SEPTEMBER 2014

Super- girl Fikile Nkala is on a quest to streamline Super Group’s travel commodity

 Ebola outbreak – tighten up your duty of care  Premium economy: is it worth it?  Low-cost carriers enter long-haul market  How to liven up your year-end: 5 budget-friendly ways TB1769SD Contents Comment: A new chapter T can be a cliché to say that during industry events and new COVER all good things come to members including those from an end but in this case it is new regions slowly joined the This month we profile Super Group, a global logistics true in the sense that this ranks and stood up to have their and mobility group. Looking after the group’s travellers is Iis my last issue of Travel Buyer, voices heard too. Fikile Nkala from the Group Procurement division. as I move on to work on new It really has been an honour to Cover photograph by Shannon Van Zyl. projects. I have been with the have been part of the industry’s publication for many years yet development for so long and so News 2 it seems like yesterday that we it is with a great sense of pride • MasterCard launches digital payment first in SA were excitedly setting the that I leave you, our readers, • Ebola – SA issues travel advisory wheels in motion for the launch advertisers, friends and industry • Save the dates: GBTA and ABTA of a new specialist business colleagues in the capable hands travel publication aimed at of Natasha Tippel who will the corporate travel manager, continue as editor, supported News 4 a newly and loosely defined by Debbie Badham who has • Duty of care during the Ebola outbreak role within corporations at been promoted to assistant the time. editor. They will take Travel Buyer We have grown with the forward on the next phase of its Q&A 6 sector, sharing its successes journey with you. • The Super Group story and hardships, watching with There is never enough space interest while trying to facilitate for the words I want to write, so I the empowerment of travel will keep it simple. Meet 8 buyers within our industry. I Thank you, thank you, thank • Plan greener meetings and events have loved hearing your stories you. • The good, the bad and the unusual Everything of the very best, and it has been a privilege to • Budget-friendly ways to liven up your year-end share them with readers as our always. • Sweetening the deal community grew. I have watched with fascination as debates KIM COCHRANE became more sophisticated ([email protected]) On the radar - LCCs 13 Low-cost carriers enter long-haul market Publisher’s note KIM Cochrane has been associated with Travel Buyer since its first On the radar - Premium classes 16 edition 13 years ago, when it was launched as Business Travel Now. As Premium economy: is it worth it? consulting editor, she has guided and grown the publication, with an unswerving focus on South African corporate travel buyers, making Travel Buyer a monthly ‘must read’ for those responsible for managing On the radar - Rail travel 20 significant corporate travel expenditure. Full steam ahead

Kim’s vision, expertise and exceptional work ethic will be missed. We thank her for her commitment, for setting the bar high for a professional publication and wish her everything of the best in her Deal detective 24 future endeavours. – David Marsh Travelinfo’s latest top travel deals

PUBLISHER Kate Nathan GROUP PUBLISHER David Marsh EDITOR Natasha Tippel Brought to you by Now Media, Travel Buyer + Meet is a CONSULTING EDITOR Kim Cochrane Editorial ASSISTANT Debbie Badham Editorial CONTRIBUTORS Linda van der Pol, Dorine Reinstein, Michelle Colman, Liesl Venter DESIGN professional travel publication aimed at South African & LAYOUT Tanya Bosch PHOTOGRAPHER Shannon Van Zyl SALES [email protected] travel procurement decision-makers in travel-buying ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATOR Courtney Canham SUBSCRIPTIONS [email protected] companies. This publication aims to reflect an unbiased ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RSA R295.00 (Free to target readership only), African R680.00, perspective of the corporate travel industry offering International R890.00 PRINTED BY Juka Printing (Pty) Ltd PUBLISHED BY Travel & Trade insight and tools encouraging readers to manage their Publishing (Pty) Ltd, Now Media Centre, 32 Fricker Rd, Illovo Boulevard, Illovo, Johannesburg, travel spend better. Travel Buyer is the media partner of PO Box 55251, Northlands, 2116, South Africa. Tel: +27 11 327 4062, Fax: +27 11 327 4094, ABTA, ACTE and the GBTA e-mail: [email protected], web: www.travelbuyer.co.za

TB1829SD September 2014 • TRAVEL BUYER 1 News

MasterCard launches digital payment first in SA

ASTERCARD has payments without the repeated launched its digital hassle of entering these details wallet services – each time. MasterPass – in South SAA is among the first Africa,M the first market in Africa merchants to accept MasterPass and the Middle East to receive as a payment method at the technology. Launched in checkout. tippel 2013, MasterPass is available in For retailers, MasterPass h a natas nine other countries – the US, UK, provides a more secure, faster : Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and easier way to check out P ic Italy, Singapore, China and customers. Celebrating the launch of MasterPass are (from left): Mark Hearne Poland. “Check-out happens with (MasterCard South Africa), Kim Thipe (SAA) and Andrew Wilmot Digital wallets accessible just a few clicks or taps (Standard Bank). through the MasterPass network whether at home, in a taxi, allow consumers to store all their at work or at a supermarket, MasterCard or other branded so merchants can look MasterCard South Africa’s head bank to offer a digital wallet credit, debit or cheque card forward to fewer customers of business development. As powered by MasterPass information, and shipping and abandoning their shopping carts, MasterPass evolves, it will also via the free Standard Bank billing address details securely which, according to research, enable in-app and in-store MasterPass app, which anyone in one place. This gives them affects over 67% of online purchases. can use even non-Standard the ability to make secure online purchases,” says Mark Hearne, Standard Bank is the first local Bank cardholders.

Ebola – SA issues travel advisory, airlines cancel flights No more he South African affected areas in West Africa. Africa but had stepped up temporary passports Department of Health Most recently, Kenya Airways measures to protect has issued a travel suspended commercial flights its passengers, crew and he Department of Home advisory against all to Liberia and Sierra Leone. ground staff against the Affairs will no longer issue butT essential travel to Liberia, The airline will continue Ebola virus. temporary passports from Guinea or Sierra Leone. At operating all its scheduled Staff will be on the lookout September 1. TA circular from the DHA states the time of going to print flights to Nigeria and Ghana, for passengers who have the Department released however, Kenya Airways’ specific and visible symptoms that SA citizens have been refused a statement saying: “South ceo, Titus Naikuni, said associated with the virus. entry into a number of countries Africans are not restricted from he reserved the right to Passenger interviews and when travelling on temporary travelling to these countries, cancel flights to any other tests will follow, conducted passports. “Temporary passports however all returning travellers destination should the by the health authorities. In have been abused for corruption from these countries will be situation warrant it. the event that there is any purposes, which puts South Africa subjected to rigorous screening Earlier in August, Asky, doubt regarding the medical at risk of its travel documents and medical assessments Arik Air, and British Airways condition of any suspected being unreliable.” before being allowed entry into suspended flights to Liberia passenger, SAA may deny the Only an Emergency Travel the country.” and Sierra Leone. Emirates passenger boarding. Certificate (ETC) will be issued to an applicant under circumstances Meanwhile, various airlines suspended flights to Guinea. g For more on the Ebola story, have cancelled flights to Ebola- SAA continued to fly to West see page 4. of emergency travel purposes.

TB1826SD 2 September 2014 • TRAVEL BUYER Kenya rethinks visas for SA travellers Save these dates: GBTA and HE Kenyan High are negotiating, hence a pause Commission has as we await feedback from the ABTA conferences suspended visa negotiations.” requirements for South In June it was announced OR the first time, the inaugural ABTA Africa Business TAfrican nationals – for now. that SA passport holders Global Business Travel Travel Conference. The Deputy High would, from September 1, Association (GBTA) The conference takes place Commissioner for Kenya need to acquire a visa before Southern Africa annual from November 2-4, 2014 at in South Africa, Helen travelling to Kenya; in a tit-for- conferenceF will be held in the the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel. Gichuhi, told Travel Buyer the tat move as a reaction to the greater Sandton area. Over 200 delegates from suspension of the visas could new immigration laws in South The 2014 conference will be across Africa and the globe are just be a temporary reprieve. Africa. The decision has been held at the Bryanston Country expected to attend. “The Kenyan government and heavily criticised by tourism Club, Johannesburg, from The theme is Education- the South African government and travel stakeholders. October 15-16. Strategy-Power. The event The venue had been chosen will have a corporate travel to enable travel buyers to education and networking minimise time away from the focus where delegates will Australia launches online visa applications office, while maximising the experience a host of highly benefits from attending the pertinent sessions pertaining OUTH African passport three months, although this can event, the GBTA SA said. to managing business travel holders can now apply be extended on request. The conference will have in Africa and will finally have online for Australian Access the online portal at the theme ‘Designing Business the chance to meet and Visitor Visas. www.immi.gov.au under ‘Online SVisitor Visas apply to holidays, Services’. The service will be Travel’. interact with industry peers Meanwhile, the African across our continent and the family visits and business visits available 24 hours a day, seven Business Travel Association globe, says ABTA founder that do not involve work in days a week. Applicants will also has opened registration for its Monique Swart. Australia. be able to check the status of They are generally valid for their application. g

TB1834SD September 2014 • TRAVEL BUYER 3 News

The importance of an effective and seamless duty of care programme has once again become apparent as the Ebola Duty of care during the virus continues to spread throughout Western Africa, writes Ebola outbreak Dorine Reinstein.

HE World Health He says we can expect to Uriah Jansen, md of Oojah Organisation and IATA see increasing numbers of Travel Protection, explains it have assured corporate corporations banning or limiting is only possible to evacuate travellers around the non-essential travel for the travellers within legally worldT that business travel to duration of the outbreak and permitted parameters and affected areas can continue beyond. “Medical evacuation the traveller needs to receive uninterrupted, as the risk of would be considered vital for a ‘fit to fly’ from a local contracting the disease while expats, and corporations should doctor. We cannot force an travelling is extremely low. have medical ‘extraction’ plans in airline to allow commercial What your travellers Yet despite these assurances, place for any infected person.” evacuation and that we are should know numerous multinational limited by each government’s companies with employees policy on whether they will 1. Access to medical facilities based in the region have started People just don’t allow someone to leave/enter Travellers should ensure restricting travel to affected their country.” they have access to areas, while others have want to travel but this Dr Katie Geary, medical medical facilities when requested evacuations. Nestle, director at International needs to be correlated travelling. The option to for example, has restricted all SOS, adds there is almost come home to be treated corporate travel to Guinea, with the practical no reliable access to medical might not be possible. Liberia, and Sierra Leone unless it care available in countries realities of keeping 2. Avoid crowded areas is an ‘absolute necessity’. such as Liberia. “Many medical Travellers should avoid Chris Pouney, director of highly lucrative facilities have either closed crowded areas as well business travel for UK-based facilities functioning. or are over capacity. They Severnside Consulting Ltd, are severely limited in their as dense public transport options. says most companies have Rachael Penaluna, business capability and do not have 3. Keep hands clean travel bans in place to affected manager of Sure Maritime stringent infection control. Travellers should wash countries. “Energy companies Travel in Port Elizabeth, says Less-serious illnesses may hands frequently and wear are scaling back hugely on the most companies are struggling become life threatening.” gloves during preparation numbers of foreign workers. to ensure duty of care for their WHO has issued of food. They should also People just don’t want to travel travellers. She says the Ebola comprehensive guidelines for avoid shaking hands with but this needs to be correlated outbreak could last months more effective exit screening at with the practical realities of and companies with interests in airports and border crossings. people. keeping highly lucrative facilities those countries will have to send “This means business travellers 4. Be aware of your own functioning.” representatives at some point. must be absolutely certain health He says companies also need She adds, however, that it is they are fit and well to travel. If Travellers should be aware to consider the risk and fear almost impossible for companies they are displaying symptoms of their own state of of infection from travellers to ensure travellers’ safety. of any kind of fever, they may health. If they already have returning back from infected “They can only advise on how automatically be considered as a flu or a cold, they may be areas. “As discovered through to avoid certain situations, food possible case of Ebola subject to running a temperature the swine flu outbreak of 2009, and to read the material that is any quarantine procedures.” and be stopped at the despite the WHO advice saying offered and become familiar with There is no need for airport. that it was fine, other workers symptoms etc.,” she says. companies to become swept up 5. Use a travel agent were uncomfortable if their in unnecessary mass hysteria, Reputable contacts, colleagues had just returned says Monique Swart, founder drivers, meeting hosts from a holiday in Mexico and Limited facilities of ABTA. “Many companies are should be able to guide came straight into the office.” limiting ‘unnecessary’ travel visitors and give them Jim Weighell, director of Although travel insurance will into affected regions, but for local advice should they operations in South Africa for provide cover for corporate the most part, business trips be uncomfortable. Travel GBTA, says at least one US-based travellers for medical of high importance are going agents can give clients company has already issued a emergencies in affected areas ahead as planned with informed the correct information travel ban notice for Guinea, as long as the WHO and Foreign companies understanding at source and help them Liberia and Sierra Leone, along Commonwealth Organisation that the threat of travellers establish reputable with a travel restriction for (FCO) don’t issue travel warnings, contracting the disease is highly contacts through Nigeria, requiring travellers to expatriation and medical care unlikely and cannot be used to embassies, hotels, etc. clear the trip with senior execs. could still be a problem. impede business.”

4 September 2014 • TRAVEL BUYER What you should know Q: What is Ebola? Q: What are the  Do not go to hospitals, as they has never been tested in humans may be treating patients with and is highly experimental. A: Ebola is a viral haemorrhagic symptoms? Ebola. fever (VHF). “Haemorrhagic” A: Usually, the person suddenly  Do not handle animals, Q: Previous outbreaks means these diseases can involve feels weak, with a fever, muscle/ even if they seem healthy. bleeding. joint pain, headache and sore  Ensure all meat is cooked A: The first known Ebola throat. Vomiting, diarrhoea, rash well. outbreak occurred in the Q: How is it spread? and abdominal pain follow in Democratic Republic of Congo Not through the air. most cases. Some people may Q: Treatment (formerly Zaire) in 1976. There is no data on whether develop redness of eyes and There have been at least ten the virus can be spread to others hiccups. A: There is no treatment or outbreaks since then, all in via sweat. People who have Organ failure and bleeding cure for Ebola. Sick people African countries. Outbreaks gotten Ebola from other people (both internally and externally) are given supportive therapy, have occurred in Congo, the have probably had exposure to occur in some people. These lead which are treatments that Democratic Republic of Congo, several body fluids from the sick to death. About 50% to 90% of help make them more Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, South person, in addition to sweat. cases are fatal. comfortable but do not cure Sudan, Uganda, and now Guinea, Ebola is not a food- nor a their illness. Liberia and Sierra Leone. water-borne illness. Q: How can I avoid Individuals who are not the virus? Q: Is there a cure? Q: Putting it in symptomatic are not contagious. perspective In order for the virus to be  Stay away from sick people. Do A: There is currently no transmitted, an individual would not touch their bodily fluids or cure for Ebola virus. An A: Since the Ebola outbreak have to have direct contact with objects contaminated with experimental medication began in February, around an individual who is experiencing their fluids. called ZMapp was administered 300 000 people have died from symptoms.  Pay strict attention to hygiene. to two Ebola patients in the malaria, while tuberculosis has Wash your hands often. United States in early August. likely claimed over 600 000 Q: How is it diagnosed? Waterless alcohol-based hand One of them seemed to lives. g rub can be used if soap is not dramatically improve after Source: SOS International and Centers A: Through blood tests. available. receiving it. This medication for Disease Control and Prevention

GBTA Southern Africa Conference 2014 - Bryanston Country Club - October 15&16

CONFERENCE THEME - DESIGNING BUSINESS TRAVEL

THE Conference for Southern African Travel *Global perspective Buyers. Join the business travel community in Southern Africa at this event to network *Excellent networking with your peers, learn from industry experts and explore new products and services on *Build connections the exposition floor. This event is an ideal *High-calibre learning opportunity to share best practices and bring innovation to your travel program or travel *Exchange knowledge with GBTA offerings. members and travel professional

Some topics will be:

 Managing your Suppliers  Managing your people – moving away from Travel  Managing your Programme Management and moving toward Traveller Management  Managing Future Opportunities

Register: http://www.formdesk.com/itmsa/form3 Website: http://www.gbta.org/africa/SouthAfrica/Conference/Pages/default.aspx

TB1843SD September 2014 • TRAVEL BUYER 5 Q&A

Super travel Super Group is a global logistics and mobility group with a head office in Johannesburg as well as operations in Australia, New Zealand and the UK in addition to a strong footprint in Africa. And looking after logistics and mobility for the group’s travellers is Fikile Nkala from the Group Procurement division. She spoke with Kim Cochrane.

Q: I see you brought an Q: How does the travel energy drink with you... process work currently? n Z yl a n A: Yes! It is hectic A: We use TravelLinck for here at the moment. Super domestic travel bookings, the

Group Procurement recently approval process and to facilitate V Sh a nnon : merged with Super Group IT and an automated process from P ic a new group procurement portal pre-booking right through to Born and bred – and still living – in the only place she calls home, in or intranet will be launched to expense management. For Daveyton on the East Rand, Fikile Nkala (left) loves spending her free improve the travel system. international and regional travel, time socialising with family and friends. She is photographed here we partner with Claudia’s Travel. with Super Group executive personal assistant and travel booker, Q: What will this mean for Three quotes are provided by Angelique Stuart. the TMC: the lowest airfare for your travellers? a direct flight, the lowest airfare A: Changes to internal with one connection (under such as telecommunications. processes include a revised four hours) and the lowest The procurement division Q: What are your travel booking and approval airfare for the day (maximum expanded and travel became responsibilities now? process for both domestic and two connections). Should an more of a challenge, particularly international reservations. Travel airfare higher than the cheaper as management had decided A: The travel buck stops with procurement will have its own logical fare be chosen, additional to move to an online booking me. I manage and consolidate intranet page where travellers approval is required as per group solution for domestic travel. group travel across all divisions. will be able to find information travel policy and at the discretion That was my first encounter with Each division – there are about as well as obtain a quote and an of the divisional managing corporate travel management. 20 divisions in the group – has approval form. director. I was therefore the first to test its own travel booker. All queries We don’t have too many The travel-booking solution TravelLinck and to benefit from and issues are sent to me as I am major challenges in travel has changed the traditional way the training offered. I then had to the mediator between supplier procurement. Things run of managing corporate travel recommend it to the business in and travel booker if problems are smoothly and I hope they will and expense management terms of how it would work and encountered. run even smoother following in the organisation. I see improve travel. I also manage the executive this merger with IT. I now report this technology as being a bookings for the Super Group in to procurement and IT; solution for the future of travel Q: What did you like most head office and I strive to keep procurement management is senior staff members satisfied management in Super Group as about the system? now IT management. My boss it provides real-time booking of at all times. I aim to ensure is the chief information officer, flights, accommodation (hotels A: At the time, I only managed excellent service delivery from Adrian Lewis, who represents and B&Bs) and car hire as well as travel for the head office but my service providers. This is what travel at an executive level. real-time reporting. now after six years, I oversee gives me sleepless nights but travel for the whole group. All I keeping these travellers happy Q: There must be Q: When did you take on know and understand I learned is my greatest achievement as challenges that keep from managers who mentored head office executive travel the travel portfolio? me on travel booking, supplier booker. It makes me whole in you on your toes? A: My previous working negotiation and procurement, my heart and helps me perform A: Super Group is represented experience never involved travel among other topics. even better. It is a pleasure to by a diverse range of cultural as I worked in the safety and What I like so much about ensure that management’s travel groups. My biggest challenge security sector (SAPS) for seven TravelLinck is that it was so goes 110% well and then to be has been to learn all their years doing clerical work. There easy to use and adapt to. With complimented after a traveller requirements and meet those were no real challenges for me the training I received – and has had a fabulous travel within the most cost-effective there. I needed more and I found working within the group’s experience. way. There are not different it when I came to Super Group existing travel policy, I could train I reconcile all American Express travel policies but there are in 2008. bookers; we understood it well. statements and supplier invoices exceptions to the rule for our I started off in procurement by We subsequently have 100% each month to ensure that Super travel policy. managing smaller commodities compliance on the system. Group business units are billed

6 September 2014 • TRAVEL BUYER Streamlining the travel commodity correctly. It is my responsibility providers who have a common to ensure prompt payment of objective to achieve cost savings. suppliers and to ensure that the When I first took on travel, my HE Super Group IT The various divisions have group American Express control goal was to develop Group Travel department is working implemented workflows to account is paid on time to avoid into a world-class procurement closely with TravelLinck suit business units. “Some added cost. While meetings, travel offering and the one-stop- to design the most send all requests to central incentives, conferencing and shop service provider for Super streamlinedT solution for procurement to process using events (MICE) are not part of Group travellers. the travel commodity, TravelLinck, whilst others my portfolio, I do reconcile the To help myself develop I have advises Marcelle Ross, who manage all their own travel MICE spend if it goes through our acquired further academic skills heads up TravelLinck’s using the system.” lodge card. and achieved a Purchasing client-facing support and Since travel arrangements I facilitate all the Management Diploma at Varsity business development. can be unpredictable, accommodation payments College Sandton in 2013. I am “We are considering various TravelLinck’s capability to inhouse directly instead of using currently studying towards direct integrations to either readily allow changes to bill-backs or the TMC to help, obtaining a Procurement and the new procurement portal or existing bookings without which saves on spend. Supply Diploma with the Charted the intranet to allow for ‘single having to start the entire Included in my travel Institute of Purchasing and sign-on’ capability.” booking process from scratch management responsibilities Supply (CIPS) and I am a member How it works presently at has assisted Super Group with is the reporting I analyse each of the Institute. In this way, I have Super Group, she says, is that process efficiencies. month for management: gained in-depth knowledge of bookers request travel via a She says the billing process reporting on ethical practice, procurement ethics, principles, re-branded TravelLinck portal. is tailored for Super Group irregularities of travel booking, procedures and processes and group high spenders, “Real-time quotes are selected to meet the requirement for have a better understanding per service category and sent monthly invoices to be sent misspending and on savings of supplier management, for approval via SMS or e-mail. to 20 divisions. “No duplicate incurred by Group Procurement. relationships, negotiating, The travel policy is embedded billings are experienced contracting, business context as within the system and has since we only charge per well as needs and sourcing. Q: How controllable is assisted in terms of meeting service (flight) regardless travel spend within the savings goals.” of how many sectors or organisation? Q: I can understand the She adds that each division changes etc. There is also A: Spend is controllable and energy drink... has access to its own real-time the facility to capture/attach we’ve seen savings of about A: I start studying from 21h00 dashboard that depicts the expense claims to each 20%-30% on travel spend since when it is quiet and my husband spend per day, percentage travel order, enabling the I joined and we moved on to and three daughters have gone of savings achieved, number client to calculate the total TravelLinck. to bed! of travellers on the same cost of travel and store the In terms of a break-down, flight etc. slips in a secure place.” about 65% of our travellers Q: Do you have any time left travel to Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, with about to travel yourself? 20% going into regional African A: I never dreamt that one day Shifting gear to go global countries. Of international spend, I would be managing a travel 15% visit Australia, the UK and programme. The first time I TRAVELLINCK’S pioneer, Dr Mauritius. travelled was last year when one Rod Ross (pictured), recently of the hotels invited me to a site spearheaded the recruitment Q: What has been an inspection in Cape Town. It was of a bigger outsourced eye-opener over the my first time in an aircraft. I had development team to assist the time of my life! with rapidly accelerating years regarding travel? And that is the excitement of projects to deliver immediate A: I’ve found it most interesting doing travel. Day by day I get client value. to interact with travel service more excited. “With this additional capacity, our clients can expect more efficient integration work, Remember... better support for our current system as well as new ways to head of product development, g Adapt to change, new right policies and meet existing needs and plan to focus on taking the travel products, innovation procedures. for future needs in a global current solution to the next and technology. g Always treat internal and context. The team is busy with level. This strategic business g Source reliable, responsible, external stakeholders as a host of new solutions, some change has led to Tim Straw, capable and preferred ‘King’, as these people are client-specific and others executive chairman, moving suppliers in the supply make the travel world are first to market and will into management of daily market. go around. Without them benefit the entire industry.” operational responsibilities g Have smart travel there is no travel. As a result, Dr Ross has to allow Dr Ross to focus on procurement with the g Senior buy-in is essential. shifted his focus from ceo to technologies. g

September 2014 • TRAVEL BUYER 7 Each month in our dedicated meetings and events pages, Travel Buyer brings you highlights from Meet, our publication for local corporate and government meetings managers. Meet is available monthly at www.meetmag.co.za as a fully interactive Digi-Mag, viewable on PCs, iPads and Android devices. Plan greener meetings and events

The meetings and events industry is becoming more conscious of sustainability issues. Monique van der Zon, sustainability consultant, offers insights into how PCOs can start taking steps to organise more sustainable events.

GROWING number of can reach a high level of possible. This could include If most of your delegates are professional conference sustainability when first-time selecting seasonal, local, attending from out of town, organisers are conscious measures are implemented. Yet healthier menus, or even local you may need to rethink the of concerns surrounding most large events – whether arts and crafts as gifts for destination and venue for the Asustainability in the event they are conferences, exhibitions, delegates and guest speakers. following year. Also look at industry. Many are, however, sporting events or music festivals Choose your suppliers and factors such as accessibility to the unfamiliar with the practices – can take up to two or three service providers wisely and event, access to public transport they can easily implement times to be considered a green avoid imported items and and possible car-sharing to before, during and after a specific event. products. reduce emissions. event to reduce its negative The first time you attempt effects. Events have enormous a sustainable event you will 3. Waste: Minimise waste 7. Biodiversity: Try to impacts on the environment but probably come across some wherever possible. If you can avoid fresh-cut flowers sustainability is not only about issues. It is important to take avoid fresh-cut flowers, buffet wherever possible by looking the environment; it involves note and learn from them. meals, printed collateral and at indigenous potted plants social issues as well. Involving eco-event consultants marketing materials, then do. instead and always ensure that is always a good idea, as they no threatened or endangered species are on display or on Overcoming the will be able to assist you in the 4. Water: Venue selection is the menu. With regard to this, planning phase and also provide always important with regard client barrier take special note of the seafood recommendations. to water conservation. Select available by visiting the Southern Unfortunately, while organisers Remember, it is important venues that have water-saving African Sustainable Seafood are keen to host a sustainable to say that your event is ‘going procedures, technologies and Initiative website. If there are event, there seems to be an green’ or that you ‘aim to host practices. If you are not sure any generators on site or display enormous barrier as clients a sustainable event’ instead of what to look for, ask them about vehicles, they need to have often see it as a pricey exercise. declaring that an event is ‘green’ their laundry procedures (for drip-trays underneath to avoid Although some of the green or ‘sustainable’. It is not possible tablecloths and linen) as well as oil spills. products that are available to measure whether an event is their water-saving technologies are more expensive than their sustainable until after the event, such as dual-flush toilets, tap non environmentally friendly when all the data has been aerators, low-flow showerheads, 8. Social: Looking after the counterparts, we are starting collected. and water-wise gardens and local community before, to see a shift in demand and irrigation. Always avoid bottled during and after the event is therefore a shift in prices. Eight focus points for water wherever possible. an important part of leaving a The ‘price barrier’ is also a your next event positive legacy. You can do this misconception – there are a 5. Energy: Select a venue by donating leftover delegate number of changes we can make that has an energy efficiency bags or potted plants and in the industry without paying 1. Planning: Sustainability policy in place and ask them planting trees in the area. The more. A sustainable event can must be part of the vision for if they are able to monitor the social legacy aspect includes include practices that save costs. the event from the first day of energy usage during your employing and training local Organisers who want to planning. Start looking for ideas event. Also look at the people and promoting local encourage their clients to host and suppliers from the very number of service providers job creation. For example, events and conferences that beginning and ensure that you and vendors who may use you can hire a local dance/ are more sustainable need have a statement regarding generators on site. Look at music group as entertainment, to be equipped with enough your intentions surrounding the use of natural light at the or employ local unemployed knowledge to answer the client’s sustainability issues as this will venue for daytime events and community members to assist questions and address concerns. help you stay focused. Make conferences and ask the venue with waste separation. Always your statement public wherever if they use renewable energy avoid damaging the natural and Making the change possible so that your client, through solar panels or wind cultural areas. Remember that committee, suppliers, exhibitors turbines. You can also look into your event often affects the local The timeline for achieving event and delegates are aware. Try to purchasing renewable energy communities through increased sustainability often depends on keep paperwork, documents and certificates for the event. traffic, noise and waste. So be the scale of the event as well as registrations electronic. mindful. the level of commitment from 6. Emissions: Plan logistics the PCO and client. Some small 2. Procurement: Choose carefully and select your u Meet continues on p10 events with full commitment the greener option wherever destination and venue wisely.

8 September 2014 • TRAVEL BUYER UNIGLOBE - TRAVEL.SIMPLIFIED ADVERTISEMENT Tips for Better Business Travel

Travel often equates to travail. Business travel is hardly ever described as a picnic. In fact, traveling on business can be exhausting and highly stressful. However, there are steps that can make this a more positive experience even under the least desirable circumstances.

PLAN AHEAD and mobile tools to help manage the trip in real-time will make this process simpler Taking time and advice to plan ahead of and free of hassle or stress. UNIGLOBE time can make a huge difference in the mobile itineraries, online travel guides quality of travel. Delays and changes can and advisories, on site offices worldwide be expected as something always comes and knowledgeable staff provide the up at the last minute. Planning for these security of knowing you have dependable situations in advance can decrease stress and professional people and systems and increase productivity. UNIGLOBE supporting your travellers has online and personalised support systems to help you plan ahead. With over 700 offices in over 70 countries we BE FINANCIALLY have the network and resources to help PREPARED you plan a better trip. Our online trip Individual travellers should be financially planning, approval and booking system prepared for all business travel financial enables corporates to efficiently and needs. In addition to carrying the simply manage what can be a complex company credit or debit card, cash and problem. Our expert consultants are able insurance may also come in handy. to support you 7/24/365 UNIGLOBE can help your travellers ensure they have the financial resources HAVE BACKUP AND for any eventuality on the road through SUPPORT the most efficient and economical means. Besides ensuring that there are hard copy and digital copies of all key documents SECURE COMFORTABLE available, ensure you have back up TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS and support on the road. UNIGLOBE’s UNIGLOBE will also help travel mobile, online and after hours 7/24/365 arrangers make the travel arrangements Emergency Solutions provide for total comfortable from online check-in to peace of mind for the traveller, travel securing that special seat , to business arrangers and companies who take lounge passes, upgrades, loyalty seriously their duty of care for travellers. programme management and rescue line services in the event of emergencies - TIME AND COST your travellers safety and comfort needs MANAGEMENT are our key focus. Staying comfortable and secure throughout the whole trip can Timing of trips can be critical not only make a huge impact not only the overall for achieving business objectives, but trip experience but also the final business also managing travel costs. UNIGLOBE results. online trip planning, requisition, approval, booking, tracking and reporting systems will provide you with the means to TAKING DOWN TIME manage company human and financial Business travel is about business. resources efficiently, effectively and However, it is important to stay economically. This includes supplier and rejuvenated to be on top of your game loyalty contract management, as well as and giving only your best. The traveller managing those last minute specials and should make time for something global procurement deals. enjoyable while on the trip and make sure to relax and unwind afterwards. BE FAMILIAR WITH THE UNIGLOBE’s TRAVEL.SIMPLIFIED philosophy also extends to providing DESTINATION mobile, online and offline support for Knowing where the traveler is going, breakaways and excursions during and where the traveller is at any one moment after the business trip. and what to expect can help decrease anxiety and allow for a smoother transition. UNIGLOBE - TRAVEL SIMPLIFIED Having valuable destination management 700 offices in 75countries on 6 continents guides7/24/365 alerts, with online tools servicing the world.

TB1847 The good, the bad and the unusual... Celebrating the end of the year together remains one of the most effective ways of rewarding both clients and staff, but doing things differently can be tricky in light of tight budgets and time constraints. Liesl Venter talks to PCOs to find out what makes the difference.

YEAR-END function is an event that will speak to the Your event should a wonderful medium majority of the people’s interests. aim to create a fun to get people to realise In other words, racey dancers which goals have been atmosphere for most are not going to impress a Aachieved, which projects have people attending. conservative group of people been successful and where there any more than a performance is still work to be done – all in by a group of tenors is going to a social and relaxed manner, keep a young, active audience believes Beatrix Lourens, md of interested.” Beatrix Events. “Employees end The experts agree that the the year motivated and clients location needs to be well placed, are inspired.” easily accessible and offer ways There is much to be gained for people to get home safely if from a well-designed year-end AFFAIRS EVENT : they have been drinking. function. “From teambuilding P ic “And don’t forget about the with employees struggling Corporates should also never away from spending on year-end basics,” says Cloete. “Good food, over obstacles, themed events underestimate the value of a functions due to the recession parking, safety and security.” with the office nerd dressed up thank-you. Thanking staff and and budget constraints but as like Austin Powers to the most clients goes a long way to boost Elouise Cloete of Shift Ideas Keep your guests glamorous gala dinners, there morale, improve relationships points out, end-of-year functions is something very beautiful in and set the tone for the next year do not have to be expensive front of mind seeing a company get together of business, she says. and over the top. She cautions, Although unusual, out-of-the- successfully on a social level.” Many corporates are veering however, about under-spending. “Too little effort can have ordinary events can be a lot of disastrous effects, negatively fun, they require an audience affecting morale.” willing to go the extra mile. Megan Buchanan, co-founder “There is no point having a of Event Affairs, says if there is dress-up if the majority of the no thought or effort put into the guests are not willing to do so event it simply becomes a waste and will arrive in their Sunday of time and money. best anyway,” says Buchanan. “You will be far better advised You Are Invited! Ensuring success then to have a formal sit-down Educational and networking event dinner as that will be more Making magic is what enjoyable for them.” Date: Friday 19th September 2014 year-ends are all about, says Making sure staff and clients Time: 08:00 for 08:30 to 13:30 Lourens, but it has to happen are acknowledged in a way that within a budget. There is little is familiar and acceptable to Venue: The Hyatt Rosebank Ballroom room for error at a year-end them is very important. R 250 per person for non Site members function due to the emotional “In general, people do enjoy something different and funky R 200 per person for Site and ABTA members expectations associated with it. Buchanan says it is important but it must aim to have a major To register, call Clare +27 76 898 042, to know the crowd with whom impact and create an atmosphere that is fun for most people email: [email protected] you are working. “Try to gather as much information about attending,” says Lourens. who is attending and what their So whether it’s sundowners interests and behaviours are so on Table Mountain or a disco in that you can have something Sandton, it’s not what you do, but for everyone or at least organise who you do it for, says Cloete. Top tips for success Supported by  If you don’t buy into an  Keep everyone together. idea, theme or venue – don’t  Don’t underestimate the For anyone involved with the purchasing, planning and hosting of incentive present it. importance of entertainment. travel, Inbound or Outbound.  Make provision for various  Plan in advance. We encourage the attendance of all Corporate Travel Buyers, cultures when it comes to  Make sure your ideas have Procurement Managers, Accommodation providers, Airlines, Destination Marketing organisations and Event Industry Professionals. entertaining and catering. not been done before.

TB1842SD 10 September 2014 • TRAVEL BUYER budget-friendly ways to liven up your year-end

5Under pressure to find innovative ideas for your year-end function that won’t break the bank? Sandra Minnaar, owner of Conference Complete, offers five cost-effective suggestions. Fancy dress to interact with one another. food. Potjiekos competitions area or taking Christmas gifts Minnaar says this can be are simple to facilitate – staff to underprivileged children. Nothing encourages the organised internally quite easily members should be split into A breakfast or lunch could be spirit of camaraderie like the and held at a school sports teams and provided with a organised, giving staff members opportunity to dress up, which ground. An end-of-year sports budget to buy their ingredients. the opportunity to interact with is why Minnaar suggests holding function is best complemented An impartial judge can assess members of the community. a fancy dress party on the by a fun and interactive lunch different categories, from best company’s premises. Staff can or dinner such as a braai. In potjie to best presentation and An evening with artists be placed in teams, allocated a cases where the number of staff most team spirit. specific budget, and then take members is more than 900, Amazink in Stellenbosch is a part in a competition to decorate fast-food franchises can be Community projects venue that enables groups different parts of the venue. brought in (at their own cost) to to support local artists while A more significant portion of the set up stalls so that employees One of the best ways to motivate enjoying an evening of culture budget can then be spent on can move from vendor to vendor employees and allow them to and entertainment. Minnaar says, bringing in external caterers. in a fête-type of environment. feel part of a bigger picture for about R200 a head, catering is to arrange for them to give and décor is included. Similarly, Sports challenge Potjiekos competition back to their community. Richard’s Supper Stage and Bistro This can be done in a number in Sea Point showcases local A round robin sports day is Stay in budget by getting your of different ways, such as performance talent. another great way for employees colleagues to cook their own helping to plant trees in the u Meet continues on p12

TB1831SD September 2014 • TRAVEL BUYER 11 Event planners looking for a completely different add-on or team-building activity to sweeten up an event or conference should consider the secretive world of chocolate making at the Chocolate Studio. Liesl Venter finds out.

HERE is something Master Swiss Chocolatiers, besides being out of the uniquely seductive participants are shown how to ordinary, the classes are fun. about chocolate. make a masterpiece of their own "The best part, of course, is the

From the aroma using the Lindt chocolate ranges. end product. You are creating BADHAM DEBB I E : andT texture, to the The workships offer each a masterpiece with the finest Pi c tantalising taste, what’s participant the opportunity to chocolate available and you In addition to sharing the not to love? gain insight and obtain a better get to take it home with the secrets of chocolate making, The Chocolate Studio understanding of the secretive knowledge of how to do it again." the studio also creates is the brainchild of Lindt world of chocolate making and On the practical side, the hand-made chocolate products Chocolate and is the its confections, says Catherine activity can be pre-arranged and desserts for corporate gifts. first of its kind in South Abplanalp, Lindt & Sprüngli retail to conform to the timeline Africa. Based in both and project manager. available. Ranging from as little Johannesburg and Cape A variety of workshops are as one hour up to five hours, it is suit just about any budget and Town, the Chocolate on offer, including the creation completely dependent on what the application options of the Studio offers specialised of a chocolate showpiece, you want to make and how much courses available are endless, training workshops learning how to use moulds time you are willing to spend on from team building where you to entry-level chefs, and fillings, to the making of the activity. Being indoors, it is get to choose what you would non-professionals hand-crafted truffles, petit also not weather dependent and like to do in the course, right and chocolate fours, chocolate confectionary can be worked into a schedule through to bringing guests to the enthusiasts alike. and the art of mousse cakes. during the day or in the evening. studio after dinner to create their Guided by Lindt’s According to Abplanalp, “We can build a course to own dessert.” g

TB1825SD 12 September 2014 • TRAVEL BUYER On the radar - LCCs

Low-cost carriers enter long-haul market

Low-cost carriers are tackling their next frontier, long-haul air routes, writes Michelle Colman.

VIATION observers are setting up hubs throughout Opinions on the success of be key for LCC long-haul success, keeping a keen eye on a Asia, which will give it bases into low-cost, long-haul services are and despite its early problems, new development in the areas further afield. Despite a split. Detractors allude to higher the B787 Dreamliner, as well as no-frills, low-cost arena false start some years ago when fuel burn per passenger on longer the A350, have been mentioned A– the movement of low-cost long-haul services to the UK were routes, and higher labour and as good options for LCCs. carriers (LCCs) into the long- dropped, it is determined to in-flight costs such as crews and Should LCC carriers become a distance market. serve Europe and North America. catering. The need to contain fixture on the long-haul scene, The movement is not new, its Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ low- costs by keeping aircraft in the air travel buyers may find themselves history going back to Freddie cost sibling, has also made its would mean complex scheduling reaping the benefit of an initial Laker’s London-New York intentions to enter the medium- and inconvenient departure times price war. But this will accompany Skytrain of the early 80s and and long-haul arenas known. across time zones, with little a turbulent market, until such followed by other start-ups, none passenger appeal. Seat capacity time as a settling occurs. It must of which went the distance. would have to be increased to also be borne in mind that the To cite some of these ventures LCCs will likely continue cover costs, cutting into profitable discount window could be in Europe, Norwegian Air cargo space. LCCs would also be temporary, as price wars are Shuttle commenced services to outperform traditional competing with long-established, inevitably followed by periods of from Gatwick to New York, Los airlines in terms of successful charter airlines. consolidation, where prices rise Angeles and Fort Lauderdale in The result would be less once again. early July. The airline, which is end-user affordability. price-elasticity in the long-haul Service differences between looking at Cape Town among - Hein Kaiser market and thereby less ability to legacy carriers’ economy its future ports, also operates attract passengers. class and LCCs are narrowing. to US points from a series of Many international LCCs have Others believe that with Traditional carriers are beginning Scandinavian cities. Lufthansa is just about spun out their double- the right aircraft, optimum to charge for meals, reserved in talks with Turkish Airlines on digit growth and now seek new management of fuel costs seats and checked baggage, the establishment of a discount air space as short-haul networks and good utilisation of digital while a growing number of LCCs, arm, Wings, to serve destinations become saturated. Their success marketing and booking aids, for their part, are introducing in the Indian Ocean and Asia, in many markets has been LCCs stand more than a fair services such as allocated seating. thereby fending off competition phenomenal. In Asia-Pacific, some chance in long-haul. Norwegian Says Hein Kaiser, head of from the hugely successful Gulf 50 budget airlines now carry Air Shuttle’s ceo, Bjorn Kjos, communications at Mango: carriers. LCC giant, Ryanair, close on 60% of domestic and recently told the travel industry “LCCs may introduce competitive has stated its intentions to go regional traffic; nine of the world’s newsletter, Skift, that the long- products that are retailed transatlantic in a big way. 15 busiest low-cost air routes are haul, low-cost environment had for ancillary revenue. LCCs In Asia, the medium- and located here and most legacy been changed by more fuel- traditionally operate from a long-haul operation of AirAsia, carriers are invested in a low-cost efficient planes, the internet and much lower cost base and as AirAsia X, is flying to 17 operation in some way. In Europe, a shift in global economic power such would likely continue to destinations in Asia, Australia and LCCs account for some 40% of to the East. outperform traditional airlines in Saudi Arabia. The LCC intends air traffic. The right equipment is said to terms of end-user affordability”.

Local skies fill with more LCCs

SOUTH African air routes will and Port Elizabeth; and Cape the failed 1time. Fly Blue Crane, a Flyafrica.com planned the be a lot busier if all the LCCs Town and George in October. subsidiary of Blue Crane Aviation inauguration of services mooted recently do succeed in Initially set to start operations and headed by former SAA ceo, between Victoria Falls, launching operations. in late 2013, it was blocked Siza Mzimela, has also applied Zimbabwe and Johannesburg Mango and kulula.com remain when competitors brought an for an air services licence for the on July 23 at a one-way fare of the stalwarts of the local LCC urgent application to interdict same route. R99 excluding taxes, but a week tableau, which has proved erratic the airline, based on its not Regionally, the airline fastjet later the Civil Aviation Authority as airlines come and go. Names meeting the 75% domestic recently began flying between of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) revoked such as Flitestar, Nationwide, ownership requirements. Johannesburg and Dar es the airline’s South African Velvet Sky and 1time are now FlySafair has since remedied its Salaam, and intends developing pilots’ validation to fly. The nothing more than distant shareholding. Johannesburg as one of its carrier successfully commenced memories. Skywise, another new venture African hubs. Khuphuka Kings services on August 1. FlySafair, founded by Safair, planning to fly between Airways, a cargo carrier, plans Should these new entrants get will begin scheduled passenger Johannesburg and Cape Town, to move into passenger services off the ground, what’s in it for services between Cape Town has yet to take off. Behind this between Durban and Nigeria, the local travel buyer or TMC? and Johannesburg; Cape Town undertaking are the founders of Swaziland and the DRC. u feature continues on p14

September 2014 • TRAVEL BUYER 13 On the radar - LCCs

u feature continues from p13

: : MAngo

Pic Fastjet strengthens presence in Africa

By Debbie Badham

For one, more competitive fares positive impact for consumers

FASTJET continues to extend

to start. FlySafair’s rates for early given the natural competitive

its reach within Africa, moving P

i bookers are as low as R499 and inclination vis a vis pricing, but c

:

forward with a number of F

a

R399 one way between Cape “one cannot assume that the s t

different developments on the j e

Town and Johannesburg and launch pricing of any airline would t continent. Port Elizabeth respectively, be maintained throughout”. Richard Bodin, fastjet including taxes. That’s half those Dave Andrew, FlySafair ceo, chief commercial officer, of its LCC competitors. Although has stated that the new airlines’ reveals that the airline’s base in the base rate covers a seat only, announced fares are not simply Zambia remains a top priority. and extra charges apply for opening ploys and that the “The project to obtain our air checked baggage (R300) and low-cost model applied is operator certificate (AOC) is well pre-seating, the FlySafair fares sustainable. The average fare underway and things are moving represent considerable savings. across all seats in aggregate excited about the launch of forward positively,” he says. Both LCC and traditional exceeds the cost of operation its third international destination, The airline which is currently carriers are likely to react to these the flight, he says. Harare, and inaugurated based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, reduced fares with adjustments Kaiser cautions that in thrice-weekly flights to that hopes to have the second base in of their own, bearing in mind recent years aviation and GDP city from Dar es Salaam on Lusaka up and running soon. the price-sensitivity of the South growth have de-coupled with August 5. Fares start as low Fastjet recently announced African market. But would it negative growth in passenger as US$50 one-way, excluding be just a matter of time until numbers. The introduction that it would be disposing of airport and government taxes. sustainability rears its head? of additional capacity could its holding in Fly540 Kenya. Bodin notes that fastjet’s Hein Kaiser, Mango’s head negatively impact the This comes on the back of an route between Dar es Salaam of communications, says the equilibrium between supply in-depth evaluation into whether and Johannesburg continues to introduction of competitive and demand, and thereby the Fly540 possessed enough of the grow. domestic airlines always has aviation sector commercially. essential elements necessary He believes that it is the for the carrier’s expansion. “At success of fastjet in Africa the end of the day we decided which has attracted new LCC it would make more sense to competitors to the continent. develop a brand new AOC,” “There are 1,1 billion people comments Bodin, referring to the in Africa representing a vast establishment of a new airline, untapped market – as such we fastjet Kenya. believe that competition can The airline is particularly only be a good thing.”

News Flash...

MANGO was named the FASTJET customers can now Best Low Cost Airline in select and pay for a preferred Africa at the World Airline seat when booking their Awards presented by flights, or add their preference Skytrax recently. The to their booking up to 24 recognition places Mango hours before departure. The in the Top 100 global cost is US$5 per seat one- airlines for 2014 following way for premium seats in a worldwide customer the ‘quick-exit’ rows and the satisfaction voting ‘extended leg-room’ seats. process late last year. The cost for reserving a To date, Mango has carried non-premium seat is US$3 in excess of 11m passengers per seat one-way. between eight airports across the country and KENYA Airways and between Johannesburg kulula.com are participating and Zanzibar. In October, in a bilateral codeshare it will increase frequencies agreement, connecting between Johannesburg their networks via OR Tambo and Port Elizabeth by 55% International Airport. The with the addition of return partnership is in line with services on Mondays, kulula.com’s medium- to Thursdays, Fridays and long-term strategy to grow Sundays. its African footprint. g

TB1830SD 14 September 2014 • TRAVEL BUYER TB1833SD On the radar - Premium classes

Premium economy: is it worth it? Premium economy, the middle ground between business class and standard economy, has become a popular option. Yet the concept of premium economy is a hazy one at best, with every airline offering a different take, writes Dorine Reinstein.

PTIONS for premium as well as 40% more space than economy are definitely the economy seats. They have on the rise, with an 12-inch screens and footrests. Air increasing number of France will be equipping 44 Oairlines tapping into this lucrative Boeing 777 planes with more new tier of service. than 1 100 premium economy According to Airbus, around 24 seats. By year-end, the new C lass international carriers now offer cabins will be used on flights premium economy. There are, to Singapore, Jakarta, Tokyo- B usiness , however, no universal guidelines Haneda, Houston and Shanghai. about what constitutes a Douala, Dubai and Sao Paulo will F rance premium economy class. It can follow early 2015. A ir : range from a bit more legroom P ic and a few extra perks for a bit Enhanced benefits more money to roomier seats While the benefits of flying in business class (pictured) are apparent and greatly enhanced service for The premium economy for corporate travellers, Air France premium economy passengers also quite a lot more money. experience is not restricted to have access to priority check-in and boarding, an enhanced meal Lufthansa has undoubtedly wider seats and more space. service, the same baggage allowance as business class and the option made a bold statement when Premium economy travellers of paid lounge access at Charles De Gaulle Airport. it comes to the new premium also have access to priority economy class. The airline is check-in and boarding, an planning to turn 10% of its says every airline should be enhanced meal service, the long-distance capacity into allowed to position its own same baggage allowance as premium economy this year. value proportion and have business class and the option of Healthy competition The installation of the new travel its own unique selling points. paid lounge access at Charles De class in Lufthansa’s aircraft will She explains that although between airline Gaulle Airport. be carried out on a gradual Air Mauritius currently has no So while carriers such as products prevents basis and completed during the premium economy class, she Lufthansa and Air France have European summer of 2015. foresees a surge in demand complacency created a completely new Axel Simon, director Southern internationally for these seats, product concept, other airlines and encourages Africa for the Lufthansa Group, especially as travel policies for simply use the same economy explains the premium economy corporates increasingly dictate innovations and class seat and just add more class is located within the economy class in an attempt to distance between seats. changes. All these cabin as a clearly identifiable save cost. “Business travellers The discrepancy between the separate compartment. The new welcome some more leg space factors benefit standards of premium economy seats are up to 3cm wider than and other benefits. By flying could therefore lead to confusion the customer. the standard economy seats. premium economy they stick to and raises questions as to The backrest can be reclined policy.” - Axel Simon further and the seat pitch is whether airlines should adopt a a significantly more spacious standard or consensus across the 97cm. different airline alliances when it A gold mine According to the newspaper, Simon says: “As a result, comes to premium economy. the premium extras don’t cost passengers have around According to Simon, a standard While passengers might still anywhere near £1 000 (R17 878). one-and-a-half times as much for all the different airlines would be debating whether premium And whereas a business-class room as economy class.” not be a good option. “Healthy economy is worth the extra seat uses three times as much Air France has invested heavily competition between airline money, for airlines it is a gold space as an economy one, a in a unique new premium products prevents complacency mine. According to a recent premium economy seat takes up economy class. The first Air and encourages innovations and article in UK newspaper The only 50% more space. France Boeing 777 equipped changes, hereby distinguishing Daily Mail, the most expensive Simon admits premium with the new premium economy one airline’s product from the one-way premium economy economy is indeed a lucrative made its inaugural flight to New other. All these factors benefit ticket will cost £2 340 (R41 836) class. “Lufthansa expects more York very recently. The premium the customer.” to £1 000 (R17 878) more than than 1,5m passengers per year to economy seats have hard shells An Air Mauritius spokesperson the cheapest economy option. use the new premium economy.”

16 September 2014 • TRAVEL BUYER New business class on JNB-Hong Kong route

ATHAY Pacific will launch Air Mauritius its new business class product for South African expands passengers when the B777ERC between Johannesburg long-haul fleet and Hong Kong goes daily from September 2. AIR Mauritius has announced its “This is an enhanced decision to replace its existing product design made after fleet of A340-300s with six consolidating the feedback A350-900 aircraft. from our customers,” said Frosti The re-fleeting exercise will Lau, Cathay Pacific’s country take place in phases. The first two manager for South Africa. A350-900 planes will be delivered The product features Cathay’s in 2017 through operating leases new generation of full flat-bed, from AerCap Holdings and the which is just over 2m. The bed remaining four will be purchased extension increases its width by from Airbus, with two aircraft : CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS PACIFIC CATHAY : to be delivered in 2019 and the

16,5cm to provide additional P ic hip support, while the side remaining two in 2020. Cocooned in their own private area, the design of the new storage compartment offers business class product allows passengers to control the degree of extra knee space for sleeping privacy and interaction they prefer. Passengers can move the seat  Did you know? on the side. Passengers can forward to converse with a travel companion or move the seat also choose to lift up the back for more privacy. SINGAPORE Airlines has armrest for more privacy or announced it will introduce down for more space for premium economy on its aircraft their shoulders. such as glasses and gadgets. hours of entertainment from the second half of 2015. It The side cabinet consists The cabinet door also acts as a with touch-screen personal will be outfitted initially on of a headset, a vanity mirror privacy divider when it opens. TVs, with audio and video 777-300ERs and soon after and has room for small items Passengers can also enjoy on demand. on A380s.

Lufthansa’s new premium economy – what to expect BOOK IT! UFTHANSA’S new premium depending on the aircraft economy cabin, which will type. Around the seats are an operate on flights from electrical socket and lots of Air Namibia offers Frankfurt to Johannesburg storage space for belongings. Lfrom April next year, has 50% Meals are presented on specials to Frankfurt more personal space than menus commensurate with the AIR Namibia has announced economy class. new travel class and served on it is launching seasonal The new seats are up to 3cm porcelain tableware. specials to Frankfurt. Fares wider and provide greater There are also additional start from R9 190 from privacy as well as about 10cm services for premium economy more room at the side thanks passengers, with a baggage Johannesburg and R10 690 LUFTHANSA :

from Cape Town, including to a wide armrest and a centre allowance of two items weighing P ic taxes. This special needs console between the seats. The up to 23kg each. For an extra €25 to be booked in E-booking back rest can be reclined further (R360), passengers can also enjoy Check-in and boarding class and is valid from and the seat pitch is a more the comfort of the Lufthansa procedures as well as hand November 1, 2014 to March spacious 97,5cm. business lounges before their luggage regulations are the same 31, 2015. Touch screens for in-flight departure. The Welcome Lounge as in economy class. entertainment are 28cm to 30cm, can be used for €50 (R718). u feature continues on p18

Daily flights from Cape Town & Joburg... to Windhoek Walvis Bay Frankfurt Tel: 011 012-9460 or 021 418-1366/7 [email protected] Luanda Lusaka Harare Vic Falls [email protected]

TB1848 September 2014 • TRAVEL BUYER 17 On the radar - Premium classes

Premium classes at a glance

First Class Airline Aircraft Seat width (cm) Seat pitch (cm) Recline Seats Configuration Air France A380 (JNB) 61 200 Flat bed 9 1-2-1 British Airways B747-400 53 198 Flat bed 14 1-1 and 1-2-1 B777 81 216 Flat bed 14 1-2-1 Emirates B777-300ER 58 208 Private suite 8 1-2-1

Lufthansa A380 (JNB-FRA) 62 213 Flat bed 8 1-2-1 A340-600 (CPT-MUC) 52 215 Flat bed 8 1-2-1 SWISS A340-300 56 208 Flat bed 8 1-2-1 Business Class Airline Aircraft Seat width (cm) Seat pitch (cm) Recline Seats Configuration Air France A380 (JNB) 53 175 Flat bed 80 2-2-2 B777-200 (CPT 53 175 Flat bed 35 2-3-2 seasonal) Air Madagascar B737-300 60 152 160° 12 2-2 Air Mauritius A340-300 66 152 170° 34 2-2-2 Air Namibia A330-200 46 191 Flat bed 30 2-2-2 A319-100 53 137 160° 16 2-2 Air Seychelles A330-200 - - Flat bed 18 2-2-2 Arik Air A340-500 51 191 Flat bed 36 2-2-2 A330-200 51 191 Flat bed 30 2-2-2 British Airways B747-400 51 185 Flat bed 52-70 Main deck 2-4-2 Upper deck 2-2 B777 54 185 Flat bed 56 2-4-2 Cathay Pacific B777-300 53 - Flat bed 40 1-2-1 Delta Air Lines B777LR 60 198 Flat bed 36 1-2-1 Edelweiss Air A330-200 52 114 Flat bed 22 1-2-1/2-2-1 EgyptAir A330-243 51 148 39cm 24 2-2-2 A330-300 51 152 Angled bed 36 2-2-2 El Al B767 - 152 165° 24 2-2-2 B767ER - 152 165° 24 2-2-2 Emirates B777-300ER (JNB) 52 183 Flat bed 42 2-3-2 B777-300ER (DUR) 53 163 Flat bed 42 2-3-2 B777-300ER (CPT) 53 183 Flat bed 42 2-3-2 Ethiopian Airlines B787 58 165 Angled bed 24 2-2-2 B777 53 165 Angled bed 34 2-2-2 Etihad A330-200 51 185 Flat bed 22 1-2-1 Kenya Airways B737-300 51 102 19cm 16 2-2 B737-700 51 102 25cm 16 2-2 B737-800 52 119 33cm 16 2-2

18 September 2014 • TRAVEL BUYER Airline Aircraft Seat width (cm) Seat pitch (cm) Recline Seats Configuration KLM B777-200 51 152 170° 35 2-3-2 Korongo Airlines B737-300 - 102 45cm 12 2-2 Lufthansa A380 (JNB-FRA) 51 164 168° 92 2-2-2 A340-600 (CPT-MUC) 50 145-152 168° 60 2-2-2 Qantas B747-400 55 203 Flat bed 56-66 Main deck 2-3-2 Upper deck 2-2 Qatar Airways B787-788 76 203 Flat bed 22 1-2-1 RwandAir B737-800NG 50 130 18cm 16 2-2 B737-700NG 50 94 13cm 12 2-2 CRJ-900NG 50 97 13cm 7 1-2-1 SAA A340-600 63 183 Flat bed 42 2-2-2 A340-300E 63 183 Flat bed 38 2-2-2 A330-200 63 183 Flat bed 36 2-2-2 A320 53 98 18cm 24 2-2 B737-800 45 90 10cm 32 2-3 A319 49 90 10cm 25 2-3 Singapore Airlines B777-200ER 76 130 Flat bed 26 1-2-1 SWISS A340-300 52 200 Flat bed 48 Angled layout 1-2-1/2-2-1 Thai Airways B777-200ER 51 155 170° 30 2-2-2 Turkish Airlines A330-300 56 198 177° 28 2-2-2 Virgin Atlantic A340-600 56 202 Flat bed 45 1-1-1 Premium Economy Air Austral B737-800 NG 44 89 115° 18 2-2 Air France A380 (JNB) 48 97 123° 38 2-3-2 B777-200 (CPT 48 97 123° 24 2-4-2 seasonal) British Airways B747-400 47 97 18cm 36 2-4-2 B777 47 97 18cm 44 2-4-2 Edelweiss Air A330-200 50 90 20cm 50 2-4-2 Delta Air Lines B777LR 46 90 15cm 36 3-3-3 Cathay Pacific B777-300 49 97 20cm 32 2-4-2 KLM B777-200 48 89 116° 34 3-3-3 Lufthansa A380 48 97 23cm 52 2-4-2 Qantas B747-400 50 97-101 23cm 32 2-4-2 Virgin Atlantic A340-600 53 97 21cm 38 2-3-2

*Disclaimer: Travel Buyer has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this table but accepts no responsibility for incorrect information supplied by the airlines. Where airlines did not respond to requests for information, details were taken from Travelinfo.

September 2014 • TRAVEL BUYER 19 On the radar - Rail travel

Pic: THE BLUE TRAIN THE Blue Train is a popular option for clients looking to Full steam ahead give an event an air of ultimate exclusivity. Although corporate travellers around the world opt for rail travel as a time-efficient and convenient mode of transport, Africa still seems to be lagging behind, with safety remaining an important obstacle. South Africa does, however, seem to be the exception, writes Dorine Reinstein.

HE African continent has the coast to Nairobi is due to be Kananelo Makhetha, md for Chris Pouney, director, seen major investments in finished in early 2018. BCD Travel SA, explains the Business Travel for Severnside its rail infrastructure over African Union chief, quality of rail travel in Africa Consulting in the UK, agrees that the past few years. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, currently is just not geared for the moment, there are no TChinese investors in particular has repeatedly mentioned her towards servicing visiting credible rail options for Africa at have recognised the potential of dream for Africa to be linked business people. “We do not all. “I am aware of some isolated rail travel in Africa. On a recent by high-speed railways. In a consider rail as an option for our pockets of development, mostly visit to Africa, China’s prime speech to the African Union in clients travelling in Africa.” in Morocco and Algeria, but for minister signed a contract to the beginning of the year, she Makhetha explains that Africa the most part any development build a new $3,8bn (R405bn) outlined her vision of what the needs inter-city connections in planned is internal within track that will link Kenya, continent could look like in African countries such as Lagos countries (Ghana , Nigeria and Uganda, Rwanda and South just 50 years with high-speed and Abuja. “Rail is very high Kenya for example) and geared Sudan and where trains will railways and space travel. capital-intensive business and towards freight/cargo.” be able travel at a top speed. For corporate travellers, in some areas in Africa the little Pouney adds that in most Construction work on the line is however, efficient, comfortable infrastructure for passenger and countries, rail routes follow expected to start in October this and safe rail travel across Africa is goods travel has been allowed historical trade and freight routes. year, and the 610km stretch from just that: a dream. to collapse.” u feature continues on p22

TB1828SD 20 September 2014 • TRAVEL BUYER TB1836SD On the radar - Rail travel

u feature continues from p20 THE Gautrain offers value in terms of cost, quality and reliability. According to Pouney, what current transport network in business travellers need is fast, Gauteng. A 25-year Integrated clean, safe and reliable services Transport Master Plan (ITMP25) between the points they need was developed prioritising public to go. That has not yet been transport and recognising the rail achieved in Africa. “The sheer system as the backbone of the distances in Africa make train entire transport network. travel struggle in comparison According to Ramalepa, this with air travel, unlike in Europe has prompted the Gautrain to where business capitals are often conduct a feasibility study on only a few hundred kilometres new routes. “The purpose of apart.” this feasibility study is amongst others to inform which routes need to be developed based SA – the exception? on a number of associated benefits such as socio-economic Whereas corporate travellers do development, land-use changes I N GAUTRA : not seem so keen to take to the and environmental impacts.” Pi c rails in Africa, South Africa seems Ramalepa adds that in the The Passenger Rail Agency of whole. It is the beginning of to be the exception. The Gautrain short term, the Gautrain will be South Africa (PRASA) has also the roll-out of government’s is a popular choice for business expanding its platform at the signed a R51bn contract with comprehensive rail programme.” travellers. OR Tambo International Airport Gibela to supply 600 passenger Makhetha continues that a Pouney agrees: “There are Station and increasing parking trains (3 600 coaches) to be high-speed connection examples of excellence. The capacity at the Pretoria and delivered between 2015 and between Johannesburg to Cape Gautrain would grace any city in Centurion Stations. 2025. Town and Durban is needed yet the world in terms of cost, quality Minister of Public PRASA Group ceo, Lucky Pouney warns that unless there and reliability.” Enterprises, Lynne Brown, Montana, says: “The PRASA are true high-speed train lines Tlago Ramalepa, Gautrain recently explained that a focus fleet renewal programme is the such as Eurostar, Thalys or ACELA spokesperson, says the province over the next five to ten years catalyst for the transformation in the US, the distance from recently conducted a detailed would be on refurbishing all rail of Metrorail services and public Johannesburg to Cape Town is assessment and analysis of the lines across the country. transport in South Africa as a really best covered by plane.

Luxury MICE rail travel – a different league

AS passenger trains in Africa of almost 200% on our still seem to lag behind turnover budget on this European and US counterparts, market.” luxury leisure rail travel Masheula explains the in Africa is recognised as Blue Train acquired business exceptional, with private from corporates attending operators such as the iconic annual SA calendar events Blue Train and the Rovos Rail. such as the Vodacom Durban Themba Masheula, July, Macufe Festival in spokesperson for the Blue Bloemfontein, J&B Met in Cape Train, explains incentive travel Town, Nedbank Golf Challenge has increased exponentially. in Sun City and the Fashion “Last year we saw an increase Week in Cape Town.

BOOK IT! Get free days on the Eurail

EURAIL has launched a pass and five days when promotional offer where they purchase a one-month travellers can get one free day pass. of travel on a selected Eurail This special is valid for sales Pass. This is valid for passes of until September 30. Travel six, eight or ten days. must take place within six Travellers can also get two months of the date of issue. free days on the Eurail Global Eurail is also offering a 25% Consecutive Pass when they discount on the German Rail purchase a 15-day pass. Pass when purchased before They’ll receive three free days September 30 for travel up to when they purchase a 22-day October 31. g

TB1827SD 22 September 2014 • TRAVEL BUYER TB1835SD Deal detective Top 10 specials

Linda van der Pol, Travelinfo’s editor, is our Deal detective, bringing you great specials from Travelinfo, the online travel information system in daily use by travel agents all over SA. Just book through your TMC and tell the consultant it’s a Travelinfo special. To get connected, e-mail [email protected].

9. RWANDA

1. CHINA Rwandair. Business-class promotional fare. A 25% SAA Holidays. Packages are discount on all business- from R15 225 pp sharing. Offer class tickets for the airline’s includes flights ex-Johannesburg entire network to Rwanda to Beijing, all taxes, approximate and beyond. Valid for travel levies and surcharges, return until November 15. airport-hotel transfers plus five nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast. Package ex-Cape Town is R18 264 and ex-Durban R17 388 pp sharing. Offer expires October 31. 2. MOZAMBIQUE

Rove Africa Islands and Safaris. Fly-in packages from R7 955 (four nights) and R10 225 (seven nights) pp sharing. Special includes return flights ex-Johannesburg including taxes, return road/boat transfers, and four-star accommodation at Vilanculos Beach Lodge on a full-board basis. Valid for travel between September 1 and (R10 504) for five nights. Offer includes airport transfers from until October 31. November 30. is valid from December 30 to Dubai Airport, four nights’ January 4. Package includes accommodation at the four-star 3. DUBAI 5. SINGAPORE return airport transfers, Millennium Hotel with breakfast, accommodation with buffet general admission season ticket Holiday Tours. Dubai deals Thompsons Holidays. Eight-night breakfast, city tour and concert for Dubai Rugby Sevens for from R10 170 pp sharing. ‘Exotic Asia Cruise’ onboard RCL ticket for December 31 in the December 5-6 and Dubai visa for Offer includes return airfare Mariner of the Seas. Rates are Musikverein. SA passport holders. Please note ex-Johannesburg, approximate from R14 202 plus R5 962 for there is a supplement of R890 per taxes, return airport transfers, taxes. Cruise departs March 7; 7. NAIROBI person for reserved seating. three nights’ accommodation bookable 70 days prior to travel. and daily breakfast. Rate Package includes return flight South African Airways. Flight- 10. ROME is available for travel until from Johannesburg to Singapore, specific promotional fare September 30. all meals and entertainment between Johannesburg and United Europe. Three-night city onboard, port charges and Nairobi, valid for travel until stay from R1 820 pp sharing, 4. REUNION gratuities. Visiting: Singapore, September 30. Return fares are including breakfast. Add on Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), from R2 490 ex-Johannesburg Hop-on Hop-off city sightseeing for R340 per person. Available Travel with Options. Rates Vietnam, Hong Kong, Xiamen (SA 180) and US$266 (R2 813) for travel on select dates in are from R13 743 pp sharing. and Shanghai (Baoshan). ex-NBO (SA 181). November and December. Offer includes return flights London, Edinburgh and Dublin ex-Johannesburg, taxes, 6. AUSTRIA 8. DUBAI packages also available. g airport transfers, seven nights’ accommodation (three stars) Worldview. New Year’s Eve Azure Travel. Dubai IRB Sevens with daily breakfast. Self-catering special to Austria (Vienna). World Series, December 3-7. DISCLAIMER: All specials are subject to availability, currency fluctuations and and four-star rates are also Rates are from €532 (R7 522) Land-only package from seasonal surcharges. available. Offer is valid for travel for three nights to €743 R6 782 pp sharing. Package

24 September 2014 • TRAVEL BUYER TB1839SD TB1837SD