Travel News Weekly - 12 May 2010

SOuThERN AfRiCA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

May 12 2010 I No. 2106

TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

INSIDE

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NEWS

FEaTurE

FEaTurE

trAv A ELpOrt OpiNiONS Av

DiSCOvEr BOrDEAUx

AUStrALASiA

An online tool for SA agents

France’s trendy wine capital

Cruising down under

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Antarctic cruise liners left out in the cold nataLia thomSon

M

AJESTIC images of cruise ships posing in front of Antarctic glaciers will soon be a thing of the past as a ban against such sailings comes into effect in August 2011.

The International Maritime Organisation has adopted a ban against using and carrying heavy fuel oil on ships operating in Antarctic waters, forcing cruise lines like Princess Cruises, Crystal and Celebrity to conduct their last cruises to the Antarctic in this 2010/2011 season (November to February).

The ban follows the 2007 sinking of the MV Explorer, which had a significant impact on the entire Antarctic tourism industry. Cruise operators have been working on measures to enhance marine safety in the area since then.

The new guideline considers various types of cruise experiences ranging from expeditions on smaller vessels with ice-strengthened hulls that travel into Antarctic

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coastal and island harbours for landings, to cruise-only midsummer voyages on larger ships that stay in well-charted waters, generally clear of the shoreline and any ice cover. And it is the latter that will be most affected.

The ruling mainly affects larger ships operating 500-plus-passenger cruise-only expeditions where passengers are not allowed to disembark.

Smaller expeditionstyle ships will also continue to operate in the area, including those on the www.iaarto.org website. Among these are Hurtigruten and Peter Deilmann Cruises, represented in South Africa by Development Promotions.

Crystal Cruises says its Crystal Symphony December 20 Christmas/ New Year cruise will be its last sailing in the area as a result of the ban, while Princess Cruises says it will also no longer operate cruises to Antarctica but will continue with its South America sailings.

Royal Caribbean, meanwhile, says its

Celebrity Cruises brand will no longer operate in Antarctic waters after the ban but that its Azamara brand will.

While Antarctic cruises are relatively popular, says Chrissa Karanastasis, supervisor at Cruise Corner in Johannesburg, the impact will not affect intrepid travellers who generally opt for expedition cruises.

“These vessels are a lot smaller and the packages are substantially more expensive. But Antarctica is a specialist destination and someone who wishes to travel there will be aware of the price tag.”

The ban, adds Chrissa, will affect regular cruise passengers who travel on large cruise ships to Antarctica as part of a package including other destinations, such as South America.

“In these instances, Antarctica will be eliminated as an option from the package and perhaps replaced with another destination.

There are so many new cruise destinations opening up that these packages are unlikely to be affected.” n

EK heads to Amsterdam Emirates Airline has launched daily flights to Amsterdam. The service, which commenced on May 1, is operated with a B777-200 and B777-300 in a three-class configuration: eight private suites in first class, 42 lie-flat beds in business class, and 216 or 304 seats in economy (depending on aircraft). Fares start from R5 209 ex-JNB and R6 009 ex-DUR and CPT, including taxes. The offer is valid until June 7. Celebrating the launch of the new Amsterdam flights is Elena Dimitriadis (passenger sales and agent service) Photo: Tijana Huysamen

Stop press HELLENIC International Airways confirms it will be launching flights to Johannesburg on June 8 and has announced a special inaugural offer from Johannesburg to Athens on June 8 and 11 with return on June 23 or 24 for R5 000, excluding taxes and surcharges. Flights will operate three times a week for the months June and July and twice a week as of August. The airline is in the process of establishing a GSA in South Africa. Hellenic International Airways was launched in 2006 and has plans to reconnect Greece to Asia, Africa and Australia. In 2009, the airline also applied for rights to fly to the US.

NEWS Network with us, says Travelport

Top web stories ● Agents only: Protea Hotel President ● KSIA accommodates night flights – Acsa ● TNW pick of the week: SAA’s ‘Voyagers’ getting a raw deal? ● Thailand: tourists urged to avoid certain areas ● Breaking news: JNB kulula flights delayed due to weather ● SAA opens new lounges in SA

Natalia thomsoN

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RAVELPORT is launching Travelport Opinions, an online networking tool for the travel agent community, in South Africa.

The new tool, which empowers agents to interact and share knowledge and reviews among peers, allows agents to create and

search hotel reviews, pose questions to destination experts and access a wealth of hotel-related media, including over 110 000 photos and 2 500 videos, all within a user-friendly, personalised interface.

The tool also includes a private email system and the ability to follow and track updates on

specified hotels.

Gary Broomberg, commercial vice president for Southern Africa, explained: “Travelport Opinions allows agents to harness the travel community’s expertise, enriching travel knowledge, enhancing customer satisfaction and ultimately increasing sales.” n

Travelinfo,s Odilia da Mata selects the top specials from Travelinfo ● Qantas Airways.. Red eDeal sale to Australia and New Zealand – fares from R5 000 ex-Johannesburg. Maximum stay is 12 months, no minimum stay applies. Valid for sales until May 17 and travel until August 31. Fares from other South African cities also available. Excludes taxes. ● Air Holidays is offering a special rate at the Elephant Hills Resort, Victoria Falls, from R2 195 ex-Johannesburg. The rate includes return flights to Livingstone, cross-border transfers, breakfasts, two hotel dinners and a sunset cruise (excluding park fees). Valid until December 20. Excludes taxes. ● Expostay.com is offering self-catering villa accommodation in Skiathos, Greece, from R690 per night for a twin or double room.

Valid until December 31. ● Peermont. Overnight conferencing package at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg from R833 per person sharing. The rate includes accommodation with dinner and breakfast, venue hire, tea breaks and lunch. Valid until December 31. Packages at other properties also available.

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Rubes® By Leigh Rubin

Specials Spot

HELP YOUR CLIENTS SAVE TIME...

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TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

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2 n Wednesday May 12 2010

Log on to www.travelinfo.co.za and click on City Alerts for more info.

To subscribe to this service contact Melissa Ridley at (011) 214 7308 or email melissar@nowmedia.co.za

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NEWS

LH and LX reward agent partners

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

Bidtravel walked away with top honours at the recent Lufthansa and Swiss Agents Awards event in Johannesburg for the top agency partner countrywide in terms of revenue. In second place was Tourvest Travel Services and in third the XL Travel Group. Pictured here enjoying an evening of Latin American food and dance are (back, from left) LH director Latin America, Gabriel Leupold and Morne du Preez, Tourvest Travel Services ceo, with (front, from left) XL Travel Group coo Rod Rutter, HRG Rennies Travel md Kathy Harris, and Lufthansa director Southern Africa, Axel Simon Photo: Natalia Thomson

EU to lift liquids ban in 2013

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Jeanette PhilliPs

T

Introducing

Nkhwazi Holidays Air Malawi’s In-House Tours & Packages To Malawi For More information contact: Felie or Bridget 011 390 1211 felie@airmalawi.com bridget@airmalawi.com TNW5058

HE EUROPEAN Union has announced new measures to streamline and simplify the EU framework for aviation security, which was first introduced following the September 11 attacks in the US. Importantly, the revision of the measures sets a clear deadline for the lifting of the current restrictions on the carriage of liquids in cabin baggage. By April 2013, new screening equipment for liquids must be used by all airports across Europe.

By April 29, 2013 at the latest, liquids will be allowed in cabin baggage and screened.

The EU said the transition period until 2013 was necessary to allow for the roll-out of the screening equipment.

As a preliminary step,

from April 29, 2011, dutyfree liquids purchased at third airports or on-board third country airlines and carried in tamper evident bags, will be allowed as cabin baggage and will be screened. Currently, these liquids are only allowed in cabin baggage if they come from selected third countries – the US, Canada, Singapore and Croatia.

The new EU framework also allows for the recognition of equivalence of security measures of third countries. The EU says this can open the door to the establishment of one-stop security arrangements between the EU and non-EU countries.

“One benefit of such a onestop security system is that passengers arriving at EU airports and transferring to other destinations would no longer need to be re-screened, thus allowing

for faster connection times, lower costs and greater convenience for travellers,” the EU said in a statement.

Says Siim Kallas, Commission vice-president in charge of transport: “A lot has been learnt since the first EU-wide rules for common aviation security standards were put in place after September 11. This is about building on the experience of recent years and streamlining procedures, so that, on a daily basis, security controls are easier for industry to implement.

For passengers, the aim is also to simplify wherever possible the necessary security controls. In that sense this package takes a significant step forward in signalling the beginning of the end for the current restrictions on liquids in cabin baggage, with a clear and final deadline of April 2013.” n

r crowd. Far from the Listen to the roar of ou kilometres of stunning maddening crowd lies e mighty voice of nature space filled on ly with th the hairs on the back whose shouts will raise of your neck. and see Namibia.

Touch, taste, smell, hear Our beautiful ga me.

Namibia Tourism Board: JHB - 011 702 9602 CPT - 021 422 3298 • Air Namibia: 0860 109 716

4 n Wednesday May 12 2010

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QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

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Discover

Bordeaux

France’s wine capital it will long remain but Bordeaux, with its centuries of history, has become so much more. TNW’s Natalia Thomson visits this trendy city…

B

ORDEAUX, the capital of south-west France, is a Unesco World Heritage Site – the first city to receive this distinction due to its 363 classified monuments and three churches.

But despite its magnificent 18th-century heritage, in recent years Bordeaux has become a popular, cosmopolitan, weekend break for European travellers.

And with just over an hour’s flight from Paris on Air France, it could be a great destination for culture and foodie buffs from South Africa too.

Thanks to the city’s urban development programme, the banks of the Garonne River with the waterfront’s 18th-century facades have become a popular hang-out for Bordelais enjoying a leisurely riverside lunch.

Decadent loca

l desserts at La

Tupina, a restau

rant specialisin

g in local fare

Stay at The Regent Grand Hotel PART of the Rezidor group, The Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux is located opposite the Opéra National de Bordeaux. The 150 guest rooms, including 22 luxury suites, have been rebuilt and restyled and reflect a 19th-century French atmosphere. The hotel offers 89 Superior Rooms, 39 De-luxe Rooms, 16 Junior Suites,

five Prestige Suites and one Royal Suite. All guest rooms come equipped with world-class amenities such as Loewe LCD flat-screen televisions, Bose Wave radio systems and free high-speed Internet access. Le Pressoir d’Argent is the fine-dining seafood restaurant located on-site.

Bordelais highlights Free and fine art

Bordeaux has waived the admission fee to view the permanent collections of seven municipal museums seven days a week.

Le bus de l’art contemporain (the modern art bus) travels throughout the city to promote modern art on the first Sunday of every month. An art expert provides commentary at each location, where passengers are welcomed by artists and gallery owners who present their works.

Winning wineries

The world’s greatest premium grape varieties come from Bordeaux and the expert blending of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes produces subtle, well-balanced and elegant wines. The Bordeaux Tourist Information Office organises regular excursions from Bordeaux to various vineyard regions (Médoc, Blaye and Bourg, Graves and Entre-Deux-Mers), including wine tastings. Suggest a visit to Chateau Pape Clément located near Aeroport Bordeaux Merignac. In addition to a wellstocked wine boutique featuring wines produced globally by vineyards owned by wine magnate Bernard Magrez, there are guided tours of the extravagant and luxurious chateau, followed by a tasting, from Mondays to Saturdays.

A small cellar has wines dating back to the turn of the last century.

Strolling through Bordeaux

The best way to discover Bordeaux is on foot. Each district has its own special character. Saint Michel is very

cosmopolitan with a colourful market on Saturday mornings and a flea market on Sundays; Saint Pierre, also known as Old Bordeaux, is a maze of charming narrow streets; the Grands Hommes, also called the triangle, is filled with elegant townhouses and luxury boutiques; the Chartrons district is home to the Quais market, which livens up the quays on Sunday mornings and is where the Bordelais gather shortly before noon to enjoy a plate of oysters with white wine.

The market is a foodie’s dream, selling everything from breads, cheeses, meat and Cannelés de Bordeaux, small rum and vanilla cakes.

Bordeaux at night

The Bordeaux Tourist Information Office organises several interesting theme tours throughout the city, including a gourmet tour on the first and third Saturday of the month.

The tour, organised in conjunction with a local restaurateur, features several well-known city shops where visitors can taste local delicacies such as Bordeaux chocolate pavés, canalé cakes with coffee, cheeses from the Dordogne and the Pyrenees, foie gras and Bordeaux wine.

Also on offer is the ‘Bordeaux World Heritage Site’ evening tour in an open-topped bus, which covers the listed area of 1 810 hectares, 347 historic monuments and three churches recognised as World Heritage Sites on the Pilgrimage Route to Santiago de Compostela.

Food lovers should not miss a visit to traditional Bordelais restaurant, La Tupina, with the most delicious local fare in Bordeaux.

Mauritius

Bordeaux Fête le Vin (Bordeaux Wine Festival) Held every other year (at the end of June) since 1998, the Bordeaux Wine Festival is Bordeaux’s big event. In 2010, the event will have a special focus on local cuisine with tutored tastings organised by a local wine school, food workshops where chefs teach the secrets of preparing fine cuisine and pairing it with wine. The Tasting Pass costs €15 (R147) and comprises 12 tasting tickets, a glass and glass holder as well as a pass enabling holders to travel throughout the city on public transport.

5 H Intercontinental Resort

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R16 271.00 per adult + taxes R1 750.00 R3 122.00 per child + taxes R1 650.00 g R4 533.00 per teenager + taxes R1 750.00 Includes: Return economy air fare.

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7 nights accommodation sharing a deluxe ocean view family room.

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Air fare supplements: On SAA ex CPT R1 151.00 p/p 08/04-20/06/10 and 14/07-19/09/10 and 29/09-31/10/10 and R1 474.00 p/p 20-28/09/10.

Ex JNB and DUR R322.00 p/p 21/06-13/07/10 and 20-28/09/10.

On MK ex CPT R1 110.00 p/p 11/04-09/06/10 and 16/07-19/09/10 and 04-31/10/10 and R1 425.00 p/p 20/09-03/10/10.

Ex JNB and DUR R191.00 p/p 20/09-03/10/10.

Additional taxes: Ex DUR R250.00 p/p

Call TRAVELLERS’ CHOICE (011) 869 1600 for bookings or email on res@t-choice.co.za

6 n Wednesday May 12 2010

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NEWS

Air Botswana grounds aircraft Hilka Birns

T

HE Botswanan government has launched a ‘diagnostic’ review of Air Botswana aimed at finding short-, medium- and longterm strategies for self-sustainability and eventual privatisation of the loss-making flag-carrier, according to acting gm, Mphi Tlhomelang.

She said the government last year had abandoned talks with Dublinbased consultants International Development Ireland (IDI) and Aer Arann to take on a three-year management contract of the airline in preparation for privatisation.

Comair had earlier withdrawn its tender for the contract following a disagreement with the government over performance and financial guarantees.

Mphi said the government had instead mandated the airline’s board to fill vacant executive management positions – including that of gm – a process that she expected would be finalised soon. She said the current review encompassed a restructuring of the airline and a re-look at its fleet requirements.

She confirmed that two new

ATR 72-500 turbo-prop aircraft, purchased at a cost of R276m last year, were grounded at present but would not comment on the reason.

Botswanan media reported that they were grounded because the airline, which does its own maintenance, did not have maintenance plans for the aircraft. She would not confirm reports that one of the airline’s three ATR-42s was also grounded because of technical problems, saying she would have to check with her principals in this regard.

Air Botswana lost its Iata membership when it failed to meet the mandatory Iata Operational Safety Audit in December 2008.

Mphi said the airline had been given until December this year to comply and she was confident it would make the deadline.

Air Botswana posted a loss of R94m (BWP87m) in the 2008/9 financial year.

Two previous privatisation attempts failed – one in 2003 involving Air Mauritius and Comair, the second in 2006 involving Airlink. In 2008 a Russian oligarch reportedly abandoned plans to invest in the airline. ■

Thompsons presents new fleet Natasha Tippel FOR the first time in its history, Thompsons Touring and Safaris has added a range of sedans to its fleet.

These include a number of new Toyota Corollas, Toyota Avanzas and a Mahindra Xylo. Depending on the vehicle, between three and five passengers can be accommodated, with luggage.

The sedans will be used primarily for transfers in Cape Town and Hazyview. “With our new sedans, we are now able to offer an even more personalised and comfortable service, which we are finding our passengers really enjoy,” says ceo, QUICK READ FOR busiest people

Linda Pampallis. “This ties in with the demand for private touring options that are proving to be a noticeable trend.”

The new additions are over and above an investment in the overall expansion of the company’s operation with additional 14-seater Toyota Quantums in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.

The company is not only preparing for the extra demand over the 2010 World Cup but is anticipating an overall future increase in tourism business to Southern Africa, following expected growth in economies worldwide over the next few years. ■

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Wednesday May 12 2010 n 7

NEWS Be Alert While Travelling It is important to exercise

Fortunately, however, he had

reasonable care when travelling

travel insurance and his claim

abroad, particularly when it

was settled.

comes to your personal possessions. South Africans can

If a client’s luggage, clothing

adopt the mindset that as they

and/or personal effects are

are no longer in South Africa,

accidentally lost, stolen or

they don’t have to worry about

damaged, TIC will indemnify

crime. TIC recently dealt with

them by payment, replacement

the following case:

or repair. TIC luggage insurance is automatically included at no

A TIC client stopped his 4x4 in

extra premium and provides the

Australia at a local diner. He left

best cover available.

all his bags in the car, and went into the diner to have lunch.

Thieves broke into his vehicle and stole all his bags.

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World tourism outlook positive – UNWTO Hilka Birns

T

HE April Interim Update of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer shows that worldwide, international arrivals grew by 7% in the first two months of 2010, reflecting improved economic conditions.

It forecasts that, on the whole, international tourist arrivals will grow by 3% to 4% this year.

This outlook has not been altered by the recent air traffic disruption in Europe caused by the volcanic ash cloud. Although it seriously affected travellers, specific destinations and companies, UNWTO estimates that the airspace shutdown between April 15 and 20 caused a loss of less than 0,5% of the yearly volume of international tourist arrivals in Europe and 0,3% of the world total count.

The barometer found international tourist arrivals totalled 119m during the first two months of 2010, up 7% on 2009 but still 2% below the record year of 2008. This growth compares with a particularly weak period of 2009 during the worst months of the global

economic crisis.

Growth was positive in all world regions, led by Asia and the Pacific (+10%) and Africa (+7%). The pace of growth was slower in Europe (+3%) and in the Americas (+3%), the two regions hardest hit by the global crisis.

Of the 77 destinations reporting data for this period, 60 showed positive figures, of which 24 posted double-digit growth. These include Estonia, Israel, Hong Kong, Macao, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Guam, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, US Virgin Islands, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Kenya, Seychelles, Morocco, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

However, UNWTO secretarygeneral, Taleb Rifai, warns that the economic recovery is driven by emerging economies, while growth is sluggish in advanced ones. He says increasing unemployment levels in major tourism source markets are a cause of concern.

In 2009, international tourism receipts are estimated to have reached US$852bn (R6 301bn) worldwide, down from $942bn (R6 965bn) the

year before. In real terms (adjusted for exchange rate fluctuations and inflation), international tourism receipts decreased by 6% compared with a 4% decline in arrivals.

In the top 10 ranking of international tourism spenders, China overtook France to take fourth position. Chinese expenditure on international tourism has been the fastest to grow in the last decade. Even during last year’s crisis, tourism expenditure by China increased by 21%.

There were no major changes in the rankings of the first 10 destinations by international tourist arrivals and receipts in 2009. France continues to lead the ranking in terms of arrivals and ranks third in receipts. The USA ranks first in receipts and second in arrivals. Spain maintains its position as the second-biggest earner worldwide and the first in Europe and ranks third in arrivals. Turkey and Germany climbed one position in the ranking of arrivals to seventh and eighth places respectively. In arrivals, Malaysia entered the top 10 in 2009 in ninth position. n

*

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8 n Wednesday May 12 2010

QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

Pillow PillowTalk

A brief look at this week's hotel news Wilderness to acquire 140 new beds

WILDERNESS Safaris is in the process of acquiring tenure for land that will add 140 new beds for the hospitality group. Ceo, Andy Payne, says the new beds are in the “near-term pipeline” and fall into three key destinations for the group. Subject to procurement, the new expansion will include a new camp in Botswana for Safari Adventure Company with 80 beds; 20 new beds at Kalahari Plains and 40 new beds at Rocktail Bay based on a residential model.

NEWS

to the point

☞

● World Travel now offers Eurostar ‘seasonal routes’. The new routes will cover direct services from London to Avignon in the south of France (operational during spring and summer) and from London to the ski resorts of the French Alps (only operational during winter). Both services are only available on Saturdays in both directions.

May opening for Sossus Oasis campsite

THE new Sossus Oasis campsite will be opening this month. It is situated in front of the entrance gate to the Namib-Naukluft National Park (Sossusvlei) at Sesriem, Namibia. There are 12 campsites, each with a toilet, basin, shower, kitchen wash-up facility, BBQ and lights. Other facilities include a pool, shops and a restaurant 500m away at the Sossusvlei Lodge.

Nuarro joins the Mozambique Collection

THE Mozambique Collection has announced the addition of Nuarro Luxury Eco Lodge to its portfolio. The lodge is situated in the Baixo do Pinda Peninsula in Memba District, Nampula Province. It consists of 12 luxury beachfront chalets with indoor and outdoor showers, a lounge area, a verandah and a sun-deck close to the ocean. Activities include visits to a PADI-certified Marine Activity Centre and a community project with which the establishment is involved.

Birchwood launches Football Village

THE Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre is to host the International Football Village, a private-sector World Cup initiative showcasing true South African hospitality.

A Brazilian Caipi bar, Bavarian beerhouse and an African shebeen will open every day from 11h00 and there will be restaurants and pubs and performances by local music acts. Fans can watch the matches live on the big screen in the 2 000-seater arena located at the German Fan Mile.

The IFV provides the ideal opportunity for companies to entertain clients, guests and employees in comfort while enjoying the largest sporting spectacle on earth, with more than 50 private corporate suites available.

Jaci’s joins Mantis portfolio

JACI’S Safari Lodge and Tree Lodge, situated in the Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province, have joined the Mantis portfolio. Jaci’s Safari Lodge comprises eight tents that incorporate a mixture of stone, thatched roofs and canvas walls. Each room has a handcrafted mosaic rock bath and outdoor safari shower. Jaci’s Tree Lodge has eight ‘tree houses’, each encompassing a giant tamboti or leadwood tree. Raised wooden walkways, suspended in the forest canopy lining banks of the Marico River, connect to the Main Lodge and its facilities. The open-plan building at Jaci’s Tree Lodge includes a bar and lounge area separated from the dining area by a fireplace.

Kurland Hotel goes green

KURLAND Hotel in Plettenberg Bay is embarking on a ‘greening process’ that focuses on a healthy and environmentally friendly lifestyle. The Kurland Hotel children’s menu now offers seasonal specialities grown in the hotel’s organic herb and vegetable gardens. This ‘greening process’ is also an interactive process whereby the children help prepare their dinner and healthy additiveand preservative-free desserts. The hotel also provides nutritious picnic hampers for trips around the area and is involved in recycling refuse and the use of natural flyrepellent at its stables.

QUICK READ FOR bUSIESt pEOplE

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Your one stop cruise shop offers you the ultimate cruise workshop.

Learn about leading cruise liners in this online workshop and you could win a R2000 shopping voucher. workshops

Visit www.travelinfo.co.za

ON-LINE

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Wednesday May 12 2010 n 9

Cruisingdown under South African travellers tightened their belts in 2009 but with optimism growing this year, TNW looks at the value for money offered by cruising Australasia.

A great way to explore Australasia

W

HILE the economy may be improving, South Africans are still looking for more bang for their buck and cruising offers a variety of options.

“Cruising in Australasia should be more popular, especially because it is such great value for money,” says Jane Davidson, md of Development Promotions.

“For example, Captain Cook Cruises gives travellers the opportunity to see the Great Barrier Reef in a unique way and there are often great

specials on offer that are fully inclusive.”

Cruising holidays are a great way of exploring because travellers are not limited to one destination. “On a four-day or seven-day cruise, travellers can visit various islands in a shorter period of time,” says Jane. Another plus is that cruising suits all kinds of travellers.

“Cruising offers something for everyone from the family traveller, honeymooners, couples rekindling their romance to those looking

for a holiday of a lifetime,” says Tracey Krog, product manager for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises at Cruises International, “with the convenience of simply unpacking once, unlimited meals on board, luxuriously appointed accommodation, on-board entertainment and activities and more.” Australia in particular is considered a family holiday destination, says Tracey. Royal Caribbean recently upgraded its family programme, with a number of facilities offered free of charge.

Cruising in Australia is a great value-for-money holiday option Photo: Cruises International

Great savings with Crystal Cruises

World Cruise segments doWn under Southern Cross Discovery 16 Days, Feb 12-28, 2011 Auckland to Sydney Fares from: $9,810 per person sharing pluS $500 ‘As You Wish’ Onboard Spending Credit

Ports of Call: • Auckland, New Zealand • Napier, New Zealand • Christchurch/Lyttleton, New Zealand • Dunedin, New Zealand • Melbourne, Australia

• • • • •

Tauranga, New Zealand Wellington, New Zealand Picton, New Zealand Hobart, Tasmania, Australia Sydney, Australia

Bali & the Barrier Reef

15 Days, Feb 28 - Mar 15, 2011 Sydney to Singapore Fares from: $7,785 per person sharing pluS $500 ‘As You Wish’ Onboard Spending Credit

LUXURY specialist, Crystal Cruises, has extended the added-value incentives for its 2011 World Cruise.

With a new booking deadline of September 30, the recently announced 'Save Now, Save Later' promotion offers guests on Crystal’s 110-day World Cruise – or any of its seven segments – two-for-one fares and value-added

bonuses, plus 20% savings on virtually any 2011 or 2012 cruise, including the 2012 World Cruise.

“The promotion offers significant savings, as much as 20% lower than 2010, depending on itinerary, for the ultimate Crystal cruise, plus tremendous savings for a future cruise,” says Jenny Arthur, product manager for the Luxury

k it! Explore Australasia with

Boo

Rhapsody of the Seas. The itinerary starts in Sydney, and includes visits to Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Volcanic White Island, Tauranga, Auckland, and Bay Of Islands in New Zealand, returning to Sydney.

On-board entertainment for kids includes Fisher Price Playgroups for 36-month to six-year-olds. Adventure Ocean is a complimentary programme of fun and educational activities open to all guests aged three to 17.

Prices start from US$1 405 (R10 410) for an interior room.

Contact Cruises International for more information.

Portfolio at Cruises International.

With two world cruise segments 'down under' in February next year, guests are guaranteed a six-star cruise with unrivalled pricing and all the benefits of being part of a world cruise, such as one complimentary shore excursion per segment and a World Cruise gift.

Travellers' tip Suggest your clients visit Cadbury World in Dunedin – a working chocolate factory. The 40-minute guided tour is all about education and lots and lots of samples. If your clients' tastes take a different direction, suggest a tour of Speight’s Brewery instead.

For agents' eyes only!

Watch out for educationals on the Rhapsody of the Seas throughout the year. Cruises International Cruise Academy workshops are set to start in July too.

Something different with Captain Cook Cruises

Ports of Call: • Sydney, Australia • Cairns, Australia • Komodo Island, Indonesia • Singapore

• Brisbane, Australia • Darwin, Australia • Bali/Pedang Bay, Indonesia

For more information call Cruises International on 011 327 0327 or visit www.cruises.co.za

TNW3959SD

10 n Wednesday May 12 2010

FROM the Great Barrier Reef to the islands of Fiji, from the bays and beaches of Sydney Harbour to the outback vastness of the Murray River basin, Captain Cook Cruises creates unique and exciting travel experiences.

The company operates a fleet of 16 vessels, employs over 500 people and offers a choice of over 150 cruises weekly throughout Australia and Fiji.

Captain Cook’s Coral Princess and Coral Princess II ships are purpose-built for

cruising the sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef. The ships are also equipped with with excursion boats and Zodiacs for beach visits and glass-bottom boat tours.

The Sydney Harbour fleet of cruise, sail and solar-powered vessels offer dining, sightseeing and entertaining in the harbour.

Meanwhile, the Murray Princess is purposebuilt for the Murray River and is propelled by an authentic, massive stern paddlewheel.

Three-, four- and seven-night options are available on the various cruises.

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.

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

Community news

AVIATION DIVISION: Temporary Airline Res/Ticketing Agents SABRE experience essential. Positions based in the N/Suburbs and at ORTIA. R6000/R8000. To commence asap.

n John Bento, md of Singapore Airlines GSA, has resigned and will be emigrating to Auckland, New Zealand, where he will join a partnership in a travel agency.

John was with Singapore Airlines GSA group for 28 years. He began his career in 1972 with Air Portugal as a sales rep. He moved on to become district sales manager in Malawi then national sales manager in Zimbabwe. John moved to South Africa in 1982 as Johannesburg branch manager for Micor Travel. He was promoted to gm in 1986 and in 1994 was appointed md of Singapore Airlines GSA. John says the move to New Zealand is a family decision. “I will be sad to leave Singapore Airlines and South Africa.

The South African travel industry is full of absolutely fantastic people. I have had an amazing career, fortunate to be surrounded by such great people and that is what I’m going to miss. But I’m only an email away.”

Airline Accounts Supervisor – Sandton Minimum 5 years general accounts & BSP experience essential.

For all aviation opportunities email CV to joyce@sgroup.co.za Due to the volume of CVs received we apologise for not being able to respond to every applicant. Should you not hear from us within 10 days please consider your application unsuccessful, however we will keep your details on file for alternative opportunities.

TRAVEL DIVISION BEE National Sales Manager- based Gauteng Report to Marketing & Sales Director and be responsible for Sales Managers and Sales Executives.

Will plan and implement strategies for retention and growth of existing clients plus new business.

Candidates must have a min 5 years relevant exp plus degree or diploma.

R25000/R28000 plus full company car and commission. Kati

Peermont committed to education

Marketing Manager – Jhb N/ Suburbs Join a global company taking responsibility for the marketing function. Candidates must have an IMM or similar and no more than 15 years working experience. A creative person with fresh ideas is required. Kati

The Peermont Group has announced R40m in sponsorship and support for seven key schools in the Ekurhuleni and Sedibeng catchment areas for a period of five years.

This commitment forms part of the Peermont School Support Programme (PSSP). The programme provides a whole-school intervention with the intent of forging a work relationship with the leadership, governing bodies, educators and learners. Peermont officially launched the PSSP programme at Emperors Palace Hotel Casino Convention Entertainment Resort on April 13, at an event attended by CSR practitioners, officials, school representatives, educationalists and Gauteng Education Department officials.

Pictured at the launch are (from left): James Stiles, Wits University, Albert Chanee, deputy director general for education planning in the office of the MEC, and Peermont non-executive directors, Clifford Elk and Tshidi Madima Photo: Yolanda van der Stoep

Welgevonden in June 1997 as conservation manager. He replaces Andrew Parker.

n Collin Thaver has been appointed gm of Albatros Travel Southern Africa. He will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the SA and Namibian offices.

lee botti & associates Tel: Tracey (011) 803 6606 rivonia@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

NORTHERN SUBURBS

INTERMEDIATE CONSUlTANT/EAST Hands on position with total responsibility for RAND and Business Key Account Managers Great opportunity work closer to Development to Managers! home!!

BRAND MANAGER/

INTERMEDIATE WHOlESAlE NORTHERN SUBURBS CONSUlTANT/AlBERTON Person strong in Marketing invited to join Europe experience required for super leading Wholesaler! position!!

SENIOR CONSULTANT/BOKSBURG

Join wellJUNIOR established,WHOlESAlE friendly company and work CONSUlTANT/JNB closer to home! SOUTH

nataliew@nowmedia.co.za

Handle domestic packages for leading Please Take Note of Our New Telephone Operator!!

No.: 011 704 4909

CONTACT WENDY/KIM TEl: 011Contact 465 8221 FAx: 086 538 5889 Wendy/Kim E-MAIl: wtp@icon.co.za (011) 704 4909 or e-mail: wtp@icon.co.za

THIS WEEK’S TOP JObS JOHANNESbURG WEb & MARKETING EXECUTIVE - NORTH

High profile company wants you! Assume responsibility for all aspects of marketing and website campaigns. A proven marketing track record coupled with excellent skills in MS Word, Powerpoint & Excel is ess. Knowledge of Flash Design & Photoshop adv. Market this company with pride!

To R18 000.

CAPE TOWN INCENTIVES MANAGER - Cbd

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

Personnel with the personal touch SAlES CONSUlTANT/AIR CHARTER FINANCIAL MANAGER/ISANDO Highly negotiable pacakage offered bySUBURBS Market Leader COMPANY/ NORTHERN for your B.Comm/equivalent and ability to lead Fantastic career opportunity for person department of 45 people! who is not afraid of telephonic cold NATIONAL calling!!

SALES MANAGER/

To advertise on this page contact Natalie on 011 214 7330 or email

n Shaun Boyd has been reappointed gm of 10 2nd Avenue Houghton Estate and reservations and sales manager of 26 Sunset Avenue Llandudno.

Snr Roving Cons – Sandton/ Fourways area Move between offices and inhouse operations. Enjoy the variety of having different colleagues and different clients. Min 6 years corporate consulting exp. Own transport essential. Tina

Wonderful opportunity to join establish incentives specialist & be part of renown group! You’ll have solid experience, along with sound ability to ensure constant costings are calculated.

Loads of exciting travel will be required. Working hand in hand with GM. R15 000

JOHANNESbURG NEW bUSINESS SALES EXECUTIVE

Do you love the thrill of closing that corporate deal?

Renowned travel company will reward your successful track record in securing new global corporate accounts. If you want to be part of a dynamic, driven team, don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers. Excellent incentive scheme and highly negotiable offer on the cards.

CAPE TOWN INbOUNd ACCOUNTANT - Cbd

Qualified CA or Bcom degree along with previous working experience into Africa, you’ll oversee three exciting entities within the group. Reporting to Group FM, you’ll have IFRS exp, audit preparation expertise plus the ability to oversee staff. Luxury lodge operator growing rapidly each day.

R25 000

dURbAN

dURbAN

AIRLINE SALES!

OUTbOUNd TOURS!

The one you have been waiting for!! Promote & market the services of international airline by utilising your previous airline sales expertise & strong customer focused skills.

Work to defined sales objectives & become known as the person behind the brand! Superb package on offer.

If you have outbound wholesale experience, then this one should not pass you by! Superb tour operator seeks team player with deadline driven skills to apply their 3-4 years outbound exp & handle package travel + IT fares. Amadeus knowl adv. R9,000 neg.

Snr Roving Cons – Midrand/Pretoria area Position offers variety moving between inhouse operations in this area. Different colleagues, different clients, enjoy the variety! Must have own transport. Tina Intermediate Cons – Inhouse Rosslyn area Top travel company. Candidates must have at least 3 years previous corporate consulting experience.

Tina Junior Consultant – Inhouse Midrand Minimum 2 years exp working within a corporate travel office is required by leading travel company. Excellent scope to develop further. Tina Afrikaans Consultant – Jhb N/ Suburbs Linked to a well known publication the successful candidate will be responsible for various group bookings and FITs, dealing with clients electronically. Exp handling international bookings essential and Afrikaans must be home language.

Must be able to travel with the groups & own transport is essential.

Kati Inbound Consultant – Jhb N/ Suburbs Small, well established inbound operator with excellent reputation!

Must be able to travel with the groups and be confident and outgoing to entertain VIP clients.

Salary is highly negotiable depending on experience. Kati Inbound Incentives Cons – N/ Suburbs Jhb Will handle the function from start to finish, working for well established operator. Previous incentives and inbound experience is essential & the company is prepared to reward this expertise with a top salary. Kati Inbound Consultant - Jhb N/Suburbs Deal with USA and Europe market handling FITs and Groups. The company is prepared to pay top salary! Kati Snr Wholesale Consultants!!

Excellent opportunities are available.

Call Kati for details.

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

TNW0714

n André Burger has been appointed acting gm of Welgevonden Private Game Reserve. His work experience includes a three-year study of the nutritional ecology of bushbuck and nyala in the Kruger National Park and three years in Klaserie Private Game Reserve managing a private camp. André joined

Airline Sales Rep – Based Jhb N/ Suburbs Minimum 3 years outdoor sales experience required. R1200.

TNW2048 TNW2048

n The Grand Café Rooms and Beach has appointed Tom Jager as new group gm.

SpecialiZed Travel perSonnel

Wednesday May 12 2010 n 11

TNW NEWS UA, CO merger will create world’s biggest airline Staff

reporter

UNITED Airlines and Continental Airlines have announced an agreement that will see the two airlines merge to become the world’s largest airline.

The new company’s corporate and operational headquarters will be in Chicago and it will maintain significant operations in Houston, which will be the combined companies’ largest hub.

The holding company for the new entity will be named United Continental Holdings, Inc. and the name of the airline will be United Airlines. The marketing brand will be a combination of both companies’ brands.

Aircraft will have the Continental livery, logo and colours with the United name, and the announcement campaign slogan will be ‘Let’s

brought to you by

Fly Together’.

The merged entity will serve 370 destinations worldwide, bringing together two complementary networks with minimal domestic and no international route overlaps.

The combined company has thus promised “enhanced” service to Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East from well-placed hubs on the east and west coasts, and the southern and midwestern regions of the United States.

United and Continental are both members of Star Alliance and passengers already benefit from more connecting opportunities, additional scheduling flexibility and access to leading reciprocal frequent flyer and airport lounge benefits with Star Alliance’s 24 other member airlines around the world. n

eTNW and TRAVELINFO

Clients are a joy – most of the time Do you feel that your clients appreciate your service?

n Yes, they give me great job satisfaction 16% n Most of the time 44% n Some clients are a nightmare 27% n Clients are so difficult I want to resign 10% “I love my clients. I appreciate them and I think they reciprocate with their appreciation towards me!” Clare Bugden, Travel Counsellors 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

12 n Wednesday May 12 2010

LH commits to A380 on JNB route nataLia thomSon

J

OHANNESBURG is among the first destinations to be served by Lufthansa’s new A380 aircraft, with thriceweekly services scheduled to launch on October 25.

This is just a step towards a daily A380 service, explains newly appointed director for Southern Africa, Axel Simon. “The A380 is a fascinating aircraft and we are thrilled to bring our new flagship to South Africa.

“We are hoping to introduce the service daily from February 2011.”

The three-class service, featuring the new Lufthansa first class, will see an additional 600 seats added on the Frankfurt-

Johannesburg route weekly with 526 seats in total – eight in first class, 98 in business and 420 in economy class. The A380 service from Johannesburg will run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

The remaining four services per week will be operated with an A340-600.

Johannesburg was chosen as the third destination, says outgoing director and newly appointed director Latin America, Gabriel Leupold, because it fits well with the A380’s use on the Beijing route. “The A380 service will be launched on the FrankfurtBeijing route three times a week from August 25 with a daily connection planned from the end of October

when a fourth A380 joins the Lufthansa fleet. This flight’s timing synchronises 100% with the Johannesburg flight.”

Axel confirms that once the service becomes daily in February there will be no further changes to any of Lufthansa’s services, including the seasonal Cape Town service.

Details of the actual product will only be revealed on May 19 when the aircraft will be open to public viewing in Hamburg. But, says Axel, everything was designed to “enhance travel comfort”.

A special World Cup A380 flight will meanwhile bring the German soccer team, around 150 fans and special guests to Johannesburg on June 7. n

Late-night flight chaos at King Shaka Sue Lewitton DESPITE Acsa and the Air Traffic Navigation Services’ (ATNS) assertions that the new King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) in Durban is operating to exactly the same schedule as the one that was in place at the old Durban International Airport, kulula.com maintains that its operations have been severely affected since the changeover.

Kulula says it has cancelled 10 flights and re-accommodated about 500 passengers from the airport’s opening on May 1 until May 6. “We also had to reschedule one rotation to fly earlier, which brought about many logistical problems and a further 200 customers had to be contacted,” says Gabriel Moritz, executive manager for commercial planning at kulula.

Kulula says this is a

result of air traffic control’s refusal to stay open for an additional hour for five days of the week during May. This meant there was no support available for any flights scheduled to land at 22h00 or later. Kulula says if air traffic control had agreed to this proposal, the airline would not have had to cancel any flights. “Instead, the best solution air traffic control could provide was to stay open until 22h15,” says Gabriel.

Kulula adds that it’s still unsure of how it’s expected to handle any flights that are scheduled to land before 22h00 but are delayed beyond that time due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control.

“We understand that the air traffic controller training could only be done on site once the airport was operational but what we don’t understand is why we

were only notified of this fact on April 21, just 10 days prior to the opening, when we had already been selling these seats from October 2009 and had been operating this schedule from March 28, 2010,” says Gabriel. “If we had been advised upfront, we would never have scheduled the flights.”

Other airlines operating from KSIA have been more positive about their experience, as their flight schedules do not include late-night flights.

Rodney James, ceo of 1time, says its schedule has been running normally since the opening. “The transition was quite smooth, thanks to the hard work of our station manager and staff,” he says.

“Our first impressions of the airport are good, however our operating costs have gone up due to a fuel cost increase at the airport.” n

End in sight for George airport rain disruptions nataLia thomSon GEORGE flights will continue to be disrupted until the end of May when the runway resurfacing is expected to be complete.

Airlines have been forced to divert some of their Georgebound flights to Port Elizabeth over the past six weeks as the Civil Aviation Authority restricted the use of the airport in wet conditions.

This followed an incident in December that led to the CAA ruling that the runway at George Airport would need to be resurfaced before aircraft

above a certain size would be able to land and take off during rainy conditions.

Diverting flights to PLZ has caused a lot of frustration for both passengers and the airline, says Desmond O’Connor, 1time Airline commercial manager.

“When an aircraft is diverted to Port Elizabeth, it can be delayed for up to five hours as the passengers in George have to be bused to Port Elizabeth to catch their flight.

“In addition, the aircraft operates multiple routes and flights, so if it is delayed in Port Elizabeth, it will have

huge repercussions for the flights that it has to operate afterwards.”

Kulula head of airports, Noel Skinner, says thousands of its passengers have been affected by the disruptions.

“We have received negligible communication and with more winter weather on the way, the repairs will be further delayed, costing kulula millions of rands due to diverted and disrupted flights.”

Acsa’s Solomon Makgale has told TNW that work will be done at night and that the resurfacing will be completed in the third week of May. n

QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS