travel news weekly 7 october 09

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SOuTheRN AFRiCA’S TRAVeL NeWS WeeKLyOctober 7 2009 I No. 2078

Page 4Page 3

NEWSEducaTionaLs

Agents want more ‘experience’ of destinations

NEWSgrEEn shooTs for TravEL

Expect a last-minute rush

TRAVeL NeWS WeeKLy

rEporTinTo africa

Making the right connections

Page 7

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PREPARE to be ripped off! Price gouging over the 2010 Soccer World Cup

will be as much of a fixture as Bafana’s apparent inability to score a goal.

With less than a year before the event, allegations of price gouging are rife and the imbalance between supply and demand is seeing many travel industry players’ coffers lined at the expense of others.

XL Oceanair’s Liz Budge is one of many agents who have had quoted prices double after her clients showed interest. Liz adds that a

number of hotels are cutting commission after quoting with commission. “I took my clients, who had flown from Japan, to inspect the hotel they were interested in. I called to make the booking and a week later my booking still hadn’t been processed.

Massive increasesI was told that the price per

room had gone up from €220 (R2 367) to €440 (R4 742).”

Lydia de Beer, from Lydia’s Travel Zone in Pretoria says: “I received a lot of queries for accommodation, but the prices are ridiculous. The most recent quote I received asked for a rate of R2 400

per standard room per night. The usual rate is R1 250. It is great for those making money, but in the long run, it is going to reflect badly on South Africa. There are a number of hotels cutting commission after quoting with commission.”

While many agents are being forced to take a knock in commission and dealing with disgruntled clients, others are determined not to support unscrupulous vendors.

“I have decided not to be part of that and am only dealing with providers who offer reasonable prices. I will try my hardest not to

The 2010 ‘rip off’ has kicked off

Jeanette PhilliPs

STARTING in March, Air France will make history as the first airline to

introduce a scheduled A380 service to OR Tambo.

With the introduction of the winter schedule, starting October 25, the Johannesburg service will initially be reduced from 14 to 11 weekly flights. When the A380 is introduced in March, flights will be reduced to seven a week.

Other long-haul routes affected by cuts will include

New York and Dubai.The airline, however,

reiterated that there would not be a change in seat availability on these routes, including Johannesburg, as a result of the arrival of the A380.

“Frequencies from Paris-Charles de Gaulle will be adjusted on the busiest routes, without impairing the ‘quality’ of connections with long-haul flights, so as to use larger capacity aircraft which are more cost efficient,” the airline said in a statement.

Emirates says it now has

five A380s operating on its fleet and another 53 on order. They currently serve LHR, Bangkok, Toronto, Sydney and Auckland. The A380 will continue to be deployed on high density routes, although there are no current plans for it to operate to South Africa.

In terms of Ortia’s preparedness for the A380, Acsa spokesperson, Solomon Makgale, says although the 2010 schedules have not been confirmed, OR Tambo is fully compliant with A380 requirements. n

af a380 to JnB in March

Air France offers fantastic connections to destinations throughout UK, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh, among others. Showing their support for the Brits are (from left) AF sales executives Lisa Pietersen, Lala Fernandes, Mini van der Schyff and Mireille Faluki. See page 8 for TNW’s feature on the United Kingdom Photo: Tijana Huysamen

We love the Brits!

use vendors who are acting without integrity, during 2010 and after,” says Dorienne Levitt, owner of African Stay.

Brian Budge, owner of 46K Tourism Transfers, says: “I have dealt with clients who refuse to come to the country due to the cost of transport. Where I paid R2 000 a day for a vehicle during the Confederations Cup, I have to

tell the same clients the cost has doubled, as I now pay R4 800 per day for a vehicle.”

Tour operators too are gearing up for a trying period.

South Africans wanting to travel abroad during the event will pay ridiculous airfares domestically and internationally, if they can get a ticket. “On paper right now

To page 12

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2 n Wednesday October 7 2009 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

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“The wench, you idiot! Bring me the wench!”

New airline, Afriqiyah Airways, launched at an event in Fourways on September 28. In celebration of the launch, the airline is offering special fares, including taxes, from JNB to Amsterdam, starting from R2 995; Brussels from R2 946; Düsseldorf from R2 885; Paris from R3 185; London from R3 342; Cairo from R2 808; Dubai from R2 862; Tripoli from R2 826; and Benghazi from R2 120. Pictured are Afriqiyah Airways network manager, Mukhtar Fathallah and gm at Aviareps, Charmaine Thome

Hilka Birns

PARKTOWN-based 360 Degrees Travel walked off with eight awards at

eTravel’s award function held at the Southern Sun Cape Sun recently. This included the award for generating the highest commission in the eTravel group. Travel Creations came

second in this category and Essential Travel third. 360 Degrees Travel’s other accolades included being the Top Supporter of BA/Comair; SAA (internationally); Kenya Airways; Qatar Airways; Virgin Atlantic; Travelex FX Africa; and Amadeus, winning them seven air tickets in prizes.

Travel Creations was also named the Top ITC, followed

by Travel on Tap and Pronet Travel. Xtra Mile Travel was the ‘Most Improved ITC’, followed by Meisel’s Travel and 360 Degrees Travel.

Travel Creations also received three other awards, including being the Top Supporter of Avis Rent a Car; Top Supporter of AIG Insurance; Top Supporter of Galileo SA. n

eTravel dishes out the awards

Afriqiyah arrives in Jozi

Melody Brandon

SAA says it won’t be asking government for a bail-out this year, announcing last week that it had achieved an “operational profit” for the first time in seven years.

Reporting a R389m profit as opposed to last year’s R1,08bn loss, SAA cfo, Kaushik Patel, described the results as “gratifying” in the midst of a global economic crisis and Iata’s forecast of an R11bn loss for the airline industry this year.

The turnaround, says acting ceo, Chris Smyth, is thanks to the airline’s restructuring programme

launched in April 2007. “In light of the massive challenges airlines are currently faced with around the world, our restructuring intervention was embarked upon timeously.”

One of the biggest contributors to the positive result was the reversal of R407m in impairment costs, relating to a 2002 deal with aircraft manufacturer, Airbus.

SAA subsequently tried to cancel part of the order (A320s) but Airbus held it to the original order.

Talks between the two parties have resulted in Airbus agreeing to convert the order to A330s for delivery in 2013.

Chris indicated SAA would retain its current fleet and said the deal would “allow us to sweat our assets and slowly phase them out”.

Although passenger numbers were down 7%, passenger turnover rose by 20% from R19bn last year to R23bn this year. Costs rose 2% from R15,6bn to R15,9bn and its energy bill grew 28% with fuel costs 35% of total costs. The airline lost R1,04bn due to hedging losses for the year.

Chris said the airline’s “commanding presence in Africa” counted in its favour and while it was aware of the challenges it was preparing for the upturn. n

No bail out for SAA

NEWS

Melody Brandon

AGENTS no longer want to visit a destination on an educational and

have every moment planned. Instead they believe there would be more value in suppliers allowing them to “experience” the destination more.

Virgin Holidays in the UK was one of the first to recognise this and has launched a new form of educational.

Instead of multiple hotel visits, agents are now shown a recommended hotel from each key market, giving them the opportunity to discover the destination, not only hotels, and allowing them to have fun while doing it.

“We felt that educational trips needed to be freshened up. For the past five years we have used the same format and we wanted to bring back the Virgin edge,” explained Mark Burns, head of distribution

in the UK.“We are shifting the

emphasis from seeing the hotel to seeing the destination, as that is what you want to sell to the customer,” he said.

Virgin’s initiative to spice things up includes a treasure hunt and a mascot monkey called Virgil, who has his own Facebook page where agents can swap information and photos.

Leeann Naidoo from Carlson Wagonlit Travel in Pretoria says experiencing the culture of a foreign destination is vital to selling the product.

“It would definitely be great to have a true cultural experience of the country I am visiting, to taste the local food and to experience the places and entertainment as the locals do,” she said.

Tronel Barnard from Rennies Travel, Bloemfontein agrees. “Experiencing the airport, transport systems, culture

and local food definitely helps us sell the product better.”

Locally, Signature Life Hotels is also offering agents an ed with a difference. The hotel group has invited consultants to stay at one of the group’s newly opened hotels free.

All that is required is that consultants stay in a different room each night

for 14 nights at either Life Airport Hotel at OR Tambo or at Fairview All-Suite Hotel, Randburg, with meals included. All the hotel wants is agent feedback on the product.

“Well done to the Signature group for thinking of this. I seriously hope that others will follow suit,” says Trace Patchin from HWT in Hillcrest.

QUICK READ FOR bUSIESt pEOplE Wednesday October 7 2009 n 3

www.airbotswana.co.bw

“Today I enjoyed breakfast in Joburg, and watched the sun set in Kasane”

Our new routes are:Johannesburg to Kasane plus Johannesburg to Francistown and

Kasane to Maun in Botswana

Central Reservations - Tel: (+267) 395 1921/390 5500. Fax: (+267) 395 3928. Johannesburg Reservations - Tel: (+27) 11 390 3070/1/2/3

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Melody Brandon

FROM October 7, BA passengers will, for a fee, be able to select seats when booking. “We will also continue to offer customers the option to pre-allocate seats free 24 hours prior to departure,” said BA spokesman, Stephen Forbes.

Charges will be £10 (R118) pp per sector in Euro Traveller and domestically, £20 (R236)pp per sector in Club Europe, World Traveller, and World Traveller Plus and £60 (R709) in Club World. Exit row seats can be booked from 10 to four days prior to departure for £50 (R591).

Premier and Gold Executive Club members can select seats free at the time of booking.

Silver card holders, customers with flexible tickets and those on corporate deals can pre-assign seats free and will have the option to buy exit row seats in World Traveller and World Traveller Plus. n

Let’s see it for ourselves!

What you had to say“I understand that operators putting on an educational would like agents to see all of the hotels they sell at a particular destination, but seeing 16 hotels and not doing much else is not going to give the agent a good overall experience of the destination.”Anonymous

“I would love the opportunity to go on an educational with my husband. I feel that the trip will not only be an educational, it will be filled with lifetime memories and will be a destination you will never forget and will be keen to sell.”Angela Coppin, Where-2-Travel, Johannesburg n

Ed’s note: Tell us – what would you like your suppliers to do differently when it comes to educationals? Email [email protected]

Book seats with BA

NEWS


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EXPECT a last-minute rush of bookings before the year-end holidays, say SA-

based operators, with agents and operators bullish about prospects for the next three months.

And if the results of the recent TNW State of the Industry Sector survey are anything to go by, the end of the year will see sales recover.

At least 77% of the 349 travel agents polled believed that in three months’ time their monthly sales would be up.

Harvey World consultant Hayley Danker says: “Lots of people are starting to book now so we have been very busy.”

Thompsons Holidays pr manager, John Ridler, says it has seen a slow but steady increase in bookings over the past three months.

AirHeadsVirgin extends visa offerVIRGIN has extended its free UK visa offer until October 31. The first return ticket is now valid for travel between September 23 and December 31, 2009 and the second return ticket is valid for travel between October 1 and December 31, 2010.

ET takes delivery of second B737-800ETHIOPIAN Airlines has announced the addition of a second B737-800 aircraft to its fleet. The aircraft carries 16 passengers in business and 138 in economy class and will operate on Africa and Middle East routes, including the new Mombasa route starting October 25. Ethiopian Airlines currently has 35 new aircraft on order direct from the manufacturers, including the recent orders of five B777-200LRs and 12 A350-900s. The airline also has a further order for 10 B787s and eight Bombardier aircraft.

Comfort in economy with KLMPASSENGERS flying on KLM intercontinental flights can, from December, choose seats offering greater comfort. The new economy-class Comfort zone offers up to 10cm more leg-room and back supports that can recline twice as far. Economy Comfort passengers can also disembark more quickly as the cabin is located in front of economy class. The first aircraft have already been converted and Economy Comfort zone will be available on all intercontinental flights from December. Meanwhile, KLM has introduced two new online offers for its customers available through klm.com. The online services include transport between airport and city centre and airport parking. These services can be booked through the website for most of KLM’s destinations in the United States and a growing number of European cities. Customers can now simultaneously book and pay hotel accommodation, car rental, and parking space or transport between airport and city centre. They will be able to compare, book, alter bookings and pay via klm.com.

Mexicana to join oneworld in NovemberMEXICAN airline, Mexicana, will become part of the oneworld alliance on November 10. At the same time its subsidiaries, MexicanaClick and MexicanaLink, will also join the alliance as affiliate members. Members of oneworld airlines’ frequent flyer programmes will be able to earn and redeem awards and tier status points and receive all other oneworld benefits on Mexicana and its two affiliates. Joining oneworld will strengthen the airline’s competitive offering and financial position. Mexicana will expand the alliance’s network in Mexico and Central America. Mexicana with MexicanaClick and MexicanaLink will add 26 destinations to the oneworld map – 24 in Mexico plus Edmonton (Canada) and Oakland (USA).

Green shoots for travel“Booking patterns have

changed noticeably, resulting in more last-minute business and this pattern is likely to lead to a last-minute rush over the year-end holidays. Our strong currency should also positively influence overseas bookings.”

Garth Wolff, ceo eTravel, says although sales have definitely bottomed out, the next 12 months will show mixed results. “Corporates have completed their budgets on the basis of ‘cost cutting’ and will not have excess spend. We’re also seeing mixed signals coming from the Economic Data, which suggests to me that all businesses are still unsure about the future and hence will be reluctant to merely commit to huge spend.”

Garth says inflation will start to pick up again from January, leading to increased interest rates and putting a brake on a fast upturn. “There will, however, be great excitement surrounding the 2010 Soccer which will both be good and bad, with the bad being the lack of corporate travel over the June and July period but good for the long-term focus of SA as a wonderful place to visit and invest in.”

Flight Specials Hermanus consultant, Bernadine Brewis, says South Africans are planning for the World Cup by travelling out of the country. “They don’t want to be here when tourists from overseas will be flocking to SA.”

Travel Counsellors says sales have done well even during the downturn, with August sales being up 14% worldwide. The company also reports an increase in bookings for next year with sales this month for 2010 departures up by 6% in the UK and 13% worldwide. n

How would you rate your conversion rate from enquiries to actual sales?At least 70% of consultants polled enjoy a conversion rate from enquiries to actual sales of over 50%.

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Chartered by One Ocean Club, a subsidiary of Moltke Promotion GmBH, the two cruise liners will complement the current luxury accommodation in the three coastal host cities – Durban,

Port Elizabeth and Cape Town – and will provide a safe and controlled environment. Clients can enjoy the beauty of the cities and surroundings by taking day and half-day tours offered by iKapa Tours & Travel and its partners.

“Our warm and generous

hospitality is also another reason that we’re sure to see many of these guests come back to visit South Africa,” adds Kobus.

The MS Noordam, the vessel that will be based in Durban, will also visit Port Elizabeth twice – for the quarter-final and for the play-off for the third and fourth place.

The MS Westerdam will be moored in Port Elizabeth harbour for the first 14 days of the tournament and will then cruise between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town for the rest of the tournament.

The One Ocean Club team has extensive experience of utilising passenger vessels as floating hotels during major sporting events, and was involved with the Olympic Games in Sydney and Athens. n


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melody BraNdoN

HOLIDAY Tours has revamped its website, building it around new

traveller-specific categories aimed at giving agents the opportunity to sell not just a destination but an experience.

“We realise that people think differently about travel and clients often don’t know where they want to go. We like to think of our new packaging as a different way to view travel. We offer clients the chance to identify a lifestyle category, with different packages around the world,” explained Holiday Tours gm, Otto de Vries.

The 10 categories offer options from ‘fly and flop’ to upmarket products in ‘living the dream’, covering a number of travel experiences from cruising to a Canadian Rockies tour by train.

“I think that these categories are a fresh approach to understanding consumers’ ways of shopping. Even when buying a car, consumers

generally base their decisions on an association. In terms of travel, they are not generally thinking about the destination but the experience they anticipate.”

In addition, a new feedback tool on the website gives agents the opportunity to comment on the company’s service delivery.

“The feedback forms come directly to me, so that I can personally respond to any problems agents are experiencing,” said Otto. n

Kate els

TWO of the world’s biggest and most luxurious cruise ships, MS Noordam and MS Westerdam, are set to dock at South Africa’s harbours during the FIFA 2010 World Cup.

The vessels, each with more than 950 cabins, will head for Durban and Port Elizabeth respectively for the full month of the FIFA 2010 World Cup in a unique cruise experience that gives passengers a chance to live aboard and experience harbour life, while also enjoying the soccer matches in the cities they dock at.

Munich-based company, Moltke Promotion GmbH, has partnered with Cape Town-based tour operator, iKapa Tours & Travel to provide transport solutions and day tours for ship passengers during their stay in SA.

“We are looking forward to playing host to visitors during 2010 and we believe that our extensive tours will offer enriching experiences for those who come to SA,” says Kobus van Heerden, md of iKapa.

● Lufthansa is offering special fares to selected European destinations from R3 290 ex-Cape Town and to the US from R5 290. Minimum stay is seven days and maximum stay is three months. Valid for sales until October 15. Travel is permitted from October 26 to November 30 and from December 26 to 31. Excludes taxes. ● In-Vogue Tours – Thailand Island Escapes from R12 690 per person sharing. The rate includes return flights ex-Johannesburg, return transfers, seven nights’ accommodation in Krabi, three nights on Lanta Island and daily American breakfast. Valid From January 16 to March 31. Packages must be booked by December 31.● The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa is offering a 24-hour conference package special. The rate of R1 995 single or R2 230 double includes a five-course set dinner, one night’s accommodation, breakfast and a full-day conference package. One complimentary room for every ten booked – maximum two complimentary rooms. Valid until December 19, 10 or more rooms must be booked.

Holiday Tours’ site gets a facelift

Otto de Vries

2010 – the cruise ships are coming!

Travelinfo ,s Hayley Cochran selects the top specials from Travelinfo

Specials Spot

“We are looking forward to playing host to

visitors during 2010 and we believe that our extensive tours will offer enriching experiences.”

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NEWS


NEWS

Melody Brandon

NEW kid on the block, Freeway Holidays, hopes to make agents’ lives

easier by offering them an immediate online booking solution as an online tour operator.

“The problem I always had with travel was that I had to wait up to 72 hours before I received a quote from the

agent. It didn’t make sense to me. In the digital age, I thought it would only make sense to have a live, online booking system for travel agents, effectively making them their own tour operator,” said founder of the company, Imtiaz Laher.

The website, which is set to go live from October 1, offers agents 70 000 hotels in over 70 countries. Domestic

bookings are not yet available. Agents can also book transfers and sightseeing tours.

“We do not offer flights or car-rental bookings yet, but hope to in the future,” said Imtiaz.

He said an operations manager would be appointed in the near future to manage the site, but that a help desk had been established for any agent queries. n

Hilka Birns

CAPE Town’s Vineyard Hotel & Spa Conference Centre has become the first in Africa to run on certified ‘Green Power’.

The Green Power strategy is a key component of the hotel’s overall plan for more sustainable operations and carbon emission reductions.

GreenX Energy has issued the hotel with Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), which certify that every MWh of Green Power produced offsets and saves coal and water and prevents the emission of ash, air pollutants and carbon emissions that would

otherwise be produced by South Africa’s coal-powered power stations.

The Renewable Energy Certficate approach is used in Europe and the USA.

The SA Department of Energy is developing this approach for South Africa in association with Green Power suppliers and producers.

The benefit for clients of the Vineyard Conference Centre is that they are now able to declare their event as being run on certified Green Power and to have reduced the carbon emissions associated with the energy consumption of the event, without having to resort to carbon offsetting. n

Online tour op for SA

Vineyard conference centre uses ‘Green Power’

PillowTalkA brief look at this week's hotel news

Rovos Rail acquires Cape Town propertyROVOS Rail has acquired the six-bedroom St James Guest House in St James, Cape Town. The five-star graded property, previously owned and managed by the Last Word Retreats, offers accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, with an additional dinner service provided by prior arrangement. The guest house is located on the main road in the seaside area adjoining Kalk Bay, 30 minutes from Cape Town city centre and the international airport. It has views of the Indian Ocean and is within walking distance of interesting restaurants, pubs and antique shops.

New conference facilities at Fire & IcePROTEA Hotel’s Fire & Ice in Cape Town will open its new conferencing facilities on October 1. They include a 22-seat boardroom with a breakaway lounge area equipped with surround sound and gaming equipment; a 60-seat venue with views of Table Mountain; an 80-seat venue, including a 12-seat breakaway venue; and a multipurpose venue seating up to 300 delegates. All venues suit training, team building, cocktail functions, board meetings, banquets, product launches, and more. Rates include venue hire, tea breaks, lunch, parking, and wireless Internet.

New guest lodge to open near Fourways STILLPOINT Country Haven Guest Lodge, Conference and Wellness Centre near Fourways, Johannesburg, will open in mid-November. Each of the 20 rooms and suites, with a separate shower and bathtub, is air-conditioned and has a telephone, wireless Internet, satellite TV and mini-bar. The honeymoon suite has a lounge area, an outdoor Jacuzzi bath and outdoor shower. Conference venues, fully equipped with a data projector, screens and flipcharts, can accommodate from 16 to 60 delegates at a time. The guest lodge’s ‘TimeOut Zone’ wellness centre incorporates a sauna, an outdoor vitality pool and hydrotherapy circuit, body treatment rooms and facilities for facial therapy. Guests can receive their treatment in the privacy of their rooms on request. Other facilities include a restaurant and an outdoor bar. Surrounding attractions and activities include the Cradle of Humankind, Lesedi Cultural Village, the Lion Park, hot-air ballooning and trout fishing.

Hilton launches new corporate identityHILTON Hotels Corporation has announced the launch of its new corporate name and logo, Hilton Worldwide. The change has also been mirrored by the internal launch of a refreshed company vision, mission, values and key strategic priorities, which are intended to communicate more clearly how Hilton conducts business and plans to achieve company goals. Hilton Worldwide’s portfolio of 10 brands comprises more than 3 300 hotels in 77 countries. The company will open more than 300 hotels this year.

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Jeanette PHilliPs

VICFALLS Airways, a new Zimbabwean carrier, has been launched and is expected to commence operations in November.

The airline will operate both domestic and regional routes from Harare to Johannesburg, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, Blantyre, Lusaka and Maputo.

Its website also mentions London Gatwick and Mauritius as possible routes.

The airline was registered in Zimbabwe two years ago and is a trading name for Tabmark Enterprises.

The launch was originally delayed because of the world economic downturn and the general high costs of fuel.

“The aviation sector received a strong blow in 2008 first from rising oil prices, then from the global economic crisis, making it difficult for us to launch earlier,” said Masiwa Table, co-director of the airline.

“This is an opportune time for us to start trading. The World Cup tournament is around the corner and the global financial crisis seems to be abating, making market entry less difficult.

“We hope to start operating as soon possible. We have finalised the legal agreements and we are now looking at the operational requirements,”

Aircraft secured by the airline include a B737 and B767-300ER. n

Vicfalls Airways launches in Zimbabwe

1st P

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FrEport


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Telephone: (011) 616 0636 www.interair.co.zaVisit us on TravelInfo or find our schedule in Amadeus, Galileo, Sabre, Worldspan.

Who goes to Cotonou?

TNW3403SD

– making the right connections

Give your clients these travel tips:● Make sure someone knows where you are going and provide them with the following details: address of office and hotel, booking reference number, contact number of host in country, contact number of hotel.● Ensure your itinerary is clearly defined before departing SA.● Find out about social differences before departing SA.● Knowing the airport helps – where ATMs are, check-in, customs, baggage clearance, etc.● Missing luggage is sometimes an issue. Try to take carry-on luggage only. ● If you are unable to, ensure you have a set of

clean clothes in your cabin bag in case your luggage does not arrive on the same flight.● If you venture into shopping centres go with a local driver.● Shortcuts don’t pay off in the long term. Follow protocol and procedures in the country at all times.● The traveller’s health and safety is paramount. Support in these areas must be well defined and easily accessible at all times.● Always allow sufficient time to get to the airport to deal with traffic, check-in queues etc.● Try where possible to obtain a visa prior to travel – queues in some parts of Africa to obtain a visa

on arrival can be very time consuming.● Keep a spare change of clothes in your hand luggage.● Always carry small USD notes for tips and to get trolleys etc.● Try to stay at hotels close to where you are doing business, as traffic and the logistics of getting around can be a nightmare.● Try to make sure wherever possible that you have a pre-allocated seat on the flight – this seems to ease check-in and ensure that as long as you are there at least two hours prior to flight departure, you will get on the flight.

Source: Vicqui Welton, Fulula Trade and Invest 80

Tips for travellersTravelling into Africa can be a difficult and dangerous affair, but having the right connections and armed with some helpful tips can make it a profitable exercise. TNW’s Natasha Tippel takes a closer look…

BUSINESS travel in Africa can be daunting. Travellers are faced with

numerous challenges and obstacles that are unheard of back home.

But as business grows at a rapid rate across the continent and more opportunities open to SA corporates, travel into Africa remains vital and lucrative. Some of the key factors include:● Visas for African countries: these are often expensive and onerous to obtain. ● Vaccinations before travel: Yellow fever certificates for certain African destinations are mandatory for re-entry into SA. ● Prepayment is beneficial: Pre-booking and pre-paying

services before travelling can help avoid problems on arrival, as well as eliminate the need to carry large amounts of cash or having to deal with problems when paying by credit card.● Booking accommodation with a well-known brand: Hotel accommodation may not always be on a par with what SA travellers expect. ● Transport problems: Traffic congestion and crime in certain countries mean clients need to be chauffeured.● Flights and flight delays: The late departure of aircraft in African countries can set travellers back. Long queues at the airport can also cause delays. Travellers should allow ample travel time.

Carrying cash…Corporate clients travelling into Africa often

have trouble paying with a credit card. Carrying large amounts of cash can also be dangerous and is ill-advised.

“Credit cards are not accepted in many places, creating a need to carry large amounts of money around on your person,” says director

of business development for HRG Rennies Travel, Bronwyn Philipps.

Travel manager of procurement and logistics for Standard Bank, Sipokazi Dipholo, advises corporates to avoid carrying large amounts of cash. “If travellers have to pay in cash at hotels, it’s important they thoroughly check their bills, as sometimes ‘mistakes’ are made.” n

Busy Lagos traffic dictates how many appointments per day business travellers can make when visiting the city Photo: Natalia Thomson

UnitedKingdom


Whether it's from the recession or visa trials, visitor numbers from SA to the UK are definitely down. But what’s happening to stimulate travel to Britain? Max Marx takes a look…

Keep your eye on the UK

FOR years the United Kingdom has been South African travellers’ number one

outbound destination abroad.But hit with a double whammy this year – the recession and

introduction of UK visas for South Africans – numbers

appear to be down, says Visit Britain representative in SA, Edwin Swan.

Suppliers, desperate to stimulate demand to the UK, are getting creative with their campaigns, much like the recently announced Virgin Atlantic and Visit Britain 'value for money' campaign aimed at promoting and highlighting exceptional deals for stays in the UK.

The online promotion, planned for launch from

November 2009 to March 2010, will involve a co-branded website, including a Virgin Atlantic booking engine plus a diverse selection of hotel and tourist attractions that will give the consumer outstanding deals on hotels and tourist attractions.

Meanwhile, British Airways has enhanced partnerships with companies such as MasterCard, Discovery, and ABSA to stimulate demand. Passengers can earn miles with British Airways MasterCard, which is co-branded with Standard Bank.

British TIPS is also focusing on promoting cost-saving packages and products to keep costs down. The tour operator is offering additional value, such as its Best of London for Less promotion, which gives travellers who purchase a Madame Tussaud's and Original Hop-on-Hop Off ticket, a free standard London Eye ticket.

Randstretchers!● Thompsons Holidays says one way to keep travel costs down is to encourage clients to stay in the UK for their entire holiday and avoid additional visa costs. Thompsons’ Specialist Collection of UK and Ireland offers best value holidays with top quality packages in London and combo holidays that include London and the English and Irish countryside. Pre-purchasing attraction tickets from Thompsons like the London Eye, Madame Tussaud's and the London Pass (covering 50 top attractions), also helps save money.● Clients booking a Contiki holiday can take advantage of early-payment discounts, group discounts and affordable London accommodation.● The UK rail system is a cost-effective way to experience the English and Scottish countryside. British TIPS offers the full Britrail pass product and also recommends the National Express coach network for shorter journeys. The B&B programme, available throughout the UK, is a great way to experience local culture and save on more expensive accommodation.

● Etihad is offering a promotional fare of R5 000 inclusive of taxes and surcharges from Cape Town or Johannesburg to London.● Contiki Holidays is offering eight days in Great

Britain from R8 085 pps, valid for travel from October 15, 2009 to March 4, 2010. The package,

which takes in England, Scotland and Wales, includes seven nights' B&B twin-share accommodation, four dinners, sightseeing tours in major cities, hotel tips, local taxes and service charges. Early bird and group booking discounts apply.

Book it!

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SEVERAL airlines have reported a decline in travel from SA to the UK. While they say it can be primarily attributed to the global economic crisis, most agree the introduction of the UK visa has had an impact.

Ralf Karsenbarg, Air France KLM commercial director for Southern Africa and Angola, reports that passenger numbers on the SA-London route are down considerably due to the global financial crisis, although he adds the new visa requirement has not helped the situation.

The visa requirement is impacting all airlines travelling to the UK, agrees Stephen Forbes, British Airways spokesperson. “Passengers transferring to destinations in Europe require a Direct Airside Transit Visa, so those who can route over other destinations are likely to do so.”

Stephen adds that the decline seen in passenger traffic to the UK can’t specifically be ascribed to the visa’s introduction.

Craig Thomas, Etihad Airways’s country manager: South Africa, says Etihad has seen a change in traffic

to the UK with a decline in certain market sectors, particularly student and youth traffic. He reports an increase in traffic to continental Europe and Ireland.

Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic Airways reports an overwhelming interest from both the trade and general public in its visa offer. According to marketing manager, Caren Parkinson, forward loads on the route are looking positive.

Tour operators say…The new UK visa costs are

definitely prohibitive and are discouraging some travellers from visiting the UK, says Miles Willis, Sure Tours md.

The greatest impact to Thompsons Holidays, says pr manager John Ridler, is the last-minute traveller. Thompsons Holidays, he says, has also seen a decrease in travel to the UK.

Susan Thesen, British TIPS’ manager, says although the visa situation is an issue, South Africans already pay visa costs for travel to most of Europe, Australia and the US and it’s something potential travellers will simply have to budget for.

Trade takes UK hit

● EgyptAir is currently offering a great fare to London of R2 360, excluding taxes.

British TIPS batty for LondonBritish TIPS is offering a 'Blood Brothers with Mel C' London package from R9 900pps, valid for travel from November 1 to December 20, 2009. The package includes six nights' twin-share B&B accommodation in a central four-star London hotel, pre-theatre dinner with coffee, best of house tickets to Blood Brothers, a Bateaux Thames dinner cruise, hop-on, hop-off bus tickets, a Thames cruise, entry to Madame Tussaud's and the London Eye, and a seven-day central zone travel card.

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Thompsons is your UK & Europe destination specialist!

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Getting there ● British Airways operates 19 flights a week to Johannesburg. From the end of October until March 28, 2010, the service will be reduced to 14 a week. BA will again increase its flights to 19 a week for the 2010 Fifa World Cup. The airline also operates daily services to Cape Town.● SAA operates daily flights between SA and London, two from Johannesburg and one from Cape Town.● Air France flies daily to Paris with more than 10 daily connections to either London City Airport or London Heathrow.● KLM flies daily to Amsterdam with about 15 daily onward connections to London Heathrow or London City (in codeshare with and operated by VLM Airlines).● Virgin Atlantic Airways operates daily flights out of Johannesburg direct into London Heathrow. From October 26, 2009, to March 27, 2010, Virgin will offer daily flights out of Cape Town, reducing these to

three flights a week between March 28, 2010, and April 17, 2010.● EgyptAir flies daily via Cairo to London with very good connections from South Africa.● Etihad, which operates daily services to Abu Dhabi from Johannesburg, will launch daily services from Cape Town on October 1 as an extension of the Johannesburg service, which offers daily connections to London and thrice weekly to Manchester.● Turkish Airlines’ flights to the UK continue to enjoy a high load factor. The airline offers three flights a day to London, the first departing Istanbul at 08h00, with the flight from Johannesburg arriving at 06h15 in time for a smooth connection. Turkish Airlines also flies to Birmingham and Manchester. All transit passengers are eligible to stay at the hotel in Istanbul one night free or take a free sightseeing tour of Istanbul.

Torquay with ThompsonsThompsons Holidays is offering a seven-night South West England and London package from R9 909 ex-JNB and CPT (airline taxes R964).The package includes return flights to London on Emirates, five days’ car hire, one night at the four-star Ramada Plaza Hotel in Bristol, two nights at the three-star Jury’s Inn in Exeter, two nights at the four-star Barcelo Torquay Imperial Hotel in Torquay, and two nights at the three-star Thistle City Barbican in London. Breakfast is included as well as a London Oyster Card loaded with GBP15 (R179)

Did you know?All the information you require about applying for a UK visa online can be found at http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/Welcome.htm

Visit London launches trade websiteVISIT London has launched a new Travel Trade section on its website, visitlondon.com

The new section acts as a resource for the travel industry in promoting London to leisure and business individuals and group travellers globally.

The site is divided into four main sections – Travel Trade Toolkit, London for Groups, London 2012 and About Us.

Resources available on the site include:● Free trade publications including Visit London’s Travel Trade

Guide● An image library● Hospitality and travel information for groups● Information and major events in London● Agent discount information● Itineraries for specific visitor profiles● Useful industry contacts

To access the site go to visitlondon.com/trade

UnitedKingdom

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Office Hrs (011) 884-9113Website: www.specialized.co.za

e-mail: [email protected]@sgroup.co.za

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

Marketing Manager - CptSupport the Sales & Marketing Director of this established operator with the objective of effectively and efficiently promoting the organisation. Responsibilities include creating electronic newsletters; maintaining the website; being responsible for flyer campaigns; assist with copywriting for editorials, advertorials and advertising campaigns; press releases; as well as site inspections, educationals, attending trade shows both domestic and international, plus presentations and sales trips. Must have strong marketing experience handling these specific functions. R18000/R20000. Kati

Software Sales Executive - SandtonLeading software company requires a highly experienced sales executive. Majority of the time will be spent presenting software solutions and associated services to large corporate and government entities. Will generate new leads and must have the ability to achieve targets. Candidates can be assured of selling quality, sought-after products. Will be liasing on a very senior level. Having a degree will be a distinct advantage and excellent PC literacy is essential. R200K – R300K basic plus lucrative commission. Tracey

Senior Inbound Consultant – W/RandHandle inbound incentive travel for well established company. Will create itineraries, negotiate rates, put together costings – the full A-Z function! Will also play a deputy role when required. A senior inbound consultant is required with strong knowledge of South and Southern Africa. R15000. Kati

Intermediate Incentives Cons – W/RandAn intermediate with a minimum of two years incentives experience is required by established agency. Will be involved in all aspects of inbound incentives and must have a good knowledge of South and Southern Africa. Be part of a growing division and have the scope to develop further. R7000. Kati

Junior Processor – Boksburg areaHighly recommendable retail travel agency! Will process domestic air, accommodation and car rental bookings on Galileo and online; issue vouchers, process Voyager bookings, do research and invoicing. A varied job description! Be part of a great team environment! R3500/R4500. Kati

Hotel Reservations – MagaliesbergWork in a luxurious Five star hotel environment! A live-in opportunity offering full board and lodging plus R3500 salary. An excellent opportunity for a young person. Tracey

Five * Game Lodge Opportunities!A number of excellent opportunities exist at top game lodges. Various positions including Management, Front Office, Beauty Therapists, various Chefs and Maintenance. A love of the bush plus the relevant skills are needed. Tracey

Junior Airline Sales Executive – GautengCall on the travel trade and corporate companies within the Gauteng region. An airline background is essential. R10000/R12000 ctc. Kati

Travel Assistant – MidrandAssist the Travel Co-ordinator of corporate non-travel company with bookings and admin work. Galileo and 2 years consulting experience is required. Tracey

Help Desk Consultant – N/SuburbsTake inbound calls and emails requesting assistance with online bookings and ticketing. Will also assist with training. Must be proficient on Galileo. R6000. Tracey

Inbound Incentives Cons – N/SuburbsJoin top international operator handling inbound incentives to South and Southern Africa. Candidates must have dealt specifically with incentive travel for a minimum of 2 years. Foreign languages will be an added advantage. Be part of a highly professional operation. R15000/R19000. Kati

Financial Assistant - SandtonR14000/R17000. Play a supportive role to the FM of large, highly regarded travel company. An in-depth knowledge of Pastel is required together with advanced Excel including graphs. Kati

Call on Travel Agents - GautengCall on travel agencies promoting a specific product for travel related co. Candidates must have worked within the travel industry for a minimum of 3 years and have sales ability. Full or half-day! R7000 plus commission. Tracey

Sales Executive – Top HotelYour previous experience calling on PCOs is required by this top hotel, a hotel that you can represent with pride and confidence! Excellent opportunity! Kati

Executive Chef – SandtonR18000/R20000. Must have ’a la carte restaurant experience. Join well known hotel group. Tracey

Pastry Chef – MagaliesbergFive star property requires the expertise of an experienced Pastry Chef. This is a live-in position. Salary is highly negotiable - prepared to pay a top package. Tracey

Financial Controller – HotelR20000/R22000. Take on the responsibilities of Financial Controller for well known hotel close to the Parktown area. Your expertise will be appreciated! Tracey

Duty Manager F&B – DurbanJoin highly regarded hotel with over 400 rooms based in Durban. R15000/R16000. Tracey

Duty Manager Rooms – PolokwaneTake on these responsibilities for highly regarded hotel. R14000. Tracey

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

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PROCESSOR – MIdRANdWell established corporate agency requires your

excellent administrative skills and Galileo to assist and process for Senior Consultants. If you have at least 1 year’s experience in a processor role, call us now! Close knit, personalised team! R3 000 neg on exp

INbOUNd OPERATIONS MANAGER – CbdSolid leadership abilities to lead, direct & motivate top end sales team at professional elite, online Inbound Operator.

Be part of this expansion now! Handle more pressure then a pressure cooker! R25 000 negotiable

“THE NEGOTIATOR” – NORTHPride yourself on getting rock bottom deals & still

maintaining tip top supplier relationships? Oversee Tour Plan team ensuring best deals are always being filtered to

consultants & more. Challenging and rewarding senior role! R25 000

FIT’S FANATIC - SANdTONWant to work for a market leading inbound operator?

This is your opportunity to join this fast-paced, dynamic environment! Min 3 years inbound experience coupled

with your sound knowledge of South and Southern Africa will see you winning this one! Ideal opportunity for

an Intermediate level consultant to flaunt your skills!

VIVA VILLAS RESERVATIONS – CbdExcellent opportunity to join lovely team working with top end products along Atlantic Seaboard plus more

coming! Gift of gab to convert enquiries to sales. Ability to be highly flexible is key. R10 000 plus commission

SALES! SALES!Well-renowned tours company seeks young, highly

energetic & vibrant person to promote this recognised brand whilst calling on travel agents & incentive houses. Role will suit motivated person to work from home, and

handle a combination of servicing existing clients & obtaining new business.

Package R10,000 + benefits + incentives.

Tel: Tracey (011) 803 6606 [email protected]

Tel: Jill (031) 201 8330 [email protected]

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Contact Wendy/Kim(011) 704 4909 or e-mail: [email protected] TN

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Highly negotiable pacakage offered by Market Leader for your B.Comm/equivalent and ability to lead

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CoMMUNITYNEWs

Community news

Births, deaths, marriages, promotions – we want to know! Please fax or e-mail TNW's Jeanette Phillips, at [email protected] or (011) 327 4094.

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Call NadiNe (011) 803 0056or e-mail [email protected]

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RETAIL POSITIONS;INT/SENIOR • Interesting Corporate bookings – fun leisure spin-off. IN-HOUSE • Loads of International itineraries to suite Senior.IN-BOUND POSITIONS:GROUPS & INCENTIVES MANAGER • Relevant experience & in-depth in-bound knowledge essential.SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER • Groups & Incentives expert highly rewarded.LANGUAGES • European language plus great SA know-how a must for Senior FIT specialist.ACCOUNTS POSITIONS: FINANCIAL ASSISTANT • Sound understanding of all aspects of Financial Administration needed.

n Jayce Khadua and Adrian Taylor (from left), cricket fans from Johannesburg, were seated in the stand at Wanderers when they were selected at random by Emirates Airline to be upgraded to join the airline as guests in the ICC hospitality suite. The Emirates Upgrade is just one of the many event activities that

Emirates manages at the ICC Champions Trophy, as an official ICC Partner. Fans have also been practising their cricket catching skills on the inflatable Emirates Flying Catch at Centurion stadium. Throughout the tournament, fans have the chance to win a pair of Emirates business-class flights to Dubai when they play the game.

Do you recognise the people in this photograph? The year was 1976 and a group of travel agents enjoyed a full day’s tropical tour while on a familiarisation trip on Pan Am’s inaugural flight from a popular South African city to well-known tourist destination in South America. If you do remember, email [email protected] or look out for more information and the full details in a future issue of TNWBlast from the past

From page 1anyone trying to make travel arrangements over 2010 is going to struggle. The only way you would be able to make travel arrangements is if distressed stock becomes available,” said Holiday Tours gm, Otto de Vries.

Thompsons Holidays pr manager, John Ridler, believes over-pricing will affect its domestic and international markets during the event.

“On the domestic side, many hotels are offering ridiculous rates and are insisting on stays of between eight and 30 nights. Coach companies have hiked their rates and have imposed crippling conditions. The biggest problem with international travel is that airlines have not released seats for sale, and fares which are available are astronomically high.”

Avis ce, Wayne Duvenage, said Avis would be adding 15% to 20% to the total charge over the World Cup. “We believe this is reasonable considering the expected demand and additional work required to relocate vehicles to destinations around the country.” He said agents should book early to avoid disappointment.

Europcar ceo, Dawn Nathan

Jones, said the company had seen an increase in interest but only expected requests to come in once teams were drawn in December.

“We have plans to launch some key products and services which will afford great value to our customers, including tourists, before the 2010 World Cup.” She said if the country presented itself correctly over the world cup period, the car rental industry would benefit.

Danny Bryer, group sales marketing and revenue director for Protea Hotels, said the group would not be over-inflating prices. “Our prices were contracted in 2003 and grew by CPI for the last three years per agreement. Nett prices three months prior will be the same.” He said 80% of the hotels’ rooms had been contracted to Match and prices would range from R950 to R4 500 from standard to luxury rooms.

Asata, SATSA and Fedhasa have been unanimous about

the negative long-term effect unchecked price gouging will have on tourism and SA’s reputation after the World Cup.

Fedhasa ce Brett Dungan said the organisation would not associate with nor support hotels that were not affiliated to Match and were “ripping off” clients. “The reason we have been working so closely with Match is to eradicate the issue of price gouging.”

Brett said while every business was a free economy, the profits made during the World Cup would not be worth a tarnished reputation and a breakdown in trust between suppliers and travel agents.

SATSA ceo, Michael Tatalias, agreed. “The greediness of some could have a serious impact on the country’s reputation and the future of tourism in the country.”

Asata ceo Robyn Christie said suppliers needed to realise SA was not just a 2010 destination, but shortsighted profit taking would have a long-term effect on the industry’s image.

“No one wants to get ripped off and cutting agents out of commission is not acceptable. They provide a service and should be paid accordingly.”

TNW NEWS


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The 2010 ‘rip off’ has kicked off

Mombasa, Conakry and Monrovia join Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive African network this month, bringing to 37 the number of destinations served by the airline on the continent. “We have Africa top of mind and so Ethiopian Airlines should be top of your mind when thinking Africa,” say (from left) Pierre du Plessis, sales manager; Mpumi Mdzeke, reservations; Sarah Fowles, sales executive; and Mariska Langerman, marketing manager Photo: Tijana Huysamen

Lucky number 37 for Ethiopian

2010 – no thanks!Will the 2010 World Cup be good for your business?

n Yes 52%n No 48%

“Corporate business will drop off due to no availability at hotels and the airlines taking fares up to full economy class on the domestic routes.” Shirley Kelly, Burns Cunningham Corporate Travel “I had an enquiry for 10 adults from France to stay at a five-star game lodge for three nights and when I phoned to get a quote, Fifa has apparently blocked SA agents from booking any accommodation over the World Cup period.” Amy Dennett, Flight Centre “The 2010 World Cup will be chaos. Just about all the hotels are fully booked in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg for that period.” Kerri Rogers, Rennies Travel. “It will be very good for us. Positive impacts on the economy and there are a lot of business opportunities already.” Fleur Steenkamp, Hatfield Travel

“The greediness of some could have a

serious impact on the country’s reputation

and the future of tourism in the country.”

Jeanette PhilliPs

AIRLINES are warning travellers wishing to travel abroad over the World Cup period to be flexible with their dates and book sooner, rather than later.

“Events like the World Cup in the past, have been characterised by directional imbalance, so we certainly anticipate certain periods of high demand in and out of South Africa at each end of the tournament. This will in turn create outbound opportunities for South Africans who wish to travel over that time,” says Caren Parkinson, Virgin Atlantic marketing manager SA.

Stephen Forbes, BA spokesperson, says the

airline will certainly expect an increase in demand during the tournament and travellers are urged to book soon.

“The process repeats itself every four years, namely that a strong demand for flights just prior to the event becomes evident,” says Gabriel Leupold, md Southern and Eastern Africa for Lufthansa and Swiss.

“The success of the teams also determines traffic patterns and fan movement during the event period.”

Nico Bezuidenhout, Mango ceo, expressed dismay at carriers that will be charging close to R10 000 for a JNB-CPT return trip in July.

Good news for consumers is, however, that most international airlines are not

expecting airfares to increase. Others are suggesting that bookings be done now to take advantage of current prices.

“Qantas is selling at current published levels, subject to availability in the respective booking classes,” says Michi Messner, SA country manager.

According to Caren, Virgin’s pricing structure will not change over the World Cup period and will remain competitive. LH and Swiss say they will steer fares according to supply and demand.

Cathay Pacific country manager, David Ryan, feels it is likely that outbound fares will increase significantly but reiterates that booking early will secure current prices. n

Be flexible in 2010 say airlines

travel news weekly 7 october 09

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