TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

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SOuTHERN AFRICA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLYApril 28 2010 I No. 2104

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NEWSLooneyTIc gAmesThe day the trade went crazy

NEWSAgenT eDucATIonALs

Costs hit fam trips

NEWSorTIA Is reADy for

worLD cupPresident Zuma opens new CTB

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Hilka Bilka Bilka irns

LEADING travel insurer, Travel Insurance Consultants (TIC), says South Africans with TIC policies, who are unable to travel abroad due to the volcanic ash shutdown, can either change their travel dates on their policies or cancel their policies with a full refund.

TIC has also decided to extend, at no additional cost, the policies of all TIC policyholders stranded abroad. Says md, George Novis: “We feel this is the correct thing to do so that all our clients will be covered for medical incidents and other insurance

risks. We cannot leave them stranded without cover. Even though the cost implications of these decisions are significant to TIC, our ability to provide this travel insurance solution is quite manageable given our leadership position in the industry and our financial security.”

If a scheduled departure is delayed for more than six hours, TIC policyholders are entitled to reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred for meals, drinks, travel costs and accommodation – if the airline does not provide it – up to the limit on their schedule of insurance. n

Thompsons Holidays is offering a Blue Train Mother’s Day Special from R3 839pps. The offer includes a one-way flight from Johannesburg to Durban (excl. airport taxes), one night on board the Blue Train from Durban to Pretoria with all meals and local drinks. The special is based on a set departure on May 9. Pictured here are product co-ordinators, Charity Tlhopane (left), Saadiya Arbee (front) and Catia Neves Photo: Tijana Huysamen

mother’s Day madness

TIc extends cover

Hilka Bilka Bilka irns

TRAVEL agents and tour operators may well be within their rights to retain Twithin their rights to retain T

their professional consultants’ fees and non-refundable deposits, following the volcanic ash airspace shutdown.

This is the advice from travel industry legal expert, Adv.Louis Nel, who, however, warns that “all travel agents and tour operators will have to look very carefully at their contracts with passengers on the one hand (e.g. does it state that they are acting as agents of the passenger?) and those between them and third party service providers”. Each case will depend on its facts and the applicable contract.

According to Louis, there are basically two legal scenarios: those governed by European law and jurisdiction and those governed by South African law and jurisdiction.

The European Community (EC) has specific directives aimed at airlines and tour operators. EC regulations apply to aircraft departing from EC airports and EC-registered aircraft flying from a non-EC country to an EC country.

The good news is that, in practice, most airlines have been offering either a full refund or an alternative flight. Legally, in the current circumstances, the airlines

are not obliged to compensate but they must re-route/rebook stranded passengers and provide them with “adequate care” while they are waiting. This is because compensation obligations as spelled out in the EC regulations do not apply if cancellation is due to “extraordinary conditions which could not have been avoided even if reasonable measures had been taken, such as meteorological conditions incompatible with flights and if such conditions are deemed to exist if an air traffic management decision results in long or overnight delays or cancelled flights”.

Bad news for South African travellers is that package holidays bought from a European tour operator are not refundable. European law – The Council of the European Communities’ Directive 90/314/EEC on package travel, package holidays and package tours – says consumers are not entitled to compensation if a package holiday is cancelled because of a so-called ‘force majeure’ or ‘act of God’ – unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond anyone’s control.

Louis says in the SA situation, contracts entered into before the volcanic ash shutdown happened are subject to ‘force majeure’, which nullifies the rights and

obligations of a contract because the contract cannot be performed. This means SA-based suppliers should reimburse their customers, less a reasonable and commensurate administration fee. “Failing to do so could result in actions for unjustified enrichment, especially where service providers are compensated by insurers,” he says. “Any service provider who proceeded ‘willy nilly’, well aware of the situation, may well be accused of misrepresentation.”

What are the chances of a passenger getting insurance to pay out and then also claim back from SA-based suppliers? While leading travel insurer TIC has no ‘force majeure’ exclusions in its policies, those of other insurers may differ in this situation, says Louis, adding that it’s best for customers to check their travel insurance policy and speak to their insurer. However, he added, it would be unjust for a passenger to be reimbursed by insurers and then to claim full compensation from their service provider.

“Clearly there is no ‘one fits all’ answer to this complex matter – each situation will depend on its own facts and this article is merely a guideline,” says Louis. “Parties should obtain independent legal advice.” n

pain in the ash!

2 n Wednesday April 28 2010 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

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TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

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EDITORIAL Editor: Natalia Thomson nataliat@nowmedia.co.za Deputy Editor: Natasha Tippel natashat@nowmedia.co.zaSub -Editor: Ann Braun annb@nowmedia.co.za Cape Town Editor: Hilka Birns hilkab@nowmedia.co.za Journalists: Jeanette Phillips jeanettep@nowmedia.co.zaMelody Brandon melodyb@nowmedia.co.za Photo Journalist: Tijana Huysamen tijanah@nowmedia.co.zaFounding Editors: John H Marsh (1914-1996) Leona Marsh (1923-2003)

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Rubes® By Leigh Rubin

“No, young man, you know the rule: no dessert until you finish eating your dinner whole!”

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Jeanette PhilliPs

THE completion of the new Central Terminal Building is a practical example of

our readiness to host the FIFA Soccer World Cup.”

With these words President Jacob Zuma officially opened the new Central Terminal Building (CTB) at OR Tambo on April 20.

“Our vision of a truly international airport has been realised. We have every reason to celebrate achievements such as the completion of the extension of the airport as it is a

significant milestone.”Also speaking at the

opening, transport minister, Sibusiso Ndebele, announced that airports around the country were expected to operate 24 hours a day during the World Cup and further stressed that only domestic carriers would be allowed to operate locally.

He said that only when the department felt that all domestic carriers had been exhausted would international carriers be allowed to fly domestically.

Addressing concerns around safety and security,

the president said these had been taken into consideration years ago when planning for the tournament commenced.

“We have a comprehensive security plan, which includes terror threats, hooliganism and general crime. We have arranged 2010 World Cup special courts to deal with offences during the event.”

During the tournament there will be at least one dedicated 2010 district court and one 2010 regional court per host city, which will start operating two weeks before and two weeks after the tournament. n

natalia thomson

SOUTH African Airways has denied it will be offering a first-come, first-served service during the World Cup due to potential delays in SA’s land transport arrangements.

Bongani Maseko, director airport operations at Acsa, however, told a stakeholder briefing recently that the airline would accommodate booked passengers as they arrived at the airport regardless of which flight they were booked on.

“We don’t want a situation where people are still stranded at stadiums and planes are therefore stuck on the tarmac waiting for these passengers.”

Fani Zulu, SAA head group corporate affairs, told TNW the airline was expecting large volumes and would be running a 24-hour operation on certain dates, depending on the timing of matches, at most domestic airports.

“The 24-hour schedule will be necessary as some games start at 20h30 and could finish as late as 23h30.”

SAA, said Fani, had adapted its normal schedule to add extra flights, but that its World Cup flight schedule would be “a work in progress” that would be adapted as demand changed in the run-up to kick off. “Plans are well under way to introduce the ‘third shift’ to

our existing rosters, which will see an increase in our staff complement at the airports and in our aircraft during this period.”

New staff are also being hired to work alongside experienced staff; aircraft are being deployed countrywide and all service providers will operate 24 hours during the event, including the SAPS and immigration officials.

“While some games may be played in Johannesburg, for example, passengers will arrive in other domestic stations such as Cape Town and Durban, hence we have to have people on duty at all times too.” n

President opens Africa’s biggest gateway

The new five-storey Central Terminal Building offers:● 75 check-in counters● 34 escalators● 33 lifts● 10 000 sqm of retail space● 17 500 car parking bays on and

off the airport precinct● Capacity of 28m people a year● International pier, with an

increased number of holding lounges, airside commercial areas and boarding gates

● A new atrium at international arrivals

No first come, first served for 2010 – SAA

“

natalia thomson

THAI Airways is reported to have decided against using a GSA in the SA market and will be launching its own operations in Johannesburg.

TNW was unable to reach the airline for confirmation but flights are going ahead from June 2 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and

Saturdays. This follows a report in TNW (March 17) where it was rumoured that the GSA would be given to Cullinan Holdings. Despite having told members of the trade in March that details would be revealed “pretty soon” regarding the GSA, Thai Airways has provided only details of its 50th anniversary promotional fare. n

TG – going it alone?

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4 n Wednesday April 28 2010 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

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Personal Liability

A TIC policyholder was walking

down a flight of stairs in her

hotel in Spain when she lost

her footing and tried to regain

it by grabbing on to an

expensive painting on the side

of the wall. But it didn’t stop

her momentum, and she

continued to tumble down the

stairs. As she got to the bottom

of the stairs, she knocked over

an expensive vase. She wasn’t

injured – but TIC had to replace

the vase and the painting and

the claim came to R10 000.

Always sell your client a TIC

travel insurance policy, which

automatically includes Personal

Liability cover with limits up to

R25 million. TIC's Personal

Liability benefit covers your

client if they become legally

liable for accidental death,

bodily injury, illness of any

person, or loss or damage to

property.

NEWSFLASH

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Natalia thomsoN

HANDS up, those agents who loathe hanging on the phone to connect

with some overworked call centre agent or consultant to assist with an enquiry.

As SA tour operators jump on the bandwagon and introduce online booking engines with real-time availability and pricing, you could be spending a lot less time holding on in future.

In the past two years tour operators like Beachcomber Tours, Thompsons Holidays, Freeway Holidays and now even Holiday Tours (coming soon), have introduced booking engines that allow agents live access into their booking systems.

“The online system gives agents instant, direct access into our inventory in real time with all the relevant prices,” explains John Ridler, Thompsons Holidays pr manager. For the agent, this means fewer calls to the reservations department, access to the tour operator’s system online while engaging with their client and even the facility to quote immediately.

“This obviates having to call back to the call centre and request another quote if the product is not suitable as

the agent can immediately choose an alternative from a selection of properties. What’s more, once the client accepts the quote, payment and documents can be expedited electronically.”

Freeway’s online system gives agents total control to structure deals 24/7 365 days a year, explains group operations manager, Ghalid Hendricks. “Clients’ responses can be replied to in under five minutes allowing the agent to conduct the deal while the client is waiting.”

But operators appear to be getting mixed results when it comes to encouraging agents to make the move.

“We aren’t doing online reservations at the moment. We feel they are too time consuming and not user friendly,” says Lynette Devoy, leisure consultant at Carlson Wagonlit Travel Umhlanga.

Jessica Cameron from Flight Centre Mimosa Mall Bloemfontein, says going online has not been a priority. “I prefer personal interaction with people.”

But Milandri Du Toit from Flight Centre The Glen in Johannesburg gives Thompsons Online the thumbs up. “The system automatically provides you with price and availability and

it’s very easy to use.”Meanwhile, Beachcomber’s

new online system is well supported by agents TNW polled. Says Rianette Coetzee, XL Boland Travel: “The system immediately tells you if there’s availability or not and you receive an email quote in the same format Beachcomber would normally give it to you.”

Operations manager Silvana Polo says: “We were very surprised about the number of agents who have registered and are doing daily quotes.

“With the way technology has gone, and is going, operators need to be proactive. If not, you will be left behind. Agents are working 24/7 and need access to rates and information to stay ahead of the game.”

CWT Ballito’s Kathy Cowie enjoys the user-friendliness of Freeway Holidays’ site. “My favourite feature is the instant voucher facility, which is easy to understand and includes all relevant information. Pricing is pretty good and in some instances better than we would find elsewhere. Availability is also good because different suppliers are used and there’s plenty of good quality product with good descriptions on offer.” n

Are you plugged into your tour operator?

Natasha tippel

CUSTOMERS can now book and purchase tickets in Premium Voyageur on flights to all Air France’s international long-haul destinations served by Boeing 777s (excluding Caribbean and Indian Ocean), Airbus A330s and A340s. By the end of the year, all these aircraft will be fitted with

the Premium Voyageur cabin. Premium Voyageur launched in October last year, with: ● 21 seats on the Airbus A330/A340;● 24 seats on the Boeing 777-200ER; ● 28 seats on the Boeing 777-300ER. Customers have a private cabin, 40% more space, and a 48cm-wide seat that reclines to 123° in a fixed shell. n

AF extends Premium Voyageur to more flights

NEWS

QUICK READ FOR bUSIESt pEOplE Wednesday April 28 2010 n 5

Are you GREEN?WIN 2 return tickets to Amsterdam!

Show us how on the ball you are about the environment.

Simply complete the online Survey on TI pages and the winner will also be invited to the

prestigious Air France KLM Green Globe Awards Gala evening.

Competition runs from 28 April – 19 May 2010

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Natasha tippel

THE very first World Holiday and Travel Fair (WHTF) was held at Johannesburg’s Coca-Cola Dome from April 16 to 18.

The outbound travel show, hosted by Thebe

Exhibitions and Projects Group, showcased the travel trade with numerous exhibitor stands, Kidz Zone hosted by Caribbean Cruises, entertainment at the STA Travel Pavilion, cooking demonstrations, TNW travel agent workshops, and much more.

Something for everyone at WHTF!

Joining in the fun are the Trafalgar team: Darsha Soobramoney (marketing executive), Nandipha Booi (Baglios representative), and Alex Bunton (One Stop Touring Shop Gauteng area sales manager) with their ice cream stand Photo: Natasha Tippel

Browsing the exhibitor stands are the Harvey World Travel team: Cheryl-LynnRobbins (franchise support manager), Monica Poulos (product manager), and Rosemary Moss (gm) Photo: Natasha Tippel

PillowTalkPillowTalkPillowA brief look at this week's hotel newsNew five-star property for WellingtonGRAND Dédale – which opened in December – located close to Wellington at the foot of the Bainskloof Pass in the Western Cape, brings an exclusive brand of elegant country house living to the area, say its owners. Formerly the Doolhof Manor House, the property is situated on Doolhof Wine Estate, which is set on 380 hectares of vineyards, forest and fynbos, and is surrounded by three dramatic mountain ranges. Guests will be able to enjoy discreet service and complete privacy in six individually designed rooms and suites in the historic Manor House and one free-standing thatched cottage, all reflecting the Cape Dutch elegance of the buildings. Facilities comprise a swimming pool, spa room, hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, a river walk and vineyard walk on the estate. Fishing, exploring canyons and other leisure sports, including golf played on world-class golf courses, are a short drive away.

Abalone Lodge refurb completeABALONE Lodge in Hermanus has reopened following a lengthy closure for extensive renovations. They include a newly landscaped water-wise indigenous garden, rim-flow swimming pool, extensive rainwater reservoirs and new-look interiors. Owners, Heloise and Gerrit Jordaan, have also appointed a management company, with Dijana Smalresponsible for the day-to-day running of the lodge. Heloise and Gerrit are still very much at the helm of the property and the central reservations are still being handled at Shell Lodges’ head office in Plettenberg Bay.

NEWS

6 n Wednesday April 28 2010 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

Introducing Travel Guard formerly AIG Travel

For more information call 0860 100 491 or email travel@dnanet.co.za

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Melody Brandon

THEIR eyes may be firmly focused on the 2010 World Cup but suppliers

say travel will not grind to a halt after the event.

“Immediately after the event and into the summer season, the travel sector and car rental can expect good growth,” says Avis ce, Wayne Duvenage.

Wayne believes travel will increase after the event as a result of local and outbound travel being “starved” of travel during the event.

Deferred travel plans, coupled with great supplier specials, bode well for year-end travel.

Bookings have certainly increased compared with this time last year, explains Travel Vision sales and marketing manager, David Bradshaw. “If it continues like this after the World Cup we will be very pleased. Our biggest growth areas are the Mediterranean and Middle East.”

Jackie Adami, sales and marketing director for Development Promotions agrees. She says an increase in bookings from August indicates South Africans have deferred their travel plans for the June-July period to later in the year. “We have found that there were great pre-World Cup specials up

until the end of May and we anticipate there will be great discounts from our suppliers post Soccer World Cup.”

Theresa Szejwallo, md of Travcorp SA, believes a stronger rand will also influence bookings after the World Cup. “As the economy improves, more people will be ready to start planning to travel. We suspect that many South Africans would not have travelled this year and would rather stay at home to watch the World Cup.”

Holiday Tours senior product manager, Jacqui Carr, says the tour operator has a number of specials for its key products after the World Cup, especially for the South Africans who have deferred their travel plans. “The focus is still predominantly for travel over the June/July period and the availability is slowly opening up, so we expect a last-minute booking rush. An increase in bookings has been noticed for August and September, which could be bookings deferred from the World Cup period,” she says.

Airlines too are preparing for post-soccer-fever demand, with a few offering specials to stimulate demand. AF KLM commercial director Southern Africa, Ralf Karsenbarg, says its flights are performing “above expectations” after the June/July period.

“We see a positive trend in bookings for the coming period out of SA, before, during and after the World Cup. At the moment, we do not foresee any special promotions for after the World Cup but these insights can change on a daily basis.”

Lufthansa, however, is already advertising its 2010 Christmas in Europe promotion. Karin Duncker, pr manager for the airline, says the lower fares have been introduced to stimulate post-World Cup demand. “As the SA school holidays have been moved to coincide with the World Cup, the traditional months of high demand (July and August) will differ to previous years. Currently Lufthansa is monitoring these months and will introduce specials if the need arises.”

David Ryan, Cathay Pacific country manager, says the airline hasn’t seen a rise in demand for travel post-World Cup. Rather, he says, Cathay has seen an increase in year-round bookings.

“It is early to say what will happen after the World Cup. We haven’t noticed any significant change in bookings that far out. On the whole we are seeing a significant rise in travel this year compared to last year, and we expect that to continue irrespective of the World Cup.”

High hopes for travel post World Cup

Where South Africans want to go:● “Mauritius, Zanzibar, Maldives, Thailand, Malaysia, Bali and South America are our hot sellers.” – Jacqui Carr, senior product manager, Holiday Tours.● “India, South Africa and the Far East are popular.” – John Ridler, pr manager, Thompsons Holidays.● “Europe definitely seems to be the hot favourite. In fact, we have proven that it’s less expensive than a local holiday to travel on an escorted tour with Trafalgar, Insight Vacations or Contiki.” – Theresa Szejwallo, md of Travcorp. n

to the point ☞●Europcar SA has welcomed the new Kia Soul hatchback to its fleet and ceo, Dawn Nathan-Jones, says it is available from all major branches. She believes it will be a hot favourite with its unique styling, comfort and many equipment choices. However, Dawn advises agents not to leave bookings for the World Cup to the last minute.

4 X weekly flights from JNB to Kigali with connections to Bujumbura, Entebbe, Nairobi and Dar es Salaam

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NEWS

QUICK READ FOR bUSIESt pEOplE Wednesday April 28 2010 n 7

Etihad Airways and eastern European airline Ukraine International (UIA) recently celebrated their partnership and the success of the Johannesburg-Abu Dhabi-Kiev codeshare route with agents at a dinner function on Rovos Rail. The airlines announced an increase in the number of flights operating the route to two per week. Flights are on Mondays and Fridays, departing Johannesburg at 13h35 and arriving in Abu Dhabi at 23h55. The connecting flight departs Abu Dhabi at 01h55 and arrives in Kiev at 06h30 the same day. Return services depart Kiev at 14h10 and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 20h20. The connecting service departs Abu Dhabi at 22h20 and arrives in Johannesburg at 04h55 the following morning. Etihad and UIA are currently offering a tax-inclusive fare on the route starting from R5 580. Pictured here, from left, are Lize Joubert (Travel with Flair), Jaco Basson (Etihad Airways), Benine Vermeulen (Brooklyn Travel), Linda Smidt (Brooklyn Travel) and Maria Flavio (Seekers Travel Pretoria)

Sue lewitton

DURBAN’S new King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) has been hit by another wave of

controversy on the eve of its opening, currently scheduled for May 1.

The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) will be constructing a new toll plaza just outside the airport on the La Mercy Interchange, heading towards Durban.

Most operators are concerned about the cost implications. Horst Achtzehn, md of Caraville Travel, says as far as he’s concerned, the new toll is yet another creeping indirect tax that impacts on all aspects of business and has a cost implication. He says: “If a usage fee is unavoidable for the airport roads, then why not simply adjust the parking fees at the airport and combine it? With most toll routes,

one is at least given the option of an alternative route. I am not sure what alternatives one has for departing from the new airport.”

On the subject of alternative routes, Linda Pampallis, ceo of Thompsons Africa, says she is concerned that many drivers will opt to take back roads to avoid the toll, which is not good for the secondary roads. She adds that although the price of the toll isn’t too expensive, her main concern is that the distance from central Durban to the new airport is further than from Sandton to OR Tambo International Airport and, with the toll, costs are adding up. “The mileage is increasing from 18km to 40km one way from central points in Durban,” she adds.

The new toll fees will be between R4 and R16 and will operate from May 1. n

nataSha tippel

AS the opening of the new King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) draws nearer, Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has been fielding many questions from the travel trade and public.

As a result, Acsa has put together a document with critical information that the trade and public need to know about the move from Durban International Airport to KSIA before the new airport’s opening on May 1.

To read the full document, see link on eTNW story, April 19. n

Etihad partners with UIA

KSIA toll road planned

The big move to KSIA – your questions answered

39953 Corporate 300x101.indd 1 2/1/10 3:03 PM

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8 n Wednesday April 28 2010 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went The day the trade went

looney!ON April 18 at the River Café in Parkmore, a crazy bunch of LooneyTICs arrived bright

and early for a fun-filled day of team-building activities at the annual LooneyTIC Games.

The event, which was organised by Tourism Update and Tourism Update and Tourism Update Tourism Update Online, the HiSide Group, Update Online, the HiSide Group, Update Onlineand Events On Show, saw teams

of eight competing in physical and mental tasks especially designed for the travel industry.

With flags flying high, war cries and lots of team spirit, what started off as a simple warm-up soon became competitive, energetic madness in overcoming the giant Zorb balls, sponsored by Pure Rush, Foosball fun; eating

contests; and much more!Taking home the prize for the

Most Looney Individual was Michael Snodgrass (EOS Family). The overall winning team with the highest points was First Travel and the Most LooneyTIC 2010 team with the most team spirit was given to eTravel’s Hot Tamales.

eTraveleTravel

eTravel

Holiday Tours

Flight Centre

Travelport

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the stars to the smell of smokey camp coffee

while you soak up a spectacular sunrise and

behold a landscape that makes you feel small

and big all at once?

Touch, taste, smell, hear and see Namibia.

Our beautiful game.

Namibia Tourism Board: JHB - 011 702 9602 CPT - 021 422 3298 • Air Namibia: 0860 109 716TNW3913SD

QUICK READ FOR bUSIESt pEOplE Wednesday April 28 2010 n 9

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looney!o yyyyFlight Centre

Flight Centre

First Travel

NEWS

10 n Wednesday April 28 2010 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

Melody Belody Belody randon

HIGH airfares, and in some cases lack of interest from agents, are

to blame for the lack of agent educationals.

Jackie Adami, Development Promotions sales and marketing director, gives these as the reasons three educationals were cancelled last year. “Agents want fam trips but they have to rely on a flight special or agent discounts, so they don’t know 14 days before the trip whether they can get seats.”

Travel Vision, says sales and marketing manager, David Bradshaw, has tried several times to put an educational together for South America. “When you start with a fare (including taxes) of R6 597, there is no way one can offer an affordable trip.”

The lack of fam trips, says Jacqui Carr, Holiday Tours senior product manager, is a sign of the times. "It is not easy to secure agent rates, particularly on airlines. Sometimes costs are prohibitive when arranging trips.”

Suppliers say with so few

fam trips available, they are forced to choose agencies that support them. “Sales and support obviously deserve recognition. Other factors we consider are professionalism, effort, passion for the industry, which wholesalers can pick up on when dealing with agents on a regular basis, and also the potential to produce,” explains Jackie.

Development Promotions, she says, has opted to go the consortium route and has found that getting a company’s support has worked well for attendance rates on fam trips.

“We find that news about the product spreads via word of mouth within the consortium. We propose two or three eds with the head office, which then drives the eds.”

Theresa Szejwallo, md of Travcorp SA, says any agent who takes their business seriously and is willing to support Travcorp’s brands is the calibre of agent they want to invite on their eds.

Time not on your side?While visiting new

destinations is any agent’s dream, family commitments and staff constraints

contribute to agents being available.

Sarah McGowan, operations manager at Sure Zenojet Travel says: “It is great to be picked up at the airport and shown around but if you don’t plan the trip yourself you don’t really learn that much about the destination.” She says agent rates would give agents the opportunity to plan a trip in advance, giving them the freedom to make a holiday of the trip so that partners and children could join them.

Sarah says one of the biggest considerations is whether or not the agency can manage without the consultant. “We only have three consultants and if one is out on a fam trip and another falls sick, we would have a serious problem.”

For agents who can’t make it on eds, David suggests workshops as the next best thing, although no-shows are rife.

“We bring experts from the countries involved and hold them in about six centres but from many years’ experience we find we have an attendance which is 40% less than the numbers who accepted.”

AirHeadsHeadsAF takes delivery of third A380AIR France has received the third of its 12 A380s and will soon use it on the Johannesburg route. The airline currently serves the Johannesburg route with both a B777 and an A380. With the delivery of the third aircraft, the airline will, from the end of this month, operate an exclusive A380 service on the route. The airline is expecting to receive its fourth A380 in August, allowing it to offer Paris-Tokyo flights using the A380 before the end of the airline’s summer season.

TK to launch Sochi flightsON May 25, Turkish Airlines will launch three flights a week between Istanbul and Sochi, a Russian resort city just north of the Georgian border and host to the 2014 Winter Olympics. The planned schedule is expected to operate as follows: flight TK295 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, departs Istanbul at 12h45 arriving in Sochi at 15h30. Return flight TK296 departs Sochi at 16h50, arriving in Istanbul at 17h55.

Shearwater Vic Falls ups flight prices SHEARWATER Victoria Falls has announced that as a result of “ever increasing” operational costs, there will be price changes to its helicopter flights. The flight rack rates are increasing from US$115pp to US$120pp for the ‘Flight of Angels’. Shearwater Victoria Falls has also announced the introduction of its new ‘Zambezi Spectacular’ helicopter flight. The 25-minute flight is available from US$240, excluding national park fees, and replaces the 19-minute ‘Scenic Gorge Flight’ and the 25-minute ‘Game Flight’. The changes came into effect on April 1 and all bookings that are already in the system will be honoured at the rate in place at the time of booking.

China Eastern to join SkyTeamCHINA Eastern has announced its intention to join the SkyTeam alliance by mid-2011. With the addition of a second Chinese airline, SkyTeam customers worldwide will benefit from greater access to China and Asia Pacific. Servicing more than 150 destinations in China and abroad, China Eastern provides an extensive route network. Current SkyTeam member, China Southern, already covers China through its hubs in Guangzhou and Beijing. Through China Eastern’s hub in Shanghai, SkyTeam will be able to offer services out of the three major Chinese markets. China Eastern will bring 25 new destinations to SkyTeam’s current network. The airline’s network also covers south-east Asia, Europe, North America, South Africa and Australia. Combined with Korean Air, the Asian carriers will further strengthen SkyTeam’s presence in Asia. In June, SkyTeam also plans to welcome two additional members, Vietnam Airlines and TAROM.

Costs hit fam trips

● Lufthansa has a special agency fare for agents and companions, to be ticketed by June 30. All legs must be flown together and agents book and issue tickets themselves. The fare is valid for all LH-operated flights to Germany and Europe at R999 (agent) and R1 199 (companion).● British Airways is offering agents and their companions special fares to Mauritius, valid until June 6. The fares are from R1 800pp, excl taxes.● Island Voyage Tours is offering specials to ZNZ and MRU, valid until June and the end of April respectively. The ZNZ special costs from R6 550pps, including airfare, return transfers and four nights at the Arabian

Nights on a B&B basis. An airfare supplement applies from June 11 to July 11. The MRU special includes transfers, seven nights at Laguna Beach Hotel on a half-board basis and costs from R4 550pps. ● SAA is offering an agents’ fare to MRU, valid for sale and travel until May 31. It costs from R2 000, excluding taxes, ex-JNB for an economy-class seat. ● Avocatur is offering Iata agents a four-night MRU educational, valid until June 5 from R2 599pp sharing a double room. It includes breakfast and dinner daily, non-motorised water sports, entertainment and airport and hotel transfers. A single supplement is available on request. n

Agent specials currently on offer

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TNW

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Office Hrs (011) 884-9113Website: www.specialized.co.za

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our website is updated daily!visit www.specialized.co.za

AVIATION DIVISION:

Airline Sales Executive – Based SandtonResponsible for Pretoria and surrounds. Min 5 years outdoor sales experience and call planning. Generation of BSP reports and MIDT/other tools essential. R13000 plus co car and benefits.

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Airline Accounts Clerk – E/RandAirline Accounts Clerk – E/RandMin 3 years experience up to Balance Sheet. BCom or studying towards a BCom essential. R11000/R12000.

Airline Administrator – E/RandAirline Administrator – E/RandMature and responsible. Must be proficient on Excel and PowerPoint. Knowledge of Interline Rebate Resolutions and HR relations secures. R10000/R12000.

For all aviation opportunities email CV to joyce@sgroup.co.zaDue to the volume of CVs received we apologise for not being able to respond to every applicant. Should you not hear from us within 10 days please consider your application unsuccessful, however we will keep your details on file for alternative opportunities.

TRAVEL DIVISION

Senior Manager (Commercial Senior Manager (Commercial & Financial)& Financial)Financial Degree and /or MBA candidate with Oracle & Cognos experience essential. Business case management, drive business performance and profitability, forecasting, budgeting, strategic planning, vendor contracting essential, understanding of global company and organization structure. Kati

Relationship Manager – Relationship Manager – Jhb N/SuburbsJhb N/SuburbsPlan and implement sales activities; maintain and develop existing and new customers, a combination of key account management and new business sales. Candidates must have a proven sales and negotiating track record plus strategic sales skills. Kati

Snr & Intermediate ConsultantsJob opportunities are on the increase! If you are considering a career move contact us asap. Tina

Jnr Processor – E/RandJnr Processor – E/RandHighly regarded travel agency. Will process domestic air, hotel and car rental bookings on Galileo and online, plus prepare documentation and invoicing. A varied job description. R4500. Tina

Jnr Consultant/Processor – CptJnr Consultant/Processor – CptWill be involved in all aspects of domestic bookings, working for large, highly regarded travel company. Candidates must have a minimum of 1 years travel experience and good Galileo skills. Tina

Senior Wholesale Consultant – Jhb N/SuburbsJhb N/SuburbsUrgently required by top company. Far East & Australia Dept. Extensive product knowledge, high service delivery, exceptional communication & interpersonal skills required. Kati

Wholesale Consultant – Jhb N/SuburbsJhb N/SuburbsMinimum 5 years wholesale experience with broad knowledge of international and domestic travel arrangements. Be part of a small team. Candidates must be emotionally mature and able to deal with demanding clients. R15000. Kati

German Speaking - DurbanGerman Speaking - DurbanHighly regarded company requires a bilingual English/German individual. The ability to speak, read and write German is essential. Excellent geographical knowledge of South Africa or previous experience working within the travel industry is required. Tina

Data Capturer – Jhb N/SuburbsData Capturer – Jhb N/SuburbsRWA Suite experience, rates administration and loading. Strong attention to detail and analytical skills required. Join highly regarded company! Kati

THIS WEEK’S TOP JObSJOHANNESbURG

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See our website for a further selection of exciting vacancies!

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Tel: Tracey (011) 803 6606 rivonia@nowjobs.co.za

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INbOUNd INCENTIVES ENTHUSIAST – NORTHFabulous opp to shine with this expanding inbound

operator! If you have a passion for Southern Africa & love using your creative flair to put together exciting packages for the intern’l market, look no further! Ideal opening for

the Senior Inbound Con who loves travelling with groups. Competitive offer.

SENIOR INbOUNd CONSULTANT – NORTHDue to expansion our client seeks your solid abilities to work with high spend 5* markets! You’ll be a Southern Africa guru

and thrive on smashing expectations of clients. Working in strong team set-up its full steam ahead at this exciting

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KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER - UMHLANGAEnergetic, sociable person required by leading retail

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FINANCIAL MANAGER - SANdTONDon’t miss out on this one! Excellent opportunity to assume

full financial responsibility for highly successful corporate travel agent. Handle full accounting function including presentation of financials to the board as well as staff

motivation & supervision of a small team. B.Comm Degree plus 5 years exp in a financial mngt role will be rewarded.

RESERVATIONS MANAGER – NORTHWOW opp to bring your solid Inbound exp & oversee staff of 20. You’ll have an eye for detail, thrive in assisting your team achieve their best potential and have a strong inclination for always exceeding clients expectations. Superb offices with

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AIRLINE SALES!Rare, sought-after opportunity! Join international airline, and take responsibility for promoting & marketing their services in the KZN region. Utilise your min 5 years on-the-road travel industry sales exp to work to defined sales objectives, and become known as the person behind the brand! Package

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Community news

COMMUNITYNEWSBirths, deaths, marriages, promotions – we want to know! Please fax or e-mail TNW's Jeanette Phillips, at jeanettep@nowmedia.co.za or (011) 327 4094.

jObS

E mail: ann@pcs-sa.co.za / nono@pcs-sa.co.zaE mail: ann@pcs-sa.co.za / nono@pcs-sa.co.zaWeb: www.pcs-sa.co.za

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SENIOR FIT / SENIOR GROUPS- SENIOR FIT / SENIOR GROUPS- Incentives- North6+Yrs exp. Reservations, planning and proposing own itineraries. Good Geographical and Product knowledge. Office/Administration work. Ann

GENERAL MANAGER- FourwaysGENERAL MANAGER- Fourways5+ Yrs Management exp. Tertiary qual. Basic knowledge of HR and IR principles. Communication and Organizational skills. Team Management exp. In Houses nationally- JHB and Cpt. Ann

SENIOR WHOLESALE CONSULTANT- Hyde ParkHyde ParkMin 5 + yrs exp. Galileo/Amadeus. Knowledge of domestic & international travel. Salary R11000- R17000 + incentives. Nono

SAFARI SHOP MANAGER- SandtonDetail minded person. Problem solving to facilitate Safari Shops system.Accpac & RMS, drivers license & own transport. Salary R15000 gross + Medical Aid & Provident fund. Nono

INTERMEDIATE TRAVEL CONSULTANT- RandburgRandburgMin 4 + yrs exp corporate travel, Galileo, Quicktrav. Fully bilingual ( Afrikaans & English). Domestic to international travel. Nono

SENIOR FIT CONSULTANTS-ENGLISH/AFRIKAANSENGLISH/AFRIKAANS (SPANISH/ (SPANISH/ ITALIAN)-ITALIAN)- RandburgRandburg4+ Yrs exp. Inbound Industry. Knowledge of properties and S.A. destinations. In control of own bookings. Design Itineraries and quotes. Excellent communication skills. Ann

Empowering Global Business™

Exciting Career OpportunitiesWings® Corporate Travel, a rapidly expanding international corporatetravelmanagement company, has the following exciting positions available:

Southern Africa

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International Locations

• Financial Manager*• Head of Operations*• Travel Consultants*

1735 TNW rec ad:1735 4/16/10 3:11 PM Page 1

TNW3948SD

n THREE Cities Hotels has promoted Jaco Nortjeto senior reservationist of Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel & Spa in Cape Town.

n BILL Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris has announced the appointment of David Atherstoneto the position of general manager. David, pictured here with Bill Harrop, will be responsible for the management of flight operations, guest services, food and beverage, and estate management. He will work alongside marketing manager, Sarah Bauling, and financial

manager, Malindi Loader, and will serve on the marketing, financial, HR and operations committees. Mary Harrop and Sarah will act as alternate ceos. Mary will also serve as assistant operations manager and assistant flight operations manager, assisting David. She will also work as duty operations manager and assist with telephone reservations.

TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

TNW NEWS

12 n Wednesday April 28 2010 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

lauraw@etravel.co.za / charmainem@etravelcpt.co.za

To sponsor this poll contact Kate on 011 214 7334

or e-mail katen@nowmedia.co.za

brought to you by

eTNW and TRAVELINFO

Melody Brandon

COMAIR may have set its sights on Durban International Airport

(DIA) but with Acsa adamant that the old airport will be decommissioned, it doesn’t look as if there will be competition for the new King Shaka International Airport.

“A task team, consisting of Acsa, the Department of Trade and Industry, the eThekweni municipality, provincial and national government, has been set up to decide on the best way to dispose of the airport,” says Acsa manager communications and brand for DIA, Colin Naidoo.

Colin made it clear that, after the World Cup, during which DIA will be used as an emergency resource, the airport will be decommissioned.

While no bidders have been officially named, Transnet has indicated it is considering converting the property into a sea port. Acsa’s task team has yet to make a decision.

Acsa hopes the sale of DIA will offset some of the R8,5bn cost of the 103 000-sqm KSIA, considered by industry players to have been an unnecessary expense (see TNW April 14) TNW April 14) TNW

Joint Comair ceo, Gidon Novick, says the airline will continue to engage in dialogue with Acsa and, should that fail, will consider taking its case to the Competition Commission.

Gidon argues that the substantially higher costs for airlines to fly to KSIA as well as for businesses south of Durban, are considerations that make a valid case for a multiple airport city.

The higher costs at KSIA mean it will cost South Africans more to access the airport than to fly, says Gidon. “Businessmen who need to visit clients close to DIA will spend an hour driving from KSIA and an hour back to the airport for an hour’s flight back to Johannesburg!” he says.

Durban resident, Mark Young, who has lodged a complaint with the Competition Commission in his personal capacity on the grounds that Acsa’s

not selling the airport for aviation use is anti-competitive, agrees with Gidon. “I do not see why Acsa is selling something, paid for by users, without having consulted the public. Why should business travellers have to travel further and pay toll fees to use the airport? It is a unilateral price hike. Someone, somewhere along the way did not think.”

Mark believes that, should the parastatal get away with “anti-competitive behaviour”, it would set a precedent for other companies to ignore the Competition Act.

“The message this sends out is one of acceptance. If Acsa can ignore the Competition Act and its own founding legislation, then why should any other companies act competitively?” says Mark.

1time, which is fighting a battle with the Competition Commission concerning kulula.com’s exclusive-use agreement with Lanseria (see TNW Feb 17), has TNW Feb 17), has TNWcalled Comair’s fight for the airport a “publicity stunt”.

“The Department of Transport has confirmed the DIA would no longer be used for aviation purposes. It is not a simple case of competition. There are airspace and safety implications too. We would not be interested in going anywhere near the DIA after it is decommissioned,” says 1time commercial manager, Desmond O’Connor.

Desmond says, unlike Lanseria, which was profitable before kulula.com began using the airport, DIA would be prohibitively expensive to maintain.

Gidon, however, says the airline is looking at proposing a multiple-use strategy for the old infrastructure.

“We are looking at broadening our proposal and offering a mixed-use solution. We hope we can at least offer some flights out of the old DIA. It will be interesting to see what happens,” he says. n

It’s too late, MATCH!MATCH has dumped almost 300 000 rooms back into South Africa’s accommodation sector. Do you think your clients will Africa’s accommodation sector. Do you think your clients will snap these up? Or is it too late?

n The rooms will be snapped up quickly. There’s demand! 22%n It’s far too late. We see little or no interest from our clients 78%

“South Africans have a tendency to leave things to the last minute. I am confident there will be a demand for accommodation sooner or later.” Tershia Loe, Travel Counsellors“There might be some interest. People enquire but don’t pay and confirm. That is the problem I have currently.” Fleur Steenkamp, Hatfield Travel.

Kulula still has its eyes on DIA

Royal Caribbean International presented an exciting activity area to keep the kiddies entertained while mom and dad viewed the products on display at the first World Holiday and Travel Fair (WHTF) at the Coca-Cola Dome in Northgate, Johannesburg, from April 16 to 18. See page 5 for more info. Leading the way to the Kidz Zone are (from left) Tracey Krog, product manager, The Contemporary Portfolio, and Jenny Arthur, product manager, The Luxury Portfolio

Travel fair fun!

“The higher costs at KSIA mean it will cost South Africans more to access the airport

than to fly.”

www.etravel.co.za

Lookwho’s

makingit witheTravel

I have been part of the eTravelfamily for 4 years now and Ihave never looked back.It was the best decision I haveever made as I am supportedby a dynamic, knowledgeableand experienced team inJohannesburg and CapeTown. They have given me theability to be flexible in myhours to enjoy my youngfamily and yet my clients knowI am there for them day andnight 24/7. Thank you eTravel!

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