June 13 2018 I No. 2498 SOUTHERN AFRICA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY TNW6867SD FEATURE NEWS AGENT REPORT QANTAS PLANS BLOCKED RUSSIA Airport blocks PER-JNB route A historical delight Sri Lanka gains popularity INSIDE Page 16 Page 6 Page 10 Travelstart says goodbye to ITCs

Sarah Robertson fares to consumer and on the best deals directly corporate travellers to the consumer. He FTER four and a half directly. acknowledged that agents years, Travelstart Travelstart has committed are using the direct portal A has discontinued its to continuing to support but said that policing this agent booking platform, existing neXt bookings, use was not a priority for neXt. Commenting on the advising agents to email Travelstart. decision, ceo Stephan them should clients’ need Rian Bornman, md Ekbergh said: “Serving the to amend their bookings. of FlightSiteAgent (a ITC community is no longer direct competitor) said in line with [the company’s] FlightSiteAgent was thriving vision.” “Serving the ITC in the space, with over “As a company who community is no 400 active agent users. develops several digital FlightSiteAgent also products, we need to longer in line with [the offers a web-based portal consider where we believe company’s] vision.” allowing agents without the future is. We will GDS experience to book continue to develop new tickets. products but also halt When asked if neXt “I believe that the non- those that we no longer agents could now make GDS segment continues Durban says cheers! believe in,” he told TNW. use of the Travelstart to be overlooked by Stephan added that consumer website for incumbents because the The Durban leg of Thirsty’s was hosted at The Capital neXt did not fit its core bookings, a spokesperson segment does not present Pearls Hotel, in Umhlanga. Looking glamourous is business, which was to told TNW that travelstart. lucrative return on margin Marga Wilson (left) and Nash Mughoo (right), both offer the most affordable co.za was intended to pass To page 16 from Corporate Traveller. Photo: Tessa Reed. Spanish Consulate calls BS on BLS

Candice May minors, requiring that their the Consulate will still spousal visas, confirming unabridged marriage Unabridged Birth Certificates accept copies of UBCs that travellers applying certificate and a copy of the TRAVEL agents are still be stamped specifically by certified by the police. The for a Spanish visa as the spouse’s EU passport had receiving conflicting Home Affairs, certified within Consulate told TNW that spouse of an EU passport been sufficient to prove the information regarding a six-month period, as part agents should ignore the holder would now need to marriage. Meanwhile, agents Spanish visas. of their visa application. BLS information communicated prove their marriage was have reported that BLS is Last month, agents consultants confirmed this by BLS. registered in the same EU advising applicants that reported that consultants at new requirement to TNW. country as their spouse’s this is not a requirement, the BLS Application Centre However, the Spanish Spousal visas passport. They would do resulting in applications in Pretoria were advising Consulate has subsequently The Spanish Consulate this by obtaining a marriage being denied. that a new requirement told TNW that there is no has also clarified new certificate from that country. Liam Flett, owner of had been introduced for SA new requirement and that requirements around Previously, an SA To page 16

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TNW8681SD NEW WORKSHOP!!! NEWS BA issues ADMs for changes Come fly with us! Flights twice as nice, to unticketed bookings 2nd daily flight LHR – JNB Sarah Robertson the full change penalty “We received an ADM Learn about it in the workshop… for the relevant fare class recently for doing multiple CCORDING to agents, amounting to between R1 changes in a booking but Available until 24 June 2018 British Airways has 800 and R2 000 per ADM. only collecting the change A issued a recent spate According to the agent, fee the day the ticket was of ADMs for uncollected BA’s fare rule states, reissued. BA responded date change fees for “Charge R1 700 for reissue that the penalty applied per amendments made to or revalidation. Charge transaction per passenger bookings before they were applies per transaction per for every saved transaction issued. passenger.” made,” she said. Standard practice in When the agent queried Flight Centre only found the industry has always how they could reissue a out about BA’s practice been that changes can be ticket that had not been when they received this made without penalty to issued at the time, BA recent ADM, but Sara said provisional bookings with allegedly responded saying Lufthansa and SWISS had fees only incurred after that the ADM would stand introduced a similar policy TNW7956 issuance. and that the penalty should last year. However TNW have been collected as an At the time of going to ® understands that here BA electronic multipurpose print, British Airways was Rubes By Leigh Rubin listed “charge not collected document. unable to confirm what for change in PNR before Sara Mokua, air their official policy relating ticket issue” as the reason operations manager for to these two issues was, for the ADMs. Flight Centre Travel Group, but a spokesperson at the One source said his explained that BA also airline told TNW that no agency had received a raised ADMs for any closed recent amendments had handful of these ADMs changes made to PNRs been made to their policy in the last two months. between issuance and on unticketed changes to They had been charged revalidation. PNRs since 2011. 

Avalon is offering three river cruises in Europe, with packages starting from R43 900 pps. Cruies currently being promoted include the Blue Danube Discovery cruise, which sails 13 days from Budapest to Prague; the Romantic Rhine, which sails eight days from Zurich to Amsterdam; and Canals, Vineyards and Paris, which offers 10 days from Paris to Amsterdam. Packages include accommodation, a Worldwide Travel SIM card, meals and excursions as per itinerary, port charges and gratuities, and a Safety Net Protection Plan. Pictured: “Here are your room keys, sir. The Wi-FI Cinzia Deiana, sales executive, password is on the back. Breakfast Cruise through Europe Perfect Destinations. is served from 6 to 9 a.m. Will you be Photo by: Shannon Van Zyl needing a morning cock-adoodle-doo?”

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2 n Wednesday June 13 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW8602SD NEWS Tips from Louis the Lawyer – Social media and defamation Advocate Louis Nel discusses the intention New investor to to defame ONE of the much-debated the defendant acted with augment TC offering conditions required to disregard and should have prove that defamation has been aware of the possibility Tessa Reed structure to make sure that Steve Byrne, chief executive occurred includes proving of defamation occurring. our travel counsellors are at Travel Counsellors. that the alleged ‘defamer’ The court may also find RAVEL COUNSELLORS even more competitive.” Travel Counsellors had the intention to defame. that intention is implied or has been acquired by Vitruvian Partners has was founded in 1994 The test on this case is inevitable as was done in Vitruvian Partners in previously backed travel by travel entrepreneur subjective. In other words, the case of le Roux v Dey T the defendant (publisher or (CC 2011) i.e. “A defendant a buyout from Equistone businesses , David Speakman, and Partners Europe. JacTravel (a b2b travel has expanded to include person who utters the vexed who foresaw the possibility Mladen Lukic, gm of Travel provider) and OAG (a global international operations in words or statement) must that his attempt at humour Counsellors in South Africa, provider of digital flight Ireland, the Netherlands, realise the impact on the might be defamatory of the says the investment by information). Belgium, Australia, the UAE plaintiff’s reputation. If the plaintiff, but nonetheless Vitruvian will help Travel and South Africa. In October plaintiff argues that is was a proceeds with the attempt mistake or an honest belief will have animus iniuriandi Counsellors continue to 2014, Equistone backed a “The presence of an that was justified, this may or intent in the form of dolus develop its offering for management buy-out of the be a defence. eventualis.” travel counsellors in South investor of Vitruvian’s business led by ceo Steve Proof must also be Furthermore the required Africa and the rest of the standard is going to Byrne. provided that the defendant intention must be placed world. Since then, the business increase our ability to knew that what they in context. For example, “The presence of an has continued to experience were doing was wrongful stating that ‘Joe is a jerk’ is investor of Vitruvian’s offer even more support growth, with annual total or unlawful and that an opinion but stating that standard is going to transaction values growing for travel counsellors.” the plaintiff could lose Joe stole $1 000 from his increase our ability to offer by £130 million (R2,18 customers. employer is a statement of even more support for travel “The fact that we have billion) to £512 million Courts will sometimes go fact. If this statement isn’t counsellors,” says Mladen. secured a secondary buy- (R8,59 billion). Profit has beyond intention and find true it could be considered “That investment is going to out is testimony to the seen strong growth over negligence or recklessness defamatory as it could be used to make sure that confidence in the long term the period, growing by an are adequate for this proof cause injury to Joe and we continue to develop our growth prospects and plans average of over 20% per if it can be deduced that cause him to be fired.  systems and our support for the company,” said annum respectively. 

Espressoly for agents Move to standardise date-change penalty code welcomed

Sarah Robertson as provided by accounting be processed during the standard IFRS-15. The same day and must be AIRLINES are introducing new Emirates release explains associated with a single global date-change penalty that the OB code, which the ticket for each passenger. codes in line with industry airline had previously used, An Iata spokesperson tax code definitions. Industry generically refers to ticketing told TNW that IFRS-15 is leaders approve, saying fees including both credit the international accounting standardisation of penalty card and ticket fees, while standard with which South codes will make the reissue the OD code specifically Africa has decided to comply. process easier for them. stands for penalty fee. To enable compliance, Iata Airlines that have The OD form of collection is also making adjustments introduced this policy will be standardised in the to the billing and settlement including Emirates, BA automatic reissue tools system. Comair, Airways and in those GDSs where David Pegg, md for Sure Latam. For the airlines that they are still active, says Viva Travels said that he was have adapted this policy, Latam. Otherwise, agents always for standardisation date-change penalties will must record the penalty in the industry as it made now be collected under the collection in the ticket tax things easier for everyone. OD code. breakdown. In countries Sarah Mokua, air ops leader Latam says the new where the penalty is taxable, for the Flight Centre Travel procedure comes in the amount of that tax must group agreed saying that response to the industry’s be reflected separately in one tax code for all airlines need to comply with the new the respective tax field. The would help to reduce the format used to recognise change in the reservation number of incorrect tax code revenue at the time of flight, and the ticket reissue must reissue errors.  FlySafair is running a competition where agents stand a chance to win one of three Smeg coffee machines by signing up for the FlySafair newsletter. Enter at www. flysafair.co.za/travel-agents. The competition ends July To the point 27. Ts & Cs apply. Pictured here is Marise Banks, sales and distribution manager, Flysafair. Photo by: Shannon Van Zyl BRITISH Airways will add four weekly flights to its double-daily London-Johannesburg schedule from October 28. BA will operate the Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner alongside the existing 14 weekly A380 services.

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4 n Wednesday June 13 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW8738SD AGENT REPORT

Warming up to Russia Dawn Weir of Harvey World Travel Holiday Travel recently visited Russia with HWT and Travel Vision. She shares her experience.

ROWING up in the their country and incredibly the time we arrived! seats were ‘up in the Gods’ We used Uber which is half ’70s, my limited knowledgeable and The Kremlin and Armoury for R2 000 apiece. the price of what we pay in G exposure to Russia hospitable. Museum stand out as Expect to pay more for SA. The drivers spoke zero was the US and Russian St Petersburg is particular highlights in a better view. English, but it was definitely space race to reach the absolutely beautiful and Moscow. We saw Catherine Moscow at night is quicker and easier than moon. As a result, I jumped offers a generous selection the Great’s clothes, golden stunning with all its the subway which, although at the opportunity to visit of good four- and five-star carriages, royal crowns and buildings illuminated, beautifully decorated, is this enigmatic country that hotels. We stayed at the much more. the latest addition being tricky to navigate with had long been on my bucket five-star Sokos Palace We were also lucky champagne-glass-styled Russian signage. list. Bridge Hotel, which was enough to see the ballet street lights. Russia is a must-see central, offered a healthy Giselle at the famous Shopping in Tsum or Gum destination. SA passport “The Catherine palace and abundant breakfast Bolshoi Theatre thanks to (famous Russian shopping holders don’t require and a choice of two the efforts of one of our centres) requires a hefty visas for short stays. was jaw-droppingly restaurants for dinner in colleagues, who shopped overdraft facility. So after The architecture is magnificent. Encrusted the evenings. around and bought us window shopping only, we breath-taking, the in gold, in typical The Hermitage Museum tickets in advance, (a real headed to the affordable history enchanting and ranks very high on the list benefit of travelling with Aviapark centre and made the culture rich. Definitely Russian style, it offered of the many museums that good travel agents!) The up for lost time. a worthwhile trip! a great insight into I have visited in my 30 years of travel experience. upper-crust life three You will leave with a real hundred years ago.” appreciation of the arts after seeing pieces by Our Emirates flight Rembrandt, Michelangelo connections were pretty and others. good, with a five-hour The Catherine Palace was stopover in Dubai, which jaw-droppingly magnificent. offered excellent retail Encrusted in gold, in typical therapy. I also bought Russian style, it offered a access to the Marhaba great insight into upper- Lounge for a reduced rate crust life three hundred of R610 (via the Lounge years ago. Buddy app) which provided Before we left South access to clean, spacious Africa, our biggest concern toilets, showers, changing had been how we SAffers rooms, good food and would cope with Russian drinks and a quiet lounge winter temperatures of to kick back and chill in. -15C. So, during our train On arrival we were looked journey from St Petersburg after by Travel Vision’s to Moscow, we tried two ground handers. These Russian favourites… Pictured enjoying the gilded sights of Russia are Magda Cullen from MSC agencies; young, university-educated pancakes with caviar, Farzana Moolla from Harvey World Klerksdorp; Yasmeen Motala from Harvey World ladies were fluent in washed down with vodka. Mayfair; Dawn Weir from Harvey World Holiday Travel; Marlissa Mielke from Harvey English, passionate about We weren’t cold at all by World Birnam; and Refiloe Makhetha from Travel Vision.

% of our customers On-Time SOMETIMES would recommend us % Performance Visit flysafair.co.za/agent NUMBERS SPEAK 93 97 Or find us on your GDS under FA or H1. LOUDER THAN Email [email protected]. WORDS 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 0 0 May 2018

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6 n Wednesday June 13 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW8736SD

42196SIAT_A350_SA_220x314_Travel News Wkly_Mag_Jun18_p.indd 1 30/5/18 4:20 PM URBAN travel trade overlooking the sea. It was gathered at The an evening of merriment DCapital Pearls Hotel, and welcome respite from in Umhlanga to catch up relentless clients and over a couple of drinks. quotes. Look out for an Agents were treated to a invitation to the next whiskey tasting in a space TNW Thirsty’s. 

 Pictured (from left) Reshma Haripershad and Zama  “This is just Capital!” Pictured (from left) Amy Olckers (The Capital Pearls Hotel), Monica Mthethwa of ATPI (Griffin Travel). Allanson (Personal Travel Services), and Logan Naidoo (The Capital Pearls Hotel).

 Pictured (from left) Susie Roelandt (Travel Tyme), Helen Busse (Dynamic Holidays), and Tanya Nothnagel (Pentravel).  “Skal!” (from left) Michelle Lowes, Sharon  Pictured (from left) Lal Jayamaha (Serendipity Elder and Charleen Pottas (Mocarmi Travel). Tours) and Natasha Schmidt (TNW).

 Thirsty’s is the place to meet new friends. Pictured (from left) Margie Manser  TNW’s Yolanda Katsi and Kerry Brownhill of ATPI (Griffin Travel). (Bryte Travel Insurance), Claudia Smith (Amalfi Travel Promotions), and Alison Chiocchetti (Compassline Africa). Photos: Tessa Reed and Natasha Schmidt

8 n Wednesday June 13 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW8734SD

DL AD0112 220x314x3 Travel News Weekly Final.indd 1 17.01.18 15:43 Indian Ocean DESTINATIONS

Bursting with optimism but not with crowds, Sri Lanka is emerging as a must-visit Indian Ocean island, writes Candice May. Sri Lanka climbs the popularity charts OCATED close to the pool overlooking the only offer the reward of tree-lined shores as they well-trodden paths of ocean or hiking through unbelievable views from ride in the open-window L Southeast Asia, the the mountainous terrain, the top, but also much to carriages. The recently Indian Ocean island of Sri this tick-all-the-boxes discover on the way up, reopened route from Lanka, with a unique fusion destination has got them says Carlos. Colombo to Jaffna is an of history, landscapes covered. Below, experts Sri Lankans are some of eye-opening journey too. and culture, is luring highlight some spectacular the most genuine, warm travellers to explore. With reasons to visit the and welcoming people, he The outdoor activities its abundance of Buddhist compact, tropical country. says. While Sri Lanka is best temples, tranquil beaches, known for its pristine world-class surf, tea The food The train rides beaches visitors should plantations and elephant Cuisine may not be the If you do not travel by not overlook the other safaris, it is no surprise! first thing that springs to train in Sri Lanka, you will outdoor activities on offer, According to Carlos Luis, mind when you think of Sri seriously miss out, says says Lucinda Tyler, product leader – air, land and sea Lanka, but Lance van den Lucinda Tyler Lance. The island’s train manager of Club Travel. The product of Flight Centre Heever-Liebenberg, md of flatbread filled with hot, network is affordable and most popular are surfing Travel Group, the number of Marmalade Toast Bespoke melted chocolate – which easy to navigate. and hiking. South African tourists to Sri Travel & Destination is washed down perfectly The most popular trip Whether novice or expert Lanka has climbed steadily Management, says that its with a cup of world-famous is undoubtedly from Ella surfer, Sri Lanka’s Arugam over the last few years. food is some of the best. Ceylon tea. to Kandy, but agents Bay (or ‘A Bay’ for short) The number increased A blend of Indian and should not oversell it, has waves to suit everyone. by 37% this April alone, Asian culinary techniques, The culture advises Lance. Due to the With regular swells pushing compared with the same Sri Lankan food revolves Sri Lankan culture is shortage of pre-bookable up from the south, it is time last year. “Sri Lanka is around curries, rotis reflected by its art, tickets, clients can be left known as one of the best outperforming a number of and samosas served in architecture and sculpture, disappointed when this surf spots in the world. more established European terracotta clay ‘chatties’. says Carlos. The famed part of their trip does not Surfers can hire a board and Asian countries The capital, Colombo, Cultural Triangle, to the happen, or their entire from one of the many with travellers becoming and the large central city north of Kandy, is a treasure itinerary needs to be laidback cafés and head more aware of what the of Kandy are both home trove of ancient monuments, adjusted at the last minute to the aptly named ‘Main destination has to offer,” to bustling street markets royal cities and Buddhist to accommodate this train Point’ or ‘Baby Point’, which he says. where you can watch temples that once served trip. run along the bay. Whether your client’s chefs shred rotis on hot as the crucible of early The tracks from Colombo Hiking and climbing dream island holiday iron sheets and prepare Sinhalese civilisation. down south to Hikkaduwa some of Sri Lanka’s includes indulging in local vegetables. The most A climb up Sigiriya, an and Galle hug the coast, tea plantations and intricately spiced foods, popular dessert on the ancient rock fortress, also so passengers can watch mountainous terrain are a rough-and-tumble game island is the chocolate known as the ‘Fortress the rolling waves of the other fantastic ways to see drive, soaking in a sleek roti – a pancake and in the Sky’, does not Indian Ocean along palm- the island.

Points to note! Club Med to debut first Different climatic regions: ‘Dry’ hotels and Mirissa cost an average resort in Sri Lanka The best weather on the restaurants: If your client of R100 to R150 each, west and south coasts enjoys a tipple, it is with a pint of Lion beer Club Med will open its Sri Lanka’s unique and in the hill country is important to check which averaging between R25 first resort in Sri Lanka culture and cuisine, from December to March, hotels or restaurants are and R35. in 2019. vibrant traditional colours while the best time to ‘dry’ properties before Located in the south- and bustling lifestyle, visit the east coast is booking. Due to stringed High cigarette prices: west of the country, and will be the starting from April or May to liquor licencing and a It is illegal to take just 90 minutes from point to discovery of the September. steep sin tax, many cigarettes into Sri Lanka Bandaranaike International surrounding breath-taking Research the weather facilities are ‘dry’. When and cigarettes are very Airport in Colombo, the landscapes, rich wildlife patterns, as Sri Lanka you can get it, alcohol expensive to buy. A box of 372-room Club Med Ceylon and brilliant heritage is affected by both the is expensive – cocktails Marlboro averages around will be fit for families, sites,” adds Lee-Ann southwest and northeast on the beach or at side R75 a box, while Dunhill working-age couples and Morgan, customer growth monsoon. restaurants in Galle and goes for around R95. corporates. marketing manager of “The resort will reflect Club Med Southern Africa.

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TNW8714SD INDIAN OCEAN DESTINATIONS A travel agent’s experience Madagascar remains LANCE van den Heever- discovering the innumerable of Colombo – we highly uncompetitive Liebenberg of Marmalade charms that the island has recommend Paradise Road Toast Bespoke Travel & to offer, the time is right to The Gallery Café for its world- RICH with intrigue and Destination Management explore this incredible country, famous dessert menu – and legend, Madagascar is a shares his Sri Lanka before it becomes over- the history of Galle on the captivating island that South experience: commercialised. southwest coast, and spent African travellers are growing “Sri Lanka has been “I was lucky enough to spend days working remotely in increasingly interested in. described as ‘hiding in plain two weeks in Sri Lanka on our seaside style from The Shack While travel agents have sight’, with countless travellers current three-month Southeast Beach Café on Dewata Beach. observed a spike in enquiries flying overhead to more Asia sales trip. My partner, We also took the time to for Madagascar recently, they popular Indian Ocean Island David and I took the slow explore the tea of the old note that the majority are not destinations. approach to discovering the world, Ceylon, and discovered converted to bookings due “The thing to note about country, opting to spend time some of the most scenic train to uncompetitive prices on Sri Lanka’s tourism industry learning about the destination, rides. packages and airfare. is that it is moving forward its people and its culture. “It is important to keep Lize Roodt, a Travel quickly, and with more people “We explored the flavours in mind that seats on the Counsellors ITC, explains Instagram-famous Ella to that packages are very Kandy train trip are hard to expensive due to the small Lize Roodt come by, but well worth the number of tour operators in Addis Ababa to Nosy Be hassle! However, this is by no that sell the destination. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and means the only picturesque “Packages to Madagascar Saturdays. train ride you can take in can be very pricey for what According to Rodger Foster, Sri Lanka – we also highly you actually get – I would say ceo and md of Airlink, recommend catching the train that the value for money is another significant reason from Unawatuna to Mirissa, on not quite there yet. However, why the market between which you can take amazing it is a fascinating place,” she South Africa and Madagascar snaps of lush jungle as well says. is small is Madagascar’s as the raw beauty of the Sri Currently, Airlink is the political stability. “This is Lankan coastline.” only airline offering direct an ongoing deterrent to flights between South Africa direct foreign investment and Madagascar. The airline and tourism. The recent operates daily flights to the plague scare, albeit quite Tour operators partner on Seychelles resort capital, Antananarivo, as well dramatised, was a setback as weekly flights on Sundays to tourism as well. Ironically, Club Med is taking over leasing arrangement with a full range of childcare to Nosy Be. During peak the listeriosis outbreak in Beachcomber’s Seychelles New Mauritius Hotels will facilities and services, season, Airlink increases South Africa had similar Saint Anne Resort and see the hotel’s capacity from Petit Club to Juniors’ frequencies and capacity to [numbers of] deaths, but did Spa Hotel. expand significantly. Club. Nosy Be. Ethiopian Airlines not get the same publicity,” It is set to relaunch in The hotel currently has It will be open throughout operates flights from its hub he says. 2020, and the Club Med 87 rooms, but by 2020 the year and is within proposal to manage the will boast 295 rooms. The the Sainte-Anne Marine property under a new resort will offer families National Park. Sun Resorts takes it back to the beach Mauritius SUN Resorts has exciting new products and introduced Timeless services – for example, Memories, a concept Sun Beach features that focuses on ensuring customisable props and that each guest has a furniture for lounging, memorable experience, no beach carts offering fresh matter which resort they fruits and cocktails, spa stay at. treatments, and gourmet The concept was created meals for a toes-in-the-sand around seven passion dining experience. Sunset points: Sun Beach, Sun and Sunrise features yoga, Golf, Sun Kids, Sunrise stand-up paddle boarding, and Sunset, Sun Mixology, breakfast on board a boat Sun Memory Labs and Sun at sunrise, dining under the 35% Luxury Moments. Each stars and ceremonies with 35%OFF passion point features fire dancers at sunset. Did you know?

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Book your December holiday now, The four-star Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa is offering a special and make a substantial saving. five-night package from R13 900 pps. The package includes return flights on Air Mauritius ex-JNB, approximate airport taxes, return airport Contact World Leisure Holidays on 011 285 2500 / transfers, breakfast and dinner daily, kids’ club and land and water sports, www.wlh.co.za to make your booking today! including water-skiing and wakeboarding. One child under six shares and eats free, and a 15% saving on massages. Valid for travel from August 1 to September 20. TNW8735SD

12 n Wednesday June 13 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW8737SD INDIAN OCEAN DESTINATIONS New ways of experiencing the well-known MAURITIUS, the Seychelles you descend for another other activities and sites The Maldives and the Maldives remain three to five minutes. Joanne for those who enjoy a more The Maldives is an aquatic at the top of the list of the also recommends zip lining dynamic break, such as rock paradise, and snorkelling most popular Indian Ocean at Casela Park. “There are climbing and zip lining,” she at the five-star Constance islands among South African various courses available. I says, adding that you can Moofushi resort teaches travellers. have even done this myself take part in these activities at guests all about the But as well-practised Indian – there is nothing like flying Constance Ephelia overlooking underwater wonderland, says Ocean island holidaymakers through the air and feeling Port Launay Marine National Michele. “Here, you get to may want to explore beyond. so alive. Plus, the scenery is Park, on the beautiful west snorkel with the resident Fortunately, there are many amazing!” coast of Mahé. marine biologist.” unconventional things to do For cultural aficionados, In between activities, visitors Those who prefer to stay and places to see on these Joanne suggests a visit to may want to grab a bite at above water can experience exotic islands. the Mauritius Photography Victoria Food Market, where the Maldives on a marine Museum. China Town and they can also shop fresh fruit, wildlife cruise on board a Mauritius Aapravasi Ghat, an immigration spices and flowers, visit the traditionally crafted Turkish In Mauritius, Brenda Mitchell, Brenda Mitchell depot for indentured labourers giant tortoises on Moyenne gulet, says Sarah Robertson, director of sales of World experienced bike-riders. from 1849 to 1923. Island or explore Launay owner of Earth Wanderer. “On Leisure Holidays, recommends Brenda also suggests ‘Carlie Wine fundis can sip wines Mangrove forest, says Lucinda this cruise you get to snorkel a guided electric bike ride Hiking’, which allows visitors from around the world in Tyler of Club Travel. beautiful areas.”  to clients who are fitness to explore hidden facets of a 175sqm wine cellar at enthusiasts, seeking adventure the island in a 4x4. “Nature- Constance Prince Maurice, or nature. “This sweet escape lovers travel off the beaten adds Michele Abraham, sales into the wild is the perfect tracks across the countryside and marketing of African opportunity to contemplate the and discover unmatched Synergy. “The cellar boasts flora and fauna of Mauritius. views,” she says, adding that some 25 000 exclusive If you are lucky enough, you travelling into the forests is bottles of wine!” might see wild boars, deer or also possible. geese while leisurely riding Adrenalin junkies visiting The Seychelles your bike,” she says. Mauritius should consider The Seychelles is a haven There are two rides available doing a tandem skydive, for nature lovers with its in the wilderness area of says Joanne Visagie, sales lush, vibrant beauty, says Domaine de Wolmar – the and marketing director of Michele. “While the beaches ‘family’ ride for beginners and Beachcomber Tours. After are unspoiled and simply out the ‘intermediate’ ride for the 30- to 40-second freefall, of this world, there are also Rock climbing at Constance Ephelia resort, Seychelles.

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14 n Wednesday June 13 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS COMMUNITYNEWS JOBS Births, deaths, marriages, promotions – we want to know! Please fax or e-mail TNW’s Savannah Freemantle, at [email protected] or (011) 214 7324.

“New” face at MSC Pick of the week brought to you by Tracey Krog has been appointed international sales manager at MSC Cruises SA. Tracey has been in the cruising industry for a decade, starting her career in 2008 at Cruises International as sales manager. Tracey spent 10 years at Cruises International, apart from a two year sabbatical she took to complete her studies from late 2014 to early 2016. During this time, she also spent three European Wholesale Consultant – JNB North months at Development Promotions, where she set up the Professional Career Services Abu Dhabi account. Great opportunity for European wholesale specialist who wants financial stability. Good basic, no comm. Amadeus essential. Email: [email protected]

Product Manager – JNB North Professional Career Services Minimum 10 years’ inbound tour operator experience. Knowledge of Southern Africa’s products and geography. Project management/product development. Pricing. Financial planning and strategy. Email: [email protected] Intermediate Consultant – DUR Lee Botti & Associates Umhlanga. Minimum 5 years’ international corporate experience. Loads of growth potential in busy, happy environment. Email: [email protected]

Corporate Specialist – DUR Dressed to the nines Lee Botti & Associates Show off your international corporate skills in dealing with VIP’s. Beachcomber Tours recently hosted an educational to Mauritius giving agents the Minimum 5 years’ experience with Amadeus sign on. opportunity to visit the Trou Aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa and explore Salary negotiable. Email: [email protected] the island. Agents enjoyed a themed dinner at the resort’s Indian restaurant – Mahiya. From left: Lucie Fink, Comair account manager; Kate Remas, Pentravel Mall of Reservations Consultant – JNB Africa; Vladi Wessels, sales executive Beachcomber Tours; Charne Williams, Travel By Equity Connections cc Arrangement; and Doreen Botha, XL The Travel Professionals. Join well established tour operator and handle accommodation bookings in hotels, camps, lodges plus transfers, ground arrangements. SA/Southern Africa knowledge needed. Topdeck celebrated its 45th birthday Email: equitycon@.co.za in style. 120 ‘Flighties’ came together in Dubrovnik to celebrate Database Administrator – JNB the brand as the last stop on their Equity Connections cc MegaFamil 2018, a programme Great opportunity for IT expert. Multi-faceted position including that invited them to explore three operational, projects, changes, general. Relevant IT qualification, different Topdeck itineraries. From SQL scripting experience, IT experience essential. left, back: Shawn Voges, team leader at Cruiseabout The Point; Email: [email protected] Cedric Frank, team leader at TNW7957 FC Cavendish; Stephen Cooke, These adverts were selected from the vacancy Topdeck business development section of www.travelinfo.co.za manager; Ricardo Paulo, consultant For more details contact [email protected] FC ; Erin Maxwell, assistant team leader FC Canal Walk; Zayboonisha Ferguson, team leader FC Bedford Square. Front: Ané Steyn, FCA consultant; Kirshleigh Young, consultant FC La Lucia; Reza Small, team Senior Leisure Consultant leader FC Mall of Africa; and Chardé CPT North / Remote Sparks, assistant team leader FC Topdeck turns 45 Travel by Investec - operated by Flightsite (PTY) Ltd Mall@Reds). Do you deliver out of the ordinary service? Min. 5 years’ leisure experience. Apply via: Appointments https://clubtravel.recruitbank.co.za/candidate/JobPreview.aspx?Id=271 TNW7946  Anel  Candace  ABTA has appointed Nadine Ferreira Ash has Clarke as its regional director has joined recently been for Africa. Nadine spent Travelbags as appointed several years in the African To advertise on this page email secretary. Anel at Cruises travel sector as the Head [email protected] started out as International of Corporate at Diners Club an air hostess, in the capacity and later Head of Strategic before working of KwaZulu- Relationships at American in hospitality. She has been Natal and coastal business Express International. She running her own business – development manager. will be responsible for the For a FREE subscription to TNW Mogul Muse – for the past five Candace is a passionate sales strategic expansion of ABTA contact Gladys on [email protected] years, including importation, person with travel industry across Africa and increasing marketing, sales and training. experience. membership and sponsorship.

QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday June 13 2018 n 15 TNW NEWS Airport blocks Qantas PER-JNB plans

Candice May Messner, regional manager - the airline can only use Africa of Qantas told TNW. Terminal 1 for the flight. ANTAS’ plans to Qantas wants to operate All of Qantas’ flights, both launch seasonal the flights to Johannesburg domestic and international, Qflights between Perth from Perth Airport’s new operate from the Terminal 3 and Johannesburg are no international wing in and Terminal 4 facilities. longer a certainty because Terminal 3 on the western The four-times-a-week of the carrier’s long-running side of the airport to better service was to start in dispute with Perth Airport handle transit passengers. December and run through about terminal use, Michi However, Perth Airport says to April.  creates separate division for hotels

Sarah Robertson which used to be located Janine Mcloughlin, in London and Romania, to regional head of sales – Family Fun WEBJET’s aggressive Cairo and Dubai. The offline Africa, commented that the acquisition strategy in the WebBeds contact centre company is now able to offer The Victoria Falls Hotel now offers guests a chance to b2b hotel aggregator market now offers group bookings agents improved service with brush up on their putting stroke. The putting-green has resulted in the creation for destinations around the an expanded sales team of provides both a family-friendly activity and a place for of a separate division world. five located in Johannesburg, guests to test their skills before tackling the 18-hole called WebBeds. These The different aggregator Durban and Cape Town. golf course. Golf clubs and balls are available on site. now include lots of hotels, brands will continue to be The WebBeds product Pictured: Faith Mwale, sales manager, The Victoria JacTravel, totalstay, sunhotels marketed individually in order sourcing teams have also Falls Hotel. Photo by: Shannon Van Zyl. and FIT RUUMS with a to capitalise on existing been merged to leverage new specialised operator brand awareness. Lots of more buying power. Two expected to start later this hotels and totalstay have the dedicated contracting teams year. strongest brand presence in are now focusing on product The division has the African market and the expansion with smaller restructured internally acquisition of the later last hotel chains in the South regionalising client year effectively made two of African, African and Indian distribution into three the biggest competitors in Ocean Islands regions. brought to you by eTNW and TRAVELINFO geographical territories, the market sister companies Technological advantages will namely European, Asian and . lots of hotels will remain also be filtered down through AMEA (America, Middle East wholesale driven while the sister brands including and Africa) markets. totalstay will continue to a focus on increasing direct The AMEA division has operate mainly in the retail dynamic inventory links to moved its contact centres, sector. global hotel chains.  New tickets needed Poll: How did the SAX grounding affect your clients? Travelstart says goodbye to ITCs  My passengers had to buy new From page 1 on the ITC market as He also added that without scale. While the they understood it. He any business strategy tickets numbers are important, explained that the term ITC which opened entrance  I managed to we are building scale could not be homogenously to the travel industry to reroute my organically by investing in classified as a group of non-professionals was passengers 43% travel entrepreneurs for the home workers interested in an irresponsible one, 57% long term,” said Rian. selling travel. As a result, explaining that agents Mladen Lukic, gm of he said that the non-GDS needed consulting Travel Counsellors in market that neXt serviced experience and an South Africa, says neXt’s differed to the professional understanding of the closure was unlikely to ITC market that Travel implications of handling have much of an impact Counsellors operated in. secure client information.  Spanish Consulate calls BS on BLS From page 1 comes to application lead are having to go directly eTravel is the ITC market leader in South Africa and assists senior Travel Simply Visa, says BLS times: “The consultants to the Spanish Consulate Consultants and Travel business owners to realise their dreams. If you have providing conflicting refuse to help you if your to get last-minute ever dreamt of owning your own travel business or would like to cut costs information only causes appointment is not at least applications for business by doing away with your IATA license and improve your current business unnecessary chaos among 15 days before date of purposes processed efficiencies then you should call eTravel. We run the back office for over travel, irrelevant of how quicker. 200 Independent Travel Companies and specialise both visa companies and in making your travel business a success by offering agents. He says BLS is busy they are.” As a result, For more information the best commissions, overrides & a comprehensive equally difficult when it Liam says visa companies on visas, see Travelinfo.  support structure. If you have a client base, 5 years travel consultant experience or already own your own business but want to make more, then contact To the point us! You’ll be amazed at how easy it is! Contact Tammy on 0861eTrave1 or [email protected] AIR Seychelles is increasing frequencies between Seychelles and Johannesburg. An extra flight on Tuesdays takes the frequency to six flights a week from July 3 following the addition of a Wednesday flight in March. TNW7136

16 n Wednesday June 13 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS