February 21 2018 I No. 2482 SOUTHERN AFRICA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY
TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY TNW8554SD
NEWS REPORT FEATURE B-BBEE NON-COMPLIANCE PCI DSS FAMILY TRAVEL Commission cracks the whip The road to compliance All the latest trends
INSIDE Page 2 Page 10 Page 11 Conversions drive record sales at FCTG Travel Expo
Sarah Robertson and Tessa Reed revealing better conversions Honeymooners, couples and across the board, according to families were the big buyers at ALES for the Flight Centre FCTG Middle East and Africa this year’s show, said Lesley Travel Group’s (FCTG) md, Andrew Stark. Smith, sales manager at WLH. S8th annual Travel Expo, Andrew said he was filled She said matriculants were held recently in Johannesburg, with positivity following this also among the buyers, looking showed a 25% increase weekend’s expo. “The change to buy holidays before starting compared with 2017 figures, in outlook is palpably different their tertiary studies. Like despite having roughly the compared with last year. The Andrew, she said demand same attendance. strong rand and the possibility was high. “Our stand was Over 22 000 people attended of political change have busy from start to finish on the travel expo again this year, given South African travellers both days.” interacting with over 150 Flight renewed energy and optimism, André Dafel, national sales Centre preferred exhibitors. which is reflected in their manager – trade at Club The top selling destinations willingness to commit to travel Med, said there was high Here’s to 2018! for the event were South bookings. While this time last demand for snow holiday Africa, Mauritius, Thailand and year immigration fare enquiries favourites such as Val Thorens Thirsty’s kicked off with a bang this year, with the first Australia. were common requests, this Sensations and their newly event taking place at City Lodge Sandton. Having a Previously the show was free year we saw a number of launched Grand Massif ski laugh are Mirriam Mwale, SA Express and Margaret but the group introduced a families commit to securing resorts. They also saw a sharp Mpengula, City Lodge Hotel Group. See more pictures R50 entrance fee for the first holidays in excess of increase in families looking for on page 6. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl. time this year with the results R300 000 on the day…” To page 2 ‘Predatory’ SA Airlink could face Amex to buy HRG AMERICAN Express Global further information in this massive penalty Business Travel has regard, citing tight regulations announced its intention concerning listed companies. THE South African Competition Allegations lodged by the Airlink had contravened the to acquire Hogg Robinson However, at least a partial Commission has referred SA aggrieved parties’ claim Competition Act by abusing its Group (HRG). The acquisition merger seems likely. Airlink to the Competition that SA Airlink’s prices were dominance from September is conditional on receipt of An announcement of the Tribunal for prosecution. This excessive before Fly Blue 2012 to August 2016, and antitrust and other regulatory deal said the acquisition is on charges of ‘excessive Crane entered the route, and that its exorbitant pricing was approvals and is expected to would “create a world-class and predatory pricing’ following were lowered to below cost to the detriment of travellers close in the second quarter of organisation, using the best complaints lodged by low- subsequent to Fly Blue Crane’s who would have saved the year. available talent from both Hogg cost carrier Fly Blue Crane, entry. Upon Fly Blue Crane between R89m and R108m. It is unclear whether this Robinson and GBT”. businessman Khwezi Tiya, exiting the route, SA Airlink “The predatory pricing deal will result in a merger, TNW could not get clarity and the OR Tambo District allegedly resumed its initial conduct of SA Airlink or whether both companies from either of the local Chamber of Business between costing. contributed to the exit of Fly will be run as separate companies on how the 2015 and 2017, regarding the The investigation that Blue Crane, and the effect of entities. Neither of the acquisition will play out in the Johannesburg-Mthatha route. followed found that SA To page 2 global groups would provide South African market.
TNW8562SDa NEWS FCTG Travel Expo B-BBEE Commission to crack From page 1 greatly improved conversion real all-inclusive packages and rates for both FCTG and its new experiences specifically suppliers. the whip on non-compliance on beach destinations like, The group also launched a Candice May of cases under investigation these companies for fear that Mauritius, Bali, Bintan Island Travel Stokvel concept at the until they were finalised, but their own BEE requirements and Kani. It also came as no expo this year as an initiative RAVEL is one of the said the findings of concluded will be affected, Marco surprise that the top months to stimulate the spirit of travel industries under the cases would be disclosed. Ciocchetti, ceo of XL Travel for travel requests were among South Africans who Tscrutiny of the Broad- Players in the industry points out. December and January. may not have been able to Based Black Economic support the need for economic Mary Shilleto, ceo of Andrew said the additional travel previously. Empowerment (B-BBEE) transformation. Thompsons Travel, says R1 million that the expo Lance Nkwe, FCTG Commission. Andrew Stark, md for MEA if industry players are entrance fees had brought in marketing manager – Bongani Lukhele, head of Flight Centre Travel Group, truly committed to the this year were not considered Emerging Market, said that of media relations of the says not being compliant in empowerment of young people an additional revenue stream, aspiring travellers could create Department of Trade and this day and age is simply not who have studied travel, as the expo cost about eight their own Stokvel group to Industry, says the commission forward thinking. “Companies mentoring and partnering times as much to host. While contribute toward their dream will investigate probable that are non-compliant have with them is an obligation. he conceded that the entrance holiday. issues of non-compliance very little chance of growing “We cannot transform our fee revenue had helped to “By participating in the within the travel industry, their business in markets of industry in any shape or form offset some of these costs, Stokvel, members receive in the coming months. the future.” if we do not actively make a he said the real benefit of the expert travel advice, as well Busisiwe Ngwenya, director Another problem with commitment to spend time fee was the non-stop stream as exclusive discounts and of compliance of the B-BBEE companies that are not and money on training and of good quality customers who promotions not available to Commission, would not compliant is that nobody upskilling the newcomers in attended this year and the other customers.” disclose the number or details wants to do business with the market.”
Rubes® By Leigh Rubin Wendy returns to kulula holidays
Sarah Robertson area of product specialisation department WENDY Goutier has since. and, most been appointed product Wendy is recently manager for Far East probably best served as and Mauritius at kulula known for her gm for tour holidays, leaving Dreams lengthy tenure operator, to take on her new as product Dreams. position. manager for Jana King, After starting her travel Thompsons gm of the career at Holiday Tours, Holidays, where Songhai now kulula holidays, she spent Group, of Wendy has gone full circle four years which Dreams in her career. She joined overseeing is a part, the company’s finance the Mauritius Wendy Goutier wished Wendy department in 1989 portfolio and five years all the best for her future before moving across to as the Far East product endeavours, saying that the product department, manager. She also worked she had been a great part which has been her in the World Leisure of their team.
Visa ‘scammer’ reappears A SUSPECTED visa scammer time for her holiday. Alliance Immigration, and Eternity just got a little longer. has been ‘arranging’ visas However, Charles never has registered another visa once again for SA travellers, returned the passport to the company website, although the industry players have reported. client. She never heard from website is no longer active. In September 2014, TNW him again and was forced to One disgruntled client posted Founding Editors: reported the case of a traveller cancel her trip to Morocco, a complaint on Hellopeter John H Marsh (1914-1996) Leona Marsh (1923-2003) who claimed she had been incurring cancellation charges in August last year stating: scammed by VCS Group, and penalties. “My employee went to this EDITORIAL TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY also trading as Visalogik. Although a criminal charge company in Pretoria to get Editor: Tessa Reed [email protected] www.etnw.co.za She asked VCS to handle her was laid against Charles, a work permit for SA. The Features Editor: Michelle Colman [email protected] application for a Moroccan TNW understands SAPS never whole business is a scam and Published by Publisher: Natasha Schmidt [email protected] Travel & Trade Publishing (Pty) Ltd visa and contacted Charles arrested him. Industry players Charles Jelliman has ducked Journalists: Printed by Juka Printing (Pty) Ltd Jelliman, owner of the have now reported that he with my employee’s money Dorine Reinstein Candice May Phone: (011) 327-4062 Sarah Robertson Hilka Birns companies, who assured her is selling visas once again, and her documents. Please be Fax: (011) 327-4094 he would arrange the visa in under the company name aware!” E-mail: [email protected] Photographer: Shannon Van Zyl Web: www.nowmedia.co.za Production Editor: Ann Braun Address: Now Media Centre, 32 Fricker Road, Illovo Boulevard, GROUP PUBLISHER ‘Predatory’ SA Airlink Illovo, Johannesburg. David Marsh [email protected] PO Box 55251, Northlands, From page 1 South Africa’s competition rules and the law.” 2116, South Africa. SALES the predation is also likely authorities. We deny the Airlink would not take Sales Director: Kate Nathan [email protected] to deter future competition allegations and welcome questions on the matter, so Ad Co-ordinator: Anthea Harris [email protected] on this route from other the opportunity to put our as not to prejudice the case. airlines,” the Commission case before the Competition The Commission is seeking PRODUCTION stated. Tribunal so that the matter an administrative penalty of Design Head: Dirk Voorneveld Airlink ceo and md, Rodger can be put to rest. We are up to 10% of Airlink’s annual SUBSCRIPTIONS Foster, said: “Airlink has, and confident our conduct has turnover, as well as for the Circulation: [email protected] will continue, to co-operate been, and remains, in full tribunal to offer remedies to fully and openly with compliance with competition correct the conduct.
2 n Wednesday February 21 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW8541SD NEWS
Avis expands offering EARLIER this year, Avis they are travelling for opened a new KwaZulu business or leisure.” Natal branch in Port Avis will move its Shepstone. Sandton Gautrain The new branch is off branch, effective from the N2, at Unit 01 Oribi March 1. The new Park, Lind Road, and it location will be across will share the premises the road from the with Avis Van Rental. current one, at the Rainer Gottschick, Old Mutual building, on ceo of Avis Southern the corner of Rivonia Africa, said: “We have Road and West Street, a large fleet of vehicles level B3. The aha Avondale Boutique Hotel opened recently in Durban. to choose from, and Until then, Avis the opening of the Sandton Gautrain is new branch in Port located at Shop 100 New properties grow aha’s Shepstone allows us Chatz, on the corner of to reach a wider base Rivonia Road and Fifth portfolio of customers, whether Street.
Tessa Reed The company’s portfolio Boutique Guest House, and has been expanding since Epacha Game Lodge & Spa, To the point ARLIER this year, aha snapped up Three Cities all in Namibia. aha Hotels & Lodges Hotel Group in 2014, which Neil Bald, md of aha, says SAA has filed aircraft changes for its Johannesburg-Dakar- Eopened a new boutique added 21 hotels. Since the company intends to grow Washington Dulles route, effective from March 25. The airline plans hotel, the four-star aha then a further 16 properties its hotel portfolio in both key to operate the route with an Airbus A330-200 instead of an A330- Avondale Boutique Hotel in have been added to the and secondary locations and Durban, and also opened portfolio. These include expand its lodge portfolio 300. The 249-seat A330-300 has 46 seats in business and 203 aha Makalali Main Lodge in Sefapane Lodges & Safaris in iconic destinations. He in economy. The 222-seat A330-200 has 39 business-class seats the Makalali Game Reserve, in Phalaborwa, Beach Hotel adds that the group intends and 186 in economy. SAA recently increased capacity on this route Limpopo, toward the end of Swakopmund, Swakopmund to grow its footprint in key in response to congestion following adverse weather conditions last year. Plaza Hotel, Atlantic Villa business locations. caused by an East Coast winter storm in the US in early January. 43086/TNW
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4 n Wednesday February 21 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW8557SD HE first Thirsty’s of a live jazz band. It was a the year kicked off at fun evening that provided Tthe City Lodge Hotel the perfect platform for Sandton. The travel trade networking. Look out for were treated to bubbly on an invitation to the next arrival and entertained by Thirsty’s.
From left: Mkulili Mojo (MK), Upmarket Travel intern, Lerato Mofokeng, The Departure Lounge, Lilly Masango, TTS, and Victor Maraba, American Express, enjoy a drink.
Megan D'Arcy, Cheers! Ian Snowball (left) Bastion, and Otto de Vries, Asata. kulula holidays.
Adrian Roodt, Computicket Travel, with Sean Bradley, FastJet, deep in discussion. Lidia Folli, BidTravel, and Alastair Dooley, City Lodge Hotel Group. Lizaan Schnettler, Cruises International.
Winning smile! José Emilio García Martínez, Iberia – who snapped up a prize from City Lodge Catching up. Sue van Winsen, Travel and Meetings Buyer, Hotel Group – with Minnie Nampula, City Lodge Hotel Group, and Tessa Reed, TNW (on the with Kele Mohatle, Amadeus. left), and Zuki Jantjies, City Lodge Hotel Group (on the right). Photos: Shannon Van Zyl
6 n Wednesday February 21 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW8524SD AGENT REPORT
Morocco surprises and delights Wanita Kerr from Denim Travel recently travelled on the Highlights of Morocco Cosmos Tour. Here she shares her experience of the trip.
WAS delighted to receive an appreciated in any language. Wow! The accommodation was invitation from Cosmos Tours The country, though poor, excellent and well organised. Ito visit Morocco, which had was far from squalid and very The coach was modern and long been on my bucket list. clean. comfortable with a friendly and Needless to say, I accepted I felt perfectly safe all the capable driver and co-driver with delight and anticipation. time – even walking around at helping us all the way. But When I received my itinerary night. In fact, I felt safer than I it was our tour director who I recognised only three cities do at home. At no time was I was the star of the show – on the itinerary – Casablanca, threatened either as a woman entertaining, informative and Marrakesh and Rabat. or as a tourist. Morocco is an helpful, he went beyond the Everything else was new and affordable destination. With extra mile. foreign. It also looked very our volatile exchange rate, As for tips for travel to busy! Yippee! I had two goals being able to afford to do and Morocco, I would urge any – to explore Morocco and to buy things is a huge bonus. prospective traveller to do a experience Cosmos Tours. The food was less spicy than tour. Trying to do Morocco as My expectations of Morocco I expected. It ‘purrs in the an independent traveller would were high. I looked forward mouth rather than bites or mean missing so many of to trying new and spicy growls’. the hidden gems. It would be food, and soaking up colour, Our itinerary gave us impossible to negotiate the flavour and sounds. I hoped a delightful selection of 9 000-odd alleyways in Fez to visit markets and wanted mountain, desert, city and Medina on your own. Finding to buy spices and a tagine. I town experiences – taking authenticity in a country where expected to find a poor country us from a bustling Fez with much is designed to fool the without a great infrastructure. its busy Medina to the quiet, tourist requires an expert I bought as much summer Ifrane – French mountain ski who knows the destination. clothing as I could find resort. It covered a variety of Cosmos provides just such expecting a hot desert climate. activities from shopping in the an expert. Yes, there is a lot As our departure date medina to tours of a pottery of time on the coach, but this drew closer I started getting factory, a tannery and more. is the only way to get to see input from friends and family. We enjoyed an evening in the and do so much. The travelling “Are you sure it’s safe?” desert with star gazing. is comfortable and the they asked. “Look at the The biggest and best sightseeing phenomenal. Internet – there are so many surprise, though, was the Oh, and drink the orange warnings about women Cosmos Tour experience. juice – it’s amazing! travelling in Morocco,” they warned. There was a lot of ‘do this’ and ‘don’t do that’. I left my jewellery behind and made sure I had a scarf to cover up if I needed to. My expectations of Cosmos were, perhaps, lower. I anticipated a budget tour with low-cost accommodation and coach. I was in for a surprise. The colour, sounds and atmosphere were all I hoped for and more. I have never taken so many pictures of tiles, doors and facades in my life. The markets were abundant and vibrant beyond my expectations. Markets were flooded with olives, dates and nuts. The road infrastructure was fantastic, without a single pothole. People were amazing, friendly and warm. I was reminded that, though language differences create barriers, a smile and a “thank you” are understood and Photos: Wanita Kerr TNW8565SD
8 n Wednesday February 21 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS NEWS A snapshot of the week's airline news Major expansion planned Air Seychelles ups capacity to Johannesburg AIR Seychelles has increased capacity on the Johannesburg route on Wednesdays until March 21. The flight will be operated with for Cape Town Intl Airport an Airbus A330 with 18 seats in business class and 236 seats in economy class. Max Marx retail offering; and about number of aircraft that can R1,3bn invested in the be parked at any one time Ethiopian launches Chicago flights APE Town International international terminal, with is between 29 and 32. “The ETHIOPIAN Airlines will operate flights from Addis Ababa to Airport (CTIA) is more immigration counters, five new parking bays we embarking on a major additional baggage carousels will add in the next three to Chicago, effective June 9. Flight ET 0510 will depart Addis Ababa C at 22h15 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, arriving in Dublin infrastructure development and more space for the four years will enable the programme that will increase processing of passengers. parking of more aircraft and at 04h25 the next day. The flight will depart Dublin at 05h25 capacity from 14 million to The airport recently allow for more passengers to and arrive in Chicago at 07h55. Return flight ET 0511 will depart 20 million passengers a year. received final approval for the disembark simultaneously.” Chicago at 09h55 on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and The project, estimated construction of a realigned Once the new runway is arrive in Addis Ababa at 07h40 the next day. The route will be at between R5bn and runway. Deon Cloete, CTIA operational, the old runway operated with a Boeing 787. R7bn, will involve a new gm, says the current runway, will be decommissioned and runway (R3,8bn); five new which is 50 years old, is used as a taxiway. MK adds Sunday flight on DUR route aprons; a new R600m too close to the terminal Construction of the new AIR Mauritius will add a fourth weekly flight on its Durban route domestic arrivals terminal buildings to enable sufficient runway is expected to begin from April 18. In addition to its Monday, Wednesday and Saturday offering more space, extra space for aircraft parking next year and will take two flights, the airline will now also operate a flight on Sundays. The carousels and an increased bays. He says the maximum years to complete. outbound flight will depart Mauritius at 09h00 and arrive in Durban at 11h20. The return flight will depart Durban at 12h20 Fastjet now bookable on Travelport and arrive back in Mauritius at 18h10. TRAVELPORT-connected between Travelport and which will see fastjet’s agencies now have real- fastjet, the low-cost African content added to our time access to search, airline operating 10 routes platform for the first time,” sell, and book fastjet’s full in 55 southern African says Philip Saunders, content and inventory. countries. Travelport vice president, This follows a multi-year, “We are delighted to have air commerce, Europe, full content agreement completed this agreement, Middle East and Africa.
To the point
Protea Hotels by Marriott, part of Marriott International, opened a new hotel in Constantine, Algeria, on February 5. The Protea Hotel by Marriott Constantine has 72 guest rooms, two boardrooms, and a ballroom, and is within walking distance of attractions such as the Cirta Museum, and the iconic seven bridges, and is about 20 minutes from Mohamed Boudiaf International Airport.
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QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday February 21 2018 n 9 PCI DSS REPORT SPONSORED BY TRAVELPORT Case study: the road to compliance TNW’s latest series tackles the main issues of the PCI DSS compliance conundrum. This week we discuss an agency’s experience. Taryn Nightingale reports.
HEN a Johannesburg- Richard Henwood, business based agency began development of QSA, Foregenix. Wits PCI DSS compliance Consequently, the agency journey 15 months ago, its staff contacted its back-office system and directors had no idea what PCI provider, which then assured him DSS was. The level-four merchant that they’d be compliant by mid- has since successfully maintained February. “Travelport had helped by its certification (for over a year) informing us of its tech migration and has received notification and from Transport Layer Security (TLS) acceptance of its compliance from 1 to TLS 1.2 and that agents may Iata. Due to the sensitive nature of need to upgrade the version of PCI DSS, the agency has requested Microsoft Operating System, .NET to stay anonymous to protect its Framework or Internet Explorer clients and their data. from the one they currently use. “Our local Travelport rep was Ensure compliance across also very useful in answering systems questions,” he adds. and sign-off on training sessions non-compliance are in US dollars As stated by Iata, it is incumbent However, not all travel industry to protect their business,” says and can put a small agency out of on the travel agency to verify the players are following the same agent A. business.” PCI status of each provider to rules, says agent A. Agents may The agency submitted its whom it delegates card payment- be compliant in the systems Positives outweigh negatives compliance documents via the related tasks. and processes involved in “The consequences of the Iata portal. “Iata responded saying “Like most agencies, we’d airline ticket sales, but a small certification process have we were in the clear, provided the developed our own safety methods guesthouse in the middle of the empowered our business,” says company that certified our agency and just followed common sense Free State is not necessarily agent A. was qualified to do so,” says in how we dealt with clients’ credit going to be aware of PCI DSS “Our processes are more agent A. Agents can verify the card details,” says agent A. compliance, he adds. This is streamlined, we’re managing risks certification status of their QSA on “On guidance from Iata, we especially a problem for agents better and I can sleep better at the official PCI DSS website. “Don’t contacted our acquiring bank with government clients as their night knowing we’re compliant,” be afraid to ask for the QSA’s as a first step toward official options are limited when booking he says. “The fines imposed for certification licence,” he adds. compliance,” says agency owner accommodation in outlying areas. A. “Standard Bank advised us that someone would contact Employee training is key Top PCI DSS compliance tips us with further information,” he Old habits die hard and ensuring says. The next day, the QSA call our employees are all on the Andrew Kirkland, ceo of cyberTAN Know your third parties as centre contacted the agency. same page is one of the most shares some tips on compliance: intimately as possible and “The QSA later tested our existing important aspects of PCI DSS. “It’s Don’t panic – your agency can don’t be afraid to ask for their security systems for any potential a continuous process,” says agent change – make sure you start Attestation of Compliance vulnerabilities.” Although the QSA A. The most important action of as soon as possible. (AOC). You’re all part of the confirmed that the agency’s system enabling change is explaining the Get your QSA to help you supply chain and no one wants was secure, agent A had not been why, he adds. “Once all our staff outline policy and procedure to be the weakest link. satisfied with the results. “I wasn’t understood the consequences of documents that are visible to all Have an incident response plan: sure whether we were ticking all non-compliance, it was common staff in the office. how do you and your staff react the boxes, especially since the sense that they had to follow Train your staff – Security when you are breached? QSA had not tested the GDS and correct procedures.” The agency Awareness Training on a regular Run regular external our back-office solution,” he says. hosted several workshops and brief basis helps minimise risk. Staff vulnerability scans, especially “Agencies have to make training sessions on compliance are your weakest link. Give if clients engage with you via sure they comply with the PCI to educate staff. “Agency owners them the knowledge to protect your web page. It’s also good requirements; we only assist should ensure their staff confirm the business. practice. and guide them to do so,” says their understanding of compliance
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10 n Wednesday February 21 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS Family Travel
Max Marx reviews current patterns, destinations and experiences finding favour with family groups. Immersion is the new trend MERGING strongly in may have visited Phuket Leisure Holidays md, says aviation specialist, says family holidays is the trend previously, and want to explore Mauritius continues to top South African families love Etowards immersive travel. alternatives such as Chiang the family destination list, cruising and island holidays to The desire for engagement Mai, Chiang Rai and the thanks to the fact that visas Mauritius and Zanzibar. and meaningful experiences Golden Triangle,” says Lesley. and vaccines are not required, “Most families want runs alongside the multi- South Africans are it’s a short flight away and beach holidays and to visit generational pattern, which has also visiting Thailand for offers loads of excursions and famous sights, stay in places characterised family travel for experiences that may include activities to engage in. that are not overcrowded some time now. local festivities such as Cruising is another firm and immerse themselves Theresa Szejwallo, Trafalgar Songkran – the traditional favourite of families. Thaybz in different cultures and md, says: “Families want Thai New Year in April. Khan, Cruises International’s experiences around the world. to return home from their They are getting involved in contempory brand manager, I would recommend a cruise holidays having learnt environmental activities such says multigenerational family holiday for the best value, as something or having had as elephant retreats like travel, big groups, and families everything is included and the chance to immerse Elephant Hills in Khao Sok travelling together to celebrate you get to experience five themselves in cultures that are National Park or releasing baby special events are current Ramesh Jeenarain or six different cultures and not their own.” turtles into the sea at Nakhon trends. The value, convenience countries on one trip.” According to Lesley Simpson, Si Thammarat in southern and inclusions are the factors passes to its parks, enabling Rolene says agents should marketing representative Thailand. that draw families to cruising. upfront payment and budget consider recommending an for the Tourism Authority of Families are also seeking Ross Volk, md of MSC planning. Teenagers can thus overseas holiday for families Thailand, the recent surge value-for-money holidays Cruises, adds that locally, explore parks on their own, on a budget, as deals that in numbers to Thailand has that include adventure, art, South Africans love the short swiping their MagicBand for don’t cost much more than a revealed a new trend, where food and museums, and three- and four-night cruises meals. family holiday in South Africa parents who are unable to destinations where children from Durban to Mozambique. In the United Arab Emirates, are available. travel during peak school can enjoy activities on their Also very popular, says Dubai Parks, the Dubai “One can find amazing holidays due to business own and parents can do their Annemarie Lexow, Travel Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, specials to Bali, Thailand, commitments, plan holidays own thing, says Lucinda Tyler, Vision’s sales and marketing Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi Vietnam and Cambodia.” She out of season. Club Travel’s product manager. manager, are Disney cruises in and Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi adds that, for high-budget “This is an interesting “Popular destinations are the Caribbean and Walt Disney appeal to family groups, says clients, she would recommend development, as it generally Mauritius and European ski World in Orlando. Disney offers Annemarie. Bora Bora in the South Pacific includes families with older resorts.” options to pre-book dining Rolene Kirkel, Rennies or a cruise on Cunard’s Queen teenage children, who Ramesh Jeenarain, World plans and Magic Your Way Travel’s VIP commercial Mary 2.
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QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday February 21 2018 n 11 FAMILY TRAVEL All-inclusive is the way to go SOME of the best family Johns, the Beacon Isle in holiday value, agree agents Plettenberg Bay, Umhlanga, and operators, is the all- or Club Mykonos in inclusive package. Langebaan – all suited for For Lucinda Tyler of Club holidays with children. Travel, Club Med is the For long-haul destinations, all-inclusive family holiday any Club Med resort, winner. Club Med’s guest Disneyland Paris or Hong officers ensure that guests Kong, Walt Disney World have a great time, she in Orlando, or a family says, and with all food and cruise could be options beverages included in the to consider. “Club Med All inclusive family-friendly holidays offer great value. price, they can eat and Phuket is a resort we would drink as much as they like. recommend, with endless TAT’s Lesley Simpson ordering of drinks that can Creative workshops, teen fun for kids and adults.” says half the fun of visiting add considerably to a bill for clubs and activities, land While Thailand is not Thailand is exploring extras on check-out. That’s the streets and tasting why all-inclusive holidays are and water sports, cooking Genine De Witt that strong on all-inclusive classes, trapeze and packages, it does offer street food. This year has ideal for families.” nightclubs are all included active, fun-filled holiday. great value. Says ITC, Keith been named the Year of He recommends the five- in the package price. Only a four-hour flight from van Heerden, owner of Gastronomy in Thailand and star Long Beach resort in Genine De Witt, a Club Johannesburg, Mauritius is Travelbuddy.travel: “Hotels the country has launched Mauritius for teenagers, Travel ITC, puts Mauritius really ideal when it comes in Thailand generally don’t a new Michelin guide which offers activities such and Zanzibar as top choices to family travel,” she says. offer all-inclusive hotel covering 98 Thai, Asian and as archery, mini golf and for families. “Mauritius Genine adds that Zanzibar stays. One or two properties international restaurants. bicycles and has classes is still one of the most is also a great choice for do, but you pay a lot of World Leisure Holidays’ for aspiring DJs, run by popular all-inclusive family- families, but that agents money for all-inclusive and Ramesh Jeenarain says professional DJs, for adults, friendly holiday destinations, should check which resorts unless your client is a wine the eating habits of teens and younger children. with most resorts offering offer kids’ clubs. drinker, there is no point children and teenagers With five restaurants, kids’ clubs and loads of Locally, Genine paying for all-inclusive when do not necessarily follow teenagers can dine with children’s entertainment, recommends Sun City, food, alcohol and soft drinks the norm of three meals friends in a different allowing parents to relax Umngazi River Bungalows in restaurants and on the a day. “There can be lots location to their parents, yet while kids are having an and Spa in Port St street are so cheap.” of additional snacking and stay connected with WiFi.
Top tips for family cruising “ROYAL Caribbean and the type of lifestyle or Celebrity Cruises are holiday the family would the ideal family-friendly enjoy. cruise lines, with on-board Advise clients about experiences catering stateroom configurations for multigenerational to ensure they’re families. European comfortable, along with and Caribbean cruises times for family dining are definitely the most and babysitting options. popular destinations While there are always for South African medical facilities on families,” says Cruises board, clients should International’s Thaybz bring along any Khan. medication their children She says Celebrity might need. Cruises is hard to Take time to beat when it comes to understand client on-board experiences preferences, budget and and activities for older expectations, to be able children. “They have to make more informed access to Go Pro and decisions on which Xbox and can enjoy art cruise brand or product activities among many to suggest. other adventures.” Don’t be afraid to She offers these tips for upsell, upgrade or offer families setting sail: add-ons, as this can Ensure the on-board add value for clients activities offered by and help them enjoy a the cruise line match hassle-free holiday.
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011 463 8195
@thailandsa
SA Representative Office AmazingThailandinSA for Tourism Authority of Thailand @AmazingThailandSouthAfrica
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12 n Wednesday February 21 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW8560SD FAMILY TRAVEL
Costa Rica for teens TRAFALGAR’S Theresa Park, where we sought out Szejwallo took her two lava trails and took a dip in teenage daughters thermal springs.” to Costa Rica and At the Monteverde Forest, Take flight times into consideration when travelling with young children, recommends this eco- with its variety of eco- friendly destination as systems, Theresa and her the perfect holiday for daughters learned about Good advice from the experts teenagers and parents thousands of plants and If families are travelling long- Discount and Young Traveller family of five would need two alike. animal species, many haul with small children, Discount, or Beachcomber’s hotel rooms. Some hotels “Often teenagers are endemic to the area. suggest a stopover en-route Early Booking offer. will not allow parents to stay the most difficult to cater “There are more than for a night or two, says “Take flight times into in one room and children in for on holiday. They’re 400 bird species and Lucinda Tyler of Club Travel. consideration when travelling the other; there has to be no longer amused by the 30 species of humming Look out for resorts or with young children,” says an adult with the children at kiddies’ club but not yet birds in the forest. We cruise options where Beachcomber sales and all times. Also enquire about old enough to venture off saw howler monkeys, children can stay free, says marketing manager, Joanne babysitters for parents who independently. My family sloths, toucans and the Genine De Witt, Club Travel Visagie, “and preferably want a date night.” holiday to Costa Rica was resplendent Quetzal bird.” ITC. “It works out more cost- don’t cross more than Check on kids’ clubs the perfect balance of This trip is priced from effective to quote on rooms two time zones, as flying and baby-sitting facilities, interests for adults and R24 605pps. The Young where kids can share with with children can be a advises Ramesh Jeenarain teenagers. The ‘Monkeys, Travellers’ Discount and adults, rather than booking nightmare.” of World Leisure Holidays. Jungles and Volcanoes’ Early Payment Discount separate inter-leading Know which destinations “The majority of our hotels guided holiday was ideal apply. rooms. Also, research the offer breakfast with have kids’ clubs. Sugar for teenagers. We zip-lined The ‘Costa Rica kids’ clubs on offer so they accommodation, says Beach and La Pirogue through the jungle, watched Adventure with Tortuguero are age appropriate.” Annemarie Lexow of Travel are both family friendly turtles hatching on the Extension’ is priced Offer a variety of rooming Vision. “Also find out up and their facilities can be beaches of Tortuguero, from R17 300pps for options. For example, to what age children can used interchangeably.” He took exciting boat rides, 10 days. The Young Trafalgar offers twin, triple stay free, which hotels suggests booking rooms visited the Snake Garden Travellers’ Discount (up and quad sharing options on have ramps for easy pram with easy access to the Wildlife Centre, walked over to 10%) applies. A three- some of its family holidays. access, which hotels hire beach, so when parents are the Arenal Hanging Bridges day optional post-tour Also see which discounts out prams and what the relaxing in their rooms they and loved the guided trek experience to Guanacaste might apply, such as conditions are for room can still keep an eye on through the Arenal National Beach can also be added. Trafalgar’s Early Payment allocations. For example, a their children.
Car Rental
Because every minute counts.
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21657 Bidvest TNW Collage Ad_105x206_FAC.indd 1 2017/07/25 4:43 PM 14 n Wednesday February 21 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS Family value specials Book with Cruises four dinners (including a International by February Be My Guest event) and 28 and get 35% off a farewell lunch. Quad standard cruise fares on room share applies, as Royal Caribbean for all does the Young Travellers guests in a stateroom Discount of up to 10% for for all sailings, excluding children aged five to 17. China. There’s also a Also great for families is 50% reduced cruise fare Trafalgar’s ‘Greek Island on Celebrity Cruises for Hopper Family Holiday’ additional third, fourth filled with myths and and fifth guests in triple, legends, trips to the quad and family state Parthenon and Acropolis rooms (ocean view or in Athens, the islands of Cruising is the ultimate all-inclusive family holiday. higher). Mykonos and Santorini, Trafalgar’s ‘Gladiators, and a volcanic adventure under 18 at all hotels Disney’s Magical Express, charges, seven nights’ Gondolas and Gold at Nea Kameni. Priced except Royal Palm a five-day Magic-Your-Way full board in a deluxe Family Experiences’ from R37 700pps for Beachcomber. Children base ticket, transport on inside stateroom, all guided holiday is great 10 days, the package also stay free on all- boats, buses and monorail on-board entertainment, for families and takes includes accommodation, inclusive packages when between hotel and theme/ including Disney character in Rome, Florence breakfast daily and three sharing with parents. The water parks; extra Magic experiences and return and Venice. Highlights dinners. Quad room share special is not applicable Hours at the theme airport/port transfers. include a gladiator and the Young Travellers’ to family units. parks before and after Guests staying at World school; pizza-making Discount apply. Travel Vision is offering closure, complimentary Leisure Holidays’ Long in Rome; the Leaning Combine Beachcomber’s a five-night package to MagicBand, and free WiFi. Beach Resort in Mauritius Tower of Pisa; Piazza year-round Early Booking the Disney All Star Travel Vision’s seven- can, until the end of April, del Duomo – a Unesco Offer of 20% discount Resorts, valid for travel night Western Caribbean take advantage of the World Heritage site in with its ‘Free Kids’ from April 8 to May 24, High Seas on Disney Feast on East special, Florence; and cruising offer between May 1 weekdays only, from Fantasy cruise, from which includes a discount Venice’s canals. Priced and October 8. On this R31 235pps. It includes R35 806pps, valid for on the Long Beach drinks- from R36 900pps for nine offer, kids stay and eat return flights and taxes departures on September only package, and a nights’ accommodation free when sharing with ex-JNB, five nights’ 29 and October 13 complimentary half-day with breakfast daily, the parents. The offer is accommodation, return includes return flights chauffeur-drive to explore package also includes applicable to children airport/hotel transfers on and taxes ex-JNB, port Mauritian sights.
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QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday February 21 2018 n 15 Car rental: book special FAMILY TRAVEL requirements in advance BIDVEST Car Rental now seats for all passengers offers bike racks for rent and enough boot space for at all major airports in the luggage. All additional Johannesburg, Cape Town, requirements such as Durban and Port Elizabeth. GPS, baby seats and bike Gaynor Von Loggenburg, racks must be reserved at executive: sales and the time of booking. Our marketing, says agents extensive product range and must ensure the correct fleet of 13 500 economy, vehicle size is reserved. luxury and speciality “It’s important to ensure vehicles can cater for all that there are enough family holiday needs.”
Beachcomber’s kids’ clubs offer a laid-back environment. Photo: Beachcomber Hotels Beachcomber’s all-inclusive It’s important to ensure that there is enough boot space for the luggage. offering hard to beat BEACHCOMBER’S all-inclusive the ultimate family resort choice,” she says. offerings at its Mauritius in Mauritius, says Joanne, “Parents can enjoy quality resorts are firm South African with large rooms, a beach- imported wines, spirits, family favourites. based Kids’ Club and a wide French Champagne by the “The entry-level four- range of free watersports glass and a wide choice star resorts, Mauricia – including waterskiing of cocktails, while children Beachcomber and Canonnier and wakeboarding tuition. have a selection of alcohol- Beachcomber, are excellent Teenagers have their own free mocktails, soft drinks choices for those who want lounge and can make use and milkshakes. Snacks to relax with their children of the TAM TAM app to keep and room service are also in a laid-back environment,” abreast of in-resort activities. included – a small tray says Beachcomber’s Joanne “But the pièce de charge applies.” Visagie. résistance of all-inclusive The five-star Trou aux Both hotels have kids’ packages in Mauritius is Biches Beachcomber clubs for children from three the five-star Shandrani and four-star Canonnier to 12 years old. Beachcomber’s Serenity Plus Beachcomber also have teen The four-star superior premium package, with both clubs available for their 13- Victoria Beachcomber is adults and children spoilt for to 17-year-old guests.
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16 n Wednesday February 21 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS Children cruise free with MSC AN ATTRACTION destinations of cruising with in themselves, MSC Cruises with kids’ clubs is that children catering for under 18 sharing babies through a cabin with to teens. “There adults, cruise is so much free, only paying to keep kids service charges entertained on and port duties. both ships, from “Combine that the Aqua Park, with good-value swimming pools drinks packages Ross Volk and water slides that can be to top game purchased in advance, consoles such as PS3, and cruising becomes Xbox and Wii and high-tech The kids’ spray park on MSC Sinfonia. an attractive and cost- gaming attractions like effective family holiday our Virtual World and 4D as Fun Time Dinner escorted to the mini-club), and meet new friends in choice,” says Ross Volk, cinema,” says Ross. (entertainment staff and Kids Around the Clock a safe environment, giving MSC Cruises SA md. A varied programme entertain little ones while (supervised late-night play adults some much-needed The MSC Sinfonia and and supervised activities, adults have time on their and napping) give everyone free time to relax,” adds MSC Musica, which will entertainment and social own), Happy Dinners in the family space. Ross. be gracing South Africa’s events are tailored to four (young children dine “It leaves children to MSC Cruises’ local cruise shores for the 2018/19 different age groups. with the family during explore a social life of season runs from end- cruise season, are Fun activities such the starter and are then their own on the ship, October to April.
Maldives made memorable “MALDIVES is undoubtedly the four-star Adaaran one of the world’s most Select Meedhupparu, beautiful destinations, which offers all-inclusive and it is easy to see packages for family why many pick it for their convenience. Here family holiday,” says Lize families can enjoy du Plessis, sales and a variety of sporting marketing manager for activities, including Perfect Destinations. tennis, beach volleyball, She rates the group of badminton or table tennis. Indian Ocean islands as For the more adventurous well suited to children, the resort has a full water and says there are many sports centre offering resorts in the destination jetskis, wakeboards and that cater for families. tube rides, among other One in particular is aquatic pursuits.
Adaaran Select Meedhupparu.
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QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday February 21 2018 n 17 FAMILY TRAVEL Thailand – good value, great for family holidays THAILAND is hard to beat do, from visiting places The Snake Farm at the when it comes to great value like Madame Tussaud’s Queen Saovabha and is very child friendly, and Bangkok’s famous Memorial Institute where says Tourvest Travel Services water parks to shopping in children can watch ITC, Keith van Heerden, who markets. live snake-handling lives in Bangkok. A new tour takes tourists demonstrations and He says while fantastic on a boat ride on the Chao venom extraction. packages to Phuket and Koh Phraya River before biking Dinosaur Planet in the Samui are often advertised through China Town or heart of Bangkok, which in South African newspapers, taking a tuk-tuk through offers a large dinosaur these are not always child busy streets. The Bangkok exhibition and giant Ferris friendly, and agents must Skytrain also stops off at wheel. do further research. “For Bangkok’s main tourist Lumphini Park, Bangkok’s example, Patong in Phuket is attractions. answer to New York’s a great party destination, but Keith suggests booking Central Park, which has not right for little ones.” a resort hotel in Bangkok paddle boats, jogging For young children, Keith with a big pool for children tracks, outdoor aerobics, recommends the beaches Dinosaur Planet in the heart of Bangkok offers a large dinosaur to cool off in and a large play areas and giant of Hua Hin and Koh Chang. exhibition and giant Ferris wheel. Photo: Dinosaur Planet compound to play in, so monitor lizards. “Hua Hin has shallow calm that they don’t have to be While the food in Thailand seas and is just 199km hotels at Bangtao Bay, Bangkok watched 24/7 or experience is spicy, there are suitable from Bangkok. Teenagers between the two beaches.” Lesley also highly sensory overload from the options for children. Most will enjoy monkey spotting Keith says Phuket and recommends Bangkok for bustling day and nightlife. hotels also offer a Western and cave exploring. It is an the Andaman Coast offer families, regardless of age. Great places for kids in menu with options such as ideal destination for families adventure for the whole “There is just so much to Bangkok are: burgers and chips. who have a little more to family, if a hotel in a family- splurge.” friendly area is selected. In Koh Chang, which is In Phuket, he recommends more budget friendly, bathers the Kata and Karon Beach can wade in shallow waters, areas for families with small explore the jungles, and children and Hat Chaweng in Alice in wonderland! enjoy kayaking and elephant Koh Samui for families with interactions. “The best way teenagers. to get to Hua Hin and Koh Chiang Mai and Chang is to self-drive or Chiang Rai are the other take a chauffeur-driven recommendations for taxi. The highways are families with children. easy to travel and one can “Chiang Mai is renowned ferry one’s car across to for its great adventure Koh Chang. Flights from activities such as river Bangkok to Koh Chang are rafting, mountain climbing very expensive, so a road and hiking. And being in a transfer is definitely the way mountainous region, it is to go,” says Keith. also cooler than Bangkok. Lesley Simpson of TAT One can even hire a self- says Phuket will always drive tuk-tuk to move remain a popular family around.” destination but suggests Lesley further suggests that families explore less a local train ride to popular beaches such as Kanchanaburi to the Bridge Kamala Beach and Surin. over the River Kwai, about “There are lovely luxury two hours from Bangkok. Susan Carr, accounts manager at Travel Vision, points junior traveller, Alice Schmidt (18 months), held by Annemarie Lexow, sales and marketing manager at Travel Vision, in the direction of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland Paris. Travel Vision is currently marketing a five-night Disneyland Paris package running from April 2-May 3 from R23 073pps. Included in the price are return flights and taxes ex-Johannesburg, return airport-hotel transfers, three nights’ stay inside Disneyland at the Sante Fe Hotel and two nights in the three-star Elysées Ceramic Hotel with breakfast, Disney Park entrance tickets for the duration of the stay, access to all attractions, shows and meet and greet with Disney characters as well as Magic Express bus services. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl
Where is your next family holiday? Visit Orlando Contact Travel Vision today: [email protected] | (011) 408-8000
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18 n Wednesday February 21 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS COMMUNITYNEWS JOBS Births, deaths, marriages, promotions – we want to know! Please fax or e-mail TNW’s Candice May, at [email protected] or (011) 214 7330. Pick of the week brought to you by
Reservations Consultant – CPT, Area Manager – South Africa Milnerton Namibia Tourism Board Southern Cross Safaris SA Responsible for marketing and Dynamic individual with loads of operational activities in SA. inbound wholesale experience Effectively implement regional dealing with international inbound marketing strategy so outbound agents. SA & Southern Africa travel from SA to Namibia is maximized knowledge essential. Email: and targets are met. Email: [email protected] [email protected]
Island life Senior FIT Consultant – JNB North Travel Consultant – Nelspruit/ Professional Career Services Mafikeng/Polokwane Minimum 5 years’ in inbound tour Professional Career Services Beachcomber Tours hosted senior consultants on an educational last month to operator. Itineraries, costings. Minimum 2 years’ travel consulting showcase its hotels and let them experience the island life. Pictured here, enjoying Good knowledge of South and experience. Corporate and government the Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis, are (from left): Fernanda Maria Linder-Haber Southern Africa. East Africa experience. Domestic to international of Flight Specials Welkom; Wildi Smit of Procorp Travel and Tours; Lize-Marie knowledge advantageous. travel. Reissues. Amadeus. Quicktrav. Greyvenstein of Flight Centre Associates; and Vladi Wessels of Beachcomber Tours. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Southern & East Africa Specialist Cruise Executive – CPT – CPT Quantex Recruitment Group Quantex Recruitment Group 4+ years’ cruise ship ground Sales driven candidate with excellent handling experience, excellent product knowledge & 5+ years’ Southern Africa knowledge & a inbound consulting experience, as well Hello, Penang! strong customer focus is vital. MICE as experience in a B2C environment experience would be advantageous. required. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Travel Consultant – Worcester Cruise consultant – Gauteng Flight Centre Travel Group Sell travel experiences. From Flight Centre Travel Group From planning cruise itineraries adventures to Thailand to city breaks in London. Provide outstanding and booking flights to organizing customer service while managing accommodation, car hire and every aspect of the trip. everything in between. Incentivised Email: [email protected] targets. Email: [email protected] Qatar Airways’ first non-stop flight to Penang touched down last week, inaugurating the airline’s second destination in Malaysia as it continues its expansion plans FIT Reservationist – DUR Senior Inbound Consultant – DUR throughout Southeast Asia. Pictured here is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which Lee Botti & Associates Lee Botti & Associates operates flight WR 850, landing at Penang International Airport. Solid inbound experience, Spectacular opportunity with one outstanding South African tourism of Durban’s finest tour operators. knowledge, drive & passion secures. Minimum 5 years’ leisure experience Stable environment. with sound SA tourism knowledge. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Sales Support – JNB, North Product Marketing Specialist – JNB Caring for Cape Town Equity Connections cc Equity Connections cc Support sales team in drive to Explore, develop, present marketing promote/grow company and strategies for existing and new products. Complete/distribute sales products and track campaign reports and more. Four years’ travel effectiveness. Must have in-depth experience essential. online marketing knowledge. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] TNW7899 These adverts were selected from the vacancy section of www.travelinfo.co.za For more details contact [email protected]
This year’s Flight Centre Travel Group’s Travel Expo also hosted a very successful water collection drive for the drought-hit Mother City. In total, 32 000 litres of water was collected. Pictured here are some attendees of the Travel Expo handing in their 011 789 3337 five-litre donations. We have numerous vacancies available in both Travel Agencies and Tour Operators for experienced and qualified Travel Industry Professionals. where he remained for four Adam will be responsible Appointments Positions available in the following areas: years. In 2009, Stuart moved for leading the sales and Consultants (Inbound/Outbound/ Stuart Bailey to Salt Rock Hotel and Beach marketing teams working on Wholesale/Leisure and Corporate) has been Resort as food and beverage the company’s Anantara and Sales/New Business Development appointed new manager, before advancing to Avani brands in Southern Finance gm of Royal deputy gm and then gm for a Africa and the Indian Ocean Account Management Palm Hotel in further two years, followed by islands. Adam joins Minor Operations Management Durban. Stuart a move to La Montagne (First Hotels from his role as director And more... completed Group) as deputy gm and gm. of sales at the InterContinental Hotel Group’s Festival City Should you be looking for a new and exciting career opportunity his hotel please contact either Jean or Nono or log on to our website to management Minor Hotels has Cluster and has more than ten apply online. studies through Intec College appointed Adam Beadon years’ experience in driving and then started his career as regional director of sales sales at some of the major E mail: [email protected] | [email protected] at Gooderson Leisure as the and marketing, based at the hospitality groups in South Web: www.pcs-sa.co.za food and beverage manager group’s Johannesburg office. Africa and the Middle East. TNW7644 APSO MEMBER
QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday February 21 2018 n 19 TNW NEWS SACAA rubbishes CemAir’s claims of ‘bad blood’
Candice May passengers were killed in and expects to be operating a crash in a Piper Chieftain a limited schedule by the HE South African Civil aircraft owned by Miles, then end of the week (Friday, Aviation Authority owner and ceo of Flightline February 16). T(SACAA) has disputed Charter Services. In 2002, But Kabelo says the the claim by CemAir ceo, Edenvale Regional Court SACAA finds it disheartening Miles van der Molen, that its Magistrate PJ du Plessis that CemAir refers to the recent grounding is motivated found that negligence by comprehensive findings by bad blood between the Miles had led to the deaths outlined in the audit safety airline and SA Express. in the crash that the SACAA report as a mere “paperwork Kabelo Lebwaba, manager: described as “the worst discrepancy” as the airline’s communications of SACAA, single civil aviation accident corrective action plan has told TNW that the Authority in almost 20 years”. acknowledged the existence found the suggestion that its and root cause of the action against CemAir was “The history of the deficiencies. “Grounding or a sinister motive instigated suspension of permits is the and propelled by its corrective measures very last and most severe Hit the slopes! competitor both ‘ludicrous’ taken by the SACAA measure the SACAA can take and ‘insulting’. He says when there are clear civil the reports of an alleged clearly demonstrates aviation safety and security Club Med Cervinia in Italy has a special for all snow affidavit that purports that that it does not favour risks,” he explains. “Any enthusiasts for April 14. The package, from R31 157pp, the SACAA is out to ‘nail’ any form of bias or talk of a mere paperwork includes flights ex-JNB (incl. taxes), return transfers from CemAir remains suspiciously discrepancy is an ill-advised the airport to the resort if flights are booked with Club elusive. “The SACAA is yet favouritism.” public relations exercise. Med, seven nights’ stay in a Club room, unlimited dining to receive the document If this were the case, the for all meals, and open bar and snacks. Ski pass and ski or despite having met with Previous CemAir employees matter would have been snowboard lessons, ski and boat hire as well as a range of CemAir representatives on interviewed anonymously by resolved in a few hours.” activities and academies are also included. Pictured here is several occasions.” Carte Blanche said safety While Kabelo notes the André Dafel, national sales manager – trade, of Club Med. Kabelo says the history checks were sometimes progress made by CemAir, Photo: Shannon Van Zyl of the corrective measures rushed and that overloading he emphasises that this taken by the SACAA clearly was not uncommon, while does not change the current demonstrates that it does the organisation was status, meaning that the not favour any form of bias characterised by a culture airline’s Aircraft Maintenance or favouritism. of fear. Organisation approval On Sunday, Carte Blanche However, Miles maintains remains suspended pursuant aired a report on the airline, the incident plays no role in to a successful completion of brought to you by eTNW and TRAVELINFO pointing out that this was the grounding and that it is the re-certification process, not the first time that Miles merely due to a paperwork which comprises four had made headlines, and discrepancy. phases – formal application, uncovered past incidents He says the airline is document evaluation, connected to him. In making progress in relation demonstration phase and 1999, one pilot and nine to the re-certification process certification. Hello aggregators What is your preferred method of booking accommodation? Higher oil price offset by Through aggregators like Expedia or Trivago (28%) Other (24%) stronger rand On a GDS (23%) Sarah Robertson felt. He added that the direct operating costs, Direct using the hotel’s reservations department (12%) vast improvement in the said Kirby Gordon, head Direct using the hotel’s email/phone number (9%) THE oil price, which exchange rate would also of sales and Distribution is currently trading at have somewhat negated for FlySafair. He said that, Direct through the hotel’s website (4%) around $68 a barrel, has price increases in our unfortunately, the increase 28% increased by about 50% market. in the oil price had to 24% since June 2017. “The overall growth in the be passed on to the 23% As fuel accounts for market is still in the region consumer because of thin around 30% of an airline’s of 3% to 4% and therefore airline margins. cost, this trading value airfares will remain However he also 12% 9% is considered a strong competitive in the drive to explained that, from a inflationary indicator when retain market share,” said local perspective, the 4% it comes to the setting of Chris. stronger exchange rate did airfare prices. However, Sally George, market not only affect the price airfare pricing for 2018 development manager of fuel but that it also eTravel is the ITC market leader in South Africa and assists senior Travel has been relatively stable. South and Central Africa affected other costs such Consultants and Travel business owners to realise their dreams. If you have This is attributed to the for Singapore Airlines as aircraft leasing and the ever dreamt of owning your own travel business or would like to cut costs stronger the rand. confirmed that the price of spares and aircraft by doing away with your IATA license and improve your current business efficiencies then you should call eTravel. We run the back office for over Chris Zweigenthal, ce carrier had folded its fuel consumables. “Last year 200 Independent Travel Companies and specialise of the Airlines Association surcharge into its airfares we saw the rand weaken in making your travel business a success by offering of Southern Africa, said in April 2017 and had not quite substantially, which the best commissions, overrides & a comprehensive the oil price had risen introduced any further compounded the effect support structure. If you have a client base, 5 years quite slowly over the last increases in market fare of the fuel price increase, travel consultant experience or already own your period and therefore the prices to the South African but the recent recovery own business but want to make more, then contact us! You’ll be amazed at how easy it is! sudden impact of an market since then. has helped to slow the increase in jet fuel would Fuel could make up 30% bleeding somewhat,” he Contact Tammy on 0861eTrave1 or [email protected] not necessarily have been to 45% of an airline’s concluded.
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20 n Wednesday February 21 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS