Southern Africa’s Travel News Weekly
“Get in, get out, get going... with Fastbreak.” 1554E
October 14 2009 I No. 2079
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INSIDE
TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY
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feature
feature
agentzone
Cruisin’ out of the USA
Chaotic, but a bustling hub
Credit card vs forex
United states
Lagos
Page 12
Mythbuster
Page 18
Page 16
BSP – out of the woods? Natalia Thomson
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HE freefall in SA’s BSP figures appears to have slowed down, with July and August still reflecting a deep decline, but lower than April’s low point of a 35% drop compared with April 2008. According to the BSP ZA figures, July and August both showed a 28% decline in revenue. The decline in domestic revenue was marginally greater than the average with both months showing a 29% decline and international revenue 27% decline in each month compared with the same periods last year. Cathay Pacific country manager in SA, David Ryan, agrees the decline has levelled off. “Cathay’s figures were significantly better than the industry BSP decline. A 28% decline is a big hole for the industry to dig itself out of and while the worst is almost certainly behind us we still appear to be some way from any kind of meaningful recovery.” British Airways spokesperson Stephen Forbes agrees that the industry is still in trouble, but believes there are some encouraging signs. “Load factors improved towards the end of September and in early October when the market to the UK typically spikes up.” According to Stephen, although there’s been
April was BSP ZA’s lowest point in 2009 Jan -21%
Feb -27% Mar -20%
Apr -35% May -33% Jun -24% Jul -28%
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Care for a cuppa?
-35 some volume improvement, yields are still down as a consequence of keen price competition to fill capacity and to attract discretionary leisure travel. “It’s hard to say to what extent this improvement will continue as a sustained recovery will require increased consumer spending. Consumers remain cautious and even with an improvement in consumer confidence, recovery in the leisure market to the UK may be somewhat hampered by the visa regime. This has also affected transfer traffic.” Acsa’s statistics for July and August also reveal that the decline is levelling off. Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban airports still saw marginal declines in
international and domestic traffic during those months, although international arrivals fared better than domestic, with OR Tambo actually seeing a 1,7% increase in international traffic in July, and a 1,9% increase in August compared with 2008. For both months, international traffic passing through OR Tambo almost exceeded the domestic traffic flowing through that airport. Demand is improving, but profitability remains “distant”, says Giovanni Bisignani, Iata director general and ceo. “Fares have stabilised but at profitless levels. Meanwhile cost pressures are mounting from reduced aircraft use and rising oil prices. The industry is not out of the woods yet.” ■
By drinking 51 600 cups of tea and coffee over 12 months, thirsty guests at 17 Road Lodge hotels have boosted the Cancer Association of South Africa’s coffers by R129 000. Through its ‘Cuppa for Cancer’ campaign, City Lodge earmarks R2,50 from every cup of tea and coffee sold at a Road Lodge for the fight against cancer. Phew! This is thirsty business, say City Lodge’s Belinda Coetzee, sales executive, and Angus MacMillan, public relations Photo: Tijana Huysamen
Fraudsters – ‘e-Watch’ out! Natasha Tippel WITH nine fraudulent actions in the Johannesburg area over a two-year period, the travel industry has suffered a loss of just under R2,5m. Alarmingly, in most cases, the individuals responsible have a record of defrauding their employers and remain working in the industry. But all of that is about to change. Asata has launched
Need to get away? —
DESTINATIONS. SWISS STYLE. TNW3646SD
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the e-Watch system, an industry-first initiative developed to keep a record of fraudsters within the travel industry. “There have been ongoing discussions in the industry over the years regarding the problem with staff fraud where the same culprits pop up in various companies, committing the same acts of fraud,” says Laurie Wilkinson, To page 20
TNW NEWS
Top web stories ● Carolus tipped to lead SAA board ● Monday smile: Insanity in the workplace: A how-to guide ● SAA and Virgin America sign interline agreement ● Mauritius fam with Avocatur ● Ryanair pax allowed a puff ● MK’s new identity takes flight ● BA launches business-class-only service ● Get to know Turkey ● African carriers show weakest demand ● Book now for Wendy Wu’s ‘Mega Famil’
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How honest are you? Natalia Thomson
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TOP the confusing, deceitful, inconsistent fare advertising and quotes, and start being transparent. That’s the word from Travelstart, an online booking site targeting travellers globally. Travelstart ceo, Stephan Ekbergh, says travel agencies, airlines and operators need to keep the customer in mind when advertising fares and has called on the industry to stop confusing and frustrating their clients. Stephan says clients are often left disappointed when the agent quotes “a completely different and inflated fare”. In a recent survey conducted by Travelstart among nearly 9 000 travellers, 99,2% of respondents said when they
researched travel fares, they preferred to see the full price upfront, including all taxes and fees. “A round-trip airfare from Cape Town to London Heathrow, for example, is a reasonable R6 500 on South African Airways — until you reach the end of the booking process and the fare jumps to R9 421 as a result of hidden taxes, fees and fuel surcharges.” A solution, he says, would be for governments to enforce transparency in the way the industry advertises and quotes fares. “This is the case in Europe where new transparency legislation was passed in November 2008.” Larry Ridler, owner of Travel Focus International in Montagu, agrees. “Passengers are not in the least bit interested in the breakdown. We give them an end price only, but we
do tell them that all fares advertised by airlines and many agents will have in tiny print ‘excludes all taxes’. Who do they think they’re fooling?” Abbas Jeewa, senior travel consultant at Royal Travel in Durban, says terms and conditions on fare pricing should be in bold print. “So if you have an advert stating that the fare from Durban to London is R4 500, the term ‘valid for 24 hours’, or whatever the policy is, should be in bold. We will have happier passengers.” There’s no logic in not quoting the full amount, says Harvey World senior consultant Sharmila Elias. “We quote the full amount, all-inclusive, with taxes, surcharges and fees. I for one would hate to walk into a supermarket, grab some groceries thinking it was one amount and end up paying more.” ■
Editor’s note: What do you think? How honest are you when quoting your client? Who’s getting it right, and who’s getting it wrong? Send your comments to nataliat@nowmedia.co.za.
Revamped BFN terminal opened Jeanette Phillips
“First of all, this is going straight back – and I’ll just have a little chat with whoever placed the order.”
TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY
Published by Lugan Investments (Pty) Ltd trading as Now Media Printed by Juka Printing (Pty) Ltd Phone: (011) 327-4062 Fax: (011) 327-4094 E-mail: tnw@nowmedia.co.za Web: www.nowmedia.co.za Address: Now Media Centre, 32 Fricker Road, Illovo Boulevard, Illovo, Johannesburg. PO Box 55251, Northlands, 2116, South Africa.
EDITORAL 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: Lana Sachs PRODUCTION Design Head: Brendon Bester
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2 n Wednesday October 14 2009
TRANSPORT minister Sibusiso Ndebele officially opened the refurbished Bloemfontein Airport terminal on September 2. The airport has been revamped in an effort to accommodate increased passenger arrivals over the World Cup period next year. Also forming part of the project is a hotel, road realignment project and the upgrading of aprons, expected to be completed in the beginning of next year.
Letter to the editor:
I flew flown into Bloemfontein airport several weeks ago and was flabbergasted at the lack of service at arrivals. Having waited for 20 minutes for our baggage with no communication from any airport officials, we decided to look around for assistance; none whatsoever, anywhere at the terminal. After a 10-minute search, we found our baggage untidily strewn on the tarmac outside the arrivals terminal, with no one at the information desk, no one to be seen, not even a security official. Acsa and SA Express, you’re asleep on your feet at this airport! Guy Stehlik Ceo, Protea Hotels ■
Get an ‘A’ plus for Austria Austria Connection has brochures available for the best of Austria, Hungary, Croatia and the Czech Republic as well as its newest destinations – Slovenia, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Poland. The new Lüftner river cruises brochure is also available. For a wealth of information and tips, look no further than Austria Connection, says owner, Inge Dobihal Photo: Tijana Huysamen QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS
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NEWS
ITCs can look forward to 30% more comm payouts – Wolff Hilka Birns
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TRAVEL is upbeat about the future despite recording the first negative financial results in its 10-year existence for the year ending June 2009. Speaking at the company’s gala awards function in Cape Town on September 26, ceo, Garth Wolff, said the company’s turnover was down 1,3% from June 2008 to R563m, mainly because of suppliers offering cheaper fares to beat the recession. Passenger numbers for the year were up by about 5%. He said income from service fees for the year grew by 19%, which showed that ITCs added value and were proud to charge for their services. eTravel paid out R46,2m to its ITCs in 2009, representing 77,3% of total gross commissions of R58m.
For the year ending June 2010, eTravel was expecting a 2,9% growth in annual turnover to R580m and a 31% increase in commission pay-outs to ITCs. Garth said next year eTravel expected to pay out R47,5m or 78% of total gross commissions to ITCs, with the company retaining 22% or R13,4m. Nett sales for 2010 were expected to be R60,9m or 10,5% of the annual turnover. Garth also announced eTravel’s strategy to roll out a ‘White Label’ Internet Booking Engine (IBE) in the next 12 months. This meant eTravel would obtain an IBE from GDS providers, which ITCs could then plug into their own website and use under their own brand. He said the biggest hurdle at this stage was the cost of the IBE. On a macro-economic level, Garth
Even more commission to come. eTravel ceo, Garth Wolff, recently congratulated Lucinda May of 360 Degrees Travel on her company’s remarkable achievement of achieving the highest commission generated within the eTravel group predicted economic recovery and greater stability in the financial markets next year. He said international investors
were investing in South Africa again because the country was not seen as politically unstable as a year ago.
Garth said eTravel remained positive because: ● signs were that the UK and USA were coming out of the recession ● growth in the Chinese and Indian markets had only dropped from 10% to 7% during the crisis ● South Africa was the gateway to Africa, where there was much business opportunity ● South Africa was investing R18bn in road infrastructure for 2010 and a further R10bn per year for the next 10 years ● The 2010 World Cup would lead to economic growth for three to four years afterwards. “This is why we at eTravel in South Africa are perfectly positioned for a great future! The real secret to success is enthusiasm and at eTravel we have enough enthusiasm to last a lifetime,” he said. ■
From left: Glyn Taylor, operations director Signature Life Hotels, Hennie Steenkap, one of the property owners of the Fairview, and Alan Vels, md of Signature Life Hotels, enjoy some time out at the opening of the Signature Fairview on 14th Hotel
Fairview on 14th opens Melody Brandon
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TARGETING the businessman who likes space and efficiency, Signature Life’s newly launched Fairview on 14th in Randburg, Johannesburg, is a great option to consider for agents who specialise in corporate travel. The hotel offers 50 twobedroom apartments, 25 of which have an upstairs loft with Wi-Fi. Underfloor heating and broadband Internet connection are standard in all rooms. Conference facilities are available, as well as a swimming pool and secure lock-up garages. Specially prepared meals
can be left for guests in their apartment’s fridge if they do not want to dine at the hotel’s Diner on 14th restaurant. “Fairview on 14th is all about having a great experience, spacious accommodation, simple dining with attentive staff and hands-on management,” said Signature hotel’s operations director, Glyn Taylor at the hotel’s recent launch. Fairview on 14th is one of several hotels in the group’s portfolio, said Glyn, who added that there were plans for more in Sandton, Cape Town, the KwaZulu Natal north coast, Madagascar and Mozambique, scheduled for opening by the end of next year. ■
QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS
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NEWS
Gap year market breaks new ground Melody Brandon
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CHOOL leavers are still taking the ‘gap’ and looking to such destinations as the Far East to ‘find themselves’ as stringent visa requirements and economic woes put a halt on previously popular gap year destinations. “We still get enquiries for the usual UK and US gap year, but many clients do not meet the visa requirements. If the agent does some extra research into the matter, we can usually find a way around the problem,” says Dieter Moller from STA Travel, Morningside. Dieter says with the
working holiday visa falling away, the UK is not as popular with school leavers as before, previously having been one of the most popular destinations. Shannon Watson, specialist brands marketing manager from Flight Centre South Africa, says: “Since the scrapping of the twoyear working holiday, we are seeing a shift to winter work programmes in the United States, as well as teaching English in the Far East.”
Explore other options
Dieter advised agents consulting school leavers determined to visit the UK to explain they should not limit themselves to one
possible destination. “Teaching English offers school leavers the opportunity to work in Thailand, India, Korea and South America among others. There are great adventures to be found in these destinations.” Shannon agrees. “Camp counselling in the summer and winter work at ski lodges are also becoming more popular. “School leavers will enjoy a very different cultural experience than they would find at home. In the case of cruise ship placements, they will also get to discover more destinations through the various port visits and different nationalities on
dinarobin hotel golf & spa mauritius
Tessa Blane, former TNW journalist, spent two years in Thailand teaching pre-primary children English board the ships,” she said. The youth market, say experts, can play a pivotal role in building communities and adding value to the countries they visit. “Youth travel is one of the most effective types of community benefit tourism because their money goes directly to host families, reducing poverty, strengthening communities
and democracy,” said co-chairman of the Innovation for Sustainable Development Centre, Lelei LeLaulu, recently at the World Youth and Student Travel Conference. Youth travel, says Lelei, accounts for 18% of social responsibility projects, from teaching languages to investing money into communities.
Dare to be different… ● Do your research, look at other options for clients ● Use tools available to you (agents can refer to STA Travel and will be paid a R200 referral fee) ● Explain why your client needs to be flexible “Consultants should get at least a basic understanding of the type of working holidays their clients are looking for. The winter work programme is not only for working on a ski resort but in other regions which are more temperate during winter, such as Florida. Not everyone wants to be on the slopes. You can now get your working holiday visa for the USA for the time straight after you leave university (meaning you are a final year student now) which was not the case a few years back. This opens up a new market. It is not as simple as buying a ticket and heading over to work,” says Shannon. ■
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6 n Wednesday October 14 2009
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NEWS
AirHeads Airlink goes daily to Antananarivo
FROM October 17, Airlink will add a Saturday flight to its Johannesburg to Antananarivo service. Airlink will operate the British Aerospace Avro RJ85, configured with 19 business-class seats and 64 in economy class.
SAA changes West Africa/Angola services
SOUTH African Airways has adjusted its service to West Africa and Angola. Until October 24, the Johannesburg-LibrevilleAbidjan route extends to Dakar. From October 25, service to Abidjan will be cancelled and service to Libreville will increase from two to four weekly flights. Flights will now extend to Douala, replacing non-stop flights to the latter and the extension to Abidjan will be cancelled. Also from October 25, services to Douala will increase from three to four weekly flights and will operate via Libreville instead of being a nonstop service. The Johannesburg-Luanda service has increased from six weekly flights to daily, with the new flight operating on Wednesdays.
Winners' corner! The first prizewinners of Galileo's incentive competition enjoyed a trip to Cape Town recently. Johanna Mukoki, Travel with Flair director and Dwayne Northgrace, Travel with Flair strategic business unit manager receive their prize and certificate from Clive Heighway, Galileo national key accounts manager
Galileo incentivises non-air bookings Melody Brandon
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N a bid to drive traffic through Galileo, and to “add excitement” to the industry, the company is running a competition for agents. “The competition will run from July 1 to December 31. Agents who make over 250 non-air bookings over a sixmonth period could stand a chance to win a host of exciting prizes,” said Galileo
ce, Arthur Oppenheimer. Prizes up for grabs include notebook computers, air tickets, hotel accommodation and car hire from a host of sponsors including, Mango, Interlink, Protea and hotel brand, One&Only. “We are hoping that running the competition will enhance the brand and strengthen our relationship with our clients,” said Joe Malatji, national sales manager. The incentive competition
is not the only change the gds is making to reach out to travel agents. “We would like to host a gettogether on a monthly basis for consultants, managers and industry players to network. We are hoping we can have a speaker at each monthly meeting,” said Arthur. “We really want to add some excitement to the travel industry and hope that all agents will take on the challenge,” he added. ■
Mango makes R10,9million profit Melody Brandon LOW cost carrier, Mango, reported a R10,9 million profit for the last financial year, a growth in revenue of 31% in the airline’s second year. Ceo, Nico Bezhuidenhout, attributed the state-owned carrier’s success to a continued focus on cost control, efficiency and
“guest” service delivery. “Fuel cost savings, together with growth in ancillary revenue streams, allowed Mango to moderate the impact of escalating fuel costs on core ticket prices,” he said. Other notes in the financial report included an increase in revenueper-flight of 42%, driven by load factor, average
fare and ancillary revenue growth. Nico said the airline planned to increase its route network in due course and increase focus on ancillary revenue. “Mango is well positioned to deliver a solid performance in the 2010 financial year, despite global aviation forecasting deep losses,” he said. ■
Etihad moves to Heathrow’s Terminal 4
ETIHAD Airways has moved into a new home at London Heathrow – switching its three daily flight departures to Abu Dhabi from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4. To coincide with the move the airline has opened a new lounge for its premium customers situated opposite the gates Etihad Airways will most commonly use for flight departures. There are individual treatment rooms where therapists from Six Senses Spa offer passengers facials, and foot and leg massages. The lounge also has five-star dining facilities. Other features of the lounge include a prayer room, a seating area with leather chairs and bathroom and shower facilities. Etihad Airways’ move to Terminal Four is part of a multimillion-pound investment by BAA that will see new shops and facilities for passengers using the terminal.
Buy carbon offsets with Miles & More
SWISS customers booking their flight online at www.swiss.com can immediately calculate the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions their planned travel will generate and compensate for these via the Swiss-based myclimate foundation. They can now also pay for this optional carbon offset with miles they have earned under the Miles & More frequent flyer programme. The carbon-offset amounts paid by Swiss customers are invested by myclimate in projects where their use will save as much CO2 as is generated by their journey.
Kenya Airways to fly to Bangui
KENYA Airways will launch flights to Bangui, Central African Republic, twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning October 22.
BA launches business-class-only service
BRITISH Airways has launched its first long-haul flight from London City Airport, an exclusive all-business-class service to New York. The services are operated with two uniquely configured A318s featuring 32 flat beds and operate twice daily. Arriving customers will be able to enjoy complimentary Health Club access at the London Marriott West India Quay to freshen up before heading into their office or continuing their journey.
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QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS
NEWS
PillowTalk
A brief look at this week's hotel news
Legend to manage Timbavati property
LEGEND Lodges Hotels and Resorts has taken over the management of Royal Legend Safari Lodge and Spa situated in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, Limpopo, effective October 1. This is in addition to the marketing and sales agreement, which has been in place for the past three years. The property consists of eight luxury chalets with views of the watercourse and the surrounding vegetation. All suites have a private deck area, air-conditioning, Jacuzzi bath, mini-bar and indoor and outdoor showers. The property also features a swimming pool with a view, spa facility and gym.
Pepper Club goes live
PEPPER Club five-star hotel and spa has announced the launch of its online booking site. With the 2010 Soccer World Cup approaching and fans soon to learn where their teams will be based during the tournament, the hotel expects a huge spike in online bookings for South African hotels.
Two more City Lodge hotels for PE
THE City Lodge Hotels Group will add two more hotels and 293 rooms in Port Elizabeth. Work is currently under way on the 203room Town Lodge Port Elizabeth and the 90-room Road Lodge Port Elizabeth Airport. The addition of the two properties will bring the group’s total number of hotels in the city to five. Town Lodge Port Elizabeth, which is being constructed adjacent to City Lodge Port Elizabeth, is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2010. It will have three levels of basement parking and comprise seven storeys. Road Lodge Port Elizabeth Airport is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2010.
Drifters opens Dream Desert Lodge
Drifters Desert Lodge has recently opened in southern Namibia. Situated on Drifters’ private 20 000ha wilderness reserve within the Namibrand Nature Reserve, the lodge features six en-suite rooms as well as a central lounge/dining area, terrace and swimming pool.
Brush up your online skills Kate Els E TOURISM Africa will be holding a two-day conference, with a Travel Technology Exhibition, in Johannesburg in December. The E Tourism Africa Summit aims to help the tourism sector understand and leverage the online opportunities as well as new technologies available. Damian Cook, ceo of E Tourism Africa, explains: “Online sales have been one of the few sectors to experience growth despite the global recession. Travel is now the number one selling commodity online and is generating over US$110bn (R818bn) annually in sales. We must get more African tourism products available to the online travel shopper, especially with the World Cup looming and interest in Africa growing.” Following the success of conferences last year in SA and East Africa, the E Tourism Africa Summit, which is being sponsored by Vodacom
Business and Visa, will include presentations from experts in online tourism, including Trip Advisor, Travelport, WAYN.com, Google, Expedia and Quirk E-Marketing. Sessions will include website development, e-commerce, online reservations and booking, e-marketing, multimedia, Web 2.0 marketing, user-generated content, social networks and mobile marketing. Damian says: “We have seen many companies switch to online marketing and invest heavily in their digital presence after attending our events. We have received great feedback especially from SMEs who have made the move online and then recorded a dramatic boost to their business. Hotels, lodges, airlines and tour operators are now extremely active on social media networks such as Twitter and FaceBook.” The E Tourism Africa Summit will be held in Johannesburg at the Gallagher Convention Centre – Midrand on December 1 and 2. ■
QUICK READ FOR busiest people
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice gm, Anton Gillis, takes five in the hotel lounge with one of the establishment’s popular milkshakes for adults
Fire & Ice turns up the urban heat Hilka Birns
new extension opening this month. Twelve lofts will open at the end of January, taking the hotel’s room numbers from 130 to 201. The extension was made possible when Protea bought Victoria Road and erected the new building on the spot. Inside, the colours black, red and chrome dominate. Dark passages are fitted with black carpets featuring flames, a fibre-optic curtain adorns a stairway and rooms are compact yet modern with in-room frameless showers and flat-screen wall-mounted TVs. Continuing the theme of ‘fire & ice’ is a new guest-only
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HE newly extended Protea Hotel Fire & Ice in Cape Town has morphed from a small hotel aimed at extreme sport enthusiasts to a chic, modern, urban venue spanning two city blocks at the top of the trendy Bree Street precinct. A sophisticated new red and white exterior, three small conference venues with natural light, 59 additional superior rooms, a techno-gym, a pool deck, a champagne deck with views of the city and Table Mountain and a fashionable ‘chill’ lounge are some of the features of the
lounge featuring white tiles and white furniture. “Our philosophy is to provide three-star value but five-star facilities and exceptional service,” explains gm, Anton Gillis. “Our staff are our numberone asset. The team effort and extra mile we walk for our customers differentiate us.” This includes personal welcome boards for repeat customers in reception, a complimentary Internet centre and 24-hour room service. The existing restaurant and lounge areas have been redecorated to complement the extension. ■
THE EARLIER YOU BOOK THE BIGGER THE SAVINGS LOOK The countdown to next year’s Club Med holiday begins today. Make sure your clients don’t miss out on their favourite destination and dates by booking well in advance. We have some wonderful early booking discounts available, and remember, the earlier you plan ahead, the more you save per head.
TRAVEL BETWEEN 26 APRIL & 01 NOVEMBER 2010 OFFER
THE BIG BONUS
Save R2
500 per Adult
Save R1
250 per Child
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BOOKING DATES
Book between 06 Oct. ‘09 & 31 Jan. ‘10 BOOKING DATES
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Contact our Travel Boutique on 011 840 2600 for full details. The above 2-step bonus offer is subject to availability with a limited quota of places per Resort and departure date. Book early. *Each bonus applies to ALL resorts with the exception of Marrakech le Riad. At our Mauritius Resorts children (4-11 yrs) enjoy special stay savings - EBB does not apply. *Full terms & conditions apply. TNW3654SD
Wednesday October 14 2009 n 9
NEWS SAA, Virgin America sign interline agreement Jeanette Phillips
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AA and Virgin America have signed an interline agreement, offering seamless travel on the networks of each carrier, across the United States and transatlantic routes. The agreement will allow connecting passengers to purchase interline tickets for travel between the United States and South Africa through travel agents or through SAA’s customer call centre. Both airlines will transfer baggage between connecting flights and to passengers’ final destinations. The partnership offers a new choice for SAA passengers to connect at New York and Washington to several other Virgin America destinations, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Diego and Seattle. Interline electronic tickets for Virgin America and SAA connecting flights can now be booked through all the major global distribution systems (GDSs). Travel agents should refer to either carrier’s GDS reference pages for further
booking instructions. Says Maree Chambers from Seekers Travel: “If the fares are cheaper South African passengers will love it.” On a fare quote ex-JNB via Washington to Los Angeles on Virgin America, the fare worked out at R11 128, compared with a flight via London on Virgin Atlantic at R13 196. “The difference is that via London, the airport tax is R4 196 and direct from Johannesburg via Washington to Los Angeles the tax is only R2 938. The base fare difference is R8 280 via London and R8 190 on SAA direct to Washington and on to Los Angeles. “Hopefully this fare and tax difference will be reflected across their network,” says Maree. Bernice Muir, md of BurnsCunningham Corporate Travel said the agreement would help with more destinations on through ticketing for the passengers, however travellers who currently earned loyalty miles on United Airlines might have resistance to using a carrier where they got no benefit. ■
to the point
☞
● Avocatur is offering a Mauritius Mövenpick and Le Meridien educational tour, available to all Iata travel agents, valid from October 30 to November 4. The educational is available from R2 799pp and includes return airfare, taxes, four nights’ accommodation with breakfast and dinner and airport transfers.
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10 n Wednesday October 14 2009
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Chauffeur Drive launches online booking tool Natasha Tippel TRANSFER company, Imperial Chauffeur Drive, has launched an online booking tool that will help travel agents book chauffeur services for clients quickly and easily. Agents no longer need to phone the call centre to make a booking, saving them time. Currently, bookings that are done through the call centre are authorised with the bank, delaying confirmation of payment slightly. This tool will allow agents to book online, immediately receiving confirmation or allowing their client to receive the confirmation live, as when booking a flight.
Also, the credit card transaction is processed immediately; therefore there are no hassles with credit card rejections left to the agent to deal with at a later stage.
Phase two, which will be launched at a later stage, will allow access to travel agents that have corporate accounts with Chauffeur Drive. There is an 18-hour time frame for bookings and rates are fixed on the date of transaction for all future bookings, even if a rate increase should occur.
For the moment, only credit cards are accepted online but phase two of the system, which will be launched at a later stage, will allow access to travel agents that have corporate accounts with Chauffeur Drive. Other benefits of the site include the selection of exact street address via VEZA application, which ensures there is no confusion of address, and access to various specials with discounted rates. Future plans for the site include tools to record travel agent information for third parties booking on behalf of their client for commission purposes and statistics as well as a registration facility for third parties. ■
Travelinfo,s Odilia da Mata selects the top specials from Travelinfo ● Pure Sport – Ireland rugby package from R11 300 per person sharing. The rate includes return flights ex-Johannesburg, return transfers, three nights’ accommodation with breakfast, a half-day city tour and a match ticket. Valid November 26 to 30. Excludes taxes. ● Sun & Sand Tours is offering a Kenya package at Discover Mnarani from R6 690 per person sharing. The rate is inclusive of return flights ex-Johannesburg, half-board accommodation and transfers. Valid until October 31. ● Protea Hotels is offering a special rate at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice in Cape Town from R380 per person sharing, room only. Valid seven days a week until November 30. A three-night minimum stay applies. ● Etihad Airways. Special launch fares to the Middle East, UAE, Europe and the UK from R2 500 in economy class. Maximum stay for Europe is six months and for the Middle East is three months Valid for sales to October 20 and travel until June 15.
Specials Spot
fly world class Johannesburg to Lagos, Nigeria daily. For more information call 011 289 8070. TNW3647SD
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United States The US has never been more accessible to South African travellers than it is now. Increased frequencies, better connection times and incredible specials have seen renewed interest in this exciting destination. Sue Lewitton reports.
Cruisin’ out of the USA
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ORTH America remains a popular cruising choice for South African travellers despite long distances and travel times. Most popular are the Caribbean islands, as they offer an all-round cruising season, and Alaska. Tracey Krog, Cruises International product manager for Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Voyages of Discovery, says seven-night sailings out of Miami to the western
Caribbean on Freedom-class ships are well received by South African travellers. Tracey adds that several new Caribbean options will be available once Oasis of the Seas is launched in December. The ship will alternate between the western and eastern Caribbean itineraries out of Fort Lauderdale. With regard to Alaskan cruises, most popular are seven-night sailings out of Vancouver on Radianceclass ships and seven-night
sailings out of Seattle on Vision-class ships. Tracey says South African expectations include unlimited meals, luxurious accommodation, on-board entertainment and day spas and fitness centres. “Savvy travellers looking for great bang for their buck, family travellers wanting something for everyone across generations, honeymooners and couples rekindling their romance are just some of the customers cruising appeals to.”
Expert tips TNW spoke to a few experts on North America and got the low-down on what you should be telling your clients… ● It may sound obvious but always ensure you book your client to the correct city. Ask for the state the city is in if it’s not one of the more obvious destinations. There are several Springfields, Columbias and San Joses. There are also cities that sound similar but are on opposite sides of the country. ● Remember to organise a visa before you make a reservation. ● Advise your clients to reconfirm flights 24 hours prior to departure. ● If your clients experience any problems while travelling to the States, they should contact the ground handler while they are there rather than wait until they return to South Africa. ● Try to offer value-added experiences such as football games, ice hockey, guided tours or tickets to museums and shows.
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12 n Wednesday October 14 2009
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The world has never been so delicious to fly around. We're proud to fly you to more than 150 destinations aboard our young fleet, offering you more comfortable seats, culinary delights and an exclusive flight experience along our expanded routes. Enjoy the privileges of exploring the world on Turkish Airlines and connect to over 960 destinations, taking advantage of Star Alliance network.
turkishairlines.com TNW3636SD
0861TURKISH
Sure Tours is offering a three-night New York special, valid for travel from December 14, 2009 until March 31, 2010. Rates start from R3 055pps, which includes return shuttle transfers from JFK Airport to the hotel and three nights’ accommodation at the three-star Affinia Manhattan Hotel in a studio room on a room-only basis. Flights, airport taxes, meals, entrance fees and day tours are not included.
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Bookings have opened for Air France’s A380 inaugural Paris-New York flight
The legendary figures of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse outside the Magic Kingdom at Disney World in Orlando Photo: Stock Xchange
US entry fee on the cards
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HE US Senate has passed the ‘Travel Promotion Act’ which could see travellers charged a $10 (R74) entry fee as part of its electronic system for travel authorisation. The fee will not be
applicable to travellers who pay $131 (R975) for a visa to enter the US but rather to those who currently enter free of charge. Therefore, South African travellers will not be expected to pay the fee
but it may be required from passengers travelling on other passports. The bill still needs to be passed by the House of Representatives, but it is expected to be enforced by the end of the year.
Bookings open for AF A380 inaugural flight BOOKINGS have opened for Air France’s first commercial A380 Paris-New York flights, which start on November 23. The A380 has been fitted with three cabin classes: 80 seats in business class, 106 in Voyageur (economy) on the upper deck and nine seats in Première (first) and 343 in Voyageur (economy) on the main deck. The inaugural flight will depart from Terminal 2E of Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 13h30 and arrive in New York JFK at 15h45. The return flight will leave from Terminal 1 at New York JFK at 19h10, arriving in Paris the next day at 08h35.
Air France has decided to auction 380 seats on each of its two inaugural flights on the A380, operating from Paris to New York on November 20 and from New York to Paris on November 21. The sale will take place on the Internet in October and will be available to all markets. Profits will be used to fund three humanitarian projects supported by the Air France Foundation for children in distress, including a South African project – Fançois-Xavier Bagnoud Association, an after-school programme dedicated to orphans affected by Aids.
Royal Caribbean International will be offering a launch special for Oasis of the Seas for selected dates in 2010. The seven-night cruise will depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and ports of call will include Labadee, Haiti; and Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. Rates will start from $789pps (R5 862).
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TK uses B777 to New York 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) 327-0258/9 or our Cape Town Office (021) 421-7503/13
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14 n Wednesday October 14 2009
Turkish Airlines, a Star Alliance member, has announced that it is using a B777 on New York flights. From September 28, daily flights to New York from Istanbul are being operated by the aircraft offering first-class facilities with fully lie-flat beds. Boeing 777-300ER aircraft are configured with eight firstclass seats, 30 business-class and 274 economy-class seats. The aircraft will increase capacity by at least 40 passengers per flight. The flights are: ● Istanbul-New York Monday to Sunday ● New York-Istanbul Monday to Sunday
Departure/Arrival 10:20 14:20 Departure/Arrival 16:30 09:55
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Continental Airlines rings in the changes CONTINENTAL Airlines will introduce its new 180degree flat-bed seat for its ‘BusinessFirst’ cabins on selected flights from this month. The seats will be available on its Boeing 777 aircraft that primarily serve transatlantic and transpacific routes with installation on the rest of Continental’s wide-body fleet to follow. The new Boeing 787 fleet will be delivered to Continental with the new flat-
Welcome to Las Vegas!
bed seats installed. Continental has also announced changes to its checked baggage policy for customers travelling between Europe and the US. Customers who purchase certain economy-class tickets will be able to check one bag free and will pay $50 (R371) for a second checked bag. Customers checking in and pre-paying for bags at continental.com will receive a $5 (R37) discount.
Thompsons Holidays is offering a Walt Disney World special valid for travel from December 1-17. Rates start from R17 537pps, including taxes. The package includes return flights to Orlando on Delta Air Lines, return Magic Express transfers in Orlando, seven nights’ accommodation at a Disney All Star Movies Resort, seven day Magic Your Way park ticket permitting entrance to one theme park each day. Kids under 18 stay free when sharing with adults.
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it!
Did you know?
● Air France’s new Premium Voyageur cabin is already available on the Paris-New York route. This is a dedicated cabin between business and economy class. More destinations will feature this product at a later stage. ● Passengers transiting in the UK en route to the US and Canada within 24 hours do not need a UK transit visa.
Las Vegas is much more than just gambling and bars. The Strip is a magnet for those who are looking for a variety of experiences. From famous architectural structures and rollercoasters to a fast-paced metropolitan vibe, the Strip has it all. This glitzy town has several attractions geared just for kids, making it ideal for families too. Circus-Circus features its famous circus acts and is the world’s largest permanent circus with free, live acts every day. Themed hotels are a big hit and for awe-inspiring scenery tourists can take a trip out to the Grand Canyon. Holiday Tours is offering a Go Las Vegas package at the Circus Circus Hotel for R13 690. It includes eight nights’ accommodation, return flights on Delta Air Lines ex-Johannesburg (including taxes), return airport transfers and state and local taxes. The offer is valid from November 8-26
Daily flights from Johannesburg to Paris, the capital of fashion, romance and glamour
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Wednesday October 14 2009 n 15
Lagos – a vibe of its own
The blur of a bank on every corner sprinkled with a cacophony of hooters is what you can expect from a drive through Lagos, reports TNW’s Natalia Thomson
Chaotic, but a bustling hub
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OU need nerves of steel to zip through Lagos traffic, even if you’re a passenger. Nigeria’s economic and financial capital is ruled by some of the worst traffic you’re ever likely to see. It’s so bad that everything from the number of appointments you can have in one day to where you eat lunch will be influenced by it. Lagos is the epitome of a bustling metropolis with over eight million inhabitants and a large expat community. The city is perched on several islands linked by bridges, the two largest of which are Lagos Island and Victoria Island. South Africans expecting the worst will be pleasantly surprised at the infrastructure, depending on how long they stay and where
they go. The roads may be congested, but there’s a bank on every corner (literally), good restaurants, great nightlife and over six mobile phone network providers. The large number of expat residents has influenced the level of facilities and services available to corporate travellers. There’s even a shopping mall or two containing some familiar South African brand names, and visitors will be hard pressed not to hear a South African voice in hotels throughout the city. Lagos’s nightlife is renowned and there are several clubs throughout the city, but those most frequented by foreigners are located on Victoria Island (known by locals as VI). And the city’s sandy beaches,
Did you know?
In the news...
Sun International ‘Towers’ above the rest JUST one year after opening its Federal Palace property on Victoria Island, Sun International has announced it will be refurbishing the adjacent Towers Hotel. Known as the ‘Giant of the West Coast’, the landmark Towers Hotel, says Sun International regional gm, David Kliegl, is closed at the moment, but will be gutted and revamped to include 320 rooms, although no further details are available on its grading or the size of these rooms. The hotel is connected directly to Federal Palace and the guests of either hotel will benefit from the facilities of both. Also on the cards is the addition of a casino development to the existing Federal Palace property, a conference marquee, swimming pool and revamped gardens overlooking the bay. Federal Palace’s conferencing marquee, says David, is being
like Bar Beach on VI or Lekki Beach, are quite beautiful. It’s not really a leisure destination for South Africans although there are a few sights like the National Museum on Lagos Island, the central mosque and Oba Palace which are worth a visit. But the real business hub is arguably on Victoria Island where the real estate prices are some of the most expensive in Africa. Also south of Lagos Island is Lekki Island, home to a conservation centre, which is conspicuous by its absence of wildlife. Ikoyi Island to the east is home to several hotels and one of Africa’s largest golf courses. The area of Ikeja is where the city’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport is located.
imported from South Africa and will host some 500 people banqueting style. “Conferencing and business facilities are very important. Strategically delegates have to stay on site because of the traffic. In Lagos, travellers base themselves at the hotel and set all their appointments for the day in the hotel. “We offer eight 10-seater boardrooms with business facilities.” Federal Palace was built in the 1950s and, in addition to being the site where Nigeria’s independence declaration was signed, is now a haven for corporate travellers who are uncompromising in their firstworld requirements. The hotel spends some R250 000 a month on diesel to power its generators. It has 146 rooms, including 12 junior suites and 10 apartments. It has over 257 staff members, a bar open 24 hours a day, a retail area, business centre and even a bank with an ATM.
16 n Wednesday October 14 2009
To beat the baggage blues, suggest Arik Air with its extraordinary baggage allowance of 60kg for economy-class passengers, and 90kg for premier class.
Radisson expands into Nigeria REZIDOR is building three new hotels in Nigeria, with its Radisson Blu Hotel expected to open mid2010 on Lagos’s Victoria Island. The 250-room Radisson Blu will include two restaurants, meeting facilities and leisure areas, including a spa. Guests will have free access to the fitness area in the basement level, including gym equipment and two saunas. The hotel restaurant seats 80 and overlooks the lagoon. Wireless Internet access, a business executive lounge, four meeting rooms and two boardrooms are also available.
Traditional meets modern
Arik disputes airport management ARIK Air has kicked against plans to hand over the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed Airport to the current operators of the existing new terminal, Bi-Courtney Limited. The handing over of operations to Bi-Courtney Limited, says Arik Air, could cause the “complete paralysis” of the Nigerian airline’s operations. In a statement the airline said if the government handed over the airport to Bi-Courtney Limited, it would have to “take steps to protect itself, even if it
entailed the shutting down of all its operations nationwide”. Arik Air, a statement said, would not under any circumstances operate in any terminal managed by Bi-Courtney Limited. The airline had apparently paid millions for space in the new terminal (MMA2). No space was allegedly assigned to Arik, nor had any agreement been signed or the money returned. The new Lagos Airport domestic terminal and hotel will offer passengers a large arrival and departure hall, shopping facilities and eight air bridges.
Travellers’ tips ● The traffic is unpredictable, congested and chaotic. Rely on a local driver to get around. Give ample time between appointments. Ensure that your client has the driver’s name and contact number and calls them on arrival. ● Warn your clients not to be surprised to see people with wads of cash to pay for a bill. The currency is naira but hotels accept credit cards and US dollars. ● Food, drink and other items can be terribly expensive. ● Travelling between the international and domestic terminals of Murtala Muhammed International Airport can take hours if the traffic is bad. From VI to the airport, leave before 16h00 as the traffic can be very congested. ● In addition to the regular security check at the airport, upon boarding the aircraft a second security check will be done on carry-on baggage. ● Restaurants on offer include Jades Palace, Churrascos,
Fusion, Chocolat Royale, and Bottles (Mexican food and a favourite with South Africans) on VI. Lekki and Ikeja also offer some good restaurants. Don’t hide out in the hotel! ● Hotels suiting the requirements of South Africans include the Protea Hotel Victoria Island, the Federal Palace, the Oriental Hotel in Lekki and the Eko Suites (although this hotel is in need of a revamp). The Protea Hotel in Lekki and the Protea Hotel Ikeja are options. ● When getting a taxi from the hotel, don’t pay more than 5 000 naira for the first three hours, and 1 000 naira for every hour thereafter. Don’t be scared to negotiate. ● Getting there: Arik Air and SAA offer flights to Lagos from Johannesburg. ● Visas: South Africans require a visa. The visas can be obtained and paid for online www.immigration.gov.ng. Passengers require a yellow fever certificate upon returning to South Africa.
QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS
TNW4995SD
AGENTZONE mythbuster
AGENT ALERTS ■ SAA increases Hong Kong fuel surcharges
FROM October 1, SAA has increased fuel surcharges to Hong Kong as well as on codeshare flights to Narita and Kansai in Japan. The surcharge on flights to and from Hong Kong in all classes has increased from US$40 (R298) to US$42 (R313). On codeshare flights to Narita and Kansai the charge is now $15 (R111).
■ CX ups fares
FROM October 1, Cathay Pacific will increase all market fares, except for first class. Agents are urged to ensure that bookings are issued on or before September 30 to qualify for the current fare levels. Any bookings issued after this date, will be charged at the new fare levels. Ernst du Plessis
■ Get to know Turkey
Credit card or forex? It’s cheaper to use your credit card overseas than exchanging currency before you leave. True or false? Natasha Tippel finds out...
E
XPERTS agree, this myth than credit cards. Travellers should also is without a doubt false! “There are costs be aware that if they use “It’s definitely cheaper associated with either their credit card or prepaid to buy forex from your point option. But, with foreign travel card to pay for hotel of departure,” says Patrick exchange products you bookings, the hotel will hold Khouri, ops manager for see most of these costs the funds on the card. In Tower Bureau de Change. upfront. Meanwhile, with some instances hotels fail “Paying with your credit card card products, a currency to cancel the holding once abroad is an expensive affair. conversion fee is charged you’ve settled your account, Firstly you cannot guarantee every time you make a which means you’re unable the rate of exchange you’ve purchase or withdrawal in a to use your card even though anticipated or expected to foreign country.” there should be funds get for the conversion and, He warns that, in addition available. secondly, you are charged to these costs, it’s important On the other hand, despite a lot of unnecessary the heavy costs, there bank fees both locally benefits to using your “If travellers use their credit card are and internationally.” credit card abroad. or prepaid travel card to pay for Director of retail Says Sugendhree: operations for hotel bookings, the hotel will hold “Your credit card offers Bidvest Bank, Craig you the convenience of the funds on the card. In some not having to go to the Macfarlane, agrees: “Drawing cash overseas instances hotels fail to cancel bank before your trip and from a credit card is get the interest-free the holding once you have settled you the most expensive period on all purchases your account, which means you’re done at a point of sale way of accessing money. Over and above unable to use your card even if device.” the exchange rate Travellers should also funds are available.” variances, there are consider the security foreign and local bank aspect. “Prepaid travel charges as well as cash to keep in mind that it’s cards like TravelWallet, advance fees levied by the easier to exceed your budget traveller’s cheques and local card issuer. In addition when using a credit card, your credit card can all be to these charges, interest on as it’s more difficult to keep stopped and replaced if lost a cash advance can be as track of your spending, or stolen.” high as 20%.” especially when paying in a Sugendhree recommends Sugendhree Reddy, foreign currency. In addition, customers carry a mixed Standard Bank director transactions are usually not purse of products when of transaction products, settled immediately and may travelling – cash to pay for points out that travellers take a number of days to things such as taxi fares, a should look at the costs reflect on your account; this prepaid card or traveller’s and benefits of using foreign also increases your risk of cheques and a credit card as exchange products rather exchange rate fluctuations. a back-up option.
18 n Wednesday October 14 2009
BOBCAT Travel is offering an educational to Turkey in November for 10 travel agents. The cost is from R14 975 and includes all flights inclusive of airport taxes and fuel surcharges, all land transport on tours and transfers, seven nights’ accommodation including breakfast, all admission fees to the museums and sights, lunches and dinners, guiding on the entire trip, taxes and gratuities and tipping.
■ AF KLM increases fares
EFFECTIVE October 1, Air France KLM will jointly increase fares to all destinations, in all classes on both intra-Europe and intercontinental flights: ● Fares in Air France KLM business class and Air France’s La Première cabin will increase by €70 (R769) ● Fares in Air France KLM economy class, including Air France’s Premium Voyageur cabin, will increase by €30 (R329) All existing bookings should be ticketed by September 30 to qualify for the current rates.
■ Fabulous Singapore Stopover relaunched
SINGAPORE Airlines has reintroduced its Fabulous Singapore Stopover package. Singapore Airlines, together with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Changi Airport Group, is offering customers the chance to stay in Singapore for US$1 (R7) as part of STB’s 2009 ‘Reasons to enjoy Singapore’ global marketing campaign. The US$1 package, first launched in April this year, comprises exclusive deals on hotel accommodation, airport transfers and entry to some of Singapore’s most popular tourist attractions. Also with the special package, customers will be given US$20 (R149) Changi vouchers at the SIA Stopover Holidays counter upon their arrival in Singapore. The vouchers, courtesy of the Changi Airport Group, can be used at many retail, and food and beverage outlets at the airport. Bookings for the Fabulous Singapore Stopover can be made between September 15 and November 15, for travel to be completed by March 31, 2010.
■ Transocean cancels cruise programme
TRITON Cape Sea Travel, the local GSA for Transocean Tours, has been informed by Transocean’s UK GSA that it has cancelled its winter 2009/2010 South America and Antarctica cruise programme, effective November 10, as a result of the current economic climate. Marco Polo, however, will operate a revised winter programme ex-UK under a new brand and trading name, Cruise and Maritime Voyages, starting January 2, 2010.
See Travelinfo for more details QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS
COMMUNITYNEWS
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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 Reservations Manager – Sandton Impressive operator with long-standing history and an excellent reputation requires a Reservations Manager for one of their business units. Will be responsible for a team of 5 with the focus on managing and developing the business unit in line with company goals. Relationship management, delivering service excellence and driving sales are core functions. Sound knowledge of the SADAC area and excellent knowledge of Namibia is required. Must have 3 years managerial experience. Tracey
Appointment and community news
■ Travel Counsellor, Eloise Fischer, has just returned from a ‘once in a lifetime’ trip’ in Australia after winning a competition based on her success and customer service. Travel Counsellors launched the ‘Race to Oz’ competition in May, which saw more than 1 000 Travel Counsellors from across the globe compete in teams to venture on a theoretical sales-based race using the company’s technology and intranet system. Eloise was one of the lucky team of 26 who were the first to complete a succession of races around the globe based
on their sales figures, with the final destination being Australia. She flew out to Australia on an educational trip in conjunction with Qantas and Qantas Holidays and visited Sydney, Melbourne, the Northern Territory and Queensland. Excursions included a climb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge, exploring Ayers Rock, shopping in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market and snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef.
Airline Sales/Ticketing Supervisor – Sandton Lead and support the sales and ticketing team of international carrier, ensuring that quality service is provided to clients. This will entail validating and reconciling daily sales returns; handling ticket endorsements; dealing with customer complaints; preparing the shift/leave roster and upholding the safety and security standards. IATA/UFTAA Diploma or intermediate to advanced airline fares and ticketing course required. R10000/ R12000. Kati
Flight Centre does it!
Birth
■ Alexis Bekker, sales and marketing manager World Leisure Holidays, and husband Cornelius celebrated the birth of their baby girl, Jordin on 22 June. Personnel with the personal touch
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On September 18, a group of Flight Centre senior management set off for Shosanguwe to the Sunvalley School to revamp the educational centre as part of the annual Do It Day. The school’s children all come from a disadvantaged community and most are looked after by their brothers and sisters owing to HIV deaths in the family. Janine Salame, Flight Centre gm said: “All of us were extremely enlightened by the experience.” Flight Centre is already proposing a second trip to the school to fix the playground and plant some grass for the children to play on. Do It Day was initiated by Greater Good South Africa and this year 3 862 South Africans joined hands to paint, plant, clean, read, teach, share and empower communities on 217 projects across the country. Pictured with the children from Sunvalley School are Daniela Kelfkens, Hanrie Pelser, Janine Salame, Lee-Ann Scholz and Nica Pieterse
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Tel: Jill (031) 201 8330 durban@nowjobs.co.za
See our website for a further selection of exciting vacancies! www.leebotti.co.za
Airline Fares/Pricing Co-ordinator – Sandton Provide valuable support to the external sales team of reputable international carrier by handling the following functions: fare quotes; liaising with Revenue Management on pricing issues to optimise revenue and establish new business; respond to queries; promote products and services via email; will liaise with ADP on fare audits; and monitor competitors and other market intelligence in order to propose the optimal way to compete. IATA/UFTAA Fares I, II, III and Ticketing required plus analytical & negotiation skills. Previous airline experience is essential. R10000/ R12000. Kati Intermediate Consultant - Randburg A four month contract. Will work on Amadeus handling international bookings and must have previous experience handling this role. Sales skills relating to up-selling and crossselling are also important. A highly reputable travel company. R8000. Kati World Cup 2010 Opportunity! A specialist role promoting and maintaining business with a specific focus on the FIFA World Cup 2010. This is a Fixed Term contract, ending August 2010. Will design programmes for existing and new clients and handle the full process thereafter. Will include traveling with the groups and assisting with on-site coordination. Candidates must have dealt with sporting groups in the past and have inbound experience. R17000/R18000. Kati East Africa - Hospitality Opportunities If you know of anyone in the hospitality industry who is keen on gaining international experience we have opportunities available! Large, highly successful corporation based in Sudan requires a number of expats to join their operation. Positions available are: F&B Manager, Assistant F&B Manager, Executive Chef, Pastry Chef and Sous Chef. Paid in US$ plus all expats benefits. Tracey Marketing Manager - Cpt Support the Sales & Marketing Director of this established operator with the objective of effectively and efficiently promoting the organisation. Responsibilities include creating electronic newsletters; maintaining the website; being responsible for flyer campaigns; assist with copywriting for editorials, advertorials and advertising campaigns; press releases; as well as site inspections, educationals, attending trade shows both domestic and international, plus presentations and sales trips. Must have strong marketing experience handling these specific functions. R18000/R20000. Kati Senior Inbound Incentives – W/Suburbs Handle inbound incentive travel for well established company. Will create itineraries, negotiate rates, put together costings - the full A-Z function. Will also play a deputy role when required. A senior inbound consultant is required with strong knowledge of South and Southern Africa. Kati Intermediate Inbound Consultant – W/ Suburbs A minimum of two years inbound experience is required by established agency. Will be involved in all aspects of inbound incentives and must have a good knowledge of South and Southern Africa. Be part of a growing division and have the scope to develop further. Kati Game Lodge Opportunities! Current opportunities within Five star lodges are: Head Housekeeper, Reservations Manager, Assistant Lodge Manager and Sous Chef. Tracey Junior Airline Sales Executive – Gauteng Call on the travel trade and corporate companies within the Gauteng region. An airline background is essential. R10000/ R12000 ctc. Kati Travel Assistant – Midrand Assist the Travel Co-ordinator of corporate non-travel company with bookings and admin work. Galileo and 2 years consulting experience is required. Tracey Help Desk Consultant – N/Suburbs Take inbound calls and emails requesting assistance with online bookings and ticketing. Will also assist with training. Must be proficient on Galileo. R6000. Tracey Inbound Incentives Cons – N/Suburbs Join top international operator handling inbound incentives to South and Southern Africa. Candidates must have dealt specifically with incentive travel for a minimum of 2 years. Foreign languages will be an added advantage. Be part of a highly professional operation. R15000/R19000. Kati Call on Travel Agents - Gauteng Call on travel agencies promoting a specific product for travel related co. Candidates must have worked within the travel industry for a minimum of 3 years and have sales ability. Full or half-day! R7000 plus commission. Tracey
Office Hrs (011) 884-9113 Website: www.specialized.co.za e-mail: kati@sgroup.co.za tracey@sgroup.co.za
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■ Hlobisile Mbatha has joined the Three Cities Group as e-marketing consultant based in the Durban head office. Hlobisile will be designing the Three Cities e-campaigns, invitations, newsletters and promotional materials. She will also be responsible for the management of the group’s website.
SpecialiZed Travel perSonnel
Wednesday October 14 2009 n 19
TNW NEWS
Boost for Cape Town and Durban airports Hilka Birns/Natalia Thomson
O
CTOBER has proved a historic month for Cape Town and Durban international airports with the launch of Etihad Airways and Emirates Airline’s flights to these destinations. Both airports have seen a significant decline in yearto-date international traffic flow, but this is about to change with the two newly launched international services – Etihad to Cape Town and Emirates to Durban.
At the launch of its Cape Town service, Etihad promised the Cape Town travel trade that its new daily service to the Mother City would be long-term and year-round. The new service piggy-backs on the airline’s current daily A330 service to Johannesburg. Regional gm Asia Pacific South and Australasia, Cramer Ball, said the airline was looking forward to building a strong relationship with the local travel trade. “We’ve engaged the trade early in our planning and their
feedback has been very positive.” Cape Town is notorious for its seasonality, which sees most international carriers cutting back or suspending flights during the SA winter. “The (year-round) service needs to be profitable,” Cramer said. “We need to get the mix of in- and outbound traffic right and we are going to need support from the industry.” He said the likelihood of a future non-stop service to Cape Town depended on demand and profitability of the route.
The airline is targeting South African corporates doing business in the Middle East, connecting traffic and some 40 000 South African expats living in the UAE. Etihad Holidays is aggressively marketing Cape Town in conjunction with a range of accommodation partners. Strong interest is being received from business and leisure travellers from Europe and the Middle East. Meanwhile Emirates Airline’s flight EK776 touched down at Durban International Airport on
October 1 linking KwaZulu Natal to 99 global destinations. The daily Durban frequency departs Durban at 18h40, arriving in Dubai at 05h20, with the Dubai departure set at 10h25, arriving in Durban at 17h10. Upon the arrival of the inaugural flight in Durban, SA transport minister Sibusiso Ndebele, said the Emirates service was a “clear reflection” that in a few months’ time “leading air carriers” will operate from the province’s new airport at La Mercy. ■
Fraudsters – ‘e-Watch’ out! brought to you by
eTNW and TRAVELINFO
Thumbs up for Carolus Do you think SAA’s recently announced financial results are a sign of better things to come from the airline? ■ Yes 20% ■ No 46% ■ Maybe 34%
“No, I don’t think so, just more money to hand out to their execs as ‘performance bonuses’. What I am very positive and excited about is the appointment of Cheryl Carolus to the board – hopefully she’ll make a huge difference as she’s a very passionate and dynamic lady.” Dianne Austin, Anchor Travel “If they manipulate their figures it means they still have much to cover up, which does not bode well for the industry.” Teresa Smith, 2travel 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!
What is e-Watch?
The e-Watch product is an online resource tool specific to the travel industry, which will assist in determining the suitability of a candidate for employment. “e-Watch represents a major shift in the way information on offenders is published,” says Laurie. “In the past, employers would have to wait and rely on court convictions, which is time consuming and presents various other difficulties. Now, employers can proactively submit information to e-Watch, following the correct disciplinary process, helping protect themselves and others against fraud.” Access to the listing is available to Asata members only. Before access is granted, members must: 1. Complete the pre-launch registration form, available from Asata. 2. Obtain from all existing employees their written consent to be listed on e-Watch following a guilty finding for a dishonestyrelated offence. 3. Include in all employment contracts an appropriate provision for the employee’s consent to be listed on
e-Watch following the finding of a dishonesty-related offence. The consent should include permission for his or her listing as well as the subsequent reference checking. Once registered, via online or pre-registration faxed copy, members will receive an invoice for the first annual subscription of R300, which will include five search credits (usually priced at R40 each). For obvious reasons, it is imperative that employers ensure that disciplinary processes and performance management procedures are in place and in accordance with the South African labour law. e-Watch will not entertain any listing until it is totally satisfied that employers have followed the correct process. Listings will only be removed from e-Watch if ordered to do so by an Order of Court or the effluxion of three years from the date of the listing of the employee on e-Watch.
What is an offence?
According to e-Watch, there is no limit as to what constitutes a dishonestyrelated offence but the list of possible offences gives guidance: theft, fraud, bribery, and corruption, including the giving and accepting or receiving of money as an inducement, and unauthorised use of business services. For example, in one case the perpetrator, who
is still under investigation, was dismissed at a travel agency on charges relating to theft of privileged client information. He immediately started working at another travel agency making use of the client information. A more serious example is a fraudster who was convicted in April 2009 at the Randburg Regional Court on charges relating to fraud and theft to the value of R1,2m. She was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. This individual has been involved with a Nigerian syndicate orchestrating fraudulent air ticket bookings and R350 000 worth of charge backs resulted in the demise of one of her previous employers. Asata has worked closely with the developers to ensure the appropriateness of the product. The organisation asserts that e-Watch is to serve as a starting point for enquiries by the Asata member and should not be used as the sole reference to exclude an applicant from employment. “The message is clear, not only from an Asata viewpoint but from numerous other players and stakeholders in the travel industry – there are consequences for unethical and dishonest behaviour,” says Laurie. “We appeal to all industry players to actively participate. The database will only be as good as the input we receive from participating employers.” ■
TNW3548SD
lauraw@etravel.co.za / charmainem@etravelcpt.co.za
From page 1 Asata president. “The South African law protects employees, and rightly so, but the Asata e-Watch system is there to protect the employer.”
20 n Wednesday October 14 2009
QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS