May 30 2018 I No. 2496 SOUTHERN AFRICA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY TNW6867SD

NEWS PROFILE FEATURE VISA APPLICATIONS ANGELA BLYTHE Lodgement centres violate VIS rule Getting the work balance right How car-rental companies are adapting

INSIDE Page 2 Page 6 Page 10 Distress over BA card clampdown British Airways disallows card IAG ADMs for agent card use

Sarah Robertson payment subject to airline approval. payments for private fares IAG’s ADM policy applies to cards Tessa Reed no longer be accepted for private FROM June 1, International Airlines issued in an agency’s name, in the fares. Group (IAG) will raise ADMs for the name of a person permitted to act on RITISH Airways notified the Marco Ciochetti, ceo of XL Travel, unauthorised use of agency cards or behalf of the agent or in the name of travel trade recently that it explains that by not accepting credit virtual cards as a form of payment for the agent’s officer, partner or employee. Bwould no longer accept credit card payments for private fares BA airfares. The penalty will be 5% of the The policy also applies to virtual cards cards as a form of payment for is forcing agents into one of two unauthorised payment amount. IAG is or alternative payment methods such private fares. scenarios when clients don’t want the holding company for British Airways, as eNett or Wex. The airline will still take credit card to pay cash or make an EFT. Either Iberia and Aer Lingus. The airline release explains that the payment for corporate fares and agents will have to quote corporate Following recent amendments to Iata handling of agency cards comes at an published fares. Lodge cards and or published fares, which are priced Resolution 890, agent credit cards increased cost to the airline compared eNett’s virtual card solution will also To page 2 are now accepted as a BSP form of To page 2 Clifford Ross to step down

Tessa Reed director, the group had eight hotels – all in . Hitch a ride CITY Lodge Hotel Group chief Today the group has 61 hotels executive, Clifford Ross, who and operates in six countries has become synonymous with in Africa. Clifford lists the group, will be stepping down African expansion among from his position at the end of the highlights of his career. June due to ill health. He has Another was in 1995, when spent 31 years at City Lodge, the company gave one million 15 of them as chief executive. shares to staff, excluding Clifford started his career management. He points out in the hospitality industry in that this was before any BEE 1974 as a trainee at Holiday Clifford Ross legislation. Inn on an internship. He was Peter Schoeman, former with the company when Southern Sun divisional director of Sales and acquired Holiday Inn and left at the end Marketing at City Lodge Hotels, says of 1986, joining City Lodge. Clifford made his job easier because Transfers can now be booked on the Amadeus GDS following the roll-out of He was appointed general manager at he was good at building relationships. a fully integrated transfer solution that lets agents book transfers within a City Lodge Bryanston (then Randburg), Peter also credits him with being a very single workflow under a single PNR. For more on this and how it works, read the group’s sole property at the time, open-minded chief executive, brave our car-rental feature on page 10. Pictured here from left are Andy Hedley, although hotels were under construction enough to go ahead with City Lodge’s gm Southern Africa, Amadeus; Caroline Smallwood, senior manager account in Katherine Street, Sandton, and at the unconventional advertising campaign. management and training, Amadeus; and Marisa van der Linde, solutions airport. “Clifford contributed immensely to the specialist, Amadeus. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl When Clifford took over as operations To page 16

TNW8636SD CONGRATULATIONS NEWS MAY Visa centres violate VIS rule

5 star Candice May Austria, travellers have to or in order to process the appear in person each time application faster. lucky draw NUMBER of visa they apply. Other lodgement According to Liam Flett, R2 000 lodgement centres centres require to see only owner of Simply Visa, it has Aare violating a Visa certain applicants. been rumoured that lodgement winner! Information System (VIS) rule The rule came into effect centres are requiring to see that requires Schengen visa as part of the European some – if not all – applicants “The benefit of online training is the knowledge I gain applicants’ biometric data to Commission’s worldwide in person as some biometric and I don’t have to leave my desk. We are a busy office be stored on a database for up introduction of VIS, a process data was not captured properly to five years. that aims to better protect when the rule was first and I don’t get time to go out, so I prefer TI Workshops as The rule was introduced applicants against identity introduced. “Applicants can I get to do them in my own time.” Elanja Phillipson – in November 2015 and theft and to prevent document risk assuming that they will Senior Travel Consultant – Carlson Wagonlit Travel eliminates the need for fraud and so-called ‘visa not need to appear in person travellers to have to appear in shopping’. This is the practice at certain lodgement centres. You need 2400 points person every time they apply of applying for visas at However, to stay on the safe to go into the for a visa. different consulate posts in side, I would recommend that monthly draws! At some lodgement centres, the hope of finding that one agents advise their clients that including those for The will be more sympathetic and they should be prepared to go

TNW7950 Netherlands, Greece and thus approve the application, in anyway.” 

Rubes® By Leigh Rubin FNB ramps up consumer travel offering Tessa Reed the discounts offered to the value agents offer and private banking clients as presents an opportunity FNB will make it even easier one of the biggest threats for agents who can secure for consumers to book to travel agents, quickly these contracts. travel using eBucks when it overtaking the Internet. But this doesn’t mean makes this service available Asata ceo, Otto de Vries, other agents shouldn’t take through its mobile app. The points out that where banks a shot at earning revenue bank unveiled the plan to have a loyalty offering for from these offerings too. the media on May 16. their clients that includes Otto suggests that agents At the moment, FNB discounted travel, the should offer to fulfil their customers can book travel fulfilment is outsourced clients’ bookings on loyalty using eBucks, their bank to an agent or TMC. “The programmes. Agents should card or a combination of skillset and the complexity also establish themselves both. This can be done on of the industry is of such as specialists, either on the eBucks website and a nature that they still particular destinations or online banking. FNB says need to bring in travel types of travel. “You have the functionality will be professionals to provide the to drive value in order to coming to the app soon. fulfilment.” ensure your sustainability in Last month, agents cited Otto says this underscores the future.”  British Airways disallows card payments From page 1 He also speculates that BA published fare, the customer higher, or agents will have is trying to get around the may opt for another airline. to swipe the client’s card, cost of the merchant fee. Franz von Wielligh, Flight absorb the merchant fee “Effectively, they are Specials gm, highlights and issue the ticket as passing the merchant fee on these challenges, but says cash. to us.” the upside is that agents The latter will push up Marco says the move is a will not need to disclose the agent’s Iata guarantee, “bad decision” that affects their service fee. which puts pressure on, everyone in the travel chain However, Marco says that especially, small agencies, and may hurt the airline. while there’s an industry Founding Editors: who are already struggling, He says if agents quote push for transparency, this John H Marsh (1914-1996) Leona Marsh (1923-2003) says Marco. the higher corporate or move goes against this.  EDITORIAL TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY Editor: Tessa Reed [email protected] www.etnw.co.za Features Editor: Michelle Colman [email protected] Published by Journalists: IAG ADMs for agent card use Travel & Trade Publishing (Pty) Ltd Candice May Sarah Robertson From page 1 operations director of secure debit cards in the Printed by Juka Printing (Pty) Ltd Hilka Birns with payment methods such SWG, says they have been market and charge-backs Phone: (011) 327-4062 Photographer: Shannon Van Zyl as BSP. using eNett cards for the do not apply to them. Fax: (011) 327-4094 Production Editor: Ann Braun E-mail: [email protected] The group said it was last two years and that Additionally, an increase Web: www.nowmedia.co.za PUBLISHER looking into implementing this development affects in BSP cash ticket sales Address: Now Media Centre, Natasha Schmidt [email protected] a permissions process for their workflow process. also substantially impacts 32 Fricker Road, Illovo Boulevard, agent cards in line with Iata He adds that SWG is off- an agency’s cash flow due GROUP PUBLISHER Illovo, . David Marsh [email protected] TIP implementation. selling carriers that have to higher Iata guarantee PO Box 55251, Northlands, Exceptions where agency barred virtual cards where requirements.” 2116, South Africa. ADVERTISING cards may be used include possible, following similar Asked about the new ADM Sales: Natasha Schmidt [email protected] internal bookings for travel announcements from policy, a BA spokesperson Sales Director: Kate Nathan [email protected] agency employees, charges Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, told TNW that the airline had Ad Co-ordinator: Anthea Harris [email protected] processed through airline Qatar and SWISS. never allowed general usage PRODUCTION contact centres and ancillary “We find this decision of agent cards and that the Design Head: Dirk Voorneveld service purchases where surprising as airlines take latest release had been SUBSCRIPTIONS BSP is not available as a on far greater risk when issued in response to an Circulation: [email protected] payment option. processing a client’s card. increase in agent questions Dinesh Naidoo, group eNett is one of the most about its policies. 

2 n Wednesday May 30 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW8602SD Lufthansa celebrates top agents A brief look at this week’s hotel news The Lufthansa and SWISS group hosted IHG opens hotel in London’s theatre district agents at the Space INTERCONTINENTAL Hotels and Resorts has opened the Hotel Indigo Conference Centre at 10 London – 1 Leicester Square, in the city’s theatre district. The 95-room Bompas in Johannesburg hotel takes inspiration from its surroundings, with three bedroom to celebrate its top designs representing the different stages of creating a theatrical performers. Lidia Folli, production. The property takes advantage of its views of The Shard, ceo of BidTravel, which Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Nelson’s Column, the London Eye, walked away with the and the Gherkin with floor-to-ceiling windows in the rooftop restaurant award for Top Supporting and balconies leading from seven of the property’s rooms. Consortium 2017 – nationwide, is pictured with Dr André Schulz, New lodge opens on the Zambezi gm Southern Africa – WILD Horizons recently opened its latest Victoria Falls property, the Lufthansa. Photo: Tessa Reed Old Drift Lodge, on the banks of the Zambezi River in . The lodge is seven kilometres from the town of Victoria Falls and consists of ten air-conditioned double canvas suites and four family suites with private lounges, indoor and outdoor showers, plunge pools, star beds and outdoor baths overlooking the Zambezi. Transfers to and from the LUX* bags new property

lodge are by cruise boat and take 15 minutes from Victoria Falls. Tessa Reed the reopening will coincide announce that LUX* has with the launch of the new taken over the management UX* Hospitality has brand in November. The of La Palmeraie in taken over management property will be closed until Mauritius,” says Alexis Lof La Palmeraie, a November 1 and guests with Bekker, head of Sales & hotel on the east coast of bookings during that period Marketing South Africa. Mauritius. will be accommodated at Hinting that there’s more The renovation of the another LUX* resort. news to come, Alexis says: hotel began on May 15 and “We are delighted to “Watch this space.”  Iata migrates to new IBSP software

Sarah Robertson Currently, various report structures that systems are being used display information IATA has released new by Iata in different regions better, statistical outputs IBSP software and is and the new software will based on calendar month planning roll-outs in replace these with one and date of issue of markets around the world. single package around document. Tax breakdown The South African roll-out, the world, maintaining is now also an optional which had been planned reference information parameter at country for July, has now been once across all markets. level, which Iata says can postponed so that the The software’s reduce the number of association can ensure functionalities include new pages for billing reports that the amended billing remit processing, variable by up to 80%. reports will meet current commission processing, Iata has released online fiscal requirements in the commission control, training modules about country. multiple remittance the new report formats. IBSP is the calendars and additional Contact ibspsame@iata. redevelopment of the refund validations. org for more information. Iata Industry Settlement Benefits include If there are any questions System, using new the option to create that you would like to technology and improving outputs using standard have answered relating security, speed and nomenclature, user- to the report format automation. The software friendly explanatory changes, email sarahr@ is fully PCI DSS complaint. notes in the header, nowmedia.co.za. 

Helen Johnston selects the top specials from Travelinfo

 Thompsons Holidays. Five-star Zanzibar offer from R15 991pp sharing. Offer includes return flights departing Johannesburg, approximate taxes, return transfers and seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast, lunch, dinner and selected drinks daily. Valid until May 31.  British T.I.P.S. Royal Windsor day package offer from R1 415 per adult and from R1 090 for children aged 5-15. Offer includes standard-class London-Windsor return rail tickets, hop-on hop-off bus tour, 40-minute river cruise and entrance ticket to Windsor Castle. Valid until December 31.  Kulula holidays. Unwind in Mauritius from R12 042pp sharing. Offer includes return flights departing Johannesburg, approximate taxes, return transfers and seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Valid from June 16-23.  Peninsula All Suite Hotel. Pay for two nights and stay for three from R2 500 per night in a one-bedroom apartment, including breakfast. Two-bedroom apartment from R3 800 per night, including breakfast. Valid until August 31.

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4 n Wednesday May 30 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS TNW8533SD WHO IS ANGELA BLYTHE A season to work... In the latest Who Is… Sarah Robertson chats to star eTravel ITC, Angela Blythe from A2BTravel

ONEY! TNW wants to over the years.” know what my hobbies Family is extremely important “Houtside of work are?” to Angela and, to get the work called out Angela Blythe, owner balance right, the foursome go of eTravel A2B Travel, to her away for weekends as often husband during our telephonic as possible and try to take an interview. “People!” came the international holiday once a year. muffled reply on the other end As a small-business owner of the line. “Whenever you have work never stops and Angela nothing to do you call someone,” explained that they had to select responded Adrian Blythe dryly. destinations with similar time It turns out that after 20 years zones to South Africa so that of marriage Adrian is a good she could stay in touch with her judge of his wife’s character. clients. Personal relationships form the This year the family and cornerstone of Angela’s busy Angela’s laptop are looking Somerset West business, which forward to a European skiing trip. was founded almost 11 years “I remember taking my laptop to ago. Since then she has been hospital when I went into labour recognised as eTravel’s top ITC with Emma,” recalls Angela, who for 2017 and was honoured to was trying to issue a Voyager receive the Asata top ITC award ticket from her hospital bed when for 2018. she had to pause for the next contraction. “My client suggested that I “My very dear father should maybe get off the phone once told me that in and I said to her that as I didn’t life there is a season know how long this would take it was probably best to just get it to work and provide done now. for your children and a “My very dear father once told season to the me that in life there is a season to work and provide for your fruits of one’s labour.” children and a season to enjoy the fruits of one’s labour. This, “My biggest goal in life is right now, is our season to work to clear my inbox down to and we may as well do the very a manageable level,” quips best that we can. the 40-year-old ITC with the “If I could teach my children one characteristic wry sense of thing in life it would be the value humour that has drawn clients to of hard work and that you reap her over the years. what you sow.” “Maybe I’ll also find time to go Being a working mother is never for a run before I turn 50,” she easy and Angela says that while adds. her domestic worker helped out Angela had worked as an agent wherever she could, she had to for 10 years when she decided breastfeed Emma while working that she wanted to spend more at her desk for the first few time at home with her daughter. months of her life. “In return, the “I quit and initially spent time flexible schedule has also allowed with Dani, who was five, and me freedom to spend time with helped Adrian with his business. my family when needed and has After a few months I was bored also allowed my clients to contact Angela Blythe stiff and Adrian encouraged me to me at all hours for assistance,” meet with Tammy about starting she says. up as an ITC, even if just to fill up A hopeless romantic, Angela Getting to know Angela a few hours of my day,” she says. met Adrian on a holiday to Cape The business took off within Town when she was 13 years  Angela wouldn’t change  She has always wanted a the first month and was almost old and says that she knew anything about her life. She bigger family and says she immediately a full-time job. immediately that she wanted to loves her family and her job is privileged to have so many She had her second daughter, marry him. more than she can express. nieces and nephews now Emma, shortly afterwards and the She returned to , finished  The Blythes plan ‘family studying in who business is doing so well that her school and then au-paired fundays’ every Sunday and love pull in for the weekends when husband has now been recruited in Germany for six months. boating, skiing and crayfishing. they want to take a break from to help her out (although Adrian Afterwards she did a travel  On weekends, when they aren’t the hostels. flatly denies any involvement). course in Cape Town before at rowing regattas, netball or  “Being the best agent I can Relying purely on word-of-mouth returning home to Durban where hockey matches, the entire be, involves asking myself referrals, she boasts a client list she planned to start her career. family can be found cuddled up ‘What makes me any different from around the country and even A short while later she flew in Angela and Adrian’s super- to the Internet?’” internationally. down to Cape Town for her king-size bed watching movie  “It’s super to have Adrian in the “With e-ticketing, Skype and graduation. “Adrian took me out marathons. office when things go crazy as I email you can really be located for a drink and I never left…  Angela loves eating out have mini heart palpitations. He wherever you want to be these My mother had to ship all my and does so at least twice a has a soothing way of dealing days,” she explains. belongings down to me and we week, which helps to get the with me and also knows how “I don’t really think of my clients were married a year later. He is family around the table at the to use our coffee machine very as corporates or leisure pax. They my soulmate and I couldn’t do same time. well!”  have all become close friends without him at my side.”

6 n Wednesday May 30 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS NEWS Air Mauritius readies for corporate growth

Sarah Robertson Africa was also investing in Mauritius by opening up branches IR Mauritius has created a and satellite offices on the island, corporate sales position at which has resulted in a substantial Aits Johannesburg office to increase in corporate business. capitalise on the growing corporate The island has been positioning market travelling to the island and itself as a reduced tax region beyond. and growing African business hub Kerry Jerin, who previously ran for a number of years now. The her own graphic design studio and development of Ebene Cybercity, started up the corporate gifting a high-tech office community on Congratulations! division for Sally Williams, has the outskirts of Mauritius’s capital, been appointed corporate sales Port Louis, has drawn well-known Serendipity’s Sudhika Dasrath, Monwabisi Gongota and Vashni executive. companies including Standard Moodley (from left to right) are the first travel consultants to receive Carla da Silva, Air Mauritius Bank, Investec, Barclays, Accenture, the designation ‘travel practitioner’. The designation is awarded by the regional manager, Southern Africa and PWC. Asata Professional Programme and is recognised by the South African and Latin America, said Kerry would A substantial investment in high- Qualifications Authority. Consultants can apply for the designation by be servicing both local and global speed Internet has also helped registering on the programme. For more information, visit app.asata.co.za corporate contracts and that her to draw business. The Mauritian role was created when the airline corporate tax rate, which, according identified substantial growth in its to the SA Tax Guide, is set at a corporate market segment. flat rate of 15%, is also very For the record “Air Mauritius is not a point- attractive when compared with to-point airline,” said Carla, South African corporate tax, which is In TNW’s Corporate Travel feature (May 16), we incorrectly quoted Monique Swart, founder who explained that, due to its currently 28%. of the African Business Travel Association (ABTA), as stating: “Once all avenues have geographical location, it was often “The Mauritian Board of able to take customers to their final Investment and the two largest been utilised, agents then need to start looking at reducing classes of travel and destinations in less flying time than banks in Mauritius have now set up accommodation.” In fact, she had said that corporate buyers would have to reduce its competitors. offices in South Africa for this exact classes, as it was not in the agents’ power to do so and they would need the go-ahead She added that corporate South reason,” added Carla.  from their clients. TNW apologises for the error.

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QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday May 30 2018 n 7 Volcano heads the list of ‘must-sees’ WHILE Réunion has some practised. “Here you will great beaches on its west also discover the small coast, such as the 2km-long village of Cilaos, well known Ermitage (or l’Hermitage as for traditional products the locals say) and Boucan like lentils or its old-style Canot off the resort village sugarcane rum,” she says. of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, it The third caldera, Salazie, is far more than a sun, sea contains Voile de la and sand destination. Mariée (Veil of the Bride), It is Piton de la Fournaise a waterfall famous for the (peak of the furnace), optical illusion it produces, an active volcano in the and the village of Hell- east, that is the jewel in Bourg which World Leisure Réunion’s multi-faceted Holidays’ Brenda Mitchell tourism crown. describes as “fairytale”. According to LUX* Resorts There’s also a dormant & Hotels’ Alexis Bekker, it’s volcano on the island, Piton a ‘friendly’ volcano, emitting des Neiges, the island’s no ash or dangerous gases, highest point and best and even when it is in visited early in the morning flow, visitors can stand on before clouds envelop the RÉUNION the side of its crater and peak. observe. “When not in flow, Our panel of experts The Indian Ocean island is geographically fascinating, has great appeal to you are able to walk on the highlighted these attractions adventurers, offers a winning incentive offering and is just a short flight away, volcano surface, which can too: writes Michelle Colman. be compared to the surface  Saint-Denis, the capital of of the moon,” she says. Réunion, is on the north A highlight of a Réunion and often referred to as trip is to view the volcano the old city. It is home to Selling Réunion – advice for from the air, by helicopter Creole-style mansions, or microlight. “But the best museums and cultural way to discover the volcano monuments. the travel agent is the hard way – trekking,”  Eden Garden, in the heart comments Travel2Reunion’s of Saint-Gilles, a 2,5ha SK travel industry Indian Ocean. It is a must- true cultural experience. The Chantelle Pearson. botanical garden with over experts on how best see, must-do-all, adventure tour operator offers four-, The volcanic landscape 700 species of plants. to position Réunion island. While relatively five- and seven-night self- A includes three calderas,  In Saint-Gilles les Bains is as a holiday destination, small in size, the terrain is drive packages. or cirques. Mafate, some the Aquarium of Réunion and you’ll get a variety quite diverse in that it is Chantelle Pearson, 2 000m above sea level, Island, showcasing 500 of answers. Romantic mountainous and not flat at owner of Travel2Reunion, is “sort of incommunicado species of fish and natural getaway, family holiday, all, so it does take a while says distances between with the rest of the world,” coral reefs. adventure playground and to get from one end to the attractions are short, but says Chantelle. “No roads,  Saint-Paul Market, open scenic wonderland. Each other.” jam-packed with sightseeing no chance to come across on Fridays and Saturdays description is as appropriate There is, however, all-round opportunities. a car or a bus, the only way on the waterfront of Saint as the next. accord that self-drive is Driving is on the right but, to visit Mafate is on foot.” Paul, is the spot to explore Perhaps the best the best way to see it all. Alexis points out, “the road The starting point of many the island’s culinary explanation comes from Thompsons Holidays’ PR and infrastructure is better than hikes is the Maïdo, a peak culture. Alexis Bekker, head of media manager, John Ridler, most of the roads we’ve that, when summited, offers  La Vanilleraie is a vanilla sales and marketing, says this mode of travel seen across Europe”. spectacular views of the plantation on the estate of South Africa & Africa for keeps costs down and, if Here follow some tips island. Le Grand Hazier in Sainte LUX* Resorts & Hotels. coupled with the use of when selling Réunion, The second caldera, Suzanne. “We have dubbed Réunion accommodation throughout gleaned from experts Cilaos, is accessible by  Saga du Rhum is a the bucket-list island in the the island, is the path to a promoting the island. road and is known for its museum in a family-owned impressive canyons and rum distillery in St Pierre. Hélène Bezuidenhoudt, regional director beauty and a tropical climate. waterfalls, where extreme  The green Takamaka of Atout France (representing Réunion):  Accommodation ranges from B&Bs, sports like canyoning Valley holds five waterfalls,  Réunion is a four-hour flight from guesthouses and world-class hotels. and rock climbing can be streams and rocky peaks. Johannesburg on Air Austral and  The island is a region of France and SA passport holders do not require a therefore visitors get to sample French visa for a stay of up to 90 days. infrastructure, cuisine and culture with  The island is blessed with natural an Indian Ocean Island flavour.

Brenda Mitchell, director season from November to April when of Sales at World Leisure the temperature can reach up to 30C. Holidays: The cool and dry season is from May  Réunion has a tropical to October. Bring light summer clothing climate with year- for the day, with warm layers for the round sunny skies evening. and warm seas. There  Roland Garros International Airport near is a hot and humid Saint-Denis is the main airport.

Isla Moffett, GSA: Sales and Marketing around 25C, making it warm enough to Manager of Air Austral: enjoy water sports. Inland, and in the  The best time to visit is the southern mountains, it can be surprisingly chilly winter, from May to October, because all year round, so pack warm clothing it’s the coolest and driest, and falls and beach clothing. The west enjoys outside the cyclone season. The excellent weather and is more sheltered temperature at the coast still hovers from the wind than the east coast. Piton de la Fournaise.

8 n Wednesday May 30 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS RÉUNION

Adventure above and below HIKING got the thumbs-up pursuits such as river as a spectacular activity rafting, canyoning, caving, from all the Réunion mountain biking and specialists interviewed for horseback riding. Down on this feature. the coast one can snorkel, Thompsons Holidays, paddle a glass-bottom The waterfall at Cirque de Salazie. Photo: Thomas McGowan says John Ridler, offers kayak, wakeboard and hiking trails from one day whale watch. to eight nights covering “Scuba diving is also Getting the incentive formula right the three calderas and the a must-do activity as the “PERSONALLY, I think and the volcano, which is R18 000 to R22 000pp for volcano. Alexis Bekker of ocean is rich with marine Réunion is one of the most one of the most active in seven nights,” she says. LUX* Resorts & Hotels, life and the reef formation spectacular destinations for the world and monitored “With groups we often cost says hikers can camp along is very interesting,” group incentive travel,” says continuously. in the lunch and/or dinner the way or make use of says Chantelle Pearson Martine Sanderson, groups “It could also include some portion in euros, so the client backpacker accommodation of Travel2Reunion. Up manager for World Leisure unique natural experiences knows exactly what they are for overnighting. above, one can paraglide, Holidays. “It has so much in such as dinners in full view of spending. The same applies The activity can be helicopter flip and fly a terms of teambuilding and some of the many waterfalls for any offsite teambuilding supplemented with microlight. exploration and offers that that grace the hills and – it will be included in the ‘wow’ factor that our clients valleys, or experiences on overall package, making it are looking for.” water – kayaking, paragliding, easier for the group not to The island ticks many of paddle-boarding, or spend too much offsite.” the boxes for incentive travel waterskiing. There are some Thompsons’ John Ridler success. It’s a short flight great options for conferencing adds that eating at local away, has sophisticated too at some of the hotels.” restaurants is very affordable. infrastructure and variety in Martine points out that LUX* Resorts & Hotels sights and activities. That it while Réunion is not strong has two properties on is growing exponentially in on all-inclusive packages, as Réunion – the five-star incentive travel, according most hotel guests are offsite LUX* Saint Gilles and the to Atout France’s Hélène exploring during the day, three-star Hotel Le Recif, Bezuidenhoudt, is little packages are well priced but both with beach positions. surprise. often misconceived as pricey. Says the group’s Alexis “A perfect incentive should “In some cases, Réunion Bekker: “Being the only include an immersion into can come in cheaper than five-star beach resort on the culture and cuisine found Mauritius depending on the the island with conferencing Visitors can tunnel through the lava tubes of Piton de in some of the towns,” says time of year. On the average facilities, LUX* Saint Gilles la Fournaise. Hélène. “It should include five- and four-star packages is extremely popular. We some time in the air – on half board, including air have welcomed some blue- helicopters – getting a feel of plus taxes, land and transfers, chip SA companies over the Airline and tourist board all the delights of the island you are looking at around last few years.”  offer trade support IN LATE April, Air Austral, Johannesburg, Durban and the regional carrier that flies Cape Town. Our marketing Smile between Johannesburg and efforts are supported by Réunion, moved one of its the Réunion tourist bureau twice-weekly services from in Southern Africa [Atout all Wednesdays to Tuesdays. France]. Air Austral also has The airline operates on a resident country manager, Tuesdays and Sundays, with Lenel Vining, in South Africa an additional frequency on the who is very active with the Fridays during high-season trade.” periods, which this year are Isla says the airline offers from July 6-August 10 and excellent fares throughout stay. October 12-26 inclusive. the year, and tactical fares (There’s also a high season over low-season periods. in May, for future reference.) According to Hélène A B737-800NG with a two- Bezuidenhoudt of Atout class configuration is used France, which represents on the four-hour flight. Réunion Island as a Border Air is the local GSA department of France, for Air Austral. Sales and workshops, training, marketing manager, Isla educationals, marketing Moffett, says: “We have assistance and information a sales and reservations dissemination are support office in Johannesburg services offered to the and sales executives in trade.

All our hotels are in dreamlike settings, but if we can go the extra step, rest assured that Did you know? we have what it takes to surprise you, over and over again, so you’ll keep wondering what’s next?

Contact us on Travel2Reunion has over 35 different itineraries, and can tailor +27 11 770 7821 or [email protected] make more. A new morning beach excursion offered from St Gilles is geared for kids – young ones get to draw what they see underwater and then paint it. TNW8722SD

LUX_TravelNewsWeekly_Mar18.indd 1 5/18/18 2:22 PM QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday May 30 2018 n 9 CAR RENTAL With the availability of more transport options than ever, car-rental companies have to adapt or die. By Chana Boucher. The road ahead ORE car-sharing, Avis Southern Africa, says Martin Lydall, chief transport in Gauteng, but streamlined ride-hailing services have commercial officer of not other regions as yet. The Mreservations, check- had no measurable impact, SA, says although there company is at an advanced in/check-out processes and Melissa Nortje, executive are areas where car-rental stage with the development self-service models, are what head: strategy, development organisations and other of its car-sharing business international transportation & marketing at First Car transport services can be seen in international markets. experts predict for the car- Rental, says the biggest as competing companies, But, he says: “I believe it is rental industry over the next impact has been on one/ their service offering is still a long way off in South three to five years. same-day rentals. She says complementary. “We believe Africa due to lack of public The evolution of technology there’s yet to be a noticeable there will always be a space transport, culture of ownership has created an on-demand impact on rentals requiring to provide cost-effective short- as well as security and related environment, especially among multiple journeys over greater to medium-term transport issues.” younger travellers who are distances because the Uber solutions.” According to Martin, used to doing things on the equivalent is more costly than Tracy Teichmann, manager internationally, Europcar has go from their smartphone or renting a car. of Sure Adcocks Travel in Lance Smith made extensive investments tablet. “Interestingly though, Pietermaritzburg, says the in car sharing and ride hailing. Added to that, in the US availability of products biggest impact on car-rental Mixing it up “With car sharing, there are ride-sharing is becoming deemed safe, such as bookings came from the With more options, particularly some local challenges. In increasingly popular. Apps Uber Black and the quality Gautrain. “We had a lot in urban areas, many order for these services to be like (described as being of vehicles of Uber X, are more corporate Joburg car travellers take a multimodal effective, they need to operate ‘Airbnb for cars’) allow people often an issue. Uber drivers rentals before the Gautrain. A approach to getting around. in high density cities with an to rent a car from someone cancelling bookings due to combination of the Gautrain This entails a combination of effective and complementary in their vicinity, eliminating the proximity to destinations is and Uber is more convenient ride-hailing, public transport public transport system. There need to make a reservation another problem, from airports for our corporates flying into and possibly even vehicle is also a higher risk in SA due with a car-rental outlet. specifically,” she adds. OR Tambo for meetings in the rental. to the low level of insurance A report by travel and Wils Raubenheimer, ceo of Sandton area. A multi-faceted solution, in the market,” he says. expense report management Hertz Rent a Car Southern “They take the train and then says Lance, is not something Martin says Europcar’s core software company Certify, Africa and Car Rental taxi or Uber to the meeting. Avis is considering at this product offerings are car-rental found that in the US, South Africa, says: “We’re of They don’t have to worry about point. “But, our travel partners and transfer solutions, which Uber’s share of the ground the opinion that Uber has its finding and paying for parking,” are already offering this to are underpinned by a dynamic transportation market place in the mix, particularly in she adds. customers. We have our Avis and flexible home-grown continues to grow while car respect of customer demand However, George Corbett, Rental offering as well as operating system that is easy rental declined from 33% in for short-term, one-day rentals. operations executive at Avis Point 2 Point and Avis to integrate with other booking 2016 to 25% in 2017. We’ve seen some decline Bidvest Car Rental, says the Chauffeur Drive. If customers and reservation systems. If international trends are in areas like Gauteng, for traditional car-rental customer want to book a combination of “Further development to anything to go by, the South example, where Uber is filling base has maintained the these offerings it is definitely enhance these interfaces African car-rental industry is in this demand, but there’s been use of car rental but may possible.” and to enable integration for a shake-up. While Lance very limited impact on longer supplement this with Uber for Wils says Hertz is looking into multimodal systems is Smith, executive: sales at term rentals.” after-hours usage. into multimodal ground under way.”

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TNW FP 9 May 2018.indd 1 2018/05/09 08:59 How to book CAR RENTAL transfers on the GDS AMADEUS’S new transfer lets agents select an solution allows travel airport where a traveller agents to book transfers needs to be collected and for travellers locally and then input the destination, internationally within a date and time. Thereafter, single workflow, under a options are displayed side single PNR. by side and the agent can The solution is the first make the selection. of its kind in the South Once the agent clicks African market and was book, they input the client’s rolled out in April. details and flight number, Because the solution after which the provider is fully integrated within sends a confirmation. The the PNR, agents do not transfer providers also have to manually create track flights in case flights a new segment when are delayed. booking transfers. Instead, Andy Hedley, gm of the segment is created Amadeus Southern within the PNR and will be Africa, explains that the cancelled once it has been integration allows agents cancelled in the platform. to simplify their processes Within the Amadeus GDS and save time. He says screen, agents now have agents can book transfers Keeping up to speed a drop-down menu, where with confidence because COMPARED with many she’s rented a car, Michelle they can access transfers. the providers have already of the ground transport says she makes sure to take The point and click system been vetted. services on offer, car rental pictures of any damages or is considered by many to be paint chips before she gets the most cumbersome due in, to avoid any disputes on to paperwork, queues, credit return. card validation and so on. “Damage to rental vehicles But car-rental companies is a fact of life, often resulting SIGN UP AND RENT WITH are embracing technology to in long-winded claim and reduce the hassle. billing procedures that lead First Car Rental, for example, to customer disputes,” says offers corporates a Show&Go Hertz’s Wils Raubenheimer. & YOU COULD Corporate Checkout via their Working with a team of mobile phones at all major software and operations airports. Leisure travellers experts, Hertz developed a can make use of the Quick proprietary Vehicle Events Checkout technology to view, (VE) damage assessment app change and add features and to streamline the process. benefits to their rental before Damage to a vehicle is arriving at the branch. Martin Lydall assessed and charged out Says Melissa Nortje: “This immediately upon return with gives the renter total control of also emerging technologies, this technology. what they would like included both domestically and Tracy Teichmann of Sure with their rental before they internationally. We gain Adcocks Travel believes car- get to the counter, saving significant insight from sharing rental companies need to them time, and completing the ideas and projects with our make the pick-up process customer checkout process in international franchisor,” quicker for everyone. “I think half the time.” says Martin. some clients can be put off To remain relevant and Europcar’s Ready Service by long waiting times at the competitive, Lance Smith says counter offers re-loaded counter.” Avis is constantly enhancing customers an express check- Bidvest Car Rental, says the car-rental experience out process that requires no George Corbett, has looked through innovation and paperwork and comes with at ways to make the process technology. a service promise of keys in simpler and more efficient. “We have led innovation hand in under 30 seconds. “The introduction, for example, for many years in making car “We have platform agnostic of a keyless car-rental offering, rental easier for our customers Internet booking that SnappDrive, is a good example with our global preferred customers can access on of technology being utilised to STAND A CHANCE TO WIN service programme. any device at any time, make the customer experience “This service has been mobile apps, e-vouchers, seamless.” He says the pre- A NEW VW POLO VIVO significantly enhanced with the pre-checkout data collection qualification process and launch of our preferred loyalty via Ready-2-Go and a system registration are also examples TRIPS TO MAURITIUS, ZANZIBAR app, rental apps, in-store that records customer details of reducing hassle. OR A SEA CRUISE TO tablets for digital rental so that it is not necessary Martin highlights that agreement completion, Avis to recapture details on every autonomous (self-driving) cars Now for bypassing the rental rental check-out,” he adds. are another rapidly developing EVERYONE WINS WITH AVIS PREFERRED: SPEED OF SERVICE , FREE MEMBERSHIP, EXCLUSIVE kiosk, the ability to change Michelle Minnaar, technology that will materially ACCESS TO OUR NEWEST CARS, FREE UPGRADES your allocated vehicle on your manager at Harvey World change the vehicle market and & FREE WEEKEND RENTALS. phone and open that vehicle Travel Plettenberg Bay, says related industries. with your phone.” she has noticed that fewer “This will be relatively RENT BETWEEN 1 JUNE - 31 JULY 2018 Europcar’s Martin Lydall says people are hiring cars, opting short in developed countries EXISTING AVIS PREFERRED MEMBERS WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY due to more competitors in instead for alternatives that where extensive experiments ENTERED INTO THE COMPETITION. the market, Europcar ensures offer cost savings and more are already under way. the ease of booking and convenience. In developing countries, renting, price points and value “To hire a car, you have to however, items such as road Visit avis.co.za propositions remain attractive have a credit card. What about conditions, road markings T’s & C’s apply to customers. “We not only those who don’t own one? And and lawlessness are less pay attention to existing then you worry about being favourable, and will pose some competitive solutions but charged for damage.” When challenges,” he says. TNW8713SD

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Some prefer aggregators Tracy Teichmann of Sure Adcocks “It’s easier getting a car and not Travel, says car-rental companies having to call individual car-hire who give clients more options for companies during peak periods. booking a car (through an app, for The rates and inclusions, especially example) take business away from unlimited mileage, are a huge plus travel agents in the same way that point as well,” she says. booking flights online has. “We don’t Michelle Minnaar of Harvey World want our clients steered away from Travel Plettenberg Bay, also uses us for the sake of convenience. We brokers, saying it is more convenient need to maintain our place as ‘their for her and her clients as everything convenience’.” is prepaid. Yumna Kharodia, md of Sweet Life An added bonus for agents, she Travel in Pretoria, says she prefers to says, is that agents earn more book rental cars with an aggregator commission since they earn on such as Car Hire Bookers. insurance as well as the rental.

Paying the price PRODUCT NEWS THIS year has seen a VAT increase Rental South Africa, hopes there and a rising fuel price, which makes will be price increases ahead for purchasing and operating cars more car rental but believes it is unlikely. Tech investment expensive. What can we expect “The car-rental environment is Hertz and Firefly (Hertz’s low-cost car- The app’s primary services prices in the car rental industry to extremely competitive, making it rental brand) are constantly looking include roadside, medical and legal do? difficult to adjust or increase rates,” to use technology to streamline assistance. Avis’s Lance Smith says these he explains. He agrees that the VAT processes and offer added benefits. There are also plans in place for factors will lead to a rise in the and fuel price increases will impact A nominally priced, add-on option Hertz to go entirely paperless in the price of car rental, which will impact the whole industry, adding that to the rental agreement, the Mobile near future. Soon, all documentation the industry as a whole. Martin there has already been a decline Assist App, was launched in May. will be online. Lydall of Europcar SA, explains: in volumes compared with previous “The cost increases are real and years. the industry will have to recover Karen Schwartz, international sales manager of Hertz Rent a “The consumer is very Car and Firefly Car Rental, says price, followed by convenience, price sensitive and price plays the most important role does play a big role in the in car rental decisions. “With decision-making.” respect to rewards, the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards programme is a some of these increases via price bonus, with features and benefits increases. We remain focused on that do contribute to the overall our own cost efficiencies so that we convenience factor.” are able to offer very competitive Bidvest Car Rental’s George pricing.” Corbett says the VAT increase has Further, he says increased prices resulted in inclusive rates being result in fewer people being able to adjusted accordingly, but adds that afford car rental, in which case they fuel remains a direct customer will seek alternatives and reduce usage cost and, as such, does not Europcar now offers a minor damage waiver. usage. “We have already seen this affect the actual customer rate. in the form of a softening market “The consumer is very price Minor damage in the first quarter and a significant sensitive and price does play a big shortening of rental length,” says role in the decision-making, whilst it Europcar has introduced a minor The waiver gives your clients peace Martin. is important that the service offering damage waiver to help reduce the of mind when driving in unfamiliar Wils Raubenheimer of Hertz Rent and rental experience are of the costs related to and time spent on destinations, covering their liability a Car Southern Africa and Firefly Car highest standard as a differentiator.” minor damage to rental vehicles. for the first R2 500 (excl. VAT). 

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14 n Wednesday May 30 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.

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QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday May 30 2018 n 15 Clifford Ross to step down From page 1 as ceo on July 1, by hotel and hospitality industry, Andrew Widegger, who has championing issues facing been the group’s financial the sector,” says Federated director since 1994. A new Hospitality Association of position has also been created Southern Africa ceo, Tshifhiwa in the group, that of chief Tshivhengwa, describing operating officer. This will be Clifford as a true captain of filled by Lindiwe Sangweni- industry. “We are sad to see Siddo, who joined the group him go.” as a divisional director: of Clifford will be succeeded operations in 2015.  1493_BRYTE Travel ADs (Discover everything) Various sizes (FA).pdf 1 5/10/18 3:49 PM

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M of up to 30% on summer pricing, with Trafalgar rates starting from R1 272 per day Approach risk with purpose. and CostSaver pricing from R1 000 per day. Painting a world of colour are Esmari Y Leibbrandt (left), sales manager Pretoria, and Puleng Putu, area sales manager The unknown is filled with the Johannesburg, from The Travel Corporation. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl CM excitement of uncovering new destinations and undiscovered MY adventures. That is why Bryte wants to give you the confidence to explore CY the unexpected with complete serenity. Michelle to steer FCTG’s CMY Contact your Regional Travel Insurance Sales Consultant or our K call centre at retail brands [email protected] or 0860 737 775 for more information on Bryte Travel Insurance. Candice May culture fit for Flight experience. “I am

brytesa.com Centre and that looking forward Bryte Insurance is an Authorised Fnancial LIGHT Centre Travel she has exceeded to leveraging Services Provider No. 17703 * Subject to Policy Terms and Conditions. Group (FCTG) South all expectations my particular F Africa has appointed over the past year. passion for people Michelle Bergset as general “What makes development as TNW8707SD manager – Retail Travel Michelle so well as driving Brands. successful is that new business Michelle joined FCTG last she understands opportunity and year July as area leader – not only what team management brought to you by eTNW and TRAVELINFO Transformers (FCTG’s 15 customers want, for the benefit of retail groups in the southern but also what FCTG and the brought to you by eTNW and TRAVELINFO suburbs of Cape Town) after the consultant Michelle Bergset entire travel 17 years at Pentravel, where needs to thrive and build industry,” she added. she began her career as a successful business. In In her new position, a travel consultant, rising her new role, Michelle is Michelle replaces Marieke to shop manager, national determined to draw on her Tucker, who will be trainer, Cape regional many years’ experience redeployed to Flight Centre manager, and national sales to usher Flight Centre into Australia to advance her Risky or not? manager. an era of even greater career after 14 years with Would you create itineraries just for visa purposes? Andrew Stark, md – MEA success.” the South African company. of Flight Centre Travel Michelle told TNW that the Commenting on Marieke’s  No, there are too many risks involved Group, says Michelle will be opportunity to drive FCTG’s departure, Andrew says:  Yes, but charge a service fee responsible for Flight Centre retail brands was a natural “She will be sorely missed,  Yes, free of charge and Cruiseabout brands, progression for her, having but I am delighted to see driving growth in the South managed a team of regional her follow her dream to work  No, it is a waste of time African leisure market. He managers and trainers in in an overseas Flight Centre 38% says Michelle is a great her 18 years of retail travel country.”  30% 26% Qantas debuts new distribution platform

Candice May and that GDSs connected to and services at the point of the QDP will also be able to sale; build and distribute new QANTAS has unveiled the deliver the benefits through merchandising offers that 6% Qantas Distribution Platform the GDS systems. “Travel leverage rich data; and create (QDP), a new technology agents have options to access a more personalised customer platform that it says will the content available via the experience overall. eTravel is the ITC market leader in South Africa and assists senior Travel enable travel agents to QDP by connecting directly to Over time, Michi says Consultants and Travel business owners to realise their dreams. If you have eTravel is the ITC market leader in South Africa and assists senior Travel provide customers with the QDP or via an approved Qantas will be working ever dreamt of owning your own travel business or would like to cut costs a more personalised trade partner, including to deliver new, dynamic byConsultants doing away and with Travel your business IATA license owners and to realiseimprove their your dreams. current If youbusiness have efficienciesever dreamt ofthen owning you shouldyour own call travel eTravel. business We run or thewould back like office to cut forcosts over experience. GDSs.” Michi says Qantas is functionality and content. 200by doing Independent away with Travel your Companies IATA license and and specialise improve your current business “The fares and availability in discussions with several There is currently no inefficiencies making your then travel you business should acall success eTravel. by offeringWe run the back office for over currently accessed by travel partners and will continue to commercial incentive for the200 bestIndependent commissions, Travel overrides Companies & a comprehensiveand specialise in making your travel business a success by offering agents via a GDS will be the update the list of approved transactions booked via support structure. If you have a client base, 5 years same as that available on the partners via the QDP website. the QDP. travelthe best consultant commissions, experience overrides or &already a comprehensive own your ownsupport business structure. but wantIf you to have make a clientmore, base, then contact5 years QDP,” says Michi Messner, According to Michi, the most Travelport also announced us!travel You’ll consultant be amazed experience at how easy or alreadyit is! own your regional manager – Africa of compelling benefits of the on May 23 that it had signed own business but want to make more, then contact Qantas. QDP are that it will enable a multiyear agreement us!Contact You’ll Tammy be amazed on 0861eTrave1 at how easy it is! or [email protected] Michi says the QDP is not Qantas to communicate richer with Qantas that included Contact Tammy on 0861eTrave1 designed to replace the GDS information about its products distribution of QDP.  TNW7136or [email protected]

16TNW7136 n Wednesday May 30 2018 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS