July 10 2019 I No. 2551 SOUTHERN AFRICA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

Uncapped WiFi at all locations GDS Access code CG www.clhg.com TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY TNW9264SD

NEWS NEWS FEATURE CEO QANTAS FFP TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY Bezuidenhout to prioritise trade More seats and lower fees

INSIDE Page 2 Page 3 Page 6

Thai – fourth TCs hit the road time lucky? Adele Mackenzie While operators say competitive pricing is key, it HE Tourism Authority should be realistic and not of Thailand (TAT) is in the “silly” R2 000 airfare Tnegotiations with Thai (excluding taxes) it offered Airways to reintroduce a direct previously. “It also needn’t be flight between a daily flight,” said product and Bangkok. and contracting manager Director of the TAT office in of kulula holidays, Wendy London, Chiravadee Khunsub, Goutier. She suggested could not say when the flights that the airline could fly two would be introduced but days a week and possibly expressed her confidence up its frequency during peak that negotiations would be season. successful. Lize Maartens, lead in “It ties in with our strategy marketing for STA Travel, to grow tourist numbers from reiterated a need for South Africa to 120 000 competitive fares, highlighting passengers – up from the that many travellers were 102 000 recorded in 2018 – happy to fly indirect. “They by the next financial year.” would pay a bit extra for When the national carrier convenience but only if the The Travel Counsellors recruitment team is travelling to cities throughout the country pulled out of South Africa price point is close.” to meet agents who are looking to start their own travel business. Roadshows will be for the third time in January Thompsons Holidays’ held in , Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town to meet the TC team, who will 2015, trade speculated that Vivienne Mellows, cautioned showcase TC’s tools and the support it offers agents, and answer any questions. The the extremely low fares and that a decision to re-introduce roadshows will take place on the following days: Pretoria – Sunday, July 14 at 14h00; seasonality of the destination a direct flight from South Johannesburg – Sunday, July 14 at 18h00; Durban – Monday, July 15 at 19h00; and had led to the decision to Africa would need to be long Cape Town – Tuesday, July 16 at 18h00. Pictured (from left): Lize Roodt, Kirsty Fourie withdraw. To page 16 and Chantel Smuts, all Travel Counsellors. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl Emirates gets serious about marriage

Sarah Robertson to clamp down on these. A violations occur. violation messages that may that even if a lower booking document outlining segment GDS users are now being be sent out include ‘ADM class is available separately EMIRATES is clamping down management guidelines notified through SSR OTHS applies due booking out of on two sectors of a flight on origin-destination and has been distributed to the messages on their PNR when sequence’, ‘Possible ADM due when requested independently, married segment violations, trade. Emirates says ADMs potential violations have BKD incomplete OD pair’ and no attempt should be made and is introducing a new will be issued to recover the occurred that may result in ‘ADMNBO booked as violation’. to link it to a long-haul process of managing PNRs funds the airline loses should ADMs. Examples of SSR The guidelines explain To page 2

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NEW STRIP ADS_finale black ad.indd 1 2019/06/20 12:45 NEWS Emirates gets serious Bezuidenhout to prioritise trade From page 1 married segments and that Deena Robinson is in a better position than destination fare. marriages are effective for before. He says it nearly It also states that when both waitlisted and confirmed HE travel trade can broke even during the first requesting a fresh availability, segments. expect to hear more quarter of the year, a time agents are required to book The agent says, to the best from Mango following when demand is normally in sequence of travel. An of his knowledge, Emirates T the appointment of Nico low. The Federal Air division agent who books the airline was currently the only airline Bezuidenhout as ceo. Nico’s of the airline is profitable, the frequently told TNW: “If, sending out SSR messages appointment is effective Mozambique operations are as an example, you are warning of potential segment October 1. stabilising after a “difficult” booking a Johannesburg- violation ADMs. “One of my first priorities time and the codeshare with New York ticket, you must Emirates says ADMs for upon returning to Mango will LAM-Mozambique Airlines not first book the New these violations will cost be to engage actively with the York-Johannesburg flights US$250 (R3 545) for one- has proved useful to , on August 20, followed by way economy-class tickets; SA market, including the travel he says. Johannesburg-New York on $400 (R5 674) for return trade, as I believe it to be an Nico’s focus in his last August 10. It is important economy-class tickets; important part of driving sales months at fastjet will be on to book all flights in the $400 (R5 674) for one- for Mango,” says Nico. the airline’s operations in sequence of travel in order way business- or first-class He admits that during his Zimbabwe. He also plans to avoid being issued with an tickets; and $700 (R9 929) three-year tenure at fastjet, to focus on the exit out of ADM.” for return business- or first- he was relatively quiet in the Tanzania, which still needs to South African market. be concluded. In December The airline also specifies class tickets. ADMs are Nico Bezuidenhout that the entire connection issued in the local currency He was previously ceo of 2018, fastjet suspended its must be sold together for of the POS.  Mango for 13 years and left been close to my heart and Tanzania operations a month in 2016 to join fastjet as when I was asked to come after a change in ownership of ceo, where he is still currently across and help make a the Tanzania subsidiary. ® employed. difference in its operations, I Current deputy group ceo Rubes By Leigh Rubin “I’ve been at fastjet for was very interested,” he says. of fastjet, Mark Hurst, will be three years and had a specific As for fastjet, Nico believes the interim ceo, during which objective of stabilising the that while there is a lot of time the airline will look for a airline. Mango has always work to be done, the airline permanent appointment. 

Rooms and More no more

Kim Cochrane household name brands that Rooms and More paid through to smaller, boutique agency commissions. TRAVELPORT will retire properties, is already These sentiments echoed Rooms and More on available through Travelport those shared by the trade August 3 to focus instead Smartpoint and this will on Travelinfo’s Open Jaw on its multisource content continue to expand. Facebook group, with strategy, confirms a A handful of travel members commenting company spokesperson. consultants contacted by on web alternatives that “Product retirement is a TNW said they had not aggregated hotel content crucial part of an end-to- used Rooms and More, and preferably paid end product management opting instead for some commission as opposed to lifecycle. Our aim is to of the many alternative nett rates, now that Rooms continue to move toward accommodation platforms and More was retiring. aggregated hotel content available, such as The discussion also from multiple sources Bedsonline, 24x7rooms, highlighted the importance delivered through a single Plum Accommodation or of checking the credentials, point of sale – Travelport Totalstay. insurance cover and Smartpoint – to enhance “Personally, I haven’t had guarantees of any platform the user experience.” a call to use the platform,” selected, as well as the A wide range of global said one consultant, need for effective local hotel content, from although she did appreciate support. 

Founding Editors: John H Marsh (1914-1996) Leona Marsh (1923-2003) SAA – superjet non-stop to NYC EDITORIAL TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY Managing Editor: Natasha Schmidt [email protected] www.etnw.co.za is to features, a quieter cabin and a reduced operating costs. We Assistant Editor: Catherine Bower [email protected] Published by introduce its new Airbus A350- modern inflight entertainment know what the causes of the Journalists: Sarah Robertson 900 on the daily direct service system. Travel & Trade Publishing (Pty) Ltd Deena Robinson financial bleed are and we are Printed by Juka Printing (Pty) Ltd between Johannesburg and The A350 is expected to addressing them.” Phone: (011) 327-4062 Photographer: Shannon Van Zyl New York. reduce SAA’s fuel burn on The flight schedule is as Fax: (011) 327-4094 Production Editor: Ann Braun The airline is supplementing the route by up to 20%, follows: E-mail: [email protected] its existing long-haul fleet with contributing to significantly Flight SA203 departs Web: www.nowmedia.co.za PUBLISHER the new aircraft, which has reduced operational costs and Johannesburg at 21h00, Address: Now Media Centre, Natasha Schmidt [email protected] 32 Fricker Road, Illovo Boulevard, 246 economy-class seats, with improved carbon emissions. arriving in New York at 06h40 the first six rows offering extra Tlali Tlali, head of department: the following day. Illovo, Johannesburg. GROUP PUBLISHER PO Box 55251, Northlands, David Marsh [email protected] leg-room. Business-class seats Media Relations at SAA told Flight SA 204 departs New 2116, South Africa. recline to lie-flat beds. TNW: “The intention is improve York at 11h15, arriving in ADVERTISING The aircraft is state of the our overall performance on Johannesburg the following day Sales: Kate Nathan [email protected] art, offering the latest safety the route by focusing on at 08h05. 

PRODUCTION Design Head: Dirk Voorneveld For the record SUBSCRIPTIONS Circulation: [email protected] Air France subsidiary Joon was absorbed into its parent company (Air France) on June 28. In last week’s TNW we incorrectly stated that Joon was absorbed into Air France on July 28. TNW apologises for the error.

2 n Wednesday July 10 2019 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS NEWS Qantas overhauls frequent flyer programme

Deena Robinson the points increase for premium cabins better reflect the value of ANTAS will overhaul its loyalty the experience that customers enjoy programme as part of an in these cabins. “The points for QAUS$25m (R246m) investment premium cabins have not increased to increase engagement in the for close to 15 years and in that programme. time the product has improved a lot.” Members will pay lower fees for If more seats are being made international reward flights and available, clients may be willing have access to more seats but will to pay more in points, says Taryn Air Tanzania’s back! need more points for upgrades and Tibble-Vega, senior corporate travel premium cabins. The airline will also consultant of Sure Stellenbosch Members of the trade gathered on the viewing deck at OR Tambo to introduce a new loyalty tier. Travel. Taryn says having flexibility celebrate Air Tanzania’s return to Johannesburg on June 28. The airline The new policies are applicable to to buy seats and upgrades using is flying four times a week on the JNB-DAR route. Enjoying the event the South African market, confirms points that passengers have paid a are (from left): Khudaija Seedat, corporate travel consultant; and Loren Michi Messner, regional manager lot of money to accrue is important Nesbit, managing member, both of The Travel Link; and Heidi Hannig, of Qantas South Africa, adding that to them.  sales and marketing manager of Travel Ideas. Photo: Deena Robinson Trafalgar launches agent e-learning podcast TRAFALGAR has launched an agent ceo, Gavin Tollman. The episodes their TTC Academy credentials, listen of sales of TTC, Travel Unlocked was e-learning podcast to provide behind- will cover FAQs, JoinTrafalgar to the podcasts and then access the created to address feedback from the-scenes access to the brand. sustainability efforts, and other brand- review questions directly in the app. agents who said they wanted more In the initial five-part series, related topics. Travel Unlocked is also available e-learning resources. “Of agents ‘Travel Unlocked’, the brand reveals Each episode has an associated via Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher surveyed, 94% said they wanted stories and information from a quiz, which can be accessed through and TuneIn (including Apple Podcasts, access to information that consumers variety of guests within the business, the TTC Academy, either via a which are coming soon), and TTC could not find in any brochure or including travel directors, sales desktop or the Litmos App. Agents Academy. online, cementing their role as the managers, product developers and can download the app, log in with According to Kelly Jackson, head experts in the industry.”  AMMAN The Rose City of Arabia

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QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday July 10 2019 n 3 NEWS US redefines ‘high’ flyers

Sarah Robertson passengers. Accordingly, quipping that a passenger TSA security officers do had recently asked HE US Transportation not search for marijuana FlySafair’s Twitter account Security Administration or other illegal drugs, but how many “zols” they could T(TSA) has changed its if any illegal substance is take on board. cannabis policy to allow discovered during security Kirby’s personal passengers to bring some screening, the TSA will understanding of the law forms of cannabidiol (CBD) refer the matter to a law is that it is now legal for oil, plus a Food and Drug enforcement officer,” says adults to use, possess or Administration-approved the website, noting that the grow marijuana products Stop over with Wendy Wu marijuana-based drug, on approved products may be in their own homes, but he flights. transported in hand luggage is not aware of any policy “Marijuana and certain or checked baggage. Wendy Wu is offering private stopovers and extensions changes that have been cannabis-infused products, Locally, airlines in SA on trips to China, Hong Kong and Vietnam, among put in place regarding air including some CBD oil, have also received queries others, giving travellers extra time for exploration and transportation of these remain illegal under federal regarding transportation of relaxation, either before or after a tour. Stopovers substances. law, except for products that marijuana-based products, depend on the airline but Wendy Wu offers a variety of Kirby thinks that any contain no more than 0,3% following the South African options. Travellers can choose from a three-night stay changes regarding THC on a dry weight basis, Constitutional Court’s ruling in Beijing, Chengdu or Hong Kong, a two-night stay in marijuana transportation or that are approved by late last year that personal the Mekong Delta or in Macao, or a four-night stay in would start with government the FDA. use of cannabis was no Laos. Other destinations include Xian, Guilin and Sapa. drafting and approving “TSA’s screening longer a criminal office. Visiting Kuang Si waterfalls in Laos is Rene Swart, tour a new law and that this procedures focus on “This is a very topical operations manager, Wendy Wu Tours. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl would then trickle through security and are designed subject right now,” says to organisations like Acsa to detect potential Kirby Gordon, head of sales and the SACAA, which would threats to aviation and and distribution at FlySafair, amend their rulings.  KLM begins celebratory countdown TO CELEBRATE 100 years of aviation, KLM has launched a dedicated website, www. klm100.com, which is counting down to October 7, the airline’s birthday. The website features an illustrated history of the airline, which was launched in October 1919. It also gives visitors the chance to learn more about KLM through a variety of stories, including a spotlight on its on-board menu in 1965, the KLM’s famous Delft houses. Photo: KLM airline’s first stewards and stewardesses, and Hans to World Business Class critics at the time. Murris who has worked on passengers,” the story Eight of the miniature every KLM livery for the last goes. It was frowned on houses are the most sought three decades. to give out gifts, as this after, including Rembrandt Of interest is the story could be seen as unfair House (no. 48), Anne Frank about KLM’s famous Delft competition. But, technically House (no. 47) and The houses. “KLM raised speaking, this wasn’t a gift. Weighing House, which was eyebrows when it began “Is there a law that tells us given to bridal couples flying serving Dutch gin in drinks have to be served on KLM between 1995 and special miniature houses in a glass?” KLM asked its 2005. 

Azamara ventures beyond the sea

Deena Robinson International. will operate over 75% of the Available on every voyage land programmes. Azamara AZAMARA will turn its starting from October, aims to provide itineraries attention to land offerings these programmes will in over 41 countries in the with expanded pre- and offer insider access to next two years. All land post-voyage programmes, destinations from local packages include transfers and has rebranded to reflect guides and experts, through to/from the ship, airport and this, dropping ‘Club Cruises’ collaborations with various between land tour cities. from its name. travel companies. Land programmes include With the rebranding, the These include Micato AzAmazing, Land and Stay company has turned its Safaris, operating luxury Local Journeys, which offer attention from club-style safaris in southern and East off-the-beaten path and cruising to destination Africa; PerryGolf, offering interactive experiences immersion, with over golf tours in Scotland and with locals, as well as 1 700 land programmes, Ireland; COLTUR Peru, ‘crash courses’ in the which will further enhance specialising in Peru tours; city of embarkation or its product offering, says and Furlong Incoming, a disembarkation, pre- or post- Thaybz Khan, contemporary travel agency specialising in cruise, for travellers with brand manager at Cruises Argentina. These partners limited time.  TNW9208SD

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Retailers and wholesalers are investing heavily in developing their own unique online presence. Kim Cochrane reports. Beachcomber platform White label wonder gains traction SINCE the launch of Beachcomber thereby providing agents with an HITE-label solutions are a hosted solution and agents have Tours’ new white-label solution additional revenue stream. increasingly being adopted access to Beachcomber’s live flight and in May (TNW June 5), around 20 Beachcomber’s Joanne Visagie Win the travel industry, offering accommodation availability and rates. members of the travel trade have says the team has seen an agents a way to move into the online “We did not go the route of an API already signed up – both travel increase in its online quotes and space while also circumventing the high so there is no coding required from agencies and consortiums – and bookings since the system went live. development costs of starting a system the agents’ side, only the investment more are in the pipeline. Commission is also paid promptly to from scratch. to customise it with their branding “From using our unique branding, agencies. “If a white-label product is ready off and contact details,” confirms Joanne colours and iconography, the whole This is only the first version of the shelf, can do all it says it can and Visagie, Beachcomber Tours sales and process was smooth. The final the product, she adds. “Future companies can attach their own brands marketing director. website looks like our brand and versions with even more functionality to it, why would they go through the “We’ve invested substantially in doesn’t feel like a template that was are already in the planning and pain and expense of reinventing the this and we’re not charging the travel put together hastily. It’s easy to use specification stage. They will be wheel?” asks Aadil Esack, gm product industry for this tool. The only costs and understand,” says Calvin Gentz, rolled out to all existing white-label and marketing for XL Travel Head Office. are a once-off installation fee and Pentravel’s creative and design instances when launched.” The concept of white labelling has then a monthly fee paid directly to the manager. matured, with today’s more progressive development company.” “We love the fact that partners realising that simply having a Those who are playing in the online clients will still be contacted booking engine doesn’t mean traffic will field or who have good volumes of by a Pentravel expert to convert, says Rian Bornman, FlightSite traffic on their own websites have complete the booking and co-founder and md. jumped at this opportunity because ensure they have chosen “Through FlightSite Partnerships, they recognise the value of it, says the correct property to suit we white label for retail, mobile and Joanne. their needs,” says Vicky banking blue-chip organisations. These Travelport is also enjoying success Steinhardt, Pentravel marketing partnerships have been critical to our with its Trip Assist white-label mobile product manager. average compound annual growth rate app, which, it says, is widely used within The agency-branded tool of 38% since inception more than ten South Africa. Trip Assist, which brings – designed with the help of years ago.” the agency brand to the app store and Beachcomber’s development Beachcomber Tours launched its a rich set of features directly into the partner of eight years – white-label tool for retail travel partners end-traveller’s hands, recently reached a empowers customers to find, get last month, empowering customers milestone of signing up over 50 agency quotes and book their Beachcomber to find, get quotes and book their customers across five continents, says holidays via the travel agency site, Beachcomber holidays 24/7. It is a Travelport spokesperson.

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Online amendments in the Biometrics give pipeline for WLH portal competitive advantage WORLD Leisure for the operator, Holidays is working Brenda Mitchell. THE World Travel & Tourism air travellers will double by 2037. on developing further “Currently we have Council (WTTC) continues to “We will not see an increase of functionalities to more than 2 000 urge aviation industry leaders to 100% in existing infrastructure, its B2B booking agents using this support the Iata One ID initiative so it’s important to get this right. portal, which will option. It is a huge and assign resources to the global Those companies that support and allow agents to time-saving tool as pursuit of common standards and adopt biometrics early will have make online booking it enables agents to interoperability. a competitive advantage in the amendments. service and conclude Speaking at the recent Iata market.” Elaine Durr, the deal in one AGM in Seoul, South Korea, WTTC WTTC is working with Iata to operations director step as opposed to president and ceo, Gloria Guevara, introduce biometric technology of World Leisure lengthy phone calls said biometric technology was the into the non-aviation element of Holidays, says the back and forth to the future of travel because it meant the traveller journey to provide a company wants the tour operator,” says increased security, efficiencies and seamless experience. system to allow Brenda. a better traveller journey. “It was recently reported that agents to service The booking tool “Those companies that adopt 71% of airlines and 77% of the client in the has a web services biometrics early will have a airports are currently investing in moment from start link directly into competitive advantage.” either researching or implementing to finish. “We expect Travelport, providing According to Iata, the number of biometric programmes.” development for the Brenda Mitchell real-time flight new functionality to availability when commence in early 2020.” quoting or booking. The system is built so that all Allotment is also loaded for all Did you know? documentation is automatically properties enabling World Leisure white labelled. “This means to provide clients with instant Club Travel launched its new website in May allowing clients to choose their own holiday consultants can forward the confirmations. repayment plan. The ‘Pay Your Way’ service allows customers to adjust their terms and quotation/invoice with their own “Should travel be within 30 branding straight to clients, all days of reservation, however, all instalment contributions and offers flexible ways to pay, including bank and credit card supported by WLH’s Asata and Iata bookings will be on a request basis debits. “We’re really excited about enabling travel for more South Africans,” says FlightSite’s logos to give further credibility to as allotment would have been Rian Bornman. Club Travel’s leisure brand operates under the custodianship of FlightSite. the transaction,” says head of sales released,” adds Brenda. “The interest-free instalments are a South African first in the travel industry.”

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24520 Snappdrive TNW Half Page Print Ad_150x206_FA.indd 1 2019/05/09 10:43 8 n Wednesday July 10 2019 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW9261SD TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY Plum Accommodation offers 24/7 support for SA agents LOCAL aggregator Plum goes wrong, Brian says. In 2012 Plum saw the need Accommodation will release a “Any travel consultant will to be in control of its own revamped booking platform in acknowledge that most technology instead of being Agents can book and pay for SA products online. the next few months, focused travellers don’t realise the dependent on what other tech on enhanced user functionality. extent of work that goes into a providers had on offer, says As easy as EasiClick The revamp will offer flawless booking, so we have Brian. a simplified, speedier a dedicated support team in “We employed our own team THOMPSONS Holidays is exposure of the supplier’s booking process and mobile Johannesburg available 24/7.” of developers and started investing in adding new property to help close the responsiveness, says This is how Plum working on a system that features to its EasiClick sale. solutionist, Brian van Tonder. Accommodation has proved married technology with the B2B system and says its The system is fully Version 1 of the website itself a valuable partner to the need for human interaction developers are currently transactional, enabling initially took about two years local trade, he believes. and relationships as well as adding a new search agents to quote, book and to complete. “Since its launch the service levels required to functionality that will pay. Properties offer real- in 2014, it has evolved into a Helping the trade ensure a seamless booking allow agents to select a time availability (supported powerful tool that aggregates “We put measures in process.” preferred airline and flight by allocation, free-sale or the hotel content of top global place such as booking Besides booking hotels, time when booking online. API integration). accommodation providers reconfirmations that drastically transfers and tours, agents are EasiClick is a booking A dedicated team behind as well as our own direct reduce check-in problems.” able to build their own multi- engine that allows travel the scenes is available as content.” Agents can spend hours on destination land arrangement agents to book and pay for is additional support via This gives agents access international calls and then packages in a single booking. a range of South African online chat and Skype. to dynamic inventory at more speak to service consultants They can pin-point hotels deals and products online. “We don’t offer white- than 500 000 hotels, who don’t understand the using a range of filters, such The platform offers label tools as such, but 35 000 transfer destinations South African business culture, as finding a four-star hotel the travel trade benefits we do have a tool that and 55 000 tours – all he says. Responding to the within a 5km radius of the such as convenience and enables agents to extract bookable individually or as fierce competitiveness of the RAI Convention Centre in 24-hour availability, which package content and customised packages. local marketplace, the Plum Amsterdam. is ideal for agents working images from our website Local support remains one team finds solutions when “Consultants also use our from home and after and use this within their of the biggest challenges for things don’t go according to system to generate and send hours. own advertising,” confirms agents when using online plan that will bring travellers content-rich quotes to clients It features visual best- marketing manager, booking systems, particularly back to travel agency clients, that incorporate the agent’s deal banners and visual Celeste Muir. in the event that something he adds. own mark-up and branding.” New Distr ibution Conversations We’ll manage IATA’s NDC. So you don’t have to.

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10 n Wednesday July 10 2019 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY Amadeus collaborates across industry to drive NDC progress MORE than anything, Iata’s deliver more personalised the NDC capabilities of an IT provider, having New Distribution Capability and differentiated travel Selling Platform Connect recently achieved Level 4 (NDC) race reminds experiences. with Flight Centre and FCM, certification for Altéa NDC. industry stakeholders “Travix has been a driver who are also Amadeus NDC We are working with Finnair about the importance of customer of the Amadeus [X] driver customers. to seamlessly integrate collaboration and open NDC [X] programme and “Flight Centre Travel Altéa NDC into the discussions across all we’ve been developing Group is poised to begin Amadeus Travel Platform.” sectors if meaningful our Web Services solution testing the enhanced This means that, in progress is to be made. together, which is already interface and will start addition to being able Amadeus is currently generating live bookings making NDC bookings to connect to individual preparing for the global in certain markets. This via the new integrated partners directly, any deployment of its NDC- is not available in SA solution in Selling Platform airline with Altéa NDC will enabled Web Services and yet, although it is in the Connect in the coming be able to share its NDC Selling Platform Connect pipeline.” months. Travel agents will content with travel sellers solutions. These solutions The Amadeus NDC [X] access this content in one through the Amadeus are backed by the programme accelerates display screen and via the Travel Platform. Amadeus Travel Platform, NDC deployment and new, redesigned All Fares Amadeus and Booking. which brings together all adoption across the graphical interface. They will com also recently signed relevant travel content – industry. also see airline rich media a distribution agreement air, accommodation, rail, “On the IT side, the In the first phase, the content, such as pictures. that will see the number mobility, insurance and NDC is more than a two companies will define Flight Centre’s feedback will of accommodation options destination – from any simple upgrade of a a solution to give online be key to driving adoption,” available on Amadeus source (EDIFACT, NDC and travel sellers access says Andy. increase by 30% (See TNW other APIs) into a single messaging protocol; it to aggregated NDC and For Amadeus, on the June 5). platform. implies a fundamental non-NDC content. In the IT side, the NDC is more Once executed, NDC content will be second, Amadeus and than a simple upgrade Booking.com’s global available in Amadeus overhaul in offer and Travix will refine servicing of a messaging protocol; accommodation content Travel Platform as well as order management.” requirements such as it implies a fundamental will be available to the in the redesigned All Fares Andy Hedley ticket changes or refunds, overhaul in offer and order local trade through from next year, confirms cancellations or adding management. different points of sale, Andy Hedley, Amadeus with Travix to co-design ancillaries. “In addition to being namely Amadeus Selling Southern Africa gm. an NDC-enabled Web Parallel to this, says Level 3 certified as Platform Connect, Web Amadeus recently Services solution to help Andy, Amadeus has been an aggregator, we’re Services and Cytric Travel announced a partnership online travel agencies co-developing and testing proud of our badges as & Expense.

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QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday July 10 2019 n 11 TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY First Car pop-ups celebrate personal bests FIRST Car Rental continues Melissa Nortje, executive friendly environment, also on its drive to enhance head: Strategy, Development competitive, when mining customer service – whether & Marketing at First Car data and using it to our No queuing with Snappdrive it is additional roll-outs Rental/SIXT Rent a Car. advantage internally and as part of the new Self- “This is all automated and externally.” Service stations project – or rendered subject to their Customers also have the Bidvest Car Rental’s Snappdrive app is now available for enhancements to the service achievements, incentivising opportunity to rate their Group B1, C1 and G1 cars in the Bidvest Car Rental fleet. provided at counters. them to smile more and be experiences with every check- Snappdrive allows customers to bypass the queues and Launching early this more efficient in checking out out, using a simple thumbs collect their car rental with zero human interaction. The month as part of the customers in record times up or down, factoring into Snappdrive app can be downloaded from Google Play internal operational – when assisted check-outs the agent’s overall scores, or the App Store. Customers complete the registration system development, are occur.” Melissa adds. process and visit a Bidvest Car Rental branch once to personalised image pop-ups She says the Operations A new project has also complete their validation and receive a radio-frequency populated with values that Dashboard, which reflects just gone live with internal identification (RFID) card. When clients next need to congratulate First Car Rental stats and graphs relating improvements for banking collect a rental car, the app on their phone will help them agents on personal bests to the entire network, and error reporting as well locate their car in the parking lot and will also act as a as well as best at branch, in launched in March. “This as a user-friendly way of key to unlock the vehicle. Photo: Bidvest region or country, confirms allows for a transparent and handling these. Sabre tests live NDC offers AS NDC standards continue Sabre recently released an everyday reality for Sabre is working with all its office workflows and duty-of- to evolve, so do Sabre’s NDC its first set of NDC APIs travellers, carriers, agencies, Beyond NDC airline partners care considerations. functionality and content. with launch carrier, United corporations and more. to integrate their NDC Per Iata, Sabre is NDC Throughout 2019, Sabre Airlines. Sabre’s NDC solutions content this year. Its holistic Level 3 Certified (Offer and plans to release additional This development is a enable the airline to offer approach goes beyond Order Management) as an NDC capabilities in phases, significant step forward new fare options and shopping and includes aggregator. As an IT provider, including integration into the because it advances a pan- additional flight amenities important agency processes, Sabre is designated as NDC agent desktop workspace, industry vision and moves for a more comprehensive such as invoicing/itinerary Level 3 Capable (Offer and Sabre Red 360. NDC closer to becoming shopping experience. activities, mid- and back- Order Management).

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12 n Wednesday July 10 2019 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS Travelport amps up NDC roll-out through Smartpoint TRAVELPORT will be Travelport spokesperson. expanding the number The enhancements will of agencies with access be worked through in to NDC content through conjunction with airlines’ Smartpoint during the own NDC implementations next phase of its NDC throughout 2019. roll-out and continues to Travelport continues to connect airlines as they work toward achieving begin to make NDC content the Iata NDC Level 4 available. certification, which was “We are also working on released earlier this year, further enhancements to and has a greater focus our Smartpoint product, on servicing to support which will allow the agent re-shopping and changing not only to shop, price and orders. book, but to service the “We have some exciting booking as much as they developments in the can do today for a booking pipeline that we are looking Phenix can help Travel Counsellors tailor-make itineraries to meet customers’ requests. containing traditional forward to sharing in the Phenix facilitates dual role for content,” according to a upcoming months.” Travel Counsellors PHENIX, the integrated and bought from other control the overall margin booking platform of Travel companies, or they can they apply to that holiday.” Counsellors, is constantly combine flights, hotels, Phenix enables Travel being refined – as are all transfers and more to create Counsellors to select from the group’s tech platforms their own itineraries for thousands of hotels, low- – and it gets an update clients. We also have our cost airlines, excursions, every ten days or so to unique customer financial transfers and other ancillary Don’t miss out: grow meet the evolving needs of protection plan, so all products all in one place, your hotel revenue now! franchisees. packages Travel Counsellors instead of having to navigate The fact that Phenix can create are fully protected.” through multiple systems also help Travel Counsellors What franchisees also and browsers. It can be challenging to Diversify your offer & make tailor-make their own appreciate about this feature “Once they’ve put together find a better deal than your more money with Amadeus itineraries specifically to is that, by using Phenix a bespoke itinerary, through customers can find for Hotels meet customer requirements to build a customer’s trip the same platform, Travel themselves. Every search can Amadeus Hotels offers an is a popular feature, says from scratch, they earn a Counsellors can immediately mean trawling through 4 or extensive choice in hotel Michelle Bullmore, marketing commission on each element send a detailed and 5 different websites, calling accommodation. We remove manager & recruitment – SA or component pulled in from personalised quote directly hotels directly, cross checking the complexity, cost and for Travel Counsellors. the system rather than on to clients via e-mail or the and double checking before inconvenience of having to “Travel Counsellors can the package as a whole. integrated MyTC app,” says finally making a booking. All shop multiple websites and sell trips created by “Travel Counsellors also Michelle. the time hoping no mistakes booking systems by offering are made with all these a wide variety of properties manual tasks. After all this, from combined sources, you end up with flights, hotels available to book in real and cars all sold through time through one centralised D different channels. This content platform. A Z Z L I means extra data re-entry N G D E A L S and reconciliation work, Our solution is also tailored fragmented customer service, to reflect your different multiple records on multiple business models. You can systems for just one trip for manage content in real-time Earn a just one customer, and the at different points of sale to Woolworths list goes on and on… reflect a commission-based How much money do you model, a service charge or Voucher with think you could be making on net-rate/mark-up model, or Sun Resorts!* your hotel sales? negotiated rates, depending on the booker. It’s a complex ecosystem As the hospitality sector is Hotels and accommodation evolving, the hotel business should be on every business is set to grow by 4.90% in travel agent’s agenda. Why? global business travel spend Simply to help you grow in 2019; 550,000 new hotel your activity and we can room are projected in 2019 help you achieve that. Based Our deals are always making waves. and hotel rates are expected on 10,000 segments, 1% to rise by 3.70% globally. attachment rate may bring up to R400 000 in revenue *Earn a R250 Woolworths voucher when you book any Sun Resorts December 2019 The Corporate traveller is representing R40 000 profit evolving too – and times based on 10% commission. In package via the WLH website. Offer valid until 31 October 2019. are changing fast. Business Africa, it is also growing and travellers’ expectations are looking very promising. being shaped by their leisure Want to hear more? Contact experiences. Shopping around your Amadeus sales Standard Terms & Conditions apply. has become the norm. It’s representative now. Please call your nearest Travel Professional or time to act. World Leisure Holidays on 011 285 2500 / www.wlh.co.za Want to hear more? Contact your Amadeus account manager. [email protected]

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QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday July 10 2019 n 13 TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY

Bedsonline elevates offering BEDSONLINE has focus of parent company, increased by 10 000 Hotelbeds, in providing the number of unique its hotel partners with hotels available on its non-competing bookings platform during the last via its network of travel year, says Shaun Beckley, buyers. Bedsonline key account “In particular, there manager Africa & Indian has been an increase Ocean. in signing strategic “Currently 180 000 partnerships with unique hotels are key hotel chains and Passengers on MSC Cruises can enjoy a connected cruise experience. Photo: MSC Cruises available and most are preferred agreements directly contracted under with channel managers exclusive terms and worldwide. This has in New ship boasts next-level conditions.” part been supported by Furthermore, over the the expansion of the MSC for Me past three months, new contracting workforce website features have to more than 1 100 MSC CRUISES is set to Me on board MSC Bellissima. Me wristband with Bluetooth been released. contractors globally.” launch its sixth connected It is AI voice-activated Low Energy technology to These include a quotes Hotelbeds recently cruise ship in November, technology that will also find companions on the ship tool that allows agents to announced that, following with the christening of launch on MSC Grandiosa. map shown on the app. This save and share their own the acquisitions of Tourico MSC Grandiosa, which will Alongside ZOE, MSC is in addition to the Kids quotes on the platform. Holidays and GTA into offer next-level MSC for Me Cruises has also introduced Locator service introduced “The services saved in its business, 90% of its features. a number of new guest- in 2017. the tool can be added hotel partners now had MSC for Me is a multi- centric digital innovations. MSC for Me Chat enables to the cart and the access to the more than channel digital programme These encompass not only guests to message each reservation confirmed 60 000 travel-buying that enables guests to the on-board experience, other directly, without at any time. It’s also intermediaries using the interact with the ship and but also pre-cruise. These the need for an Internet possible to add new platform. crew members any time, in services include the option package. services when needed,” “Such channels attract any place. to book packages or A ‘what to eat’ feature says Shaun. guests who book further Since it introduced it on experiences through the has also been included In addition, access in advance, cancel less, MSC Meraviglia in 2017, MSC for Me app. Guests can in the app to give guests from the booking stay longer, spend more MSC Cruises has introduced also pre-register their credit insight into local must-eat management section to in-destination and re-book this digital programme on cards through the app prior ingredients or dishes. For the supplier reference for more frequently.” four more ships – MSC to the cruise. example, it recommends ‘la accommodation services As part of this change, Seaside, MSC Seaview, On board, new services bomba’, one of Barcelona’s is now enabled, he says. Hotelbeds’ hotel MSC Splendida and MSC such as the Friends & most iconic tapas dishes, Agents can also benefit partners are unified Bellissima – each time Family Locator and MSC for a potato croquette served from a new local experts’ under the same terms adding more features Me Chat help guests stay with two sauces, one a white assistance service and conditions, while to improve the guest connected with travelling garlic aioli and the other a included in the cart and also having access to experience. companions. spicy tomato sauce. linked with the destination a simplified and unified March this year saw the Friends & Family Locator MSC for Me also offers of the selected hotel. billing and account introduction of ZOE, the is a paid-for service at mobile check-in, ship This growth has been management service, world’s first virtual personal $15 (about R222). Guests navigation and planning of driven by the renewed says Shaun.  cruise assistant, to MSC for purchase a special MSC for the cruise in real time.

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14 n Wednesday July 10 2019 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS COMMUNITYNEWS JOBS Births, deaths, marriages, promotions – we want to know! Please fax or e-mail TNW’s Deena Robinson, at [email protected] Pick of the week Seychelles comes to SA! brought to you by

Senior Consultant – CPT Quantex Recruitment Group Join a professional team of experts selling high-end, bespoke travel dreams! 5+ years’ inbound consulting experience & fantastic safari knowledge is required. Email: [email protected]

Leisure Consultant – CPT, North The Seychelles roadshow was held recently in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Quantex Recruitment Group Pictured at the Cape Town leg at the Royal Cape Yacht Club are (from left): Lisiwe 2+ years’ experience selling leisure packages & an outgoing Qukwana, senior travel consultant for Rhino Africa; Nikita Quinton, store manager personality essential. Amadeus preferred. Work rotational basis of Pentravel Online; Lena Hoareau, director – South Africa of the Seychelles Tourism on Saturday mornings, but NO mall hours! Excellent commission Board; Lizelle van Zyl, boutique brand manager Cruises International; and David offered! Email: [email protected] Germain, director – Africa & the Americas of the Seychelles Tourism Board. Corporate Travel Consultant – CPT Flight Centre Travel Group Provide business travel management for medium and large sized Appointments corporates. Offer a boutique approach based on the expertise and  Betty technology. Email: [email protected] Maloka has been appointed Travel Consultant – BFN senior manager: Flight Centre Travel Group Corporate Affairs Sell travel experiences. From adventures to Thailand to city breaks at OR Tambo in London. Provide outstanding customer service while managing International Airport. She the trip. Email: [email protected] previously worked at SARS, where she drove an outreach Hunter Sales Exec – JNB, North programme; the Department Lee Botti & Associates of Trade and Industry, Strong sales background within travel & ability to bring in new where she specialised in business puts you first in this dynamic role. R20000 + comm. international marketing; Email: [email protected] and a global aerospace and defence company, AA Project/Product Manager – JNB where she was head of Lee Botti & Associates strategic communication and 10 years’ travel experience, client service skills & strong project/ stakeholder engagement. Stick to your knitting product management sought for this exciting position. Salary: R45000. Email: [email protected]  Wayne Busabout has launched its ‘Too Legit to Knit’ campaign, Smith has been where agents around South Africa knit scarves to be Senior Inbound Tour Consultant – Fourways appointed gm donated on Mandela Day. Scarves must be given to Professional Career Services of the Southern Busabout HQ or a local area sales manager no later than Minimum 7 years’ inbound experience. Tourplan. In-depth Sun Elangeni July 12. Pictured knitting up a storm is Thandi Thembo, knowledge of Southern Africa region. FIT’S and MICE groups & Maharani TTC staff member. experience. Email: [email protected] complex. Wayne has held management roles Product Specialist – JNB at Southern Sun Cullinan, Professional Career Services Umhlanga Sands Resort, Good knowledge of airlines and hotels. Experience in similar role. Garden Court Blackrock and Domestic and international products. Knowledge of online booking Garden Court South Beach. enquiries. Email: [email protected] Most recently, he was gm of TNW8137 TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY Holiday Inn Sandton. These adverts were selected from the vacancy section of www.travelinfo.co.za Want to work for TNW? To advertise contact [email protected] We are looking for an enthusiastic, REWARD dynamic, lateral-thinker...a confident salesperson who isn’t afraid to go hunting If you can give us the for new business and who wants to be name of any bona fide master of their own future. Is that you? travel agency that is not receiving TNW Send CV to [email protected] Write your own salary cheque! TNW8136 Advertising Sales Executive wanted for a daily news website that at its address speaks to professionals in corporate travel procurement and the meetings, conferencing and events industry. Has your agency Travel & Meetings Buyer (www.tam.co.za) is looking for someone who thrives on the challenge of finding and securing new clients and R300 reached a milestone? uncovering business opportunities. is yours We require: a proven track record in sales and / or the corporate travel Celebrate by sending us the details and images. industry. B2B sales experience an advantage. Your news could be featured in TNW. Interested? Send the contact details to [email protected] Photos must be high res (1MB or more). Send CV to: [email protected] T&Cs apply Email [email protected] Only short listed applicants will be contacted.

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QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday July 10 2019 n 15 TNW NEWS Cathay must pay

Sarah Robertson place since the late 2000s Any commercial override and was drawn up by Iata’s agreements that Cathay Pacific ATHAY Pacific’s cutting Global Consultative Council, has in place with agents are of commission may Janet says. completely separate contracts Cbe in breach of Iata’s TNW understands that and do not negate the Passenger Agency Sales clause 824 of Iata’s Passenger airline’s responsibility to honour Agreement. In TNW July 3, Agency Manual states that “an the terms of the Passenger it was reported that, effective airline shall remunerate the Agency Sales Agreement, from July 1, the airline agent”. Agents claim that this says Janet. would cut commission from is, therefore, not a negotiable Asata has taken the matter 1,01% to 0%. clause for airlines. up with Iata and is currently Airlines are legally bound The wording of the resolution waiting for their response, she to remunerate agents, says is as follows: “For the sale of says. In the meantime, she Janet Aldworth, owner of air transportation and ancillary encourages agents to continue Sure Voyager Travel, and the services by the agent under issuing tickets, including the agent representative on the this agreement the carrier shall current 1,01% commission APJC (Agency Programme Joint remunerate the agent in a level, saying that Cathay would Council). This remuneration manner and amount as may be need to issue ADMs for every Hot stuff in Réunion forms part of the Iata stated from time to time and ticket should they wish to Passenger Agency Sales communicated to the agent by practically enforce the ruling. One of the many reasons to visit Réunion is to see the Agreement documentation the carrier. Such remuneration TNW contacted Cathay Pacific Piton de La Fournaise volcano, one of the most active in to which Iata airlines are shall constitute full and Iata for comment but had the world. The volcano erupted on June 11, the second contractually bound. This compensation for the services not received a response at  eruption this year. The first lasted 20 days during March agreement has been in rendered to the carrier.” time of going to print. and April. Travellers wanting to see this spectacular sight can book a helicopter or microlight flight, visit the lava tunnels or discover the history of the volcano at the Cité du Volcan in Plaine des Cafres. The Réunion Flight Centre pioneers NDC Island Tourism Board is represented in South Africa by Deena Robinson technology solution, which workflow to “meet the needs Atout France. Taking in the views of the volcano is Chloë will deliver choice and of all constituents”, said Francomme, promotion assistant, Réunion Island Tourism FLIGHT Centre Travel Group will allow for increased Amadeus in a statement. Board – South Africa. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl (FCTG) will be the first TMC productivity, says Sue Amadeus has been working in South Africa to unveil an Garrett, gm of product and with airlines and travel improved graphical user marketing at FCTG SA. seller partners to design interface of the NDC-enabled “We are testing NDC-X in a the system. The new design Amadeus Selling Platform contained test environment incorporates feedback from Connect, NDC-X. at this stage. We are working Flight Centre and Amadeus’s FCTG will start making closely with Amadeus and other NDC programme brought to you by eTNW and TRAVELINFO NDC bookings via the new our global teams to scope partners. integrated solution on out changes required from a The platform will offer Amadeus in the coming South African perspective,” airlines greater flexibility to months. says Sue. merchandise their products FCTG SA has been The upgraded NDC-X will and will support better and selected because it is an enable users to access a faster adoption of NDC. important Amadeus partner large range of content and The platform will also make US visa problems in several markets, Amadeus compare flights and bundles it easier to train and upskill says, and it has a presence from multiple sources. The travel sellers. Have your clients experienced more difficulty recently in in both leisure and business platform will show availability The upgraded interface will obtaining US visas? travel. of content that includes be rolled out in a phased The key takeaway of hotels and low-cost carriers, approach, starting in the  Yes this new programme is to and the group is currently second quarter of the year.  No ensure that all air content testing Lufthansa content. For more on this story, is available to experts The system is designed see TNW’s Travel Technology 22% and customers in a single to create an end-to-end feature on page 6. 

78% Mango adjusts JNB-GRJ service Deena Robinson Saturday flight was not Mango has increased optimal, says Noelan its flights to George from MANGO has suspended its Rungasamy, Mango gm of six to ten frequencies, Saturday service between operations. equating to an additional Johannesburg and George, Noelan says the airline 744 seats a week. The replacing it with an will evaluate demand over airline flies every day additional Friday frequency. peak periods and add except Saturday, with two eTravel is the ITC market leader in South Africa and assists senior Travel GDS systems are already capacity, over and above flights a day on Mondays, Consultants and Travel business owners to realise their dreams. If you have reflecting this change. the current additional Thursdays, Fridays and ever dreamt of owning your own travel business or would like to cut costs  by doing away with your IATA license and improve your current business The performance of the capacity, if required. Sundays. efficiencies then you should call eTravel. We run the back office for over 200 Independent Travel Companies and specialise in making your travel business a success by offering Thai – fourth time lucky? the best commissions, overrides & a comprehensive support structure. If you have a client base, 5 years From page 1 previous flight was very would shorten travelling time travel consultant experience or already own your popular and, with a direct and also open up destinations own business but want to make more, then contact term. “They will not get the us! You’ll be amazed at how easy it is! trade support if there is any flight, we would see even such as Bangkok for groups. Contact Tammy on 0861eTrave1 uncertainty about the longevity more than the 10% increase Shopping trips to Bangkok or [email protected] of the airline in the market.” recorded last year.” would also come back into Wendy agreed. “The She added: “A direct flight play.”  TNW7136

16 n Wednesday July 10 2019 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS