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Southern Africa’s Travel News Weekly

August 19 2009 I No. 2071

2 Pay for 3 stay for T H E R E ’ S

F O R

Y O U

Call your nearest ASATA travel agent or one of our Dream Makers on 011 217 5555 or visit www.suninternationaldreams.com Subject to availability and definite terms and conditions. E&OE. Excludes approximate taxes of R1520 p/p.

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INSIDE

TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

News

news

going green

Uniworld special

How important is it for your clients?

Book now and save!

Page 2

feature Hong Kong

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A destination with great potential Page 10

Death of the incentive? Natalia Thomson

benefit or convenience to the passenger sufficient to offset the loss of freedom to choose.” The end decision should be for the benefit of the consumer, says Allan Lunz, md BidTravel. “At no time does (BidTravel) try and persuade the decision based on some financial gain. We will always offer alternatives if there is a cost saving or a better way to construct the fare.”

UTRIGHT bribery or added value for your client? Agent incentives may get industry bosses hot under the collar as they undermine override agreements, but the new Consumer Protection Act, which will come into full effect by October next year, may actually outlaw them. According to Benchmark’s Advocate Louis Nel, the Act requires agents to choose a product based on what is “Incentives are seldom best for the passenger and to the benefit of not because of what the override dictates or what the end user.” the agent stands to gain as an incentive for booking a Harvey World Travel particular product. Ontdekkers consultant “The position of the Leon Smith says he would travel agent has changed strongly support any move post zero commission. to stop agent incentives. “It Since then and based on undermines the authority of a professional consultancy travel companies, supplier fee being charged, the agreements and is very agent’s client is clearly the seldom to the benefit of the passenger, regardless of end user.” commission and override. You could argue, however, The decision as to which that by incentivising an agent service provider must then be with educationals, the client based on what’s best for the does ultimately benefit. passenger.” And there have been a fair The same applies for number of these types of competitions, says Louis. incentives in recent months “The CPA gives the following Asata’s call to consumer the freedom to scrap monetary incentives. choose and choosing for Beachcomber launched its the passenger based on B-Line incentive, Cruises 22575 Airlink Pemba 30x206 2:56 PM Pagehas 1 its ‘Book a competition erodes this6/23/09 International right of choice unless the 10, get one free cruise’ while agent can show financial Naïade has its

Lucky 7 incentive. Said one anonymous agent who wrote to TNW: “It is imperative for an agent to experience a product in order to sell it effectively. Every time I have enjoyed the privilege of such an experience, my enthusiasm is ‘catching’ and the clients want to experience it too.” She says she can sell with confidence because she knows what she’s talking about and is sure her clients’ needs are catered for. Cruises International md, George Argyropoulos, says the operator’s intention is not to “force” agents to see their products at the expense of a client’s best interest. “We will happily comply with the word and spirit of the Act,” he says. The intention of competitions and other incentives, says George, is to bring cruising to the “top of mind” of consultants. “A cruise holiday option is usually neglected from being presented as an option to clients, which then results in the exact opposite of what the Act intends, ie to be presented with all options available which fit the client’s brief and be given expert advice even if that means to present the client with a suitable option he may not have thought about initially.” C MmdY CM Naïade Holidays, says To page 12

Want to go to Europe? We want you to travel to Europe on this fantastic agent special offered by Swiss International Air Lines. From R1 200 in Y-class return and R1 600 for your companion excluding airport taxes, you could be jetting off until October 31 to your favourite European destination. Get your applications in now by visiting Travelinfo for more details, say (from left) Vera Matic, customer relations, and Shirley Wright, indoor sales: ticket office Photo: Tijana Huysamen

Top web stories ● SAA head group corporate affairs resigns ● SAA strike on the cards? ● Letter of the day: Going bust ● Protea Hotels takes over the Hilton Hotel ● BA pax now served Woolies meals ● Tuesday smile: airline anecdotes ● Talking point: Picnic in the ruins ● Swiss agent special ● Airlines take opportunity to raise cash MY CY CMY K ● On-the-go info with SAA

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TNW NEWS

How ‘green’ are your clients? Melody Brandon

OING green’ might be the buzz phrase being bandied about in the travel sector, but a snap survey by TNW shows that green issues don’t seem to be impacting on South Africans’ travel decisions yet. Of the responses TNW received, all agents agreed that while their clients may be recycling at home, they aren’t too concerned about airlines’ carbon emissions or environmentally friendly hotels when planning a holiday. “I think it will take a couple of years before it becomes an issue in South Africa,” said STA Travel Morningside branch manager, Dieter Moller. “Generally my clients are quite ignorant about carbon off-sets and environmental issues.” Johan Barkhuizen, an independent travel consultant based in Durban agrees: “I find that clients are more concerned about getting their in-flight champagne at beer prices than they are about the environment. Environmental issues rarely come into play when it comes to making a booking on an airline, or choosing a hotel.” ‘

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“And one final warning before we begin the exam – and stray eyeballs will be immediately thumped.”

Bernice Volk, a consultant at Sure Bleeker Travel, said environmental issues might come into play in the future but weren’t influencing her clients’ decisions at the moment. “I think people have so much to worry about at the moment that the environment is the last thing on their minds when they travel.” Tour operators, too, say they have not received any queries from travel agents whose clients want to book an environmentally friendly holiday. “I honestly cannot think of one query we have received about a ‘green’ holiday. I think that unfortunately green issues aren’t big on clients’ minds. They may be aware of it on their home ground, but certainly not when travelling,” said Jacqui Carr, senior product manager at Holiday Tours.

Doing their bit

While green issues may not be on their clients’ agendas, there are a few agencies that are doing their bit for the environment. “We have started printing our quotes on recycled paper. If the client wants a quote

on a clean piece of paper, we will print it for them, but most of them are happy to take a quote that has been printed on the back of another document,” said Janene Badenhorst from Pentravel, George. “I don’t think that green issues have really impacted South Africa yet. You may read about it in magazines or see it on the news, but it hasn’t impacted the man on the street. “We often get quotes from tour operators asking us not to print the email unless we have to. Every little bit helps, so we try making a difference where we can in our office,” she said. Thompsons Holidays pr manager, John Ridler, said the tour operator had recently joined the Wilderness foundation’s Green Leaf initiative and would be promoting ‘green’ hotels. “We have not had many requests for green hotels, but we will be pushing the green message in our newsletters to travel agents. “That way they will be able to educate the public. We will definitely promote hotels that are conscious of green ideals,” he said.

Tips to make your office ‘green’ Turn off equipment when it’s not being used. This can substantially reduce the energy used.

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

E ncourage communications by email and read email messages on screen to determine whether it’s necessary to print them. educe fax-related paper waste by using a fax-modem and by using a fax cover sheet only R when necessary. Fax-modems allow documents to be sent directly from a computer without requiring a printed hard copy. Produce double-sided documents whenever possible.

katen@nowmedia.co.za

o not leave taps dripping; always close them tightly after use. (One drop wasted per second D wastes 10 000 litres a year.)

lanas@nowmedia.co.za

Find a supply of paper with maximum available recycled content.

brendonb@nowmedia.co.za

Subscriptions: Subs tvlsubs@nowmedia.co.za Annual Subscription: RSA R460,00 Foreign R700,00 or annual debit order: RSA R365,00 Foreign R560,00 Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe – on request

(Subscription includes up to 10 copies for your staff at the delivery point)

Choose suppliers who take back packaging for reuse. I nstigate an ongoing search for ‘greener’ products and services in the local community. The further your supplies or service providers have to travel, the more energy will be used to get them to you. S ee if your existing office furniture can be refurbished. It’s less expensive than buying new and better for the environment. ■

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QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

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NEWS

Book Mansley online Natasha Tippel

ANSLEY Travel Apartments has launched an online booking system, specifically for the travel trade. The business-to-business facility can be accessed via the Mansley Travel Apartment’s website, www.mansleyapartments. com, by signing up for the Mansley Travel Apartments Membership Programme. “There is a definite trend to interest in serviced apartments among the travel trade,” says owner of Mansley Travel Apartments (International), Sir Richard

Rowley. “This online booking system provides a platform for travel agents and tour operators to learn about different accommodation options and get more involved.” The new facility features numerous online booking benefits, such as 24-hour reservation confirmation (automatic confirmation is also provided on various apartments); detailed descriptions of properties; sorting by price, property name, and ratings; rates and availability information, including gross rates and reduced rates for members of the travel trade; and a

summary of previous bookings made by the member. The service is free and travel agents using the online reservations system also receive commission on all properties. Mansley Travel Apartments has properties in Europe, Asia, and Australia as well as in South Africa, with two properties in Cape Town. The group plans to expand operations in South Africa by adding new properties to its portfolio in Johannesburg in the near future. Mansley Travel Apartments is represented in South Africa by Independent Travel Solutions. ■

15 on Orange to open in October Natasha Tippel A NEW five star hotel, 15 on Orange, is set to open in Cape Town in October. The hotel will have 129 suites, with various unique designs.

They will range in size from 40sqm to 100sqm and have views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill or the Foreshore. The property will also offer conference facilities with state-of-the-art audio, video and sound systems, a

flagship spa, boutiques and jewellery stores, restaurants, bistros and a nightlife venue. 15 on Orange is located along Orange Street, 5km from the V&A Waterfront and Clifton and Camps Bay beaches. ■

<Photocap> Uniworld.jpeg / Uniworld 2.jpeg

Book now and save with Uniworld! Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has launched its new 2010 European brochure. The brochure offers 26 allinclusive river cruises ranging from nine to 23 days. New for 2010 is a Springtime Along the Rhine cruise, a seven-night cruise costing from R14 050pp. Uniworld is also running a special, where couples can save up to R18 000 by paying in full for their Europe river cruise before September 20. The Uniworld brand will in future sell European river cruises under its own banner and will not be included in the 2010 brochures of sister company, Trafalgar Tours. Pictured here are (from left): Darsha Soobramoney (Marketing – Uniworld) Sharon Marx (gm, Uniworld) and Theresa Szjezwallo (md, The Travel Corporation) Photo: Natasha Tippel

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QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

NEWS Celebrity Cruises launches ‘celebrity life’ Melody Brandon

ELEBRITY Cruises has something special to offer clients with its recently launched celebrity life programme, based on three distinct categories – savour, discover and renew. ‘Savour’ offers a culinary experience with eight new wine enrichment events, six spirits and mixed tastings, and more than seven different interactive programmes for guests, including cooking classes, hosted by the ship’s executive chef and team. ‘Discover’ gives guests the opportunity to do or learn

something they have always wanted to try, but never had time to accomplish. A wide variety of interests include language courses and learning how to use an iPod. ‘Renew’ offers an improved, more goal-oriented approach to classes, seminars, and treatments designed to help guests to look younger, feel better and live longer. These include spa treatments, nutrition and lifestyle workshops. “The new programme will be rolled out across the whole fleet by the end of November,” said Celebrity Cruises senior vp of hotel operations, Lisa LutoffPerlo. ■

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Crystal Towers to open in December Natasha Tippel A NEW five-star hotel is set to open in December in Century City in Cape Town. Crystal Towers Hotel and Spa is located 12km outside central Cape Town, with Canal Walk shopping mall in walking distance of the property. The hotel will feature 180 rooms with flat-screen

LCD TVs, free Internet access, and other firstclass business and leisure amenities. Facilities include a fine dining restaurant, a health spa, a gym, a swimming pool, and a state-of-the-art conference centre. The hotel will also offer profiling, adding personal touches to the room before the guest arrives. ■

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Wednesday August 19 2009 n 5

NEWS

Kulula fares now on Galileo Jeanette Phillips

RAVELPORT GDS has announced a new direct connect agreement with kulula.com. Under the new agreement, kulula.com’s full content will be made available on the GDS channel for the first time through Galileo’s direct connect solution. This new low-cost carrier solution will enable agents to search, create and hold kulula. com flights in their preferred workflow in the Galileo GDS, allowing improved efficiency during the booking process. By booking through the GDS, agents will also benefit from the automatic hand-off of the booking data to mid or backoffice systems for accounting purposes. In contrast to low-cost carrier websites, agents will now be able to book low-cost carriers and traditional airline flights in the same passenger name record (PNR) – for example kulula.com and British Airways segments. Kulula.com is the first South African LCC to enter into a

direct content agreement with Travelport, but the GDS says it is in advanced talks with a number of other LCCs and hopes to announce further agreements over the coming months.

Content on Speedfares

Meanwhile Amadeus GTD Southern Africa has chosen to focus on sourcing the best plug-in solution that offers direct access to lowcost carrier content instead of offering the LCC content within its main GDS system, says Allison McMurray, senior manager operations and solutions. There are two reasons for this, namely price and functionality. “With regard to price, usually a fare for an LCC flight costs more through the GDS to enable the carrier to compensate for the GDS fee. SpeedFares allows agents to offer their customers the same price that is available on the LCC website. “The second reason is that when booking via the GDS, some of the additional

functionalities that travel consultants use now – such as putting a reservation on hold until payment is made for corporate customers, paying by EFT and searching for multiple corporate fares based on corporate user names and passwords – would not usually be available via the GDS channel.” She clarifies that while the Amadeus system currently offers a search, create and hold capability for about 69 LCCs out of 128 LCCs in the world (no local LCCs), SpeedFares searches more than 120 LCCs and 25 traditional airlines for web fares in only a few seconds. Local LCC content accessible via SpeedFares includes kulula.com, Mango and 1time, with agents able to display corporate as well as standard LCC fares. Allison elaborates: “SpeedFares is fully integrated into Amadeus and therefore a ghost segment is added to Amadeus once an LCC flight is booked, which ensures this information is transferred to the back office.” ■

Open for business! Flight Centre’s Travel Associates brand is expanding with a fourth shop having opened in Johannesburg’s swanky new Morningside Shopping Centre on Rivonia Road. Pictured here officially opening the shop are (from left) Edrich Schafer, area leader; Marieke Tucker, manager; Caroline Scott, consultant; and Chantal Gouws, consultant

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PillowTalk

A brief look at this week's hotel news

Lagoon Beach Hotel and Spa goes private

LAGOON Beach Hotel and Spa has announced that its management agreement with the Three Cities Group has come to and end and that the hotel will now be privately managed. The Three Cities Group will, however, still be involved in a joint sales effort. “The hotel owners and management team are looking forward to business as usual and continuing to render excellent service to all guests and clients. We of course, will honour existing agreements with agents and wish Three Cities all the best,” said acting gm, Eben Lassen.

Protea Hotels takes over The Hilton Hotel

PROTEA Hotels has acquired the management contract for The Hilton Hotel in the Natal Midlands. Established in 1936, the hotel now has all the modern amenities to satisfy the needs of both business and leisure travellers. “Acquiring this hotel has great strategic value for Protea Hotels as the Hilton area is increasingly popular for leisure, business and government travellers,” said Danny Bryer, group sales, marketing and revenue director, Protea Hotels. “It is driven by the demand for accommodation in the Pietermaritzburg area, which is home to the KwaZulu Natal provincial government.” The property is ideal for conferencing and banquets and allows for a variety of functions, catering for up to 250 delegates with many unique breakaway room facilities. Protea Hotel Hilton has 38 rooms and plans are under way for expanding the property. This is the second KZN property acquired by Protea this year, the other being Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge, which opened in July.

Simola reopens golf course

SIMOLA Hotel Country Club & Spa in Knysna has advised that the grass on its 18 new greens is growing well and that the golf course reopened on August 1. The course closed in April to allow the rebuilding and replanting of all the greens as well as to upgrade and flush out the drainage system of all the bunkers. New championship tees have been constructed on holes 14, 15 and 17 as well as a new ladies’ tee on hole number 2. To enhance the course, 1 000 new indigenous trees have been planted. The clubhouse has also undergone a minor upgrade with the inclusion of a 30-seater Club Cafe for golfers and visitors who are looking for a more relaxed environment to mingle in.

St Andrews Signature Hotel and Spa launched

Jobs jobs jobs jobs

Looking for a job? Go to page 11

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THE new five-star St Andrews Signature Hotel and Spa has been launched in Bedfordview, Johannesburg. The hotel has 32 rooms ranging from superior to business suites featuring fireplaces, air-conditioning, underfloor heating, plasma screens, TVs, and private balconies. The property has also been built with a ‘green’ philosophy, incorporating energy-saving fireplaces, motioncensored room lighting, a chemical-free pool and eco-friendly air-conditioning. For business groups, the hotel features personal business workstations in rooms, a business centre, 24-hour wireless Internet connection and boardrooms accommodating groups of up to 150 people. Other facilities include a restaurant, gym and spa.

Who flies to Bangui? *via Cotonou

Telephone: (011) 616 0636

www.interair.co.za

Visit us on TravelInfo or find our schedule in Amadeus, Galileo, Sabre, Worldspan. TNW3546SD

QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

NEWS

Emirates teams up with Virgin Blue Melody Brandon

38146/MH/E

MIRATES and Virgin Blue have teamed up to provide travellers a single-ticket option when flying to regional points in Australia. The Emirates Visit Australia Pass allows attractively priced connections to 22 additional Australian destinations on Virgin Blue from all four Australian cities currently serviced by Emirates – Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. “Due to the sheer size of Australia, many visitors prefer to fly, rather than drive within the country. With the Emirates Visit Australia Pass our passengers will benefit from an increased reach, conveniently accessing 22 additional Australian gateways from our four online

points,” said Richard Vaughan, Emirates’ divisional senior vp: commercial operations worldwide. The pass must be issued in combination with return flights on Emirates to Australia on a single ticket. The international return journey must originate outside Australia and New Zealand. A minimum of two and a maximum of four domestic Virgin Blue flights can be combined with Emirates flights. Ticketing must be completed by March 31, 2010, and travel should conclude within the validity period of the international ticket. Interline passengers transiting through Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney will be provided free transfers between the domestic and international terminals. ■

Umhlanga Road Lodge opens

From Johannesburg to Gaborone, from Mafikeng to Klerksdorp,

Natalia Thomson

from Secunda to Southbroom and more, Peermont has

CITY Lodges’ Road Lodge Umhlanga Ridge has opened 43 of its 125 rooms. Developed at a cost of around R46m, the hotel will be fully operational by mid September. Situated on Medigate Road, directly opposite the existing City Lodge Umhlanga Ridge on the fountain circle, the hotel provides guests with access to the Gateway Shopping and Entertainment Complex and all of Umhlanga’s other businesses and leisure facilities.

to the point

“Our 168-room City Lodge Umhlanga Ridge, has been extremely well received by the market since it was opened in November 2003 and we believe there will be strong demand for Road Lodge Umhlanga Ridge from both business and leisure travellers,” says Clifford Ross, ce of City Lodge Hotels. Once the new hotel is opened, the City Lodge Hotels group will offer a total of 293 rooms at Umhlanga Ridge, giving it a dominant position in the area, with both hotels located within the Gateway precinct. ■

a range of hotel brands ideally suited for the discerning business

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location of the 5-star D’oreale Grande at Emperors Palace to the chic and affordable new Metcourt hotels all over South Africa and Botswana, we offer you a welcome alternative to chains. At Peermont resorts, you get an amazing array of dining, entertainment and meeting options that no city hotel can offer. At a Peermont resort you can have it all fine dining, live shows, great casino action or just a productive retreat in our wifi business

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centres. With convenient shuttle services, flight-time displays, and multi-lingual hosts, doing business need never be difficult again.

Protea Hotel Fire and Ice is undergoing major renovations with an entirely new section to open in October. It will feature a swimming pool, deck area, Zen garden and bar. Also new are a gym, an Internet centre, extra parking, and three conference venues. The hotel is adding 79 superior rooms and 12 loft apartments and 24-hour room service will be available. The restaurant is also undergoing a refurbishment.

And the best news of all - discounted corporate rate agreements are available to reward loyalty and all customers get an additional 5% discount when booking on line. We look forward to welcoming you!

RELAXING STAYS. EXCITING TIMES.

FOR BOOKINGS AND DETAILS ON ANY PEERMONT HOTEL CONTACT YOUR LOCAL ASATA TRAVEL AGENT OR: CENTRAL RESERVATIONS: PEERMONT GROUP SALES: T: 0860 777 900 (within South Africa) T: +27 (0)11 557 0557 T: +27 11 557 0777 (International) F: +27 (0)11 463 6185 F: +27 (0) 11 557 0888 E-Mail: sales@peermont.com E-Mail: reservations@peermont.com YOU CAN ALSO FIND US ON GDS SYSTEMS

Website: www.peermont.com

peermont supports the national responsible gambling programme. problem gambling toll-free helpline 0800 006 008. players must be 18 years or older. winners know when to stop. TNW3558SD

QUICK READ FOR busiest people

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Wednesday August 19 2009 n 7

NEWS

SAA info on-the-go Jeanette Phillips

AA has introduced a mobile portal for passengers travelling on the airline through a Star Alliance-developed Common IT Mobile Platform. The portal allows passengers to access information including flight schedules, directions to lounges at airports, flight arrival and departure information and destination information such as weather forecasts for any city in the world. A currency converter is also available. Passengers can also access World Tracer information, which tracks requests made about lost baggage through the mobile portal. The tool allows passengers to track the status of a missing bag. The portal is accessible at http://mobile.flysaa.com or http://m.flysaa.com and is available in five languages – English, German, Spanish, French and Portuguese. The first phase of the

initiative is not controlled by usernames and passwords. Once the address is entered, the information needed is readily available through a few clicks and entries. The application also automatically scales to the size of the handset being used. SAA plans to increase the functionality of the mobile portal with the launch of phase two later this year, which is more interactive. Customers will have the ability to request frequent flyer mileage status, check notifications on any irregular flight operations e.g. flight delays, and check flight itineraries. In phase three, also scheduled for the end of the year, customers will be able to check in for a flight and board by scanning their cellphone at a boarding gate using 2D barcode technology to be implemented at airports. SAA is the first airline in Africa to have launched the new service. ■

Sublime Santhiya! Santhiya Resort and Spa on Thailand’s Koh Phangnan has opened its Santhiya Supreme Deluxe building comprising 20 new rooms. A new restaurant will also be unveiled soon. Santhiya offers sea views or private gardens and is set on a mountain a short walk from the beach. The resort has 94 accommodation units, ranging from hillside de-luxe rooms to suites and pool villas. The resort can be reached from Bangkok by a short flight to Koh Samui and a 30-minute speedboat ride to Koh Phangnan. Other facilities include the Chantara restaurant offering Thai cuisine, and Mahkok-Wine for light meals and wines. In addition, there is Sea & Bar located along the beach and an Ayurvana Spa including Jacuzzi, steam room, showers and aromatherapy treatment rooms. Holiday Tours is now offering packages to Santhiya from R13 190pps excluding R1 350 airport taxes. The package includes return flights on Cathay Pacific, four nights at Santhiya, airport transfers, land and boat transfers, prepayable airport taxes and fuel levies. Also included are three nights’ accommodation at the four-star Impiana Resort & Spa in Koh Samui

Business meeting in just one hour

Take advantage of the richness of Francistown’s booming mining industry. An affordable business trip that’s worth while all from only R1200 (return excluding tax) from Johannesburg to Francistown. Central Reservations - Tel: (+267) 395 1921/390 5500. Fax: (+267) 395 3928. Johannesburg Reservations - Tel: (+27) 11 390 3070/1/2/3

www.airbotswana.co.bw 8 n Wednesday August 19 2009

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QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

NEWS

Where in the world is...? Natalia Thomson

HEN disaster strikes, wouldn’t you like to know if your client has been affected? Endorsed by Asata, the Registration of South Africans Abroad (or ROSA) programme, developed by the SA Department of International Relations and Cooperation, allows your clients to register online and qualify for assistance in the event of an emergency when travelling abroad.

The registration is a free, voluntary service provided by the government and is only available to South African citizens who are travelling, living, studying or working abroad. Through the department’s missions abroad, South Africans who have become victims of crime, accidents, illness, death, natural or manmade disasters or civil unrest, have been assisted. Dr A Ntsaluba, directorgeneral of the department, says by registering their trip

online with ROSA, travellers will assist the department to locate them during an emergency, verifying their status and liaising with their next of kin. “Registration is voluntary and free of charge. We encourage travellers to consider registration as an integral part of their travel planning and security.” The information on ROSA is only accessed by the department during a declared consular emergency.

How do your clients register?

● The ROSA software is an online registration process available on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation website. The address is http://www.dfa.gov.za/consular/index.html ● Click on the Registration of South Africans Abroad (ROSA) button and follow the easy steps. ● The software allows participants to: register as an individual traveller; register as group travellers; register multiple destinations; update their profiles (individual or group) and de-register their profile from the system. ■

Booking Etihad? Book soon! Melody Brandon AS the holy month of Ramadan draws closer, Etihad Airways is already reporting record passenger numbers. The airline reported that it had enjoyed its busiest month ever in July with more than 616 000 passengers flying, a 9% increase on passenger numbers for July 2008.

“The record-breaking passenger numbers we have experienced in July demonstrate that, despite the current economic challenges, Etihad continues to attract high volumes of traffic across all three cabins on our global network of more than 50 destinations,” said chief executive, James Hogan. Etihad introduced three new destinations in June

– Larnaca (Cyprus), Athens and Istanbul. The airline plans to expand its network in September with non-stop flights from Abu Dhabi to Chicago and Cape Town. With high passenger numbers set to continue into August and Ramadan also expected to begin, Etihad is advising customers to book their travel soon to avoid disappointment. ■

Travelinfo,s Odilia da Mata selects the top specials from Travelinfo ● Rwandair Express is offering special fares ex-Johannesburg to Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya and Uganda from R3 990. Fares exclude taxes and are valid until September 30. ● Holiday Tours – special Disney package from R17 430 per person sharing. The rate includes return flight ex-Johannesburg to Orlando, Magic Express transfers, sevennights at Walt Disney World All Stars resort, a seven-day Walt Disney world Base ticket, unlimited use of the Disney transportation system, a Disney Dining Plan and pre-payable airport taxes and current fuel levies. Kids under eighteen stay free when sharing with adults. Valid from November 29 to December 13. ● Unusual Destinations is offering honeymoon specials in Mahé, Seychelles, from R8 155 per person. The rate includes return flights ex-Johannesburg, airport taxes, transfers, six nights’ accommodation with breakfast, a bottle of champagne and canapés on arrival, fruit platter, surprise gift and a 90-minute massage. Valid until October 31. ● Cruises International is offering an Oceania Cruises ‘Christmas Southern Cross’ cruise from Singapore to Sydney from US$2 250 (R18 187) per person sharing. The 18-day cruise includes on-board accommodation, meals and entertainment and departs December 20. Book by August 31.

AirHeads sponsored by Virgin Atlantic Airways Virgin launches global online community

VIRGIN Atlantic has launched a new website, vtravelled.com, to create a new global online community dedicated to people with a passion for travel. The website is designed to engage and inspire travellers and showcases destinations through personal insights, photography and editorial. It features guides to hundreds of cities beaches, ski resorts and national parks. Key features include Trip Pods, a tool to store and organise travel ideas and aspirations; Vtravelled bookmarker, where travellers can bookmark and store future travel ideas on vtravelled for future reference; Relevance, shows travellers how similar they are to fellow travellers on the site; Google maps; Photography – imagery to show the destination through the eyes of a fellow traveller and Eventful, real-time updates of the top 50 events happening in each destination.

Woolies meals for BA pax

BA COMAIR passengers travelling in economy class on its domestic and regional flights in Southern Africa will now be served Woolworths food. Dishes on the ‘Café Cloud’ menu include many of the favourites South Africans enjoy at home. From mid-September Woolworths tea and coffee will also be served. For breakfast, customers can look forward to omelettes, filled pancakes, Woolworths yoghurt, and fresh fruit salad or a muffin. For lunch and dinner there will be chicken and broccoli bake, chicken tikka, lasagne, cottage pie, and macaroni cheese served with a salad. Sandwiches will be served at snack times.

RwandAir extends JNB/KGL special fares

RWANDAIR has extended its special Johannesburg/Kigali/ Johannesburg fares until September 30. Fares are available from R3 990 for return services and from R2 790 for a one-way ticket in V-class. Infants pay only 10% of the adult fare, while children pay only 75%. Prices exclude taxes.

EY to launch Hyderabad service

ETIHAD Airways will boost its Indian network with the launch of non-stop flights from Abu Dhabi to Hyderabad in November. The service will initially operate four times a week until the beginning of 2010 when it will increase to daily. Etihad will operate a two-class A320 on the route configured with 20 seats in business class and 120 in economy class. The airline is currently also looking to secure further traffic rights from Abu Dhabi to other Indian cities, including Bangalore.

Speciapotls S

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QUICK READ FOR busiest people

Wednesday August 19 2009 n 9

Hong Kong Hong Kong – a popular stopover for travellers to the Far East – has a lot to offer tourists, much of which remains undiscovered, reports Natasha Tippel …

Sell it!

● South Africans don’t need a visa to visit Hong Kong for a stay of up to 30 days. ● There are no health requirements. ● Hong Kong has great public transport and taxis are readily available. ● It is conveniently located near Shenzen in mainland China, which is reachable by road (two hours) or rail (30 minutes). ● There are fantastic theme parks and attractions for the whole family. The pandas at the Ocean Park aquarium are fast becoming a big attraction. ● Hong Kong is great for shopping. The Hong Kong Shopping Festival runs until August 31. Travellers should keep a look out for shops and restaurants displaying the festival merchant sign. ● There is a huge range of restaurants serving Asian and western cuisine and standards are generally very high. Visitors should definitely try authentic Cantonese cuisine. ● Hong Kong’s nightlife is legendary and no visit to Hong Kong is complete without at least one night hitting the bars of Lan Kwai Fong and Wan Chai. ● Hong Kong hosts a variety of events throughout the year, one being the famous Hong Kong Sevens Rugby. ● Cathay Pacific’s fuel surcharges are often more reasonable than most carriers to the Far East, which encourages passengers to stop in the hub. Upsell and include a stopover package to Hong Kong!

A destination with great potential

HE recent economic woes and other Far East destinations that offer more value for money have meant many South African travellers are choosing to holiday in Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia rather than Hong Kong. But with a vibrant culture, unusual cuisine and state-of-the-art theme parks and attractions, the destination has great potential to draw tourists. David Ryan from Cathay Pacific, has noticed a decrease in travel. “Unfortunately, as with most of our destinations, travel to Hong Kong is down this year, particularly in the front-end.” Jèstelle Janse van Rensburg, a consultant at Lakeside Travel, also notes a definite decrease as a result of the current economic climate. “Travellers are cutting back due to this and travel is considered a ‘luxury’. A pity, as Hong Kong really does have a lot to offer.” Often seen as more of a stopover or business destination, Hong Kong has a lot to offer leisure travellers with many tours and activities available. “Hong Kong’s full potential has not been revealed,” says marketing manager of Dream Kist Tours, Tammy Pretorius. “With all the new developments and changes taking place in the country, there is still much to be discovered.” Thompsons Holidays’ product

and contract executive for the Far East, Wendy Goutier, says: “Hong Kong has a variety of tours available for clients, including a full-day tour to Guangzhou (Canton), a day tour to Macau, and an evening dinner and harbour cruise. Tourists can take a trip around the city on a ‘Ding Ding’ (a tram) or spend a day or two at Hong Kong Disneyland.” Sure Tours product manager Far East, Theresa Birtles, notes that Macau is an up and coming destination. David agrees: “Macau is just an hour’s ferry ride away and is a unique and interesting destination in its own right. It has a very different feel to Hong Kong and is definitely worth making a day trip to. “Hong Kong offers attractions for all types of travellers. If you are into shopping, Hong Kong Central has probably the highest concentration of top-end clothing shops in the world. There are also numerous markets, including the famous Stanley market, which offers a more authentically Asian shopping experience.” Branch manager of STA Travel, Zubaydah Hendricks, believes Hong Kong is a dream holiday destination. “Everything about Hong Kong screams ‘holiday’! Every night there is a Symphony of Lights show where many of the buildings on Hong Kong Island are lit up in different colours, the lights dancing in time with the music.”

Did you know? Ninety per cent of the destination is national parkland? Tourists can enjoy great hikes in the New Territories and on Hong Kong Island itself. 10 n Wednesday August 19 2009

Dim sum (‘touch the heart’) is the quintessential Hong Kong eating experience featuring an incredible variety of dumplings, buns, pastries and soups served at breakfast or lunch

Spotted! Lakeside Travel consultant, Jèstelle Janse van Rensburg, mingles with the locals at Hong Kong Disneyland

Expansion plans for Hong Kong Disneyland HONG Kong Disneyland has announced plans to expand the resort, including three new theme areas. The new areas, Grizzly Trail, Mystic Point, and Toy Story Land, will use state-of-the-art technology and innovations to bring new storytelling experiences to life, many of which will be unique to the Hong Kong resort. The three new themed

areas will also provide unique venues for corporate events. Resort management says that the construction of the new expansion areas will not impact on regular theme park operations. The three new areas will bring the total number of attractions, entertainment and interactive experiences at the resort to over 100 by 2014.

The Hong Kong Department of Health has

ash! implemented a smoking ban at all bars, ews fl

clubs, night-clubs, bathhouses, massage establishments and mahjong-tin kau premises.

A2Btransfers.com launches Hong Kong product A2Btransfers.com has launched transfers in Hong Kong due to a strong demand from clients in South Africa and the UK. The service offers airport, port, and hotel transfers. Tours can be organised on request. Passengers are transported in air-conditioned vehicles ranging from taxis and minibuses to shuttle services and coaches. A2B also plans to launch golf transfers this year, which will give clients access to top golf courses around

the globe. Meanwhile, the company is currently trialling an SMS return confirmation service, which enables the client to confirm their return transfer by SMS from their mobile phone. A2Btransfers.com provides travel agents with a comprehensive range of international transfers that can be booked online with instant online confirmation. Cancellations and amendments can also be done online.

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.

Appointments and resignations

■ After six years with Legend Lodges, Manuela

Snr VIP Consultant This is not a standard senior consultant role and candidates must have a proven record of having dealt with top VIP travelers. Will be providing a 24 hour exclusive service to an extremely affluent client base. Candidates must have strong travel consulting skills; be extremely well presented and able to visit clients at their offices/homes and have excellent up-market product knowledge and the ability to 'get the impossible'. Will be provided with laptop and 3G card. Salary negotiable but will be based on high basic and lucrative commission. Kati

Marietjie’s a winner!

Pallamar has resigned as the company’s group sales and marketing manager. ■ The Grace in Rosebank has appointed Lucky Sayiti as the new Gauteng sales executive for the hotel. Lucky has enjoyed a career for several years in the tourism and service industry, including airline and hotel sectors. Lurene Krone who previously held this position, has relocated to Cape Town where she represents The Grace in Rosebank in the Cape Town and Durban markets.

To advertise on this page contact Lana on 011 214 7313 or email lanas@nowmedia.co.za

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

She found him, named him DimPles and won R500 in shopping vouchers. Marietjie Smith from Harvey World Ontdekkers is the winner of Development Promotions’ competition where agents needed to look for its DP mascot on www.devprom. co.za and name him. Marietjie receives her prize from Eugene van Vrede, Development Promotions sales executive

Int/Snr Consultant – Hyde Park An initial six month contract with a view to permanent employment. Will be based in Hyde Park handling predominantly corporate travel, with off-spin leisure bookings. Will be handling mainly international and Africa bookings. Be part of an exciting new initiative. R7000/R12000 plus commission scheme. Kati Junior Travel Consultant - Sandton Small established agency affiliated to a large travel group requires a junior with minimum 1 years experience. Will be exposed to international travel and training and guidance will be given. 70% corporate, 30% leisure travel. Drivers license and own car essential. Tracey Call Centre Agent – E/Suburbs Highly reputable car rental company requires candidates with valid drivers licence and own car, plus previous call centre experience (does not have to be within the travel industry). Be part of a team servicing the public and agents. Kati

OPERATIONS MANAGER- West Rand Travel Management qual. 3+ years management exp. in Industry. Operations, Sales and Customer Relations Management, Process Service Delivery, Financial Management. Salary R25 000 CTC. Ann

SENIOR FIT/GROUPS CONSULTANTSandton Well spoken in English, Japanese or Italian. Plan and propose own Itineraries, handle entire package, close liaison with Client. Karen

NEW BUSINESS CONSULTANT- West Rand Well spoken English and Afrikaans Lady. Good communication skills with Sales Experience to bring in New Business. Salary R12 000 + Comm. and Cell Allowance. Ann

TRAVEL CONSULTANTS – All areas Positions available for leisure and corporate. At least 5 years experience in a consulting role. Proficiency in the use of either Amadeus or Galileo. Karen

SENIOR INCENTIVES ACCOUNT MANAGER- West Rand 5+ years Outbound IncentiveTravel Experience, plan and propose own Itineraries to Clients satisfaction.Must have travelled extensively. Good communication and organisational skills. Ann

INTERMEDIATE CONSULTANTRandburg 3+ years active selling retail exp. Galileo & Quicktrav. Work hand in hand with an ITC. Handle all aspects of travel up to full international. Large element of administration. Salary R7 500. Nono

Inbound Consulting with a difference! Play an important role within the marketing department of highly successful inbound travel company. Put together educationals for agents and media familiarisation trips. Based in Sandton. Tracey Senior Inbound Consultant – Sandton Your solid inbound skills will be greatly appreciated by this highly successful operation. An opportunity to thrive & flourish within this stable environment. Tracey Italian Inbound Consultant – Sandton If you are fluent in Italian and have inbound experience you are sought after! Join highly regarded inbound operator! Tracey BDM with a difference – Based Sandton This position entails business development for a very specialised field and only candidates with this specific experience should apply. Candidates must have called on associations with the view to handling their conferences/congresses. Previous experience handling this role is absolutely essential. The company is prepared to pay a very attractive package for this expertise. Kati

E mail: ann@pcs-sa.co.za nono@pcs-sa.co.za karen@pcs-sa.co.za

Personnel with the personal touch

New Business Sales Executive Emphasis is on establishing new business and candidates must have a proven track record. Will be calling on corporate companies. Will be employed on an initial 6 month contract with a view to a permanent position. Will be working for a highly regarded Managing Director with a solid reputation. R12000/R14000 plus lucrative commission, plus petrol and cell allowance. Kati

FINANCIAL MANAGER/ISANDO

Highly negotiable pacakage offered by Market Leader CORPORATE SAlES MANAGER/ for your B.Comm/equivalent and ability to lead ROSEBANK department of 45 people! Strong candidate to bring in new business

and service existing clients for progressive NATIONALcompany!! SALES MANAGER/ NORTHERN SUBURBS INTERMEDIATE WHOlESAlE Hands on position with total responsibility for Key Account Managers and Business CONSUlTANT/NORTHERN SUBURBS Wonderful opportunity well established Development with Managers! market leader!! BRAND MANAGER/ INTERMEDIATE INBOUND NORTHERN SUBURBS CONSUlTANT/FOURWAYS Person strong in Marketing invited to join Utilise your Southern African experience leading Wholesaler! and work closer to home!!

Cargo Sales Executive – Based ORTIA International carrier requires a pro-active, self-motivated sales executive to drive the cargo side of the business. Previous cargo experience will be an advantage. Kati Pricing & Yield Manager Take responsibility for developing, maintaining and controlling dynamic pricing for top car rental company. Candidates must have pricing, fleet and yield management experience, strong analytical skills, good business acumen, and strong IT systems knowledge. Kati

INTERMEDIATE CONSUlTANT/ SENIOR CONSULTANT/BOKSBURG RANDBURG Join well established, friendly company and work Long established travel concern requires closer to home! your Corporate consulting experience Galileo essential!! Please Take Note of Our New Telephone TNW2048 TNW2048

No.: 011 704 4909

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

Manage Boutique Hotel - Centurion Manage a small, 6 roomed exclusive boutique hotel. Responsibilities include managing the front office, bar and kitchen. Relevant hospitality experience is required. Kati

TNW3413SD

lee botti & associates JOHANNESbURG

CAPE TOWN

INTERMEdIATE WHOLESALE CONSULTANT - NORTH Highly regarded tour operator with a reputation for excellence requires your sound wholesale expertise. Previous experience dealing with the USA market will be an added advantage. Make your mark with this dynamic team and reap the rewards! Competitive offer.

FINANCIAL MANAGER – TANZANIA

Feel like escaping it all to rough it out for a season? Superb luxury lodge operator requires top end Accountant to oversee full function of Financials! Lots of travel between SA and Tanzania. Dollar based salary plus 3 month living allowance to help you settle in.

TNW4530

THIS WEEK’S TOP JObS CAPE TOWN bEACH bUM SPECIALIST - SOUTH

Off the beaten track high spend inbound operator that does elite beach holidays and more requires a guru on product & sales to join this close knit team. Your previous solid Southern Africa & Indian Ocean islands expertise is essential. Salary negotiable.

JOHANNESbURG

CAPE TOWN

dURbAN

SOUTH AFRICA CONSULTANT – NORTH

AbOVE PAR SENIOR – Cbd

INTERMEdIATE CONSULTANT!

Great opportunity to shine with this top notch operator! Your minimum 1 year’s experience selling South Africa as a destination will see you winning this one! If you are motivated and rearing to go and have had experience within a wholesale environment, call us now!

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

QUICK READ FOR busiest people

Elite online inbound Tour operator requires your electric ability to convert sales! Opportunity to work from home with all communication technology provided. Solid previous track record essential. If you’re confidently the best at your game, then this is your next best move! Salary negotiable.

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

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

Live the high life! Sought-after agency with vibrant, energetic team! Your expertise in handling domestic & international reservations for demanding corporate clientele is highly desirable. At least 4-5 years experience required, along with good working knowledge of the Galileo system.

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

Snr Creditors Clerk – E/Suburbs Highly reputable operation requires your strong creditors expertise. Be part of this very successful agency handling the full creditors function, based within a busy and dynamic accounts department. Your expertise will be well rewarded! Tracey Debtors Clerk – Cape Town Very successful tourism company requires a debtors clerk with 1 – 2 years experience and good MS Office skills. A junior role, with scope to develop further! Kati Bookkeeper – Sandton Report to the Financial Manager of highly regarded Tourism company. Will be responsible for the GL of a number of lodges; will prepare management accounts; intercompany loans, VAT returns and assist with completion of budgets. Accpac and advanced Excel is essential, with Tourplan and Quickbooks being an advantage. Tracey Snr Credit Controller – Cape Town Plan and coordinate daily activities of the Credit Control Team for large, highly successful travel company. Job description also includes executing debt collection processes; conducting age analysis; reconciling accounts and maintaining customer relationships. A minimum of 3 years supervisory experience within credit control will be appreciated. Tracey General Accounts – Bedfordview A varied job description. Min 2 years general accounts experience is what you need to join well known company. R8000/ R10000. Tracey

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

TNW0714

■ Robyn Chalmers, SAA head group corporate affairs has resigned after two years with the airline. A statement released by the airline said Robyn was to take up a “new role that offers new challenges, excitements and considerable career growth to her”. It is unclear at this stage what position she has accepted and no announcement has been made on who will take over the position. Robyn is expected to leave the airline in November.

SpecialiZed Travel perSonnel

Wednesday August 19 2009 n 11

TNW NEWS Death of the incentive? From page 1 Matthew Fubbs, looks forward to a more legal and binding rule regarding incentives; one that ultimately benefits the consumer. “We believe that our incentives are designed to complement the demand created through our marketing to the consumer and the travel agent, and secondly to

brought to you by

reward the travel consultant with the opportunity to experience the very product she or he is selling. “The concept of allowing client choice is not new, and it is pivotal to the future survival of both the retailer and the wholesaler in the travel industry. “Sell what you know, but remember to give the client what they truly asked for.” ■

eTNW and TRAVELINFO

Economics first, environment second To what extent are SA travellers concerned about green travel? ■ Always 0% ■ Most of the time 1% ■ Occasionally 12% ■ Hardly ever 47% ■ Never 40%

What are you truly worth? Hilka Birns reports on a new Asata initiative to brainstorm with the travel industry why it is important to use a travel agent.

SATA ceo, Robyn Christie, is inviting all consultants to participate in a ‘Value Forum’ aimed at brainstorming the true value of Asata travel agents. Consultants are invited to either phone or email Robyn to indicate that they would like to participate in the forum, which will be held in Johannesburg on an as yet undecided date. Consultants who want to get involved but cannot attend the forum, are invited to email their suggestions to Robyn. She says if the first forum is successful, similar brainstorming sessions will be held around the country and on a continuing basis. Robyn foresees the results of the Value Forum being filtered through to corporate clients so they may better appreciate the true value of their travel agents, while the results may also be used in future media campaigns. The idea for the forum follows a

panel discussion about the value (or not) of travel agents and travel management companies (TMCs) hosted by the travel buyer-led Institute of Travel Management Southern Africa (ITMSA) in Johannesburg recently. This is in light of the growing trend among companies to take control of their own travel requirements in order to cut costs in hard economic times. Robyn says what emerged was that travel agents are not selling themselves properly to their clients. “For corporates to set up their own travel agencies in these difficult economic times is a waste. “Their focus should be on their core business and they should be outsourcing more than ever before. We all know that we give value, but an educational process is needed. “I want to ask consultants: what does a travel agent do for his/her client; how can

we save money for them; what is good service; what are the benchmarks; what are you doing to protect your business? We’re not interested in the details of your corporate deals, but in the principles involved.” Robyn says the travel industry may have shot itself in the foot by becoming too transparent about the details of its override deals with suppliers, which should be of no concern to their corporate clients. “As long as they a have a good deal with you, they should have no claim over your deals with your suppliers.” Responding to some companies’ criticisms that traditional travel agents are not adapting to new Internetbased travel management models, she says: “The cost of Iata guarantees is going to drive them away from the traditional models and towards becoming more Internet savvy.” ■

BAA unveils plans for Heathrow T2 Melody Brandon

“I don’t think it is a big issue for my clients. They are normally very rushed to get the consultation over with and they don’t discuss green issues with me.” Branca de Azevedo, Seekers Lara Travel “I don’t think that the ‘green movement’ is strong enough to influence clients’ travel decisions, I think it will change in the future but clients need to be educated on the issue more.” Charmaine Higgins, Travel Counsellors “We have seen that clients are not willing to pay extra to fly on an airline that charges more to offset carbon emissions. It is definitely economics over environment. If airlines made contributions to carbon emission compulsory instead of voluntary, that might work, but generally people aren’t well educated on these issues.” Karen Ackhurst, Flight Centre eTravel assists senior Travel Consultants to realise their own potential and dreams. If you have ever dreamt of owning your own travel business then you should be calling eTravel. We run the back office for over 180 Independent Travel Companies and specialise in making your travel business a success. If you have a client base, 5 years retail experience, want to double your salary and run your own business then contact us, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is!

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

THE British Airports Authority has released details of the new £1bn (R13bn) Terminal 2 building at Heathrow, which will eventually house Star Alliance airlines. "The new Terminal 2 is part of a major programme of work already under way,” said BAA Heathrow coo, Mike Brown. The new building will emit 40% less carbon than the existing terminal. It will be built in two phases to minimise disruption following the demolition of the existing building and the Queen's Building. The first phase, which will see the creation of 185 000 sqm of floor space, is due to be completed in 2013. In the second phase the terminal will be extended into the existing Terminal 1 site. Phase two also includes the construction of a second satellite building, which will increase capacity to 30m passengers per year. T1 will close following the completion of phase two in 2019. ■

‘Tuck into this!’ Bridgette Ramuluvhana, kulula air brand manager, takes a bite out of the new Woolies food range now available on all kulula.com flights

to the point

☞

● Thompsons Holidays is offering you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to win a seat for the upcoming University of Argentina. Simply attend the informative presentation by a delegation from Argentina in Johannesburg on August 18, Durban on August 19 and Cape Town on August 20. Get hands-on knowledge of the destination! Visit Travelinfo’s Thompsons Holidays pages for further details.

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12 n Wednesday August 19 2009

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