NEWSFLASH – MARCH 2015

US airports increase security ternoon flight will be offered on Zimbabwe implements tourism measures–Security at all US airports weekends. VAT- The Zimbabwean government has been stepped up. US Department announced on January 19 that it of Homeland Security announced that Qatar Airways flies newest Airbus - would start levying VAT on tourism the Transportation Security Admin- Qatar Airways became the first airline with immediate effect. The tax applies istration had increased random to operate scheduled flights using the to payments for accommodation by searches of travelers and carry-on Airbus A350 XWB, with a daily Doha- foreign visitors to Zimbabwe. luggage as well as luggage searches at Frankfurt service. The A350 is the the gate once passengers had gone third major new aircraft in a decade. First open-access arrivals lounge for through security checkpoints. En- OR Tambo- In April, OR Tambo In- hanced screening at certain foreign Virgin Hotels’ first property open for ternational Airport will open the first airports from where travelers are de- business-Virgin Hotels, Virgin’s new arrivals lounge in South Africa that is parting for the US, has also been im- four-star lifestyle hotel brand, opened open to all travelers, regardless of air- plemented. its first property in Chicago on Janu- line or travel class. The Sesfikile Arri- ary 15. Virgin Hotels Chicago is locat- vals Lounge will be situated adjacent E-tolls here to stay -The current e-toll ed in the city’s business district and to the SAA Arrivals Lounge at OR system will not be scrapped but must features distinctive brand touches. Tambo. It will be open to arriving be reviewed in order to address af- passengers as well as walk-in travelers fordability. This is the primary finding Spike in Swiss franc value a concern for a fee of R350 per person. What of the advisory panel report on the for travelers-The Swiss National Bank makes this lounge stand out is that socio-economic impact of e-tolls in cancelled the fixed exchange rate be- you don’t necessarily need to be a Gauteng. The main recommendation tween the Swiss franc and the euro on passenger to make use of it. The arri- of the panel is that elements of the January 15, causing the value of the vals lounge will feature shower and current e-toll system must be re- franc to rise by 30% (that’s since set- bathroom facilities (serviced after each viewed to address the questions of tled at around 15%), which has had a use) as well as high-speed compli- affordability, equity, fairness, admin- knock-on effect on travel to Switzer- mentary Wi-Fi. istrative simplicity and sustainability. land. Hand baggage allowance on British Marriott opens first hotel in SA - NYC launches Delegate Discount Airways-As of 2 February 2015, Air- Marriott International will open its Pass- NYC & Company, the city’s offi- port company South Africa (ACSA) first Protea Hotel branded property in cial marketing, tourism and partner- will assist all airlines in applying their South Africa since its acquisition of ship organization, launched a 2015 prescribed hand baggage allowances, the Protea Group in April last year. New York City Delegate Discount whether flying economy or business Protea is one of 18 brands under the Pass this month, offering exclusive class! A handbag allowance of 1 bag Marriott International umbrella. savings throughout the year at more up to 7kg and 1 small or a slim-line than 70 restaurants, tours, attractions laptop bag will apply. All hand bag- CemAir reveals new route-CemAir and retailers. For more information gage will be screened at all ACSA air- has announced a new scheduled ser- contact- ports prior to proceeding through the vice between Johannesburg and [email protected]. security check point. Any hand bag- Bloemfontein. Starting February 23, gage not within the prescribed allow- the airline will offer 12 return flight Additional flights for SA Express- ance, will be referred back to the week between OR Tambo Internation- South African Express Airways have check point in counters and extra bag al Airport and Bram Fischer Airport. added flights to Walvis Bay, effective fees may apply. Airline will not accept Weekday flight times are geared to- February 1. responsibility of missed flight due to wards business travelers with a morn- incorrect hand baggage. ing and evening return flight. An af-

BOTSWANA

Ntwala Island Lodge

Valid Until: 30 June 2015 Price:R13 332.00 pps

Included: * Return airfare and taxes on SA from Johannesburg to Airport * Road transfer from Kasane airport to Immigration (Chobe River) * Boat transfer from Kasane Immigrations (Chobe River) to Ntwala Island Lodge * 3 Nights’ at Ntwala Island Lodge incl. Breakfast, lunch,dinner and laundry. * Activities included: * Private guided game cruises along the on the Chobe River * Private guided sundowner boat cruises * Bird watching walks and boat cruises * Fishing with spinning tackle as well as fly fishing * Guided walks can also be arranged on Impalila Island * Government taxes and park fees * Boat transfer from Kasane Immigrations (Chobe River) to Ntwala Island Lodge *Road transfer from immigration (Chobe River) to Kasane airport

______5 Star Phuket and Phi Phi Combo

01 April – 31 October 2015 From R18 980 pps including approximate airport taxes.

Includes:  International flights from Johannesburg  All transfers  8 Nights at 5 Star La Meridien Phuket in a Deluxe Garden View Room  3 Nights at 5 Star Zeavola Resort Phi Phi in a village Suite  Breakfast Daily

Excludes:  Travel insurance  Meals not specified  Items of a personal nature  Beverages  Visas

Book By 31 March 2015.

______All prices quoted are subject to change without prior notice, due to airfare increases and / or currency fluctuations and subject to availability. Please contact GRAYSTON TRAVEL on the following telephone Number: 011 613-1944 / Fax: 011 613-1948 A/H Cell: 083 610 2171 www.grayston.co.za