Travel News Weekly - 10 February 2010

SOuThERN AFRiCA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

February 10 2010 I No. 2093

It’s just like being at home, except someone else makes the bed in the morning.

Reservations: 0800 113 790 or www.citylodge.co.za Galileo Access: CG,Amadeus Access.CG

INSIDE

TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

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NEWS

AgENTZoNE

IER decision upsets stakeholders

Demystifying tax boxes

AirPorT ChArges

MyThbusTer

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Tell TnW Who The 2010 good guys Are See eTNW for details Page 11

investigate them all!

Melody Brandon

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What are you waiting for?

Now is the time for you to experience a coach tour with Trafalgar, Insight Vacations and Contiki Holidays. These, and other leading travel companies’ brands, including Thompsons Touring, Radical Travel and AAT Kings, invite travel agents and their partners to experience a coach tour on any one of their worldwide tours this year. Simply select your destination and company and you’ll get a two-, three- or four-day tour from between R100 and R750 per person per day. This means you can sample a coach tour in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the USA and Canada, Mexico, South America, Britain, Europe and the eastern Mediterranean. What are you waiting for? Call us now, say (from left) Insight Vacations gm, Sharon Marx; Trafalgar gm Nicolas Le Roux; and Contiki Holidays gm, Kelly Jackson Photo: Tijana Huysamen

beijing route depends on iAsC approval – sAA SAA has confirmed it has not been granted a licence yet to operate flights to Beijing.

The Government Gazette notice, says SAA acting head corporate affairs Vimla Maistry, is an application for

rights to be granted to operate three frequencies to Beijing.

“SAA is still to present its case to the International Air Services Council, who will then make the decision on whether or not to grant the licence.” n

CCOMMODATION establishments guilty of price gouging during the 2010 World Cup should also be probed, demand outraged agents in the wake of this week’s announcement by the Competition Commission that it would be looking into airlines’ alleged collusion.

“Why are only airlines targeted? I received a quote from a five-star hotel in Cape Town. Their rates prior to the World Cup are R2 150 per single room per night, sharing. From June 9 the rate increases to R6 200 per night per single room.

Do they not also fall under this category?” said Vanessa Janse van Rensburg, senior consultant All Travel Services, Johannesburg.

Tanya Kitching, director of Island Safaris agreed: “It is not only airfares that should be investigated. I had clients booked into the Formula 1 at OR Tambo for the night of June 9. The budget hotel called me three weeks ago to tell me the price had increased by R1 000 per room per night.”

The Competition Commission has told TNW that it can only investigate non-priority sectors like tourism if an official complaint is made. Meanwhile, TNW

is compiling a list of the ‘Good Guys’, accommodation establishments that have made a decision to keep their prices at reasonable levels over the World Cup. But what is reasonable?

Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) ceo, Michael Tatalias, said reasonable would probably be the high-season rate plus 50%. “Suppliers should not overestimate the appetite for consumers to pay over the odds to be at the event, but these fans do accept that prices will be higher.”

Airlines probed

The domestic airline probe was initiated by the president in November 2009 and escalated when information was handed to the Competition Commission implicating airlines that had allegedly planned to increase their fares during the World Cup period.

SAA is believed to have leaked an email to the commission, showing that airlines might adjust fares ahead of the World Cup in exchange for leniency from prosecution under the Competition Act. All the airlines under investigation – BA/Comair, SAA, 1time, SA Airlink, Mango and SA Express – have denied strongly any collusion and

GOING PLACES IN 2010.

— FLYING. SWISS STYLE. TNW3796SD

pledged full assistance to the investigation.

“1time is in no way involved in any price strategy, plans, or any form of collusion as suggested by the content of the complainant’s amnesty request application,” said 1time ceo, Rodney James.

Airlink ceo and md, Rodger Foster, says: “Airlink does not seek to involve itself in the collusive conduct unilaterally suggested. We fully intend to determine our own pricing strategies for flights during the World Cup and we will do that without any form of co-ordination with our competitors.”

Erik Venter, joint ceo of Comair, explained that an email from Comair leaked to the Commission was allegedly in response to an email from Pule Selepe of the Department of Transport, advising the airlines that the matter of alleged excessive pricing was to be raised at the Aviation Sub-Sector Task Team meeting on November 26, 2009. “As I could not attend the meeting, the best that I could contribute to the debate was to set out Comair's concerns regarding the World Cup, so that DOT had the benefit of our views. At no stage have any meetings or discussions been held on working together on joint strategies,” he said. n

NEWS

Airport charges rile all parties Melody Brandon

confirmed, will be effective from April 1.

Acsa has already requested clarification of the IER’s draft decision as the recommendations are “materially different” from the original tariff application.

Both the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (Aasa) and Iata have expressed great concern over the latest increases and are expected to discuss the possible implication of the draft decision before submitting their objections.

Aasa argues that the increased charges will place an enormous financial burden on the airline industry.

Should the draft decision be made final, Acsa will effectively double its landing and parking charges over the same period as well as passenger service charges.

“The high upfront increases will affect both the passenger purchasing the ticket and the airlines, which will be unable to recover these costs as they

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T’S too much! No, it’s too little. The airport fees battle between airlines and Acsa escalated recently as the Independent Economic Regulator (IER) has taken a middle-ofthe-road approach, which displeases both parties.

As reported in TNW (January 20), Acsa’s requested 132,9% increase for the 2010/2011 period and a 24,4% increase for the 2011/2012 period, would have seen airport tariffs increase by 241% over a five-year period.

The IER has suggested a 59,9% increase for the 2010/2011 period and a 25% increase for the 2011/2012 period.

From 2012 to 2015 it recommends annual increases of 3,7%; 5,5% and 5,6% respectively.

This means the total tariff would increase by 130% over the next five years, significantly less than Acsa had originally hoped for. These increases, if

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Rubes® By Leigh Rubin

are incurred. We do not believe that the airlines or the consumer can afford these increases,” said Aasa ce, Chris Zweigenthal.

Chris said Aasa had already made proposals to the IER of significantly lower increases smoothed over the five-year permission period, including a capital injection by the shareholder (government) to assist the companies in their respective balance sheets.

Meanwhile Iata director of industry charges, fuel and taxation, Jeff Poole, referred to the draft decision as a form of monopoly abuse.

“The level of charge increases is totally unacceptable.

“Iata is very concerned that the proposed increases might allow inefficiencies and scope changes that Acsa has built in recent years,” he said.

Jeff referred specifically to the cost overruns at King Shaka International Airport, which was initially budgeted at R3,1bn and is now costing R7,7bn. ■

What the increases look like: Permission period:

“Not much here besides a couple of slices of sausage and mushroom and what’s left of the pizza delivery guy.”

TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

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PO Box 55251, Northlands, 2116, South Africa.

EDITORIAL Editor: Natalia Thomson nataliat@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 Natasha Tippel natashat@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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Regulating Committee draft proposed tariffs increase

Acsa permission application

2010/2011

59,9%

132,9%

2011/2012

25%

24,4%

2012/2013

3,7%

0%

2013/2014

5,5%

0%

2014/2015

5,6%

0%

From the Benchmark...

Protect your intellectual capital Advocate Louis Nel talks about copyright Have you ever lost a client to the opposition?

Of course, that’s business and the nature of healthy competition.

However, this is not the case when you’ve not only lost the client but it has also been won based on all your in-depth research

and homework i.e. the opposition was presented with your detailed quotation, fine-tuned and re-priced it and, voila! they have a new client Ensure that your hours of sweat and the intellectual capital you’ve put into your presentation are properly

protected by adding ‘© your company’s name and the date’ at the bottom of each page, hard and electronic copy.

Likewise all employee contracts should have appropriate clauses in terms of which your copyright is protected adequately. ■

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QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

Travel agents shouldn’t be order takers Melody Brandon

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abrina Sturino, an ITC with Travel Counsellors, did not plan a career in travel but now has seven years’ experience in the industry.

“I got into travel by accident. When I finished school I wanted to do journalism but I couldn’t at the time. A friend of my mom’s suggested going into travel. So I did my Galileo course and started working.”

Sabrina’s career developed from consultant to tour operator for a brief period and finally to an ITC. While being your own boss may seem like a dream come true, Sabrina says it is not a bed of roses. On her website she advises clients that while it may seem that all agents do is sit behind their desks, book via the Internet and the job is done, there is more to it than just that. “I am dedicated to each of my clients and I always give more than 110% of my energy to every enquiry, quotation and reservation,” she says.

Q&A

What do you enjoy about travel?

Learning about new destinations, knowing that I have done a good job, and tackling the challenges.

Best travel memory?

My honeymoon. We travelled through the States for five weeks, including New York and the Bahamas.

Worst travel memory?

Dealing with rude clients.

Where will your next trip be?

I would love to go to New York again!

AirHeads Heads AF extends Premium Voyageur to BJS, HKG

AIR France has introduced its Premium Voyageur cabin to Beijing and Hong Kong. Also on January 18, the airline introduced a third daily flight between Paris and New York equipped with the new cabin. The airline plans to have all its B777, A330 and A340 aircraft equipped with the Premium Voyageur cabin, excluding the Caribbean-Indian Ocean network. Airbus aircraft will have 21 seats, with 21 on B777-200ERs and 28 on B777-300ERs.

DL to invest US$1bn on upgrades

Sabrina Sturino

Favourite movie?

The Wedding Singer.

Where will we find you on a Sunday?

Spending time with my family.

Guaranteed pick me up?

Spending time with my husband.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully with my business growing!

What do you enjoy about TNW?

All of it, especially the news on destinations.

It’s great being kept up-to-date with everything happening in the industry.

DElTA l is to spend US$1bn to improve the quality and consistency lTA of its on-board product and efficiency of its existing aircraft.

Enhancements will include flat-bed seats in BusinessElite on all 90 trans-oceanic aircraft. The airline will renovate and expand its los Angeles Sky Club lounge and introduce new Sky Club locations in Seattle, Philadelphia and Indianapolis. In-seat audio and video on demand will be installed in economy class on 16 B747-400 and 52 B767-300ER aircraft; first-class cabins will be added to 66 CRJ-700 aircraft operated by Delta connection carriers ASA, Comair and SkyWest; 269 pre-merger Northwest B757-200s will feature Delta’s blue leather seats and updated lighting and cabin amenities such as larger overhead bin space.

QR expands into India

EFFECTIVE February 22, Qatar Airways will launch a daily nonstop service between Doha and Bengaluru in Bangalore, India, operated by an Airbus A320, with 12 seats in business class and 132 in economy. Other new routes planned for 2010 are Ankara, Copenhagen, Tokyo, Barcelona and Sydney.

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

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NEWS

to the point

☞

● Kenyan based airline, Fly540, has announced that it has joined the Galileo GDS system, distributing all its flights and fares. Payment can also now be done via the BSP.

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Animal Attacks The following TIC case files indicate how important it is that guests travelling to game lodges take out travel insurance: Location: Namibia Total claim amount: R150 000 Approximately 300km from Windhoek a 25-year-old man was attacked by a leopard whilst he was viewing game.

The patient was moved to Windhoek and was then transported by air ambulance to Johannesburg.

Location: Botswana Total claim amount: R100 000 TNW3771SD

A 12-year-old boy was attacked by a hyena. Access by air ambulance was not possible at night and the boy had to be moved by road to a medical centre for stabilisation. At first light the following day the boy was flown by air ambulance to Johannesburg. He sustained severe injuries to his leg.

You never know what could happen while travelling. Make sure you sell your client a TIC travel insurance policy.

Oi! The Aussies are coming…

Tourism Australia is hosting its Australia Travel Workshops in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town from March 2-4. Attending agents could win one of seven spots to fly to Australia on Qantas and attend Corroboree ‘10, a unique educational in Melbourne in May. The workshops will take place from 08h00 to 13h00 at the following locations: • Tuesday March 2 at the Southern Sun Grayston • Wednesday March 3 at the Riverside Hotel Durban • Thursday March 4 at the Mount Nelson in Cape Town.

The workshops will also promote Tourism Australia’s Aussie Specialist Program – www.aussiespecialist.com – a free online training programme especially designed for travel agents. Get your industry mates to come along, say (from left) Lloyd Orr’s Werner Schutte and Jean Haupt, and Liz Berry, project consultant Tourism Australia. Register now with Este at Lloyd Orr Communications on este@lloydorr.com Photo: Tijana Huysamen

Asata advises…

Ceo of Asata, Robyn Christie, talks about forex DO you always tell your clients that a copy of the invoice provided by the bank at the time the foreign exchange was purchased must be carried by the traveller when departing from South Africa?

Recently SARS has randomly selected passengers and requested proof of purchase of their forex. These checks are not only made at international airports but also at border posts. South African Customs and the South African Reserve Bank may also request proof of foreign currency purchases at any stage. This refers

more particularly to traveller’s cheques and foreign bank notes and is not a new rule, rather one being enforced more rigidly now in terms of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act 2001. This proof would be a receipt of the transaction of the purchases.

If the traveller has lost the proof of purchase or cannot find it, they must go back to where the foreign exchange was purchased and obtain a duplicate receipt. In the event that the traveller cannot prove that the forex was purchased correctly, it will be confiscated

and they will have 90 days in which to submit a claim.

Some banks have included a declaration at the end of their invoice for the customer to sign, stating that they will retain all invoices for a period of two years and that they declare that they will travel within 60 days of the purchase date of the invoice.

It also states that they will not purchase in excess of the travel allowance and that all unused foreign exchange will be returned within 30 days of return or if the trip is cancelled. ■

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NEWS

‘I’m here to stay’ – Virgin’s Newton Smith Natalia Thomson

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IMON Newton Smith loves South Africa so much, he married into it!

Joined by his South African wife and two children, the new Virgin Atlantic country manager for SA and Mauritius has settled in Johannesburg permanently.

“I’m not here as part of the normal country rotation. The posting is mutually beneficial both for Virgin Atlantic and for my family. I’m here to stay and provide continuity.”

Simon, who first visited South Africa in 1995, began his career at Virgin in 1990 based at its London headquarters, and finished a four-year stint as South African Airways vice president for sales in the North American market before returning to Virgin Atlantic in the same capacity, a position he has held for the past five years.

“There’s been no better training ground for the airline industry than the last decade, with the impact of events like 9/11, Sars and the London bombings on the airline industry.

“In the first phase of my appointment I’ll be listening and learning about what’s important to the customers and to the team before developing any future plans,” says Simon.

One of the most significant

to the point

☞

● Air Botswana has launched online ticketing, following its successful switch to electronic ticketing, says acting gm, Mphi Tlhomelang. “Air Botswana has also made it possible for passengers to make the seat reservation personally and pay for it by credit or debit card at the same time.”

Among the benefits, says the airline, are that the system is “entirely secure” and that implementation “will enable cheaper fares” on the airline.

Simon Newton Smith, Virgin Atlantic’s new country manager for South Africa and Mauritius developments this year, he says, will be the introduction of sister airline V Australia to South Africa. “V Australia begins its Johannesburg to Melbourne service on March 13 and my team and I are helping V Australia with its launch and longer term support for local marketing, operations and administration.”

For the foreseeable future, says Simon, it will be business as usual. “We’re consolidating our operations globally until we see recovery in the market and locally we’ll be refocusing our efforts on promoting the London market.

“Virgin Atlantic is a tradefriendly airline and I can’t wait to start working with the South African trade.” ■

Be astonished...

The only daily non-stop flights to Cairo with easy connection to many Middle Eastern and European cities.

For more information visit: www.egyptair.com or contact our Johannesburg Office on (011) 537-7640 or our Cape Town Office (021) 421-7503/13

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CTT opens cutting-edge visitor centre Hilka Birns CAPE Town is ready to welcome the world, was the message from Cape Town Tourism (CTT) at the official opening of its R1m revamped central city visitor information centre.

In line with international trends, it has cutting-edge features such as free WiFi and an interactive wall or kinetic screen with icons that, when approached, burst into information bubbles about the city. The same technology won Cape Town Aquarium a Loerie award last year. Other amenities include information desks, brochure displays, a coffee shop and a gift shop.

CTT acting ceo, Belinda van Niekerk, said the aim was to provide guests with a gateway to the city, a place where they could feel at home, meet, rest, reflect and plan their travels.

It should also be a resource

for Capetonians, she said.

Other CTT visitor information centres will be upgraded as well, although not as extensively.

Western Cape Tourism MEC, Alan Winde, predicted the impending Soccer World Cup would put Cape Town on the map for the next 20 years.

However, he emphasised that tourism success depended on an effective partnership between national, provincial and local tourism authorities.

He said “great strides forward” had been made at a recent workshop attended by representatives of all tourism tiers. “We’re getting to a space where tourism will benefit.”

Alan has been working to unify tourism marketing efforts in the province following an impasse between the province and the city over regional marketing organisation, Cape Town Routes Unlimited (CTRU). ■

QUICK READ FOR busiest people

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NEWS

Airlines must ‘play fair’ Agents allege that airlines are waiving change penalties for direct consumer requests, reports Max Marx…

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Travel Talk

Following a challenging year for travel in 2009, plagued by the effects of the economic recession and swine flu, those in the industry will be hoping for a rapid recovery in 2010. Indeed, IATA’s latest report has hinted at an increase in business travel following a strong rise in world trade in recent months.

Developing markets appear to be improving more quickly than some of the major economies, with Asia, South America and African countries showing encouraging growth.

In South Africa, it is likely that we will see more consolidation, with smaller agencies seeking the relative security of their larger compatriots. Bigger groups will continue to look at strengthening affiliations with global groups.

The FIFA World Cup will provide a boost over the traditional winter trough and hopefully also some longer-term growth for the local airline, hospitality and related industries and the broader South African economy. Another benefit is increased cooperation between African airlines. GDS content is being bolstered with more interlining and sharing agreements to improve connections and services for 2010, the advantages of which will extend well beyond the tournament.

Travel agents can expect to see more full-content agreements from major carriers and new airline participants

on Galileo as they seek to regain some of the ground lost in 2009 and capitalise on the World Cup. Although South Africa will be centre stage during 2010, there will also be opportunities for other African countries, with airline GDS sales showing growth in several countries. South African travel agents should be well placed to capitalise on this.

The coming year will also see a number of new innovative products introduced to the region, including: Universal Desktop: a unified GDS desktop that seamlessly integrates content directly from a variety of suppliers. Agents will no longer have to log into different systems but can access everything from their onestop-desktop, saving time, improving service and efficiency.

KDS Portal 6: the latest version of a corporate self-booking tool that enables travel management companies to book and manage travel arrangements while reducing costs. It combines Galileo, low-cost carrier, hotel, car and rail content as well as agency and corporate negotiated rates, presented in a single display.

Traversa: an online booking tool that allows business travellers the ability to quickly and cost-effectively shop and make their own reservations while enabling corporations to maintain travel policies, maximise supplier agreements and achieve high online adoption. It is currently used by IBM.

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IRLINES that waive change penalties when approached directly by consumers are not playing fair, say outraged travel agents.

Vicky Steinhardt, branch manager of Pentravel Gateway, says a client recently went to the airport and got the penalties waived after her travel consultant insisted she had to collect the change penalty on behalf of the airline. “It’s frustrating because the client thinks we’re trying to make an extra buck, when we’re not. It makes the airline look a lot better than it makes us look.”

The next time a passenger wants to book with an agent, they’ll think twice, says David Pegg, md of Sure Viva Travels, who has been embarrassed on a number of occasions where the airline has waived a penalty on a cancellation or date change.

“It undermines agents’ value to clients.”

None of the agents, however, were prepared to say which airlines were responsible.

Agents have no option but to charge for change penalties, says Laurinda Ribeiro, gm of Uniglobe Aerocity Travel. If they don’t, they face the prospect of

getting an ADM. And, says Vicky, change penalties can be as much as R2 000 on international tickets.

Airlines deny that they apply different rules when dealing directly with the consumer.

Stephen Forbes, British Airways spokesperson, says its policy is no change without charge. “This applies to the travel trade and customers alike. We would always make contact with the travel agent if the client calls us direct. Only in exceptional circumstances such as disruptions would we make changes without consulting the agent.”

In such tough trading times, adds Caren Parkinson, Virgin Atlantic marketing manager, waivers or favours are not discretionary or given away lightly. “The terms and conditions relating to a ticket should be adhered to unless there are compassionate reasons, and waivers have to be authorised by management.

“If we receive a request from a passenger requesting a waiver who has not been booked directly with us, then we refer them to the travel agent.”

Gabriel Leupold, Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines md: Southern &

Eastern Africa, says the terms and conditions of a fare and its associated penalties are strictly enforced.

“In instances where special authority is given to waive such rules, it’s done in consultation with the agent involved. Lufthansa’s call centre, which deals with passengers directly, has no authority to give waivers.”

Qantas’s policy on cancellation penalties is the same for travel agents and consumers, says Michi Messner, Qantas manager: Africa. “We charge the relevant penalties regardless of who makes the request and make no exception unless there’s a serious medical condition or death of a passenger.” Michi says passengers often call Qantas directly and query the cancellation fee policy.

“There are cases where agents' clients prefer to do a refund directly with us to avoid additional service fee charges from travel agents.

This service fee varies from agent to agent, with some charging almost as much as the actual cancellation penalty. Qantas charges a set admin fee which may sometimes be lower than a travel agent charges.” n

to the point ● The Danish Embassy has announced that SA passports for minors under 16 will again be accepted, as long as the applicant signs the visa page upon collection.

Last year the embassy said that the updated passport for South

☞ African citizens under the age of 16 years would not be accepted as the field in the passport ‘Holder’s signature/Signature du titulaire’ had pre-printed wording of ‘Too young to sign’.

This violates Danish law that says any travel document needs

to carry the signature of the passport holder, or the like of a signature (see TNW December 9, 2009).

As a result, children who were not registered on their parents’ passports were not able to travel alone if they were under 16.

Travelinfo,s Shanaaz Khan selects the top specials from Travelinfo ● Qatar Airways.. Special economy-class fares ex-JNB or Cape Town to selected destination in the Middle East, Europe, Far East and Australia. Fares are from R4 350 return including taxes. Valid for sales until February 28 and travel from March 25. ● Travel Alive.. Bulgaria ski specials from R12 711pps. Includes return airfare ex-Johannesburg, airport taxes, seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast, ski lessons, lift pass and six days’ equipment rental. Valid during February. ● Three Cities is offering Valentine’s specials in KZN from R640pppns at the Riverside Hotel & Spa. The rate includes accommodation, breakfast and a 25% discount on spa treatments. Valid February 12-14. ● Rove Africa – Islands and Safaris. ‘Tanzania Sale 2010’ packages from R6 464 per person sharing at Casa del Mar Jambiani. The rate includes flight ex-Johannesburg, all pre-payable taxes and surcharges, return airport transfers and seven nights’ accommodation in a standard room with breakfast. Valid March 3 to 20. Other properties also available.

Speciapotls S

www.travelport.com TNW5096

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NEWS

PillowTalk

SA consumer confidence dips A brief look at this week's hotel news Melody Brandon

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ONSUMER confidence may be down, but the situation is not desperate, MasterCard’s latest Worldwide Index of Consumer Confidence has revealed.

The index is based on a survey that measures consumer confidence in prevailing expectations in the market and is based on five indicators: economy, employment, stock market, regular income and quality of life. The score ranges from zero, most pessimistic, to 100 the most optimistic and 50 neutral.

The results show a decrease in South African consumer confidence of 7,5 points to 59,8 points compared with 67,3 six months ago and 78,7 a year ago.

“Although the country managed to return to positive real GDP growth in the third quarter of 2009, it will take at least another

quarter for some sectors of economic activity to fully recover,” said guest speaker, economist, Dr Roelof Botha.

In terms of city confidence, Johannesburg overtook Durban as the country’s most confident city with a score of 70,6, well over the country’s overall score of 59,8 and 4,1 points higher than six months ago.

Durban’s score at 50,4, makes it the least confident city in South Africa. Capetonians remain relatively positive with a score of 57,1.

Roelof believes a possible explanation for the divergence between the three cities could be the toll that the recession has taken on tourism as inbound and domestic tourism contribute significantly to both Durban and Cape Town.

“Due to the decline last year in real personal disposable income of South African households combined with a general global slump in tourism

activity, both Durban and Cape Town experienced declines in air passenger arrivals during 2009.” He added that the decline was particularly severe for Durban, which recently lost the Blue Flag status of its beaches.

Roelof was optimistic that the upcoming 2010 Soccer World Cup would hold positive spin-offs for tourism in the country.

“The beauty of tourism is that, from supply chain to skills levels, it contributes 23% to the national GDP. A lot of people who will be visiting our country come from boring, over-regulated nations, where it rains all the time. I believe the Soccer World Cup can have a phenomenally positive impact on the country. We should not underestimate the power of soccer. I would not be surprised if many of the visitors coming over for the tournament do not decide to stay here permanently,” he said. ■

Starwood expands in Nigeria

STARWOOD Hotels and Resorts Worldwide and Trinity Gardens have announced the development of Four Points by Sheraton Ikeja, scheduled to open in 2013. The new hotel, in the Ikeja area of Lagos, will be close to the airports, the industrial zone and the Ikeja golf course. The Four Points by Sheraton Ikeja will offer 191 guest rooms and suites, a restaurant, a lobby bar, an open-air bar and barbecue, a spa, fitness centre and swimming pool. The hotel will feature a 1 500 sqm banqueting space – one of the largest in Lagos. The six-storey hotel will form part of a mixed-use development that includes a shopping mall and an entertainment complex. There will be easy access to the neighbouring amenities and rooms will have a view of the surrounding golf course.

New website for Emerald Resort and Casino

HARRAHS Entertainment Group’s Emerald Resort and Casino, has launched its ‘refreshed’ website, www.emeraldcasino.co.za, following the property’s rebranding last year. The new online presence was designed to tie in design and improved functionality.

The new site, according to ceo, Martin Rice, improves accessibility across all browsers and bandwidth user groups.

On the Spot opens in St Francis Bay

A NEW four-star B&B, On the Spot Bed and Breakfast, has opened in St Francis Bay, between Port Elizabeth and Knysna. The property features five self-contained suites, consisting of four double suites and one twin-bed suite. Amenities include a swimming pool, braai facilities and lounge area. Tea- and coffee-making facilities, mini fridges and DStv flat-screen TVs are provided in the rooms.

Learn more!

Sell more!

Travelinfo online Workshops ● Be empowered to sell successfully ● Self-paced learning ● Single product focus for higher information retention ● Easily accessible through TI ● Instant results and online certification ● Fantastic prizes to be won with every workshop ● At your convenience for a period of two months Need help email: info@travelinfo.co.za

workshops

ON-LINE

QUICK READ FOR busiest people

Britain on a shoe string…

This workshop highlights value-for-money options and tips on how to stretch the “RAND” in the UK. Digital camera up for grabs Workshop available until 31 March 2010

Great way to learn plus you can win some fantastic prizes along the way.

www.travelinfo.co.za

Wednesday February 10 2010 n 7

Pete’s Greet

The BIG year has finally arrived, our chance to show the world exactly what we have to offer.

From a City Lodge point of view, 2010 is going to be massive – not only due to the Soccer World Cup, but also due to the fact that we have eight new hotels and an extension under construction, and we’re celebrating our silver anniversary in August.

The way I see it, there’s going to be some hectic activity in the economy between February and June, as businesses and individuals do as much as they can before the world “and his dog” arrives to watch the soccer. The big thing this year is going to be planning, planning and more planning when it comes to travel and accommodation. Booking ahead will be vital, not only during the Soccer World Cup period, which we all know is going to see all facilities choc-a-bloc throughout the hotel, B&B, car hire and airline sectors.

My advice to anyone expecting to do any travelling this year – business or leisure - is not to leave it to the last moment to avoid disappointment. Book as early as possible, you can always cancel if you need to do so.

Our 45th hotel – City Lodge Fourways – has opened its first rooms and will be fully operational by early March. It’s going to be a great venue for business and leisure accommodation in Northern Johannesburg, that’s for sure. It’s incredibly convenient for anything happening at Monte Casino – and there’s always plenty happening there - but it’s also a brilliant location for business travellers due to the huge decentralisation that’s taken place in Joburg.

In the Chinese calendar, 2010 is the Year of the Tiger. What do tigers do (no silly jokes about a certain golfer now) – they ROAR! This year is going to ROAR loud and clear for all of us in the travel industry. I can feel it in my bones.

My hope is that at the end of this year, we can all look back on a hugely successful and enjoyable year which has showcased our country to the world and created fantastic goodwill for our industry for many years to come.

Peter TNW4994

City Lodge Fourways

The spacious breakfast area at

is the perfect “home

away from home”

City Lodge Fourways

More Stays For Fourways Need overnight stays for your clients in Northern Johannesburg? City Lodge Fourways is now at your service. The first phase of 211 rooms opened mid December last year and the rest will be open by early March. With two boardrooms, a mini-gym, wireless internet throughout, underground parking, a fantastic pool deck and spacious breakfast and cocktails area, it’s a brilliant addition to our hotel portfolio and a great place for your clients to call their “home away from home”.

Did you know?

Our Road Lodge brand, which currently offers 18 hotels, will turn 15 years old this year?

City Lodge at O.R. Tambo Airport – on track to open in March

Development Update

Courtyard Sandton - an oasis of tranquility in Sandton’s CBD

Excellent progress is being made on new additions to the City Lodge family which include: ● City Lodge Fourways – first phase is open, fully open

by March 2010 ● City Lodge at O.R. Tambo Airport (303 rooms) – on track for opening in March 2010 ● City Lodge Lynwood (205 rooms) – on track to be partially open by June 2010 ● City Lodge Hatfield (187 rooms) – on track for the second half of 2010

e poolside –

at th Guests relax

● Town Lodge Port Elizabeth (204 rooms) – on track to be open late 2010 ● Road Lodge Port Elizabeth Airport (90 rooms) – on track to be open June 2010 ● Road Lodge Southgate (118 rooms) – on track to be opened by June 2010 ● Road Lodge Bloemfontein Airport (66 rooms) – on track to be open by June 2010 ● Town Lodge Grayston 70-room extension – on track to be completed by June 2010

ndton

Courtyard Sa

BBBEE Status Upgraded Oasis In the Heart Of Sandton Courtyard Sandton offers tranquillity and convenience in the heart of Sandton’s CBD, a veritable oasis for business and leisure travellers.

It’s the ideal location – for guests who want to work in their self-contained suites, relax inside or outside at the pool area, hold a meeting in the boardroom, enjoy a hearty breakfast or sundowner cocktails courtesy of the hotel.

Competition

City Lodge Hotels’ Broad-Based Black Economic rating has been upgraded to Level Four from Level Six. In terms of the Tourism Charter Codes, we have been awarded an even more impressive Level Three status.

Importantly, it means that anyone doing business with us can claim R125 towards their own BEE scorecards for every R100 they spend.

Our group remains committed to doing its bit to continue furthering sustainable transformation and economic upliftment throughout the economy.

Win a free weekend at any Courtyard, City Lodge or Town Lodge.

City Lodge Fourways will be what number hotel in the City Lodge Hotels group?

Send your entries to: SCaplin@citylodge.co.za. Entries close on 3 March 2010

And the winner is….

The winner of th e competition is Ja previous ys Reddy from Shep hree pi in Port Shepston e Travel e.

NEWS

2010 – an exciting year for STA Melody Brandon

W

ITH a goal of 117% year-onyear growth, STA Travel is excited about what 2010 holds. With new products and three additional stores opening, it was the right time to welcome new product and marketing manager, Dean Carpenter, to the team.

With 12 years’ experience in the travel industry, Dean has followed in the footsteps of his two older brothers, Brent and Steven, who both have experience in the industry.

“My brothers definitely exposed me to the world of travel. Both have worked in wholesale and I ended up studying marketing, majoring in travel and tourism,” he says.

Dean’s career includes a stint as a host at a ski resort, sales rep for World Leisure Holidays and regional sales manager at Flight Centre. He is well travelled, having visited 20 countries. His new role will see him responsible for finding suitable products from suppliers and marketing the STA brand.

Dean says the dynamics of the travel industry are what intrigue him and that developing relationships with people is his passion. He is looking forward to bringing his past experience and new ideas to the STA brand.

“I have just started and already feel like part of the family. Although the people are young and vibey, they are very professional,” he says.

With a number of exciting campaigns coming soon, STA gm, Liezl Gericke, says Dean’s appointment was perfect timing.

Dean Carpenter is looking forward to an exciting 2010 in his new position as product and marketing manager for STA Travel STA will be opening three new stores – in Eastgate, Cresta and Centurion – bringing to 15 the number of stores owned by the company.

“Another exciting development is our partnering with Chilli Adventures.

We will effectively offer a one-stop shop for our clients who want to au pair, study or work at camps or ski resorts overseas,” says Liezl.

A Chilli Adventures representative will be available at every STA branch to answer questions and assist young travellers with the recruitment process.

“We want to talk to our target market in a fun and interactive way, bringing them our products in an exciting way,” says Liezl, and it seems Dean is just the right guy for the job. ■

It’s thumbs up for Zim – Thompsons Jeanette Phillips THOMPSONS Touring and Safaris has given Zimbabwe the thumbs up and announced plans to offer an 11-day tour of the country.

The decision follows a six-day investigative round trip of the country, from Harare across the Eastern Highlands via Bulawayo, through to Victoria Falls.

Thompsons Touring and Safaris gm, Angela Shackleford, sales and marketing manager Karen O’Reilly and senior contracts co-ordinator, Michelle Lazarus, whose objective was to assess the viability of offering an overland tour in Zimbabwe, described it as a beautiful country, rich in magnificent scenery and with warm and friendly people.

The group reported back that roads were generally very good and, although they were few, roadside toilets and facilities were very acceptable and clean. The many

roadblocks were not intimidating and involved routine checking of driver and vehicle licences by police officers.

Accommodation throughout was clean and an orientation tour of Harare showed well-stocked shops and malls. There were also a lot of signs of construction, a good indication of a positive move in the economy.

Ready to go

In a statement, Thompsons said it had a solid infrastructure in the country already, with professionally trained eloquent guides and a fleet of well-maintained vehicles.

“Our guides are totally versed in all aspects of political history, culture and geography and are looking forward to showcasing the positive changes that have already taken place here,” said Angela.

Thompsons will be launching its new overland programme early this year. ■

TNW3799SD

10 n Wednesday February 10 2010

QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

AGENTZONE ask an My client has a valid British visa in his passport and he has to fly to London on business for a period of a week. His passport expires on June 27, not giving him the six months’ validity required. SA customs and passport control appear not to be perturbed. Will there be any problems on the UK side? – Anonymous

Myth

AGENT ALERTS n Schedule changes from VAustralia

Ed Bossley, regional manager Southern Africa Visa Services, UK Border Agency, says: “No, we don’t have a problem with this.

“So long as the gentleman in question intends to leave the UK before his passport expires, this will not be a concern to the immigration officials on arrival in the UK.” n

VIRGIN Australia advises agents that when receiving schedule changes from the airline, agents should change the segment status from TK to HK and not RR. Schedule changes have been updated in the GDS that have resulted, in some cases, in failed connections of domestic sectors on VA through MEL en route to JNB and through SYD en route to LAX. The affected date range is March 28 to October 30.

Guests will need to be rebooked to earlier services that comply with MCT (minimum connecting time) regulation in the applicable airport. Please hold the appropriate seats in your GDS and email the travel agents’ help desk for a waiver code prior to reissuing the tickets, ensuring that all PNR details are in the request via va.agentshelpdesk@vaustralia.com.au.

Only taxes appear in the tax box of a domestic air ticket sue lewitton THE only true ‘tax’ that appears in the tax box of a domestic ticket is VAT, which totals 14% of the applicable fare. All other amounts in the tax box are actually charges, says Chris Zweigenthal, ce of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA).

The charges, which are included by airlines in the tax box, are the same for all airlines. For a domestic flight between Johannesburg and Cape Town, they would be the Acsa Passenger Service Charge of R49, Civil Aviation Authority Safety Charge of R11 and Aviation Coordination Services (ACS) charges totalling R21.

Another charge that appears in the tax box but differs greatly between airlines, is the fuel surcharge. Chris says any unexpected increases in the

oil price, and therefore the jet fuel price, will lead to huge variations in the fuel surcharge included in the tax box.

Certain airlines choose not to show these taxes and charges separately and instead include them in the airfare.

“Airlines are not obligated to break down the specific charges in the tax box.”

Rodney James, ceo of 1time, says it was the strategy of the airline from inception to include all costs of a ticket upfront. Says Rodney: “Some of our competitors charge much higher so-called taxes.

This is dishonest as the initial price looks great so they are drawn into the booking process only to find the fare

doubles or more at the end due to so-called taxes.” He says one should also consider how these airlines calculate VAT – “Is it tax on tax?”.

South African Airways now allows passengers to view the breakdown of taxes when booking online by clicking on a link.

Vimla Maistry, SAA acting head group corporate affairs, says the airline is testing a new development where the full fare, including all taxes, will be displayed upfront.

Ultimately, the responsibility lies with passengers to ensure they are looking at the full fare, including taxes, charges and surcharges before booking the flight. Airlines are not obligated to break down the specific charges in the tax box for the customer – their duty is only to quote the full cost to the passenger, including all taxes and charges. n

n CX fuel surcharge remains unchanged

CATHAY Pacific has announced that, effective February 1, its fuel surcharges will remain unchanged. Flights between Hong Kong and Africa, south-west Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East and the South Asian subcontinent will be charged at US$46,40 (R348) and US$10 (R75) for other sectors.

n SAA announces fare increase

EFFECTIVE February 1, SAA has increased all published fares by 10% between Cape Town and Durban, and Johannesburg and Cape Town/Durban/East London/Port Elizabeth. The CLOW, CKOW, CHOW, YKOW, YHOW and LSAOW fares will be the only exceptions.

n Want to earn 15% commission?

AGENTS can now earn 15% commission on all Globus, Cosmos Coach Tours and Avalon Waterways bookings made before March 31, valid for travel throughout 2010.

n Interlink offers trade special

INTERLINK Airlines is offering a special travel industry fare from Cape Town to Pretoria, valid until February 28. Fares are available from R299 one way, including all taxes.

The trade may also take one partner at the same price. The offer is open to travel agents, tour operators, PCOs, hotel staff, guest house staff, and car-rental staff.

See Travelinfo for more details

Sandton

Take the whole team to Hilton Sandton QUICK READ FOR bUSIESt pEOplE

TNW5068

Make a 20% saving for your clients…

Hilton’s One In Five Offer is back!

When five delegates attend a meeting, one person’s meeting fee is waived, and when five delegates stay overnight, one person’s room fee is waived. Meetings need to be booked and confirmed before March 4 2010 for meetings throughout 2010.

Hilton Sandton • 138 Rivonia Rd Sandton • Tel: 011 322 1583 • BQsalessandton@hilton.com Wednesday February 10 2010 n 11

Israel

“You can travel the entire length of Israel in six hours.

Imagine what you can experience in seven days.”

Dorine Reinstein puts the slogan of the Israel Tourism Ministry to the test…

Israel in seven days

T

HE mention of Israel as a holiday destination usually conjures up images of pilgrimages to the Holy Land.

For South Africans, religious attractions seem to be the main draw card when choosing to visit Israel, says Tertia Summerford, sales and marketing manager of ITT. However, there is also a very different face to Israel. In sharp contrast to the revered holiness is the party culture of revving nightclubs in Tel Aviv. The city even earned itself a spot in the Lonely Planet’s top 10 party towns of the world.

Between these two extremes, Israel has something to offer everyone – from religious tourism and social shindigs to active holidays and family and eco-friendly vacations.

Safety and security

Although travellers should maintain a high level of vigilance, Tertia says the Israeli authorities have very strict safety measures and that there is a large army presence in all towns. She says: “It should be noted the unrest and fighting is mostly in the Gaza Strip, and this is a distance away from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and other tourist hotspots.

2 d n a 1 s y a D

Suggest your clients start their trip with a visit to Jerusalem (pictured), a city that fascinates the most diverse travellers. Not to be missed are the Mount of Olives and a tour of the old city with the David Museum, the Western Wall, the Jerusalem Archaeological Park and the Christian Quarter. On the second day, a visit to Yad Vashem (the National Memorial and Museum of the Holocaust) is a must. Anyone interested in archaeology or history should also see the Israel Museum, which houses the earliest biblical texts – the Dead Sea Scrolls. Photo: Israeli Ministry of Tourism

k Boo

Day 3 After the culture and history of Jerusalem, it’s time for a break in Tel Aviv (pictured) and Jaffa. Among the main attractions of Old Jaffa are Gan HaPisga – the Summit Garden – with its restaurants, galleries and unique atmosphere, the seaside promenade and the fishing port. Tel Aviv, the city that never stops, entertains visitors with its nightclubs, restaurants, pubs, coffee houses, movie theatres and concert halls. Photo: Israeli Ministry of Tourism 12 n Wednesday February 10 2010

it!

ITT is offering the Bibleland Tour from R8 870pps. Tours will be organised from March 1 to 18 and from April 8 to 29.

The tour will take visitors to destinations such as Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Tiberius, Capernaum, Golan Heights, Nazareth, Beit Shean, Dead Sea, Masada, Jerusalem Old and New City and Bethlehem.

Day 4

ty l find the ci visitors wil Acre, a historic st a co n a e editerran re bove); and Along the Mh the Bahai Shrine (a l offers many adventu anean e it w ra iterr Is a d f e o M rt e a of Haif p th n is city. Th t rides o walled port ch as high-speed boa t Carmel ridge. n su u s o ie M it e n th activ ack rides o and horseb inistry of Tourism M Photo: Israeli

QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

Day 5 Continue to The Galilee Region and Tiberias to visit Nazareth, the Mount of Beatitudes and the Hula Nature Reserve (pictured above), with its walking trails and floating bridges. This region is also home to Mount Hermon, the country’s highest peak and the only place in Israel that offers skiing. The drive along Israel’s northern road takes visitors to Rosh Hanikra, where they can take the cable car down to the grottos for a short stroll through the rocky passageways. Photo: Israeli Ministry of Tourism

Day 6 The region o a big hit wit f the Dead Sea offers nu h says: “There South African travelle merous activities and is rs the hotels o are some lovely resorts , according to Tertia. Sh ffer therapeu al e o ng th e shores. A Eco-travelle tic treatmen few of rs Biblical oas will enjoy Kibbutz Ein ts.” is can visit Mas featuring a spring and Gedi with its very own fortress. Phot ada to see the ruins of waterfalls. History love rs o: Israeli Minist ry of Tourism King Herod’s mountain top

Did you know?

Day 7

Israel has a 24-hour service for tourists called ‘Tourphone’. By dialling *3888 from any phone, tourists can receive immediate answers and assistance regarding tourist services as well as assistance from the Israel Police, Ministry of Interior services, Airport Authority and more.

Then it’s on to Ei resort town in lat near the Red Sea for a clude the Dolp well-deserved dolphins as w ell as observe hin Reef, where tourists can break. Attractions of this their training. sw Photo: Israeli Minis im or dive with the try of Tourism

In the news...

New B&B grading system

The Tourism Ministry of Israel recently introduced a new B&B grading system, Zimmerim, to cope with the significant increase in rural tourism. The grading system provides travellers with detailed information on the thousands of zimmerim throughout Israel, analysing accommodations by 140 different criteria in accordance with international hotel standards.

Golf tourism on the increase

Israel’s Tourism Ministry recently announced plans to invest NIS760m (R1,5bn) to build 16 golf courses across the country over the next 15 years. Tourism minister, Stas Misezhnikov, says: “Developing golf tourism will diversify the tourism product, encourage investment and increase Israel’s attractiveness as a preferred tourism destination over other countries in the region.”

Ritz Carlton to open in Tel Aviv

The Ritz Carlton hotel chain is opening its first hotel in Israel in March 2012. The hotel will feature 110 rooms and 85 apartments and will be located at the marina in Herzliya, an upscale suburb of Tel Aviv. Simon Cooper, ceo of Ritz Carlton, said in a statement: “For a number of years, the RitzCarlton Hotel Company has recognised the strategic potential of extending our brand to Israel.” He continued by saying he hoped to open more hotels across Israel in the future.

TNW3802SD

QUICK READ FOR bUSIESt pEOplE

Wednesday February 10 2010 n 13

Windhoek

Windhoek may be the biggest centre in Namibia but it retains the charm of a small town.

Max Marx brings you this corporate city guide...

Getting to Namibia has never been easier!

a

Ir Namibia has introduced online checkin as well as automating its rewards Frequent Flyer programme with fully enabled online services available on its site www.airnamibia.com.na.

With daily flights to Walvis Bay and Windhoek from Cape Town and Johannesburg and fares from r990pp excluding taxes, air Namibia is currently on an expansion drive, spreading its wings into West a africa.

Five new direct, weekly flights from Johannesburg to accra have been launched, as well as good connections within Namibia to luanda, Maun and

victoria Falls. also servicing the destination is Saa, which operates four flights a day between Johannesburg and Windhoek five days a week, with three flights on the other days.

Ba a Comair offers flights twice daily, seven days a week.

Windhoek has two airports.

International flights fly into Hosea Kutako International airport, about 45km from Windhoek. Windhoek eros airport is the operational base for air Namibia’s domestic flights and also serves the air charter industry. It is located just 5km from the CBD.

Carrying the spirit of Namibia

Airfares:

R990* indhoek rt ZA Jo’burg – W Mar 10 31 til un lid Va rt ZAR1850* – Windhoek Cape Town *Excl taxes

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

Travel in and around Windhoek GeTTING from the airport: Travellers can hire a car with avis, europcar, Tiger Car rental, argus Car rental, Budget Car rental and Tempest, all represented at Hosea Kutako International.

Self drive is an excellent option. Driving

around Windhoek is popular with corporate travellers as roads are easy to navigate and the streets well marked.

Many hotels provide shuttle buses to and from the airport and metered taxis are also available.

Accommodation and conferencing THere are a wide variety of accommodation facilities in Windhoek to suit business travellers, from B&Bs to fivestar establishments.

Conference facilities within the city are many and varied. Popular conferencing options in the city include the Safari Court Hotel, which has the largest conference facilities. Its largest venue can

accommodate 2 000 delegates cinema style and there are several breakaway rooms. The centre has a hi-tech sound and lighting system. The Windhoek Hotel & Country Club can accommodate up to 760 people cinema-style and the NamPower Convention Centre up to 650 delegates.

Both of these also provide good accommodation options.

The work is done, now what?

Several tour operators offer city tours in Windhoek ranging from a few hours to full-day excursions. ● a walking tour of Windhoek is a good way to learn about the city’s colonial past. ● Tours of Namibian Breweries, the home of Windhoek lager, are conducted Mondays to Thursdays and must be booked timeously. ● Katutura Face-to-Face Tours offers three-hour guided township tours of Katutura on the outskirts of

Windhoek. From iron shacks to up-market houses, it is a diverse and lively place to visit. ● Outside the city, popular excursions include visits to the Gross-Barmen Hot Springs resort near Windhoek, en route to Okahandja. ● The Daan viljoen Game Park, 30km west of Windhoek in the Khomas Hochland, offers a relaxing day out for day visitors and weekenders. One can enjoy day hikes through undulating hills, spot game and 180

different bird species.

There’s also a two-day 32km hike for the adventurous. ● arnhem Cave, south-east of Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International airport, has the longest and most impressive cave system in Namibia. ● For those with a few days to spare, Swakopmund, Namibia’s adventure capital, is highly recommended for quad biking, 4x4 adventures and sandboarding. ● a visit to lüderitz with its stunning architecture and seaside charm is another great option.

Fast facts

● South African passport holders do not require a visa. ● Currency: Namibian dollar (N$), however rands are widely accepted and the two currencies’ values are pegged. ● Official language: English although Afrikaans is widely spoken. ● Time: GMT +1 hour (April to September); GMT +2 hours (September to April)

TNW5099

14 n Wednesday February 10 2010

QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

NGS-ONLY NI

Regional Operations Manager – East Rand Your strong operational skills are required by this top car rental company!

Responsibilities will include: Managing employees and multiple branches across Gauteng and 3 other provinces, fleet management, logistics and staff performance. Must have previous management experience, exceptional customer service, strong analytical skills, good business acumen and be a logical thinker. Relevant fleet and management experience at a senior level is essential. BEE vacancy. Kati

Advertising Sales Executive R10k – R15k (basic R6 500 + comm.)

As part of our continued growth and expansion we have vacancies for SENIOR WHOLESALE OUTBOUND CONSULTANTS for areas: USA, Europe, Cruising, South America, Indian Ocean Islands.

Min 8 yrs exp

Established publisher in Illovo is looking for a mornings only Sales Executive for a monthly business-to-business magazine aimed at Corporate Travel Buyers.

We require: a proven track record of 5 years plus in advertising sales or in the corporate travel industry.

Send CV to: jobs@nowmedia.co.za.

Only short listed applicants will be contacted.

1682 TNW rec ad:1682

Branch Manager – Kwa Zulu Natal A position exists for a dynamic and energetic candidate to run the Durban retail travel outlet for a highly reputable global Company. Must have previous operations, leadership and staff management experience and be highly results and target driven. Competitive package on offer. Kati.

BEE Manager – Cape Town R14000/R15000 plus full co car and benefits. Strong leadership and management skills required to lead a team of car rental agents and support staff. Highly reputable co. Kati

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted Send c.v. to b.westman@holidaytours.co.za

1/28/10

2:29 PM

Page 1

Travel Manager – N/E Suburbs A hands-on position incorporating a large percentage of consulting. Must have leadership qualities and be able to manage an office. R15000 negotiable. Kati

TNW5097

TNW5098

Senior Management Career Opportunities

Personnel with the personal touch FINANCIAL MANAGER/ISANDO BUSINESS MANAGER/NORTHERN

Wings® Corporate Travel, a rapidly expanding international corporate travel management company, has the following Senior Management positions available:

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

Strong Sales/Negotiation Skills!!

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER/

SENIOR INBOUNDSUBURBS CONSUlTANT/ NORTHERN RIVONIA Hands on position with total responsibility for Key Account Managers and Business Interesting position utilising your Inbound Development Managers! knowledge!!

Snr Leisure Cons – Fourways area Your expertise in leisure travel will be appreciated by this busy agency.

Position offers a high basic salary plus commission scheme. Candidates must be on a very senior level! Kati

• Head of Operations - South Africa

BRAND MANAGER/ HAlF DAY SAlES ExECUTIVE/ JOHANNESBURG NORTHERN SUBURBS

Int/Snr Cons – Pretoria Based in the Waterkloof area handling 70% corporate travel, 30% leisure.

This is initially a fixed term contract opportunity. Galileo essential. Tina

• Head of Contact Centre

Person strong inpotential Marketing invited to join with Excellent earning for person leading Wholesaler! experience!!

New Business Development

AIRlINE DISPATCH/DUBAI SENIOR CONSULTANT/BOKSBURG

• Head of Business Development RSA

Temp Int/Snr Cons – Edenvale area Amadeus is essential. To commence as soon as possible. Tina

• Head of Human Resources

Join well established, friendly company and Airline work Super opportunity for person with to home! and Aircraft Operations closer experience

knowledge!!

TNW2048 TNW2048

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

CONTACT WENDY/KIM TEl: 011Contact 704 4909 FAx: 086 538 5889 Wendy/Kim E-MAIl: wtp@icon.co.za (011) 704 4909 or e-mail: wtp@icon.co.za

Snr Corporate Cons – Woodmead A top senior with a minimum of 15 years experience is required. Our client is prepared to offer an excellent package in return for this expertise! Kati

eQUiTY QU QUiTY CONNeCTiONS cc TEAM LEADER – PRY Sound leadership experience, willingness to remain ‘hands-on’ as a consultant and ability to guide strong team a must!

TEAM SUPPORT Suit trainee looking for career opportunity in In-Bound Travel. Must be highly computer literate with excellent communication skills.

SENIOR IN-BOUND EXPERT Leaders in In-Bound Groups & Incentives need highly skilled consultant to join dynamic team of seniors!

Exceptional salary!

JUNIOR CONSULTANT Minimum one years In-Bound experience could secure great future.

Sound SA knowledge a must.

SENIOR CONSULTANTS Divine Organisation needs consultants with a passion for Africa and in-depth understanding of the In-Bound Travel market.

Your strategic skills, industry knowledge and experience, on a senior level, is what we are looking for.

For more information, or to submit your CV please visit our careers page at

lee botti & associates

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

Wholesale Consultants – N/Suburbs Previous experience as a Wholesale Consultant is essential together with excellent product knowledge on either USA, Far East to Europe. Established operator and great manager! Kati

www.wings.travel

© 2010 Wings® Corporate Travel. All Rights Reserved. (WMC - 1682)

Snr Inbound Consultants!!

A number of excellent opportunities are available, some with a specialist role. If you have inbound experience, minimum 4 years, call us to find out more! Contact Kati Snr Inbound Incentive Consultant – Sandton Your inbound expertise is required by top company with excellent reputation.

Will be based within their incentives division. Up to R16000 ctc. Kati

Empowering Global Business™

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

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

Back office/Consultant – N/E Suburbs Quicktrav and Amadeus skills are required. A flexible job description. Will initially be a 3 month contract with the possibility of becoming permanent. Tina

TNW3801SD

THIS WEEK’S TOP JObS JOHANNESbURG

JOHANNESbURG

SENIOR INbOUNd EXPERT – NORTH

INbOUNd INCENTIVES GURU - NORTH

Exciting opportunity to strutt your stuff! Deal with PR / media and agents designing tailor-made itineraries to South and Southern Africa! If you are passionate about what you do and have at least 6 years exp, this prominent inbound operator will welcome you to their team! To R15 000 ctc.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity! Great opening for the Senior Incentives Consultant to join a team of “movers & shakers”! Your creative flair coupled with excellent product knowl of Southern Africa & previous incentives exp will be your ticket to success! A dynamic, highly successful operator you can be proud to work for. To R16 000 ctc.

CAPE TOWN

CAPE TOWN

ONLINE CONTRACTING MANAGER – Cbd

FIT for FIT’s MANAGER – NORTH

First-rate opportunity exists for you to bring your solid Southern Africa Hotel negotiating skills in securing the best STO rates as well as allocations! You’ll be a tough negotiator, but be able to further develop & build relationships with suppliers! Elite Inbound Operator with strong links to TUI in Europe so half the job is done! R16 500

dURbAN CLOSE THE dEAL! - Cbd

Superb opportunity for the target-driven achiever! Assume responsibility for prospecting business, generating & presenting proposals & closing the sale! Min 3-5 years agency sales experience essential with strong product knowledge. Package R14k-R25K CTC negotiable.

Do you thrive on your abilities to manage a solid team of consultants and drive in the fast lane for Top Gear results?

Come join this riveting company where amazing systems are in place to make your transition silky smooth! Min 5 years previous Reservations exp coupled with tip top Southern Africa product knowl. Lucrative pkg

dURbAN HAVE YOU GOT OOMPH? - WESTVILLE

Busy leisure agency specialising in niche market! Seek outgoing & jovial person with 1-2 years industry exp + own international travelling exposure. Will suit energetic, go-getter who enjoys earning commission whilst working as a team.

Salary R4,000 basic + lucrative commission structure!

Jnr Inbound Consultant – N/Suburbs An opportunity to join impressive operation and have the scope to develop further. Candidates will handle consulting functions on a junior level within an excellent infrastructure. R5500/ R6500. Kati Processor – Sandton Process, prepare and file documentation for busy team of inbound consultants.

Play a vital role in the smooth running of this department. Candidates must be computer literate and have excellent written English skills. R4300. Tina AA New Business Sales Executive – Cpt Join well known company with the objective of establishing new business.

A self-starter who has the hunter instinct and thrives on closing corporate deals is required. Candidates must have a proven track record. R14000 negotiable plus car and benefits. Kati General Accounts – Cpt Based in the CBD working on Quicktrav.

Prime functions will be invoicing, debtors and creditors, but will also be involved in other accounts functions. An initial 3 month contract with the possibility of becoming a permanent position. Kati

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

TNW0714

MO

our website is updated daily! visit www.specialized.co.za

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

JOB

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jobs

SpecialiZed Travel perSonnel

Wednesday February 10 2010 n 15

TNW NEWS Top web stories ● Fake pax needed ● Fifa tickets fly off the shelf ● Letter to the editor: The great fare rip-off ● Iata: 2009 – worst decline in history ● No collusion allege airlines ● Monday smile: Things people actually said in court – part II ● SAA announces fare increase ● Competition Commission investigates airline collusion allegations

Airlink launches MPM flights Melody Brandon

service to their clients. “We would like to thank the trade and our clients for their support.”

A

IRLINK bounces back this week with the launch of a new route between Johannesburg and Maputo operating in a codeshare agreement with Sociedade de Transporte e Trabalho Aero (TTA).

TTA and Airlink have established a joint-venture Mozambican company named TTA Airlink which, under franchise from Airlink, will market, sell and administer the service.

From February 14, TTA Airlink will operate flights from Monday to Saturday departing Johannesburg at 06h25 arriving in Maputo at 07h35. Flights depart Maputo at 18h00 and arrive in Johannesburg at 19h15 from Monday to Friday and Sunday.

The TTA Airlink service will provide Johannesburg-bound passengers with convenient connections to the regional and international long-haul flights that depart from OR Tambo International Airport in the evenings, says Airlink ceo and md Rodger Foster.

TTA Airlink will operate

MPM still expensive

Rodger Foster the route with an Avro RJ85 leased from Airlink, with 14 business and 69 economyclass seats.

“Airlink has been in negotiations for a bilateral agreement for the past two years.

“We are confident that the new routes will meet the growing needs of South African businessmen looking for same-day travel to and from Maputo,” says Rodger.

He says TTA’s willingness to partner with Airlink despite the gruelling CAA probe can be seen as an endorsement.

Rodger said the shareholders, staff and management of Airlink had been committed to do whatever it took to get through the last six months and to deliver outstanding

Despite the lifting of Mozambique’s tight control of slots, which has encouraged low-cost carrier 1time to enter the JNB-MPM route, fares on the route remain fairly high when compared with those to Durban.

SAA, LAM and the TTA Airlink service are priced at R2 670 for a Y-class fare and between R950 and R1 220 for other classes.

With 1time flights to Maputo planned from March, this price could be driven down as it plans to release fares starting from R700 to R1 800, says commercial manager, Desmond O’Connor.

1time’s entrance to the route will bring to four the number of airlines operating between Johannesburg and Maputo. “We are not a lowcost carrier and the times of our flights are suited to businessmen who need to do business within a day,” says Airlink sales and marketing manager, Karin Murray. n

We’re ‘e-Watching’ you! natalia thoMson

brought to you by

eTNW and TRAVELINFO

Business bookings on the rise Have you noticed an increase in business travel bookings? n Yes 67% n No 33%

“I voted no, as more and more of our clients are booking on the Internet.” Edmund Buckland, Sure Travel Traders “There has been a bigger increase in leisure for travel in the first quarter.” Caryn Boswell, Studio 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!

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16 n Wednesday February 10 2010

THE entire industry should take a “zero tolerance” approach to fraud. That’s the word from Tourvest Travel Services ceo, Morne du Preez, in support of Asata’s new e-Watch initiative.

Launched this month, the new initiative will keep a record of fraudsters within the travel industry. Staff members must give written consent that they are willing to be listed on e-Watch following a guilty finding for a dishonesty-related offence.

Morne says the R2,5m fraud figure in Johannesburg being touted around is just a drop in the ocean. “If everybody complies with this initiative it will go some way to alleviating the problem. At Tourvest Travel Services we take a zero-tolerance approach. We open a legal case and the ex-employee will get a criminal record. If everybody took this stance, we would be able to clamp down on all this internal fraud.”

While the initiative has garnered a great deal of support, questions have been raised over the legality of companies binding their staff to a “possible future

event” without their knowing or understanding the implications.

Who is going to determine whether a person is a fraudster? And if an employee refuses to sign, will negative inferences be drawn from such a refusal and will the employee then be victimised?

“We open a legal case and the ex-employee will get a criminal record.

If everybody took this stance, we would be able to clamp down on all this internal fraud.”

Employers need to take care when launching such initiatives that they do not breach the law, ie, employees’ constitutional rights and labour law, or they may have to face civil claims.

Asata says the e-Watch initiative will affect new and existing employees. With new employees it is the employer’s right to determine the terms and conditions of employment, including consenting to being listed on e-Watch in the event of having been found guilty of fraud.

With existing employees, says ceo Robyn Christie, their

employment contract would have to be amended by mutual consent. “This amendment cannot be unilaterally and arbitrarily invoked. It is the responsibility of each agent employer to properly and comprehensively explain to employees the nature of the e-Watch initiative so they can make an informed decision to consent to the amendment.”

Robyn says e-Watch has checks and balances in place to ensure that employees listed on the programme have been properly found guilty in a fair and formal disciplinary process. “We have carefully canvassed the issue of defamation and the employee’s constitutional right to privacy and have found the listing to be lawful.

“E-Watch is an initiative that we have implemented that protects the customer as well as the employer, ultimately protecting the employee as well. In addition, this industry does not have a history of adhering to performance management processes and disciplinary action via a hearing is often not instituted but rather the individual is forced to leave and allowed to re-enter another agency where the cycle continues.” n

QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS