travel news weekly 2 september 09

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SoutHeRn AfRICA’S tRAveL neWS WeeKLySeptember 2 2009 I No. 2073

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NEWSAgent sAlArIesHold on to your jobs!

FEaTurEsydney

SA visitors keen on OZ

tRAveL neWS WeeKLy

agENTzoNEKQ’s AmAZIng chAse

A race to the finish...

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PROPOSED changes to Iata’s financial guarantee requirements

for agencies will have “far reaching” and “devastating” consequences for the local industry, say agents.

Iata acknowledges that there are proposed changes to the SA BSP financial criteria, but that these are not yet approved. A spokesperson told TNW that airlines were proposing guarantees to guard against losses.

Agencies writing to TNW confirm that in 2008, at least 23 agencies defaulted in BSP ZA. By June 2009, they say, a further 10 agencies have already defaulted.

“We would like to move away from the current ‘nil guarantee’ system, which offers them no protection. The proposal tabled for the APJC (Agency Programme Joint Council), is for either a R250 000 or R500 000 guarantee to be applied across the board, with the size of the guarantee varying according to agents’ payment cycles,” said an Iata spokesperson.

Airlines’ calls for a financial guarantee are justified, says Asata ceo, Robyn Christie. “We acknowledge that the market has changed, that we are operating under very different conditions and

understand that the risk has increased. But being an Iata licence holder should not be seen as a penalty or barrier to entry. It should be seen as something that enhances an agency’s business.”

Robyn says Asata acknowledges the current system has to change and that the APJC is working on a counter proposal taking into account agency feedback. “We are hoping to resolve this through constructive dialogue and it would not be appropriate for us to threaten a legal resolution. We simply don’t have the resources as an industry to keep taking that route when something doesn’t work in our favour.”

The guarantee, agents say, is in direct contradiction to government efforts to promote BEE and small businesses.

XL Astra Travel Pietermaritzburg’s Graham de Wit says the R250 000 guarantee has catastrophic implications for small agencies. “What with audit costs from R10 000 to R15 000 for a small agency and then having to find a bank guarantee for no less than R250 000, what agency can afford this at the present time where the economic downturn has yet to hit the industry in a significant way?”

The new Iata guarantee

requirements, says SATC marketing manager, evi Zacharias, will limit new entrants into the market. “We would be in favour of a flat guarantee across the board with a higher percentage discount dependent on the number of years the agent has been operating in the market place.”

Says Mike Britton, Uniglobe Aerocity Travel in Edenvale: “It is difficult to accept that when you run a business well, you have to be tarred with the same brush as those who fail.”

Mike says he has not had to provide guarantees to Iata for some time because he maintains a strong balance sheet and secure cash flow. “I do this not just for Iata, but for all my creditors and most importantly for myself.

“If I am evaluated as an individual business, then I am well able to secure my cash sales on BSP.”

It is possible agencies will benefit from reduced competition, while centralised ticketing offices will also benefit as agencies decide to abandon their individual Iata licences, he adds.

“My personal view is that good credit control would work far better. I have seen cases where agencies, knowing they

Singapore Airlines is offering a special Thai Grand Festival fare valid until September 30 from R4 050 ex-Johannesburg and R4 550 ex-Cape Town excluding airport taxes, fuel and insurance surcharges. For more information, see Singapore Airlines’ pages on Travelinfo. Pictured here in true Thai spirit are (from left) Claudia de Azevedo, groups, reservations and ticketing officer; Kim Wessels, reservations and ticketing agent; Redi Motsa, reservations agent; and Crystal van Jaarsveld, reservations and ticketing officer Photo: Tijana Huysamen

Jeanette PhilliPs

FROM August 17, Rwandair has switched from operating night-time Johannesburg flights to daylight flights.

The switch also coincides with an increase in the airline’s Johannesburg flight schedule, now five times a week from the previous four.

Flights now operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays,

departing Kigali at 12h00, arriving in Johannesburg at 16h45. The return service departs Johannesburg on the same days at 18h30, arriving in Kigali at 23h15.

Other Rwandair services with schedule changes from August 17 include flights to and from Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, Entebbe and Cyangugu (Rwanda). Flight frequencies have also increased to Cyangugu/Kamembe. ■

tarred with the same brushSmaller agencies stunned as an Iata financial flat R250k guarantee for agents in BSP ZA is proposed, reports Natalia Thomson

A grand time with sIA

rwandair introduces JnB daylight flights

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Phone: (011) 327-4062 Fax: (011) 327-4094 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.nowmedia.co.za Address: Now Media Centre, 32 Fricker Road, Illovo Boulevard, Illovo, Johannesburg. PO Box 55251, Northlands, 2116, South Africa.

TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

Published by Lugan Investments (Pty) Ltd trading as Now Media Printed by Juka Printing (Pty) Ltd

EDITORAL Editor: Natalia Thomson [email protected] Sub -Editor: Ann Braun [email protected] Cape Town Editor: Hilka Birns [email protected] Journalists: Jeanette Phillips [email protected] Tippel [email protected] Brandon [email protected] Photo Journalist: Tijana Huysamen [email protected] Editors: John H Marsh (1914-1996) Leona Marsh (1923-2003)

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2 n Wednesday September 2 2009 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

TNW NEWS

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Melody Brandon

HANG on to your jobs is the message personnel agents in the industry

are giving to travel agents buckling under the pressure of the economic downturn.

“This year has been a very difficult one. We placed one client who was earning R16 000 a month into a position where they take home R8 000, but they are just happy to have a job,” explained Tracey Christians, senior recruitment consultant at Specialized Travel Personnel.

Tracey said 2009 salary scales were out of balance due to the economic climate.

Last year a junior consultant was earning between R4 300 and R5 500 a month, intermediate consultants could expect to earn between R7 000 and R8 500 a month and senior consultants, between R10 000 and R15 000 a month.

Tracey Ciorovich, recruitment specialist at Lee Botti and

Associates agrees: “Things have really tightened up this year. Whereas 2007 and 2008 were excellent years as there were many positions available and a shortage of skills, we are now seeing the opposite with fewer positions available, large-scale retrenchments and companies putting a freeze on recruitment.”

“Before the downturn there was an increase in salary levels particularly for intermediate and specialised consultants because there was a bigger demand and a shortage of candidates,” explained md of Specialized Group, Pam Pokroy.

Agents who take home nominal basic salaries and receive most of their income from commission are the hardest hit with the declining number of travellers.

According to the 2009 State of Industry Survey conducted recently by TNW, 81% to 100% of senior consultants who responded earn 12,3% commission while the same

percentage of junior and intermediate consultants’ salaries comprise 4% and 3,3% commission respectively.

Of those who responded to the survey, 47% said their salary reflected their skills while 53% said it did not.

Specialized’s Tracey warns, however, that agents need to be aware that the job market has contracted significantly in the last 12 months and changing jobs is not the wisest move at the moment.

“There are a lot of retrenchments out there. You don’t want to find yourself in a last in, first out situation.”

Pam agrees and said travel has never been a well-paid industry. “The travel industry finds itself unable to pay very high salaries, and this will impact on the quality of staff entering the field. It will take some innovative management in the future to come up with a viable solution. However right now while companies are in ‘survival mode’ this is not likely to happen.”

Hang in there!

Agents should show their employers what they are worth.

“You could have a situation where you have a senior consultant, who specialises in domestic travel, getting paid more than an intermediate who

is selling thousands of rands in overseas bookings. In a situation like this you are in a far better position to negotiate your salary as you can show your employer what you are worth,” said Tracey Christians.

Pam agrees: “Employees who can contribute to the company by generating income are in a stronger position. They need to have tenacity and do everything possible to convert every opportunity into a sale.” n

Renegotiate if you can

Small agencies may:● Consolidate whereby ticketing is done by a

bigger agency;● Consider only working with suppliers that use

web-based products to bypass BSP;● Consider cancelling their Iata membership.

Bigger agencies will:● Have to put up guarantees from not having to

do so in the past;● Have to relook at their cash flow;● Have to provide substantial

guarantees. n

Tarred with the same brushFrom page 1were heading for the wall, rack up maximum possible cash sales and then default. Guarantees have a limited protection in these cases.

“If BSP could draw payment either monthly or when an agency reaches a predetermined credit threshold, it would be far more effective in minimising losses. With e-ticketing,

my indebtedness to BSP is available, so this type of control should be simple.”

And then there’s the argument that if agents have to provide a guarantee, why when suppliers have in the past defaulted, are they not required to show proof of proper securities? Agents and their clients are still out of pocket more than a year after Nationwide’s demise.

Asata is investigating an insurance scheme product that will be offered as an alternative form of financial security for the BSP but which will be at an additional cost. “We are also working on a passenger protection scheme which will see passengers pay a small additional fee for any type of travel, packages, airline flights etc.”

Impact for agencies

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Melody Brandon

DESPITE a crippling operating climate, a steep decline

in passenger numbers and R5bn investment for upgrades to airports around the country, Acsa is satisfied with its financial results for 2008/09.

“It is only through challenges that we can learn to focus,” said Acsa md, Monhla Hlahla, before announcing that the company had made a R444m profit for the last financial year, 43,7% down from the R789m made in the 2007/08 financial year.

Monhla attributed the reduction in profit to the global recession and financing of new projects and alterations at airports around the country.

She said some projects had had to be put on hold due to financial constraints, but that all airport infrastructure and capacity expansions would be completed in time for the

2010 FIFA World Cup.Priscilla Mabelane, the

group’s financial director, reported a steep decline of 7,7% in departing passenger traffic during the year, representing 2,8m passengers – the same as levels last seen in 2007. Aircraft landing volumes declined by 3,8% during the year.

Lower passenger and aircraft landing volumes are expected to continue throughout the 2010 financial year. Priscilla said despite the lower volumes, the group’s revenues had increased by 13% to R3,2bn for the year, compared with R2,8bn the year before, as non-aeronautical revenues (including concessionaries, property, parking, car rental and advertising) rose 20% to R1,7bn, up from R1,4bn made the previous year.

Acsa has invested R4,2bn in airport infrastructure over the past year, including R889m at OR Tambo, R811m at Cape Town International, R2,4bn on the development at La Mercy and R50m at domestic airports.

Monhla declined to comment on how much of a tariff hike Acsa was hoping for once the alterations at the airport were completed but said the company hoped to finalise and submit its permission application for tariff increases to the Economic Regulator by the end of August.

Deputy minister of transport, Jeremy Cronin, said despite the turbulent conditions Acsa had found itself in during the past year, it had produced a “solid” set of financial results.

“Acsa’s investment in its airports is not just a short-term project, but there are long-term implications too, for the future of tourism and South Africa as a country,” he said.


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Acsa’s financial results ‘solid’ despite profit declineKulula not happy with Acsa resultsWHILE Acsa may be happy with its financial results, kulula.com and its parent company Comair Limited raised serious concerns about the “financial crisis” the state-owned operator is experiencing.

“We fully support the investment in necessary airport infrastructure, however for the past few years the aviation industry has vehemently opposed Acsa’s excessive spend, to no avail. Now passengers are going to be called on to pay for it,” said Comair joint ceo, Erik Venter.

The new R7,5bn airport being built at La Mercy near Durban, has been highlighted as a project undertaken without the support of the airlines and without a proven business case. Erik says a study by Iata showed that the existing airport in Durban

could handle demand for the next 10-15 years.

“Around 14% of the average domestic airfare goes to Acsa – a charge for passengers of R49, landing fees and rentals charged to the airlines. Acsa is proposing a doubling of these charges even though, relative to the ticket price, they are already amongst the highest in the world. The proposal also comes at a time when travel volumes have already declined by 10% year-on-year and travellers are more price sensitive than ever before!

“Following the massive capital expenditure, Acsa is in desperate need of a capital injection from its shareholders. During these tough economic times, travellers do not deserve to be hit by yet another massive increase in airport charges.” n

“It is only through challenges that we can

learn to focus.”

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Natasha tippel

ANNOUNCING its win as the African Business Awards’ Airline of the

Year, Ethiopian Airlines regional manager for Southern Africa, Tekleab Paulos says the airline has doubled its nett profits for the past financial year.

Tekleab says the airline will

maintain its growth strategy in 2009/2010 by continuing to expand its network and improve its product. “As per our corporate plan for the coming fiscal year, we plan to grow by 21% with the introduction of new services. Mombasa is in the pipeline with a daily service, beginning on October 25. We also

plan to start new services to Conakry, Pointe Noire, Niamey, and Maputo between now and June 2010.”

Ethiopian Airlines will soon phase in a B737-800 aircraft. The airline also plans to refurbish the interiors of its long-haul fleet. This includes upgrading of seats and the in-flight entertainment system.

Aggressive expansion for Ethiopian Airlines

“One of the airline’s top priorities at the moment is promoting Ethiopia as a tourist destination,” says Tekleab. “Generally speaking, the country’s economy has registered a growth rate of 12% or more over the last three years. Taking the tourism sector as an example, more than 30 three- and four-star hotels have been opened in Addis Ababa alone and two more chain hotels – IBIS and Novotel – are currently under construction.”

In an effort to promote the destination, Ethiopian Airlines plans to assist agents to sell the country to prospective clients. “Tourist flow from South Africa is showing an increase, although we need to do a lot in terms of promotion and creating awareness to the travel trade and the public,” Tekleab says.

Part of this campaign is working to make the destination more financially viable for visitors. “Our aim is

to help agents sell Ethiopia by providing good products at reasonable and competent prices, which includes offering discounted airfares to travel agents who strive to sell tour packages to groups, waive stopover charges and offer agents other attractive incentives. We also intend to run more educational tour programmes for travel agents who promote and sell the country as a tourist destination,” says Tekleab. n

'We want to help agents to sell Ethiopia!'

Natasha tippel

CLUB Med has appointed a new sales and marketing manager, David Randall.

David previously held the position of marketing manager for Pentravel. On his decision to switch from the retail to wholesale sector, David says: “The move has been far more challenging as I am now involved with operations, sales and marketing. My main motivation is based on the desire to focus on a specific product or brand allowing time to be passionate about the product I represent.”

David plans to establish Club Med as a strong brand in the eyes of not only the consumer but also the trade, which is an important part of the company’s make-

up. He also intends to focus on improving service levels and implementing global best practices to grow Club Med’s brand image in SA.

“While our global branding is very strong, each business unit has the ability to adapt global practices to suit their market,” David says. “This allows for innovation which is then shared and utilised by other markets. For example, the UK has a very strong online and direct marketing strategy, which we will be adapting to the SA context. Other practices include trade marketing and segmentation, PR editorial, eCRM (electronic customer relationship marketing), SEO (search engine optimization), advertising layouts, promotional concepts and much more.”

Club Med works to build strong brand

Part of David’s vision for Club Med is a focus on improving service levels. Club Med’s new call centre system – Alcatel – allows the company more flexbility to customise their call flows and better reporting that enables detailed analysis of each Club Med consultant's performance.

Club Med also plans to launch an online booking tool, Easyclubmed, to partners and top supporting agencies.

Consultants can utilise Club Med’s enhanced system to access IT fares and negotiated fares based on live availability. Club Med also plans to implement an online payment tool that will negate the need for copies of credit card details and CCCFs (credit card charge forms). Another priority is the establishment of a support facility to handle amendments and any changes or updates to confirmed bookings. n

Service excellence● Iberia Airlines is offering special fares ex-JNB to North, Central and South America from R4 700. Minimum stay is either four or seven days (dependent on destination) and the maximum stay is one month. The fare excludes taxes and is valid for reservations and tickets issued on or before September 30. Travel to commence on or before December 3 for North

America and November 30 for Central and South America.● Travellers’ Choice – The Grand Mauritian from R10 597 per person sharing.

The rate includes return flights ex-Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban, return transfers, seven nights’ accommodation, breakfast and dinner. Valid until November 30. The rate includes 10% discount for bookings up to two weeks prior to departure. Excludes taxes. Black-out periods apply. ● World Travel – get 20% off various BritRail passes for travel between November 1 and February 28. Valid for sale

from September 1 to February 15.

Travelinfo ,s Michele Reynolds selects the top specials from Travelinfo

Specials Spot

David Randall with Club Med SA md, Elaine Youngleson

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QUICK READ FOR bUSIESt pEOplE Wednesday September 2 2009 n 7

Melody BraNdoN

EMIRATES will launch its Boeing 777-300ER on the South African route on October 1, adding 87 seats to each of its daily flights out of Johannesburg.

The three daily frequencies operated by the B777-300ER will ensure that passengers on any one of the Johannesburg flights will enjoy the superior Emirates experience, says Fouad

Caunhye, Emirates regional manager Southern Africa.

Each flight will offer eight private suites in first class, 42 seats in business and 304 in economy class. All classes will have the benefit of Emirates’ in-flight entertainment system – ICE (Information, Communication and Entertainment). With ICE, passengers can follow the progress of their flight, take in the view from the aircraft’s external cameras,

keep up to date with live news headlines from BBC News and read up on Dubai and Emirates. Telephone, SMS and email services are also available in-flight.

First- and business-class passengers can enjoy Emirates’ complimentary chauffeur-drive service, available within a 110km radius of OR Tambo, and will have exclusive access to the airline’s lounge at the airport. n

AirHeadsKQ to start Ndola flightsKENYA Airways has announced that it will start to operate direct Nairobi-Ndola flights on September 17. The twice-weekly flights will depart Nairobi on Thursdays and Saturdays. The airline is also set to launch flights to Gaborone on September 4. According to the airline this new route will also make travel out of Zambia more convenient for the residents and business community of Kitwe and Chingola – part of Zambia’s rich copperbelt – who usually have to travel to Lusaka or Johannesburg to connect with international flights.

QF leases additional A330 aircraftQANTAS has announced that it will take four additional wide-body A330 aircraft on six-year leases, to allow for Jetstar’s long-haul international growth. The aircraft are expected to be delivered in November 2010. Qantas ceo, Alan Joyce, said the airline currently had more than 160 aircraft on order over the next 10 years, including 50 Boeing 787s for operation by both Jetstar and Qantas. Jetstar currently operates a fleet of six A330-200s. This will increase to seven in December and grow to 11 with the delivery of the new two-class, 303-seat aircraft.

EY/AA codeshare gets the green lightA NEW codeshare agreement has been approved between Etihad and American Airlines and will coincide with the launch of Etihad’s new Chicago service on September 2. The agreement will provide easy access between Abu Dhabi and cities in the US, including Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston. Etihad's code will be on a number of services operated by AA between Europe and the US, and certain of AA's domestic services beyond New York and Chicago. American Airlines will place its code on services operated by Etihad Airways between Abu Dhabi and New York, Chicago, Paris, Dublin, Frankfurt, Manchester and Milan. American Airlines’ domestic routes within the US covered by the new codeshare arrangement will initially include flights between New York and Washington, Los Angeles and San Francisco as well as flights between Chicago and Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston. The transatlantic services include American Airlines’ flights between: Paris and Boston, Chicago, Miami; Dublin and Chicago; Frankfurt and Dallas/Fort Worth; Manchester and Chicago; and Milan and New York.

TK signs order for seven A330 aircraftTURKISH Airlines has signed a contract for the purchase of seven A330-300 aircraft. The aircraft are due for delivery from September 2010 and will be able to carry 289 passengers in a two-class configuration. The aircraft will be operated on high-capacity medium-haul routes.

More EK seats for Jo’burg

Melody BraNdoN

DRAMATIC discounts for solo travellers are now available as

cruise companies target singles to stimulate cruising demand.

Costa Cruises is planning to reduce its single supplement by up to 50% for bookings taken after December 1, while Cruises International says travel agents should be looking out for cruising specials for the upcoming peak season.

“Cruising is the perfect holiday for those travelling alone because there is always something to do, particularly aboard Costa

ships. We have excellent entertainment, fantastic dining experiences and a wide choice of shore excursions, perfect whether you want to enjoy some alone-time or meet like-minded people,” said Costa Cruises md, Marco Costa.

Tracey Krog, Cruises International public relations officer, agrees that being a solo traveller on a cruise is not as lonely as one might think.

“Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have gatherings for their solo travellers, whether it is a cocktail party, or a ping-pong tournament to break the ice and to meet people,” said Tracey.

For the single traveller wanting to experience a holiday with a difference there are a number of options to choose from.

“Voyages of Discovery offers single cabins at 75% of the cost of the cabin with double occupancy,” said Tracey.

Caroline Kobacos, operations manager at Cruises International, said Oceania’s recent single supplement special, valid until the end of August, had seen cabin prices halved for solo travellers.

“I am sure that more of these specials will be offered closer to the holiday season,” she said. n

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hilka BirNs

THE five-star Hout Bay Manor Hotel and its signature ‘Pure’ restaurant have reopened after a winter ‘hibernation’, welcoming guests with the launch of a new three-

course winter menu from R220 with wine pairing.

Restoration of the historic Cape colonial hotel was completed in 2007 and its new colourful, African eclectic interior design earned creator Boyd Ferguson a design award

earlier this year.The hotel has just

21 individually decorated en-suite rooms. The ‘Sangoma’ suite consists of two adjacent rooms, each with freestanding bath and balcony overlooking the pool and garden. n

Hout Bay Manor reopens after ‘hibernation’


NEWS

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Jeanette PhilliPs

FROM July 30, Swiss International Air Lines’ check-in facilities and

arrangements in the economy-class area of Check-In 1 at Zurich Airport have changed.

All economy-class passengers now check in using the self-check-in kiosks and print out their boarding pass and any baggage tags needed.

After checking in the travellers proceed as usual to the departure gate, or go to the bag drop-off point if they have registered baggage to hand in.

Unaccompanied minors,

passengers requiring wheelchairs and other travellers needing special assistance should report directly to Desk 125, the special assistance desk, which is located in the middle of the Check-In 1 concourse opposite the large departures board.

The airline said in the initial phase the current 20 kiosks would remain in their present location and more would be added over the next few months.

The check-in kiosks will be moved to their permanent new position in front of the present staffed check-in desks at the start of the 2009/10 Swiss

winter schedules. The airline added that the

current user interface was being redesigned to simplify and accelerate the self-check-in process.

The new self-check-in arrangements will also apply to passengers of the following airlines who also check in at Zurich’s Check-In 1: Austrian Airlines, bmi, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Spanair, TAP Air Portugal, Adria, Blue 1 and Croatia Airlines.

The changes will not apply to business- or first-class passengers, including Star Gold members, Senators and HON Circle members. n

Check-in changes for SwissPillowTalkA brief look at this week's hotel news

Crystal Towers to open in CPT in DecemberA NEW five-star hotel is set to open in December in Century City in Cape Town. Crystal Towers Hotel and Spa is located 12km outside central Cape Town, with Canal Walk shopping mall within walking distance of the property. The hotel will feature 180 rooms with flat-screen LCD TVs, free Internet access, and other first-class business and leisure amenities. Facilities at the hotel include a fine-dining restaurant, a health spa, gym, swimming pool, and a state-of-the-art conference centre. The hotel will also offer profiling, adding personal touches to the room before the guest arrives.

Irene Country Lodge goes cashlessIRENE Country Lodge has gone entirely cashless and all payments must now be made by debit or credit card. According to the lodge, the decision makes sound business sense for the owners and operators of the lodge. Not only will it eliminate the need for issuing and locking away cash, therefore greatly reducing any risk of vandalism and theft, but it will also make for smoother internal operations. The move is practical, more reliable and wholly controllable, and Irene Country Lodge says it sets it apart from its competitors. All types of cards will be accepted and on check-in, guests’ cards are authorised, ensuring hassle-free transactions for the duration of their stay. Should a refund be necessary, this will be paid directly into the guest’s bank account in the case of a debit card or refunded directly back into the credit card. Cecilia McKay, Irene Country Lodge gm, said the property was also looking at implementing a smartcard system, whereby guests could transfer money to a card, which they can then use throughout the lodge. The card can then also be used for future visits.

Fire and Ice to undergo refurbPROTEA Hotel’s Fire and Ice is undergoing major renovations with an entirely new section added to the property, which will be opened in October. The new area will feature a swimming pool, deck area, Zen garden and bar. Other new facilities include a gym, an Internet centre, extra parking bays and three conference venues. The hotel is also adding 79 superior rooms and 12 loft apartments to the property. The superior rooms will feature bathroom divisions for added privacy. From October 1, 24-hour room service will also be available. The hotel’s restaurant area is also undergoing a refurbishment.

Lagoon Beach Hotel and Spa goes privateLAGOON Beach Hotel and Spa has announced that its management agreement with the Three Cities Group has come to an end and that the hotel will now be privately managed. The Three Cities Group will, however, still be involved in a joint sales effort. “The hotel owners and management team are looking forward to business as usual and continuing to render excellent service to all guests and clients. We of course, will honour existing agreements with agents and wish Three Cities all the best,” said acting gm, Eben Lassen.

EgyptAir has strengthened its commitment to invest in Africa by sponsoring Omar Mansour Alfardy (left) from Adventure Trips Sand N Sea, on his motorbike trip from Cape to Cairo. Omar will attempt to travel the Golden Route between the Cape and Alexandria in three months, making him the first Egyptian to journey 20 000km through 13 countries in Africa. “Some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world can be found along this route and integral to all of this is the establishment of relationships with people of many fascinating cultures,” says EgyptAir’s regional manager for SA and Zimbabwe, Wael Kadry (right). “We wish Omar the best of luck on his journey.”

Cape to Cairo by bike!

Jobs Jobs Jobs Looking for a great

job?See page 11

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SydneyKnown as the harbour city of Australia, Sydney is vibrant, dynamic and accessible and waiting to be explored. Max Marx takes a closer look…

South Africans still visiting Australia despite downturn

PASSENGER arrivals from South Africa to Australia have only been marginally

affected by the economic downturn, says Jacqui Carr, Holiday Tours’ product manager. Visitor numbers provided by Tourism Australia show that although there was a 13% decline in visitors from South Africa in the first six months of 2009 compared with the same period in 2008, there has only been a 2% year-on-year decline to 64 400, down from 65 800 last year. In the first half of 2009, there were only 27 100 visitors from South Africa compared with 31 200 in the first half of 2008. Michaela Messner, Qantas Airways’ manager for Africa, says load factors are on a par with last year as are passenger numbers but the airline has deferred the introduction of its seventh weekly frequency between Johannesburg and Sydney until 2010 due to the economic downturn and lower demand.

“The specials we’ve had in the market have stimulated market demand. The trend, however, is for travellers to

book closer to departure, holding off for specials that may emerge.”

Jacqui says the visiting friends and relatives (VFR) and corporate markets have kept tour operators afloat during the hard months.

“Forward figures are harder to determine as potential passengers tend to wait for last-minute specials.”

Jane Davidson, md of Development Promotions, reports that sales figures for Qantas Holidays were up nearly two percent from July 2008 to June 2009 compared with the previous year. “We can attribute this to a growth in market share for Qantas Holidays in the SA market, as overall visitor figures to Australia are slightly down.”

She added that forward bookings in July for travel up to December 2009 were showing a 47% increase over July last year. Jane says at present Australian suppliers and hotel operators are very keen to do business with South Africa and are offering very good deals, discounts and added value to the SA market.

● The well-known and popular Sullivans Hotel in Sydney’s arty Paddington area has changed its name to The Arts Hotel.● Captain Cook Cruising has extended its whale-watching season, operating daily whale-watching cruises until November 30. The cruise takes passengers past the Sydney Opera House, Fort Denison and the Sydney Harbour bays before sailing into open waters. The company offers a whale guarantee – if a whale is not sighted on any cruise until November 30, passengers can rebook another cruise free. It also recently launched a Sunday breakfast cruise.● In October, BridgeClimb Sydney unveils its new climb base and visitors centre at The Rocks. BridgeClimb is launching express climbs of shorter duration (two-and-a-half hours) than the regular climb, ideal for those who have limited time.● Visitors to the Sydney Opera House can enjoy a two-course pre-theatre dinner.

● Taronga Zoo has launched a ‘Roar and Snore’ overnight accommodation package, which includes a gourmet buffet dinner, breakfast, a night zoo safari, and accommodation in safari-style tents. ● Q Station in North Head, the old Quarantine Station where prisoners were kept after being transported to Australia, offers ghost tours. ● For a weekend break, one can visit the Wolgen Valley Resort and Spa in the Blue Mountains, just two-and-a-half hours from Sydney, which opens in September. It is modelled on the Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa in Dubai and is set within its own private conservation and wildlife reserve. All 40 free-standing suites have their own private swimming pool.

What’s new in Sydney?Book it!● Development Promotions’ Visit Sydney Special is a ‘stay for four nights, pay for three’ package from R11 178. The package includes return flights on Qantas to Sydney, including all taxes, and four nights at the Travelodge Wynyard located near Sydney’s best attractions.● Thompsons Holidays is offering a great Sydney package valid for departures until November 21. Passengers fly on Qantas to Sydney with a stop in Brisbane, Melbourne or Adelaide at no extra cost. The package, from R9 770, includes four nights’ accommodation at Sydney’s The Arts Hotel (formerly Sullivans Hotel) and a Captain Cook Harbour Highlights tour. Taxes of approx. R2 100 are excluded. ● Holiday Tours is offering a four-night package to the Ibis World Square Hotel in Sydney from R12 090, including taxes, valid until November 21. The package includes economy-class direct flights and a three-day Sydney Pass.

● Sydney plays host to the 2009 World Masters Games from October 10 to 18. More than 28 000 competitors from 100 countries will take part in 28 sports. ● The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras takes place from February 21 to March 6, 2010.

The Thompsons Holidays Specialist Australia Collection brochure will be on travel agency

shelves by the end of September. The brochure is packed with great bonus features, best

value accommodation and breakaway tours, especially contracted to meet the challenges of the current economic climate.

● The Rocks – in particular the markets, ghost tours, old pubs and walking tours.

● The Sydney Opera House● Darling Harbour● The Chinese Gardens in Darling Hurst.● The Botanical Gardens● Bondi Beach● The Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Sydney highlights● New Year’s Eve fireworks over Sydney Harbour

News flash

Events

AGENTZONE


IF crawling through the mud on your haunches or chasing after rhinos

sounds appealing, you should definitely petition Kenya Airways to take you on their next Amazing Chase.

Held at Sun City recently, the Amazing Chase saw seven teams of four, race from Muldersdrift, Johannesburg, through the North West Province using a bit of brains and a lot of energy.

Absolute Skiing walked away with top honours at the end of the gruelling two-day race around Sun City, which saw teams crawl through mud, push tubes in icy water and kayak to find clues.

AGENT ALERTS

See Travelinfo for more details

n Czech updates card paymentsCZECH Airlines has announced that with immediate effect it will now accept Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard payments. Amex, however, is still not accepted.

n SAA increases SA/Dubai faresFROM August 20, SAA has increased fares between South Africa and Dubai between 5% and 55%. SAA will also introduce one-way fares to the current fare structure. Fares between Johannesburg and Dubai will be available from R6 620 return and from R4 220 for a one-way fare. Fares between Cape Town and Dubai will be available from R7 630. All fares exclude taxes.

n BA extends upgrade offerBRITISH Airways has extended its existing Proactive Upgrade offer. From August 11, customers worldwide booked in World Traveller Plus and Club World can

upgrade to Club World or first class respectively. All cabin benefits will apply, including increased baggage allowance, lounge access as well as Tier Points and BA Miles. The upgrade is only available post-sale through ‘Manage my Booking’ or ‘Online check-in on ba.com’ and is restricted to specific fare classes only. To qualify for upgrades, bookings must have been done at least 14 days before departure. The cost of the upgrade will vary by route.

n Web support tool from Continental CONTINENTAL Airlines has launched Virtual Expert technology, a new online support tool available at continental.com. The new feature offers customers 24-hour web support ranging from flight bookings to visa requirements for international travel. ‘Alex’ the airline’s Virtual Expert, also interacts with customers to easily interpret requests and provide accurate answers to travel needs. Continental customers visiting the site

can click the Alex icon to open a chat window where they can enter a question. Alex responds with both a written and spoken response. Customers are then automatically navigated to the specific place on continental.com that answers the question and provides other links in the chat window. Continental is the first network carrier to offer human emulation technology.

n Incentives and agent specialsBIRCHWOOD Hotel is running an agent incentive where agents can receive a complimentary evening’s stay at the hotel for every 15 rooms booked. The offer is valid for two guests sharing and includes dinner, bed and breakfast.Shelley Point is offering local travel agents a special, valid for August and September. Agents pay only R550pp for dinner, bed and breakfast, a round of golf and a 50-minute spa treatment.

A race to the finish...

Absolute Skiing’s Gordon Rankin and Floris Olivier searching desperately through the mud for their gambling chips as Craig Hounson supervises

Feeling puzzled? The final stage of the race saw teams, wet from a race around the Lazy River, solve a Kenya Airways puzzle. Putting it all together are (from left) Delta Air Lines’ sales exec Dalene Nel, with AeroMexico’s Nellita Scholtz, Delta Air Lines’ Yolanda Williams and Michell Fourie from Air Namibia

Hey it’s my turn! Emma Fraser, resort

manager Livigno, gets ready to stuff her

face with strawberries and cream like her

teammate, Craig Hounson, resort manager

Saalbach

True sports! XL Oceanair’s Carol Bayne (far left) with her colleagues, Liz Budge, Phyllis Hartley and Ann Osterloh made a second appearance at Kenya Airways’ Amazing Chase

1st P

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TNW

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

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Junior Consultant – E/RandAn excellent opportunity has come up for a junior to assist with mainly dive packages and Indian Ocean Island bookings as well as some corporate travel accounts. Well suited for a scuba diver or someone interested in diving but this is not essential. An enthusiastic and passionate person with willing attitude is required. Join this fast growing company. Tracey

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IT Support Consultant - SandtonNon-travel company. Job description includes providing support to users experiencing problems using software or inquiring how to use specific features. Also assist in testing new software and templates. Previous call centre / support experience is needed to join this top IT company, with highly regarded products. Degree or studying towards a degree essential - B Com preferred with B Com (Informatics) a plus. Minimum Accounting 1. Tracey

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Sales ExecutiveR20000/R25000 ctc. A 5 star Cape Town hotel is looking for a Johannesburg based Sales Executive, to focus mainly on the corporate market. The successful applicant must be able to work independently from home. An excellent opportunity for a results driven sales person. Tracey

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TNW3413SD

n Heidi Hannig, previously key account manager at Travellers’ Choice, has been appointed key account manager at Lu Dowell Representations. Her portfolio includes sales and marketing of Air Austral, Air Seychelles and LAN.

n Lisa Jacobs has joined Now Media as a sales representative for Business Travel Now. Lisa’s previous work experience includes running two camps in Kafue National Park in Zambia, conservation control officer for South Peninsula Parks as

well as holding positions at Wilderness Safaris, Rennies Travel, AndBeyond, Bushlore and Welcome Tours. Lisa is also one of the founding members Rawson Finance.

n Daniel Velayutham has been appointed resident manager at the Westville Hotel in KZN. He joins the Westville Hotel from the International Hotel School, where he worked as an assessor and facilitator. Daniel has a strong hospitality background, having worked in and alongside the hospitality industry for the past 15 years.

It was a feast for the palate as an array of Indian dishes were served by world-renowned chefs at the Indian Food Festival at Emperors Palace recently. SAA, in association with Emperors Palace, hosted the event and flew in culinary experts Hubert Pereira, Bachaspati Painoli and Chandrakant Sutar from India to prepare the amazing array of dishes on offer. A number of food festivals have been hosted over the past several years in an initiative by SAA and Emperors Palace to give South Africans the opportunity to explore different cultures and foods. “We are very happy to be working with Emperors Palace in this initiative and are looking forward to the next food festival,” said SAA head of marketing South Africa and Africa, Ilse Kaya. Pictured here tucking into the delicious taste sensations are (from left), SAA retail channel manager, Denise Kotze; Asata ceo, Robyn Christie; and Ilse

SAA and Emperors Palace fire up taste-buds

To sponsor this poll contact Kate on 011 214 7334

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Insolvency reports are ‘rubbish’ – Air ZimMelody Brandon

AIR Zimbabwe has denied reports that it is in a financial mess. Chairman

Jonathan Kadzura told TNW that he could not comment on people’s “dreams” saying the airline was not insolvent.

“The reports in the news are all malicious lies. The airline is doing very well in spite of the challenging economy. The whole industry has been hit by the economic recession, not just Air Zimbabwe,” he said.

Jonathan’s comments are a direct contradiction of reports that hundreds of Air Zimbabwe employees are set to lose their jobs to mitigate the airline’s financial losses.

"If we do not do anything about it, the business will collapse. The situation we are in today as an airline is not best for business," ceo Peter Chikumba was quoted as saying.

“We are restructuring to provide our clients with better service,” said Jonathan. He could not, however, qualify how cutting 500 jobs, one-third of Air Zimbabwe's workforce, would improve service.

Jonathan also denied allegations that the airline had cut flights to Dubai, Kinshasa and Luanda to save money.

Jonathan also denied reports that the Zimbabwean government was planning to ‘parcel’ out 60% of the airline’s shareholding to private players to pave the way for a US$750m (R5,9bn) fresh capital injection.

Air Zimbabwe’s legal team, Dube, Manikai and Hwacha, has meanwhile been quoted in media reports saying: “Its [Air Zimbabwe] shareholder [government] is out of funds to finance its operations and capitalisation.

“It is on the verge of collapse.” ■

TNW NEWS

12 ■ Wednesday September 2 2009 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

Incentivise us!Do supply incentives influence you to book one product over another?

■ Yes 57%■ No 43%

The majority of respondents (57%) said incentives influenced their decision to book one product over another, with the remaining 43% saying they did not.“When suppliers offer exactly the same product and rates eg. Avis Group-B R317 and First Car Group B R317, then I will swing bookings to the supplier who is incentivising me unless the client asks for a specific supplier by name. The client should never be ripped off by booking a more expensive supplier just because they give you a higher incentive.” Hardi Ras, Wide Horizons Direct

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TNW3569SD

natalia thoMson

TRAVEL companies appear to have cleaned up their act when it comes to advertising.

The days of putting one price in bold and additional charges on that price in smaller print are over because it deceives the ordinary consumer. When the Consumer Protection Act comes into full effect, it will put the onus on the advertiser to put right consumers’ incorrect assumptions about an offer.

The Act also says suppliers cannot require a consumer to pay for any goods or services at a price that is higher than the price displayed. If more than one price is displayed, the consumer must pay the lower price.

Webber Wentzel partner, Lisa Swaine, says to comply 100% with the Act, suppliers should advertise one inclusive price. “But because the taxes or parts of the price may change on an ongoing basis, it must be made very clear that the price advertised or marketed is valid for a limited period and that period must be clearly stated.

“I am not saying that you cannot advertise the basic unit price with additional charges quoted i.e. not in one price, but I think that this could lead to endless problems.”

Advertising ‘days’The recent practice by

some suppliers of advertising packages in terms of days rather than nights has already been condemned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASASA).

ASASA spokesperson

Corne Koch confirms that two judgments against this type of advertising were made in the past year: Getaway Travel & Tours and Pentravel.

According to the judgment, advertising a package of, for instance, ‘six days to Bangkok’ misleads the consumer by creating an impression that the six days offered are for accommodation in Bangkok. This is, however, not true as flying time is included in the advertised six days.

ASASA, says Corne, requires that the advertisement states how many of the days will be used as ‘travel days’. “Consumers should not be led to overestimate the value of goods whether by exaggeration or through unrealistic comparison with other goods or prices.”

By advertising days, says Miles Willis, Sure Tours md, consumers are led to believe that the five-day package is longer and cheaper than an equivalent four-night package.

“When somebody says they can offer you five days at a cheaper rate than another supplier who’s advertising a four-night package, they get an unfair advantage by hoodwinking the consumer into thinking it’s cheaper. But it really isn’t because they haven’t mentioned that a full day could perhaps be tied into travel.”

Gateway Travel & Tours, which has recently advertised in this format, refused to comment on whether it would be changing the way it marketed its special packages referring to days rather than nights. ■

One night in Bangkok, or is that an afternoon?

travel news weekly 2 september 09

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