July 2 2014 I No. 2307 Southern Africa’s Travel News Weekly

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NEWS Feature REPORT Want to develop leads? Cruise incentives MICE UrbanZeak is trialling in SA A great option for tight budgets Meet in Mauritius

INSIDE Page 2 Page 8 Page 10 A new rival for Travelstart

Natasha Tippel The company plans to launch comparing airlines, on one an aggressive advertising website. What they see is live IDTRAVEL has launched campaign for in August, and bookable. If they hover an online travel agency backed by a big budget and over the fare, they’ll see a Btargeting South African a series of competitions to detailed breakdown of costs. leisure travellers that, it says, drive consumer awareness. The site offers complete will “compete head-on” with “We want to make it clear to transparency, showing the market leader, Travelstart. the consumer that Webjet is customer what service fee Webjet.co.za, which is endorsed by Bidvest, a global they are paying, so they don’t backed by the Proudly Bidvest brand, a brand they can trust get a nasty shock at the end brand, is a consumer-facing and feel confident booking of the transaction. The price website that offers South their travel with,” says Allan. they see is the price they pay.” African travellers a one-stop Webjet he says. online shop to book domestic Limited is a The company is headed up and international flights, hotel listed company by md, Herby Seedat (left), accommodation, car rental based in with a small support centre at and travel insurance as well Australia, with Bidvest’s offices in Rosebank. as holiday packages. operations in The next step for the OTA, The launch of the new OTA New Zealand, Herby says, is to go mobile, forms part of BidTravel’s multi- North America, with the development of brand strategy and its strong Canada, the an app. Webjet will also be The hottest… focus on online, says md of UK, Singapore, Hong Kong working with tour operators BidTravel, Allan Lunz. “Online and Mexico. “We had to make to further develop its holiday is the future. Consumers the decision: do we build packages content, which want to book online and it or buy? We looked at the currently doesn’t offer live …deals in town! The Holiday Factory is offering ‘the allows you to run a company competition in the market and bookings but will in the future. hottest deals in the Maldives’, with specials starting with fewer staff and fewer decided the Webjet brand was Currently, customers can also from R23 190pp for seven nights in a deluxe room overheads, while still serving like no other consumer-facing request forex through the at Olhuveli, half board. Specials also include Kuredu, the customer’s needs.” website in . It’s website. The next step will be Meeru, Bandos, Vilamendhoo, Medhufushi, and more. Primarily focused on incredibly easy to use,” to develop a direct API with Offers are valid for bookings until July 30. See more corporate travel, the new Allan says. various banks so customers specials in this week’s Holiday Factory insert in TNW. product is BidTravel’s first big “Customers will find the can purchase their forex Matthew Fubbs, sales director of The Holiday Factory venture into the leisure space. cheapest available fare, through Webjet.  showcases the hottest deals. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl SA travellers to get visa reprieve

Dorine Reinstein Despite this concession, immigration laws in require travellers to appear will have a negative effect travel agents believe the South Africa, the Kenya in person at the High on transit passengers, THE Kenya High Commission inconvenience of the visa High Commission has Commission in Pretoria for mainly as they are not announced at the eleventh requirements will discourage announced that all South biometrics and pay a R750 going to pay extra and hour that it would postpone travel to – and through – the Africans travelling to Kenya, visa fee (see TNW June 25). bother with the hassle of the new visa requirements East African hub. including those transiting Tammy Hunt, operations visa application processes for South African travellers In a tit-for-tat move as the country, would have to director of eTravel, says: simply for transit purposes.” from July 1 to September 1. a reaction to the new apply for a visa. This would “Implementing visas To page 12

TNW6241SD NEWS School is out!

TNW6002SD Island Light Holidays is offering school break packages to Mauritius, starting from R11 701 and valid for booking between June 28 and July 20 and from October 4-12. Packages include return economy-class flights, airport transfers, seven nights’ accommodation at Rubes® By Leigh Rubin selected Lux* Resorts and Hotels, and breakfast and dinner daily. Breaking all the rules, are front, from left: Evi Moller (sales executive) and Charmaine Banks (business development manager); and back, from left: Alexis Bekker (head of sales and marketing) and Glen Taylor (sales executive). Photo: Shannon Van Zyl Mining social media for leads – you test it!

Debbie Badham uses an advanced algorithm And when newly enagaged to provide travel agents with people put the word out on US-BASED travel group enhanced access to the social social media, this will be useful has developed a way media marketing place. The UZ for travel agencies nearby that Ato scan social media crawler identifies travel want honeymoon business. like Twitter and Facebook to buyers who have expressed UZ also offers a less develop sales leads. interest in the target travel enhanced product as part of The service is designed experience. Assessing their which it emails you leads as specifically for small and geographic position, the well as information about the medium sized-retailers and will Internet crawler then engages prospective client’s needs and work in any country, head of the buyers with highly targeted contact details. Then, once you marketing for UrbanZeak, Ron and relevant messaging. are a permanent subscriber, Katz told TNW. UZ automates the process so TNW is looking for five Here’s how it works... that prospective clients receive independent travel agents to As an agent, you provide UZ an automated outreach from take part in the free trial of with a description or list of your your agency, giving them the a brand-new lead-generating generalised and specialised opportunity to contact you. system for travel sales. The services, promotions and UZ evaluates each lead to Founding Editors: first of its kind, UrbanZeak will market differentiators. UZ then let you know, in percentage John H Marsh (1914-1996) Leona Marsh (1923-2003) potentially transform the way creates your electronic agency format, the likelihood of EDITORIAL agents market themselves profile and sifts through social converting the sale in question TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY Editor: Natasha Tippel [email protected] and generate sales. TNW is media channels to locate into a lead. www.etnw.co.za Features Editor: Michelle Colman [email protected] working with UrbanZeak to trial individuals whose needs and Published by Contributors: this new product in SA and is interests match your products. Want to participate? Travel & Trade Publishing (Pty) Ltd Debbie Badham Chana Boucher inviting you, our readers, to For example, if you provide If you would like to be one Printed by Juka Printing (Pty) Ltd Hilka Birns Caro Malherbe join us in exploring this new services to people who have of the first to experience this Dorine Reinstein Phone: (011) 327-4062 marketing technology. just arrived at a destination, ground-breaking new system, Photographer: Shannon Van Zyl Fax: (011) 327-4094 then anyone who tweets the email debbieb@nowmedia. Production Editor: Ann Braun E-mail: [email protected] What is UrbanZeak? fact will be picked up. Ron said co.za. We will then put five Web: www.nowmedia.co.za Publisher UrbanZeak (UZ) is a social that 600 people a day tweet of you in touch with Ron to Address: Now Media Centre, Kate Nathan [email protected] 32 Fricker Road, Illovo Boulevard, media advertising product that ‘just landed in Paris’. conduct the tests.  Illovo, Johannesburg. Group Publisher PO Box 55251, Northlands, David Marsh [email protected] 2116, South Africa. ADVERTISING Sales: [email protected] To the point Advertising Co-ordinator: Courtney Canham [email protected] Air Uganda has suspended flights due to an ongoing audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization PRODUCTION on the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority. Rodney Murphy, Air Uganda’s country representative for South Design Head: Africa, said: “There is no problem with Air Uganda. Air Uganda is Iata Operational Safety Audited. The Dirk Voorneveld problem is the Uganda CAA. It failed the ICAO audit. In a knee-jerk reaction, the CAA suspended the Subscriptions licences of all airlines, which was totally unnecessary.” For the time being, agents can either apply for Circulation [email protected] ticket refunds or rebook passengers on alternative airlines.

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2 n Wednesday July 2 2014 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW6111SD NEWS

Baggage wrapping – an Fastjet partners with expensive solution to pilfering? hotel booking engine FASTJET has announced to flight bookings. Dorine Reinstein says Steve Chart, author area, Iain says. a pan-African hotel Ellis Cain-Jones, head of ’89 Bags and Counting’. Although Acsa was partnership with Venere. of commercial at fastjet, AA will soon implement “For cling wrapping to be opposed to SAA’s initial com, a member of said: “Accommodation a baggage wrapping successful, there has to be a trial period because of a Inc. is a natural add-on for service as a permanent procedure in place to check lack of consultation, Unathi S Fastjet customers will both our leisure and feature after having that every wrapped bag Batyashe-Fillis, Acsa conducted what it says was a remains wrapped until it is spokesperson, told TNW that be able to access and business customers and “successful trial period”. But collected by the passenger at airlines at any one of its purchase rooms from this partnership offers an is this the best solution? his/her destination. If a bag nine airports were entitled to Venere.com’s inventory extensive choice of hotels Pilfering remains a rampant is found unwrapped between wrap bags belonging to its of hotels via the airline's across the continent. issue in South Africa, check-in and the aircraft passengers. “The company’s booking channels. “We are particularly especially at OR Tambo or the aircraft and arrivals initial stance was that when The Venere feature happy that Venere.com has International Airport. Iata hall, the procedures must airlines take this route they will initially launch as a accommodated our mid-term recently recorded an average include details as to how to should ensure that proper ‘co-brand’ product, available multi-channel requirements, mishandled bag rate of 8,85 investigate the interference.” consultations with relevant via fastjet’s website but will enabling fastjet passengers per 1 000 bags, and Acsa role players are held before later be fully integrated into without Internet access to reported a 9,5 average per such decisions are taken.” the booking process. book through our 24-hour 1000 bags. Bob Gurr, sales “For cling wrapping to She added: “Month-on- This will allow passengers call centre following the and marketing director of be successful, there month, baggage pilferage to add accommodation launch.”  BIDAir Services, says while has to be a procedure numbers have been reduced pilfering at OR Tambo is not over the past several at the levels they were prior in place to check that years. Because one bag to the new licensing regime, every bag remains pilfered is one too many, BA, Vueling sign codeshare it is an issue that requires wrapped until it is we will continue to work constant attention and close with our stakeholders who BRITISH Airways has added its travel from June 24. co-operation between various collected.” handle passenger bags to flight code to more than 170 The codeshare services role players. consistently bring these flights operated by Vueling, include 37 international SAA says the baggage Iain Meaker, Comair’s numbers down.” a Spanish LCC based in routes and 11 domestic wrapping service has executive manager of Barcelona, as part of a newly routes in Italy from Rome’s considerably reduced the commercial distribution, says Refunds launched codeshare. Fiumicino Airport. amount of pilfered bags. Tlali the airline has managed to The cost of SAA’s baggage BA customers will be Some new routes on offer Tlali, SAA’s spokesperson, reduce baggage pilfering wrapping service has been able to book Vueling flights through the codeshare include says: “For quite some time to 0,45 mishandled bags a contentious issue from through all BA sales channels, Heathrow to Bilbao and La now, claims and complaints per 1 000 bags carried. the beginning of the trial including ba.com, and collect Coruña, Cardiff to Malaga and relating to baggage pilferage The carrier has stringent period, when it transpired Avios on these bookings. Alicante, and Edinburgh to and damage presented baggage management that SAA was charging Routes are now on sale for Barcelona.  a major challenge to us. processes in place that don’t passengers a hidden cost of Several initiatives were include baggage wrapping. between R50 and R100 for implemented but could Security officers have been a baggage wrapping service hardly bring any significant appointed at parking bays even if passengers didn’t TI adds new destinations improvements for the when baggage is loaded make use of the service. To customers and the airline. and offloaded. All damaged address this, SAA released to visa section In an effort to provide the or open bags are reported. a statement saying it would best possible solution, we Once offloading is completed, reimburse customers who TRAVELINFO has added and other important visa decided to implement a all baggage handlers are purchased tickets on SAA several new destinations to information on the website baggage wrapping service thoroughly searched before flights departing from ORTIA its ‘Visas’ quick reference for these countries. to significantly reduce, if not leaving the parking bay. between October 28 and guide. Travel agents can also eliminate, baggage-handling Risk control officers also do May 22 and travelled before These include South find updated information irregularities.” random stops and searches January 22 or after May 22. Sudan, Kazakhstan, on Travelinfo regarding the But cling wrapping is at the passenger area They are able to apply for a Ecuador, and Fiji. Agents new Kenya visa regulations, expensive and there are around the aircraft, in the refund of R30 and R50 for can now find visa which came into effect on other methods available parking bay, on the arrival domestic and international application info, visa forms, July 1.  that are more cost-effective, belt, and in the departure flights respectively. 

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4 n Wednesday July 2 2014 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS NEWS Themed dinners in the Sky The newly refurbished Sky venue in the Maharani Towers is now offering Vegas and Carnival-themed suppers.

HE Southern Sun team at the Maharani Elangeni & Maharani Towers. This can provide Tcomplex in Durban a ‘no-stress’ solution for has opened a new venue entertaining clients or on the 31st floor, called staff. John says, so far, the Sky. The venue used to be themed supper clubs have in operation in the 1980s, been almost sold out every says John Aritho, gm of the time. Maharani Tower. “It was He says many conference called Raffles and used to clients choose to include be the hottest nightclub in a themed dinner in place town but when we started of a traditional gala dinner to conceptualise the venue after meetings held on site we knew we wanted to offer earlier in the day. something different and Clients also have the versatile. Based on that we option of booking the decided to start themed venue on an exclusive-use supper nights.” basis and, in this case, The themes currently can adapt the décor and on offer include ‘Vegas’ entertainment to suit and ‘Brazil Carnival’. The their needs. events take place during “There is a huge stage the last weekend of the that allows clients to Conference clients often opt for a themed dinner after meetings held on site. Photo: Tsogo Sun month but the venue can include a performance to be hired on an exclusive- Southern Sun Elangeni “We have a dedicated and says John. The benefit of supplement the theme, use basis during the rest & Maharani complex creative team of chefs taking a table at one of the as well as full sound of the month. executive chef, Shaun who have travelled the themed evenings is that and projection, which is A big focus is placed Munro, incorporates the world and been exposed the food and entertainment included in the rate,” says on the cuisine and the themes into the menu. to various styles of food,” are taken care of by the John. 

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QUICK READ FOR busiest people Wednesday July 2 2014 n 5 PillowTalk NEWS A brief look at this week's hotel news

Redesign for Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! CT PROTEA Hotel Fire & Ice! is refurbishing the reception Hitting the greens area, bar, lounge, restaurant, Coughin’ Room, Bree Street deck, New Church Street deck and the lift lobby. The new look will be revealed on September 1. The hotel remains open for business, with noise limited to weekday working hours to avoid disturbing guests.

Wilderness launches new camp in WILDERNESS Explorations, the guided journey division of Wilderness Safaris, has opened Gomoti Tented Camp in the community-owned Santawani Concession in the Okavango. The main area includes a thatched dining room and lounge. The camp accommodates up to eight guests in five canvas tents, each of which has an en-suite toilet and shower. Exploration guides are also available to take guests on day and night drives to view wildlife.

Namaqua adds another luxury camp Members of the travel industry were invited to enjoy a day of networking on the CHIEFS Luxury Mobile Safari Camps has expanded into the greens at the recent Travel Industry Golf Day hosted by Avis, TIC and Travelport. The Namaqua National Park, Northern Cape, with the addition of event was held at the Johannesburg Country Club’s Rocklands Course. From left: Claude the Namaqua Flower Skilpad Camp. The new camp will offer Vankeirsbilck (Tourvest Travel Services), Louis Van Zyl (Tourvest Travel Services), Guy Muller (Avis) and Mike Snyman (Flight Centre) get into the swing. Photo Shannon Van Zyl. accommodation on a ‘bed ‘n beskuit’ basis, providing guests with coffee and rusks. The camp is ideal for guests travelling from Cape Town to as it is near the . Agents, sell those attractions!

Chana Boucher us to promote local attractions and didn’t always seem to to local travellers.” be necessary, especially at ETWEEN 41% and 50% of He adds that Flight Centre natural attractions. She said visitors to South Africa’s ensures that its travel experts in certain instances hotspots Battractions are local. take part in frequent training were a better option as they This is according to a survey sessions on various aspects were more affordable and of South African attractions of local travel, including local manageable. “We can put conducted at the Attractions attractions. them where we want them. Management in Southern Chris Webster of Wink For example, we can have one Africa 2014 conference, held in Associates in the UK, the at the queues so people can Cape Town from June 4-5. keynote speaker for the entertain themselves.” Sabine Lehmann, md conference, said attractions Jillian Grindley-Ferris of of Aerial should have the confidence to Scarlet Wing Consulting, Cableway, said between invest in their businesses to who spoke about creating December and January ensure visitors got the best family-centric attractions, 60-70% of visitors to the experience. said parents didn’t want Cableway were locals. “For all The attractions that attended their children to sit in front attractions this is an important the event seem to be on the of another screen while on market to focus on. All right track – 100% of those an outing and that there was attractions rely very heavily on who participated in a pre-event a trend to return to “old- the domestic market. I don’t survey said they were planning fashioned” activities. She said think any would survive without to invest in their attraction in if it was too sophisticated it it,” she said. the next two years. could scare visitors off. Travel agents could do more According to Tony Rubin, md Many speakers highlighted to get involved in this space. of Maropeng, hiring the right the change in visitor Flight Centre promotes staff is essential. “Skills can interests and requirements local attractions to domestic be taught but attitude comes and the need to provide an travellers, says gm, Andrew from the heart. There’s a experience that appealed to Stark. He says attractions play difference between staff who all the senses rather than just a role in selling the destination just come to work and my staff allowing visitors to observe to clients. “Cape Town is one who are a committed group of and listen. Rooksana Omar of of our top-selling domestic people, all coming to work with said the role destinations and this is due a single focus – to welcome of 21st-century museums in to some of the fantastic guests and give them a good South Africa had changed as attractions and activities experience.” they now needed to provide available in the area.” Technology was also a interactivity. “Museums are Andrew says Flight Centre recurring theme among the no longer untouchable and contracts with attractions such speakers. Sabine Lehman, static. There is a shift in focus as uShaka Marine World to ceo of the Table Mountain from collecting to connecting. include them in local packages Aerial Cableway, spoke Visitors want recreation the agency puts together. “We about the provision of WiFi and engagement, a story to do the same with major local at attractions, noting that it tell, hospitality, value and attractions. It is important for was an expensive exercise convenience,” she said.  To the point

Thailand’s nationwide night-time curfew, which has been in place since May 22, has been lifted. Thawatchai Arunyik, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said: “The nationwide lifting of the curfew shows the world that things are moving forward here in Thailand and that tourism has not been disrupted.” The curfew had already gradually been lifted in provinces and destinations popular with tourists, such as Pattaya, Phuket, Ko Samui, Krabi, Hua Hin, Cha-am and Phang-nga. TNW6236SD

6 n Wednesday July 2 2014 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS NEWS AirHeads A snapshot of the week's airline news Demand for Windhoek Airlink commences new service AIRLINK has officially launched its direct service between Nelspruit flights grows and Vilanculos in Mozambique. The service operates on Thursdays and Sundays using an Embraer ERJ135 regional jet. Flights depart Chana Boucher it was looking to introduce point, says Michell Fourie, Nelspruit at 11h35, arriving in Vilanculos at 12h50. The return flight flights to Windhoek, as it Air Namibia’s commercial departs Vilanculos at 13h45, arriving in Johannesburg at 15h30. AMIBIA, particularly believed the destination was manager of sales and Windhoek, could soon underserved. marketing for South Africa. see an increase in Tlali says: “Competition is Chris Zweigenthal, ceo of DHL extends services to Changi Airport N visitors from South Africa as beneficial to customers and Aasa, says Namibia has always DHL Express has partnered with Changi Recommends to offer existing carriers strengthen should the application of Fly been a fascinating country express services for travellers at Changi Airport, Singapore. their presence on the regional Blue Crane be approved, we with attractive destinations for Changi Recommends is a service initiative by Changi to provide route – and a new carrier eyes do not foresee any significant tourists from South Africa, the international tourists with exclusive deals and convenience. DHL the destination. impact to our operations, region and internationally. “My Express will now offer its delivery service from the new Changi SAA recently applied for mainly due to the wide network assumption is that due to the Recommends outlet located at Terminal 2 Departure Hall. The five additional flights a week that SAA serves.” increased demand, airlines outlet operates daily from 07h00 to 22h00. Changi Recommends from both Johannesburg and Air Namibia recently are seeing an opportunity and customers can also access DHL Express Easy services through Cape Town to Windhoek. SAA established a commercial wish to introduce additional Cheers stores in all three terminals at Changi for the delivery of spokesperson, Tlali Tlali, said: office in South Africa, a move flights to meet this demand.” “We submitted the application that Rod Rutter, coo of XL According to Chris, travel within documents and smaller parcels. DHL and Changi Recommends are due to increased demand Travel, believes will make it a the SADC region is expected looking to roll out the express services at other terminals in phases. that SAA is experiencing from stronger competitor for travel to grow at 5-6% per annum. both local and international between SA and Namibia. SA Express recently Virgin Atlantic removes vMPD markets for travel to/from Air Namibia operates double- cancelled its flights between GLOBAL BSPs for Virgin Atlantic (VS) phased out acceptance of Namibia, with interest shown daily flights out of Cape Cape Town and Windhoek the Iata vMPD from June 30. At present, VS cannot accept EMDs. by both business and leisure Town and Johannesburg to but did not respond to TNW’s However, amounts currently collected on a vMPD can be ticketed as travellers.” Windhoek with a third flight attempts to confirm whether it follows: E-tickets should be re-issued as an uneven exchange (UE), The new carrier, Fly Blue operating four times a week. would be increasing capacity with the original ticket value plus the additional collection (ADC). Crane, headed up by ex-SAA It does not have any plans on its Johannesburg-Windhoek Applicable change fees should be shown as an ‘XP’ tax code on ceo, Siza Mzimela, also said to increase capacity at this service.  the re-issued e-ticket. Any fees collected for flight changes or ticket amendments should be shown as an ‘XP’ tax code on the re-issued e-ticket. The existing process for refunds via BSPLink will not be From Louis the Lawyer – POPI affected. For residual value refunds a refund application must be submitted via BSPLink with the original and new ticket numbers Advocate Louis Nel discusses Data Subject Participation (part 1) in included. vMPDs issued before June 30 will still be accepted. his series on the Protection of Personal Information Act

Qantas implements EMDs THIS section entitles the  Details of third parties  The RP: QANTAS has removed all vMPDs from travel agents’ sales globally. Data Subject (DS) not only to who have or may have had Must advise the DS of the EMDs will be implemented on all GDSs instead. EMD-S (Stand- have access to information access thereto right to correct information alone) is used for payments for group deposits, ticketing payments but also to correct or delete  The application by the DS (see below) to the Qantas Industry Centre, changes and other service fees. any inaccurate personal must meet the following  Must provide the DS with a Agents must use ‘YR’ to collect Date Change Fees until June 30. information (PI). requirements: written estimate of the fee EMD-A (Associated) is used for Advance Seat Selection. From July 1 The right of access is dealt  It must be done within a  May refuse to provide all Change Fees must be receipted separately from tickets using with as follows: reasonable time (of the PI (in whole or in part) EMD-S. This applies to the reissue of Qantas (QF-081) tickets.  DS may ask the initial enquiry) on grounds contained responsible person  Upon payment of the Parts 2 & 3 of Chapter 4 (RP) whether or not it in prescribed fee (not (sections 63, 64 & 65) of MS increases frequencies on JNB route fact holds any Personal excessive) the Promotion of Access to EGYPTAIR has increased frequencies on the Cairo-Johannesburg Information of the DS – no  It must be in a ‘reasonable Information Act (‘PAIA’) e.g. route from five flights a week to daily due to peak season demand. fee may be charged for manner & format’ if the PI contains: MS839 and MS840 operate daily from June 14 to August 14. The rendering this advice  It must be ‘generally Privileged information airline expects to see demand for seven flights a week at least until  DS may then ask for understandable’ – compare Confidential information September and possibly until October. details (fee applicable) of: with the CPA ‘plain Commercial information of  PI held, as well as language’ third parties. 

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QUICK READ FOR busiest people Wednesday July 2 2014 n 7 Cruise incentives DreamBoats Send your cruising news to [email protected]

New craft beer theme for Crystal Cruises CRYSTAL Cruises has introduced a new craft beer theme for this year’s Crystal Serenity voyage, with on-board tastings, expert presentations and excursions to breweries. The new Microbrew-

themed cruise replaces wine and cocktails with lagers, stouts and Photo: PhotoXpress India Pale Ale that are all barrel-aged. The Crystal Serenity voyage sails from New York to Miami, via the East Coast and Caribbean, When companies tighten their belts, one of the first cut-backs are incentives. from November 5. Shore-side excursions include micro- and However, cruising is a great option for budget-conscious corporates that are looking nano-breweries in and around New York and Charleston for behind- to offer their top achievers a great experience. Max Marx reports. the-scenes access, expert insight and samplings. All-inclusive fares for the 14-day voyage start at US$4 710pp (R50 350). An 11-day version is also available departing from Baltimore, with How to build a cruise incentive fares starting at US$3 700pp (R39 553). The limited-availability microbrew Boutique Adventures start at US$179pp (R1 914). with a tight budget Oceania introduces new culinary offerings OCEANIA Cruises has introduced new cooking classes in the CRUISE incentive is the the best of the destination’s Bon Appétit Culinary Centre on Marina and Riviera, and two new perfect solution when local culture in a unique way, working with a limited says Johan. This could be ‘Culinary Discovery’ tours ashore. The Culinary Centre lets guests A budget, says Johan Venter, a live performance by three expand their skills with dishes from places visited on the itinerary. Uwin Iwin’s executive head tenors in an Italian monastery, New classes include ‘Healthy Greek’ Mediterranean dishes; ‘Turkish of incentive travel. “A cruise receiving red carpet treatment Arabesque’; ‘Beyond Ratatouille’ from Provence; and ‘Modern provides exceptional value for at a ballet at the Mikhailovsky Nordic’. Oceania will also offer guests two new Culinary Discovery money and allows for little to Theatre in St Petersburg, or an tours in Cork and Palma de Mallorca. In Cork, guests will explore no opportunity to over-extend evening of opera in a French herb gardens and a free-range poultry farm and watch cooking on the budget.” chateau. demonstrations of traditional Irish meals. In Palma de Mallorca, Uwin Iwin was recently asked Uwin Iwin’s clients visited by a client on a tight budget to the Roman city of Ephesus in guests will tour a marketplace, sample olive oil at a country farm arrange a cruise incentive for , where they were treated and have lunch at El Faro, an authentic Spanish restaurant. top performers. “Our choice to a private performance by a was Azamara Club Cruises, 12-piece orchestra playing the Cruise Masters offers Un-Cruise Adventures as it offers an all-inclusive music of Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart Johan Venter CRUISE Masters is offering ‘Un-Cruise Adventures’ as part of package allowing for a drinks and others. To keep within its Coastal Washington and British Columbia itineraries. Guests supplement. The only costs budget, the 10-day Greek a variety of land excursions, can experience a variety of activities such as hiking, snorkelling, to add on are port charges Isles and Turkey cruise, which nightlife and entertainment and gratuities. Therefore all visited Kusadasi and Marmaris options from which to choose kayaking, paddle boarding and rowing, as well as whale, marine, expenses were covered.” in Turkey, as well as Athens, through Azamara’s Land eagle and seabird watching. Cruise Masters offers two itineraries on Another bonus is the cruise Mykonos, Rhodes and Kos Discoveries programme. both the 66-guest Wilderness Adventurer and the 22-guest Safari line’s AzAmazingEvenings in Greece, primarily featured Uwin Iwin’s client gave its Quest. Passengers cruise through Washington’s San Juan Islands, programme, which offers days and evenings at leisure incentive travellers US$150 the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, the Strait of Georgia and the cruise guests a complimentary in each destination, enabling (R1 595) each to spend on Princess Louisa Inlet on the British Columbia coast. The first of the evening’s entertainment and travellers to explore the excursions, shopping and two itineraries is the ‘Coastal Washington’ voyage, which explores an opportunity to experience destinations on their own with entertainment. the Olympic Wilderness and San Juan Islands. The British Columbia ‘Yachters’ Paradise’ seven-night roundtrip voyage also departs from Seattle every Saturday and takes passengers through San Juan, the Going over the top! Harmony and Gulf islands of Canada, the Princess Louisa Inlet, the Butchart Gardens and Victoria. For corporates with a Papeete (roundtrip), to budget that can offer their Moorea (mooring overnight), outstanding achievers a Tahaa, Raiatea (overnight), once-in-a-lifetime experience, Bora Bora (overnight) and Windstar’s Tahiti is a perfect Huahine. Nothing compares way to say ‘Thank you’. with the clear lagoons and The intimate scale of lush rainforests of these Windstar’s luxury yachts Polynesian islands, says make them ideal for a full George. ship charter, says George “Travellers will experience Agyropoulos, md of Cruises Papeete’s ‘le truck’; hike International. the Three Coconut Trail on “Every day is yours by Morea island; swim with design as the Windstar dolphins in Tahaa; explore yacht becomes an exclusive the coral reefs of Raiatea; George Agyropoulos extension of your company. and explore Huahine, known You can create unique as Polynesia’s ‘Garden guests, with a ratio of two experiences for your group of Eden’. In Bora Bora, crew members per guest. with customised itineraries enjoy a beach dinner on a Fares start from and shore excursions, private motu (tiny islet) with US$3 599pps (R38 310), all included to provide acrobatic dancers and flame with full charter rates uncompromising value. throwers for entertainment; available on request. With engines off and sails and sail, swim and “This is one of our most up, sailing amidst sandy from the yacht’s water exotic cruises,” says beaches with coconut trees sports platform.” George. “It is most people’s just inches from warm Windstar’s corporate and dream to visit islands waters, there’s nothing incentive facilities cater for such as Tahiti and Bora quite like Windstar’s Tahiti groups of 20 to 150 while Bora and it is the ultimate experience,” he says. exclusive full-ship charters achievement to qualify for The yacht sails from cater for 148 to 310 an incentive trip like this.”

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8 n Wednesday July 2 2014 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS Cruises with a meeting component are great for ROI THE combination of a conference proceedings. cruise experience and Onshore team-building conference is a powerful activities are also very tool to inspire and motivate popular, says Kathy, offering a company’s employees, unique experiences. “For says Kathy Nel, national example, with a small manager of LimeX, Rennies cruise ship such as Le Travel’s incentive division. Soléal, which operates “Days at sea can be cruise itineraries in the used for conferencing Mediterranean, the cruise while delegates can enjoy itself is a huge attraction.” spectacular incentive Here are a few examples experiences while docked of excursions offered by at port. There are also Le Soléal on its Turkey to fantastic team-building Greece cruise: activities available on  In Santorini, you can hike board and ashore. With to the crater of an active the cruise fare including volcano with its lava all food and drink (when “Days at sea can be fragments and volcanic a drinks package is opted rock formations and Depending on the ship selected, on-board team-building for), there are no surprise used for conferencing then swim in 37C green options could include a range of activities as well as costs, and delegates have while delegates can sulphur waters on your motivational speakers. Photo: Royal Caribbean International access to loads of on-board way to the thermal springs entertainment. Some enjoy spectacular of Palea Kameni. a monastery; and sample The estimated cost of cruises include on-board incentive experiences  Go jet skiing or take a the local cuisine. such a seven-night cruise is conferencing in the cruise quad-bike tour complete  Enjoy a four-hour speed R56 900 excluding flights fare, while others do not. while docked at port.” with donkey ride; wine boat adventure that and any additional activities Team building is generally Kathy Nel tasting; visit a castle takes your travellers to or enhancements. But, not included.” and Santorini’s ‘black’ several of Mykonos’s says Kathy, there are a Depending on the ship aerobic or cooking beaches; and enjoy a famous beaches; or an wide range of cruise liners selected, on-board team- challenges; gambling cable car ride. exhilarating helicopter available and their costs building options could activities and motivational  In Mykonos, enjoy a ride that flies over Naxos, vary significantly depending include an amazing race or speakers. The conference 4x4 off-the-beaten Paros and Koufonisia. on what they offer. “There treasure hunt that explores can also include some of track safari offering The ship can cater for are certainly more cost- the ship’s facilities; golf; the ship’s entertainers spectacular views; swim conferences of up to 110 effective cruises available climbing wall; dance, to add sparkle to the at deserted beaches; visit delegates. where needed.”  Learn More, Sell More!

Visit: www.travelinfo.co.za Look at our latest workshops Town Lodge nairobi is faster, easier and better Find out more in this online workshop and you The ideal accommodation venue for business could and leisure travellers visiting Kenya’s capital city.

a weekend stay at any City Lodge win Hotel Group property in SA!

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QUICK READ FOR busiest people Wednesday July 2 2014 n 9 Report MICE Meet in Mauritius Mauritius is trying hard to showcase itself as an ideal place to do business. Dorine Reinstein investigates what the island has to offer South African delegates.

HERE has been a notable Kathy. “They know exactly and Europe. increase in demand from what they want for their Carla da Silva, Air TSouth African companies conferences and incentives.” Mauritius regional manager for Mauritius as a MICE Rolph Schmid, md of Indigo for Southern Africa and destination over the past few Hotels, says South Africa has Latin America, agrees that years. always been an important Mauritius has the ideal “Mauritius is not only a component of the corporate geographical location, fantastic leisure and MICE market for Mauritius in with easy access to India, destination but it is also full sectors such as finance, Australia and the East. This of investment opportunities,” IT, banking and various has led most Mauritian hotels says Kathy Basson, sales spheres of more specialised to establish a powerful MICE manager at Mauritius businesses. “In the past few value proposition, appealing Incentive Connection. She years, we have seen growth to businesses all over the adds that tax incentives have and development in shopping world. She says the airline is not gone unnoticed by SA centres and malls, prompting capitalising on the location corporates and programmes the development of SA retail by offering free stopovers including a quick or casual companies and franchises for businesses wanting to conference element for tax mainly in the food and combine trips in Mauritius benefits have increased in beverage sector and textiles. and other destinations. popularity. “Facilities have improved The Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel in Port Louis is close The island offers 15% over the years, whether it’s Obstacles to convention centres, embassies and tourist attractions. corporation tax; exemption conference space, hotels Mauritius’s biggest drawback Photo: Indigo Hotels from customs and excise or road infrastructure. The is cost, with high airfares duties on imports of South African market is not and hotel prices making it Mauritian travel industry Tourism and Leisure, Michael equipment and raw materials; using Mauritius to its full expensive compared with is focusing on overcoming Sik Yuen, has designed exemption from tax on potential when it comes to other destinations. budget constraints by finding a strategic plan to boost dividends and capital gains; conferences, despite being Mike Gray, ceo of Uniglobe innovative ways of offering low-season tourist arrivals as well as free repatriation of well promoted by the national Travel Sub-Saharan Africa, more value for money. in Mauritius. The Minister profits, dividends and capital. airline and the government,” says although business and One of the ways to recently mentioned that Also, its proximity to SA says Rolph conference travel from SA overcome budget constraints special packages would is an important reason why For example, the Mauritian to Mauritius has increased is by carefully planning the be offered to large travel Mauritius has flourished as exhibition sector has gone over the last five years, dates for a conference or groups from South Africa, a MICE destination. “Trends unnoticed, Rolph says. “We budget restraints remain meeting, as the Mauritian comprising 100 or more over the last few years have seen development an obstacle. “The rand has government is actively people, as part of the Rs25m have shown a high demand in this sector from the devalued against the rupee trying to boost low-season (R8,78m) special fund to for shorter stays, making south-east Asian countries, by over 50% over this period, tourism. Kathy says the boost arrivals from regional Mauritius an ideal option, as particularly in tertiary which makes Mauritius island offers budget-friendly, destinations during the low it is only four hours away,” education. Recently, we saw expensive.” low-season deals from May season outlined in the 2014 Kathy says. various trade fairs taking Carla agrees that to September. “Four-night Mauritius budget. The availability of all- place as well.” corporates cutting back on packages during this time are This fund will provide inclusive packages has Rolph says these sectors travel and incentives is one extremely competitive and financial incentives for short- further added to the should be highlighted to SA of the main obstacles for affordable. If the corporate haul regional flights. Hoteliers destination’s appeal in corporates, especially since MICE travel to Mauritius. client were to incorporate a and service providers difficult economic times. the island is strategically She adds, however, that weekend into this, it would will be invited to join in SA corporate clients have located between Africa and Mauritius offers different also limit time out of the this promotion exercise become savvier when it south-east Asia, with easy value propositions for office to two nights.” complemented by a discount comes to Mauritius, says connections to the Far East different budgets, and the Mauritius Minister of shopping package.

Three new hotels cater for business and leisure travellers

 Starwood Hotels & for Outrigger in the Indian  A beachfront room at Resorts will soon introduce Ocean and the company’s Westin Turtle Bay. its Westin Hotels & Resorts 45th property now open or brand to Mauritius. Owned under development in eight  The Westin Turtle Bay is by Blue Ocean Park Ltd, The countries. located on the north-west Westin Turtle Bay Resort &  InterContinental Hotels coast of Mauritius. Spa is scheduled to open in Group opened the 140- Photos: The Westin Turtle Bay Resort spring 2014. The resort will room Holiday Inn Mauritius and Spa enjoy a pristine beachfront Airport in December. Just location in the historic 700m from the new SSR Turtle Bay of Balaclava on International Airport, five the north-west coast. The minutes from the nearest Westin Turtle Bay Resort & beach and 45km from Port Spa, Mauritius will feature Louis, the hotel is ideal for nearly 340 sqm of event travellers looking to make space, including a ballroom, the most of their time two meeting rooms and a in Mauritius. Holiday Inn fully equipped business Mauritius Airport caters for centre. the growing business travel  The Outrigger Mauritius community with 450sqm Resort and Spa in Bel of meeting space, with a Ombre, opened on January boardroom and four meeting 30. The deluxe 181-room, rooms with garden break-out all-sea-view resort is the first access. 

10 n Wednesday July 2 2014 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS COMMUNITYNEWS JOBS Births, deaths, marriages, promotions – we want to know! Please fax or e-mail TNW’s Debbie Badham, at [email protected] or (011) 327 4094.

In April, Pentravel agents from across South Africa joined Pieter Beyers, gm Pick of the week of Insight Vacations, on an educational brought to you by in Greece. Just some of the activities in which agents took part included breaking plates in true Greek style, learning how to make the perfect tzatziki and trying their hand at Greek dancing. The tour began in Athens, continuing into Nafplion, Groups & MICE Team Leader Team Leader – N/Subs of CPT Olympia, Delphi, Kalambaka and the island – CPT CBD Quantex Recruitment Group Going Greek of Santorini. (From left) Pieter along with Quantex Recruitment Group RNeg. Super opportunity to join Martine Brown (Pentravel Cresta), Sabrina Work for leading wholesaler. Previous large corporate and manage Tsimonidis (tour director of Insight experience in managing large groups small team at corporate in- Vacations) and Bianca Botha (Pentravel with MICE knowledge essential. GDS house. preferred. Email: [email protected] Menlyn) appreciate the beauty of the Email: [email protected] Greek landscape. Bookkeeper –East Rand Reservations Consultant – Sandton Equity Connections cc Equity Connections cc Plan and design creative itineraries Full functions of Bookkeeping - Appointment into South/Southern/East Africa. Pastel payroll, SARS efiling, BSP  Dries Tourplan or similar needed plus a recons, debtors and creditors etc. Pastel, BSP, Quicktrav Zietsman has minimum of two years In-Bound experience. preferred. Email: equitycon@ been appointed Email: equitycon@.co.za mweb.co.za gm for Avios Group Limited Customer Services Manager Senior Leisure Consultant (AGL) in South – Cape Town – Cape Town Club Travel Club Travel Africa. He will Fantastic opportunity to work in oversee the Dynamic ambitious travel, willing to go the extra mile entrepreneurial individual management of Avios in the and meet and exceed service level required to join the leisure team local market for the Avios agreements. in selling and promoting travel Email: [email protected] Travel Rewards Programme and packages for Africa’s leading British Airways Executive Club. Travel Advisor – Nationally travel agency. Dries was previously country Pentravel Email: [email protected] manager for MasterCard Looking for outstanding people who Worldwide in SA where he was are highly motivated and driven with Inbound Wholesale FIT responsible for the financial a focus on delivering exceptional Consultant – JHB North customer service. Benefit from great Professional Career Services performance of SA business financial rewards. Compiling quotations. Manage and the management of SA Email: [email protected] bookings from start to finish. customer-facing teams. Dealing direct with clients during TNW6249SD Travel Operations Manager (AA) their travel period. Roster for – Pretoria weekend work. Professional Career Services Email: [email protected] Want to Matric and tertiary qualifications. Based at Bedford office MS Office, Galileo, Quicktrav. Min Travel Expert – Johannesburg 15yrs travel experience incl 5yrs Sell your Flight Centre management. Oversee all operations. Sales & Marketing Manager Southern Africa 2 Years sales/customer service, travel agency? Johannesburg Salary negotiable. Email: [email protected] matric or degree/diploma, SA Lead the Southern Africa Sales and Marketing and retaining business & acquiring new citizen, international travel Are you a team to deliver the business plan designed to business, airline/travel experience and Tertiary Travel Expert – Pretoria experience. Basic, lucrative exceed the commercial goal for the region. education then apply. Flight Centre commission structure, medical Pretoria agent Goals to be achieved include Revenue Target, For further information please email 2 Years sales/customer service, aid and provident fund. Email: and want to sell? profitability, market share, client retention, new [email protected] for a role profile. matric or degree/diploma, SA citizen, megan.vorster@flightcentre. business acquisition, brand awareness across All applications must include a covering international travel experience. Basic, co.za all sales and distribution channels. letter addressing how the applicant meets lucrative commission structure, If you are interested Key accountabilities include relationship the above requirements together with a brief medical aid and provident fund. Senior Inbound Consultant management with internal and external CV. Kindly take note that only applications Email: – Gauteng – Rivonia please contact [email protected] Albert van Zyl: customers, key account management, with the minimum level of requirements will Wendy’s Travel Personnel managing and developing people, planning, be evaluated. Minimum 4 years inbound 082 801 7043 or Operation Training Facilitator implementation and evaluating the sales and Air Mauritius SA Pty Ltd reserves the right to consulting experience and [email protected] marketing strategy. – Pretoria excellent Southern African reject profiles that do not meet the minimum Infusion Consulting TNW7133 product knowledge required by If you have a proven track record in winning level of requirements for this role. Train employees on internal systems. Update/write training material and inbound tour operator!! TourPlan Applications closing date: 09 July 2014, no late submissions will be accepted. programs. Diploma, relevant training, an advantage. Email: [email protected] TNW7126 assessor qualifications. 5yrs exp, Galileo, Fares, Quicktrav. Salary neg. Email: [email protected] Online Sales New Executive To advertise on – Sandton Travel Adviser – Cape Town Infusion Consulting this page email Thompsons Holidays Sign up clients on online [email protected] Create/sell packages with the support technology platform. Understand Top jobs in Cape Town this week: of company marketing, training and and sell technology. 2yrs exp, MS AFRICAN SPECIALIST guidance. Package includes basic + Office, Financials, Technology CBD. Growing int’l T/O needs your savvy sales flair to entice luxury markets. commission, with monthly and annual savvy. Salary neg. Email: Touplan an adv! Sal R 16 000. achievers awards. [email protected] MARKETING CONS Email: [email protected] CBD. Creative wizard with 2 yrs marketing skills Business Developer – Sandton Intermediate Consultant – Durban req for fun office with a twist! Portuguese ess! Lee Botti & Associates Sal R 15 000. Lee Botti & Associates North. Deal with elite market at this Love the thrill of closing a deal? SENIOR IN CHARGE! expanding retail agent. Pref BEE with Top hotel chain seeks min 3yrs North. Renowned TMC is on the hunt for a dynamic knowledge of Galileo & Quicktrav. key account & sales skills. Salary Subscribe to Galileo whizz with leadership qualities! R40 000 negotiable. Sal R 20 000. Market-related CTC. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] TNW FRENCH FIT EXPERT South. Join int’l T/O in their fun & expanding TNW7132 [email protected] French div. Impress luxury markets with your knowledge of Africa. R 12 000 + comm. These adverts were selected from the vacancy Call Malika / Morne: section of www.travelinfo.co.za 021 418 1084, [email protected] TNW7135 For more details contact [email protected]

QUICK READ FOR busiest people Wednesday July 2 2014 n 11 TNW NEWS

Kenya visa reprieve From page 1 such as Shanghai, Vienna, “It’s a complete disaster,” Singapore and Seoul are says Wally Gaynor, md of popular for South African Club Travel. He says SA travellers, he says. passport holders will not Chris Zweigenthal, ce go to the effort of applying of Aasa, doesn’t believe for a transit visa for Nairobi Kenya will lose its status when there are numerous as a hub in Africa. He says other options, such as Nairobi is already a powerful Ethiopian Airlines, available. aviation hub in Africa. “It “As it is, transiting Nairobi is has a strong airline, Kenya a nightmare, as the airport Airways, as a home-based is a complete shambles. carrier. Kenya Airways is This is the nail in the also part of the SkyTeam Two’s company coffin,” he says. alliance with its equity Yohannes Teklu, Ethiopian partner KLM.” Airlines regional manager Chris adds that South Air Namibia is offering companion specials on return flights between Johannesburg for Southern Africa, says SA African traffic between and Windhoek. The cost for the first passenger is R2 290 and R1 890 for the second, passport holders also need Johannesburg and Nairobi including taxes. A 5% commission for agents is also included in the fare. The offer is valid a visa for Ethiopia but this is mostly point-to-point and for economy-class travel from September 1-30. Air Namibia’s Joseph Simataa (sales can be obtained on arrival. not hub traffic. “In my view, executive) and Michéll Fourie (country manager) are on the move! Photo: Shannon Van Zyl. In the case of transit South Africans who wish to passengers, ET covers the visit Kenya or do business cost of the transit visa. there will adapt to obtaining Numerous South African a visa and, in the long term, GDS hotel bookings are up travellers currently use it will not impact traffic Ethiopia as a transit hub to between South Africa and Chana Boucher itineraries, vouchers and via the GDS” as it is easier connect to Asia, the Middle Kenya.” invoicing. Mark-ups are for agents to use and to East, Europe, North and Kenya Airways had not ORE travel agents possible in Amadeus and very prepare an itinerary for the South America, and to 50 responded to questions are booking hotels soon a one-swipe option on client on the system. He says destinations in Africa. from TNW at the time of Mand accommodation credit cards will be available.” City Lodge doesn’t have any Also new destinations going to print.  through the GDS, and But Kamil Abdul-Karrim, md measures that drive bookings technology companies are of Pam Golding Tourism & via GDS as it costs more to making it easier. But the Hospitality Consulting, says go via this channel. “Website medium is more expensive, an increase in GDS hotel bookings are slightly cheaper say hotel groups. bookings is proportionate to for clients as no intermediaries Travelport recently acquired growth in the travel industry are involved. On the whole, Hotelzon, a business-to- and not necessarily because prices might be similar but for brought to you by eTNW and TRAVELINFO business hotel distribution more agents favour the GDS us the cost of doing business technology provider, from Esa over other channels. Kamil directly is less than through brought to you by eTNW and TRAVELINFO Karppinen. The acquisition says hotel groups will continue the GDS. However, this is is expected to support to rely on GDS bookings, still an important source of Travelport’s drive to make particularly for corporate and business and revenue.” He booking independent hotels, government clients, but that adds that the group’s website particularly in Europe, easier pricing has to be sustainable. and mobisite are alternative Visiting Kenya? It’s too much trouble for travel agencies and booking tools that are growing What impact do you expect Kenya’s new visa regulations will corporates. The Hotelzon “The GDS is accurate, in usage and popularity. solution is also effective for Danny Bryer, Protea Hotels have on travel to Kenya from SA? hotel bookings that are not speedy and streamlines director of sales, marketing  Huge impact (More than 25% decline in travel) add-ons for flight bookings. workflow.” and revenue, says one has  Serious impact (10%-25% decline in travel) “We are seeing a strong to look at the big picture and picture across the globe when He says larger hotel groups cost is only one small element  Moderate impact (10% or less decline in travel) it comes to hotel bookings as are adopting a transaction fee of that. “At the centre is the  No impact TMCs are seeing even greater for travel agents rather than full value proposition that the value in booking via our commission based on the channel brings to customers. 9% platform. In SA specifically we number of nights. Travel agents provide a one- have embarked on a series of Imtiaz Amod, group stop service for everything training initiatives highlighting reservation manager of from flights to car hire to 15% the benefits of booking through Peermont, says: “A fair accommodation.” This, he us, which has prompted an amount of corporate travellers says, is essential for many 48% upturn with our agents and have adopted OTAs such as corporates in terms of their we have seen a strong start Booking.com and Expedia travel policies or to reap the to 2014 with an increase in as their preferred booking benefits of their pre-negotiated 28% booking volumes,” says Kate channel. Multinational annual rates. Aldridge, Travelport’s vp of organisations are moving to Agents booking in the GDS corporate communications. OTAs as their travellers have benefit from convenience, eTravel is the ITC market leader in South Africa and assists senior Travel Last year a survey by Phoenix direct access to immediately efficiency and commission, Consultants and Travel business owners to realise their dreams. If you have Marketing International and make or modify their travel Kate adds. “Travel agencies eTravelever dreamt is the of ITC owning market your leader own in travel South business Africa and or wouldassists like senior to cut Travel costs Travelclick found that travel by doing away with your IATA license and improve your current business arrangements.” He says GDS are sometimes still seen as Consultants and Travel business owners to realise their dreams. If you have agents worldwide using prices are slightly higher than being focused on air ticket everefficiencies dreamt ofthen owning you should your own call traveleTravel. business We run orthe would back likeoffice to cut for costs over by220 doing Independent away with Travel your Companies IATA license and and specialise improve your current business the GDS for hotel bookings direct bookings as the GDS bookings and there are myths efficienciesin making your then travel you businessshould call a successeTravel. byWe offering run the back office for over increased by 14% from 2011. costs are mostly built into the surrounding hotel bookings, 220the bestIndependent commissions, Travel overrides Companies & a and comprehensive specialise Jannine Adams, senior price. “Direct bookings are for example the belief that insupport making structure. your travel If you business have a a client success base, by 5 offering years marketing manager for obviously any hotelier’s first sometimes better rates are theretail best travel commissions, experience oroverrides already & own a comprehensive your own business but want to make more, then contact us! Amadeus, says the increase in preference but each channel available on a hotel’s own support structure. If you have a client base, 5 years hotel bookings on its system has a place and we have website and maybe booking You’llretail travelbe amazed experience at how or easy already it is! own your own Contactbusiness Tammy but want on to 0861eTrave1 make more, then contact us! stems from additional content adapted accordingly.” outside of the GDS would be orYou’ll [email protected] be amazed at how easy it is! added to Amadeus’s system in Peter Schoeman, City easier to track for reclaiming 2013. “The GDS is accurate, Lodge’s divisional director of commissions, but thankfully TNW6363Contact Tammy on 0861eTrave1 or [email protected] speedy, and streamlines sales and marketing, says the these perceptions are now workflow for comprehensive group gets “lots of bookings changing.”  TNW6363

12 n Wednesday July 2 2014 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS