October 12 2016 I No. 2419 SOUTHERN AFRICA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY
TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY TNW7830SD
NEWS NEWS FEATURE CLAMPDOWN! CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS LOYALTY PROGRAMMES Steps to curb travel abuse Swipe that card! Brands work harder to retain loyalty
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THE LATEST VISA NEWS Queues must fall! ‘EU visa-free travel – a long shot’ Latest DHA blunder set to wipe out tourism gains Debbie Badham Marcus Cornaro, to discuss immigration-related issues between SA and the EU raised Tessa Reed and Dorine Reinstein Mayihlome Tshwete, has officials, biometrics should THE Department of Home confirmed. He added that it only be taken from visa- Affairs has set its sights on speculation about whether ENGTHY queues at was also being implemented requiring tourists who had visa-free travel to Europe for all visa concessions may soon be OR Tambo Airport in at Cape Town International not applied for their visa South African passport holders introduced for South Africans Johannesburg continue Airport and King Shaka in person. “Home Affairs but travel experts believe this headed to Europe. L is a completely unrealistic Home Affairs has made to delay international and International Airport. does not have the capacity goal. it clear to the EU that the domestic travellers by According to Mayihlome, to take biometrics from all A meeting between Minister dropping of visa requirements hours, with the result that taking biometrics at the international arrivals and of Home Affairs, Malusi for all South African some visitors are missing airport meant that people long delays are hurting Gigaba, and EU Ambassador, To page 20 connecting flights. Satsa ceo, requiring visas no longer had our brand as a tourism David Frost, has called for to apply in person and that destination.” urgent intervention. international visitors who did Last month, Mayihlome All international not need visas also had to told TNW that the DHA would New Zealand imposes visas on SAs passengers arriving in South submit biometric data at the not be employing more staff Taryn Nightingale the change, all SA passport Africa at OR Tambo Airport airport to improve security. due to cost-containment holders will have to apply for need to submit biometric However, David suggests measures (see TNW EFFECTIVE November 21, a visa before departure. data, Department of Home that, until Home Affairs has September 21). all South Africans visiting Online applications are To page 20 Affairs Spokesperson, employed more immigration or transiting through New done individually at a cost Zealand must have a of NZ$165 (R1 634) each. visitor or transit visa before Visitors applying in paper Thompsons’ latest travelling to the country. form can include all their special to Kenya Currently, SA travellers family members in their form includes return flights are granted a visitor visa for a single fee of NZ$165 from JNB to Malindi on arrival. As a result of To page 20 and five nights’ accommodation at the five-star Diamonds Dream of Africa Kenya. Spain changes application process The offer is priced Taryn Nightingale Embassy told TNW. Visa from R22 135pps appointments and applications ex-Johannesburg; from SOUTH Africans requiring can be made by emailing R24 095pps ex-Durban visas for Spain can no longer [email protected] the and from R24 523pps submit applications via VFS embassy said. The consulate ex-Cape Town. Global but must apply through general in Cape Town was not Pictured here are Terry either the Spanish Consulate available for comment at the Sowazi, reservations General in Cape Town or the time of going to print. consultant, and Embassy of Spain in Pretoria, Applicants with confirmed Phillipa Matshoe, effective October 11. appointments from October sales executive, “The requirements and all 11 must submit applications Kenya’s calling Thompsons Holidays. documentation for Schengen at the consulate or embassy Photo: Shannon Van Zyl visa applications to Spain on the date in their original remain the same,” the Spanish appointment letters.
MULTIPLE DAILY FLIGHTS! Johannesburg to WINDHOEK return from R 3,330* Tel: CPT 021 418-1366/7 & JNB 011 012-9460/1 Cape Town to WINDHOEK return from Airport: CPT 021 936-2755 & JNB 011 978 5055 R 3,438* email: [email protected] [email protected] *T&C apply, subject to availability in G-booking class, view GDS rules or contact us for full conditions. www.airnamibia.com.na
TNW7616 NEWS Clampdown!
Debbie Badham size of delegations travelling structures in place, including overseas; class of travel; budgets not accounted for. GENTS welcome the length of stay relative to the Rachael Penaluna, moves by major duration of the commitment; business manager of Sure Amunicipalities to and travel allowances. Maritime Travel, agrees that implement greater cost Similarly, Mayor of Nelson more structure and control reductions and control Mandela Bay, Athol Trollip, within travel policies would be within their travel policies, recently issued an instruction a good thing and ultimately saying the change will make to prohibit all business- and easier for agents to police. municipal accounts easier to first-class domestic air However, in terms of the manage and comply with. travel for Nelson Mandela Mayor’s proposal to approve Mayor of Johannesburg, Bay officials and public all international travel TNW6002SD Herman Mashaba, recently representatives. personally, Rachael warns wrote to City Manager, Trevor Sailesh Parbhu, md of this could create logistical ® Fowler, requesting that XL Nexus Travel, believes challenges. Rubes By Leigh Rubin immediate steps be taken to it would be a good thing “All anybody wants is good curb abuse of public money to have National Treasury compliance, governance and on travel. He says over the and municipalities working proper policies that everyone past financial year alone, together. “The intention of understands and with which R73m was spent on travel. both is to manage costs and they can comply,” says Otto Mashaba says international save the country money. With De Vries, ceo of Asata. travel by any representative a drive like that, we could He says the possibility of of the City must now be see more like-minded travel less international travel might approved directly by him and agencies wanting to partner impact the revenue of travel will be considered on a cost/ with municipalities – if the agents but says: “If the City benefit analysis to residents right structures are in place.” of Joburg believes this is an of the City. He says, in the past some appropriate policy, then the The Mayor also plans to agencies have steered clear role of the TMC is to support drastically reduce the cost of servicing municipalities this and help deliver those of travel by focusing on the because of the lack of proper results.” Dreams – alive and well
Leigh Hermon of restructuring. system that will be made The company wants available on the Dreams RUMOURS about the to update its earnings website in the near future. closure of local tour structure for staff to current According to Erica, the new operator, Dreams, have travel trade standards. Erica system will make bookings been dispelled by the says this will lead to a more simpler, with a new payment “No, I have nothing against Bernie. It’s the colonel company’s ceo, Erica focused and energised gateway to offer agents a that scares me silly.” Barrett. She told TNW team whose earning seamless experience during that the tour operator was potential will be uncapped. bookings. And, says Erica, not going anywhere but Travel agents can look Dreams will launch a new was in the process forward to a new booking product later this month. Founding Editors: John H Marsh (1914-1996) Leona Marsh (1923-2003)
EDITORIAL TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY AF confirms long-haul LCC plans Acting Editor: Taryn Nightingale [email protected] www.etnw.co.za Deputy Editor: Debbie Badham [email protected] Dorine Reinstein stop scheduled flights between get its costs low enough to Published by Deputy Publisher: Natasha Schmidt [email protected] Europe and SA,” says Marc compete on price (or service Travel & Trade Publishing (Pty) Ltd Printed by Juka Printing (Pty) Ltd Journalists: THE Air France-KLM Group Israel, researcher of Airline quality) on longer sectors. Darise Foster Dorine Reinstein plans to enter the low-cost, Profiler. He says currently the However, AASA ceo, Chris Phone: (011) 327-4062 Leigh Hermon Hilka Birns Fax: (011) 327-4094 long-haul travel market. longest long-haul LCC flight Zweigenthal, says: “This is E-mail: [email protected] Max Marx Michelle Colman A spokesperson for Air is under eight hours, mainly largely an untested market but Web: www.nowmedia.co.za Photographer: Shannon Van Zyl France-KLM told TNW that, because aircraft rotation must as airlines look to make air Address: Now Media Centre, as part of its strategic ‘Trust be maximised in an LCC model travel even more affordable, 32 Fricker Road, Illovo Boulevard, Production Editor: Ann Braun Illovo, Johannesburg. Together’ project, the group to be able to sell more seats. this is an option. It is clearly PO Box 55251, Northlands, GROUP PUBLISHER was looking at current market Dr Peter Morrell, author of a lot longer flight time [than 2116, South Africa. David Marsh [email protected] trends, including low-cost long- ‘Can long-haul low-cost airlines normal LCC flights] and SALES haul options. However, she be successful?’, agrees and passengers may require up Sales Director: Kate Nathan [email protected] says no concrete plans are in says applying the low-cost to two meals and drinks. Ad Co-ordinator: Anthea Lucas [email protected] place for a long-haul LCC yet. model on long-haul routes [Airlines using a long-haul LCC Whether a long-haul LCC works best using single-aisle model] would have to factor in PRODUCTION between Europe and SA would aircraft on sectors of up these costs as well as costs Design Head: Dirk Voorneveld be viable is questionable, to about five to six hours. for additional services, such SUBSCRIPTIONS industry experts say. “Longer flights require larger as inflight entertainment – if Circulation: [email protected] “I am sceptical whether a wide-body aircraft.” He doubts available on board – in the ‘true’ LCC will operate non- whether Air France could total cost of the trip.”
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2 n Wednesday October 12 2016 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW7805SD NEWS PillowTalk A brief look at this week’s hotel news
Contiki has become the Renovations under way at Joburg hotel iconic name for youth travel TSOGO Sun has started a R16-million refurbishment of SunSquare and has always specialised Montecasino in Fourways. The upgrade of the 179 en-suite rooms in Europe. With its 2017 European brochure, the started in August and is expected to be completed by March. The operator has poured its wealth renovations are being implemented on a floor-by-floor basis to of knowledge and passion minimise any disruption, says gm, Bernie Hilario, adding that a two- for Europe into creating an month construction hiatus will be in effect over the festive season. unbeatable product. Four new Adriatic trips and a Santorini Mozambique opens new villa continued focus on immersive, VILLA da Praia, the latest addition to Santorini Mozambique, opened authentic experiences will on September 1. The three-bedroom villa is ideal for couples satisfy millennials’ hunger for authenticity. The Europe sharing or families travelling with children. All the bedrooms have 2017 trips went on sale en-suite bathrooms with private patios and two of the bedrooms can on September 28, with a be converted into a twin/king size bed. The villa is ocean facing and 10% discount for bookings has its own lounge, kitchen, and dining room. A private infinity pool made by January 26. Anna and outdoor dining area are situated on the ocean-facing patio. Smith (left) and Marischen Glutz (right), both from STA BON Hotels adds East African property Travel, got the information BON Hotels has taken on a second property in East Africa, the first-hand from Contiki ceo, Casper Urhammer at the Lake Heights Hotel in Uganda, which has been rebranded Lake Johannesburg brochure launch, Heights Entebbe. The 33-room hotel has a wellness centre, spa and Contiki captures youth held at Vicky Cristina’s on gymnasium, full in-house restaurant and bar, conference venue and September 20. Photo: Kate Nathan swimming pool. Complimentary WiFi is also offered.
SAA sells ancillaries on new GDS Helen Johnston selects the top specials from Travelinfo Leigh Hermon excess baggage via the had to book SAA’s ancillaries GDS and, at the time of through the airline’s website. AA has signed up going to print, Travelport’s SAA spokesperson, Tlali Finfoot Lake Reserve. (Rustenburg, North West) Launch special from for Travelport’s Rich spokesperson, Siobhan Tlali, told TNW that the R4 500 for two people. Offer includes two nights’ accommodation SContent and Branding McCarthy, said the seat- ancillaries would apply to (weekends only) with all meals and activities (Segway, game drives, merchandising solution to selection service was in the domestic and international barge cruise). Valid until December 11. allow travel agents to pre-book final stages of testing and flights operated by the airline The Westin Cape Town. Recharge and restore from R3 100 per room the airline’s ancillary services would go live in the coming and that the pre-booking of the per night. Offer includes one night’s accommodation in a double room on the GDS. days. services would not contribute for two people sharing, breakfast, access to 24-hour gym and spa Agents can now pre-book Previously, Travelport agents to overrides. facilities, three-course dinner at ON19 restaurant daily. Single room from R2 550 per night. Valid December 9-24 and January 6-22. Club Mykonos Langebaan. Rates from R1 235 per unit Qatar revises transit visas, signs codeshare per night. Offer is applicable to Athenian Cascades QATAR Airways, Qatar Tourism Airport to stay in Qatar for hours. Passengers will need to preferred two-bedroom unit, midweek only. Valid Authority and Qatar’s Ministry up to 96 hours (four days) present confirmation of their between October 10 and December 11. of Interior have revised the without having to apply for an onward journey and completion City Lodge Hotels. Sho’t Left deals from R1 370 per tourism visa scheme available entry visa. of passport control procedures room. Offer is based on two people sharing a double to passengers transiting The previous transit visa on arrival. room and includes breakfast. Available weekends through Doha. The airline also scheme allowed travellers with The airline’s codeshare only (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Valid until signed a codeshare agreement a minimum transit time of eight agreement with British Airways January 31, 2017. with British Airways that will hours to spend a maximum of is on all non-stop flights commence from October 30. 48 hours (two days) in Qatar. between the UK and Doha. Blue Marlin Hotel. (KZN) Spring special The new transit visa structure The visa is available on BA’s parent company, from R1 190 per person sharing. Offer allows passengers with a arrival in Doha at no charge International Airlines Group includes one night’s accommodation, all minimum transit time of five to passengers who have a signed the agreement with meals and drinks. Valid until December 15. hours in Hamad International minimum transit time of five Qatar last month.
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4 n Wednesday October 12 2016 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW7819SD NEWS LCC targets corporates via Beware – card-not-present the GDS Darise Foster
payments place you at risk FLYSAFAIR hopes to attract the corporate market when its Debbie Badham the agent would then have to incur merchant is protected against the tickets become available on the the cost of going to court. What’s chargeback where a customer claims GDS later this year. RAVEL agents are exposing more, says Linda, airlines generally they did not perform the transaction. The airline’s inventory will themselves and their agencies to refuse to go to court, saying they are “In that case, the issuer who be distributed via Hahn Air Tlarge-scale financial risk and its too busy for this. Agents would have authorised the transaction will take Systems and Sabre from the consequences (disputed transactions to subpoena them. the liability for the transaction.” end of October and Travelport and ADMs) by the continuing practice Agents should not accept clients’ Resolution 890 in the Iata Travel and Amadeus from the end of of processing ‘card-not-present’ credit credit card details over the phone or Agent’s Handbook stipulates that, November. card transactions without gaining e-mail, “unless they are very sure of while agents may process card-not- FlySafair vp: distribution and bank authorisation. who their customer base is,” says present transactions, this is done sales, Kirby Gordon, told TNW Linda Dempster, financial consultant Walter Volker, ceo of the Payments under the sole responsibility and that tickets available on the to the travel industry at BSP and Association South Africa (PASA). liability of the agent. It says in the GDS would be more expensive Financial Consulting, says that with Walter says if merchants don’t have case of a disputed transaction, and than the airline’s usual low South Africa having the highest rate proof that the cardholder authorised its subsequent rejection by the card fares, but would still offer value of credit card fraud in the world, local the transaction, then it could be company, the relevant airline will for the corporate client as fares legislation for credit card payments is viewed as a stolen card scenario. charge back the loss to the agent by would include baggage and designed to offer banks protection. He says although travel agents means of agent debit memo. changes to the flight booking. She warns that any time agents are able to conduct card-not-present With this in mind, Linda emphasises “Fares for tickets sold via the accept credit card payment, they transactions, this pertains primarily to the importance of agents phoning the GDS will start from R1 500 should be swiping their clients’ the eCommerce environment where bank for an authorisation code. She one-way but will include the bag cards, otherwise the client is able to transactions must be submitted says some agents might simply enter fare, usually R150 one way, dispute that transaction and win. An for 3D-Secure verification by the six zeros into the system instead and two free changes, usually unscrupulous client can get an agent cardholder. “3D-Secure authentication and, although certain transactions R300 for one,” he says. to book a trip for them using their is done by the cardholder on their may go through, this is extremely Travel agents looking for credit card details, complete the trip mobile device and offers merchants dangerous. However, the Resolution FlySafair’s R399 starting and then dispute payment. (in this case travel agents) similar maintains that any authorisation does fares and R2 sales can still While technically agents could take protection to that of a signature or not guarantee the charge will access them via the travel these clients to court, questioning PIN in the card-present environment.” go undisputed, and in such cases, agent portal on the airline’s why they used the air ticket if it was Walter says if a transaction was a chargeback will still be made by website, says Kirby. never their intention to purchase it, authenticated via 3D-Secure, the the airline. Training when it suits you! Visit: www.travelinfo.co.za
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6 n Wednesday October 12 2016 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW7846SD LOYALTY PROGRAMMES
Customers are increasingly aware of the difficulty of redeeming rewards, making it necessary for brands to rethink their approach to loyalty. Darise Foster reports. Brands must work harder to drive loyalty RANDS do it all the encourage true loyalty, time. They lure potential says Alan Campbell, brand What percentage of clients Bcustomers toward a manager at Premier Hotels redeem rewards for travel? loyalty programme by selling and Resorts. the possibility of amazing Alan says this statistic rewards, thinking this will could be turned around if 35% ensure repeat business and brands shifted the focus increased market share. from rewards to service to But some forward-thinking encourage genuine loyalty 29% brands say this won’t last among customers. “Loyalty 27% long, arguing that the loyalty programmes are becoming programme strategy needs the gym memberships of to change if it is to achieve old, with scores of people its end goal – to encourage joining them with the best of consumer loyalty. intentions and grand visions Melissa Storey, executive of usage, only to find that the
head: strategy, development value simply isn’t worth the Respondents and marketing at First Car hassle of making their way Rental, says customers are through a complicated mix becoming increasingly savvy of terms and conditions to Melissa Storey and educated with the ‘always extract the value that initially 6% on’ access to comparisons In a survey run by TNW’s attracted them.” 3% that comes with the Internet sister publication, eTNW, The membership card is and social media reviews. in which 78 travel agents then discarded into that “This wealth of real-time participated, the overwhelming drawer to lie with that New Less 10-25% 25-50% 50-75% 75-100% information can easily disrupt majority (91%) of respondents Year’s gym membership card, than a brand’s ‘path to purchase’, said only 50% or less of their video store card and library 10% Clients forcing many companies to clients actually redeemed card – all of which have failed compete on price alone,” points for travel. Of the 91%, to remain relevant and deliver she says. 35% said less than 10% the easy-to-understand value term customer focus on all don’t genuinely connect As a result, genuine of their clients used loyalty customers were after when aspects of the product and with the brand, then the customer loyalty is fast points. they first joined, Alan says. service offering. “No matter programme itself will never becoming a fleeting advantage This is because benefits He believes true loyalty is how enticing your loyalty succeed in driving customer for many, says Melissa. and rewards alone do not achieved through the long- programme, if your customers loyalty.” New strategies to reward clients SUPPLIERS have been waiting to accumulate points to be earned and then Corporation (TTC) exploring new avenues as sufficient points or miles make it difficult to redeem offers travellers they look to further encourage before they can redeem them them? Instead, we believe a 5% discount customer loyalty beyond for rewards. in rewarding our guests on the tour or points and rewards. Trafalgar has answered by giving them a simple, cruise portion In the eTNW survey, the this by introducing a different straightforward discount on of the customer’s booking overarching theme in agents’ strategy to encourage their next trip, regardless of – provided the customer combinable with other tour responses was that travellers loyalty. Says md, Theresa which brand they choose from has travelled with one of discounts offered by TTC. want immediate rewards, Szejwallo: “Why complicate our TTC family of brands.” TTC’s collection of brands Theresa says this strategy and can become frustrated your loyalty programme with Basically, The Travel in the past. This discount is To page 10
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8 n Wednesday October 12 2016 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW7836SD LOYALTY PROGRAMMES
New strategies to reward clients From page 8 “If a similar or better to financials (including has hugely encouraged discount is offered by a the SAA Voyager Credit LOVE TO SHARE customer loyalty for competitor, the customer Card), car rentals, Trafalgar – which enjoys a is likely to simply switch.” accommodation, MEMORIES AND repeat guest rate of nearly The SAA Voyager loyalty petroleum, retail and EXPLORE WITH 50% as a result. card is more than just lifestyle,” she says. However, discounts a frequent flyer card Personalisation is also THOSE THAT LOVE must form part of because earning and key to encouraging loyalty. TO TRAVEL greater strategy if they redeeming miles on SAA is Melissa Storey of First are to encourage loyalty. only one of the many ways Car Rental adds that while Suretha Cruse, SAA members can participate customers’ constant executive: customer in the programme, says access to real-time loyalty programmes, Suretha. information makes it highlights the importance “There are many other challenging to earn Discover a destination with of not relying on discounts options through which their loyalty, their digital like-minded individuals alone as a means of members diversify the activities inform suppliers ASK ABOUT OUR encouraging repeat potential of earning exactly how they behave GROUP TRAVEL business. She says while and/or redeeming miles and how they are discounts achieve instant even quicker through motivated. “This allows us gratification for customers, cross-utilisation of our to align and personalise 011 280 8400 Trafalgar.com #SimplyTrafalgar they don’t necessarily many programme their experience by sway them to return to the partner categories, unlocking the value of our same supplier in future. ranging from airlines cross-channel data.”
TNW7851SD Rewards – not just ‘nice to have’ CONSUMERS have become seats is a bit narrow-minded pickier about where they when it comes to customer place their loyalty and once relations as an unoccupied they invest in a brand, they seat is a lost seat. demand to be rewarded “As such when the traveller accordingly. boards their flight and sees Benefits and rewards have that business class has evolved from “nice to have” several empty seats, they to musts as a result of become annoyed and often commoditisation of loyalty blame the travel agent for not programmes, says Sharon de having been able to confirm Leur, Peermont loyalty and one of these empty seats.” direct marketing manager. She says this often leaves a “From a Peermont bitter taste in the traveller’s perspective, we have seen mouth as they’ve been loyal to a significant increase in the the airline but there seems to overall consumer participation be no reciprocation. and perceived value of our Edward Frost, British Airways loyalty programmes because commercial manager for of the introduction of lifestyle, Edward Frost southern and East Africa, says travel and partner benefits the increased complexity in into the Peermont Winners be placed on a waiting list to loyalty programmes can be Circle and Crown Key loyalty use their mileage to upgrade bewildering for clients as more programmes,” she says. seats. Consequently, even partners and opportunities However, often when though the traveller purchased form for clients to earn and travellers try to redeem their a more expensive ticket in burn rewards. rewards for travel, they are order to use miles to upgrade, “It will all become clearer denied the opportunity – and these are often not confirmed to the traveller once they this leads to the customer due to the airline only having understand the difference resenting both the supplier allocated a specific amount between rewards and and the travel agent because of seats for upgrades using benefits, actively manage their they expect to receive the miles and the agent or accounts, become responsible reward they were initially traveller needs to keep calling for maximising their earning promised, says Hilke the airline to find out if the potential and claim their Desmarais, travel consultant upgrade with miles has been rewards early. Only then at 360 Degree Travel. successful,” she says. will they actively be engaging “Some airlines do not give Hilke finds the difficulty in with their loyalty programme,” travellers the opportunity to using mileage to upgrade he says.
NEWSFLASH
Air France recently introduced new instant benefits for Ivory members of its Flying Blue frequent flyer programme. All Ivory members now benefit from a baggage discount on all worldwide flights operated and marketed by Air France and KLM (except flights between Europe and USA, Canada or Mexico). Ivory members will receive a €10 (R154) discount on the first paid bag on international and European one-way flights where the baggage fee is more than €20 (R308). Ivory members can also benefit from a 10% discount on seats with extra space, for example economy comfort with extra leg-room and extra recline, or seat plus with extra leg-room. This discount is applicable for all flights operated by Air France and KLM. These members can now take advantage of these travel options as soon as they join the Flying Blue programme, before they have even started to earn miles.
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10 n Wednesday October 12 2016 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW7425SD LOYALTY PROGRAMMES
Airlines Programme Mileage expiry Partners Non-related point accrual Top selling feature Air Austral Three years Air Mauritius (codeshare flights to Rail, postal delivery, A subscription loyalty card can be purchased, Capricorne Perth only) car rental and hotels. entitling holder to fare discounts of 5%-10% in Bonus points earned addition to normal level-two benefits. when joining and through promotions. Air Botswana Three years. – Cresta Marakanelo Group Use of Pula Lounge at Gaborone and Shongololo Teemane Club Status is evaluated and Peermont Hotels in and Mashonja at OR Tambo International for towards end of every year. Botswana Gold and Diamond members. Diamond members Miles for Diamond card can invite one guest. For 1000 miles, Gold and holders do not expire Diamond members can invite travel companions to Pula Lounge. Air France 20 months. Might be SkyTeam members, Alaska Airlines, Hyatt, Best Western, Business-class upgrades and free or discounted KLM extended indefinitely Aircalin, Air Mauritius, BA Comair, Hilton, Accor, Starwood, seats and economy comfort seats for all tier Kenya Airways depending on activity Bangkok Airways, Air Corsica, Copa Radisson, Avis, Hertz, levels. Discounts vary per tier. Flying Blue Airlines, GOL, Japan Airlines, Jet Budget, Europcar Airways, Ukraine International Airlines, Hop! Air Mauritius Three years Air France, Emirates Car rental, hotels, duty- Free tickets and upgrades to business class. Kestrel Flyer free outlets Air Namibia Five years. Awards – – Free flights and upgrades. Reward$ requested before expiry must be used within 12 months Air Zimbabwe Miles expire after two – – Miles can be redeemed for travel or upgrades to Rainbow Club years if member has business class. not used Air Zimbabwe services Arik Air Affinity points are valid for – – Use of business-class lounge. Affinity Wings three years. British Airways/ Avios points valid as long Aer Lingus, Iberia, Alaska Airlines, Hotels, car rental, foreign Avios points collected are valid for life. BA Comair as customer collects, Open Skies, oneworld alliance currency, credit card Executive Club spends or purchases at members companies, BA and other least one Avios point every retail outlets, airport and 36 months valet parking, household accounts, petrol and supermarket purchases Cathay Pacific Three years oneworld alliance members Travel, leisure, hotel, Guaranteed seat reservations across all cabins, up The Marco Polo Club dining, retail, telecoms, to 24 hours prior to departure. finance and insurance Delta Air Lines No expiry SkyTeam alliance partners, Alaska Car rental, home Miles never expire. SkyMiles Airlines, GOL, Great Lakes, Hawaiian entertainment, financial Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin partners, cruises and Australia vacations, dining and retail, shopping, hotels, convert partner points to miles EgyptAir Three years Star Alliance members Hotels, car rental, Redeem miles for free tickets, upgrades and EgyptAir Plus restaurants, and financial, excess baggage. health and mobile services El Al Three years jetBlue, American Airlines, SWISS, Hotels, car rental, Members can book an EL AL ticket and pay with Matmid S7 Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines restaurants and shopping money and points. Emirates Three years Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Qantas, Hotel partners, car rental, Members can use a combination of cash and miles Skywards SAA, Alaska Airlines, easyJet, Jet financial, retail, leisure to pay for flights. Airways, jetBlue, Jetstar, S7 Airlines, and lifestyle TAP Portugal, Virgin America, Air Mauritius, Malaysia Airlines Ethiopian Airlines Members need to Star Alliance members, ASKY Airlines, Shopping, lifestyle, car Extra baggage allowance for Gold and Silver Sheba Miles re-qualify for their tier TACA Airlines rental, hotels members. status annually. Etihad Airways Mileage expiry depends Brussels Airlines, Oman Air, Jet Car rental, hotels, Redeem miles for free tickets, upgrades and Air Seychelles on tier level: Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines, Virgin telecommunications, excess baggage. Redeem miles on flights, Etihad Guest Etihad Guest – two years; Australia, American Airlines, airberlin, shopping, financial upgrades, products and services using the Silver – two and a half Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air New partners, leisure and exclusive Reward Shop. years; Gold and Platinum Zealand, Alitalia, ANA, Asiana Airways, lifestyle – three years Bangkok Airways, Czech Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Hainan Airlines, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Ukraine International Airlines, GOL, Philippine Airlines, SAA, codeshare partners
12 n Wednesday October 12 2016 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS LOYALTY PROGRAMMES
Airlines Programme Mileage expiry Partners Non-related point accrual Top selling feature Iberia If there has been no oneworld alliance members, Avianca, Hotels, car rental, Redeem miles for free tickets, upgrades and excess Iberia Plus activity in three years, the Binter, Meridiana, Royal Air Maroc and financial, shopping, baggage. Triple points promotion for flights to South points will expire. TACA Airlines wellness, leisure, rail, America until December 15. ferries, educational courses, taxis, fuel and cruises LAM Three years – Hotels, car rental, Redeem miles for free tickets, upgrades and excess Flamingo Club fuel products, baggage. Executive desk check-in. telecommunications LATAM Three years oneworld alliance airlines Hotels and car rental Redeem miles for free tickets, upgrades and excess LATAM Pass baggage. LATAM miles can be used to book flights on other oneworld partners to over 1 000 worldwide destinations. Lufthansa Three years Star Alliance member airlines and Car rental, Redeem miles for free tickets, upgrades and excess SWISS other airlines hotels, shopping, baggage. Redeem points for cash. Miles & More telecommunications Partner Plus Benefits and more (PPB) Redeem points for cash. Qantas No expiry if member earns/ Jetstar and more than 35 partner Credit cards, hotels, car Redeem miles for free tickets, upgrades and Qantas Frequent Flyer uses points once every 18 airlines including Emirates and rental, travel, shopping, excess baggage. Qantas Classic Flight and Upgrade months (excludes family oneworld alliance financial, entertainment, Rewards. transfers) dining and business services. (Note: some point accruals are not applicable to non- Australian members) Qatar Airways Qmiles expire at the end of oneworld alliance airlines and Hotels, car rental Redeem miles for free tickets, upgrades and excess Privilege Club three calendar years US Airways baggage. Members can redeem Qmiles or Qcredits at the airport for an upgrade to business or first class on Qatar Airways when they fly out of Doha, and some other airports.
RwandAir Silver, Gold and Diamond Codeshare and interline airline – Redeem miles for free tickets, upgrades and excess DreamMiles tiers, two years. partners baggage. Priority for free upgrades to business Emerald tier, no expiry class for members with confirmed economy seats when those classes are full and business class is available. Saudia Three years SkyTeam partners Car rental, finance, hotels, Redeem miles for free flights. Alfursan telecommunications, retail and booking engines Singapore Airlines Three years Star Alliance members, SilkAir Over 120 global non- Redeem miles for free tickets, upgrades and excess KrisFlyer airline partners baggage. Premium economy class – 110% of miles flown is earned. South African Airways Miles are valid for a Star Alliance member airlines, SA Car rental, financial, Earning and redemption of miles on flights is based SAA Voyager minimum of 36 months Express Airways, Mango*, Airlink, hospitality, property, fuel, on a conversion from/to the monetary value of the from the date they are Swaziland Airlink, El Al, Emirates, retail and lifestyle fare and fuel levy on the ticket. earned. Expiring miles can Etihad, Jet Airways, Jet Blue, LATAM, be extended by one year Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia. at a time (repeatable) by *Mango is a redemption partner flying 6 000 tier miles on SAA in the calendar year preceding the expiry date. T&Cs apply TAAG – Angola Three years – Hotels and car rental Dedicated access to check-in counters for gold and Airlines silver members. Umbi Umbi Turkish Airlines Three years Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, Hotels, car rental, Free tickets or upgrades for traveller and companion. Miles & Smiles EgyptAir, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, financial, technology, Singapore Airlines, SAA, Spanair, telecommunications, SWISS, TAP, Thai Airways, United vehicle purchases, fuel Airlines, Jet Airways products Virgin Atlantic – – – Virgin will relaunch its loyalty programme in the near Airways future. Flying Club
Key
oneworld alliance partners: airberlin, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LATAM, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines. Star Alliance partners: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Thai and United. SkyTeam partners: Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, AeroMexico, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Czech Airlines, Delta, Garuda Indonesia, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, Tarom, Vietnam Airlines, Xiamen Air.
QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday October 12 2016 n 13 LOYALTY PROGRAMMES
Hotels Programme How to earn points Participating partners Top selling feature
Accor Stays at 2 800 hotels (budget to Club Med, HuaZhu, partner Transfer points to participating partners, points Le Club luxury) hotels, Finnair, Hertz, Europcar, do not expire as long as guests stay once a Essential Bagllerina, Multiplus, Smiles, year in any Accor hotel. Connected Orange Holiday Shell, LATAM, Upgraded HSBC Even More VIP
aha Earn real rands on accommodation Europcar Accommodation and meal vouchers. Real Rewards spend Classic Plus Premium
BON Hotels For every stay members earn a – Purchase one-year membership for R600 for BONami BONami bonus crown access to benefits, which are then instantly available.
Carlson Rezidor 20 Gold Points per US$ spent on Budget and Avis Free award nights starting from 9 000 gold Club CarlsonSM hotel nights, plus all meals and points with no blackout dates on standard Club CarlsonSM for Planners beverages charged to the customer’s rooms. (meetings and events room planners) 1 000 participating hotels Hotel brands include: Quorvus Collection, Radisson brands, Park Plaza, Park Inn, Country Inns and Suites
City Lodge – – City Lodge will relaunch its loyalty programme The Lodger Club in the near future.
Hilton Points accrued at more than Airline, rail, car rental, Redeem points for free nights, premium HHonors 4 700 hotels, resorts and timeshare cruise, shopping, dining and merchandise, charitable contributions, or properties across 104 countries and entertainment unique events through the Hilton HHonors territories auction platform.
InterContinental Hotels Members can earn points at more Over 200 airlines, and online Members can redeem points for flights on Group than 5 000 hotels worldwide with portals, Flights Anywhere, Cars over 200 airlines with Flights Anywhere, car IHG Rewards Club opportunity to earn points through Anywhere and Hotels Anywhere rentals with Cars Anywhere, hotel stays - even IHG Business Rewards regular promotions and partners competitor hotels - with Hotels Anywhere, and (meeting and event planners) a variety of merchandise, through the IHG Rewards Club catalogue.
Legacy Hotels and Resorts Members can earn a percentage Over 200 brand partners across Legacy Lifestyle offers up to 20% off and Legacy Lifestyle back of their spend when shopping an array of categories, including Lifestyle Rands back at over 257 hotels, across at a Lifestyle partner. R1 equals fashion, dining, adventure, travel, 37 countries worldwide. 1 Lifestyle Rand. Rands can be and much more spent with any other Lifestyle Brand Partner
Peermont Hotels and Resorts Crown Key points are added to the Mango Airlines, Wine Club and Crown Key members receive instant Mango Crown Key member’s account when booking Official Protea Supporters Club Plus status and travel in style with an through Central Reservations using array of exclusive privileges on Mango a qualified room rate. Guests also Airlines. When they book their Mango flight on earn points on qualified room peermontrewards.co.za they will be entitled to charges, room service, laundry special offers, flexibility to change flight time services and telephone usage. For or dates, free name change, access to the every R10 spent, members earn 1 business class lounge, on-board meal voucher point for refreshments and 10kg extra checked in baggage. T&Cs apply.
Preferred Hotels and Resorts Receive points for every US$ More than 600 independent hotels Members can use a combination of reward iPrefer spent on nett room reservations and resorts worldwide certificates and cash to purchase room nights at participating hotels booked or any other hotel services. through eligible channels, which are redeemable for cash-value Reward certificates which can be used against room nights or hotel services at more than 600 hotels. Reward certificates never expire and are transferable
14 n Wednesday October 12 2016 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS LOYALTY PROGRAMMES
Hotels Programme How to earn points Participating partners Top selling feature
Premier Hotels and Resorts Points earned on total hotel bill: – Welcome platter on arrival in room. Royalty Club accommodation, hotel services and dining
Protea Hotels Earn up to 10% of accommodation Bidvest Car Rental, kulula.com Up to 10% discount on Best Available Rate Prokard spend in Prokard Rands at Protea of the day in SA and 20% in Africa; 5% off Note: Marriott Rewards is and African Pride Hotels online special offers and complimentary room available across Protea upgrades. Hotels. Prokard also remains as a local benefits card offering
Starwood Earn points at more than 1 200 Airlines and Uber Free nights, free flights, room upgrades and Preferred Guest hotels. Starpoints do not expire as instant rewards. Starwood long as there is activity once every 12 months
Sun International – – Sun International will relaunch its loyalty MVG Programme programme at the end of October.
Tsogo Sun Earn SunRands on accommodation American Express, Nedbank 7,5%-20% food and beverage discounts at Tsogo Hotel Rewards rates and hotel owned services Greenbacks and SunSwops hotel-owned restaurants and bars. (SunRands are valid for two years). 1 SunRand = R1.
Car Rental Programme How to earn points Participating partners Top selling feature
Avis Rent a Car Vehicle rental Frequent flyer programmes with all Preferred Service/Preferred Plus/President’s Wizard membership major international airlines Club: Global recognition, upgrades and free Preferred Service membership weekend vouchers. Preferred Plus membership President’s Club membership ClubRed
Budget Car Rental Vehicle rental Club Red Programme ClubRed (travel agents): Earn ClubRed Roses on qualifying rates; you can now redeem for eBucks or cash on the new ClubRed VISA card.
Europcar Vehicle rental Kulula, SAA, SAA Voyager, Tsogo Sun ‘Ready Service’ customers can use the Ready Platinum Programme Service counter to avoid queues. ID only is Drive Card (Leisure) needed to collect keys. Drive Club (Leisure) Business Connect (SMEs)
First Car Rental Vehicle rental Premier Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Corporate Show&Go: Direct from plane to car, First Club Card Express, FlySafair and Anytime mobile checkout in one minute. Corporate Show & Go Card Holidays
Hertz Vehicle rental – Complimentary access to Acsa Bidvest Premier Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Lounges with car rental reservation of three consecutive days or more.
Thrifty Car Rental Participants can book a vehicle from – Thrifty does not prescribe where or for what Moolla Rewards (Travel agents) a Group P to an E Class Merc for one members can use their Moolla Rewards. day or more and earn Moolla Rewards
Woodford Vehicle rental – Upgrades of vehicles; free GPS and extra driver Woodford Advance inclusions; no deposit required for specific categories and classes.
*Disclaimer: The table contains a selection of the benefits offered by those loyalty programmes that supplied information.
QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday October 12 2016 n 15 LOYALTY PROGRAMMES Price beats loyalty with leisure travellers THE likelihood of a client loyalty programmes, price being swayed by loyalty sensitivity is higher for Do loyalty programmes play a role points and rewards is tourists,” he says. in your clients’ choice of supplier? determined by their reason Hilke Desmarais of for travelling. 360 Travel, says when it Of the 78 corporate comes to the corporate and leisure travel agents traveller, travel policy often Thaybz Khan who responded to eTNW’s dictates that the cheapest survey, 50 said loyalty available flight needs to be programmes impacted selected, so if the traveller Cruisers are consumer choices while 28 has a loyalty programme, loyal too were unconvinced. they would accumulate miles dependent on which LOYALTY programmes “While business-related supplier is the cheapest. are also popular with travel or recurrent “When it comes to the cruise passengers, says leisure market and the Thaybz Khan, marketing travellers are more client has the budget, then executive at Cruises sensitive to loyalty the loyalty programme may International. “Cruising sway the client. However generates a high volume programmes, price our market has become of repeat guests, and sensitivity is higher quite cost sensitive, so often these repeat clients for tourists.” if there is a remarkable are well ranked within difference in pricing and the loyalty programme. LATAM Airlines commercial the air connections are still YES NO This means clients director: UK, Nordic reasonably convenient, then automatically qualify Countries and Africa, the client would normally 64% 36% for the value-adds that Martin Modarelli, says the select the cheaper option,” come along with being effectiveness of a loyalty she says. when the client could be get better service with a a loyalty member of that programme depends on the “My clients now look at swayed to remain loyal. particular supplier, then it cruise line, which assists customer’s profile and their price before loyalty,” one Another agent said that is them that I will go with – the client in making a intention to travel. agent said, adding that if clients and agencies were that is why I am guaranteed decision to go on yet “While business-related the loyalty cost is slightly looking at service more repeat business as another cruise holiday,” travel or recurrent travellers more expensive than the than rewards. opposed to losing a client she says. are more sensitive to cheapest option, that is “If I know my client will due to bad service.”
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16 n Wednesday October 12 2016 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW7766SD LOYALTY PROGRAMMES
Earn rewards faster EFFECTIVE partnerships also enable “We have not engaged with travellers to earn rewards more partners for our loyalty programme, quickly. Advance, as yet, although this is a Partnerships make a loyalty plan for the future,” he says. programme more appealing to Suretha Cruse of SAA says customers because they can supplier partnerships are more consolidate rewards in one portfolio of a necessity for those suppliers rather than getting points across with complementary services or different vendors and struggling to products as part of their loyalty build up enough to be redeemable, offering because the partnerships says Jimmy Eichelgruen, Delta provide opportunities for the cross- Air Lines sales director for Africa, selling and upselling of those Middle East and India. services. “I do it myself – I fly Delta and Suretha says that, by partnering Partnerships offer stay at the same hotel chain to with complementary partners, a build up points to pay for future loyalty programme supplier can trips,” he says, adding that Delta create a convenient multi-partner more value has a number of partners, including one-stop e-commerce marketplace SUPPLIERS partnering various hotels, credit Hertz and Starwood Hotels, which and offer rewards with such together to allow card companies, banks, enables customers to earn and partners. customers to redeem health companies redeem miles for flights or a range “Initially, airline programmes points for the same etc. which have been of other holidays perks. partnered with other airlines to loyalty programme effective in encouraging Partnering with companies within extend networks, but more and across a number loyalty and repeat the same or associated industries more programmes, including SAA of different sectors business,” Lance says. can also yield maximum impact and Voyager, have now crossed over to is another way to It makes sense for results, especially when a common non-travel partnerships in the retail encourage repeat suppliers to partner objective – such as the nurturing and lifestyle space. This is a very business, the experts up to give passengers of tourism or encouraging business effective strategy for programmes agree. a full-service travel – is the basis of the partnership, seeking to continuously keep Sharon de Leur offering, adds LATAM’s says Essa Suleman, operations customers engaged and the loyalty of Peermont says Martin Modarelli. manager at Woodford Car Hire. card first in wallet,” she says. consumers are seeking He says passengers more value, choices, who make use of point redemption Lance Smith loyalty programme options, discount partnerships regularly options, ease of transacting and have peace of mind knowing what Top tips for agents experiences that add significant to expect from associated suppliers, value to their lifestyle – consequently making travelling more convenient Hilke Desmarais, travel consultant transaction fee than normal as loyalty programmes continue and allowing them to access at 360 Travel, offered the following would be fair, she says. “Having to evolve, brands will have to benefits faster. tips for agents who are dealing with said this, the client needs to be increasingly aware of adding Supplier partnerships are important clients who are members of loyalty understand that the agent is meaningful benefits and rewards to in providing the traveller choice and programmes: a go-between and thus does mitigate the loss of brand loyalty. value, agrees Air Mauritius head: 1. It is important for travel agents not have much control if these “This has resulted in a number of sales and marketing, Wouter Nel. to have a broad knowledge seats are confirmed or not. brands forming smart partnerships Air Mauritius’s Kestrel Flyer has of the different frequent flyer Communication with the client in to offer an enhanced and recently entered into a partnership programmes. “The client has this regard is vital,” Hilke says. broader value proposition to their with Emirates Skywards, which offers spent money with the agency in 3. Star Alliance, SkyTeam and consumers,” she says. travellers more choice in earning order to accumulate miles and oneworld loyalty programmes Lance Smith, executive sales at and redeeming their miles on both so the agent should reciprocate are still the most popular among Avis Southern Africa, says suppliers carriers’ flight operations. by assisting the client with the travellers, Hilke says. partnering together is an ongoing “Through these partnerships, redemption of these miles.” “These alliances make it easier trend and is an example of suppliers our travellers have access to more 2. As booking tickets when for the traveller to accumulate becoming more innovative in their lounges, flights and other value- redeeming loyalty miles is miles and also reach higher tier approach to loyalty. added benefits that were not there labour intensive, a slightly higher levels.” “At Avis, we have partnerships with before,” he says.
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18 n Wednesday October 12 2016 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS COMMUNITYNEWS JOBS Births, deaths, marriages, promotions – we want to know! Please fax or e-mail TNW’s Taryn Nightingale, at [email protected] or (011) 327 4094. New ceo for SA Tourism MINISTER of Tourism Derek February 1999 until March track to meet its objectives Pick of the week Hanekom has welcomed the 2004. More recently he was during the appointment brought to you by appointment of Sisa Ntshona responsible for enterprise process. “Sisa’s experience as the ceo of South African development across 12 in the banking and aviation Tourism. The appointment countries in Africa at industries will be valuable has been approved by the Barclays. He is currently the to SA Tourism, and to the Cabinet and was announced chairperson and president of wider tourism sector. We by chairperson of the SA the Enterprise Development look forward to working with Inbound FIT Consultant – Intermediate Leisure Tourism Board, Dr Tanya Council of South Africa. him and his team to grow Johannesburg North Consultant – Tygervalley Abrahamse. Sisa previously Derek thanked the ceo of SA international tourist arrivals Professional Career Services Professional Career Services worked as an executive Tourism, Sthembiso Dlamini, even further and develop Luxury safari experience Assist clients either via email manager for Africa and the for acting as ceo and a vibrant domestic tourism essential. Good knowledge of or telephonically. Min 3 years’ Middle East at SAA from keeping the organisation on market,” says Derek. Southern & East Africa. Very leisure exp. Amadeus. Strong customer focused, itineraries geography, destination and from start to finish. product knowledge. Email [email protected] Sales focus. Email [email protected] Recognising excellence Leisure Consultant – Boland, Western Cape Quantex Recruitment Group Senior Consultant – Emperors Palace gm for hotels 2+ years’ retail consulting Boland, Western Cape and resort operations, Wayne experience and leisure Quantex Recruitment Group Hill, has been awarded the experience required by 5–8 years’ inbound Certified Hotel Administrator successful travel brand. consulting experience, FIT designation by the American Galileo or Amadeus required. or groups & group series Hotel and Lodging Educational Email: [email protected] experience required by Institute. The certification is established tour operator. considered the most respected of Senior Reservations Whizz – Galileo certificate required. its kind that can be awarded to a Cape Town Email: [email protected] hotel gm or hospitality executive. Lee Botti & Associates During his 26 years in the CBD. East Africa specialist FIT Consultant – Cape Town hospitality industry, Wayne has required for growing luxury Lee Botti & Associates managed various departments in brand. Flexible working hours CBD. Renowned tour operator leading hotels. and excellent commissions boasting an impressive “I have always wanted to be a on offer! Salary R25 000. language division seeks Certified Hotel Administrator, Email: [email protected] just like some people want to be German speaking consultants pilots or lawyers,” says Wayne. Business Development to sell Southern Africa! Manager – Northcliff Salary R18 000. Email: CiEvents [email protected] The person we are looking for needs to be an “Inspiration” Cruise Consultant to our prospective clients and Flight Centre possess a dynamic and creative This is an exceptional approach to sales. Email: lauren. opportunity for an [email protected] experienced travel consultant or sales-driven Senior Corporate Consultant – professional to join a global Sandton travel company and rapidly Equity Connections cc progress their career. Handle all aspects of corporate Email: [email protected] bookings at top senior level. In- depth international experience, sound fare construction skills F.I.T/Groups Consultant – and Galileo needed. Johannesburg North Email: [email protected] Equity Connections cc Run full functions of Intermediate Travel Consultant reservations. Plan “wow City Lodge cares – Cape Town Tygervalley factor” itineraries plus Club Travel quotations, reservations, City Lodge has donated R430 000 to three worthy organisations: the Cancer Association Looking for high earning documentation. Suit of South Africa (CANSA), the Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa, and Food potential and guaranteed client intermediate/senior with & Trees for Africa. CANSA received R199 600 from the hotel group. Pictured here (from base? Look no further! Grab this minimum four years’ left): Chris Hudson, national sales manager at Ciro Beverage Solutions; Tony Balabanoff, opportunity. Be part of growing experience. Email: City Lodge divisional operations director; Munnik Marais, CANSA’s corporate relations online divisions. [email protected] manager; and Patrick Tate, City Lodge divisional operations director. Email: [email protected] BSP Refunds Clerk – Online & Office Manager – Cape Town Rosebank Club Travel Appointment Wendy’s Travel Personnel BSP administrator required At least 5/7 years’ travel Avis Mozambique. Luis’s 17 to provide support to the BSP years of experience include background with Amadeus/ Southern division. Must be proficient a position in the financial Galileo and online experience. Africa has To advertise in processing automated announced the services sector as a risk Reissues, fares rules and refunds in the GDS and appointment of manager at Barclays and on this page good geographical knowledge BSP link. Email: Luis de Sousa gm of MultiRent SA, where essential! as country he managed its fleet email Email: [email protected] [email protected] manager for management business. [email protected] TNW7671 These adverts were selected from the vacancy For a FREE subscription to TNW section of www.travelinfo.co.za contact Gladys on [email protected] For more details contact [email protected]
QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday October 12 2016 n 19 TNW NEWS Spiffy fares, mate!
As part of Air Mauritius’s Queues must fall! special fares in business From page 1 people tried to merge into class to destinations Meanwhile, South African other queues.” including Australia, travel agents report that When Wally eventually India, Hong Kong, numerous clients have got to the counter, the Malaysia and Singapore, missed connecting flights immigration official told him passengers can fly from and transfers. “An FCM he had been there since Johannesburg to Perth client waited for over an 5am and that he had had from R25 090 return, hour yesterday and we had enough. “He said: ‘They will including taxes. Pictured to extend his transfer pick- sack me if they see I don’t here is MK’s Wouter up time because of it,” says do the biometrics but I don’t Nel, sales and marketing Michelle Jolley, Corporate care.’ And he proceeded to manager: Southern Africa. Traveller Marketing Manager. stamp my passport without Photo: Shannon Van Zyl Club Travel md, Wally checking it.” Gaynor, recently had what According to David, in he calls a “most horrific recognition of the tourism experience” when leaving industry’s contribution to the OR Tambo this week. “It took economy, the delays at OR Gigs gracefully bows out about 45 minutes to get Tambo must be dealt with at through security,” he says, an inter-ministerial level as a Taryn Nightingale between London, Austria to good business is to look adding that once his hand matter of urgency. Additional (where Thomas’s children live) after the people who work luggage had been checked, immigration staff must be OUNDER and co-director and South Africa. with you,” she says. there was nowhere to move hired and trained ahead of of Travel Connections, Geraldine and Lindy Preston Travel Connections will forward any more. the coming high season, he FGeraldine Zilk, started Travel Connections continue to be run by md, Wally says numerous says. affectionately known by her in March 1988. The pair met Lindy, and is now 100% immigration counters were “The galling thing is that travel colleagues as Gigs, has at school and ended up in owned by Bidvest. unoccupied, with only this is the same department ‘retired’ after dedicating 44 the travel industry where they “Entering into a business two counters handling that has wrought legislation years to the travel industry. worked together at Budget with a partner is a very biometrics. “When I was that has severely impacted “I don’t really like the word Travel. risky endeavour and I think seven people away from the our sector… and now they ‘retiring’,” says Gigs. “I chose Gigs says one of her career statistics would show that counter, the immigration can’t even do their day jobs to sell my shares and exit highlights was selling 60% most partnerships do not official said his system was properly,” he says. “I urge the company because I want of their business to Bidvest prevail, and certainly not for frozen and he literally just Minister Hanekom to take to spend more time with my to allow for a BEE partner in 28 years. left. I thought a riot was this matter up urgently with children and grandchildren 2001. “The biggest lesson “Such was our friendship going to break out as the the Deputy President.” who live in London.” She I’ve learnt in my career is that that we never gave this says she and her husband, without your staff you really possibility a second thought,” Thomas, will now be living have nothing and that the key says Lindy.
‘EU visa-free travel – a long shot’ From page 1 open its doors to Africa. “We easier for frequent travellers. brought to you by eTNW and TRAVELINFO travellers is its ultimate goal. would need to get our own However, TNW spoke to a Spokesperson for the DHA, house in order first.” visa specialist who says the Mayihlome Tshwete, says Chris van Staden, director EU is realistic about visas the EU needs to examine the of Azure Travel, agrees, saying for SA travellers. “I don’t so-called threat SA poses to while it would be great, it’s not think long-term multiple-entry Europe. “Most SA travellers going to happen. visas should be opened up to are tourists and not economic In terms of shorter term everybody. This could put EU Plenty to worry about migrants.” He says the DHA concessions, the DHA aims to countries at risk. Travellers Which of the year’s biggest issues concerns you most? wants to look at issues that simplify the process and lower who are more stable and likely concern the EU and address the cost of long-term multiple- to return are granted longer Volatile rand them. entry visas for business visas.” “Once we do this, we could travellers, students, academics Mayihlome says the EU Clients finding cheaper fares online see visa requirements dropped and other groups of frequent ambassador expects to have Increase in terrorism within two years.” travellers to the EU. more direction on how and Changes to government travel policy However, Annemarie Lexow, Susan Thesen, gm of British when concessions for multiple- sales and marketing manager T.I.P.S, says some countries entry visas will be addressed UBC regulations 40% 38% of Travel Vision, says the within the EU are quite strict next year. He says other Fraud proposed concessions are when it comes to granting concessions, such as for optimistic and opportunistic multiple-entry visas and an diplomats and officials who no and that there’s no reason to initiative to streamline the longer require visas for the EU, expect the rest of the world to entire process would make it will be addressed sooner.
9% New Zealand imposes visas on SAs 6% 5% From page 1 have to request this in their maximum of 24 hours. 2% (R1 634) until November 20. application as the embassy Biometrics will not be From November 21, paper ultimately determines the required for either the visitor eTravel is the ITC market leader in South Africa and assists senior Travel applications increase to $184 length of the visa granted.” visa or transit visa. Consultants and Travel business owners to realise their dreams. If you have (R1 822). All South Africans SA nationals passing South Africans travelling ever dreamt of owning your own travel business or would like to cut costs submitting paper applications through New Zealand as to New Zealand before 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 can do so through VFS Global transit passengers will need November 21 will be granted 200 Independent Travel Companies and specialise in Cherry Lane Office Park in to apply for a transit visa a visitor visa on arrival – valid in making your travel business a success by offering Pretoria. before travel, unless they for up to three months – the best commissions, overrides & a comprehensive “The length of the visitor are travelling to Australia provided they meet standard support structure. If you have a client base, 5 years visa is usually up to three and hold a valid visa for requirements, which include travel consultant experience or already own your months, but can be as long the country. With the transit having sufficient funds, an own business but want to make more, then contact us! You’ll be amazed at how easy it is! as nine,” VFS Global told visa, travellers can stay in outward ticket and satisfying TNW, “however, visitors the transit area of Auckland the immigration officer they Contact Tammy on 0861eTrave1 or [email protected] wanting to stay that long International airport for a genuinely intend a visit.
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20 n Wednesday October 12 2016 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS