TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

INSI

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SOUTHERN AFRICA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLYMay 13 2015 I No. 2349

Page 9 Page 15

COMMUNITY NEWSTOLLMAN

Industry stalwart joins Hall of Fame

FEATURE

Affordable accommodation neededPage 2

NEWSCRUISE LINES DROP DURBS

New CPT and PE itineraries

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All aboard!The Blue Train will launch new safari departures to Hoedspruit, Limpopo next year. The luxury train will make two round trips to Limpopo, one on Friday, July 8 and the other on August 12, with each one-way journey taking 19 hours, departing at 15h00 to arrive at 10h00 the following morning. Passengers who opt for the rail journey after their safari can travel from Hoedspruit to Pretoria on either Saturday, July 9 or Saturday, August 13. Blue Train executive manager, Hanlie Kotze, gets ready to welcome guests aboard! Photo: Shannon Van Zyl

SAA – show up or pay upDorine reinstein

SAA has introduced a special ‘no-show’ fee from May 1 for

customers who do not arrive for their scheduled flights on time.

Tlali Tlali, spokesperson for SAA, says no shows have been “a constant headache” for the airline. SAA would previously cancel or forfeit the customer’s airline ticket in the event of a ‘no show’ and the ticket was then refunded. Now, passengers will pay a no-show fee as well as a change fee, but will not have to complete a “new transaction”, he said.

The airline will now charge a dedicated fee, which will vary from market to market. No shows on domestic routes will incur a fee of R570 for economy class and R1 140 for business class per ticket. On international and regional

routes, fixed amounts will be implemented depending on the destination. “In some cases, the fixed amount, plus a change fee, plus upgrade to the next higher fare, will apply, whereas on other routes only fixed amounts will apply,” Tlali says.

With the introduction of this fee, SAA is merely implementing rules that put them on an even footing with other airlines, says Geraldine Boshoff, marketing manager of Sure Travel.

She says the consequences for travel agents will be minimal. The agency that issued the original ticket will only be involved in the refunding or reissuing of the ticket when there is a no show. She adds, however, that travel agents will need to inform their clients with every ticket issued that no-show fees apply. “Agents must

ensure that their clients know that boarding gates close early and that they must be on time and that flights must be cancelled in good time if they are not going to travel.”

Travel agents can’t be held responsible for no shows, says Yvonne Horak of Cape Gulf Travel. “Once a ticket has been issued and paid for and is in the possession of the passenger, the travel agent has no control on whether the passenger reports for his flight or not.”

SAA joins a long line of airlines that are deriving major benefits from these lucrative fees. In the US, where no-show fees are standard, the US Department of Transportation reported that reservation change fees generated nearly US$3bn (R35,9bn) in 2014, up 6% compared with the previous year.

More commission with new cruise booking toolDorine reinstein

MSC CRUISES will launch a new agent booking tool in South Africa in November to drive distressed inventory and help agents avoid the call centre during busy seasons.

The system, called MSC Book, has already been launched in Europe and will launch in the US in June.

David Randall, marketing manager of MSC Cruises, says

MSC plans to use the channel to incentivise the trade to drive distressed departures or cabin categories with an additional commission of up to 3%. “These will be ad hoc and subject to the pressures we face with the current season,” he says.

Agents turned to MSC’s existing online system for the 2013 to 2014 cruising season, when MSC experienced an unexpected

high volume of calls. “Agents demanded a better solution, and ‘msconline’ was just that,” he says. “Our business is seasonal, which creates vastly differing call volumes through our contact centre. The penetration we have enjoyed with msconline, which is 80% of our total revenue, means the trade has a standalone booking tool that is not impacted by the cyclical nature of our business.”

From November, MSC will offer a completely revamped online booking portal for travel agents, with new features aimed to enhance the end-user experience and make the booking process as quick and simple as possible, David says.

Booking will involve four steps: selecting the cruise and stateroom, finding flights and hotels, adding pre-paid services such as

spa treatments and shore excursions, and checkout.

A new dashboard will show commissions and other accounting reports to the travel agent, which can be hidden from the customer.

Travel agents will be able to save clients’ itineraries as favourites so that they can be viewed later. They’ll also be able to compare prices, dates, itineraries and any additional

To page 2

Into Africa

2 n Wednesday May 13 2015 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

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TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

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Rubes® By Leigh Rubin

NEWS

To the point

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Germanwings will retire its name on October 25, rebranding to Eurowings, the airline confirmed to TNW. Lufthansa had been planning to abolish the Germanwings name at some stage in the future, even before the recent disaster in the French Alps, an article in Business Traveller UK. “Having two separate short-haul budget carriers, Germanwings and Eurowings, did not make sense,” the article said.

Cruise lines drop DurbanCaro Malherbe

THE Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Aurora cruise ships have dropped

Durban from their 2016 cruise itineraries and will include calls at Port Elizabeth and Cape Town instead.

The Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria are operated by Cunard, while Aurora is operated by P&O Cruises. Both Cunard and P&O Cruises fall under the Carnival UK Group.

Bob Dixon, gm of EMEA sales for Cunard & P&O Cruises, told TNW that bypassing Durban was “less a vote of dissatisfaction with previous experiences in that port and more a reflection of the myriad of variables which make up a world cruise itinerary”. According to Bob, these include having the biggest passenger appeal based on past passenger

feedback and offering a variety year-on-year. He added that the decision also took into consideration the cost associated with docking in a given port and the range of shore excursions available.

“A substantial number of our customers take the full world voyage every year, so we have to alter the itinerary. Queen Mary 2 has visited Durban in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 so we need to offer something different,” Bob added.

According to the itinerary planners’ pre-cruise appeal results, customers prefer Port Elizabeth to Durban, where the pre-cruise appeal of Durban is 79%, and Port Elizabeth is 85%. “From an itinerary perspective, Port Elizabeth is also achievable overnight from Cape Town and thus easier to incorporate when we are tight for time,” said Bob.

“I want to stress

emphatically that we are not abandoning Durban permanently and I am confident that it will appear in future iterations of world cruise itineraries both for Cunard and for P&O Cruises. The city and port both have the facilities to cater for world cruise passengers and there are plenty of excursion options.”

The Queen Elizabeth will visit Cape Town on January 26 and 27 and Port Elizabeth on January 30, before sailing on to Australia via Réunion and Mauritius. Queen Victoria will visit Port Elizabeth on April 19 and Cape Town on April 21 before sailing on to the UK via the Cape Verde and Canary Islands. Aurora will be in Port Elizabeth on April 5, and in Cape Town on April 7, 2016.

Cape Town and Port Elizabeth will be maiden calls for both ships.

Lanseria plans expansion Darise Foster

LANSERIA International Airport will upgrade and extend its terminal building, as it looks to develop its hub status in sub-Saharan Africa.

Gavin Sayce, Lanseria’s ceo and airport manager, told TNW that the phased

approach to the airport’s upgrade will first see the existing terminal building upgraded and extended in order to accommodate larger aircraft to the international part of the terminal. “Then, as the market grows, we will start developing a

second terminal building,” he said.

The airport also has plans to build a multi-storey parkade, a new control tower and fire station.

“Our plan is to grow Lanseria as the regional airport servicing sub-Saharan Africa,” Gavin said.

Hahn Air adds five new airlines HAHN Air Systems has welcomed five new carriers to its global e-alliance network. With the new partners, e-alliance now exceeds 30 airlines available

under the H1 code.Federal Air from South

Africa, Jubba Airways from Kenya, SkyGreece Airlines from Greece, CM Airlines from Honduras, and Via Air from the

United States have been added. “We plan to add another 15 airlines to e-alliance by the end of this year,” said Alexander Proschka, head of Hahn Air Systems.

More commission

items included in the price for up to three cruises on a single page and print or email this to clients.

Staterooms can be selected via an interactive deck plan, which allows travel agents to browse by deck and position

of the stateroom and quickly see stateroom availability for the category selected. Once the client has decided on the itinerary they want, travel agents will be able to send or print customer booking confirmations and e-tickets.

From page 1

Etihad partners with US carrierAmerican Airlines and Etihad Airways have announced a new codeshare agreement (subject to government approval) that will see American Airlines place its ‘AA’ code on services operated by Etihad Airways between Abu Dhabi and New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD),

Paris (CDG), Dublin, Frankfurt, Manchester, and Milan (MXP). The agreement is expected to coincide with the launch by Etihad of its new service to Chicago on September 2.

Etihad Airways will place its ‘EY’ code on a number of transatlantic services operated by American

between the United States and Europe, plus flights between New York (JFK) and Washington (DCA), Los Angeles and San Francisco as well as flights between Chicago (ORD) and Washington (DCA), Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Houston (IAH).

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NEWS

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MSC suspends Egypt and Ukraine calls

MSC CRUISES has suspended remaining 2015 calls in Ukraine

and Egypt, replacing them with a number of Mediterranean alternatives. “In light of the current geopolitical situation, ports of call in Egypt and Ukraine unfortunately need to be, for the time being, substituted until they are again

perceived to be safest in the eyes of consumers,” the cruise company said.

As a result, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera, MSC Fantasia and MSC Musica, all of which were set to make port calls in those countries, will incorporate the Greek islands of Rhodes and Crete as well as Cyprus and Israel into their sailings.

LUX* expands Réunion offeringLUX* Hospitality will manage two properties in Réunion, following the signing of management contracts with Hong Kong-based group, Asian Prosperous Holding.

LUX* Hospitality will continue to manage and market Hotel Le Récif, which was previously owned by the group and

recently sold to Asian Prosperous Holding as well as a new five-star property in St Phillippe, in the south of the island.

“These new agreements further confirm the group’s decision to increase its portfolio of management contracts worldwide,” the group said in a statement.

For the love of flowersFOR horticulturists – or guests who simply enjoy cultivated gardens – Trafalgar is offering a guided holiday that takes in the famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show this month.

The English Country Gardens special-interest package are for enthusiasts who enjoy taking in some of the most historic gardens in England. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which runs over 19 days, sees exhibitors

construct show gardens that are housed inside a pavilion.

The nine-day guided holiday begins and ends in London and takes in Hampton Court Palace, Kew Gardens, Sheffield Park and Gardens, the Bluebell Railway, Brighton, Sussex, Dover, Canterbury, Mount Emphraim Country House, Royal Tunbridge Wells, the Chelsea Flower Show, Hever Castle and Chartwell.

Included are the Trafalgar

Insider Experiences, such as sightseeing with a local specialist in London and Hampton Court Palace, cultural insight into the White Cliffs of Dover, a unique Be My Guest cream tea at Mount Ephraim Country House and tickets to the Chelsea Flower Show.

The English Country Gardens package is priced from R34 650 pps. Bookings made before May 14 will qualify for a discount.

Royal Caribbean welcomes new shipROYAL Caribbean has officially taken delivery of its 23rd ship, Anthem of the Seas. The cruise line's chairman and ceo Richard Fain officially received the new ship at a signing ceremony held in Bremerhaven, Germany.

Anthem of the Seas spans 16 guest decks, encompasses 167 800 gross registered tons, carries 4 180 guests at double occupancy and

features 2 090 staterooms, a North Star aerial observatory (a glass capsule that takes guests more than 300 feet above the ocean for panoramic views), and skydiving and surfing simulators. Guests can also choose from the ship’s 18 on board restaurants and various live entertainment venues, including the music hall, the royal theatre and the royal esplanade.

Anthem of the Seas will sail to Southampton, UK, where the ship will homeport through October and sail to the Mediterranean and Canary Islands. In November, New York Harbor will be Anthem of the Seas’ permanent home, where the ship will sail regularly from Cape Liberty Cruise Port to Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada and New England.

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NEWS

To the point

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Etihad enters UgandaETIHAD Airways has launched a new direct service between Abu Dhabi and Entebbe, Uganda, with four flights per week. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, flight EY645 will depart Abu Dhabi at 07h50 to arrive in Entebbe at 12h50, before flight EY646 departs Entebbe at 13h40 to arrive back in Abu Dhabi at 20h45. The service will be operated by a two-class Airbus A320 aircraft.

Independent lounge coming to HeathrowHEATHROW Airport will open an independent lounge in the next few months, which will be available to everyone travelling through Terminal 5, regardless of their class of travel. It will be located near Gate 18. “With a high volume of passengers in the terminal connecting on to another flight, Aspire, the lounge and spa at LHR T5, offers services that will ensure a quiet place to rest and relax, while also giving guests access to a blend of refreshing spa facilities,” the airport said in a statement.

Turkish adds Portuguese destinationTURKISH Airlines has begun operating flights to Porto, its second destination in Portugal. The airline currently operates flights to Lisbon. Flights between Istanbul and Porto are operated four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Emirates introduces new lounge at LAXEMIRATES has opened a new lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The lounge is dedicated for first- and business-class customers and Platinum and Gold members of the airline’s FFP Skywards. Located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, the Emirates Lounge offers seating for up to 157 customers.

AirHeadsA snapshot of the week's airline news

Vic Falls recreational park to open in 2017Dorine reinstein

THE planned US$18 million historical and recreational park,

Santonga, in Victoria Falls is set to open in 2017, according to the Africa Albida Tourism group.

The group told TNW that newspaper reports suggesting Santonga would open to the public in July next year were incorrect.

The 80ha education, entertainment and conservation park will tell the story of Victoria Falls, not only through its wildlife,

but also its history and culture. Africa Albida Tourism group chairman, Dave Glynn, says: “It is getting pretty horrifying to learn how much and how quickly wildlife populations are under threat across Africa from poaching, range loss, habitat loss and a host of other, mainly human, interventions. At Santonga we will be placing a huge emphasis on wildlife education and conservation to try to help expose as much as we can and, hopefully, to become a funding node for many aspects of area wildlife

preservation and research.”Dave adds that visitors

will be taken on a highly interactive journey through time from the region’s very beginnings, including some exciting educational and entertaining experiences.

“Santonga is not a closed project,” said Dave, adding that Africa Ablida understood the group had very serious responsibilities to do an exceptional job. “We have been here for 28 years. The door is always open and we are at all times happy to listen and debate your concerns.”

Sabre’s travel management app, TripCase, is now available on the Apple Watch, which was launched in selected regions on April 24. The wearable technology is expected to be launched in South Africa at a later stage. The newest version of TripCase allows Apple Watch users to access their most relevant, time-sensitive trip information, including the ability to receive real-time flight alerts, access to flight and hotel details, gate number as well as hotel addresses, phone numbers and confirmation codes. Additionally, travellers can access maps and directions for each activity in a trip as well as view the local time for any destination.

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8 n Wednesday May 13 2015 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

NEWS

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A brief look at this week’s hotel news

Tsogo property closes for refurbTSOGO Sun’s Riverside Sun Resort in Vanderbijlpark closed on May 1 to undergo a refurbishment. The property will revamp its bedrooms, conference and public areas and reopen in September.

Centara to enter DohaCENTARA Hotels and Resorts is set to make its debut in the Middle East, following the signing of a management contract with Al Bandary Hotel Management to open Centara Grand West Bay Hotel Doha. It is expected to open in 2016. The hotel will feature Centara’s signature ‘Suan Bua’ restaurant and its spa partner, Spa Cenvaree.

Legacy resort completes refurbCONSTRUCTION work at Bakubung Bush Lodge in Pilanesberg has been completed. The new 13 standard queen rooms, seven luxury king rooms and four executive suites are open for bookings.

Historic Eastern Cape hotel gets revampTHE Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape, has reopened following restoration work. Newmark Hotels, Reserves & Lodges, which manages the property, took the decision to renovate the hotel, which dates back to 1805. Partnering with DHK Architects, the group worked on several of the site’s buildings, such as the ‘Stretch’s Court’ cottages and the Kromm’s Inn building, ensuring the historical integrity of each of the structures. A new restaurant and a number of new facilities have been added. The property offers three pools as well as conferencing facilities.

PillowTalk FlightSiteAgent, Thebe and TEP team up

FlightSiteAgent has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

with the Thebe Tourism Group (TTG) and the Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP) to help develop entrepreneurs who are interested in starting their own travel business.

FlightSiteAgent provides ITCs with access to competitive nett fares to sell on to the public under their own brand.

“The partnership enables a series of workshops to engage with signed-up agents to make sense of

the opportunity. The agents are mentored with dedicated account managers to a point that the agent is self-sustaining,” FlightSiteAgent md, Rian Bornman, told TNW.

TEP supports 4 500 Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) involved in tourism, and will identify their most relevant members to induct into the complimentary FlightSiteAgent programme. Coupled with Thebe’s provision of funding for the workshops and FlightSiteAgent’s commitment to the training

resources, all three parties have come together to help entrepreneurs start their own travel businesses, the organisations said in a joint statement.

“The aim of the programme is to shift the demographic of the travel industry stakeholder by enabling willing entrepreneurs to start their own travel businesses,” Rian said. “Each entrepreneur who takes part in the training will be equipped with the skills to successfully operate their own travel business using the FlightSiteAgent system.”

New attractions added to London PassNEW attractions have been added to the London Pass for the UK summer season. A one-day London Pass is priced at £49 (R890) per adult and £33 (R600) per child aged five to 15.

From May 1, London Pass holders will gain free entry

to the Cutty Sark clipper ship, normally priced at £13,50 (R245) per person. A one-hour guided Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour will also be introduced (normally £10/R181) as well as the opportunity to experience a 3D film on one of the UK’s

largest cinema screens at the Science Museum’s IMAX Theatre (normally £10/R181).

As an added benefit, pass holders can skip the queues and receive fast track access to the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday May 13 2015 n 9

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Corporate travel into Africa is flourishing. As the market grows, so too does the need for reliable, affordable accommodation. Dorine Reinstein investigates.

Corporates seek affordable accommodation

AFRICA’s exciting investment potential and dynamic business

opportunities are attracting attention from corporates worldwide, yet many share the same complaint: travel into the continent is hampered by an inadequate, overpriced accommodation infrastructure. This has led to a demand for a more cost-effective, quality service.

Sharon Burgers, senior manager at Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), recommends that travellers into Africa opt for hotels with a higher star rating, as they are generally better equipped in terms of security and may even include value-adds such as free WiFi in their daily rates. She admits, however, that this places pressure on the corporate travel budget. “The daily rate cap allowed on client

hotel programmes is generally lower than the room rate at hotels that are acceptable to the South African business traveller.”

Claude Vankeirsbilck, chief sales and marketing officer at Tourvest Travel Services, says there is a real need for more quality three-star accommodation in Africa. He believes that travellers are faced with a limited choice, even though most major hotel chains have a presence in Africa’s primary business destinations. Added to this, quality is often inconsistent; the service and accommodation provided at a three-star hotel may vary considerably across countries. That said, Claude points out that there is an increase in the development of hotel properties across the continent.

Amora Nyawo, executive consultant for Club Travel Executive, says some hotels in African cities command the highest average daily rates in the world but can’t even guarantee constant electricity. “Until the capacity shortage is addressed, the average daily rates will remain sky high,” she says.

The volatility of the exchange rate has further squeezed the corporate traveller’s budget. “With the rand-dollar rate of exchange, affordability is a challenge for many corporate and leisure markets. That’s why it’s important to use reliable tour operators with reputable backgrounds and experience. Their buying power ensures bulk negotiated rates so that corporate travellers get the best rate.”

Glenn Stutchbury, group ce of Cresta Hotels, agrees

that the rate of exchange is often a major stumbling block. “You will find that, generally, hotels across the SADC have maintained their rates and, in some cases, even reduced them, but when the rand

moves from R9,50 to R12 to the US dollar, that equates to a 26% increase in hotel rates north of the Limpopo River, without any rate change for the hotels.”

Major hotel chains have picked up on the need for more affordable options in Africa and have started aggressively expanding their brands across the continent. Yigit Sezgin, global sales and marketing director for the Rezidor Hotel Group, says Africa offers excellent opportunities for growth due to its huge natural resources and workforce, improved infrastructure, and a growing middle class. Yigit reveals that the Rezidor group plans to accelerate its growth strategy into Africa and aims to establish Radisson Blu as the leading upscale brand in

To page 12

Claude Vankeirsbilck

011 592 9000www.africastay.com

With an established track record and an exciting new offer for travel agents, AfricaStay is an obvious first choice for players wishing to partner with an African expert, as this Q&A with Sales and Marketing Manager Gail Gilbert reveals.

The company commenced operations in 2004, initially focusing on packages to

Mozambique. Over time, client demand prompted us to extend our destination portfolio to include other African islands. We now offer a range of island holidays to suit all traveller tastes, from honeymooners to the budget-conscious, exclusive getaways, families and business incentive travel.

We’re also proud to be a wholesale member of ASATA – an indication of our commitment to professionalism, and a sign of our financial soundness. AfricaStay is fully BEE certified and is staffed by a passionate and professional team who have received comprehensive training and are knowledgeable about their product.

What other products are in your portfolio?Although we still enjoy a large share of the Mozambique market and continue to book a number of packages (from self-drive holidays to luxury fly-in getaways), we have

extended our focus considerably and now offer competitive packages in Zanzibar, Mauritius, Seychelles, the Maldives and Réunion, as well as Southern Africa, East Africa and local travel, where the emphasis is on safaris and tours. Our wide range of packages and hotel rates is updated regularly on our website and we encourage agents to sign up for our newsletter, which contains details of our latest specials.

What sets the company apart?Our proactive culture. Our goal is to help people enjoy the best that African islands have to offer, and we’ll do whatever it takes to make that a reality. For example, in 2013, we invested significant amounts of our own capital to establish a charter flight, so that South African holidaymakers could travel to Zanzibar after the demise of 1time Airlines.

Why should travellers book with AfricaStay?Our experience distinguishes us as specialists in African islands.

Because of our high volumes, we are able to negotiate excellent rates, which we pass on to our clients as value-for-money packages. Moreover, we believe it is vital for our employees to be experts on the destinations they sell: our staff have personally travelled to most of the properties and destinations we promote, and can therefore offer advice and information based on firsthand experience. We’re also able to offer unique value-adds and extras; for example, those travelling to Zanzibar are able to enjoy a complimentary excursion incorporating Prison Island, Stone Town and a Spice Tour when they book with us.

What incentives do you offer travel agents?In the past, we were known as a company that dealt with a direct market. However, we understand the important role that travel agents and consortiums can play in the current climate – their input is highly valued by travellers. With this in mind, we’re looking to strengthen

our bond and work more closely with industry players – hence our decision to increase our previous 10% commission to 14%. No matter what we may advertise in the market via TV, print or online, we guarantee the same price to the travel agent, plus it’s commissionable. Consortiums can also receive overrides when they book with us. In addition, we also offer travel agents’ training, educational trips and fabulous incentives. If an agent makes 30 bookings (minimum four nights at the same hotel), at any of our Zanzibar properties, they will earn a trip for two to Zanzibar, including return flights ex-JNB, hotel and transfers, a free tour and seven nights’ accommodation on an all-inclusive basis. This offer is valid until September 30, 2015.

What does the future hold for the company?We’re looking forward to forging stronger partnerships with the trade, and we’re also excited about growing our product portfolio. Our passenger numbers are growing – we predict great times ahead!

advertisement

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How has AfricaStay grown and evolved since it was first established?

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011 592 9000www.africastay.com

With an established track record and an exciting new offer for travel agents, AfricaStay is an obvious first choice for players wishing to partner with an African expert, as this Q&A with Sales and Marketing Manager Gail Gilbert reveals.

The company commenced operations in 2004, initially focusing on packages to

Mozambique. Over time, client demand prompted us to extend our destination portfolio to include other African islands. We now offer a range of island holidays to suit all traveller tastes, from honeymooners to the budget-conscious, exclusive getaways, families and business incentive travel.

We’re also proud to be a wholesale member of ASATA – an indication of our commitment to professionalism, and a sign of our financial soundness. AfricaStay is fully BEE certified and is staffed by a passionate and professional team who have received comprehensive training and are knowledgeable about their product.

What other products are in your portfolio?Although we still enjoy a large share of the Mozambique market and continue to book a number of packages (from self-drive holidays to luxury fly-in getaways), we have

extended our focus considerably and now offer competitive packages in Zanzibar, Mauritius, Seychelles, the Maldives and Réunion, as well as Southern Africa, East Africa and local travel, where the emphasis is on safaris and tours. Our wide range of packages and hotel rates is updated regularly on our website and we encourage agents to sign up for our newsletter, which contains details of our latest specials.

What sets the company apart?Our proactive culture. Our goal is to help people enjoy the best that African islands have to offer, and we’ll do whatever it takes to make that a reality. For example, in 2013, we invested significant amounts of our own capital to establish a charter flight, so that South African holidaymakers could travel to Zanzibar after the demise of 1time Airlines.

Why should travellers book with AfricaStay?Our experience distinguishes us as specialists in African islands.

Because of our high volumes, we are able to negotiate excellent rates, which we pass on to our clients as value-for-money packages. Moreover, we believe it is vital for our employees to be experts on the destinations they sell: our staff have personally travelled to most of the properties and destinations we promote, and can therefore offer advice and information based on firsthand experience. We’re also able to offer unique value-adds and extras; for example, those travelling to Zanzibar are able to enjoy a complimentary excursion incorporating Prison Island, Stone Town and a Spice Tour when they book with us.

What incentives do you offer travel agents?In the past, we were known as a company that dealt with a direct market. However, we understand the important role that travel agents and consortiums can play in the current climate – their input is highly valued by travellers. With this in mind, we’re looking to strengthen

our bond and work more closely with industry players – hence our decision to increase our previous 10% commission to 14%. No matter what we may advertise in the market via TV, print or online, we guarantee the same price to the travel agent, plus it’s commissionable. Consortiums can also receive overrides when they book with us. In addition, we also offer travel agents’ training, educational trips and fabulous incentives. If an agent makes 30 bookings (minimum four nights at the same hotel), at any of our Zanzibar properties, they will earn a trip for two to Zanzibar, including return flights ex-JNB, hotel and transfers, a free tour and seven nights’ accommodation on an all-inclusive basis. This offer is valid until September 30, 2015.

What does the future hold for the company?We’re looking forward to forging stronger partnerships with the trade, and we’re also excited about growing our product portfolio. Our passenger numbers are growing – we predict great times ahead!

advertisement

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How has AfricaStay grown and evolved since it was first established?

12 n Wednesday May 13 2015 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

the region while pursuing the scaled growth of Park Inn by Radisson, the group’s mid-market brand, in high-potential primary and secondary destinations.

Clifford Ross, ceo of City Lodge Hotel Group, says, currently, most accommodation in Africa is at the upper end of the market. However, quality is poor as the majority of the hotels are dated and in need of refurbishment. He says that the group has responded to the perceived need for three-star properties with the establishment of new City Lodge hotels in Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Kampala and Maputo.

Ensuring affordability Claude says TMCs can reduce the expense of costly hotel accommodation by negotiating corporate rates. This is why it is preferable to book with major hotel chains or with a TMC’s preferred hotel partner;

travellers may find that rates are unaffordable if they book locally with smaller hotels.

Relationships are vital for TMCs that want to help clients find affordable accommodation in Africa. “We draw on our local branches or our American Express Travel Partner Networks in different

countries, as well as our preferred hotel suppliers,” Claude says.

Sharon maintains that the best way to ensure affordable accommodation for clients is to negotiate company group rates at a global and local level. TMCs will benefit from working closely with local GSAs and tour operators.

However, Amora says that shopping around for affordable rates is often not an option. “In African hubs, the use of negotiated rates at well-known chain hotels is mandated for security reasons. Risk levels differ from city to city and from country to country but there are very few corporate hotel programmes that allow travellers to book independent properties unless they have been properly vetted. The fear largely stems from companies wanting to ensure employees are secure, and concerns around productivity and safe food and water.”

From page 1

Clifford Ross

Opt for a one-stop shopWHEN travel agents and TMCs are looking for the best hotel for their clients in Africa, a one-stop shop with conference facilities, restaurants and all the necessary entertainment options is often a good option, industry players say.

Claude Vankeirsbilck says: “Because of transport challenges and duty of care requirements, most of the corporate travellers that we deal with prefer to stay, eat and conference at the same place.”

Nicholas Barenblatt agrees that logistical challenges and traffic

congestion mean that travellers often spend more time at their hotels.

When it comes to dining out, Glenn Stutchbury says travellers are less inclined to venture from their hotels, especially in remote areas. This is less often the case in capital cities and large towns, where there are numerous options for dining outside hotels.

Sharon Burgers has also observed the preference for one-stop destinations but she points out that when a customer is familiar with a destination and has a network of contacts, this requirement diminishes.

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AFRICAN Hotels and Adventures (AHA) has added the Lansmore Masa Square Hotel to its portfolio of Botswana properties. AHA will manage and market the five-star Gaborone property. Equipped with a 200-seat conference centre and

seven meeting rooms, the hotel is a sound choice for corporate travellers. Facilities include an on-site restaurant and coffee shop, swimming pool and cocktail bar, and guests can enjoy 24-hour concierge service and free WiFi.

AHA adds to Botswana portfolio

QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday May 13 2015 n 13

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A Real African Experience.Provided by Real Happy People!The feeling you get when culture and nature, beauty and excellence, comfort and service combine? Its catching!Kenya | Tanzania | Zanzibar | Uganda | Rwanda | MozambiqueFor reservations and more Information Call: +27 011 021 2607/8/9, Email: cro@serena.co.ke or visit www.serenahotels.com

Is brand consistency a challenge in Africa?TRAVELLERS rely on hotel chains to deliver a predictable experience. However, brand consistency can be a challenge in Africa.

Annemarie Lexow, sales and marketing manager of Travel Vision, says once travellers have found a reliable hotel, they may go so far as to change their travel dates if the hotel is fully booked. This is because the standards of African hotels are often unpredictable. “It’s not unusual to find that a star-graded hotel doesn’t deliver the service and standards travellers have come to expect because of their experience in South Africa. For example, a five-star hotel may only be equivalent to a four-star South African property,” she says.

Claude Vankeirsbilck says although consistency may be expected from upmarket major hotel chains, the same cannot be said for three-star properties. He says TMCs should address this challenge by sending consultants to conduct site visits and gain firsthand experience of the

market, and by booking chains they know to be reputable.

Sharon Burgers adds that ongoing product training by suppliers can also highlight the differences in various markets and what facilities are available.

Clifford Ross says the reason for the lack of consistency is that often each property is individually

owned by a local developer, with the chain brand only holding the management contract for the building.

But Nicholas Barenblatt, group marketing manager of Protea Hotels, part of Marriott International, says there is no excuse for inconsistent service. “Every international hotel brand has formal brand standards that govern the quality of the physical product as well as the service standards. These need to be adhered to throughout the region, regardless of where the hotel is located. From a branding and collateral perspective, if you align your group with the right suppliers, you can achieve consistent quality.”

Glenn Stutchbury’s view is that travellers to Africa may require a mind shift. “Travellers should appreciate that African brands should not be looked on as sub-standard. We need to educate the traveller that international brands are not necessarily superior. In fact, often the ‘home advantage’ is key to a hotel experience.”

Annemarie Lexow

Xenophobia – are travellers into Africa safe? FEAR of reprisal attacks in response to the recent spate of xenophobic violence in South Africa have both corporate and leisure travellers into Africa concerned, but not cancelling.

Michele Abraham, marketing communications manager for Anantara Resorts, reports that she hasn’t received any cancellations yet. She says most clients opt to fly directly into the resorts, so they are not affected by possible unrest at the border, nor have there been any problems for any South African clients at airports.

Gail Gilbert, sales and marketing manager for AfricaStay, says although there have been no cancellations, she has received some queries about the safety of travel to Mozambique. “We are in contact with the lodges regularly, which are mostly owned by South Africans, and they feel that the situation is currently safe. However, they are offering to postpone the trip free of charge should customers feel unsafe to travel right now.”

There has been no impact on corporate travel, according to Monica Horn, product

manager for the Harvey World Travel Franchise Support Team. “We have not received any negative feedback from our clients and none of our Harvey stores report trips being cancelled as a result of the recent xenophobic attacks.”

However, Rachael Penaluna, business manager for Sure Maritime Travel, has noticed that travellers are concerned. “One conference group in Vilankulos considered cancelling. Fortunately, the operator and the hotel assured us there is no violence in the area.”

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Into Africa

Book it!

AfricaStay is offering an opening special for the new Diamonds Mequfi Beach Resort Mozambique from R19 260pps. The new resort, which opened its doors in May, is located near Mecufi Bay on the southern Pemba peninsula. Accommodation comprises 40 deluxe beach bungalows and 10 beach suites. All rooms have private verandas with ocean view and an outdoor shower. This opening special, which needs to be booked by May 31, includes flights from Johannesburg to Pemba, transfers and four nights in a Deluxe Sea View room on an all-inclusive basis.

Diamonds Mequfi Beach Resort Pool. Photo: Roberto Patti

14 n Wednesday May 13 2015 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

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4 Days – Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater SafariArusha – Serengeti – Ngorongoro – Arusha

From R 18 899 pps

Picture yourself on the vast savannah planes of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, witnessing the migration of wildebeest and zebra by their thousands. Learn about the origins of humankind at the Olduvai Gorge and meet the locals at Mto wa Mbu village.

Valid: 31 May to 5 December 2015

Includes: Entrance to Olduvai Gorge, entrance and game drives in Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Traditional lunch and guided walk at Mto wa Mbu village. Most meals, safari vehicle and accommodation.

Tel: (011) 408-8000 email: info@travelvision.co.za www.travelvision.co.za

The continent of opportunities for aviationOPPORTUNITIES for aviation companies in Africa are limitless, according to Richard Bodin, chief commercial officer of fastjet.

He says Africa has 20% of the world’s population and 15% of the world’s land mass yet only 3% of the world’s aviation industry. “That indicates the size of the opportunity on the continent. In Europe, there are seats for every person but in Africa that figure stands at 0,02 seats per inhabitant.”

According to Richard, Mozambique and Tanzania are definitely up and coming in the corporate travel world. Zimbabwe and Zambia, two countries where fastjet will launch operations in

the coming year, are other hotspots for corporate and leisure travel. “There are 100 buses a day going from Zimbabwe to South Africa. We hear horrible stories from our clients about trouble at customs and about road closures. There is definitely a need for an effective aviation industry in that region.”

Despite the opportunities, Africa also presents quite a few challenges for corporate travellers. Safety, for example, is a serious concern. “Africa is responsible for 3% of the world’s aviation, but 11% of the world’s safety-related incidents. This suggests that standards across Africa are by no means uniform,” he says. Richard Bodin

News flash

Yemen conflict affects flights into AfricaPASSENGERS have been faced with travel delays as airlines are being forced to re-route around Yemeni airspace due to escalating conflict in the area.

Hundreds of flights that use Yemeni airspace to reach their destinations in Africa are forced to make a detour.

Ethiopian Airlines has reported that most of its flights to the Middle East and Asia have been affected by the closure of the airspace. The airline was also forced to ground one of its daily flights from Addis to Tel Aviv. The airline will only be operating once a day on

the Tel Aviv route from May 16 until further notice.

The operating flights from 16 May will be: ET404/daily B763/757

LV ADD 2000 TLV 0400+1 VIA CAI) ET405/DAILY B763/757

LV TLV 0100 ADD 0550 (VIA CAI) )

Ethiopian Airlines launches Manila flightsETHIOPIAN Airlines will launch flights to Manila from June 27. The airline will operate three weekly flights from its hub in Addis Ababa to the Philippines via Bangkok. It will be the only direct link between the

Philippines and Africa.Flights will depart from

Addis Ababa on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 04h00 to arrive in Manila the same day at 19h00. The return flights will depart on the same days from

Manila at 22h00 and arrive in Addis Ababa the following day at 06h30. Both flights will have a short stopover in Bangkok.

The MNL flights have been uploaded to all GDS for sale effective immediately.

Into Africa

Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp. Photo: Serena Hotels

Serena goes for goldECOTOURISM Kenya has awarded Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp in Kenya gold eco-rating. This is in recognition of facilities that ensure the venue is able to function at a superior level in terms of environmental management, conservation,

waste management, resource management, health and safety criteria and socio-cultural issues.

This is the second Serena property to attain gold certification since the inception of the programme in 2002.

JOBSCOMMUNITYNEWSBirths, deaths, marriages, promotions – we want to know! Please fax or e-mail TNW’s Natasha Schmidt, at natashas@nowmedia.co.za or (011) 327 4094.

QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday May 13 2015 n 15

Top jobs in Cape Town this week:

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CLIENT SERVICES MNGR CBD. Be part of dynamic div for national TMC. Strong ops & mngm exp within corp ess! BEE. Sal R 30 000

AFTER HOURS CONS CBD. Avoid the traffic this winter! East Africa guru with a sales flair needed for int’l brand! Sal R 20 000 + comm.

SNR TRAVEL ADVISOR CBD. Busy bee team req Galileo whizz for growing TMC brand! Sal R 18 000.

ASSISTANT RES MNGR North. Lux T/O with East & Southern African roots seeks team leader with a difference. Sal R 20 000.

Call Malika / Lee: 021 418 1084, capetown@nowjobs.co.za

Pick of the week

These adverts were selected from the vacancy section of www.travelinfo.co.za For more details contact jobs@travelinfo.co.za

brought to you by

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Account Manager – CPTQuantex Recruitment GroupIdeal candidate will have portfolio management experience as well as a strong focus on client relationships. Previous staff management experience vital. Email: bridget@quantex.co.za

Intermediate Rover – W.Cape – Cape TownProfessional Career ServicesAmadeus & Galileo. Min. 6 years’ experience. Handle travel booking process on all levels. Sound knowledge of Africa. R8500-R14500. Email veroshacv@pcs-sa.co.za

Air Specialist - JohannesburgLee Botti & AssociatesNorth. Strong contract negotiator with excellent marketing and client liaising skills sought for winning agency! Salary R33 000 ctc neg. Email: corneliavz@nowjobs.co.za

In-Bound Consultant – SandtonEquity Connections ccProduce `top-end’ itineraries for VIP travellers. Deal with agents/direct clients. In-depth knowledge of five-star destinations essential. Relevant experience needed. Email: equitycon@mweb.co.za

Wholesale ConsultantFlight Centre Travel GroupPosition has a strong sales/customer service focus. Deal with all aspects of wholesale travel. Wholesale experience in travel (2 years), Galileo. Email: lauren.grobbelaar@flightcentre.co.za

Top Corporate Senior - Johannesburg – SandtonInfusion Consulting4-5+ years as a Senior. High profile client. Multi sector/RTW bookings. Fares & ticketing. Galileo. Salary R25-28KPM CTC. Email: belinda@infusion.co.za

Bookkeeper - RandburgWendy’s Travel PersonnelMinimum of 4 years’ experience in an IATA licenced TMC handling full function of Cashbook allocation andreconciliation of GL Accounts - Quicktrav essential!! Email: wtp@icon.co.za

Financial Accountant - CPT, N/SuburbsQuantex Recruitment GroupIndependent & self-motivated candidate required. Accounting qualification and at least a year or two’s financial accounting & reporting experience essential. Email: bridget@quantex.co.za

Senior Contract Negotiator - JHB NorthProfessional Career Services3-5 years’ experience in a contract negotiator role with good knowledge of fares. Air Supplier Contract negotiations. R420ctc per annum. Email: jeancv@pcs-sa.co.za

Sales Executive – DurbanLee Botti & AssociatesInternational leader in travel needs your passion and focus on new corporate business as well as servicing of existing client base. Email: ericaks@nowjobs.co.za

MICE Expert – Johannesburg WestEquity Connections ccHandle out-bound and local programmes, site inspections proposal design and costings. Travel with clients when needed, run full programme. Email: equitycon@mweb.co.za

Senior Air ContractorFlight Centre Travel GroupResponsible for leading air supplier contract negotiations for FCTC brands. 3-5 years’ experience in a contract negotiator role in the travel industry. Email: lauren.grobbelaar@flightcentre.co.za

Top ROVING Senior ConsultantInfusion Consulting6 years as a senior. Complex/multi sector/RTW bookings. Strong fares & ticketing. Galileo. Salary R25K CTC. Email: belinda@infusion.co.za

Appointments Otto Stehlik founder and former chairman of Protea Hotels, has joined his son Guy Stehlik at BON Hotels. He will be assisting the team in analysing and advising on potential deals. “After the successful acquisition of the Protea Group by Marriott, the natural step was to join my son and assist him in growing his business,” Otto says.

The Vineyard Hotel in Newlands has appointed Efi Ella to the position of assistant gm. Efi, who has been part of the Vineyard Hotel team for the past six years, will now

hold two titles – his existing position of rooms division manager as well as assistant gm. Efi completed his International BA in Hospitality

Management and Business in Switzerland. Before coming to South Africa, he spent time working on international cruise liners.

Tollman joins the Hall of FameStanley Tollman, founder and chairman of The Travel Corporation, has entered the British Travel and Hospitality Hall of Fame. He joins a group of individuals who have all been recognised for their outstanding business achievement in the travel, hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors.

Stanley set about building his own portfolio of hospitality businesses at the age of 19 and went on to add the Hyde Park Hotel and the Red Carnation Hotel Collection to his stable. Over the following decades, he expanded his interests to include guided holidays, premium and luxury escorted tours, small group adventures, luxury river cruising, safari and adventure

and youth travel business, turning his company into what is now The Travel Corporation.

Now in his ninth decade, he still takes a very active

interest in the business. “When I first started out in the hotel business, my father said to me: ‘Give the customer what they want’ and I’ve tried to follow that over the years in everything we do. In the pursuit of excellence and trying to make everything we do the best it can be, I have been enormously helped: my wife, my partner and my soul mate, has been there supporting and working all along the way, later joined by my children who made all the difference. In addition the 10 000 people who work for us around the world, we call our family. Thank you very much for this honour. It is a very humbling experience and probably the highlight of my life,” Stanley said.

Stanley Tollman

Club Travel takes on Japan

Club Travel agents explored Japan last month, visiting Tsukiji fish market, Sensoji Temple, Toshogu Shrine as well as many other tourist attractions. The group is pictured at the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection.

16 n Wednesday May 13 2015 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

TNW NEWS

To the point

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Dorine reinstein

SOUTH Africa’s aviation industry is calling for a “level and fair” playing

field where different carriers can operate under equal competition rules.

Comair has taken SAA to court questioning the constitutionality of government’s bailouts of the national carrier, which in 2015 amounted to over R30bn. The basis of the challenge is that current and previous bailouts do not comply with either the Domestic Aviation Transport Policy or the law. At the time of going to print, proceedings in court were underway.

What Comair is trying to achieve with legal action, according to a statement released by the Free Market Foundation, is that government provide funding to SAA only after consultation with affected stakeholders. Comair also asks that any funding is in accordance with government’s Domestic Aviation Transport Policy so that the promised level playing field for domestic aviation is achieved.

Comair ceo Erik Venter said the legal action was in no way a challenge to stop all funding of SAA, nor a proposal to privatise or challenge the shareholding of SAA. “If we

succeed with our action then government will have to apply a much more critical approach to assessing whether SAA can receive subsidies in the future, and this will assist in creating a more level competitive environment for all airlines, ensuring that all airlines face the same risks and the same requirements to operate on sound commercial principles. By receiving government bailouts, SAA avoids this commercial reality and this negatively impacts on all current and potential airline operators.”

Comair argued in court on May 5 that instead of going into business rescue, the technically insolvent SAA opted for bailouts. Comair legal counsel David Unterhalter SC was quoted in News 24 saying: “It is a classic position of a company that simply can’t meet its ongoing obligation.” He added that the words “impact on liquidity” was simply a “nice way of saying ‘we can’t pay it back’”.

New LCC Skywise has jumped on the bandwagon. Co-chairperson J. Malik has called for a roundtable discussion between the airline industry and minister of tourism, Derek Hanekom, to explore ways to “effectively work together as an industry”.

Malik told TNW he would like to see both SAA and Mango exit the domestic market and for SAA to solely focus on its international operations. South Africa’s domestic operations should be handled by local private carriers, such as Comair, kulula and Skywise, he said. “How can we fight against a carrier that is operating with a blank cheque from the government? Let SAA carry the flag internationally and leave the domestic market to us.”

Malik added that government needed to extend its support to the domestic aviation industry by lowering taxes and airport charges, helping grow domestic tourism in the country.

“South Africa needs at least eight or nine carriers focusing solely on the domestic market. This will give the consumer more choice and will allow for a better focus on service, instead of just placing focus on particular carriers,” he says.

SA aviation industry calls for level playing field

Emirates has temporarily amended its schedules for its Durban and Johannesburg flights. Until June 30, flights from Johannesburg will depart 40 minutes earlier than their current departure times, with flight EK768 departing at 08h45, EK762 departing at 13h20 and EK764 departing at 18h35. Flight EK767 will arrive back in Johannesburg at 06h15, 50 minutes later than its previous landing time. EK761 will land at 11h35 and EK763 at 17h10, both 45 minutes later than usual. Flight EK766 also sees a slight disruption, landing in Dubai at 08h45, 25 minutes later than its current landing time.

“All airlines [should]face the same

risks and the same requirements to operate.”

Sunny Singapore

Singapore was in the spotlight at the recent ‘Destination Singapore & Beyond’ workshop for travel agents, held at 54 on Bath in Johannesburg. Those famously friendly Singapore smiles come from (from left): Mohamed Abdul Salam, Singapore Tourism; Brian Zhou, Changi Airport Group; Pang Yee Huat, Changi Airport Group and Louisa Soon, also of Changi Airport Group. Photo: Kate Nathan

City Lodge buys out CourtyardTHE City Lodge Hotel Group has concluded a deal with Hospitality Property Fund to acquire Hospitality’s interest in the Courtyard Hotel portfolio for R80m.

The sale agreement involves Hospitality’s 50% interest in Arcadia, Bruma Lake, Rosebank, and Sandown Courtyard hotels and its 50% share in five sectional title units at Courtyard Hotel Sandton and one at Courtyard Hotel Rosebank. The City Lodge Hotel Group now wholly owns these hotels as of May 1. Courtyard Hotel Port Elizabeth is already wholly owned by the group.

City Lodge ceo, Clifford Ross, said: “The Courtyard Hotel brand is an integral part of the City Lodge Hotel Group’s portfolio of brands and complements our strategy of providing quality accommodation options in the one-star to four-star business and leisure traveller markets in South Africa.”

The group has 52 hotels in South Africa across the Courtyard Hotel, City Lodge Hotel, Town Lodge and Road Lodge brands. The 148-room City Lodge Hotel Newtown, Johannesburg, and the 90-room Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg are currently under construction.