April 30 2014 I No. 2299 Southern Africa’s Travel News Weekly

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NEWS Feature Feature Online travel agents Conference Venues Tough times ahead for high-end venues Learn from online retail shopping! Unique position offers huge on-tap market

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High hopes for lower fares Fantasy becomes reality

Chana Boucher any peak are between R6 500 big enough to sustain SAA, and R8 000 in economy class, , BA, kulula, SAX, SA HILE is still so there is an opportunity for , FlySafair, etc. They fly disputing the granting anyone to win on price.” old planes that guzzle gas Wof FlySafair’s domestic Chris Zweigenthal, ceo of and then they try and sell at air service licence, the travel Aasa, says the industry and reduced rates? That doesn’t trade in general has welcomed market has been expecting sound like a viable business the prospect of a new low-cost the launch of a new LCC model.” carrier in SA’s skies, which for some time. “FlySafair He adds that because the will help drive down air ticket will enter a very competitive consumer is price sensitive, prices. market and one would expect FlySafair will get a fair share FlySafair is set to launch a lot of interest in the new of customers. “If the price early in the second half of airline from consumers with is right people will fly. The this year, says chief financial the expectation of lower fares consumer, however, will get officer, Elmar Conradie. He and a new flight offering. I am caught at some stage and says the airline will most likely sure that the existing airlines then cry foul when the airline launch a schedule of six daily will respond. The appearance shuts down over a long flights between of the new entrant, FlySafair, weekend or a busy travel time. and , building up which is also an Aasa member, But don’t worry, we travel With the launch of the fourth season of the Game of to the 10 flight flights a day it is welcomed and we wish agents will be there to pick up Thrones on April 18, Tourism Ireland SA has announced originally planned to operate them well.” the pieces,” says Jonathan. that enthusiasts can now visit the show’s production last year. Initially, booking will Elmar doesn’t think locations and film sets. A number of tours explore the only be possible on FlySafair’s FlySafair’s grounding last show’s locations in Belfast where filming takes place in website, but Elmar says the “A new LCC entrant year will dissuade people the Titanic Studios and across numerous other locations airline is looking at GDS will be a welcome from booking flights on the in Northern Ireland. One such tour is the Causeway options. relief to the domestic airline. “We believe the Coast and Glens three-day Game of Thrones trip across “A new LCC entrant will way we handled the whole Northern Ireland. Ready to conquer, are Tourism Ireland’s be a welcome relief to the traveller, especially in situation last year will probably Helen Fraser (left) and Gail Gilbert. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl domestic traveller, especially the leisure sector.” strengthen our position in in the leisure sector,” says the market. We refunded all Eric Sakawsky, Flight Centre’s tickets within two or three days gm of corporate. He adds that Garth Wolff, ceo of eTravel, and passengers were offered Risky business increased competition should agrees that there is enough tickets on Comair,” he says. see a significant reduction demand to warrant a new Eric says although travellers Chana Boucher Etna Risk Advisories. in domestic airfares making player in the market, as the will naturally be sceptical of Many travel companies, travel more affordable in a current flights are often full. any new entrant because AFTER losing a significant particularly SMEs, cannot tough economic client. “This “The question is whether the of the turbulent history SA amount of money due to necessarily afford to incur the will certainly help stimulate new entrant has the aircraft has experienced with local internal fraud and poor costs linked to implementing travel demand.” that will be as efficient as the airlines, he believes FlySafair corporate governance, owner traditional risk management Sean Hough, ceo of current market players. This could be a serious contender of travel agency, First Travel, systems, says Doné Joubert, Pentravel, says: “Competition will play a role in the long-term in the LCC space in the next Andree Venter, and gm Leon ceo of the company. Based on is important and we viability,” he says. few years. “If we look at the Malan, saw an opportunity this, Etna Risk Advisories has need the capacity in high But Jonathan Gerber, last 10 years we have seen to introduce professional risk developed an online ‘plug and season. Return fares from director at TAG Travel, isn’t Nationwide, , , management services to the play’ risk management system Johannesburg to Cape Town at convinced. “The market is not To page 16 travel industry, and launched To page 16

TNW6131SD NEWS Learn from online retail shopping!

Dorine Reinstein capture impulse holiday take notice of you if you can buys. Travel companies offer them simplicity.” LTHOUGH it seems should also make the most Travel companies can obvious that shopping of mobile GPS capabilities take action by making their Afor a pair of shoes by using hyper local targeting search bar prominent on differs greatly from shopping and assist travellers with their website and include for that perfect holiday, online local attractions, nearby upsells in the search results, travel agents can learn a lot hotels with available rooms along with adding in industry-

TNW6153SD from other online retail sites and local car hire options. specific filter functionalities. about how to hook and retain customers – and convert 2. Pay per click – an 4. Use cart ® By Leigh Rubin sales. untapped opportunity abandonment to your Rubes This is according to a Pay-per-click advertising is advantage recent report, Travel vs an underused marketing Travel sites have a much Retail, conducted by Qubit tool in the travel industry, bigger issue with abandoned (a US-based website despite the fact that pay-per- check-outs, with nearly 90% optimisation company). click traffic is approximately of visitors leaving before Survey results show that 50% higher for travel than confirmation, compared with retail sees a much higher for retail. Travel companies only 28,4% in retail. Carol conversion rate, lower should wake up to this and says travellers use the cart average order values, and capitalise on this opportunity. as part of their search. They a much shorter path to see the website’s cart as a purchase than travel. The way of calculating the final report found that: “Travel websites should price of a product with all the  Travel sees conversion be looking to optimise ancillaries included. rates of 0,75% whereas According to Matt, cart retail converts at 5,9% their search bar abandonment presents a  Travel clients see a 10 and search filters to real opportunity to drive times greater order value generate conversions.” conversion rates. Travel when compared with retail. visitors are three times more  Paths to purchase are a likely to look at the basket great deal longer for travel Banners on affiliate websites, than retail. This implies (13,2 days) compared with although representing a that travel retailers need retail (6,5 days). smaller percentage of traffic, to optimise the basket and are also a huge opportunity check-out sections of their 1. Mobile offers for travel companies as they websites. They can use site unlimited opportunities have very high conversion abandonment as a tool to for travel businesses rates. catch their users as they Although conversion rates for leave. travel on mobile platforms 3. Optimise your site are considerably lower than search 5. Work on first for retail, travel customers For travel businesses, impressions Founding Editors: are twice as likely to browse visitors spend, by far, the Travel visitors tend to see John H Marsh (1914-1996) Leona Marsh (1923-2003) on mobile devices. most amount of time on fewer pages on their first EDITORIAL Carol Savage, marketing the search pages, with an visit than retail visitors, TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY Editor: Natasha Tippel [email protected] director of Exodus Travel, average of seven seconds but more in later sessions. www.etnw.co.za Features Editor: Michelle Colman [email protected] says customers might not be per page view. Retail visitors On the first visit, travel Published by Contributors: booking on mobile platforms on the other hand spend visitors convert half as often Travel & Trade Publishing (Pty) Ltd Mandy Watson Debbie Badham but they are inspired by a longer time on product compared with retail, which Printed by Juka Printing (Pty) Ltd Hilka Birns Chana Boucher Dorine Reinstein browsing on their mobile pages. This means that is the biggest difference Phone: (011) 327-4062 Photographer: Shannon Van Zyl devices, which is why travel travel websites should be through the purchase cycle. Fax: (011) 327-4094 companies need to make looking to optimise their The fact that travel visitors E-mail: [email protected] Production Editor: Ann Braun Web: www.nowmedia.co.za Publisher sure their website pictures search bar and search filters browse for longer on their Address: Now Media Centre, Kate Nathan [email protected] are optimised for mobile. to generate conversions. third, fourth and fifth visits 32 Fricker Road, Illovo Boulevard, Matt Pollock, travel lead Carol says it is important implies that this latter Illovo, Johannesburg. Group Publisher PO Box 55251, Northlands, David Marsh [email protected] at Qubit, agrees and says: that travel companies period is the optimum time 2116, . “Tablets are often used for simplify the website offering to target them. On the ADVERTISING browsing in the living room. for their clients so that other hand, personalising Sales: [email protected] Advertising Co-ordinator: The high street has become they are not faced with an their experience on their Courtney Canham [email protected] the couch.” overload of information. first visit may raise the The message for travel The best way to do this is likelihood of their returning PRODUCTION Design Head: companies is that they need by allowing them to filter to purchase, explains Matt. Dirk Voorneveld to work hard to ensure that their search results. “In all It is therefore important that their campaigns are cohesive likelihood, the customer will travel websites incentivise Subscriptions Circulation [email protected] between mobile, tablet and have your competitors’ sites visitors to return as much as computer, to make sure they open in other tabs. They will possible. 

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2 n Wednesday April 30 2014 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW6081SD NEWS

Big plans for Zambia – Protea THE Protea Hotel Lusaka Entertainment lifestyle hub, Tower in Zambia has opposite the Mulungushi opened, making it the fourth Conference Centre. Protea hotel in the capital The hotel comprises four and the eighth in Zambia. suites, 30 twin deluxe Alex Kyriakidis, president rooms, 103 king deluxe and md of Marriott rooms, a swimming pool, International Middle East restaurant and bar. and Africa, says the Protea There are two Thailand is ‘MICE’ Hotel Lusaka Tower is one meeting rooms and of more than 20 hotels that three boardrooms the group will open in sub- that complement the In recognition of the Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) which is celebrated between Saharan Africa in the next conferencing facilities April 13 and 15, Destination Asia together with the Tourism Authority of Thailand four years. available at the neighbouring hosted workshops for the travel trade at the Skin Sense Day Spa in Rivonia, The nine-storey, 137- Protea property, which Johannesburg this month. Top MICE agents were invited to learn about Thailand, room hotel is situated in can accommodate 80 which welcomed one million MICE travellers in 2013. The Tourvest Destination the Arcades Shopping and delegates.  Management team toast the New Year (from left): Joanne Holroyd, Tanya Angell-Schau and Giselle Haddad. Photo: Debbie Badham

Experience the amazing wildlife of the Warm Heart of Africa ‘Fly and drive’ at Skukuza HE Skukuza Airport main Skukuza camp. Drive’ option using Skukuza Management Company The company has a well- airport as the entry point Thas appointed Avis to be established infrastructure at will add new convenience to the car-hire service provider the camp, having provided car- their travel within the Kruger at the newly refurbished hire facilities to the visitors to National Park.” Skukuza Airport in the Kruger the park for many years. Airlink is set to launch National Park. Karin Murray, Airlink’s sales services to Skukuza from Contact Details: Avis will provide pre-booked and marketing manager, Cape Town International Tel: +27 1123 48577 Mobile: +27 82 801 2015 vehicles for collection at says: “The opportunity for Airport and OR Tambo Web: www.malawiconsulate.co.za the airport and also offer a visitors to the Kruger Park to International Airport on Email: [email protected] shuttle service to the take advantage of a ‘Fly and June 2.  TNW7018 Courtyard Cape Town closes THE City Lodge Hotel Group not to renew the lease on Hotel Pinelands, City Lodge REGISTER NOW! has closed Courtyard Hotel the property. Hotel GrandWest, Town www.wtmafrica.com Cape Town after nearly The group has six other Lodge Bellville, Road Lodge 20 years of operation, properties in the area N1 City and Road Lodge following a decision by the – City Lodge Hotel V&A Cape Town International The countdown to the first World Travel University of Cape Town Waterfront, City Lodge Airport.  Market (WTM) Africa has begun. If you have not registered to attend WTM Africa as yet, we encourage you to do so at: SATC agency adopts global model PRETORIA-based SA Park management company through this long-term www.wtmafrica.com/registration Travel Centre has become to one of LCC’s global partnership, LCC has the This is what some of the ASATA Diners Club Awards winners have to the first SATC agency to clients based in SA. “SATC opportunity to bring immense say about attending this long awaited event. adopt the Lufthansa City differentiates LCC from value to individual SATC “Whilst attending the WTM Africa I hope to meet various travel Centre (LCC) model. This other market competitors by members based in SA and contacts who could offer new business opportunities for our comes after SATC entered an offering a highly personal and other African states.” organization. With the ever changing and diverse travel industry we exclusive agreement with the tailor-made service to clients Other SATC agencies from are a part of, I also hope to obtain some tips on how to “stay ahead” global partner late last year. and business partners alike,” around the country are soon in the travel industry,” says Angelique Anderson, Sure African Imprint The partnership has said Pablo Castro LCC expected to join Park Travel Travel (ASATA Diners Corporate Consultant). already seen Park senior development business in leveraging the global “I am looking forward to WTM Africa which offers a brand new and Travel appointed travel manager. “We believe that affiliation.  exciting platform to network and build new and valuable relationships , increase product knowledge and ultimately contribute positively to our Industry.”, says ASATA Diners Club winner Janine Corry, 24Point7 Travel Studio. For a full list of exhibitors visit: Is responsible tourism good for business? http://www.wtmafrica.com/Exhibitor-Directory1/Exhibitor-Products/# For a full list of events visit: WTM Africa will launch good for businesses, Fabrice Leclercq, ceo http://www.wtmafrica.com/Event-Programme/ a responsible tourism local communities and T.R.I.P. Ghana, AGAMS programme at its inaugural economies, as well as Group; Heidi van der Visit us on facebook and follow us on twitter event in Cape Town next a discussion on how Watt, director ICRT South month (May 2-3). Professor responsible tourism can Africa; Wilfred Cheval, Dyer /wtmafrica @WTM_Africa Harold Goodwin, who be used for business Island Cruises and Marine

TNW7090 organises the same plan advantage; a session Dynamics; Dr. Anne-Kathrin at London’s WTM, has focusing on environmental Zschiegner of the Zeitz compiled the programme. responsibility; and a debate Foundation; Anne van der Subscribe to TNW It includes three events: on social responsibility and Tuuk, Abang Africa Travel; a debate on whether child protection. and Andre van der Marck [email protected] responsible tourism is Speakers will include of Khiri Travel (Thailand). 

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Conference Venues Economic conditions are forcing meeting managers to cut back and opt for more modest venues. Sue van Winsen finds out more. Tshwane Events thinks Tough times ahead out of the box Dorine Reinstein rooms. This allows the incorporation of activities that range from horse for high-end venues TSHWANE Events Centre has riding to paintball and everything in definitely picked up on the trend to between. ITH government putting a organiser,” he says. “In the end it offer ‘out of the box’ conferencing Says Ricky: “Clients are able to cap on meeting spend and is about creating a platform in a solutions. Ricky Da Costa, mix and match various venues for Wcorporate clients finding defined space for a specific group marketing and facilities manager, all types of events, such as an themselves with smaller budgets, of people. The organiser’s job is explains: “PCOs and event planners international conference with several many meeting managers are shying to determine the best use of the are always seeking value-add breakaway plenaries to team-building away from lavish venues in favour of venue’s capabilities and supplement options and new concepts to keep exercises where conference rooms more modest options. where necessary.” their product offerings fresh and and one of the sporting facilities are Pieter Swart, md of Conference In fact, convenience is trumping interesting. Although we find that used in tandem.” Consultancy South Africa, says luxury in terms of client demands. the traditional conference will still The fact that the Dinokeng Game the economy continues to play an Bridget von Holdt, executive director be used as a primary vehicle, Reserve is a mere 40 minutes’ important role in expense decision of Glasshouse Communication unusual add-ons are definitely on drive from the centre, adds to the making and so is the increasing Management, says parking and the increase and becoming the possibilities. Ricky says: “What awareness of responsible corporate facilities are key. “It is not about norm.” better way to end a conference than governance and the value of ethics. the five-star cost but rather the Ricky says the Tshwane Events with a game drive followed by a real “Executives remain sensitive to the seven-star service. They want Centre has long embraced out-of- African meal in the bush at one of perceptions of their stakeholders and air-conditioning, comfort, space, the-box thinking. “We love to tell our several world-class facilities?” clients,” says Pieter, “therefore, I am convenience, privacy and quiet,” she clients that our venue is a blank The Tshwane Events Centre not seeing a shift towards high-end says. artist’s canvas, ready to fill with conference centre can venues when more modest options Adele Engelbrecht, head of Event excitement, vibrancy and originality accommodate over 500 delegates will do.” Production for Mann Made Media, from the organiser.” in various configurations. All rooms Robert Walker, director of CE agrees that clients can still have Creative use of space is at the have WiFi and modern equipment Projects, echoed Pieter’s sentiments. a high-end experience on a more heart of the Tshwane Events such as data projectors are included “The trend is towards more focused modest budget. “If a brief comes in, Centre, which is the second-largest in the rental or daily conference conferences and increasing the we will make the budget work to give exhibition facility in South Africa package rates. Tshwane Events quality of the delegates attending. them a whole new experience away with several halls, open areas and offers full event/conference-planning Whether it be a high-end venue or from their comfort zone,” she says. sporting amenities that can be services and a full turnkey solution a more modest one should be of This is achieved through creative used in conjunction with meeting to clients. no consequence to a professional venue options, food and décor.

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QUICK READ FOR busiest people Wednesday April 30 2014 n 7 Conference Venues Beyond the bland boardroom MEETING managers are requesting a major increase in demand for ‘out of the box’ boutique solutions creative venues outside the bland in a bid to boost creativity. In fact, boardroom. “Recently we did in the US, the industry has seen an event where 200 employees demand soaring for boutique ‘anti- were taken for a four-hour tour conferences’. of the Maboneng District. They In an article in BizBash.com, an were outside and discovering event-planning news and resource Johannesburg, an area that they website, style-driven boutique may never have ordinarily explored, seminars are the latest trend. What while becoming informed about sets these events apart from their arts, culture and amazing food competitors is creative use of space, experiences.” with venues tending to be open, Bridget von Holdt believes there is airy and quirky. But are SA event greater demand for clients to engage planners seeing a similar trend with their customers more closely, locally? which results in more meetings Most definitely, says Robert being arranged. “A lot more of Walker. “The market is maturing these are taking place off-site and rapidly and people expect that being held at venues. This is for engagements on any level need to various reasons, including creativity, be more meaningful. In this way, independence, service, facilities and the old boardroom space doesn’t convenience.” work, as attendees want to be In addition, she says off-site inspired and motivated. With so meetings are usually more much information now available controlled, with delegates unable Cresta’s Sango Conference Centre suits all types of events. Photos: Cresta Hotels instantly, it is up to the organisers to disappear into their offices to take people into a space where continually to deal with issues. their attention is held and they are Bridget adds that hotels and Harare’s new conference captivated.” purpose-built meeting facilities are Robert recently organised a usually the best options for off-site centre fills a gap multi-day meeting in the Limpopo meetings. bushveld. “It required enormous But off-site meetings may present CRESTA’S Sango Conference Centre steadily increasing number of regional infrastructure to be brought in to many challenges in terms of in Harare has been a huge success and international organisations taking convert a non-conference venue into infrastructure and equipment. The since it opened in November 2012. a greater interest in Zimbabwe and a fully functional one. The event also cost of taking meetings off-site The conference centre filled a gap in looking at venues such as Sango for had smaller breakaway meetings and can also hinder demand, says Harare’s MICE industry for the medium- inclusion in their programmes. exhibitions, as well as a dinner and Pieter Swart. “The cost of holding sized local and international event “We understand that next year other social functions.” meetings remains the number-one market. will see an increase in the kind of Adele Engelbrecht has seen driver in the selection of facilities.” According to Cresta Hotels ceo, Glenn corporate and NGO business that Stutchbury, Harare has always had a Sango was created to service, as wide range of smaller venues, as well well as increased interest from the as a 4 000-plus conference centre. general community, which continuously However, options have been very looks for new venues for social events limited for people wanting a venue for as varied as weddings and awards between 400 and 800 guests. Sango ceremonies.” fills this gap. Sango’s main conference hall is in Glenn says: “Sango has had a a stand-alone building adjacent to a successful first year, adding to the block containing a series of smaller choice in Harare and bringing state-of- meeting rooms. The attractive and the-art facilities to people booking it. modern conference centre contains a Feedback from those holding events large rectangular main room that can since we opened in November 2012 be subdivided, as well as a service has been favourable and we look room and a unique platform suitable for forward to consolidating this with a social activities before, during or after busy schedule through the remainder events in the main room. The centre of 2014.” features a public address system, He adds that the conference centre LCD projectors and screens, catering has brought a significant boost in support services, good parking, a events for the local business sector pleasant garden around the venue and and community. He has also seen a a strong conference support team.

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8 n Wednesday April 30 2014 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS Conference Venues

Hideaway of Nungwi maximises outdoor space. Photo: Hideaway of Nungwi Resort Formal conferencing at Dream of Zanzibar. Photo: Dream of Zanzibar Island conferencing – mix business with leisure HIDEAWAY of Nungwi Resort and simply something that needs to be meetings in various venues around training sessions or small private Spa and Dream of Zanzibar are ticked off your bucket list.” the 10-hectare property, ranging gatherings. These rooms can offering conferencing facilities for According to Porsche, the resort from 60-300 delegates.” accommodate 10-16 people. The those clients looking for “something has noticed that more and more Porsche says Zanzibar remains resort also features the Main a little different and a little less guests are slowly moving toward a firm favourite with South African Ballroom, which can accommodate commercial”. ‘anti-conferencing’. “Hideaway is delegates as it’s only a four-hour up to 150 people. Porsche Dumagude, sales & more than equipped and geared to direct flight with Mango and visas Tailor-made conference packages marketing manager for the Emerald accommodate guests requesting are not required. The resort is are available. For groups of 25 and Collection in South Africa, says: something a little different. just 55 minutes from the airport more, the resort offers discounts “With a great balance between Groups looking to get out of the and the capital, Stone Town. It on group rates and provides free business and leisure, hosting confinements of four walls features two executive boardrooms accommodation to every 25th guest conferences at these island gems is have the option of holding their for intimate business meetings, in a group.

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QUICK READ FOR busiest people Wednesday April 30 2014 n 9 NEWSConference Venues Legend Lodges offers ‘anti-conference’ options The anti-conference village for breakaway theme is being adopted by sessions or make use of Legend Lodges through its the cave-like setting of The exceptional locations. Hide, overlooking the flowing At Legend Golf & Safari streams of Mountain Lodge. Resort in Limpopo, Entabeni Safari delegates have the option of Conservancy is a Big Five standard conference venues malaria-free reserve with with exceptional outdoor conference facilities at venues for evening functions, each of its lodges. The Big for example, a dinner under Five roam freely within the the African Skies at the Fig various camps, making for Tree. Groups that don’t need exhilarating sightings mid- a projector and screen can conference. Various outdoor hold meetings the White Lion venues are available, Queen of Sheba Conference Centre. Photo: Legend Lodges, Hotels & Resorts Boma. from the Astro Boma to At Zebra Country Lodge, Boekenhout, overlooking the delegates can meet in the rivers and rock pools of the Additional meeting rooms at Entabeni huts of the onsite Ndebele Waterberg. Legend Golf & Safari “The request for additional of the main rivers in the Resort at Entabeni in the conferencing space was Monomotapa history – Legend Lodges is offering a 24-hour conferencing Waterberg has expanded attended to with the Limpopo, Sashe, Vaal special for the Zebra Country Lodge outside Pretoria. its conference offering construction of the Queen amd Zambezi – and can The special rate of R690 per person sharing, includes following demand from of Sheba Conference seat up to 100 delegates accommodation, three meals, use of conference facilities corporates. Mariki Theron, Centre. We are now adding cinema style. These international sales & to it with another four new conference rooms allow and equipment and two tea breaks. The special is marketing manager for conference rooms currently for smaller groups to Book it restricted to South African residents and is valid until Legend Lodges, Hotels under construction. Each enjoy facilities to suit their August 31. Singles pay R1 035 per person. and Resorts, explains: room is named after four needs.”

CSIR ICC menus benefit from greening project

PROVIDING healthy food for them. It also contains lemon conference delegates is the and lime trees, spinach, goal of the CSIR International artichokes and rhubarb, Convention Centre (ICC) in enhancing the take-home Pretoria, which caters for over selection. 600 diverse events annually. According to food & To this end, the centre grows beverage manager, Dieter its own herbs, a greening Botha: “The opportunity initiative that also minimises provided by having so many its environmental impact. different herbs readily Recently it moved its available really allows us extensive herb garden to its to be flexible with creating front entrance, to expand on different dishes and flavour the benefits of the garden combinations to enhance our for conference delegates and cuisine offering daily. Being other visitors. The garden is able to grow one’s own fresh visually appealing, releases herbs right on your doorstep aromatic scents, and signage adds tremendous value to invites delegates to take a the passion our chefs have From left: CSIR ICC’s Dieter Botha (food & beverage manager); Danny Hutton (head chef); pinch of herbs home with for cooking.” Ellah Shabangu (chef de partie); and Bethuel Maja (sous chef). Photo: CSIR ICC

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10 n Wednesday April 30 2014 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS Conference Venues

Peace and tranquillity at Premier Hotel Knysna. Photo: Premier Hotels A spiritual retreat THE beautiful surroundings Self-realization Fellowship with the friendly people, retreat experience.” retreats. “Guests can relax of the Premier Hotel Knysna in Los Angeles for a five-day the beautiful surroundings Situated on the banks in our gardens, take a walk – The Moorings makes this retreat. and the facilities they found of the Knysna Lagoon on along the Knysna Lagoon or venue the ideal location Kelly Edwards from the on their first trip to Africa. the way to The Heads, be treated to excellent meals for an anti-conference Knysna Meditation Circle, The staff from the Premier and surrounded by well- prepared by chef, Martyn Hill, experience. The hotel recently said the venue was perfect Hotel Knysna were wonderful maintained gardens, the and his team, in between hosted spiritual seekers and their visitors were more and we will definitely host Premier Hotel Knysna hosts meetings or group sessions from across the country with than pleased with it. “The another event at this hotel, a variety of meetings, events, at our hotel,” said Brandon American monks from the monks were so impressed as it really is conducive to a team building or spiritual Schafli, gm of the hotel.

Out-of-the-box events WHEN it comes to from tarmac functionality until the early hours.” hosting out-of-the-box to runway glam.  Crowne Plaza events, the Crowne Plaza This event is proof Johannesburg – The Johannesburg – The of the hotel’s ability to Rosebank is treating all Rosebank, does so twice provide venues and the conference bookers to a year with SA Fashion logistics. Says Michael: a breakfast for two at Week. “The hotel plays host to the hotel. The booked Michael Hogeweg, food a number conference must be and beverage manager, of side events such as held in April, May or says the event involves meet and greets, cocktail June 2014. The voucher a take-over of the entire parties, quiet locations for the breakfast will property. Five marquees for media interviews and, be e-mailed once final are shipped in and the of course, after-parties payment has been car park is converted at the Circle Bar endure received.

Did you know? The Forum, a conference and banqueting centre at the V&A Waterfront, caters for events of 14-120 people. Managed by Newmark Hotels, Reserves and Lodges, it currently offers a half-day conference package priced at R320 per delegate per day and a full-day package at R350 per person per day.

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QUICK READ FOR busiest people Wednesday April 30 2014 n 11 Conference Venues ‘To mix business with pleasure, just add water’ ROYAL Caribbean International proposition, nothing comes coined the phrase ‘To mix close to a cruise, as it has business with pleasure, just the power to inspire and add water’. “This is pretty motivate everyone. Sailing on much our mantra at Cruises any one of our magnificent International,” says Tracey ships will be instantly Krog. recognised as a high-quality, She says a cruise group/ prestigious reward. Top incentive versus a land-based achievers will race to meet group/incentive offers great their goals and return to work value for money. “When it relaxed, recharged and ready Splendour of the Seas. Photo: Royal Caribbean Cruises comes to delivering a unique to tackle their next project Royal Caribbean returns to the Gulf experience with a strong value with renewed enthusiasm.” THE GULF is back on Royal conference and meeting world combined, says Tracey Shangri-La promotes Caribbean International facilities. Krog, commercial manager, programmes in winter 2015- State-of-the-art, fully Cruises International. The 16. The fifth seasonal sailings equipped meeting rooms speed of the WiFi will also social responsibility will comprise 16 roundtrips with WiFi connections exceed what guests can ‘Experience It’ is the People and Planet, where from December 2015 through accommodate big groups and achieve on land. international Shangri-La delegates enjoy experiences March 2016, visiting some charters, while theatres and By pairing a new generation group’s events philosophy from wildlife to indigenous of the Arabian coast’s most lounges are also available of medium-earth-orbit that adds inspiration and handicrafts. The second, intriguing destinations on a for corporate events of up to satellites (originally designed engagement to events and Green Bolts, encompasses seven-night itinerary. 800 people. to bring the Internet to meetings. It is based on activities such as tea Splendour of the Seas is Meanwhile Royal Caribbean emerging markets like three categories of social breaks in hotel herb scheduled to dock in its International has invested in sub-Saharan Africa) with responsibility that showcase gardens and transport in homeport of Dubai, making a new satellite network, giving sophisticated antenna arrays the best of every hotel’s hybrid cars. The third, Be calls at Muscat and Khasab in guests aboard Oasis of the aboard its newest ships, the CSR initiatives around the Well, can involve physical Oman as well as in Abu Dhabi. Seas and Allure of the Seas cruise line is delivering the world. activities, healthy menus For business travellers, more wireless capacity than kind of technology passengers The first category is and spa treatments.  this vessel offers numerous every other cruise ship in the expect in a connected world.

Emerald Collection - Hideaway of Nungwi and Dream of Zanzibar Zanzibar’s Premier Five-Star Luxury Beach Resorts Two properties that are perfect for your clients’ events or for the holiday of their dreams! • Family Holidays • Romantic Weddings • Magical Honeymoons • Flawless, Professional Incentives • Perfect Memories Contact: [email protected]

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12 n Wednesday April 30 2014 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS Extensive networks have fuelled the success of Gulf carriers in South African and other markets. Michelle Colman finds out about the airlines’ plans for the future. Unique position offers huge on-tap market WITH its hub at a African route, comprising a US$99bn (R1 040bn) month; and the Maldives geographical crossroads, total of six daily services a worth of aircraft on order, is proving an encouraging Emirates has been clever week out of Johannesburg, including 150 B777s and niche market. about leveraging the Cape Town and , 50 A380s. “Emirates is still young benefits of its unique recorded a million Though capacity is and ambitious but does location. Dubai is more passengers between April constantly reviewed, not want to garner market or less midway on both a 2013 and March 2014. conditions for expansion on share at any cost,” says north-south and east-west According to Fouad the South African routes are Fouad. “We want to axis, letting the airline tap Caunhye, regional manager currently not optimal. While maintain our position as a into markets of 1,5 million Southern Africa commercial, distressed currency makes top-five airline in the next people within a three-hour the vast majority, 700 000, South Africa attractive to an five years, assist Dubai flight, 2,5 million in six moved on from Dubai to inbound market, it dampens in achieving its 20-million hours and up to five billion, other points on the network, outbound, says Fouad. tourism target by 2020 some two-thirds of the illustrating Emirates’ Beyond Dubai, South and boost our fleet, while world’s population, in eight strength as a transit carrier. Africans are using Emirates’ generating sufficient profits hours. The advantages The remaining 30% either network to travel to Europe, to stretch our business for network building are ended their journey in Dubai their historic stomping horizon to another healthy obvious. or stayed over for a short ground and one that is 10 or 20 years. We will Serving 41 cities in 80 period before resuming served less frequently by grow as much as global countries, Emirates flies as their travels onward. European carriers than it demand grows.” far north as Scandinavia Fouad points out that was a decade or so ago. In Dubai’s success as a (Oslo will be added to the network size is influenced addition, Emirates’ multiple “Network size is tourist attraction, financial network from September) by multiple factors such Indian routes and 120 influenced yb factors and business centre has and as far south as Cape as passenger demand, the weekly services are much in played its part too. In 2013 Town and Sydney. It serves economy of the destination demand by South Africans. such as passenger Dubai recorded 11 million the numerous points on and how it ties in with a Further, China has proved demand, the economy hotel guests, up 10,6% on the US west coast and just portfolio of points that to be the local Emirates of the destination and the previous year, and has as many in China. All the generate critical mass. office’s good-news story – targeted 20 million tourists big-volume, Often the importance of a 12% of the airline’s traffic how it ties in with a as its goal for 2020. With a nodules are served. port lies in this contribution to China emanates from portfolio of points that direct, indirect and induced In terms of network size, to the network rather than South Africa. Additionally, value to the Dubai economy the airline ranks among in its point-to-point value. the south-east Asian routes generate critical mass.” of AED 75bn (R215bn), the world’s top five and its Further, rising demand does are doing well with South – Fouad Caunhye tourism far outweighs the significance as a transit not always necessitate African custom, drawing oil industry’s contribution carrier, without a heavy additional frequencies but new leisure segments for services carry a noticeable to GDP. dependence on alliances, is can be accommodated with Emirates. Daily flights to amount of incentive The 2020 aim is to triple widely acknowledged. equipment. Phuket are attracting quality groups and some 60-100 this contribution to AED As an example, the South Emirates currently has holidaymakers; Vietnam adventure travellers each 215-230bn (R616-659bn).

QUICK READ FOR busiest people Wednesday April 30 2014 n 13 Etihad Regional expands into Europe THE launch of Etihad Regional and ceo of Etihad Airways, networks. By mid-2014, According to Xenia, network in January considerably explained the airline’s network Etihad Regional will have points beyond Abu Dhabi most expanded the number of strategy of building strong added 18 new destinations in demand by South Africans European points available to regional partnerships to open to its network which will include London, Paris, Munich, Etihad Airways’ passengers. markets. “Etihad Regional will include the seven European New York and Mumbai. The new carrier represents provide a unique opportunity gateways served by Etihad Frequencies to Munich and a partnership between Etihad to strengthen vitally important Airways – Geneva, Amsterdam, New York were increased to Airways, headquartered in regional networks and Paris, Düsseldorf, Belgrade double-daily this year. Moscow Abu Dhabi, and Switzerland’s connect them to the rapidly and Zurich (commencing in and Dublin are growing in Darwin Airline, based in expanding global network of June) and Rome (commencing popularity, and both will also Lugano with a major hub in Etihad Airways. We will choose in July). To facilitate this be increased to double-daily Geneva. Etihad Airways has partners, as we have done expansion, the regional carrier services in the near future. Xenia Adamou acquired a 33,3% stake in with Darwin Airline, that share is to lease four ATR 72-500 Etihad operates a daily Abu Darwin Airline, which, in turn our passion for delivering aircraft, which will boost its Dhabi-Johannesburg service As part of its growth strategy, has become the UAE carrier’s an outstanding service to regional fleet to 12. They are using A330-200 aircraft but Etihad recently announced the seventh equity alliance partner travellers, with greater choice scheduled for delivery between has no plans at present to creation of the Etihad Aviation and fourth partner in Europe. and more convenience.” April and June. increase frequencies to South Group. Other European alliance According to Xenia Adamou, Etihad Airways’ international Africa or serve additional This new structure will partners, notably airberlin gm of Etihad Airways South network, now serving 80 South African points. manage the diversification and Air Serbia, will feed Africa, Etihad Regional passenger destinations, will Xenia says: “We already of operations outside core passengers into the Etihad currently offers year-round this year add nine new hubs, offer extensive coverage airline business and marks Regional network. flights to 18 destinations in among them Jaipur; Los within South Africa through the transition from a single- At the time of the launch, Europe – including secondary Angeles and Dallas; Zurich; our codeshare partnership entity airline to a wider global James Hogan, president destinations on partner Perth; and Phuket. with SAA.” aviation group. Dubai accommodation levy THE Tourism Dirham is a since the end of March. Set the revenue goes towards The fee is collected by for stays between March 31 new accommodation fee at a scale of AED7 (R20) to marketing and development hotels at check out. and June 1, provided the levied in Dubai on all hotel AED20 (R57) per room per of the Emirate’s tourism and A grace period applies: accommodation was paid in and apartment hotel stays night depending on grading, trade sectors. the fee will not be imposed full before February 23. 

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14 n Wednesday April 30 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. Obituary Appointment  Simon Rowson has been Group’s Moloko Executive Industry mourns Apartments & Hotel and 20 Pick of the week appointed gm at Pestana brought to you by Paddy Vella Kruger Lodge, Mpumalanga. West Executive Apartments, Simon has more than 25 in Sandton. He has also  The travel years’ experience in the worked in managerial roles and tourism hospitality sector. Simon at Crowne Plaza in Sandton, industry was gm at properties the Kingdom at Victoria bids farewell including Legacy Hotels’ Falls in Zimbabwe and the Client Relations – Jnb Travel Advisor – All Areas to, Paddy Airport Grand Hotel and EOH Ramada Hotel in Belfast. Travelinfo Pentravel Vella, ceo of Suit intermediate looking for Write your own salary cheque Springbok a career change. Maintain and develop an exciting, and Altas. Paddy relationships with travel rewarding career working for died on April clients and agents. Pentravel. 16 at the age of 66 after Travel diploma, 4-5 years’ Package includes incentives, being diagnosed with cancer experience, license & own car. ed allowances, medical aid and four years ago. Email: more. Email: Paddy worked for Springbok [email protected] [email protected] Atlas for 36 years where he saw the business grow into a Senior Travel Consultant – Senior Tour Consultant – large and well respected coach JHB North Cpt (S/Suburbs) charter and tour operator Professional Career Services Professional Career Services organisation, operating Business and leisure travel. Travelogic. Africa product throughout SA and Namibia. Refunds. Visa applications. knowledge. Able to tailor make Craig Drysdale, former ceo Tourplan. Order Forex, Galileo, and handle basic Tour Plan of the transport division at Quicktrav, BSP accredited. costings. Salary: R 17 000 neg. Springbok Atlas, said the 2010 Salary: R18 000–R20 000 CTC. incl. benefits. World Cup was a highlight in Spreading hope Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Paddy’s career. “Paddy was FIT Manager – Cape Town extremely instrumental in Groups Manager – Mauritius Incentive Connection (MIC) and Air Mauritius Quantex Recruitment Group securing the contract for the Cape Town recently visited Door of Hope, which cares for Manage and consult in a busy transportation of all 32 soccer Quantex Recruitment Group abandoned infants and babies, to hand out nappies, inbound department. Strong teams as he was for the Consult and lead team of cream, formula, wet wipes and more. The staff weren’t leadership experience with all 14 teams for the World Cup 4 consultants in managing forgotten and were treated to tea, coffee, milk and round knowledge of European department. Excellent Cricket in 2003,” he said. biscuits. Pictured here are (from left): Elonka Reuss market. Paddy was the founding (marketing manager South Africa, Air Mauritius); attention to detail and Email: [email protected] member of Coach Operators Rosette Maloso (home manager, Door of Hope) and operations experience Association of Southern Africa, Kathy Basson (sales manager, MIC). essential. Senior Corporate Consultant – which still runs under SA Bus Email: [email protected] Johannesburg Operators Association. Corporate Traveller Peter-John Mitrovich, ceo of INT/SNR Consultants – 2/3 years’ senior travel Grosvenor Tours, said: “Paddy Durban consulting experience, Matric never made a rushed decision. Lee Botti & Associates or relevant degree/diploma, Decisions made were always North Coast. Are you able international travel fair, objective and with the best to close a ‘walk-in’ sale? experience. Basic, commission, intent for all employees.” Fabulous opportunity. In-depth medical and provident. Galileo Paddy, who lived in knowledge of Galileo experience essential. Email: Rondebosch with his wife, & leisure. Email: [email protected] Carol, is described by his son, [email protected] Chris, as a keen social golfer Travel Expert – Cape Town and a supporter of Tottenham French FIT Consultant – Flight Centre Hotspur. “He always did Cape Town 2 years sales/customer service, things in moderation, enjoyed Lee Botti & Associates Matric or relevant degree/ the odd glass of good wine, Luxury international Tour diploma, SA citizen, international braaiing, listening to music, Operator seeking Southern travel experience. Basic, and just spending time with Africa genius for growing lucrative commission structure, friends and family,” he said. division. Sal from medical aid and provident fund. Paddy’s funeral took place on R 12 000 + benefits. Email: Email: Friday, April 25, at St Michael's [email protected] [email protected] Catholic Church in Cape Town. TNW7091

TNW6141SD These adverts were selected from the vacancy section of www.travelinfo.co.za For more details contact [email protected]

Chief Finance & Top jobs in Gauteng this week: Administration Officer Snr MICE Guru Based at Bedford office Deal with local and int’l groups & incentives! Your creative flair & ability to travel Matric with Maths; will put you in the lead. To R25 000 ctc. Business Development Sales Executive Accounting diploma/BCom Sales Rep Focus on outlining areas: Pretoria, Free State, share, client retention and brand awareness degree, 3years in aviation/ Promote this renowned hotel establishment with pride! Enjoy combination of new Mpumalanga, as well as Southern Africa: • All applications must include a covering letter business & servicing. R15 000 ctc + petrol. Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe addressing how the applicant meets the tourism industry with finance Primary focus is to develop sales in these above requirements together with a brief CV, Creditors/BSP Clerk e-mail [email protected] by close experience; Oracle, Cognas Great opp for figures fundi to join well est, national abovementioned areas. of business on and BSP knowledge is an group! BSP accreditation ess. To R12 500 ctc. Principal accountabilities: Friday 09 May 2014. advantage • Take note that only applications that meet Leisure Lover • Sales Calling on all customer segments: Passion for making holiday dreams come true? Love the requirements will be evaluated. Air Mauritius Trade, Corporate, MICE thrill of writing your own cheque? This is the job for you! reserves the right to reject profiles that do • Establish Relationship management & Send CV to Amadeus adv. R10 000 + lucrative comm. not meet the minimum level of requirements. Revenue Generation [email protected] Tel: Tracey 011 452-0204, 076 993 7945 • New Business acquisition Applicants must have South African citizenship. by 16h30 Friday April 25 [email protected] • Attaining revenue targets, increasing market We conform with the Employment Equity Act. TNW7088 TNW7092 TNW7093

QUICK READ FOR busiest people Wednesday April 30 2014 n 15 Risky business From page 1 with applicable legislation.” It’s on us! available to travel and tourism The management plan The Crowne Plaza Johannesburg businesses for a monthly fee. assists companies to – The Rosebank is offering travel Doné says the high incidence identify possible risks agents and conference organisers of issues such as fraud and in their businesses and who book a conference with mismanagement in the local provides generic controls the venue a free ‘breakfast travel industry is due to a that can be implemented for two’. Agents will receive lack of regulation such as to control them. Doné says a breakfast voucher once the that found in the banking and the system is between booking has been paid. The offer finance sectors. “Travel and 90% and 95% applicable is valid for conferences booked tourism is self-regulated,” he to all travel businesses. in May and June. Enjoying the says. “Directors are expected Additional risks, specific to a first meal of the day is Nikola to know which processes to particular company, can be Jelenovic (deputy gm of The implement in their companies added to their individual risk Crowne Plaza Johannesburg – as well as keep up to date management plan, he says. The Rosebank) and Cassidy Van with the laws that need to be Clients will be given a Den Berg, Extrabold’s business followed. password and username to development manager). “We have designed access the risk management Photo: Shannon Van Zyl an enterprise-wide risk system via an online portal. management plan, including a From the portal they will risk register and risk controls, be able to draw reports to after identifying close to 300 measure their performance risks applicable to a business and monitor improvements. Fastjet’s new JNB schedule operating in the travel Etna Risk Advisories will industry. In addition, Etna Risk also send a consultant to Advisories has also designed each client once a month – will it serve pax better? compliance risk management to assist them during the plans that include the legal implementation phase. Natasha Tippel Check-in for these flights will of Sure Maritime Travel. requirements to ensure a The company plans to launch take place before midnight on “Passengers arriving in Dar travel company is compliant its website in May.  ASTJET will amend its Mondays, Wednesdays and es Salaam at 04h40 in the Johannesburg to Dar es Fridays. morning will have a long wait FSalaam schedule in June, Richard Bodin, fastjet’s to connect and will have to making it a turnaround flight. chief commercial officer, said book and pay for a hotel room To the point But whether or not the timing the reason for the change from the night before to check is ideal for passengers, is in schedule was to improve in that early. Mango will increase its services between JNB and PLZ from October. debatable. connectivity with fastjet’s “The Tanzanite lounge is a Flights will increase by 55%, with return flights on Mondays, Thursdays, The new schedule is: other destinations in Tanzania. departure lounge airside, so Fridays and Sundays. Further details will be released at a later stage, says H1 6181/FN 201 DAR JNB “Passengers now have passengers arriving cannot the airline. “Our JNB-PLZ route has proven very successful during its first 20h30 23h15 (Monday, the opportunity to fly to use this facility.” Wednesday, Friday); Kilimanjaro, Mwanza and She adds that SAA offers 16 months of operation,” says ceo, Nico Bezuidenhout. “Load factors H1 6182/FN 202 JNB DAR Mbeya without having to a better schedule on the have never dipped below 80% and demand has continued to grow.” 00h05 04h40 (Tuesday, stop over in Dar es Salaam. route with flights arriving at Thursday, Saturday). Fastjet has moved the DAR- 13h55 and 18h50 every day Flights currently operate on JNB flight to make room for of the week. Mondays, Wednesdays and new destinations. The airline Fastjet’s new schedule Fridays. is increasing the utilisation of is already available via the The Dar es Salaam- its aircraft [three A319s] and fastjet website and call Johannesburg sector will therefore increasing the night centre. When booking in the continue to operate on flying to accommodate,” says GDS, agents should note that those days but, from June Richard. fastjet is represented by Hahn 1, the Johannesburg-Dar es But the change in schedule Air’s H1 flight code but, within Salaam flight will depart just will be inconvenient for the airport environment as Election slows corporate travel after midnight on Tuesdays, travellers, says Rachael well as on all tickets, fastjet’s Thursdays and Saturdays. Penaluna, business manager FN code is displayed.  What impact has the May election had on your business? ■ It’s business as usual 50% Air Madagascar appoints new GSA ■ Corporate bookings have slowed down 32% AIR Madagascar has GSA, Holiday Aviation. The airline’s new offices will ■ People aren’t travelling over that time 18% appointed Rogers Aviation Rogers Aviation will take be in Terminal A, WL 10 West as its new GSA for the over all airline functions for Wing Airline Offices at OR Southern Africa region. Air Madagascar in Southern Tambo International Airport. The appointment, which Africa, assisting the airline Air Madagascar’s ticketing came into effect on April 22, with marketing, sales, counter is opposite check- ends the airline’s two-decade- reservations, and ticketing in counters 97 and 98 in long relationship with former and airport operations. Terminal A. 

High hopes for lower fares From page 1 Services Licensing Council of the new shareholding and the taxi operator (ASLC) provide reasons for structure of ”. Santaco either shutting their dismissing its objections NdizaSafair owns 25,14% doors or failing to open them as well as the decision to of FlySafair; ASL Aviation in the first place. Safair has grant the licence to FlySafair. Group 25%; and the Safair been a reputable aviation “Once the reasons have been Investment trust 49,86%, as company for many years. disclosed to Comair we will part of a management buy- Granted, it hasn’t operated consult with our legal team out (the beneficiaries being as an LCC but it has modern whether sufficient grounds Elmar; ceo, Dave Andrew and aircraft, a licence to operate exist to take the decision of director, Wimpie Davidson). and, importantly, a team the ASLC on review in the High “We can’t comment on what of very capable individuals Court,” says Erik Venter, ceo Comair will or will not do… We operating it,” he says. of Comair. can’t see on what basis they Meanwhile, Comair has Comair’s objections are would challenge the licence requested that the Air based on the “opaque nature though,” says Elmar.  TNW7067

16 n Wednesday April 30 2014 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW7067