local is lekker page 3 cx blocks ‘outside’ ticket...

TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

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SOUTHERN AFRICA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLYSeptember 25 2019 I No. 2562

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FEATURENEWSFLIGHT CENTRE

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Visit flysafair.co.za Or find us on Travelport,

Amadeus & Sabre under FA Email: [email protected] /

[email protected]

Customer Satisfaction Index

On-Time Performance

SOMETIMES NUMBERS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

August 2019

87%94% 95%

Agents who book their clients on Trafalgar’s 11-day Best of Portugal trip for 2020, before October 3, get 2019 prices – plus get an extra 10% off! Travellers will explore the religious landmarks of Fátima, Batalha and the Hieronymite Monastery, visit the Algarve and Alentejo, sample port wine in the Douro Valley, to name a few activities. Rates are from R29 980 and include accommodation with breakfast daily and four extra meals. Pictured: Lee Anne Naidu, reservations consultant at The Travel Corporation. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl

CX blocks ‘outside’ ticket sales for SAsArAh robertson

CATHAY Pacific and Cathay Dragon have ceased the sale of SOTO (Sold

Outside, Ticketed Outside) bookings to travel agents in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, eSwatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia.

Agents received a notification earlier this month of the cessation, effective August 1, with the airline attributing the move to “prevailing market circumstances” and to “align with developing trends”.

SOTO bookings are defined by Cathay Pacific as travel itineraries that do not feature South Africa. The airline explains that if an itinerary has a departure outside of South Africa, but includes Johannesburg or Cape Town as a destination, bookings will still be permitted.

“I can only see this as a move to restrict Cathay Pacific’s business in Africa and to push the agents away,” says Rene Toner, independent travel consultant. “I have clients I can no longer service. I certainly will not be visiting Cathay’s website to book internal tickets; that defeats the objective of booking on Amadeus and is

way too time consuming.” She adds that Cathay Pacific

only distributed a notification about ceasing SOTO ticketing on September 12, but the statement says the ruling came into effect on August 1.

“SOTO tickets are quite commonly booked, particularly when corporates want to make travel arrangements for clients in other parts of the world,” says md of Sure Viva Travel, David Pegg.

“The cessation of SOTO bookings will mean that agents will now have to book on the Internet in order to assist clients with these itineraries. This isn’t great as we lose a lot of control over the booking if made outside of the GDS,” explains Pegg, who feels that the ticketing restriction may lead to Cathay Pacific losing market share to other airlines who still offer the option to trade.

Travel director of Marmalade Toast Bespoke Travel, David van den Heever-Liebenberg,

agrees saying that the forced channelling of bookings away from the GDS will result in a lack of high touch-control that will hinder an agent’s service delivery to its clients.

Van den Heever-Liebenberg has a number of clients in Asia and Australia and has been using Cathay Pacific for their bookings regularly. The move is causing him to reconsider booking the airline.

He says that while Cathay is claiming that the move is intended to “align with developing trends” he isn’t aware of any other carriers who have implemented this in the SA market.

“In fact I find this to be contrary to developing trends. In this cut-throat world, why would any principal supplier restrict sales of any nature?” says van den Heever-Liebenberg.

When TNW contacted the airline to ask for the motivation behind the change, a spokesperson from Cathay Pacific said: “Our partnership with travel agents allows us to work closely and seamlessly with them. We would like to inform the trade that the agents can still book SOTO tickets in South Africa whereby the destination is either Cape Town or Johannesburg.”

“I can only see this as a move to restrict Cathay

Pacific’s business in Africa and to push the

agents away,”

Travel like it’s 2019

Give us more time!deenA robinson

THE Southern African Agency Programme Joint Council (APJC) has written to the Passenger Agency Conference (PAConf) to request an extension on Iata’s controversial decision

to remove BSP monthly remittance, giving agents until April next year to comply. The deadline is currently December 31.

This was confirmed at the Asata Travel Summit, which was held on September 12

To page 2

FEATURE

UK

2 n Wednesday September 25 2019 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

NEWS

Rubes® By Leigh Rubin

Phone: (011) 327-4062 Fax: (011) 327-4094 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.nowmedia.co.za Address: Now Media Centre, 32 Fricker Road, Illovo Boulevard, Illovo, Johannesburg. PO Box 55251, Northlands, 2116, South Africa.

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EDITORIAL Managing Editor: Natasha Schmidt [email protected] Journalists: Sarah Robertson Deena Robinson Amogela Modise

Photographer: Shannon Van Zyl Production Editor: Ann Braun

PUBLISHER Natasha Schmidt [email protected]

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With 21 weekly flights from Johannesburg and 12 weekly flights from Cape Town, no other airline flies you to Nairobi as often as we do offering more flight options with seamless connectivity to Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the United States.

Book your flight today.

Visit kenya-airways.com or call us on 010 205 0000 for more information.

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33 weekly departures from South Africa to Nairobi, Kenya

ATO Maldives charter flights go ad hocSarah robertSon

ATO (Air Tour Operators) has reintroduced its direct charter flights

on SAA to the Maldives this month but the advertised schedules indicate that flights are operating on an ad hoc basis rather than a confirmed weekly schedule.

After a “successful launch period” in December and January, ATO signed a new agreement with SAA to resume regular, once-weekly flights to Gan International Airport, between April 21 and January 31, 2020, cutting flying time from Johannesburg to Maldives down to 6 hours and 50 minutes.

However, in June when TNW followed up with md of ATO Tours, Keith Gow, it was confirmed that the flights had

been temporarily suspended due to low load factors. Keith cited uncertainty in the industry during the lead-up to elections as a reason for this and advised that the flights were expected to resume in September.

The ATO website currently advertises set departures for seven-night packages on September 22, November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 28 and on January 4 and 11.

An ITC, who wished to remain anonymous, said that she was concerned about the

number of flight cancellations and said she was “hanging ten” before making any further bookings.

However, Keith says the market has turned in ATO’s favour. He says the operator is receiving a large number of enquiries from the public and he expects to have paid out over R10 million in commission to the trade by the end of January for packages to the Maldives.

“The flights are filling quickly, with our September 22 flight operating at 100% capacity. We are also offering eight round-trip flights this December. On the days that our charter flights are not operating, we can also assist passengers with scheduled flight services on other carriers to the Maldives,” adds Keith.

Give us more time!

at the Sandton Convention Centre.

The decision to extend is expected to be made after PAConf in October. Meanwhile, agents must endeavour to work to the current deadline of December 31, said ceo of Asata Otto de Vries.

“This extended time frame will give agents time to work with government and

corporate clients to improve their payment cycle, and make the move from extending credit to using corporate cards or lodge travel cards,” says Janet Aldworth, md of Sure Voyager Travel and the agent representative on the APJC.

The removal of BSP monthly remittance and its impact on payments was a key topic of discussion at the Asata

Travel Summit. The removal of monthly

remittance is expected to drastically change how both corporate and government travel agents do business as most corporate and government clients expect a 30-day account with their TMCs.

For more on Asata’s Travel Summit, see next week’s issue of TNW.

From page 1

“The flights are filling quickly, with our

September 22 flight operating at 100%

capacity.

For a FREE subscription to TNW contact Gladys on [email protected]

To the point

Ethiopian Airlines will launch a thrice-weekly service to Houston, Texas from December 16. The new flights will be operated via the airline’s West African hub in Lomé, Togo. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, flight number ET518 will depart from Addis Ababa at 08h30, arriving in Lomé at 11h20. At 12h40, ET518 will depart from Lomé, arriving in Houston at 20h20. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, return flight ET519 will depart from Houston at 16h00 and arrive in Lomé at 11h40 the next day. At 12h40, the aircraft will depart from Lomé, arriving in Addis Ababa at 21h00.

QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday September 25 2019 n 3

NEWS

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Air Mauritius Sports Ambassador, Grant Lottering, brings passion and purpose1. Tell us about your journey as the Air Mauritius Sports Ambassador? I became the sport ambassador for Air Mauritius in 2017, ahead of my attempt at “The world’s toughest solo fundraising ride” in July 2017 in the French Alps. Unfortunately I was forced to abandon my attempt due to hypothermia after only 409km and 20 hours of riding.

2. Tell us why you associate with the brand Air Mauritius? It was and remains an honour to be the sport ambassador for Air Mauritius. The essence of my annual solo fundraising rides known as ‘Im’possible Tours’ is to inspire, challenge, and be relevant. To date my tours have reached over 33m people, I have shared my story ‘From death to the top of the Alps’ in 11 countries and raised over R2,2m for underprivileged children in South Africa. I have had to overcome incredible odds in these short 6 years. However I have persisted, become more resilient and determined, and achieved amazing success in the midst of difficult and trying circumstances which included 10 surgeries, and cancer.

Air Mauritius started with 2 planes and 1 weekly flight, against massive competition, surviving trying times in the industry while continuing to grow as a global airline, now flying daily direct flight from JNB, four weekly flights from Durban, and two per week, ex-CPT. So as a sportsman and an airline, we have many similarities in terms of overcoming and achieving, and literally reinventing ourselves.

3. What inspires you every day? The gift of being alive, having my health, and being able to make a substantial difference in children’s and other people’s lives. Knowing there is always someone else worse off than me reminds

me to focus on making a difference, rather than complaining.

4. Being an Air Mauritius Ambassador means you enjoy travelling. What are your favourite destinations? I absolutely love France (especially the French Alps and Pyrenees), Belgium and Holland, particularly as I raced there as a professional early in my career. I love to experience the towns and villages.

Mauritius is the only paradise island I have ever been to. It’s a magical place, easy to get to with Air Mauritius’s direct flights from SA, and it’s very affordable to relax on the beaches, or take

to the incredible mountain bike trails, and experience the local people, culture and villages.

5. What are your aspirations in the medium term? My annual ‘Im’possible Tours’ (which many thousands follow on social media every year), are largely solo attempts. My vision is to grow The ‘Im’possible Tour’ into a global annual fundraiser involving other participants. This vision will become reality in 2020.

6. What do you love most about Air Mauritius SA and what they do? I have come to know Air Mauritius SA as a company with a heart, with a passion to provide customers with world-class service, and with an unquestionable spirit of excellence. They are also extremely active

with charitable work and are a highly responsible Corporate Social Investment organisation. Most of all I love the people - they live the brand, they love people and their passion is contagious!

7. As a Brand Ambassador, why is it so important to give back to make a difference in the lives of others? It comes down to what you will be remembered for. Your relevance will continue with those you impacted through your fundraising and charitable work. It’s as simple as that.

8. Is there anything else you would like to share with the Travel Industry? Millions of people travel either to go and watch sport, or to participate. Having travelled extensively with my bikes for years, I can confidently say Air Mauritius truly embraces sport by offering the most generous sports equipment allowance of any airline I have travelled with.

Advertisement

From left: Brand ambassador - Jonathan Boynton-Lee, regional manager - Carla da Silva and new sports ambassador - Grant Lottering.

Your clients can enjoy the magic of Europe by train this Christmas with Austria Connection. The tour operator is offering a special on its ‘Christmas Market Tour by Train’, which visits Vienna, Salzburg and Munich and includes seven nights with breakfast, city tours and train tickets from €710 (R11 500) pp. Pictured, getting festive, is Inge Dobihal, owner of Austria Connection. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl

Christmas is coming!

Flight Centre gets localSarah robertSon

FLIGHT Centre has partnered with SA Tourism to promote domestic

tourism to first time travellers. The group has launched

a web series called Hamba Nathi, which it says is an industry first for a travel retailer in South Africa.

The series, which will be available on Flight Centre South Africa’s YouTube channel, will feature the journeys of three young South African influencers travelling for the first time. It is an effort to “localise” the Flight Centre brand and bring

travel to the forefront of the mind of the South African consumer, says Flight Centre’s leader of emerging markets, Lance Nkwe, who is responsible for putting the project together. “The aim is to increase Flight Centre’s exposure with first time travellers rather than immediate sales conversion.” First time travellers often start off their travels with local trips, he adds.

The first season will consist of six episodes, each of which will focus on a particular destination. The content will also address “first time travel hacks” such as: what

documentation is needed when travelling locally, what do travellers need in order to hire a car, how soon guests can check in to their hotel room, and how early travellers need to arrive at the airport.

“Most episodes will be set in South Africa where we have been able to showcase a number of SA Tourism ‘hidden gems’,” says Lance.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to speak to the youth of South Africa and to showcase how exciting it is to travel,” says Flight Centre’s gm of product and marketing, Sue Garrett at the launch event.

LH, OS – pay to pre-seatLUFTHANSA and Austrian Airlines have introduced an advance seating reservation fee for premium economy class. The fee depends on the length of the flight and is between €35 (R570) and €55 (R896) per flight.

The change applies to tickets issued after September 18. For group bookings and passengers with HON and Senator status, seat reservations will remain free of charge. Seat selection at check-in, 23

hours before departure will also remain free of charge.

There was previously no fee for advance-seat reservations in premium economy. A fee is already in place for bookings in economy class.


Mozambique

With more airlift and improved highway infrastructure, Mozambique should be on the radar for South African travellers. Tessa Marsh investigates.

The not-so-long and winding road…

THE new Mozambique highway, which opened in November

last year, as well as the opening of Africa’s longest suspension bridge, the Maputo-Catembe bridge, has improved travel time between Maputo and Kosi Bay and several popular southern Mozambique tourist spots.

Nikki Wiedemann, a representative of The Best of Mozambique, a collaboration of four- and five-star hotels and eco lodges working together to promote Mozambique, says travel time from Maputo to White Pearl Resorts in Ponta Mamoli is now 90 minutes and from Maputo to Kosi Bay is approximately two hours. She says Anvil

Bay and White Pearl Resorts, both in southern Mozambique, have seen a steady increase in self-drive options for the local Mozambique community. “The self-drive South Africans, however, continue to enter Mozambique through Kosi Bay to visit southern Mozambique.”

Quick transfersNikki adds that agents are motivated to sell southern Mozambique as the transfer time from Maputo International has been reduced from three to four hours to 90 minutes. “Guests prefer to spend less time travelling so that they have more time to spend at their final destination.”

There has been a slight increase in interest for self-drive, generally from keen fishermen towing their boats and holiday-makers towing trailers and four wheelers up north to Bilene or Inhambane, says Carla Fernandes, sales and marketing manager of Southern Sun Maputo.

Significant differenceNatalie Tenzer-Silva, director of Dana Tours, says while she does not receive many requests for self-drive options due to long distances between destinations, the bridge and road have made a significant difference. “Ponta do Ouro, a popular diving destination for South African tourists, has had an enormous

number of visitors as a result. Generally most visitors doing self-drive don’t venture beyond Inhambane province.”

The Kosi Bay border is 630km from Johannesburg and 460km from Durban and is open seven days a week. Visitors entering at the Ressano Garcia border post can also travel to Ponta do Ouro on tar via Boane and Bela Vista. However, the tar road ends at the beginning of Ponta do Ouro town.

From that point on the roads are in poor condition and a 4x4 vehicle is required. While plans are in the pipeline to build a park-and-ride facility at the end of the tar road, it is yet to be completed.

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“Ponta do Ouro, a popular diving

destination for South African tourists, has had an enormous

number of visitors.” Natalie Tenzer-Silva

The Maputo Catembe Bridge in Mozambique, Africa’s longest suspension bridge.


MOZAMBIQUE

Cruise pax taste MozambiqueMSC Orchestra will make her maiden voyage to Africa and cruise in Southern African waters, including stops in Mozambique from November 17 to April 14, 2020.

Ross Volk, md of MSC Cruises South Africa, says the ship is the same size and class as MSC Musica, which visited South African shores for the first time in 2018 and will be returning late next year. “These two ships are the largest and most luxurious ships that

MSC Cruises has brought to South Africa,” he says.

MSC Orchestra can host 3 223 passengers in 1 275 cabins and has four restaurants offering buffet to fine dining, and eight indoor bars, three of which have live music and a dance floor. Children are well catered for at any of the four children’s clubs, ranging from Baby to Teen Clubs. “Besides enjoying a show at the Covent Garden Theatre, passengers can make use of the fully

equipped gym and sports centre or relax in the MSC Aurea Spa, an authentic Balinese spa,” says Ross.

MSC Orchestra’s Mozambique itineraries for the upcoming season include 14 sailings from Durban to Portuguese Island – a three-night cruise – and 11 sailings from Durban to Pomene – a four-night cruise. The ship will also do five sailings from Durban to both Portuguese Island and Pomene, which is a five-night cruise. For both Pomene and Portuguese Island, activities include snorkelling, cultural tours and sea kayaking. MSC Orchestra will also

cruise to Cape Town, Mauritius, Walvis Bay, Lüderitz and Port Elizabeth.

Ross says conference cruising is an important market for MSC Cruises and its offering is actively promoted to corporate travel agents and conference organisers. “Conferences on board a ship offer a premium experience, yet also offer good value as fares include accommodation, all meals, entertainment and conferencing facilities.”

MSC Orchestra has five meeting rooms, the biggest of which can host 1 240 guests. “There is a wide range of options available,

both in terms of budget and experiences, so companies are able to create tailor-made packages.

“Group bookings of more than 12 cabins qualify for a reduced rate. Groups also get one free cruise fare for every 23 guests booked. This is limited to a maximum of 10 free cruise fares per booking. All MSC Cruises’ fares are commissionable at attractive rates. Conference bookings are a great way for agents to increase their earnings. Agents can earn additional commission by upselling cabins and promoting pre-paid packages,” says Ross.

MSC Orchestra. Photo: MSC Cruises

MSC Orchestra Acapulco Pool Area. Photo: MSC Cruises

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Operated by Solenta Aviation Mozambique and Codeshare Partner Linhas aereas de Mocambique (LAM)


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MOZAMBIQUE

New villas at Polana POLANA Serena Hotel in Maputo has opened its new private villas, Villa Mar, aimed at business travellers on long stays and leisure travellers wanting a romantic or quiet getaway. Karin Sieberhagen, Serena Hotels, Lodges and Resorts’ SA sales and marketing manager, says Villa Mar has eight one- and two-bedroomed independent villas offering views of the Indian Ocean.

She says the villas include an open-plan living and dining area connected to a kitchenette. The master bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and dressing rooms.

“Each villa also has a patio that leads to an outdoor, shaded seating and dining area, and a

secluded garden. Security and dedicated parking slots will be available for all guests. The villas were designed with complete privacy as the objective,” she says.

Facilities include 24-hour room service, the Maisha Health Club, complimentary Wifi access and basic housekeeping.

“We also have several special Polana benefits on offer that include a 15% discount on food and beverage, 20% discount on buffet breakfast at Varanda, the all-day-dining restaurant, 15% discount on spa treatments and merchandise, 20% discount on laundry and dry-cleaning services, and special negotiated rates for catering services,” says Karin.

Mozambique tourism weathers the stormEARLIER this year, two cyclones left a devastating trail of damage and destruction in the country.

Cyclone Idai affected Sofala, Zambezia, Tete, Manica and Inhambane provinces, with Beira, in the Sofala province, having experienced the brunt of the storm. Beira is not considered a tourist hub.

Six weeks after Cyclone Idai, the even more devastating Cyclone Kenneth made landfall in northern Mozambique between the districts of Macomia and Mocimboa da Praia in Cabo Delgado province.

PriorityMozambique’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Silva Armando Dunduro, released a statement in May saying while the country was still trying to recover from these two natural disasters, tourism was of utmost importance for Mozambique and special attention would be given to the priority destinations defined by the government, which included Maputo city and Maputo Province, Vilanculos and Bazaruto Archipelago, Gorongosa, Ilha de Moçambique (Mozambique Island), the Quirimbas Archipelago,

with extension to Lake Niassa, and Cabo Delgado and Niassa provinces.

“Fortunately,” says The Best of Mozambique’s Nikki Wiedemann, “both cyclones had minimal effect on tourism. The positive outcome has been that, with the help of the media, Mozambique has been put on the map and the outpouring of assistance from the world has been overwhelming. The long-term effects on the country and its people still require many months of repair and continued funds to restore it to a manageable existence.”

Nikki says although the cyclones have had life-changing effects on the country and its people, there should be no concern for tourists. “The tourism sector is fully operational and travellers can expect to continue to experience a country that offers an array of unique cultures and activities.”

Dana Tours’ Natalie Tenzer-Silva says the only effect on tourists was that some clients had to have itineraries shifted due to a delay in the opening of some areas, such as Gorongosa Park, which were closed for the rainy season when the cyclones hit.

The new Polana Villas. Photos: Serena Hotels


MOZAMBIQUE

More connections please!THE codeshare agreement announced in April by fastjet Mozambique and Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM) has meant increased flights on Beira, Quelimane and Tete routes.

Fastjet also offers daily flights from Maputo International Airport to Beira, Tete and Quelimane with its partner, Solenta Aviation Mozambique.

Under the agreement fastjet and LAM sell seats on each other’s flights on these routes using their respective airline codes. The fastjet group corporate communications representative told TNW the codeshare agreement provide both leisure and business travellers with more choices and ease of connections for a

more convenient travel experience.

Double-daily return flights between Maputo and Beira are now available, as is a daily frequency between Maputo and Quelimane. On the Maputo-Tete route there is an increase.

Despite the increased airlift, Dana Tours’ Natalie Tenzer-Silva says travel around Mozambique remains a challenge for agents selling the destination. “We need more flight connections with the tourism spots in the south, centre and north of the country. There are sufficient connections between major cities, but the tourism market requires flight connections between Vilanculos and Nampula and Inhambane

and Beira, for example, to be able to ensure more tour combinations. Currently tourists have to keep flying via Maputo to enable these combinations,” she says.

But the fastjet team says no new routes are currently on the fastjet Mozambique radar while the country recovers from the recent cyclones. “The group will remain focused on a flexible deployment model in Mozambique that is intended to stand fastjet in good stead. The company is now in a position to pursue geographic expansion by means of either a franchise, joint venture or owned-operation deployment. Importantly, the deployment model for a given country is not static and may change over time,” the team says.

Visas – what you need to knowTHE recent announcement of the increase in visa fees for Mozambique has resulted in confusion in the industry.

Nikki Wiedemann of The Best of Mozambique, says the confusion is mainly because the increase only applies to visas that are obtained at international embassies and consulates prior to travelling. “The cost of a visa obtained on arrival remains at US$50 (R761), subject to the exchange rate of the day. This has been confirmed at the Ressano Garcia border, Maputo and Vilanculos airports,” she says.

The cost of a single-entry visa obtained prior to arrival and valid for 30 days, has increased to US$100/€90 (R1 522), based on the local rate of MZN62,52. “Although the new prices have been issued, we have

received reports that the new rates have not yet been implemented by all the high commissions, embassies and consulates abroad,” she says.

Travellers planning to get a visa on arrival need to ensure their passport is valid for at least six months after departure from Mozambique and has a minimum of two empty pages. They also need confirmation of accommodation and onward flight tickets, and cash, preferably in new notes and small denominations.

On a positive note… The Mozambique Government is developing an online visa platform that will simplify and standardise the application process. When this will be complete is unclear at this stage.

Vilanculos beach sandbanks.

Spotlight on the northWHILE South Africans generally head to the south of Mozambique, the north offers gems that should not be missed. Ilha de Moçambique, Pemba, Nampula and the Quirimbas Islands are just a few of the spots worth including in an itinerary.

Trienke Lodewijk, owner of Nuarro Lodge in northern Mozambique, says the north is pristine, remote and truly an undiscovered gem. “The diving and snorkelling are world class.”

Pemba has an international airport with flights between Pemba and South Africa operated by several carriers, including SA Airlink, LAM, SAA, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines. “There are five

flights per week with Airlink from SA to Pemba, and six a week to Nampula. From Pemba and Nampula there are flight and road transfers to lodges, including Nuarro,” says Trienke.

As this issue went to press, TNW heard that Airlink will increase Johannesburg – Pemba frequencies from five per week to six, adding in a Tuesday flight, from September 24.

Most visitors head to Wimbe Beach, which is 5km east of Pemba’s downtown area. Also on most itineraries is a visit to Paquitequete, a township with a waterside fish market and iconic mosque, a cemetery, and a look-out point where visitors get a

view of the world’s third-largest natural harbour. Pemba is definitely one of Mozambique’s up-and-coming destinations.

Ilha de Moçambique (or Mozambique Island) is a Unesco World Heritage Site and for those who want to step back into history is the perfect destination. A flight to Lumbo Airport on the Nampula mainland is the fastest way to access the island. A 3km bridge connects the island to the mainland. Like Pemba it is a beach destination but also has historic buildings worth a visit.

While the journey to the Quirimbas Archipelago can be arduous, it is well worth the visit. A favourite amongst visitors is to hire a local dhow and explore.

Ilha de Moçambique.

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Eat – Play – Stay

[email protected]

Dar-es-Salaam Serena Hotel


UKThe UK remains one of South Africa’s most popular destinations despite the weak rand and uncertainty around Brexit. Sarah Robertson reports.

Saffers show UK the love

SOUTH African operators are reporting growth in

sales to the UK for 2019.The SA market appears

unaffected by the “Brexit- uncertainty”, which has caused a 2% drop in global arrivals between June and May 2019 compared with the previous year (according to VisitBritain).

“Brexit hasn’t affected bookings to the UK at all this year,” says Kirsty Rebelo, airline contracts and relationships manager of Flight Centre Travel Group. “Air sales are up 11% on the previous year and London continues to rank as one of our top destinations. The growth in sales has been driven by competitive pricing on the London route offered by direct carriers.”

From a land perspective, FCTG’s Anusya Papia, product manager for Indian Ocean Islands and Europe, also reports that the group has seen growth. “The UK remains our top European

destination and room nights have increased substantially compared with the previous year.”

“Sales are up after we introduced our second service on to the route in November last year and we continue to see demand for travel to the UK,” says Mandy Lerena, commercial manager of Virgin Atlantic in South Africa. “We have a mixture of both

corporate and leisure on the route.”

Bronwyn Strydom, marketing manager of The Travel Corporation, reports that its 2019 figures for trips to Britain and Ireland have increased by 7,8% year on year. While she agrees that there has been no drop in UK bookings that could be attributed to Brexit, she says many clients still opted to start multi-country European trips on continental Europe to avoid the additional visa costs for the UK.

Sarah-Jane Silburn, RwandAir’s sales manager for SA, says the airline’s UK route has not been significantly affected by Brexit. She told TNW Rwandair has seen “significant” growth in sales to the UK, especially over peak periods, on a route which attracts mostly leisure and VFS travellers who are seeking very good value for money.

“South Africans are resilient. We travel

regardless,” says Travel Vision reservation supervisor Venice Barris who confirmed that Travel Vision had also not been affected by Brexit.

Anusya says South Africans mostly look for historical and heritage tours, palace tours, London passes and theatre shows.

“Our top UK destinations are London, Manchester and Edinburgh,” says Kirsty, adding that its destination split to the UK is 70% leisure and 30% corporate.

London has a lot of corporate and ‘bleisure’ traffic as many companies have branches there, says British TIPS’ Susan Thesen.

“Edinburgh is a gateway for exploring Scotland, with the Festival and the Tattoo in August also attracting a lot of people,” adds Susan.

Manchester is popular as a gateway, agree Thompsons Holidays’

John Ridler and Serendipity Tours’ Karen Donkin. It has a good geographic location and is a popular fly-in point for LCCs offering cheap flights from Europe. They also agree that the city is a great springboard into central Britain.

Regardless of which team travellers support, agents and operators agree that London, Edinburgh and the ‘football capitals’ are the most popular UK destinations for South Africans.

The destinations are predominantly a four-star market, drawing a good mix of leisure, corporate and bleisure travellers.

Travel Vision has started selling football match tickets through its Joint Venture with Side Street Explorers. Venice says that tours of Liverpool’s Anfield stadium and Manchester’s Old Trafford stadium are very popular with South African football fans.

Mandy Lerena

Snowshill, Cotswolds.

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London – 4 Day City BreakFrom R19 545 ppsValid 1 October to 31 December 2019Included:• International airfare and taxes ex JNB.• 3 Nights accommodation in a centrally located 4* hotel with private facilities including breakfast.

• Private airport return transfers.• 3 Day London Leisure Pass with transport (includes entrances to more than 55 tourist attractions in London and underground transport).

• Ticket to London Eye (day 2 – time slots to be confirmed)• Service & VAT• T’s & C’s apply.


UK

Europamundo Vacations is offering a 13-day England, Scotland and Ireland tour from €1 865 (R30 180) pps. The tour visits London, Cambridge, York, Edinburgh, Inverness, Loch Ness, Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin, Killarney, Limerick, Liverpool, Stratford and Oxford. Included in the package are select transfers, basic travel insurance, breakfast daily, two dinners and various ticket admissions.

Book it!

A weekend in the CotswoldsTHIS picturesque area of ancient woodland, farmland and wildflower meadows is dotted with quaint cottages and country pubs.

“The Cotswolds are always popular and lovely year-round – the perfect destination for a self-drive itinerary and not too far from London,” says Thompsons Holidays’ John Ridler.

The area is an easily accessible part of rural England located only two hours from London and close to Bristol, Birmingham and Oxford.

Visit Britain recommends the following activities for a 48-hour visit to the area: Visitors can take a tour

of Prince Charles’ private residence – Highgrove House – and its organic gardens.

Travellers can browse for antiques and art in the historic town of Tetbury, famous for its traditional honey-coloured Cotswold stone houses and shops.

There is a farmer’s market to sample local cheese, sausages, mustard and other artisan goodies. The Stroud, Tetbury, Gloucester

and Cirencester markets are recommended.

Visitors can attend a prestigious polo match at the Beaufort Polo Club.

Tourists can immerse themselves in history with a visit to the Cirencester Amphitheatre – one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in Britain – and the Corinium Museum in town to view its collection of Roman relics.

Suggest a visit to the model village of Bourton-on-the-Water, a one-ninth-scale replica of the actual village containing miniature reproductions of landmarks such as the churches and old water mill.

The hilly Cotswolds are a walker’s paradise with over 3 000 miles of public footpaths, including the challenging 102-mile Cotswold Way meandering from Chipping Campden to Bath.

Visitors can enjoy a G&T at The Feathers in Woodstock, listed in the Guinness World Records Book for stocking more than 400 gins from around the world.

Virgin Atlantic charges a £35 (R635) fee for Advance Seating Assignment for the upper deck of its B747 aircraft. This charge is applicable to customers booking Economy Classic or Economy Light fares. Passengers can pre-assign seats through My Booking or by contacting the Virgin Atlantic Contact Centre. Travel agents are still able to assign seats for customers at the time of booking for passengers travelling in Upper Class, Premium or in Y and B booking classes in economy.

Did you know?

Next year’s tours at this year’s pricesTRAFALGAR is promoting its pre-sale offer until October 3, offering 2020 tour departures at 2019 prices with a 10% discount over and above this.

Trafalgar’s six-day Best of Devon and Cornwall tour is currently on sale from R18 270pps. Highlights include London, Windsor, Bath, Bristol, Dunster, Exmoor National Park, Lynmouth, Bideford, Tintagel,

Exeter, Plymouth, St. Ives, Dartmoor National Park, Stonehenge and Salisbury. The tour includes five nights’ accommodation, transportation as per itinerary, five full breakfasts, one lunch, two dinners and sightseeing as per the itinerary.

The eight-day Amazing Britain explores the rugged landscapes, the shimmering

lochs and ancient kingdoms of Scotland and England. It is currently on special from R23 220pps. The tour includes seven nights’ accommodation, seven breakfasts, one lunch, three dinners, transport and sightseeing as per itinerary. A Be My Guest highlight of the tour is a visit to a Cumbria farm to enjoy tea with Farmer John and his wife Christine.

Urquhart Castle sits beside Loch Ness in Scotland.

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021 202 [email protected] 011 289 8050 | [email protected]

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Eerie EdinburghEDINBURGH is a great place for clients who have an interest in the supernatural and fantastical.

The distant tune of a young piper who disappeared without a trace can still be heard from the walls of Edinburgh Castle itself, says a folk tale. This iconic building is also known for sightings of a headless drummer-boy ghost and visitors have reported sudden, spooky drops in temperature.

ITC Claire Hanley of Cheshire Cat Adventure Travels, recommends a tour of the Real Mary King’s Close in the warren of 17th century streets, homes and passageways beneath the Royal Mile. Visitors walk through scenes from 17th Century life to the sounds of squeaking rats.

“Abandoned Annie, the ghost of a crying girl who has lost her toy, is known to reach out and grab your hand in the darkness,” says Claire. She says visitors now bring toys for Annie, which are distributed to charity.

Claire also suggests a visit to The Elephant House coffee shop and Greyfriars Kirkyard, where JK Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books. It overlooks both the graveyard and a turreted school that was probably the inspiration for Hogwarts Castle. “Rowling probably spent a lot of time walking through the graveyard

for inspiration as many of the gravestone names feature in the books, including McGonagall and Moody,” says Claire.

The graveyard is famous as the location where the faithful Skye Terrier, Greyfriars Bobby, guarded the grave of his master for 14 years. The faithful dog is buried next to his master and immortalised in a statue on nearby George

IV Bridge.Claire says the spookiest

location she visited was the Niddry Street Vaults. The underground complex is a series of underground chambers beneath the South Bridge. Infamous Edinburgh citizens, the body snatchers Burke and Hare, are said to have stalked the vaults looking for victims.

“The first chamber is set up as a witch’s coven displaying pentagrams, chairs and altars. It is said that if you step into the stone circle in the middle of the third chamber you will die. A ghost dog haunts one corner of the chamber,” says Claire. She describes the middle chamber as the most terrifying. Guests are shown a little door on the far side of the chamber where a number of people are rumoured to have burnt to death. Claire says that some people in her group reported being able to smell the scent of burning flesh. She says she was relieved to be given a shot of whisky when she emerged from the chamber.

RwandAir is offering fares from Johannesburg to London, starting from R9 185 (including taxes), valid for travel from October 1 to 31 and from January 13 to April 1 next year.

Book it!

All aboard BritRailBRITRAIL passes, available from Thompsons Holidays, can make a difference to clients wanting to explore Britain by train.

A BritRail pass is an easy and cost-effective way for clients to simplify their travel around the UK, and help agents avoid the stress of sorting out individual bookings for every leg of the journey and sifting through timetables and multiple train companies. For a fixed price, the client can make unlimited train journeys,

either around the whole country or a region of their choice. Day passes cost from

£13 (R238), offering big savings compared with buying individual tickets.

Children travel free on most passes.

Free airport transfers are included on some passes.

Your client can walk straight onto the train without having to wait in line at the ticket office.

BritRail passes are only available to overseas visitors.

Travellers’ Tip

If your clients are renting a car in the UK, they can stretch their rands by planning their last trip to the airport via a Tescos or Morrisons, where they can fill up their petrol tank. The petrol sold by these chains is much more affordable than the price they will be charged if they allow the car rental company to fill the car.

“Abandoned Annie, the ghost of a crying girl

who has lost her toy, is known to reach out and

grab your hand.”

JOBSCOMMUNITYNEWSBirths, deaths, marriages, promotions – we want to know! Please fax or e-mail TNW’s Deena Robinson, at [email protected]


Appointments

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Our highly trained consultants have a combined experience of over 24 years in recruitment. We have a solid understanding of the travel industry and aim to source the best staff for all our clients.

We have an extensive database of experienced applicants looking for exciting new career opportunities. Please don’t hesitate to contact either Jean or Nono to assist with all your staffing needs.

We conduct :

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Pick of the week

These adverts were selected from the vacancy section of www.travelinfo.co.za To advertise contact [email protected]

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Senior Leisure Travel Consultant – JNBProfessional Career ServicesMinimum 10 years’ experience in dealing with leisure clients. International travel experience. Galileo. Afrikaans speaking an advantage. Email: [email protected]

Intermediate Sales Consultant – JNB, NorthProfessional Career ServicesMinimum 5+ years’ experience, luxury travel market. Southern Africa destination. FIT’s and tour series groups. Tourplan and Wetu. Email: [email protected]

Sales & Marketing Guru – CPTLee Botti & AssociatesA dynamic sales and marketing individual required for an inbound operator. Superb knowledge of South Africa and Tourplan. Salary R14-16K. Email: [email protected]

Experienced Bookkeeper – CPTLee Botti & AssociatesTertiary qualification and 5 years’ experience in a similar role required. Can adapt quickly and excellent attention to detail required. Salary: R15-20K. Email: [email protected]

It’s a New Year!

Ethiopian Airlines, along with the Ethiopian Embassy, celebrated the Ethiopian New Year with a special event at The Hilton, Sandton on September 13. Pictured enjoying the festivities is Abel Alemu, Ethiopian Airline’s Southern African regional manager.

TCs tackle the outdoors

Travel Counsellors Roslyn de la Hunt and Lize Roodt recently undertook a five-day, 90km hike through the Fish River Canyon in Namibia. Pictured here, from left, are Julian de la Hunt, Roslyn’s husband; Roslyn; Lize; and Jessica Nel, friend.

Beachcomber Tours recently hosted an educational to Mauritius, where agents visited the eight Beachcomber resorts on the island. Soaking up the sunshine at Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort and Spa are (from left) Lauren Blaine of Beachcomber Tours; Riana Hattingh of Jenny’s Travel; Marcia Moravec of Travel Counsellors; Mirinda Bosman of Postcard Moments; and Violet Haasbroek of Just Holidays.

Life’s a Beach

Anna Gauthier has been appointed director of sales and marketing for Sub-Saharan Africa at Minor Hotels. Anna will be responsible for leading the sales and marketing teams working on the hotel’s Anantara, Avani and HN brands in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands. Anna was previously director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Regency in Johannesburg.

Thulani Xhali has been appointed gm of Mercure South Africa. Thulani was previously director of Learning Companies in

the Netherlands. He holds a Masters of Science in International Hospitality and Service.

Ruan du Plessis has been appointed director of finance at The Westin Cape Town. Ruan was previously financial manager of Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays for five years. He was also financial manager at AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront.

Belinda Pereira has been appointed corporate business sales executive for Gauteng at Air Mauritius. Belinda comes from BCD Travel with years of key account management experience and will be looking after the corporate portfolios of the airline.

To advertise on this page email [email protected]

12 n Wednesday Septemb 25 2019 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

TNW NEWS

brought to you by eTNW and TRAVELINFO

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 200 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 travel consultant experience or already own your own business but want to make more, then contact us! You’ll be amazed at how easy it is!

Contact Tammy on 0861eTrave1 or [email protected]

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Yes Hard to say No

Last week, we asked our eTNW readers if applications for UK visas for South Africans are being declined more often.

UK snubs SA pax

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December moments at Sugar Beach

Contact World Leisure Holidays on 011 285 2500 for more info.

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Sugar Beach a Sun Resort

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Breaking ground on the new Radisson RED hotel in Rosebank are Radisson Hotel Group’s senior vp for Sub Saharan Africa, Andrew McLachlan; and regional director for Africa, William McIntyre. Photo: Amogela Modise

Rosebank gets REDAmogelA modise

THE Radisson Hotel Group has broken ground on the first Radisson RED hotel

in Johannesburg, the Radisson RED Hotel Johannesburg Rosebank.

The hotel is set to open on February 1, 2021 in the centre of the shopping district of Rosebank and walking distance from the Rosebank Gautrain Station.

It is the second RED hotel to open in South African, after

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, which opened on September 6.

The next Radisson RED will open in Durban, with plans to take the brand into Africa, namely Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Nairobi, Kenya; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Lagos, Nigeria; Accra, Ghana; Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire; and Dakar, Senegal.

The hotel in Rosebank will feature 222 rooms, an ‘all day dining’ Oui Bar & Ktchn and rooftop bar. It will also feature

pet-friendly facilities. “The hotel is perfect for

tech-savvy guests with a ‘millennial mindset’,” says Andrew McLachlan, Radisson Hotel Group senior vp of development for Sub-Saharan Africa. “The brand is appealing to guests who are young at heart. It’s a brand with an ‘on-the-move’ feel that targets busy customers who want flexible services, 24-hour facilities and easy, in-house access to fresh local entertainment,” he says.

Hello there, FoxysArAh robertson

WORLD Travel Collection has been appointed as the GSA for Red Fox Travel in South Africa.

Based in Bangkok and specialising in travel to Thailand and Vietnam, the DMC says it has identified South Africa as a growing market that it wants to break into.

“Our team’s primary focus will be to establish Red Fox’s presence in the South African market by engaging with medium-sized wholesale agents looking for product innovation and the ability to process bookings in real-time, paired with on-the-ground customer service in South East Asia,” says md of World Travel Collection, Christeen Tait.

Red Fox Travel offers a product range of over 10 000 hotels with real

time availability, including over 500 accommodation options across Thailand. It also offers budget and luxury ground transportation services, instant confirmation for activities, 24/7 customer service, and a multilingual team to assist agents.

It also boasts a meetings, incentives, conferences and events division and can assist with charters, educationals and special interest tours.

In addition to its tailor-made products, the operator offers a white-label booking solution with ongoing technical support for travel agents. This allows agents to create and manage their users, control their own mark-ups and process bookings through an online payment gateway, the operator says.

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