Southern Africa’s Travel News Weekly
September 23 2009 I No. 2076
INSIDE
TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY
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news
Feature
How to
Air madagascar
airline alliances
Swipe away hidden costs
Operators slam flight cut
Who benefits most?
Linda Dempster gives her tips
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Stalemate!
Natalia Thomson reports on 11th-hour stay against financial guarantee deal...
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HERE was no signing on the dotted line when agent and airline representatives met at the recent APJC (Agency Programme Joint Council) meeting to discuss the highly controversial financial guarantee proposal for BSP ZA. The furore arose just a few weeks ago when agencies were informed about the APJC proposal for either a R250 000 or R500 000 flat guarantee to be applied across the board with the size of the guarantee varying according to agents’ payment cycles (see TNW issue September 2). But, says Asata ceo Robyn Christie, at first glance the proposal was not acceptable to industry. “We have argued that compared to other markets, BSP ZA is a relatively low-risk market.”
Robyn says Asata has now been given the opportunity to put forward a constructive counter proposal. “We received a lot of comment from our members and have a few proposals on the table but are waiting for legal advice on these.” APJC chairperson Avryl Gray says although talks around the financial guarantee have been ongoing for some time, this is the first time they have reached the stage where written proposals have been formulated. “At the moment we’re waiting for legal opinions so there’s no particular timeline on when a decision will be made. “Nothing can be decided in this market, we make recommendations. And we cannot put any proposal forward unless we get industry
buy-in first. So effectively we have reached a stalemate.” An Iata spokesperson told TNW that proposals for the APJC are not made to Iata. “Any agreements reached as to changes are strictly between the agents and the airlines. Iata merely implements any new changes or additions to the BSP and regulates the BSP accordingly.” Both Asata and Barsa (Board of Airline Representatives South Africa) recognise the need for financial guarantees. Extraordinary economic times, says Barsa ceo Allan Moore, require “extraordinary efforts” from suppliers and agents to protect business. “It is not unreasonable that Iata, and at the same time Asata, are looking to protect against costs that would make it onerous to operate.” ■
Local is lekker! Aiming for an awesome special? Travellers Choice has this great local special on offer at Dawsons Game and Trout Lodge in Badplaas valid until November 30. Including two nights’ accommodation sharing in a double or twin room, guests will have the choice of one activity per day from archery and quad biking to fishing. For more fantastic domestic specials, visit the Travellers Choice Travelinfo pages. Pictured here ready for target practice are (from left) Travellers Choice’s Jason Mclachlan and Marius Venter Photo: Tijana Huysamen
Nigerian embassy thwarts urgent visas Natalia Thomson SOUTH Africans travelling to Nigeria will have to plan ahead as new changes to the Nigerian visa application process thwart the issuing of urgent visas effective immediately. The changes apply only to
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the Pretoria-based Nigerian Embassy and no changes have been made to the application process at the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg which currently uses an online application process, but does not issue urgent visas. Although the online
application and payment system in place at the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has been in place for some time, agents and visa companies have been making use of the Pretoriabased Nigerian Embassy for urgent applications. Dale Weldhagen, Mass Visas
managing member, told TNW one of the main reasons the Pretoria office was being used to issue visas was because they were willing to issue an urgent visa (at an additional fee of R500). “Urgent visas are imperative to our business as we have corporate clients that need to travel to Nigeria
on very short notice.” “As Johannesburg only accepts applications on a Tuesday and Thursday, and do not offer an urgent issue service, we used Pretoria exclusively as we were able to obtain a visa in 24 hours any day of the week.” To page 2