. However, she says increased demand for rental vehicles during the sixweek event is likely to be balanced out by a drop in local business travel due to the limited availability and increased cost of flights and hotel accommodation. She further explains that Europcar still has capacity over the World Cup period but expects this to decrease

as the kick-off date draws closer. However, she is quick to confirm that a percentage of its fleet will be reserved for frequent customers and partners. “On the local, leisure front, even though the government has rescheduled school holidays to coincide with the event, again premium rates and a lack of availability will probably deter travel over this period.” Dawn further adds that Europcar will not be overpricing. “We intend to maintain the credibility of our global brand name in South Africa with normal price yielding that is practised during any major event.” She says Europcar’s flagship branch at OR Tambo is currently being emulated at Cape Town and Durban International airports and they are due for completion on March 27 and May 1 respectively. All the airport kiosks have new convenient locations. n

AirHeads Heads EY signs full-content agreement with Travelport ETIHAD Airways and Travelport have signed a five-year full-content agreement to provide agents connected to Galileo and Worldspan globally with access to all the airline’s published inventory.

BMI launches Heathrow/Berlin service

BMI lanched its new LHR-Berlin route on March 28 bringing the frequency to four services a day. Business-class passengers are allowed 30kg of hold baggage, two pieces of cabin baggage plus one personal item. A complimentary continental or hot breakfast is served and a hot meal is on offer for the remainder of the day. Business-class passengers also have access to the Great British Lounge at Heathrow and Lufthansa Business Lounge at Berlin. Economy class passengers are allowed 20kg free hold baggage and one piece of cabin baggage plus one personal item. A complimentary hot breakfast panini is served until 09h30 with a sandwich and drink from the bar for the remainder of the day.

Second UK lounge for EK

EMIRATES has opened a new luxury lounge in Birmingham International Airport, open to first- and business-class passengers, plus Gold Skywards members. The lounge offers plasma TVs showing the latest news, a business centre with complimentary Internet access and full shower facilities. Guests can also enjoy an extensive menu of complimentary hot and cold gourmet dishes. Emirates offers almost 800 seats a day on its two daily flights between Dubai and Birmingham. A similar Emirates lounge facility was opened in Manchester in October, while other Emirates lounges in the UK can be found at London Heathrow and London Gatwick.

NEWS RELEASE

Appointment of Regional Manager for South Africa Air Mauritius is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Carla da Silva as Regional Manager for Southern Africa & Latin America. She will be responsible for the overall Air Mauritius operations in South Africa and our current online operations in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Carla’s appointment takes effect from Thursday 01 April 2010 and she will be based in Air Mauritius’ Johannesburg office. Carla brings with her a wealth of experience and joins the airline at a particularly challenging time in our industry. She has completed an MBA and has worked in the aviation industry for more than 15 years with proven experience in the South African and International market

Carla da Silva

in various fields. In the aviation industry, she previously held the position of Head of Global Sales & Distribution at South African Airways, responsible for market development, commercial partnerships and all distribution activities globally. As Regional Manager for Southern Africa & Latin America, Carla’s responsibilities will also include all sales distribution and marketing activities of Air Mauritius in these regions. This will include cooperative marketing activity with key partners and raising awareness of our airline and international network. Carla will focus on developing improved business relations with our trade, government and industry partners across South Africa and Latin America.

Air Mauritius is the national carrier of the Republic of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. Created in 1967, it currently operates a fleet of four A340-300, two A340-300E, two A330-200, two A319-100 and two ATR72-500. Air Mauritius presently flies to twenty four destinations in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Indian Ocean.

e-mail: jnbmk@airmauritius.com

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NEWS

Max Marx

ORPORATE SA is going to have to change the way it does business when it comes to settling hotel bills because the billback system is no longer a viable option. Clifford Ross, City Lodge Hotels ce, says the hotel industry is held to ransom by corporates that threaten to take their business elsewhere unless the hotels offer billbacks. “Everyone eventually capitulates and the vicious cycle continues.” Instead, he said, corporates should use corporate credit cards, the travellers’ personal cards or alternatives like the new iVoucher system if they want to do business with the hotel industry. “There’s no reason why South Africa can’t do things the same way they do them elsewhere in the world.” Mike Gray, Uniglobe Travel ceo, says travel agents can’t carry billback costs without recovery any longer. “The processing, credit and transactional costs will have to be passed on to customers wanting this service. “Any agency having to handle billbacks with delays in receiving supplier information and client payment have to employ 25% to 50% more back office people. Most customers don’t appreciate this extra work and aren’t willing to pay for these people or the additional workload involved.” Many SA corporates prefer the billback system to giving their travellers corporate credit cards as they want to keep control of expenditure, which is best done through agents, explains Janet Aldworth, md of Sure Voyager Travel. “It’s

costly for agents who have to carry the debt until corporates pay them.” Despite this there are travel agents, especially SMMEs, who like billbacks, says Mike. This is because they often don’t have capital and this cash flow comes in handy to meet BSP payments. “Some are overcharging hugely on billback accounts. I’ve seen mark-ups of 20% to 200%.” Corporates don’t necessarily need the billback system for commodities, says Jim Weighell, Sure Travel corporate manager, as lodged cards cover major products such as air travel, hotels, and car rental. “It’s smaller entities like B&Bs, or services like transfers that don’t have automated inventory access, that are often sold on a billback basis.” Lodged cards and settle-direct systems remain the best options.

Payment solutions abroad

While billbacks are used abroad, hotel bills are generally paid using corporate or personal credit cards. In certain markets, lodged cards are also popular. The difference overseas, says Danny Bryer, Protea Hotels’ director of revenue management, is that systems have been streamlined to use electronic invoicing and credit card payments. He’d like to see the process streamlined in South Africa. In Europe, says Wally Gaynor, Club Travel md, business travellers either have company credit cards or pay with their own cards and are reimbursed. Hotels are also sometimes pre-paid. In the US, where corporates don’t have lodged cards

istockphoto

Billbacks must go!

with travel agents or where the traveller’s credit card is not used, agencies usually guarantee and pay the corporate’s hotel bill using their own agency credit cards and then bill it back to their clients, says Mike Weingart, president and md of a Houston franchise location of US-based Travel Leaders, a US$6bn leisure and corporate travel management company. “This is very time consuming for our agency. While the hotels don’t have to wait for their money, we wait because we have to pay the credit card before we get paid.” He says the major cost to the agency is the time to reconcile and re-bill clients. Margaret Bowler, HRG’s UK-based director of Global Hotel Relations, says billbacks have existed in the UK for a long time but their use continues to decline with corporate and personal credit cards the primary settlement mechanism for hotel bills.

Watch out for fraud ● Billbacks are essentially unsecured credit facilities that are open to risk through fraud. But the extent of fraud problems depends on the administrative controls establishments apply to their credit process when signing on a new account for billbacks. ● Establishments need to have very stringent screening processes to avoid fraud. Danny does not think fraud is an issue with billbacks. ● Most agents, says Janet, have good systems to protect voucher stock. “It’s up to agents to control stock of voucher numbers and up to the consultant to verify that someone asking for billback services is entitled to this from their company. ● Billbacks are the conventional billing method used in the car-rental industry and many companies have been hit by fraudulent billback rentals, says Wayne Duvenage, Avis Rent A Car ce. “When a travel agent issues a full billback rental booking/voucher, car rental companies take it that the agent has done the checks, and the customer is legit, and on that basis rents out the car. “If cars are then stolen or no payment is made, the travel agency is often held liable for the full cost of the lost vehicle or rental revenue as per the MOU between Savrala and Asata. Agents, therefore, need to exercise extreme caution when issuing full billback vouchers.” ■

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NEWS

We will rock you!

It’s full steam ahead for cruise bookings

Melody Brandon

T may not be the Ritz and the only stars it carries are those for good behaviour, but for moms and dads, The Baby Hotel can be a godsend. Open 24/7, the hotel came from an idea that director, Esme Zwennis, had when she ran her own day-care centre, Butterfly Kisses. Her passion for little ones culminated in what is now known as The Baby Hotel. There are currently two branches in South Africa, one in Sandton, Johannesburg, and one in Port Elizabeth. The hotel is a specialised facility for babies from birth to three years. Although normal daycare hours are between 7am and 6pm, The Baby Hotel offers a different option for parents who need to travel and don’t have a support structure to assist them. “Most of our clients are working parents who need us to look after their babies on

Hilka Birns

Suites with an en-suite bathroom accommodate up to five babies Photo: Tijana Huysamen an ad hoc basis, but we can accommodate babies and children up to primary school age over weekends,” says Cecile Hall, manager at the Johannesburg branch. Each baby suite is kitted out with five cots, en-suite bathroom and a personalised locker for each tot. “Our ratio is one care giver to five babies but over weekends we do not have that many babies with us,” said Cecile.

For weekenders, play activities are specifically formulated according to age group and there are a host of toys, books and outdoor games to choose from. For a couple wanting to go away for a weekend, The Baby Hotel costs R950 (from Friday 6pm to Sunday 9am), or for a single night, R500 (6pm to 9am), offering your clients a solution for a peaceful weekend away to reconnect. ■

SALES for the inaugural visit to South Africa of the Queen Mary 2 (QM2) have been “absolutely phenomenal”, with 600 South Africans having booked cruises on the Cunard Line flagship, more than twice as many as the previous record on the old QE2. As a result, QM2 will now return to South Africa in 2011 and 2012. This is the word from Carol McCarthy, owner of Cunard gsa, White Star Cruise & Travel, who says all segments from Cape Town have sold out. This includes nine nights from Cape Town to Rio; 16 nights to Fort Lauderdale; 18 nights to New York; and 28 nights to Southampton, the latter having been the most popular segment from South Africa. The ship paid an inaugural

visit to South Africa during its 101-night world cruise, calling at Durban on March 23 and overnighting in Cape Town on March 25/26 where it picked up passengers for the onward journey via St Helena, Rio and Bridgetown to Fort Lauderdale and New York, to arrive back in Southampton on April 22. Also sold out is an 18-night cruise on P&O Cruises’ four-star Aurora, which left Singapore for Cape Town on March 17, according to Cape Townbased cruise specialist, Cruises for Africa. The cruise calls at Durban and Cape Town in early April. The 15-day onward journey, which departs Cape Town on April 4 and routes via Walvis Bay, St Helena and Madeira, is also sold out. It arrives in Southampton on April 19. ■

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NEWS Asata 50th Congress

And the winners are... Natasha tippel

he winners of the Asata Awards of exellence were announced on Sunday, March 21, at a ceremony held at Pigalle Restaurant in Cape Town on the last evening of Asata’s 50th annual Congress.

The winners are: ● Airline Sales Representative, sponsored by Travelport: Tracey Mentzel, South African Airways (Port elizabeth) ● Car Rental Sales Representative, sponsored by Savrala: Frances Martin, Avis (Cape Town) ● Corporate Consultant in a Retail Travel Management: Suzanne van Eeden, XL Boland Travel (Paarl) ● Credit Card Sales Representative, sponsored by DReAMS: Debbie Ashton, Diners Club (Cape Town) ● exceptional Commitment to the Travel Industry, sponsored by TBCSA: David Pegg, Sure Viva Travels (Pretoria) ● hotel Sales Representative, sponsored by Avis: Tatum Mitchell, Protea hotels sales executive ● In house Travel Consultant, sponsored by Protea hotels: Sherry Marks, hRG Rennies Travel (Johannesburg)

● Sales Representative of an Insurance Company, sponsored by Serendipity Tours: Noleen Hanson, Travel Insurance Consultants (Durban) ● Key Account executive of a Retail Travel Management Company, sponsored by American express Card: Shaun Anderson, hRG Rennies Travel (Johannesburg) ● Leisure Consultant in a Retail Travel Management Company, sponsored by Beachcomber: Janet Aldworth, Sure Voyager Travel (Durban) ● Sales Representative in a Retail Travel Management Company, sponsored by American express Card: Renee Peltzer, Tourvest (Johannesburg) ● Tomorrow’s Leader, sponsored by Asata: Gillian Roffe, Uniglobe Bay Travel (Port elizabeth) ● Wholesale Consultant, sponsored by South African Airways: Samantha Gash, Beachcomber Tours (Cape Town) ● Sales Representative for Groups and Incentives of a Wholesaler, sponsored by europcar: Enid Maullin, Beachcomber Tours (Cape Town) ● Sales Representative of a Wholesaler, sponsored by Qatar Airways: Laura Dunbar, Beachcomber Tours (Cape Town) n

Winner in the In House Travel Consultant category, Sherry Marks (centre), HRG Rennies Travel (Johannesburg); with Cassidy van den Berg of Protea Hotels (sponsor); and ceo of Asata, Robyn Christie

Winner in the Leisure Consultant in a Retail Travel Management Company category, Janet Aldworth (centre), Sure Voyager Travel (Durban); with Joanne Visagie of Beachcomber (sponsor); and ceo of Asata, Robyn Christie

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NEWS Asata 50th Congress

Asata goes green Hilka Birns

N an industry where few companies have been environmentally pro-active, Asata has taken the initiative by launching a responsible tourism project that will give consultants a hands-on toolkit for measuring their carbonfootprint and help them to become carbon-neutral. The project is being launched in conjunction with Global Carbon Exchange, a carbon measurement management and training company. Asata ceo, Robyn Christie, said the Asata ‘green’ project would provide members with a carbon calculator among others. “We want to lead the way because collectively, we can make a difference,” she told Asata's 50th annual Congress in Cape Town. The ‘green’ conference saw jugs of water replacing plastic bottled water, potted plants

replacing cut flowers and only locally sourced foodstuffs. Money saved by foregoing dessert at the Asata awards evening went to the Amy Biehl Foundation. Asata calculated the collective carbon footprint from the distance travelled by all delegates and offset this with the purchase of 230 indigenous trees from Food & Trees for Africa. Global Carbon Exchange ceo, Kevin James, said the biggest contribution travel agents could make was to recommend ‘green’ suppliers to their customers. Wayne Duvenage, ceo of Avis, which has been at the forefront of responsible travel in the local industry, suggested agencies set up recycling competitions amongst their branches. Motivational speaker, Justin Cohen, also suggested agents advertise carbon offset benefits to clients. ■

What is your story? Hilka Birns POSITIVE stories that inspire our customers, our staff and us are the secret to running a successful business, says motivational speaker, Justin Cohen. Speaking at the 50th Asata Congress, Justin gave delegates new insights into the psychology of running a successful business. He called on the industry to let the recession inspire innovation, saying positive attitudes, having fun, finding a role model, learning from their success and telling your own success story are some of the ingredients for success. “Good stories are good marketing. Capture your customers’ good stories/experiences and put them on your website or film them and put them on YouTube. It advertises your business and tells your team

what level of service they have to aspire to. A story is not perception, but reality.” Some of Justin's insights: ● If you want to know how your customers feel, look in the mirror. People imitate behaviour. ● Shoppers spend 8% more if they are greeted with a smile. ● If you want to be successful, find a role model/mentor and learn from their success story. ● ‘Living’ stories are those we can identify with. Consequently, we do what other people do or we avoid what they avoid. ● You really do business when people feel you’ve taken the time to listen to them. ● Recognition is the most important factor why people do well in their jobs – nobody ever left a company

because there was too much praise and recognition. ● Our corporate culture depends on the stories we tell each other. Our profitability depends on the stories our customers tell about us. ● Negativity kills business ● When things go wrong, you can be their hero. ● When things go wrong, ask: What is good about this? What can I do about it? Then write down five solutions. ● Don’t allow yourself to be crushed by problems, rather look for solutions. Be a problem solver/fixer. ● Give yourself a ‘why I can’ story and don’t focus on things that are out of your control. ● The most important story is the one we leave behind: Whatever is going on right now, the next act is in your hands. ■

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Wednesday March 31 2010 n 9

NEWS Asata 50th Congress

Agents ignore huge ‘black diamond’ travel market Hilka Birns

LACK middle-class travellers have the same wants and needs as white middle-class travellers and want to be treated the same as their white counterparts. However, white South African travel agents have preconceptions about the new class of ‘Black Diamonds’, are not proactive in reaching out to them and consequently are failing to make in-roads into a potentially hugely lucrative market. These were sentiments expressed by black female executives who participated in a heated panel discussion on black travel trends, hosted

by radio journalist Chris Gibbons during the Asata Congress. “White agents are unsure what questions to ask. You are scared to offend me. I urge you to reach out to your black customers. I need you to extend a hand to me so I can feel that I too belong. How else are you going to find out that blacks are not scared of water?” asked Linda Manzini, ceo of Diners Club SA. “At the end of the day, as travellers we’re all the same. You leave your colour behind when the plane takes off,” agreed fellow-panellist Jackie Sebe, a senior account manager at Intervate. Panellist Nonkululo Maqungo, managing member

of Revolution HR Solutions, related her experience of being shrugged off by a white travel consultant who had just spent 20 minutes consulting with a white customer. This prompted questions whether white consultants thought that black customers couldn’t pay and that they were “wasting consultants’ time”. Asata chairman, Laurie Wilkinson, said the biggest challenge facing consultants

was converting free quotes into bookings. “Some 80% of our business comes from 20% of our customers. As a result, consultants will devote their time to their valued customers,” he said. “But how did you develop that 80/20 relationship?” Linda retorted. “It’s an issue of service. We want to get the same service because that enquiry might convert into a sale.” Agents should have more foresight, she warned,

because a black middleclass customer might be a captain of industry or even in Government in future. “And who do you think will be topping the list to get the corporate or government travel contract? The one who was trusted to look after the personal travel, of course. It’s a question of recognising that the market has changed, of recognising new opportunities and of changing your business model to meet new demands,” she said.

Trends among black travellers The panel discussion revealed the following travel trends among black female executives: ● They spend 30% to 45% of their disposal income on travel. ● They travel once a year internationally for leisure, plus locally for business and leisure, all preferably in business class. ● Decisions on leisure destinations are reached in consultation with their family. ● They are confident and adventurous travellers. ● They travel to experience the world and to get a new perspective on their own lives in South Africa.

● They reward themselves by having quality ‘me-time’; spa and beauty treatments; dining out; and being active with the family. ● Best trips: Atlantis, Bahamas, because of historical connections (Sol Kerzner/African roots); Paris; Florence for culture and shopping. ● Worst trips: Zanzibar: lost luggage, soul-destroying commercialisation; Luanda with TAAG: no seat allocations. Expensive, low-value accommodation. ● They expect their travel agent to cut down on their own research time and to make the trip as painless as possible for them. n

Asata wants your stories! Asata is compiling an inspirational ‘story book’ of your very own success stories! Announcing the initiative at the 50th Asata Congress in Cape Town, ceo Robyn Christie invited all members to send their ‘stories’ to the association. The best story stands to win two air tickets sponsored by Air Mauritius.

TNW3764SD

ATTENTION ALL TRAVELINFO USERS Get more out of your Travelinfo experience ... Sign up for free onsite training or over the telephone training

For more information contact Loulla Georgiades at (011) 214 7317 or email loullag@nowmedia.co.za

TNW5128 TNW3897SD

10 n Wednesday March 31 2010

QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

NEWS Asata 50th Congress

‘Share your stories and grow your business’ – Asata natasHa tippel

HE Asata 50th annual Congress, which was held in Cape Town at Crystal Towers Hotel and Spa from March 19 to 22, was a great success with around 225 delegates attending. The theme of this year’s event was ‘Redesigning the Story of Travel’, emphasising how agents and the travel industry at large can grow their business by using the power of story. Key speakers included political analyst, Justice Malala, author and motivational speaker Justin Cohen, and md of the SA

Ubuntu Foundation, Kevin Chaplin, with a panel discussion on ‘black diamonds’ and their travel needs facilitated by radio journalist Chris Gibbons. The association’s annual general meeting was held on Sunday, March 21, where new members of the board were voted in, including the election of a new president, md of Unitravel, Jo Schütten. The conference closed with much celebrating and festivities at the Asata Awards ceremony, held at Pigalle Restaurant, which recognised the achievement of some of the travel industry’s most talented colleagues. n

Hadifele Mofokeng, HRG Rennies Travel, and Mahlodi Serumula of Flight Specials Tzaneen, enjoyed the function at Moyo at Spier Photo: Natasha Tippel

Asata’s new president, Jo Schutten, is welcomed by outgoing president, Laurie Wilkinson Photo: Natasha Tippel

Peter Schoeman of City Lodge Hotels, Lina da Costa of Budget Car Rental and Chris Zweigenthal of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa Photo: Natasha Tippel

QUICK READ FOR bUSIESt pEOplE

Warren Tanner Ellis, MTN Travel Desk, with Leon Singer of XL Embassy Travel and Adv Louis Nel of Benchmark Photo: Natasha Tippel

Pam Pokroy, Specialized Travel Personnel, with Jeff Pokroy Photo: Natasha Tippel

Tibor Zsadanyi, Travel With Flair, at the gala evening, with Shirley Moodley, Regent Travel Insurance Photo: Natasha Tippel

Pamela White and Martina Letsolao, both of American Express Cards, with Danny White Photo: Natasha Tippel

Wednesday March 31 2010 n 11

Vienna

For centuries Vienna was the seat of the Hapsburg Empire and one of the great imperial cities of the world. It oozes old-world charm but is also a vibrant and modern city. Hilka Birns reports.

48 hours in Vienna

USTRIA Connection owner, Inge Dobihal, Dobihal tells TNW what to do in 48 hours in the capital of Austria...

Day one

Book

it!

Austria Connection is offering the following two packages: Vienna Interlude package from €272pp (R2 759) and includes: ● Airport shuttle from airport to hotel ● Three nights with buffet breakfast in centrally located three-star hotel ● 72-hour Vienna Card ● Hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus for 48 hours ● Coffee and cake at a traditional coffee house ● One typical Viennese dinner Danube Cycle Path & Spa package from €555pp (R5 630) for eight days: Departs every Saturday from April to October. Highlights include Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, the Basilica at Esztergom and Hungary’s Arabian National Stud in Babolna. Cycling is on mostly flat, sometimes hilly terrain. The Austrian section consists of well-maintained cycle paths, while in Hungary cycling is done on country roads. Accommodation in good quality hotels, mostly with spas.

Getting there There are no direct flights from South Africa to Vienna but the city can easily be reached by connecting with any European or Middle Eastern airline. Vienna is also easily accessible by rail via Zürich-Innsbruck-Salzburg-Vienna or Munich-InnsbruckSalzburg-Vienna. Continuing by rail from Vienna to Budapest or Prague is also popular.

Shop up a storm in Austria’s capital Photo: Austria National Tourist Office

Getting around The best way to explore Vienna is by Vienna Card, which offers 72 hours of unlimited travel by underground, bus and tram for €18,50 (R188). It can be bought from conductors on trains heading to Vienna, at hotels, the tourist information offices on Albertinaplatz (open daily 9am to 7pm), in the arrival hall at Vienna Airport or at any public transport ticket office. It also offers more than 210 shopping and sightseeing discounts. To order online go to www.wienkarte.at.

In the morning your clients should head into the busy historic centre where the Viennese hang out, shop, eat and drink. Wandering through winding cobblestone lanes and wide boulevards, they will discover baroque palaces, medieval houses and Roman ruins. In the heart of the city is the gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral, which houses a wealth of art treasures, some of which can only be seen during a guided tour (www.stephanskirche.at). Leading off the cathedral is Kärntner Strasse, Vienna’s major shopping street. Here street artists and buskers entertain shoppers and contribute to the lively atmosphere. A new highlight on Kärntner is the Swarovski Mega store – the world’s leading manufacturer of polished crystals. Spread over three floors are crystal products in every conceivable colour and shape encompassing jewellery, fashion, accessories, interiors, design, optics and crystal figurines. Nearby is the baroque Imperial Palace with its crown jewels, paintings, antique furniture and imperial silver collection. At lunchtime, grab a bite in one of the many small traditional restaurants, which offer tourist menus at reasonable prices. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Fine Art or visit the Museums Quarter,

Vienna’s exciting art complex. It’s a great place to go shopping, with boutiques and record shops all housed in the old stables of the Hapsburgs’ imperial parade grounds. Rather than dine in a restaurant, tell your clients to relax as the Viennese do – in a ‘Heuriger’ or wine tavern. The best known are in Grinzing in the vineyards on the outskirts of Vienna. Music lovers will be spoilt for choice. Vienna is known as the world capital of music and has wonderful concerts, operas and musicals to choose from. The Vienna Festival takes place from May 9 to June 20 this year featuring top-flight international orchestras, world-class conductors and soloists.

Day two

Send your clients off to see the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, stroll through its beautiful gardens and walk up to the Gloriette, from where they’ll enjoy a marvellous view over Vienna. Coffee and Viennese pastry at a traditional coffee house, where waiters are proud to be called “Herr Ober”, will round off the morning nicely. In the afternoon they can visit the Prater amusement park with its giant Ferris Wheel, made famous in an old James Bond movie. Dinner can be had in one of the Prater’s many small convivial restaurants and beer gardens. They can also take a boat ride on the Danube and then head for some of the city’s nightlife hotspots, jazz venues or clubs.

Add another day

Destination Experts for Austria Central Europe Croatia Tel: 011 476 3967 austria.co@mweb.co.za www.austriaconnection.co.za 12 n Wednesday March 31 2010

Austria Connection recommends that, if possible, clients spend a third night in Vienna, because there are so many sightseeing excursions available. Inge recommends a half-day excursion to the Viennese woods, including a boat ride on an underground lake; touring the Danube valley with its castles and abbeys; ascending Leopoldsberg for panoramic views over the city; visiting the

900-year-old Klosterneuburg abbey with its gold and enamel altar and royal apartments; or seeing the iconic Hundertwasserhaus and adjoining Kunst Haus of architect/painter/ philosopher Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who tried to reintegrate nature and city. His buildings have no straight lines, no even floors and no square windows, but they do have trees growing from their balconies!

TNW5091

QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

Russia

Russia is a diverse country, showcasing cities such as bustling Moscow and fairytale St Petersburg and Siberia’s landscapes of indescribable beauty. Dorine Reinstein takes readers on a trip through this fascinating country.

A feast for culture vultures

USSIA is vast, with myriad attractions and scenery, but it is St Petersburg that fires the imagination of most visitors. Witnessing the White Nights of St Petersburg, a celebration of the longest day of the year, is an unequalled experience. Culture-savvy tour tourists could spend weeks if not months in this city with its 89 museums. To see every piece of art in St Peterburg’s most famous museum,

The State Hermitage, it would take nine years! Historic and bustling Moscow with Red Square and the Kremlin is definitely worth a visit. Red Square, with the colourful domes of St Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most impressive historic places in Russia. And tourists who are looking for an adrenaline boost will enjoy Star City, Russia’s international centre of cosmonaut training.

Hotel industry is booming

Book

it!

Trafalgar Tours’ 12-day train and ferry tour, Contrasts of Scandinavia, Russia and Moscow 2010, offers travellers the opportunity to explore Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki and St Petersburg. Highlights in Russia include the Tsar’s Winter Palace, Nevsky Prospekt, St Isaac’s Cathedral, the Russian Museum, the Statue of Peter the Great, the Peter and Paul Fortress; the Hermitage Museum and the gardens and fountains at Petrodvorets in St Petersburg; and Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin in Moscow. Rates are from R24 750 and include eight buffet breakfasts, two threecourse dinners, a farewell dinner with wine in St Petersburg, a buffet breakfast and dinner in Moscow. Optional excursions are also available at a fee.

SEVERAL EVERAL new hotels have sprung up throughout the country in the past few months with more to come. The Russian government announced that by the end of this year, an extra 5 000 hotel rooms will be built in Moscow. The Moskva Hotel next to Red Square is set to reopen this summer. The hotel was completely rebuilt according to the original design. The Renaissance Moscow Monarch Centre Hotel opened

Russia 2014

its doors in February and is the newest and largest single area conference and convention centre with accommodation near Moscow city centre. A new hotel in the centre of Moscow, Katerina Park Hotel, is set to open in a few weeks. The 12-storey hotel will feature 260 rooms and a conference centre for up to 1 500 people. Great Hotels of the World has recently added the Corinthia Hotel in St Petersburg to its portfolio.

AFTER the Vancouver Olympics, the focus turns to the 2014 Winter Games, to be held in Sochi. “This is a historic event for Sochi,” said Mayor Anatoly Pakhomov. Olympic organisers hope the games will serve as a catalyst to turn the Black Sea area into a year-round world-class destination for both Russians and foreign tourists.

Europe’s tallest skyscraper for St Petersburg A PLAN to build Europe’s tallest skyscraper in St Petersburg was approved at the end of last year, despite warnings that it threatened the city’s status as a World Heritage Site. At 403 metres, the spiralling glass Okhta tower will be four times the maximum height permitted by planning rules in the city and three times the height of St Peter and Paul Cathedral, at present St Petersburg’s tallest building. Construction is to be completed by 2012.

Moscow airport gets a facelift VNUKOVO International Airport has announced plans aimed at transforming it into a leading transit hub between Europe and Asia. The extensive transformations should be completed by 2015. The work includes construction of a new five-storey passenger terminal and a ramp area with 25 boarding gates. The first stage of this terminal is set to begin operations in May.

Rand-stretching tips

Russia is not known as a budget destination with Moscow featuring high on the list of the world’s most expensive cities. It is, however, still possible to explore this beautiful country on a budget. ● For souvenirs, advise your clients to head for Izmailovo Market, which stocks anything from the iconic Matryoshka doll and flame-amber trinkets to fur capes, hats and stoles. Remind them to haggle over the price. ● There are some budget hotels in Russia that are good value for money, such as the Petrovka Loft, a boutique hotel right in the centre of Moscow. Another option is to stay in a Russian apartment. ● For cheap and fun dining, visitors should try a kartoshka (baked potato) with a variety of fillings, a blini with smoked salmon and smetana (Russian sour cream), some tost (toasted sarmie) or a hot dog from any of the numerous and popular street stands. ● Prepaid phone cards are ideal for cheap local and longdistance calls. The cards allow users to place calls from pay phones or mobile phones. QUICK READ FOR bUSIESt pEOplE

We include: From only R1400* per day

a a a a a

Hotel accommodation Porterage & gratuities Transportation by luxury coach Fabulous sightseeing Services of a Tour Director

Wonders of St.Petersburg, Best of Finland, Russia & Novgorod & Moscow the Baltic States 8 days from R13 650* Book now and SAVE R1370* Visiting: St.Petersburg, Novgorod & Moscow

15 days from R23 450* Book now and SAVE R2400* Visiting: Finland, Russia, Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia & Moscow

a a a a a

Breakfast daily Most dinners Restaurant reservations Stylish wallet Tour documents

Scandinavia, Russia & the Independent States 17 days from R28 525* Book now and SAVE R2890* Visiting: Germany, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Belarus & Poland

Book & pay in full 12 months in advance and SAVE up to R5 780* per couple With over 200 Itineraries to choose from contact us on 011 280 8400 visit www.trafalgartours.co.za

* Terms and conditions apply. Savings and discounts vary. E&OE.

TNW3902SD

Wednesday March 31 2010 n 13

NEWS

Naïade’s cream of the crop Natasha tippel

AÏADE Holidays recently celebrated its 2009 Top 15 Leading Awards at a ceremony held at the Legends Resort in Mauritius. The number one winning agent was Stephnie Richards, senior travel consultant at Exotic Vacations in Pretoria.

From left: Nicola Hannah (Pentravel East Rand Mall), Bonita Wright (Pentravel Pietermaritzburg), Gaenor Lange (Pentravel East Rand Mall)

From left: Monique Greeff, Angelique Greeff (Pentravel Centurion), Louise Potter (Pentravel Pietermaritzburg), Karen Donkin (Pentravel Musgrave)

And the Top 10 are...

Gm of Naïade Holidays, Matthew Fubbs, with winning agent, Stephnie Richards

Place 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Top Consortium

Branch Exotic Vacations East Rand Mall Sandton City Mimosa Mall Kempton Park Musgrave Centurion PMB Randpark Ridge Dreams Unlimited

Consortium Independent Pentravel Flight Centre Flight Centre Flight Centre Pentravel Pentravel Pentravel Flight Centre Independent

Names Stephnie Richards Nicola Samantha Hannah Louise Craggs Nicole Bastone Theophilus Jacobs Karen Donkin Angelique Gwenthlyn Greeff Bonita Wright Lyndall De Luca Lauren Bianca Christelis

Flight Centre

Jacobus Nagel

NEWS RELEASE

New contacts in Durban and Cape Town Air Mauritius wishes to inform its travel partners that with effect from 01 April 2010, it has decided to centralise its reservations and ticketing operations in Johannesburg. It will also have its own offices in Durban & Cape Town Airports. This ends a 5 ½ year relationship with Holiday Aviation, which has been acting as General Sales Agent for Air Mauritius in Kwa-Zulu Natal & Western Cape. Air Mauritius takes this opportunity to thank Holiday Aviation and its staff for the professionalism displayed while representing the airline during this time.

Cape Town

Durban(*)

Physical Address

Passengers Services Counter (PSC) Number 241 2nd Floor, Central Terminal Building, Cape Town International Airport

Ground Floor, International Departure Level, Durban International Airport

Telephone

+27 11 262 7100

Fax

+27 11 444 4413

jnbmk@airmauritius.com

TOLL FREE NUMBER

0800 983 537

(*) New details for Durban will be advised once Air Mauritius moves to King Shaka International Airport at La Mercy.

e-mail: jnbmk@airmauritius.com

●

website: www.airmauritius.com TNW5126

14 n Wednesday March 31 2010

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

Community news

AVIATION DIVISION: Airline Reservations/Fares/Ticketing Agent – N/Suburbs Knowledge of Amadeus essential. Minimum 2 years airline fares & e-ticketing experience, as well as refunds, sales reports & PTA. joyce@ sgroup.co.za PR & Customer Care Executive A supervisory role. Functions include: compiling the monthly customer care report; escalation of telephonic complaints; manage front line requests from media and journalists; compile press releases and the distribution. Will also be involved in writing and implementing the customer care programme. Candidates must have previous experience within airline/travel industry and a proven PR background. R15000. joyce@sgroup.co.za

Taking Europcar for a ride Fanatical golfer, Heinrich Du Preez, recently set out to break a world record – to play a round of golf in each of the nine provinces in only 24 hours. Heinrich, a South African amateur golfer and the holder of 19 golf-related world records, including eight Guinness world records, asked Europcar to sponsor him on his most recent record attempt. About 1 725km and nine golf courses later, the branded Europcar vehicle had delivered Heinrich to the courses on time. Zavi Stein, Europcar’s gm: marketing, says: “It tied in well with our new positioning of making sure our customers are always on time.” Heinrich (middle) is seen here with his two assistants, Cade Larkan (left) and Drikus Truter

n Clayton Howard has resigned from the CellarsHohenort to join the Pepper Club in Cape Town. Clayton spent six years as general manager at the property. Meantime, assistant general manager, Angie Swail, will hold the fort. n Roddy Meiring has rejoined the Victoria Falls Hotel to take over sales and marketing after spending a few years in Mozambique. Michael Ovens has been appointed development and training chef at the hotel.

Wedding

Branch Manager – Durban Recent experience as a retail Leisure Branch Manager is essential and will be rewarded. Join well known brand and be given excellent support whilst taking responsibility for a busy branch. Kati

Personnel with the personal touch

or email nataliew@nowmedia.co.za

PA TO MD - Pretoria 10 yrs exp. Secretarial diploma - Travel Industry an advantage. Diary, typing all correspondence, travel arrangements, boardroom management etc. Excel, Word, Powerpoint a must. Drivers license, own transport. Attention to detail, Mature well presented, vibrant personality, highly flexible. R13 000 -R15 000, Medical Aid. Ann

FINANCIAL MANAGER/ISANDO

Highly negotiable pacakage offered by Market Leader for your B.Comm/equivalent and ability to lead BUSINESS MANAGER/SANDTON department of 45 people!

Utilise your Sales/Negotiation Skills to join Market Leader!! NATIONAL SALES MANAGER/ PRODUCT DEVElOPER/SANDTON Hands on position with total responsibility for Key Accountposition Managers and Business Interesting utilising your Development indepth InboundManagers! experience!! CORPORATE MANAGER/ BRANDSAlES MANAGER/ NORTHERN SUBURBS NORTHERN SUBURBS Excellent plus invited perks, offered Personpackage, strong in Marketing to join for your leading Corporate Expertise!! Wholesaler! INTERMEDIATE INBOUND SENIOR CONSULTANT/BOKSBURG

TOWN JoinCONSUlTANT/CAPE well established, friendly company and work Experienced person closer to home! to join

Tel: Tracey (011) 803 6606 rivonia@nowjobs.co.za

TNW2048 TNW2048

E mail: ann@pcs-sa.co.za / nono@pcs-sa.co.za Web: www.pcs-sa.co.za

Tel: Wayne (021) 418 1084 capetown@nowjobs.co.za

Tel: Jill (031) 201 8330 durban@nowjobs.co.za

Snr Consultant – Central Sandton A mature candidate with exceptionally strong consulting skills is required. Will be handling predominantly corporate travel and must have handled complicated international bookings. Galileo and Quicktrav essential. Tina Int or Snr Consultant – Woodmead Corporate consulting within upmarket environment. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years experience, together with Galileo and Quicktrav. Tina Consulting Opportunity in Cresta area Intermediate or Senior required for either a temporary or permanent position. Galileo and Quicktrav required. Tina Temps! Temps! Consultants with minimum 5 years experience and either Galileo or Amadeus are constantly required for various temporary assignments. Attractive salaries offered! Tina

JOHANNESbURG

SENIOR INbOUNd INCENTIVES GURU - NORTH

bSP CONSULTANT - SANdTON

Wholesale Sales Executive Call on the travel trade in the Pretoria area representing top tour operator, a company you can promote with confidence and pride. Will be responsible for presentations and be involved with workshops, tradeshows and educational trips. Candidates must have previous sales experience within the travel industry. Kati

CAPE TOWN

Credit Controller – Boksburg area A 5 month contract from May to October. Quicktrav is essential. Job description includes reconciling credit cards, invoices from suppliers, banking, speedpoint transactions and receipts. Will pay attractive salary for the right skills! Kati

THIS WEEK’S TOP JObS

Rare opening with vibrant, highly professional inbound operator! Flaunt your excellent knowl of Southern Africa coupled with 5 years inbound incentives exp to join dynamic team. Must be able to travel with groups. Enticing packages high-end int’l market, call us now! R15 000 neg.

CAPE TOWN WORLdWIdE TRAVEL? – Cbd

QUICK READ FOR bUSIESt pEOplE

CONFERENCE CO-ORDINATOR - West Rand 5+ Yrs exp. working for PCO or DMC. Inbound conferences, liaising with client, preparing international bid, budgets, venue selection and negotiation, contracts, hotel and tour negotiation. Familiar with service providers. Delegating and managing junior staff, client meetings, conference, queries and client requests. Nono

Upmarket Concern!!

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

2010

INDEPENDENT CONSULTANTS - Randburg Corporate and Leisure with Client follow up. Set up at home or Office. Own transport, Galileo / Amadeus. Market new Clients. Run own business and write own cheque. Ann

SENIOR FIT CONSULTANT - Randburg Spanish/Italian. 4+ yrs exp. in Inbound Industry. Knowledge of S.A. destinations, good Geographical skills. Attention to detail. Own bookings. Design Itineraries and quotes. Excellent communication skills - Self motivated. Ann

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

See our website for a further selection of exciting vacancies! www.leebotti.co.za

SENIOR CORPORATE CONSULTANTS - AFTER HOURS- Northern Suburbs 6+ Yrs exp in International bookings on Galileo. Handle complaints, Bookings, Daily Reports etc. On call throughout the night. Work at the office or from home. R15 000 - R18 000 Laptop and 3G cards. Ann

INTERMEDIATE CORPORATE CONSULTANT - Cresta 4+ yrs exp. Galileo & Quicktrav. Fully bilingual (Afrikaans & English). Nono

NORTHERN SUBURBS

lee botti & associates

Airline PA/Executive Assistant – N/Suburbs Min 3 years in similar role within an airline. Provide pro-active administrative & secretarial support plus facilitate day-to-day management activities effectively. Must have excellent interpersonal skills & be fully proficient in spoken/ written English and e-business communication. joyce@sgroup.co.za

TRAVEL DIVISION

n Claudia Barecchia, sales and marketing co-ordinator at World Leisure Holidays, married Jason Carrozzo on January 30.

To advertise on this page contact Natalie on 011 214 7330

Airline Station Manager – ORTIA Responsible for all flight and ground operational activities & overseeing GHA. Must be able to demonstrate good knowledge of government regulations, company policies and procedures, including dangerous goods, aircraft loading, flight security procedure and safety incident/ hazard reporting. Valid Weight & Balance certification required. Min 5 years exp in a similar role. joyce@ sgroup.co.za

Outbound Incentives Account Manager to lead the way at this splendid incentives specialist. You’ll have concrete previous incentives expertise, able to present to top end clientele & thrive on travelling world wide for periods of a time with your groups. Ooze energy and positivity! R15 000

Highly regarded company with a reputation for excellence! Handle the full BSP function including ADM’s, ACM’s and refunds on Amadeus. Be part of a highly motivated team and love what you do. To R10 000 ctc.

CRISPY CORPORATES! – Cbd

Bring your Amadeus to this established intimate agency with top end corporate clientele. Min of 5 years consulting expertise and thrive on providing that extra personal touch for clients. Could also suit TOP Intermediate Consultant ready for next level.R12 000

dURbAN

GERMAN SPEAKING? - dURbAN

INbOUNd TOURS! – dURbAN

Top-class inbound tour operator seeks fluent German speaker to nurture their incoming clientele! Will suit salesdriven person with superior service delivery skills & an eye for detail. Work amongst close-knit team and enjoy the benefits of a viby, energised environ! Package highly neg.

If you enjoy a fast-paced environment & enjoy extensive people contact, then this is for you! Leading inbound operator seeks motivated, sales-orientated person to sell & close the deal. Experience in handling inbound tours required, with ability to negotiate rates with suppliers. To R9,000 neg.

Management Accountant – Sandton R20000/R30000 depending on exp. Take responsibility for wide variety of functions including preparation of month end packs, journals, BSP, refunds plus handling daily staff queries. Quicktrav essential. Kati Key Account Manager – Cape Town Emphasis on the acquisition & maintenance of new, existing & targeted accounts. R16800 plus full company car & commission. Kati

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

TNW0714

n Sukentha Govender, Air Mauritius’s manager South Africa, will leave the airline at the end of March. She will be joining Jet Airways from April 1 as sales manager South Africa.

Wednesday March 31 2010 n 15

TNW NEWS Fly Kumba finally takes off JeaNette PhilliPs ZIMBABWE-BASED LCC, Fly Kumba, finally launched flights between JNB and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, on March 18. According to the airline’s website (www.flykumba. co.zw) the airline operates flights between Johannesburg and Bulawayo on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Flights depart JNB at 11h00 arriving in Bulawayo at 12h00. The return service departs Bulawayo at 15h00, arriving in Johannesburg at 16h00. A B737-500 leased from Air Namibia is used on the route with 20 business-class seats and 88 in economy class. The baggage allowance is 20kg in economy class and 30kg in business class. n

Arik goes it alone Natalia thomsoN

IGERIAN-based carrier Arik Air has confirmed it will be moving away from its GSA at Holiday Holdings and “opening its own office”. According to country manager, Rodger Whittle, the GSA has worked well for the

airline since it launched last year but as an online carrier with a wide-bodied aircraft it felt it was time to take its presence in the SA market to a different level. “We anticipate that from about August we will have about 12 staff members in place at our new headquarters

in Daisy Street in Sandton, including our own call centre and financial division.” Also on the cards in the coming weeks is the reintroduction of a widebodied aircraft on the route – a “brand-new” A330-200 aircraft – replacing the B737-800 currently being used on the route. n

Mango to launch BFN flights brought to you by

JeaNette PhilliPs

eTNW and TRAVELINFO

Tour ops – a mixed blessing Do tour operators contribute to your success? n Yes 59% n No 41%

“If it wasn’t for tour operators giving us 10% commission the travel agent would be in serious trouble because there is so much competition out there in terms of airfares. I am cutting my service fees all the time just to be able to get bookings from people off the street!” Debbi Van Niekerk, Sedge Travel “Tour operators are more and more becoming like airlines. They go all out to cut out the agent and deal with the public direct. Even in their ads they first give their own contact numbers.” Pieter Liebenberg, Choices Travel. eTravel is the ITC market leader in South Africa and assists senior Travel Consultants and Travel business owners to realise their dreams. If you have ever dreamt of owning your own travel business or would like to cut costs by doing away with your IATA license and improve your current business efficiencies then you should call eTravel. We run the back office for over 190 Independent Travel Companies and specialise in making your travel business a success by offering the best commissions, overrides & a comprehensive support structure. If you have a client base, 5 years retail travel experience or already own your own business but want to make more, then contact us! You’ll be amazed at how easy it is!

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

Calling all loonatics! TNW and its associate publications, together with Events On Show and the HiSide Group, are urging you to join us in another LoonaTic experience! This year’s Looney Games is taking place on April 18 at the River Café, the Field and Study Centre in Parkmore, Sandton. Put together a team of eight of your looniest colleagues for a day of fun, competition and adventure but mostly a day for the travel, incentives and conferencing industry members to come together. Teams of eight will compete in low-level physical and mental tasks especially designed for the travel industry. To mark the third year of the event, the winning team will be awarded the champions’ trophy – a straitjacket. There are some great prizes up for grabs in various categories, from most points scored, looniest team and even for those that simply look like loonatics! Dress code is strictly crazy and outrageous, so be creative! There is only enough space for 20 teams this year, so to avoid missing out on this Looney day, contact the Events On Show team for a booking form. The entrance fee per team of eight people is R1 500. Contact Bev van Rensburg at bev@onshowsolutions.co.za to get your entry or to sponsor an event

AGENTS have welcomed low-cost carrier, Mango’s announcement of its soonto-be-launched Johannesburg Bloemfontein route, saying it will be good for competition. However, one drawback seems to be the operating schedule. Says Jessica Cameron from Flight Centre: “This is definitely something clients will be interested in, however with the flight schedules they have it will not do as well as expected.” The airline plans to launch the flights on April 12, operating on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays with a fifth flight on Thursdays planned from May. The airline’s website says flights will be operated by a B737-800 aircraft, departing Johannesburg at 05h55, arriving in Bloemfontein at 07h05. The return service will depart Bloemfontein at 18h55, arriving back in Johannesburg at 20h05. Fares are from R545, all inclusive. n

For the record:

In TNW March 17 we published a general comment about high accommodation prices in Munich around the time of the Oktoberfest. TNW would like to clarify that this was a general observation and not a comment made by Contiki SA gm, Kelly Jackson, nor did it refer to Contiki products.

TNW3898SD

16 n Wednesday March 31 2010

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