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TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

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SOUTHERN AFRICA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLYNovember 9 2016 I No. 2423

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FEATURE

Airport opening postponed, again

REPORTAASA

African airlines thrive

NEWSCAPE ACCOMMODATION PINCHAgents battle to find rooms for corporates

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What a jol!

Last month, TNW’s Thirsty’s at the City Lodge Hotel Grandwest was more fun than a barrel of monkeys. These lovely ladies of Cape Town were the life of the party: Back (from left) is Diana Rossouw (IndoJet), Lyn Smit and Jenelle Murray (First Car Rental), Heather Casteling (Cape Corporate Travel) and Martmarie Cotter (Sure Swartland Travel). Front (from left) Natasha Titus and Lindie Engelbrecht (Sure Swartland Travel). Photo: Taryn Nightingale

Home Affairs – no hope

STOP PRESS

Debbie baDham

THE peak travel season is nearly here, and travel professionals fear that Home Affairs’ attempt to

alleviate congestion at major airports caused by biometric capturing will do little to prevent the pending chaos.

The Board of Airline Representatives South Africa (Barsa) recently made an appeal to the DHA to suspend biometric capturing at airports during the peak season because of the lengthy delays experienced by travellers as a result of a shortage of trained immigration officials.

But, the DHA has no such plans nor is it authorised to employ more immigration officials to cope with the numbers expected.

Instead, director general Mkuseli Apleni says the department will look at extending the opening hours at some ports of entry to 24 hours. He also said that at certain ports such as OR Tambo International, additional staff would be redeployed from areas where they are not busy in order to help existing capacity cope with the extended hours.

Ultimately the plan is for the airport to operate with a full staff complement and all counters open from around December 8 to January 10.

June Crawford, ceo of Barsa, says that should all 80 plus immigration stations at OR Tambo be manned for 24 hours throughout the peak travel period, then the measures planned by Home Affairs should alleviate the

problem. She says it is unclear where the manpower will come from.

The Tourism Business Council of South Africa’s (TBCSA) is investigating opportunities where it can intervene over the short term. Ceo, Mmatsatsi Ramawela, told TNW that even if this involves monetary assistance to employ more immigration officials, the TBCSA believes it can mobilise its members. But, at a meeting between the TBCSA and DHA, the two bodies were unable to agree.

UBC debacleMeanwhile, the November 30 deadline originally set for the pilot of the printing of parents’ details in children’s passports (see TNW August 3) will not be met. The DG could not confirm when exactly the project would now be piloted. He says people should not apply for new passports for their children as this would see the Home Affairs office inundated, but should only apply if their child’s passport is no longer valid.

Although the DHA has now replaced the name “unabridged birth certificate” with “birth certificate” in the immigration regulations, effective November 1, Apleni stresses nothing has changed procedurally. Thus, a birth certificate with both parents’ names on is acceptable.

June says that as long as the birth certificate requirement is up to the discretion of immigration officials as mentioned in the draft

To page 16

High season exposes trade tensionsTHE lack of festive season availability for popular destinations such as Mauritius, has put the spotlight on the relationship between travel agents and tour operators.

Edwina Fletcher, ceo of Webtours says tour operators today are simply churning out quotes without reading the travel agents’ requests or bothering to check availability.

“Operators are quoting on resorts they are simply not able to confirm,” says Edwina, adding that the problem is even bigger during the busy December peak season.

Edwina recently put a lot of effort into dissuading a client from booking one resort, and to opting for another which she knew was perfect for them.

TNW has heard that SAA has applied to fly between Johannesburg and Copenhagen. Sources say that the route is pending approval from the South African government. SAA’s spokesperson Tlali Tlali did not confirm the new route.

To page 2

2 n Wednesday November 9 2016 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

NEWS

Rubes® By Leigh Rubin

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High season exposes trade tensions

Although she had confirmed availability with the tour operator, when she tried to book, the operator told her the resort was booked to capacity. “It makes us, as the travel agent look completely incompetent. Where has the attention to detail gone?”

But it could be the multiple distribution channels which are to blame, according to Flora Fubbs, product and marketing manager of The Holiday Factory. She says that in the “olden days” hotels had limited distribution channels so it was much easier to manage numbers. “Today there are multiple channels of distribution and while we are checking availability so is the Internet and so is a tour operator in Germany.”

Flora advises travel agents to encourage clients to commit and make the booking rather than shop around for a deal and then lose out completely. “Our South African market is a very late booking market

and when it comes to peak season, that often means you have to take what you can get,” she says.

If a hotel or resort is ‘closed for sales’, tour operators won’t quote on the hotel, says Joanne Visagie, sales and marketing manager of Beachcomber Tours. However, she adds that it is impossible to go through to a hotel when their status is ‘on request’

to check availability. “This would create a massive amount of unnecessary work especially considering that only one in eight quotes is converted into a booking.”

“When a hotel fills up due to popularity and demand, this certainly doesn’t mean any tour operator is untrustworthy,” adds Joanne.

John Ridler, pr and media manager of Thompsons Holidays says it is impossible to ‘hold’ the accommodation during the

100% cancellation period. “It could be that by the time the agent has ‘clinched’ the sale the accommodation is no longer available.”

Although travel agents say that the quoting system is past its sell-by date and that online real-time availability is the answer, Flora is not so sure. She says: “Technology does not change the fact that if you see it and like it, confirm and pay for it – that is the ONLY guarantee.”

“Real-time availability works well for most of the year but in high season, when hotel rooms are in high demand, hotels go into ‘stop sale’ mode and all further enquiries have to be made on a per quote basis,” says John.

Thompsons has an online platform soon to be launched, which should make the reservation process faster and more streamlined.

Beachcomber is also working on a technology solution that will link its system to its hotels, says Joanne.

From page 1

Cape accommodation squeezeDebbie baDham

WITH travel to Cape Town booming over the summer season,

agents are battling to find accommodation for their corporate clients in November and early December.

TNW’s sister publication, SA Tourism Update, has reported that inbound operators are experiencing record bookings for the 2016/2017 summer season, but that this is creating availability issues in Cape Town.

Senior manager of CWT, Sharon Burgers says the agency’s Johannesburg team has experienced constraints in terms of booking accommodation in Cape Town over November. She says several events and conferences during the month have added to this challenge.

Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, ceo of Fedhasa, says there

is just too much going on in Cape Town and too many people heading to the destination at the same time. The accommodation shortage may force corporates to organise events in places beyond Cape Town, he says.

He says the influx of people travelling to Cape Town is partly the result of travellers who would normally have travelled to Europe heading to Cape Town instead.

“Availability will vary day to day,” says Alan Campbell, group brand manager of Premier Hotels and Resorts. He adds that the group is already at 100% capacity in Cape Town for several periods over the summer season.

Alan says it is usually the four-star hotel options that fill up first. He says corporates still needing to book accommodation over November need to try and do it as soon as possible.

Eric Yakaba, travel consultant of Club Travel Corporate says booking over peak periods can be particularly challenging with clients who leave bookings until the last minute and with those that are very specific in their accommodation requests.

He says alleviating the problem is about managing the clients’ behaviour and encouraging them to book early and remain flexible in their accommodation choice.

Heather Casteling, owner of Cape Corporate Travel says agents need to look beyond the traditional accommodation options and booking channels.

She says agents should explore smaller B&Bs and check internationally-based booking engines as these sometimes have availability not reflected on the actual hotel website.

“Pay for it – that is the ONLY guarantee.”

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NEWS

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Emirates adds flights to DUR-DXB serviceEMIRATES has added four flights between Durban and Dubai to its festive season schedule. Flight EK2676 will depart Durban at 13h40 and arrive in Dubai at 23h55. Flight EK2675 will depart Dubai at 05h40 and arrive in Durban at 12h05. These additional flights will operate on December 17 and 24, and January 2 and 6.

Another flight to HarareFASTJET has added a flight on Sundays to its Johannesburg-Harare service, effective November 6. Flight FN8102 will depart Johannesburg at 08h40 and arrive in Harare at 10h15. Flight FN8101 will depart Harare at 06h15 and arrive at 07h55.

Air Botswana and Qatar sign codeshare AIR Botswana and Qatar Airways signed a new codeshare agreement last month. The codeshare allows passengers departing from Gaborone, Francistown and Maun to connect via Johannesburg for flights bound for Doha. Passengers departing Doha will also be able to connect to Gaborone, Francistown and Maun via Johannesburg. The new agreement will also allow passengers to through check their luggage.

AirHeadsA snapshot of the week's airline news

In celebration of Comair’s 20th anniversary of its franchise agreement with BA; bakery, Cake Extreme baked and built what the two airlines say is South Africa’s largest cake: a four-metre replica of a Boeing 737-800. Pictured here, slicing the enormous treat are, from left, Erik Venter ceo of Comair and Sue Petrie, commercial manager of BA Southern Africa. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl

Have your cake…

Dorine reinstein

SOUTH African travel agents say the demand for travel to West

Africa is dwindling, following weakening local currencies, issues with forex and a reduction of international flights to Nigeria.

International airlines have been reducing frequencies or cutting flights altogether to Nigeria as the crisis with the country’s currency, the Naira, worsens. The low value of the local currency, combined with an unfavourable forex policy

and a national recession, has resulted in both Kenya Airways and Emirates suspending flights to Abuja in the past two weeks.

Although flight capacity from South Africa to Nigeria has not been affected, with both SAA and Arik Air still offering regular services, the economic recession in West Africa has negatively impacted business confidence and there has been a significant drop in demand for travel to Nigeria and Angola says Jose Cruz, national executive client services manager for HRG

Rennies Travel. Rachael Penaluna, business

manager Sure Maritime Travel, has also seen a drop.

Although Rachael says clients are still travelling to Angola, the destination is not without problems. “No tickets can be issued on BSP in Angola. Airlines have suspended BSP in Angola because the government will not allow credit card payments or the release of funds for services within Angola. This is a direct result of the low oil price and the lack of currency in the country.”

West African woes slash travel demand

THE Seychelles is set to build a new international airport to meet the growing tourist demand.

Seychelles foreign affairs and transport minister, Joel Morgan, signed an agreement with Ali Majed Al Mansoori, chairman of the Abu Dhabi

Airports Company, to construct the new airport.

It will lie to the North of the existing airport and is expected to be completed by 2019 or 2020 at an estimated cost of $150m (R2bn).

The current airport is becoming too small to handle

the increasing tourist numbers. Last year, visitor arrivals to the Seychelles reached 280 000. David Germain, director Africa and America, Seychelles Tourism Board, says the new airport will provide a significant improvement in the handling of passengers.

Seychelles to get new airport

EGYPTAIR has introduced a self-tag baggage service allowing passengers to print their bag tags at home.The new service will only be available to passengers on

flights operating between Cairo and Milan, and the Cairo to London Heathrow route.To access this service, passengers need to visit

EgyptAir’s website, check in and select ‘Print My Tag’. Customers can then place the tag into a plastic holder which can be collected at the airport or at EgyptAir’s offices.

Airline launches self-tag baggage service

BA has changed its check-in time for passengers departing London Heathrow for all long-haul flights. From October 30, passengers are required to check in at least 60 minutes before departure, as opposed to the previous minimum check-in time of 45 minutes. Those travelling on short-haul flights departing London Heathrow, need only check in 45 minutes before departure.

To the point

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REPORT AASA 2016

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The Airlines Association of Southern Africa hosted its annual general assembly in Swakopmund last month. African airlines’ rise in profits and the continent’s open skies status were hot topics at the assembly. Leigh Hermon reports.

African airlines flourish

THE global airline industry has never performed better, says

Chris Zweigenthal, ceo of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (Aasa). He was speaking at the association’s 46th AGA on October 22. According to Aasa’s 2015/2016 report, it is predicted that African airlines will post a total profit of $300m (R4,2bn) in 2016, a massive increase from $100m (R1,4bn) in 2015.

Over the last year, Aasa has been involved in several projects to help improve travel in southern Africa. Some of the items Chris listed in this year’s report include:

Biometrics and UBCAasa says there’s been little progress in remedying the impact of the UBC regulations, but says it will work with all stakeholders to find a workable solution

which balances the goals of the DHA and the travel challenges experienced by families with children. The association says the DHA and travel, tourism and aviation industries need to reach a mutual understanding on the UBC and biometrics system at ORTIA.

Hand baggage projectIn 2015, Aasa in partnership with Acsa, established new regulations for carry-on luggage. Passengers were restricted to one carry-on item weighing 7kg so that the amount of luggage taken into the cabin would be reduced. At first, under the watchful eyes of customer agents at security queues, the project was a success. The agents have since been removed and as a result, the amount of carry-on luggage has again started to increase. Aasa and Acsa are working on a permanent solution.

Fast Travel Fast Travel is an Iata initiative that aims to provide a complete self-service travel experience for 80% of travellers by 2020. This includes self-tagging of luggage, which is being piloted at ORTIA by SAA. A self-boarding pilot project is also under way at Cape Town International Airport, whereby passengers scan their boarding passes to gain entry to the aircraft. A dedicated baggage reclaim service will also be implemented once kiosks have been installed.

Banned airlinesAll airlines in Angola (except for TAAG), the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique are on the EU banned list. These SADC countries and the International Civil Aviation Organisation are working on removing these airlines from the banned list.

WITH the January 2017 deadline looming, Africa’s open skies as per the Yamoussoukro Declaration (YD) of 1988 was a major talking point at this year’s conference. According to Dr Elijah Chingosho, ceo of the African Airlines Association, it is unlikely African airlines and their governments will meet this deadline.

So far, 14 countries have expressed interest in open skies, but South Africa and Zimbabwe are the only two who have signed the declaration, according to Aasa.

Industry experts say the lack of implementation of the policy can in part be attributed to carriers failing to encourage their governments to sign up for open skies.

This inaction could be due

to airlines’ resistance to competition from other carriers in the region, says Angeline Simana, director of Civil Aviation, Namibia. “The airlines are very selective of what they want government to hear.”

Advocate Mandi Samson, acting md of Air Namibia, says that in the early 2000s, smaller African airlines may have been concerned about larger African carriers eating the traffic. Now, with the presence of international carriers operating in Africa, she says that in hindsight, it may have been better to allow larger African airlines to serve the market.

“We need to have a common understanding of what we want to achieve with open skies,” says Inati Ntshanga, ceo of SAX.

Open skies deadline looms

While enjoying the atmosphere of the desolate Namibian desert, delegates were also treated to a skydiving display. Pictured here, enjoying the afternoon’s entertainment, are (from left to right) business development manager, Jamie Partington and director, Gary Broomberg of SITA Southern Africa with Tony Memoli, team leader - Field Services of The Boeing Company. Photos: Leigh Hermon

On top of the world

Bombardier hosted a sundowners evening in the Namibian desert for attendees of the AGA on October 21. Pictured here sipping on a couple of cold ones are (from left to right) flight operations manager, Lloyd Warden and ceo, Miles van der Molen of CemAir and Sasha Yusufali, vp of marketing of Nordic Aviation Capital A/S.

Drink up!

Air Namibia and SA Express hosted delegates to a secluded dinner in the dark. Pictured here, enjoying the festivities, are ceo of Aasa, Chris Zweigenthal (centre) and wife Lee-Ann (left) with guest speaker Richard Poplak, co-author of Continental Shift.

Dinner in the dark

QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday November 9 2016 n 7

THE Cape Town Thirsty’s was the place to be on October 27. As the

wind blew and the sun set, the ladies and gentlemen of travel mingled merrily at The City Lodge Hotel Grandwest. The Capetonians showed up

in full force and enjoyed the wine, music, food and the view of Table Mountain. The next TNW Thirsty’s will be held in Johannesburg on November 24. For more information, email [email protected].

Posing for the camera are from left, Rene Azel (Turkish Airlines), Mario Januarie, Yolande Davies (Rennies Travel) and Karriem Hoosain (Turkish Airlines).

(From left): Kaycee Rich and Monique Staffen of Travel Dreams and Lize Du Plessis and Shona Pittaway of Perfect Destinations clearly know how to have a good time.

Terry Munro (Beachcomber) and Gavin Stevens (TAG) enjoy a chuckle. Photo: Kate Nathan

We all know these familiar faces! Lee (left) and Kim Botti of Lee Botti & Associates joined the

Cape Town crew for some fun.

Club Travel’s corporate division consultants give their best smiles. Pictured here are: (back row, from left) Eric Yakaba, Patrick Thene, Lukhanyo Mbude, and (front) Amanda Bakana.

Keeping it in the eTravel family are (from left), Angela Shea, Anthea Ronné, Melanie Coetzee, (ITCs), Tammy Hunt (eTravel), Helene Hammargren (ITC) and Lizl Kellermann (eHolidays). Photos: Taryn Nightingale

Host for the evening, gm of City Lodge Grandwest, Dean Samouilhan (left) is pictured with fellow gm, Wentzel von Wielligh (centre) and Cindy Dyamond (right) of Sure Travelways.

Laughing ladies, Jill Inglis (left) and Marisa van Kaam of Concierge Travel share a drink.

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Visit: www.travelinfo.co.za

Training when it suits you!

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Plus 2 more agents will win hampers

Widely regarded as one of the world’s most luxurious trains…

Win a trip for two in a De Luxe Suite on-board The Blue Train!


NEWS

Dorine reinstein

MORE than 32 000 South Africans opted for Airbnb while abroad

the past winter, more than double the number of people compared to the same period last year, according to recent statistics released by Airbnb.

Capetonians and Joburgers are on top of the list of SA travellers choosing Airbnb when travelling globally, followed by travellers from

Pretoria, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Mossel Bay.

According to Airbnb, the number of homes being shared by South African hosts has also almost tripled during the last year alone. “Personal hospitality has a long history in South Africa and the bed & breakfast establishments are world-renowned. Airbnb is the digital version of that,” a spokesperson for Airbnb told TNW.

Also, Airbnb has recently taken a firm stance against discrimination. From November 1, all Airbnb users and hosts are required to uphold the ‘Airbnb Community Commitment’ which requires that users and hosts of Airbnb treat everyone with respect and without judgement or bias.

Anyone who declines to accept the commitment won’t be able to host or book using Airbnb and will have their account cancelled.

A brief look at this week’s hotel news

Southern Spoor adds another propertyZUURBERG Mountain Village in the Eastern Cape has joined the Southern Spoor portfolio. Located at the top of the Zuurberg Pass between Port Elizabeth and the Karoo, the property is home to Zuurberg Manor, built in 1861, and Zuurberg Village. The manor comprises nine en-suite rooms and the Village has 23 individual cottages. Facilities include a restaurant, an English pub, wine room, swimming pool, tennis courts, spa and conference venue which seats 40 guests.

New five-star property for MaputoTHE new Maputo AFECC Gloria Hotel has opened on Avenida Marginal seafront. The 258 rooms and suites all have balcony views across Maputo Bay. The hotel has a conference hall seating 2 500 delegates and a banqueting hall that can accommodate 800.

Angola welcomes Carlson Rezidor AS PART of its plan to have 23 000 rooms in Africa by 2020, Carlson Rezidor has entered Angola with the signing of five new Park Inn by Radisson hotels, offering 650 rooms. The hotels will be in Luanda, Cabinda, Benguela, Lubango and Namibe. Four of the five properties are under construction and will be open within 18 months. The Park Inn in Namibe is already open but will undergo an extensive refurbishment over the next 18 months.

Tanzanian hotel gets a faceliftTSOGO Sun has completed a $4,2m (R58m) refurbishment of Southern Sun Dar es Salaam hotel in Tanzania. The hotel’s 152 en-suite rooms received a complete facelift and upgraded air-conditioning units, new smart TVs and access to complimentary WiFi.

PillowTalk Airbnb a hit among SAs

THE Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (Barsa), has in partnership with several carriers operating in Africa and other Board of Airline Representatives (Bars) in Africa, recently established the Regional Board of Airline Representatives of Africa (Baraf).

The association was formed in an effort to allow stakeholders an opportunity

to collaborate, share information and to ensure the issues facing airlines operating in Africa are highlighted to governments, government agencies and aviation stakeholders.

“Airline representatives from African countries, who are at the coalface of industry and in some cases are from Bars where they exist, have unanimously agreed to create and

operate this regional Bars,” says June Crawford, ceo of Barsa. June says Barsa has also been asked to assist airlines to set up Bars where they do not exist in Africa.

So far, the new association has met thrice. Airlines from countries in southern and east Africa will meet in Johannesburg towards the end of November to formalise the association.

Barsa launches regional airline board


Despite “opening” in December 2015, Victoria Falls International Airport is still only set for completion next month. Sue van Winsen reports.

VFA official opening drags on to December

VICTORIA Falls opened its highly anticipated international airport in

December last year. With the ability to handle wide-body aircraft, it was hoped that international airlines would begin using Victoria Falls as a new Southern African hub, but at this stage, the airlines operating routes out of the airport are Air Zimbabwe, Air Namibia, Comair, Fastjet and SAA.

Ross Kennedy, ceo of Africa Albida Tourism, says he can confirm that several airlines are in advanced talks with CAAZ about additional slots, bigger aircraft and new routes servicing Victoria Falls International Airport, but there has been no official announcement as yet.

Airlines' hesitance to commit may be due to several outstanding issues that need to be addressed before the airport can be commissioned. The completion of the airport has been repeatedly postponed, starting from January this year. Currently, the deadline is set for early December.

Furthermore, for the past few months, the focus of the work has been on the second phase of the construction project, which involved the conversion of the old airport into a new domestic terminal, which according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), has now been completed.

But, the delays have not

dampened South Africans’ interest in visiting Vic Falls. According to Sherry Sibanda, Zimbabwe’s Minister Counsellor for tourism, South Africa remains Zimbabwe’s most significant African market in terms of tourist arrivals. Despite the weakening of the rand and the economic slowdown in SA, tourist arrivals from this market have increased by 22% this year.

This is also expected to further improve with the opening of the new domestic terminal, says Nico Bezuidenhout, ceo of Fastjet.

“Victoria Falls has always been a major leisure travel attraction and an improvement in accessibility with the launch of the terminal is bound to have a positive impact and stimulate traffic volumes.”

Ross expects that this will lead to improved access and affordability in Victoria Falls. “Tourism is an industry that is tightly linked to market forces, and so both airlines and all service providers on the ground will look at ways to maximise loads and occupancies across the year. This will no doubt lead to some great deals in certain seasons as we all seek to grow revenues,” he says.

“Increased air access will lead to better and more creative packaging by South African tour operators into Zimbabwe, as choice always stimulates price comparisons and hence competitive forces – which usually result in better fares and rates,” adds Ross.

While this increased demand may result in cheaper pricing, this isn’t necessarily guaranteed, says Nico. “Increased volumes and demand spikes will have a positive impact across the board, but affordability and fares are also highly impacted by external factors such as exchange rates and other input costs such as fuel. A challenge in Victoria Falls is the amount of accommodation available, especially in high season, which has an inflationary effect on prices.”

The new Victoria Falls airport is playing a key role in attracting low-cost carriers into the destination from Johannesburg and Harare, says Glenn Stutchbury, ceo of Cresta Hotels. Airfares were traditionally one of the highest costs when travelling into Zimbabwe, but with greater choice between legacy and low cost carriers, travellers will be able to find better deals, he adds. “We are starting to see some value coming into what is usually one of the highest costs.” The benefits of this are likely to be felt far beyond Vic Falls, says Glenn, who believes that it will serve as a hub for various destinations. “The fact that Victoria Falls is central allows one to also consider Chobe for part of the trip, as either a day visit, or an add-on to Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe.”

Safety concernsThere is an ongoing perception that Zimbabwe is unsafe, says Sherry Sibanda. “Zimbabwe continues to fight this negativity by undertaking programmes to prove that it is a safe destination.”

“The increased presence of the

Zimbabwe Republic Police on the roads makes the South African visitor fear that the nation is unsafe.The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority continues to engage the necessary stakeholders about reducing the police presence on the highways,” says Sherry.

A hub for various destinations

“Increased air access will lead to better and more creative

packaging by South African tour operators

into Zimbabwe.”Ross Kennedy

Victoria Falls. Photo: G Adventures


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or more than a century, The Victoria Falls Hotel has been the address of choice for Royal Families, statesmen, celebrities and discerning travellers as it occupies a fine location from

which to explore the magical wonders of untamed Africa. Steeped in history and evoking a sense of a bygone era, the hotel continues to offer guests true luxury and excellent service.

Bookings: [email protected] | Tel: +27 10 0030081/85/79

www.victoriafallshotel.com

VIC FALLS

MICE suppliers open to negotiationsWITH the rand tumbling against the dollar, Victoria Falls has become an increasingly expensive MICE destination, but despite the odds, South African companies continue to host their conferences, events and incentives in the destination.

Sherry Sibanda, Zimbabwe’s Minister Counsellor for Tourism says that the country’s proximity to South Africa has meant that the number of SA incentive groups coming to Vic Falls continues to steadily increase, despite the global reduction in incentive budgets. “Victoria Falls has been one of the major beneficiaries in terms of incentive group arrivals.”

This is despite Zimbabwe’s dollar-based pricing, which makes it an expensive destination for the South African market. “This has forced the industry to come up with affordable packages for the South African traveller,” says Sherry. “Group

travel attracts favourable discounts and entrance fees to national parks are lower for South Africans than rates paid by international tourists.”

According to ceo of Dreams, Erica Barrett, suppliers in Victoria Falls have been very accommodating. “They have an attitude of ‘what can we do to make it happen’”, she adds. “With the current

downturn in the economy, I believe many of the MICE groups have changed focus to domestic destinations, but we can definitely see an upturn in pipeline business to Victoria Falls.”

Ross Kennedy of Albida Africa Tourism agrees, and says MICE business to Victoria Falls from South Africa has certainly been impacted by the weakening rand in terms of expense. “Combined with the cost of flights, accommodation and services/activities, it can make it a budgetary challenge for many. Remember, in many cases, the cost of say a beer, Coke, coffee or meal has actually not changed in US dollar terms in Victoria Falls for the past three to five years, so the higher costs are directly linked to the falling rand,” he explains. “At Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, we reduced a number of food and beverage prices

in early 2016, having previously reduced 2016 accommodation rates in 2015.”

Ross says most MICE suppliers are willing to negotiate on packages

and rates to win South African business, but that customers should not expect SA comparative rates, given that the supplier’s costs are in US dollars.

Erica Barrett

Entrance fees to national parks are lower for South Africans.


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&Beyond Matetsi River Lodge. Photo: &Beyond

New hotels and major upgradesIncreased accessibility has led to a flurry of activity in the accommodation sector, with a number of hotel groups embarking on refurbishment programmes and new builds. TNW rounds up some of the latest openings and upgrades on the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of the Falls.

High-end lodges

Mid-range properties Budget stays

&Beyond Matetsi River LodgeSituated near Victoria Falls on a 50 000-hectare private wildlife concession on the Zambezi River, &Beyond Matetsi River Lodge opened in August. It comprises two camps of nine suites each, including a family suite at each camp. Other facilities include a safari shop, gym, massage sala, conference facility and a 20-metre rim-flow swimming pool. A sole-use private villa, &Beyond Matetsi River House, was also built for private groups of up to eight guests. It has four bedrooms, a kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining

areas, firepit and private veranda. Activities include game drives, tours of the Falls and High Tea excursions to the Victoria Falls Hotel.

Thorntree River LodgeAfrican Bush Camps has just taken over management of Thorntree River Lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River in Livingstone, a short distance from Victoria Falls. Set to open in mid-2017, The lodge will be completely rebuilt with a contemporary design and tented roof structures. It will comprise eight twin rooms and two family units (with four beds each). Each unit will have

its own private plunge pool. Facilities will include a spa, gym, open-plan kitchen and dining room and a walk-in, temperature-controlled wine room.

Victoria Falls River LodgeThe property in the Zambezi National Park has just undergone an upgrade. Private plunge pools have been added to the lodge’s 13 luxury tents. Bar and spa facilities have also been added. The thatched riverside bar offers views of the Zambezi River, which can also be seen from the new Toa Spa.

Batonka Guest LodgeOfficially opened in June, Batonka Guest Lodge is walking distance from the centre of Victoria Falls town. It offers 22 rooms, all with air-conditioning, television, WiFi, a private veranda and contemporary décor. Lodge facilities include indoor and outdoor dining areas, a lounge, swimming pool, activities desk and curio shop.

African SunAfrican Sun, together with its

partners, the Legacy Group, has launched a refurbishment programme for its Victoria Falls properties. At Elephant Hills, the exterior has been repainted and rethatched, while general work has been carried out in the resort’s gardens and the rest of the hotel. A temporary conference facility with capacity for 1 000 seated guests has been constructed. At The Kingdom Hotel, the casino is being converted into a conferencing facility.

Shearwater Adventures campsiteShearwater Adventures is constructing a campsite with capacity for 100 guests in Victoria Falls, due to open in December. The facility is aimed at large groups who are seeking an outdoor and adventurous holiday.


TNW7856SD

VIC FALLS

10 great Vic Falls specialsTNW rounds up some excellent Vic Falls deals currently on offer. Dreams is offering three-

night/four-day packages at AVANI Vic Falls Resort from R11 627pp sharing. Bookings must be made before November 30, 2016 for stays until March 31, 2017.

Dreams is also offering three-night/four day packages at the five-star Victoria Falls Hotel in a standard double room from R9 699pp sharing. Rate includes return economy-class airfare from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, airport taxes, airport transfers and breakfast daily. Valid from November 15, 2016 to March 31, 2017. Terms and conditions apply.

Air Zimbabwe has introduced discounted W-class fares on flights from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, starting from R1 550 excluding taxes of R580 (subject to exchange rate) and US$50 (R688) Zimbabwe Civil Aviation tax payable upon departure from Zimbabwe. Valid until March

2017. Fare basis WSPCLOW. AfricaStay has introduced a

Victoria Falls special for three nights from R6 170pp sharing. The package includes accommodation at the four-star Kingdom Hotel, flights from Johannesburg (including taxes) and breakfast. Valid for stays from December 1-19.

Visit Victoria Falls with Air Holiday with packages from R3 899pp sharing. Rate includes return flights from Johannesburg to Livingstone, cross-border transfers, two nights’ accommodation in a standard room at the Kingdom Hotel with breakfast and dinner daily, a sunset cruise on the Zambezi and a guided tour of Victoria Falls. Add an extra night for R1 440pp sharing. Rate excludes taxes of approximately R2 550pp. Valid for stays until December 19.

The Holiday Factory is

offering specials at various properties throughout Victoria Falls. Guests can stay at the three-star Elephant Hills Resort from R7 950pp sharing, the four-star Victoria Falls Safari Lodge from R9 730pp sharing or the five-star Victoria Falls Hotel from R9 990pp sharing. All packages include return flights from Johannesburg to Livingstone, approximate airport taxes, hotel transfers, three nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, sunset cruise and tour of the Falls. Valid for travel over selected dates in December.

Flame of Africa has launched a ‘stay three, pay two’ Victoria Falls package with rates from R7 911. Rate includes return airport transfers, three night’s accommodation at the Victoria Falls Hotel with breakfast daily, one dinner at Jungle Junction, one lunch

at Lookout Café (excluding drinks) and a sunset cruise. Rates exclude flights, visas and travel insurance. Valid for travel between November 15 and December 20, 2016 and January 6 and March 31, 2017.

Thompsons Holidays is offering a three-night special at A’Zambezi River Lodge from R8 279pp sharing. The rate includes return flights from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls (including the airline levy), return airport transfers, accommodation with breakfast daily, complimentary scheduled shuttle service trips into Victoria Falls town and the rain forest, WiFi and in-room water. Valid until December 20.

Spend three nights at the three-star Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel from R7 511pp sharing. Package includes return flights from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls (including the airline levy), airport transfers, accommodation with breakfast, scheduled shuttle service trips into Victoria Falls town and the rainforest, WiFi and in-room water. Valid until December 20.

Ventures in Africa has introduced three-day/two-night packages from US$311 (R4 280), including accommodation on a B&B basis at Bayete Guest Lodge, return airport transfers from Victoria Falls, sunset cruise and guided Falls tour. Valid until December 1.

Three popular Vic Falls add-on safari destinationsSHERRY Sibanda, minister councillor for tourism in Zimbabwe says these national parks are becoming increasingly popular add-on destinations for South African travellers extending their trip outside of Vic Falls.

Hwange National ParkSouth Africans tend to choose Hwange National Park because of its proximity to the Victoria Falls, as they can easily add it on to their trips. At 14 000sqm, Hwange National Park is the

largest in Zimbabwe. It is one of the most pristine and best-managed wildlife areas in the world, and home to the “Big Seven” – elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, rhino, hippo and crocodile.

Gonarezhou National ParkSelf-drive South African tourists favour going to Gonarezhou National Park which is located in the southern region of Zimbabwe, and is now part of the Greater Limpopo

Transfrontier Park, joining game reserves in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. This is where

the famous Chilojo Cliffs are found, and as the name ‘Gonarezhou’ (Shona for haven of elephants)

suggests, this is where some of the largest herds of elephant are found.

Mana Pools and Matusadona National ParksBoth of these parks have become very popular with the South African market. Situated in the western region of Zimbabwe, Mana Pools is one of the wildest and best-preserved ecological areas, while Matusadona is situated on the shores of Lake Kariba.

Mana Pools in Zimbabwe is very well preserved. Photo: Flickr

Lookout Café. Photo: Wild Horizons

JOBSCOMMUNITYNEWSBirths, deaths, marriages, promotions – we want to know! Please fax or e-mail TNW’s Taryn Nightingale, at [email protected] or (011) 327 4094.

Appointments


New appointments at Tsogo Tsogo Sun has made a number of new appointments to its hotels throughout Gauteng. The SunSquare Montecasino has appointed new gm, Bernie Hilario. She was previously gm at the Garden Court Hatfield and deputy gm of Southern Sun Hyde Park from when the hotel first opened. Joining Bernie at the SunSquare is new deputy gm, Paul Gibson. He joins the team after moving across from the Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga where he was the Rooms Division manager. Madeleine Roux will take over as gm of the Garden Court Hatfield. Thabo Khumalo joins The Palazzo team as restaurant manager for Medeo. He started as a chef in the Famous Butcher’s Grill at Sun City and has worked at Southern Sun Bloemfontein, Southern Sun The Cullinan and Garden Court Eastgate. The Palazzo also welcomes Julian Joubert as the hotel’s new room division manager. He completed his training at the Sandton Sun in 2007 then worked as the club floor supervisor at the InterContinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers. Joel Stols has moved across from the SunSquare Montecasino, where he was deputy gm, to take on the role of gm for the Southern Sun The Ridge and StayEasy Emalahleni. He was previously deputy gm of the Riverside Sun and the Southern Sun Pretoria. Kaliq Essop has been appointed new gm of the InterContinenetal Johannesburg Sandton Towers. Before moving to his new role, he was gm of SunSquare Montecasino and Jenda Restaurant.

Club Travel, Turkish Airlines and Katarina Lines hosted seven women in travel during a trip to Croatia. The group spent seven days sailing on the southern Adriatic on one of Katarina Line’s ships, the Pape Prvi. Pictured exploring the island of Hvar (from left to right) are Leigh Mitchell, owner of Travel4Fun; Sonya Smith, customer services manager of FlightSite; Tatum Alexander, marketing administrator of Club Travel; Reneé Azel, regional marketing executive of Turkish Airlines; Tracey Visscher, product developer of FlightSite; Susan Williams, owner of Susan’s Travel; Deborah Magrath, product developer of Club Travel and (bottom front) Mandy McEvoy, travel manager of Club Travel.

Sail away

Corporate Travellers hosted agents for a magical evening of networking at The Bioscope theatre in Maboneng, Johannesburg on October 25. Guests were treated to a screening of the 1993 fantasy film, Hocus Pocus. Pictured here are (from left to right) Luxy Moodley, financial manager and Doreen Cronje, national sales and marketing manager of SICK Automation Southern Africa, Brownwen Lubbe, area leader and Janine Baker, account manager of Corporate Traveller.

Abracadabra!

Pick of the week

These adverts were selected from the vacancy section of www.travelinfo.co.za For more details contact [email protected]

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FIT Consultant – Johannesburg NorthProfessional Career ServicesInbound experience, good knowledge of SA and Africa. Tourplan an advantage. Ability to do itineraries from start to finish. Email: [email protected]

Top Intermediate Travel Agent – PretoriaProfessional Career ServicesAble to work shifts, including evenings, weekends and public holidays. Min 3 years’ consulting experience. Fluent in Arabic, French or Portuguese. Galileo. Email: [email protected]

General Manager – NamibiaQuantex Recruitment GroupResponsible for staff supervision, HR, PR, marketing, sales, finance, etc. for a leading Southern & East Africa brand. 5+ years’ senior level tourism experience essential. Email: [email protected]

Coach/Trainer – CTQuantex Recruitment Group5+ years’ retail leisure or wholesale consulting experience & a travel/tourism qualification is essential. Sound general geographical knowledge a must. Email: [email protected]

In-House Manager – GautengLee Botti & AssociatesMidrand. National market leader! Based in prestigious in-house, managing small team & consulting to VIP’s. Salary negotiable. Email: [email protected]

Top Intermediate/Senior Guru – Gauteng Lee Botti & AssociatesNorth. Small, personalized team! Established agent will reward passion for corporate travel and service excellence! Salary to R20 000. Email: [email protected]

Financial Manager – BraamfonteinCarlson Wagonlit Travel To provide timely and accurate financial reports, including analysis of results. Preparation of flash reports, monthly reports, board reports and all other financial reports. Email: [email protected]

Marketing Co-ordinator – Tygervalley, CTClub TravelQualified marketing co-ordinator required. Assist with marketing projects, support in-house marketing and design, production of artwork, sourcing images and checking copy. Licence and own vehicle. Email: [email protected]

BSP Refunds Clerk – CTClub TravelExperienced BSP administrator required to provide administrative support. Must be proficient and accurate in processing automated refunds in the GDS and BSP link. Email: [email protected]

Corporate Support and Implementation Consultant – N/Suburbs, GautengFlight Centre Travel Group In this role will be responsible for the support of all corporate tools for FCM Travel Solutions. Email: [email protected]

Cruise ConsultantFlight Centre Travel Group – CruiseaboutOpportunity for an experienced travel consultant or sales-driven professional to join a global travel company and rapidly progress their career. Email: [email protected]

Intermediate/Senior Reservations Consultant – Johannesburg NorthEquity Connections ccLiaise with international operators, agents and plan, design exceptional itineraries. In-depth Africa knowledge with creative flair needed. Email: [email protected]

Intermediate/Senior FIT Consultant – DurbanEquity Connections ccHandle in-bound FIT’s into South/Southern Africa. Design, cost present exciting itineraries, book all flights, land arrangements. FIT know-how essential. Email: [email protected]

In-house Travel Manager – MidrandWendy’s Travel PersonnelLeading travel company requires in-house travel manager. Minimum of 15 years’ travel experience and have held previous management roles. Galileo essential! Email: [email protected]

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TNW NEWS

Travel motivates agentsWhat type of incentive helps to motivate you?

Travel Salary Flexible working hours Praise Non-monetary rewards Leave

Home Affairs – no hope

regulations, Barsa will continue to advise its members to check that passengers travelling with minors have birth certificates.

The TBCSA has been invited to share its recommendations

on the UBC requirement with the Immigration Advisory Board. Though the Council is still working on this, Mmatsatsi says she is encouraged by the Department’s willingness to listen.

From page 1

Keep it freshThe City Lodge Hotel Group has rebranded its coffee shop as #Café – A taste of fresh. The rebrand is to emphasise both the freshness of the food offered and #Café’s uniqueness in that it is more than a coffee shop, but not quite a fully-fledged restaurant. #Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pictured here is Tony Balabanoff, divisional director: operations of City Lodge Hotel Group. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl

Keep travel docs for Ireland handyTaryn nighTingale

THE Embassy of the Republic of Ireland has clarified what

documentation SA travellers need to carry after several instances of airlines asking travellers to provide documentation before boarding at OR Tambo International Airport. South Africans do not require a visa to travel to the country.

Tony McCullagh, deputy head of mission at the Embassy of Ireland in Pretoria says SA nationals are often asked by airlines to produce evidence to support their reasons for visiting Ireland before boarding. “Airlines can be fined up to €1 500 (R22 633) per passenger that is refused entry by the Immigration authorities on arrival. They are also obliged to return that passenger to their original point of departure. Carrying out pre-boarding checks mitigate the possibility of being fined.”

He says the same level of scrutiny would not be applied to visa-required countries such as Northern Ireland, as once travellers present a valid visa at the airport, the airlines won’t be fined if that passenger is subsequently refused entry by immigration authorities.

Because all the decisions rest with the immigration officer at the port of entry, Tony says he cannot give a definitive list of documentation as each case would depend on the purpose of the visit. The following is the minimum he says travellers visiting Ireland as a tourist should bring: If staying with friends or

family members, a letter of invitation plus a utility bill (or similar) that shows the address of the person they’ll be staying with.

Persons coming to work must have an employment permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation.

If coming to study, they need to show they have sufficient funds for their stay and evidence from the college that confirms their acceptance at the institution.

Business visitors should have a letter from both their SA employer and the company/conference organisers in Ireland.

SA tourists going to Ireland are advised to carry documents showing that they have accommodation, a sufficient amount of funds (R1000 per day) and a return ticket indicating that they are there for a finite period, says Helen Fraser pr officer of Tourism Ireland.

Helen says Go As You Please Ireland B&B vouchers – often used by travellers who choose to self-drive – would suffice as proof of accommodation.“Travellers must also bear in

mind that anyone visiting any country can be turned away at immigration even if they have a visa,” says Helen.

Ugandan visas to be scrappedDorine reinsTein

VISAS between Uganda and South Africa could be scrapped in the near future with both South African and Ugandan authorities currently working on the issue, according to Prof Lekoa Solly Mollo, South Africa’s high commissioner to Uganda.

There is a need to ease travel as the number of South Africans travelling to Uganda for trade, business, education and tourism is currently surging, the commissioner told Ugandan-based newspaper, The Observer. “Trade relations between the two countries

have increased with over 70 South African companies working in Uganda.”

Travel agents in South Africa confirm that corporate travel to Uganda has been growing steadily over the past few years. “We have seen a definite increase in demand for corporate travel to Uganda in recent months,” says Ben Langner, md Carlson Wagonlit Travel in South Africa. According to Ben, visa requirements are always a deterrent to travel.

Even though the Ugandan government recently slashed visa fees in an attempt to attract more travellers, Tracey van den Berg,

corporate communications and events manager of Tourvest Travel Services, says the visas to Uganda remain quite costly at R1 000 for single-entry visas and R2 000 for multiple-entry visas. “Should the visa fees be removed, it may encourage further travel to Uganda.”

MICE travel is expected to benefit if the visas are scrapped, according to Inge Beadle, manager of Corporate Travel Services. “Without visa requirements, one could offer Kampala as an interesting MICE destination for seminars, workshops and AGMs.”

Iata simplifies bookingsleigh hermon

IATA aims to simplify and standardise the airline booking process with the launch of its new booking system ONE Order. Following Iata’s Passenger Services Conference last month in Dubai, the association is set to move forward with the new standard.

According to Iata’s Sebastien Touraine, head, ONE Order Program, the system will store all the information about the

traveller, including customer details, order items, and payment information under a single document. Sebastien compares ONE Order with a shopping basket, whereby agents will be able to make edits to their client’s booking, instead of reissuing a new document each time changes such as adding baggage or date alterations are made. The one document will then be made available to the airline and all the other service providers to fulfil the travel order.

Sebastien describes the current systems used by airlines as rigid and inefficient. Each time an agent needs to make a change to a booking, a new document must be created, reissued and then captured by the airline.

Sebastien says Iata aims to make the new system available on the GDS and through the NDC.

The association hopes to work with interested partners next year and to begin piloting ONE Order in 2018.

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