Iberia is back, with bold plans for SA

Transcription

April 27 2016 I No. 2395
SOUTHERN AFRICA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY
INSIDE
TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY
TNW6867SD
NEWS
FEATURE
NEWS
UBC RULE
FAREWELL
CONFERENCE VENUES
Minister calls for action
Industry stalwart Rod Rutter retires
How to deliver that ‘wow’ factor
Page 2
Page 16
Page 4
Iberia is back, with
bold plans for SA
Taryn Nightingale
H
ELLO Spain! Hello Portugal?
Iberia has set a launch date
for its reinstated flights to South
Africa from Madrid, starting August 2,
with grand intentions to capture the
South African market travelling on to
Portugal.
Part of the airline’s strategy is to
target the underserved market, offering
connecting flights (of only an hour) via
its hub to Lisbon.
Edward Frost, regional country
manager of British Airways and Iberia
in South Africa, says the connection
will service the large Portuguese
community in South Africa as well as
those in Angola and Mozambique.
“There are a lot of people very excited
and supportive of the flight,” he says.
Iberia’s flights will also offer SA pax
good access to the rest of Europe –
particularly the south of the continent
– and Latin America, says Celia Muñoz
Espín, head of sales for Europe, Africa
and Asia. The airline offers convenient
connections to 20 destinations in
South America, including Buenos
Aires, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
In Europe, the airline flies to 35
destinations, including Porto, Milan,
Rome, Berlin, Frankfurt, Geneva and
Zurich.
Iberia will launch with three flights
a week. Flight IB 6050 will depart
Johannesburg at 20h15 on Tuesdays,
Fridays and Saturdays to arrive in
Madrid at 06h35 the next day.
To page 2
More airlift to India on the cards
Dorine Reinstein
AIR India is reportedly looking at
reintroducing flights to South Africa.
Air India chairman and md, Ashwanai
Lohani, was quoted in Indian
newspaper, the Business Standard,
saying the airline was looking at
connecting to some points on the
African continent, including South
Africa, Kenya and Tanzania. He said
the airline was currently in talks with
South African authorities for possible
operations to Durban.
Air India responded to queries by
TNW, saying: “We are expanding our
international network.
“We will make an announcement
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once we have finalised the stations.”
The airline is currently expanding
its Boeing wide-body fleet to enable
international expansion of its routes.
Meanwhile, during a recent visit
to India, Tourism Minister, Derek
Hanekom, said SA Tourism had
been working with various airlines to
ensure increased capacity between
the two countries, particularly into
Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban,
through marketing alliances and
codeshare agreements.
Although there is currently sufficient
capacity to India – with Emirates,
Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways,
Air Mauritius, Air Seychelles, Ethiopian
To page 24
Belles of the ball!
Showing off their style at the Viennese masked ball at the 2016 Travel
Counsellors conference, are (from left), TCs Roshnee Govender, Terri Wright,
Cornelia Stengel and Marianda Maritz. For more on this story see page 8.
Photo: Kate Nathan
Govt units in dark about
new measures
Natasha Schmidt
and
Susan Reynard
GOVERNMENT departments
are going about business as
usual, despite Treasury’s move
to implement a ‘standard
remuneration model’, cutting
rebates, overrides and volumebased incentives to TMCs from
April 1 (see TNW April 13).
One government official, who
preferred to remain anonymous,
told TNW his department had
contacted National Treasury
requesting more clarity on the new
travel procurement measures but
had failed to receive a response.
“So, it’s business as usual for
now, as even the suppliers are
unsure about which new rates
they should charge us and are
therefore still operating off the
old prices.”
A travel agent, who agreed to
speak on condition of anonymity,
said although government had
negotiated rates with certain
providers, numerous government
departments hadn’t been given
To page 24
NEWS
Minister calls for action
on UBC rule
Top web stories
 Agents to hand over PNR data for EU pax
 Local airline braces for strike
 SA Express ‘failing dismally’ states Scopa
 TNW pick: Mega tour op sets up shop in SA
 Airline ups capacity on JNB route
Dorine Reinstein
S
A MINISTER of
Tourism, Derek
Hanekom, has spoken
out against South Africa’s
stringent immigration
regulations, saying the
delay in amendments is a
result of the requirements
needing to be changed on
a regulatory basis, and so
far no agreement had been
reached on what this should
involve. “Excessive rigidity is
not helpful,” he said.
The Minister said he
was working closely with
the Department of Home
Affairs but that changing
the requirement for the
Unabridged Birth Certificate
was currently causing
“untold difficulties”. He
was talking in Cape Town
earlier this month, during
the International Gay and
Lesbian Travel Association
(IGLTA) convention.
Travel agents say although
most clients have accepted
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Rubes
®
By Leigh Rubin
the new regulations, they
are still causing headaches.
Chantelle Brown,
senior product manager
of kulula holidays, says
the main issue with the
requirement is the ad
hoc implementation of
regulations at airports. She
says some clients will make
“Changing the
requirement for the
Unabridged Birth
Certificate is currently
causing ‘untold
difficulties’.”
it on to a flight without
the necessary certificates
and only when they return,
the international check-in
clerks insist on seeing the
documentation.
Internationally there is
still a lot of confusion
regarding the requirement,
resulting in a number of
travellers having been
denied boarding, says
Rachael Penaluna, business
manager of Sure Corporate
Maritime Travel. “We had a
family of four stranded in
France because the airline
didn’t know what they
needed. Still!”
Although many clients
have the UBC, there are still
many who are experiencing
delays obtaining the
certificates and this has had
an impact on international
travel demand, says Monica
Horn, Harvey World Travel
product manager.
Sean Hough, ceo of
Pentravel, adds that there
is no way of measuring
on the sales side how
many families decided
not to travel due to the
high cost and associated
administration hassle. “We
hope government can find a
better solution as we need
to ensure that outbound
travel remains easy,
affordable and accessible
for families,” he says. ■
Iberia is back, with bold plans for SA
Founding Editors:
John H Marsh (1914-1996)
TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY
www.etnw.co.za
Published by
Travel & Trade Publishing (Pty) Ltd
Printed by Juka Printing (Pty) Ltd
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.
Leona Marsh (1923-2003)
EDITORIAL
Managing Editor: Natasha Schmidt [email protected]
Deputy Editor: Debbie Badham [email protected]
Journalists:
Darise Foster
Dorine Reinstein
Susan Reynard
Taryn Nightingale
Photographers:
Production Editor: Ann Braun
GROUP PUBLISHER
David Marsh
SALES
Sales Director: Kate Nathan
Ad Co-ordinator: Anthea Lucas
PRODUCTION
Design Head:
Shannon Van Zyl
Megan Fischer
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Dirk Voorneveld
SUBSCRIPTIONS
[email protected]
2 n Wednesday April 27 2016
From page 1
Reurn flight IB 6051 will
depart Madrid at 23h45
on Mondays, Thursdays
and Fridays to arrive in
Johannesburg at 09h05 the
next day. Flights are currently
bookable on the GDS.
Iberia will fly the
Johannesburg route, using an
A330-300, which features 242
seats in economy and 36 in
business class. The upgrades
to the business-class cabin
include lie-flat seats, each with
direct access to the aisle.
“We are looking to cater for
a mix of business and leisure
markets in South Africa,”
says Celia. “Locally, there
are some really interesting
opportunities, particularly in
the renewable energy and
fishery sectors,” Edward
adds. The development of
solar energy projects in the
Northern Cape will allow the
airline to facilitate the traffic
of expertise and investment
coming into South Africa.
Iberia has an interline
agreement with BA Comair
that offers connectivity to
domestic locations.
“We’re in a unique position
in the South African market,
in that we have a franchise
partner, Comair, that offers
domestic connectivity as well
the opportunity for passengers
to earn and burn miles on a
Johannesburg-Durban route,
for example,” says Edward.
International flights will be
operated on a codeshare
agreement with British
Airways, offering passengers
the ability to earn and burn
points on loyalty programmes
offered by both carriers.
Iberia will also leverage
British Airways’ relationships
with the trade in the SA
market, which will be served
by a joint sales team.
Being part of the IAG group
also means agents will be
able to offer clients flying to
Europe an alternative to flying
on British Airways, with the
added benefit that passengers
will not need to apply for both
a UK and Schengen visa. ■
Nikita Tavlet selects the top specials from Travelinfo
The Holiday Factory. Five-star Bali package from R25 390pp sharing. Offer includes return flights
ex-Johannesburg, including approximate taxes; return transfers; seven nights’ accommodation
with breakfast, lunch, dinner and a selection of drinks daily. High-season supplement
applies between July 15 and August 31. Valid for travel until October 31.
Kulula holidays. Umhlanga package from R2 341pp sharing. Rate includes return flights
ex-Johannesburg, approximate taxes; two nights’ accommodation and two days’ car
rental, including 200km free per day. Valid for travel until September 30.
Checkout Tours. Zanzibar special from R7 720pp sharing. Offer includes return
flights ex-Johannesburg; approximate taxes; return transfers; and seven nights’
accommodation with breakfast daily. Valid for travel until June 30.
Dream Kist Tours. Three-nights in Santorini from R7 779pp sharing. Rate
includes accommodation in a three-star hotel with breakfast daily; return
transfers; and ferry boat tickets. Itinerary: Piraeus-Santorini-Piraeus. Four-star
rates available. Valid for travel until May 31.
QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS
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NEWS
Friends bid travel
stalwart farewell
Susan Reynard
A
FTER 12 years as one of
the founding members
and coo of XL Travel
Consortium, Rod Rutter has
retired. He has been in the
travel industry for 35 years
and told TNW he had enjoyed
an “amazing career” that
had been “full of emotions,
anecdotes and ups and downs,
but it’s the people who have
made it what it is”.
Rod has extensive travel
management experience with
various travel and related
operations. He said he started
out “in a run-down ‘rat-hole’
in Commissioner Street” in
Johannesburg’s CBD.
He was previously sales
and marketing director, and
later md of American Express
Travel in South Africa, growing
the agency from 25 people
in 1982 to around 600 to
become one of the largest
franchises outside of the US.
Bold growth through innovation
has been the hallmark of his
and his colleagues’ success.
At the time XL Travel was
founded in 2004, Rod and
the team started a new
consortium using a new
business model, where
members had input into the
direction of the company.
Currently the consortium
represents some 13% of
the industry, with over 120
member agencies generating
more than R3bn in sales
annually.
Rod said the strength of the
group lay in its people, their
diversity and entrepreneurial
approach to business.
He has been overwhelmed
by the support he has been
shown by his colleagues over
the years. “I’m really proud to
have been in this wonderful
industry and made so many
good friends.”
At Rod’s farewell at
Maximillian Restaurant in
Sandton on April 14, Marco
Ciocchetti, who has taken
over as ceo of XL Travel, said:
“Over the last 12 years, the
XL Travel consortium has
grown into one of the most
Ladies in travel gathered to wish XL Travel’s former coo, Rod Rutter, a fond farewell. Pictured
here back, from left are: Rose Bischoff (City Lodge); Evelyn Kidder Ralphs (Lufthansa); Rod; Jane
Davidson (Development Promotions); Helen Coutinho (XL Travel); and Mary Shilleto (Thompsons
Travel). Front, from left: Monique Diez (Sabre); and Liezl Gericke (Virgin Atlantic).
respected travel brands in the
South African travel industry.
During this time, vast changes
transformed our exciting
industry. XL Travel, under
Rod’s leadership, has not
only adapted to the changes,
but also anticipated and
responded to these changes.”
Rod said the current move
was more a case of “taking
my foot off the pedal at a
stage in my life when I want to
spend time playing more golf,
travelling, and seeing to my
family commitments”.
“It’s been a 24/7 type of job.
My priority now is to take a few
months’ relaxation and then
review my path after that.” ■
Pictured here with the man of the hour is new ceo of XL Travel,
Marco Ciochetti, and ceo of Thompsons Travel, Mary Shilleto.
Photos: Natasha Schmidt
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NEWS
AF launches new
product on JNB route
Susan Reynard
A
IR France launched its newly
retrofitted Boeing 777-300
aircraft on the JohannesburgParis route on March 8. Its new
long-haul travel cabins offer four
La Première first class suites, 58
business, 28 premium economy, and
206 economy-class seats.
The La Première private suites
feature fully flat beds over two-metres
long, 61cm HD touch-screen TVs, plus
a range of latest technological and
comfort features. Bedding on the futon
mattress includes a duvet, sheet,
large pillow, merino wool blanket, and
cushion. On demand entertainment is
available in 12 languages.
Business-class seats convert to
a two-metre-long bed and feature a
41cm HD touch-screen TV. The curved
seats, which offer direct access to the
aisle, provide privacy and have built-in
storage facilities, power sockets and
USB ports. Premium economy has
improved comfort seat cushions and
a multi-position footrest. Economy has
fully revised seats with more leg-room
and wider tray tables.
Improvements across all classes
factored in results from a customer
survey undertaken by Air France KLM
to ensure that the airline continues
to meet changing customer needs.
“We always look at ways to enhance
Air France KLM recently celebrated the official launch of Air France’s new
product on the Johannesburg-Paris route. Pictured here in the SLOW lounge
are (from left): Christian Halm (Air France KLM commercial director,
Southern Africa and Angola); Kerstin Bersztel (Air France KLM regional
station manager Southern Africa and Angola); and Domingo De Cola.
Photo: Susan Reynard
the travel experience of the traveller,”
said Domingo De Cola, gm of Air
France KLM Southern Africa. “We are
customer-driven – it’s about offering
choice to the customer.
“To remain competitive we
have to invest in the product,” he
added. Retrofitting the fleet for
intercontinental aircraft is a €500m
(R8,4bn) project. ■
Free agent booking tool planned for SA
INTERNATIONAL travel services
company, Thor – owned by
Travelport – has launched Agent
Connection, a complete global
booking tool that is free to agents.
The tool is currently only available
to US-based travel agents, but
there are plans to introduce it
into the South African market at a
future date.
Agent Connection is ultimately
designed for travel agents who do
not have direct access to a GDS,
and allows them to book client
packages that include flights, cars
and hotels, as well as cruises,
insurance and activities such as
day trips and sightseeing tours.
Using the console, travel agents
can also manage bookings and
track commission payments.
Guaranteed commissions are
paid on all rates that offer a
commission.
The company also offers 24/7
technical support for booking
issues as well as on-demand
training. ■
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REPORT TRAVEL COUNSELLORS CONFERENCE
Travel Counsellors are
masters of their fate
A major focus at this year’s Travel Counsellors conference was success through
more personalised relationships. Kate Nathan attended as a guest of the company.
T
RAVEL Counsellors
has recorded strong
performance over the
past year. The company has
created a revolution in the
SA market and those who
joined TC have changed their
lives, says Mladen Lukic, gm
of the brand in South Africa.
Speaking at Travel
Counsellors’ ninth SA
conference, marking its
nine years in business in
the country, he said: “TCs
are masters of our fate; we
are in charge. TCs are the
managing directors of their
own businesses and so are
responsible for their own
strategy, implementation and
for making the right choices
for their businesses.”
Over the last year, sales
were up by 13%, mature
TCs’ earnings were up by
11%, all this occurring in
the SA market where BSP is
down by 12%.
“But nothing trumps what
your customers think of you.
Our NPS [Net Promoters
Score, a customer
recommendation survey
metric], shows that the
likelihood of TC customers
recommending the brand
to a friend has risen from
94% to 96%, which places
TCs a rank higher than huge
brands like Amazon and
Nike,” said Mladen.
How do individual
TCs achieve so many
recommendations for their
services? “The one thing
that runs through all our
DNA is that we care. TCs
genuinely care about their
clients, and show them that
they care, and head office
genuinely cares about the
welfare of its TCs. ‘People
will forget what you said,
people will forget what you
did, but people will never
forget the way you made
them feel’,” he said, quoting
Maya Angelou.
Mladen pointed out the
significant advantages of
the personalised approach.
“If you sell on price, you
have to be cheaper; if you
sell on convenience you
have to be more and more
convenient, but if you sell
on personalised service and
build relationships, no one
can replicate that. Look at
the airports, there is a sea
of customers who want to
feel the way your customers
feel. Make sure every
customer feels better after
dealing with you.”
Most caring company
In a world where 73% of businesses could disappear and no
one would notice, you can still achieve unbelievable things
through relationships, believes Steve Byrne, TC group
managing director. “We sell ourselves on the authentic,
bespoke and tailor-made service we personally provide,
and not on price. TC wants to become famous for being
the most caring company in the world. Customers become
advocates, and they are willing to pay a premium to
enjoy these relationships.” Steve said big investment was
happening in IT at the Manchester hub. “This investment is
for the betterment of the business for the benefit of TCs.
While other businesses in SA cut back, we invest.” Pictured
here are (from left): Steve Byrne with Will Puk, who, along
with Mladen Lukic, pioneered TC in SA.
TC in your pocket!
Travel Counsellors is set
to launch its brand-new
mobile app, myTC, in May.
“For clients, it’s like having
a Travel Counsellor in
their pockets,” says Rob
Snelson, IT director, in
describing the new app.
The app contains
numerous security features
for protection of privacy and
is compatible with Android
and Apple phones only.
Rob showed the
assembled consultants that
the focus of the displayed
information is on itinerary
and documentation and
constant updates are made
from the cloud.
An important feature is
that the way the app is
constructed clearly links
the information with the TC,
so the information appears
to emanate from the
Glitz and glamour!
Dressed to the nines are (from left) Lize Roodt and Dasha
van Zijl, both TCs, at the conference’s masked ball.
Travel Counsellor herself.
Everything is shareable
via social media and every
share links back to the TC.
This will also be a
valuable marketing tool,
as clients will be able to
use the app to share the
TC’s business card directly
with their friends and
associates. Clients can
also send emails and make
calls through the app. ■
She’s the champ!
Jeanne Thirion took the title of TC of the Year. She received
her trophy from SA gm, Mladen Lukic (left) and Ian Keane,
SA ops and business development manager.
Innovative new tech
The group’s app, myTC, set to launch in May, is described by Rob Snelson as “for clients,
it’s like having a Travel Counsellor in their pockets”. Pictured here (from left) is Rob, along
with Lynde-Lee Opperman, Prelene Abrahams and Nicci Hayden, all TCs. Photos: Kate Nathan
REPORT
Sedibeng – a uniquely South African experience
Gauteng locals and coastal residents are flocking to the Sedibeng district in search
of a new kind of adventure experience. Darise Foster visited the region as a guest
of the Gauteng Tourism Authority.
Darise Foster
T
HE Sedibeng region
is attracting travellers
from around the country
because it offers something
new – a fun-filled holiday mixed
with a cultural experience that
is uniquely South African.
This is the opinion of BON
Hotel Riviera on Vaal gm, Craig
Swart, who was speaking
to TNW on the sidelines of
a recent media trip to the
Sedibeng district. He said the
Vaal region in particular had
enjoyed immense growth over
the past three years. “I am
always shocked to see people
who have left the beach to
come to the Vaal, but they are
looking for something different
and they like that peaceful
element that comes with
spending a few days alongside
a dam.”
The more popular dams
in Gauteng, such as
Hartbeesport, were becoming
overcrowded said Craig, which
didn’t typically suit visitors to
the Vaal, who looked to escape
the crowd.
What to do...
Adventure seekers or teambuilding and incentive groups
are well suited to a getaway
in the Vaal. “There is a wide
range of watersports on offer
on the banks of the Vaal,
Klip and Suikerbos rivers
that adventure travellers will
enjoy – from wake-boarding to
tubing, jetskiing, power-boating,
rubber-ducking and river
rafting,” said Gauteng Tourism
Authority senior manager of
Destination and Corporate
Communications, Barba
Gaoganediwe.
Hotels on the banks of the
rivers, such as the BON Hotel
Riviera on Vaal, offered guests
the option of enjoying a picnic
alongside the river, he added.
“That is great for team building
or just a tranquil leisure
holiday.”
A mere 40 minutes south of
Johannesburg, the Sedibeng
region also offers quick and
easy access for travellers who
want to enjoy a bit of the city
or the nightlife. “And then to tie
in a cultural aspect, travellers
can also experience the history
of Sharpeville by embarking on
the Sharpeville Struggle Route
Tour,” Barba said.
Sharpeville, just outside
Vereeniging and infamous
for the 1960 Sharpeville
Massacre, is one of the oldest
townships in the Sedibeng
region.
“The Struggle Route
experience includes visits
to the Sylviavale Heritage
Museum, which features a
collection of vintage cars
and other transportation
devices from the 1930s and
1940s – many of which are
Thrill-seekers can take private lessons on various water
sports on the Vaal River. Photo: Darise Foster
still operational – before
birdwatching on the Dlomo
Dam, also known as Leeukuil
Pan, just outside Sharpeville,”
Barba commented.
Boat rides are also available
for visitors who would enjoy
a lunch while cruising on the
Dlomo Dam. “Travellers can
end their Sedibeng adventure
at the Sharpeville Memorial,
which takes visitors on an
emotional tour remembering
one of the events that shaped
our modern democracy,”
Barba said. ■
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QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE
Wednesday April 27 2016 n 9
AirHeads
NEWS
MSC reveals major expansion plans
Debbie Badham
W
ITH its €9 billion
(R147bn) investment
plan, MSC has major
plans for international growth,
in which the South African
market will play its part.
Gianni Onorato, ceo of
MSC Cruises, says the cruise
company has progressively
upgraded its presence in
South Africa, adding that
MSC has recently seen an
acceleration in uptake of its
product. He attributes this
in part to a high level of
customer satisfaction and
also to the fact that many
South Africans who have
experienced a domestic
cruise have now taken an
interest in experiencing more
international options.
The Mediterranean, Dubai
and northern Europe are all
very appealing to travellers
who have been on domestic
cruises, says Gianni, adding
that the company’s investment
in new ships for its Portuguese
Island cruises also provide
travellers with a different
experience of the itinerary.
MSC’s investment in new
product has been significant.
The cruise line recently
announced an order for
four new “giant ships”,
which will form part of its
new World Class series of
ships. The ships are able to
accommodate at least
A snapshot of the week's airline news
Airline ups capacity on JNB route
EGYPTAIR will increase its capacity and product offering by replacing
the Airbus A330-200 with the Airbus A330-300 on its Johannesburg
service, effective May 11. The new aircraft has 301 seats – 265
seats in economy and 36 in business class – an increase in capacity
of 33 seats. The airline said the change in aircraft also brought
an upgrade in the product offered on the route. “In the businessclass cabin we now offer a lie-flat bed and in economy class the
overhead entertainment monitors have been replaced with individual
monitors,” EgyptAir said in a statement.
Emirates extends online check-in
Pictured here on a recent visit to South Africa are (from
left), MSC’s Gianni Onorato and Achile Staiano (head of
commercial services). Photo: Debbie Badham
5 400 passengers at double
occupancy and MSC says they
will rival the biggest at sea.
Gianni says these vessels
will also be highly advanced
in terms of their on-board
technology.
The size of the ships will
allow the company to offer
more amenities, restaurants
and entertainment and
provides the operator with
more efficiencies, says Ken
Muskat, executive vp of Sales,
Public Relations, and Guest
Services at MSC Cruises USA.
He says the company isn’t
worried about ports being able
to accommodate the massive
ships, which will start being
delivered in 2022.
“There are more places in
the Caribbean and in Europe
that are expanding and
changing their infrastructure to
be able to handle these kinds
of ships,” Ken says. “By the
time these ships come out, I
think there’s going to be fewer
limitations and a lot more
places for them to go globally.”
Plans for the trade
As part of its discussion about
how to “give more to travel
agents”, MSC is considering
tying up its international and
domestic sales in terms of its
rewards system.
Gianni says a new breed of
customer is emerging who
requires more answers when
it comes to cruising. As such,
he says agents need more
training than ever and MSC is
therefore making its training
material increasingly available
and hosting more road shows
to ensure they have access to
the information they need. ■
EMIRATES has extended its online check-in from 24 to 48 hours
before departure, effective immediately. Customers around the world
can now check in online on both desktop and mobile devices from
48 hours to 90 minutes before flight departure. The increased lead
time offers customers greater flexibility to choose their seats, and
reduces waiting times at the airport as they would already have their
boarding passes before arriving. Passengers can then drop their
luggage at online check-in counters before heading straight through
to immigration and security. For flights to and from the United
States, while online check-in is available 48 hours before departure,
boarding passes will only be issued 24 hours in advance.
Fly Blue Crane available on GDS
AMADEUS travel agents can now search, sell and service bookings
on Fly Blue Crane’s route network on the GDS. Coo, Theunis
Potgieter, says its network will also be available on Galileo’s
GDS in the coming weeks. The airline commenced operations
on September 1, 2015, and currently operates flights from
Johannesburg to Bloemfontein, Kimberley and Cape Town. “We are
growing fast and in the coming months we plan to expand our route
map to additional SA cities and new regional services. We will be
able to announce our first regional market in May,” says Theunis.
Delta expands network through codeshare
DELTA Air Lines has entered into codeshare partnerships with KLM
Royal Dutch Airlines and Jet Airways, increasing connections for
passengers to and from destinations across North America to the
Indian subcontinent via Amsterdam. Delta will now codeshare on
Jet Airways’ daily non-stop flights from its hubs in Mumbai and
New Delhi as well as on KLM’s daily flight between Amsterdam and
Mumbai. Jet Airways also operates a daily flight to Toronto from
Amsterdam.
LH, SWISS and SQ expand codeshare
The Chairman of
XL Flywell Travel,
Usman Ahmed, congratulates
Mr Orhan Abbas on his new
appointment as Senior Vice
President – Commercial
Operations Africa of
Emirates Airline.
FOLLOWING the conclusion of a commercial joint venture in
November, SWISS International Air Lines, Lufthansa and Singapore
Airlines are expanding their codeshare agreements. In addition to
the Lufthansa Group’s Frankfurt hub, the expanded codeshare offers
Singapore Airlines’ travellers more than 20 codeshare routings via
the group’s Zurich and Munich hubs to and from various points
in Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Belgium. SWISS passengers
flying from Zurich via Singapore will be able to connect to Adelaide,
Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur,
Auckland and Christchurch. SWISS and Lufthansa passengers can
benefit from the codeshare on routes in southeast Asia and the
southwest Pacific. Some of these include connections to Denpasar
and Jakarta when flying on Lufthansa from Frankfurt via Singapore.
Baggage that is checked in Switzerland or Germany will be checked
through to passengers’ final destination.
Proflight Zambia replaces Kasama with Mbala
PROFLIGHT Zambia will launch flights between Lusaka and Mbala
in June. This comes after the airline’s customer satisfaction survey
indicated passengers would use this service as an alternative to
the current Lusaka-Kasama route. The launch of the Mbala route
is subject to regulatory approval and flights will be available for
booking from May 23. The airline currently flies from Durban
to Lusaka. The flight from Lusaka to Mbala would still enable
travellers to easily access Kasama, as well as tourist destinations
on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the airline said. Proflight will
operate a shuttle bus between Kasama and Mbala airports for the
convenience of those customers in Kasama.
TNW7573
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TNW7568
The Gulf has boosted its mid-level accommodation for travellers. Michelle Colman reports.
More mid-market hotels in the Middle East
T
HE boom in mid-market
accommodation stock
in the Gulf – in Dubai
particularly – has been
welcomed by rand-fatigued
travellers from South Africa.
In the last two years, Dubai
developers have shown a
significant swing away from
the über luxurious hotel,
to mid-range new builds,
where a noticeable gap was
acknowledged.
The change in focus was
a deliberate one by the city,
which temporarily exempted
three- and four-star property
developers from a 10%
municipality fee levied on
each night of occupancy.
This move was intended to
stimulate delivery of new
hotels in the sector and
advance Dubai’s objective of
20 million annual visitors by
2020.
Further, the construction
approval process was
streamlined and reduced,
and government-owned
land allocated to new
developments.
The emirate, as of the end
of January 2016, now boasts
some 21 000 four-star rooms,
over 20 000 one- to three-star
rooms and 15 500 standardrated hotel apartment keys.
Another 16 three- and fourstar properties, as well
as standard-grade hotel
apartment establishments,
are due to open this year.
(By comparison, Dubai has
31 300 five-star rooms and
9 600 deluxe/superior hotel
apartments.)
“There will be a sustained
effort to encourage growth in
the mid-market sector, to offer
tourists greater choice and
ultimately position the emirate
as a destination catering for
travellers of all budgets,”
reads a statement from Dubai
Tourism.
Dubai’s mid-market hotel
facilities now include brand
names such as Holiday Inn
Express, ibis, Hilton Garden
Inn and Hilton Hampton.
According to Wendie White,
director of the Southern
African Representative
Office of Dubai Tourism, the
following four-star properties
are working well with the
South African travel trade and
have invested time to ensure
they are in touch with our
local client needs:
Vida Hotel in downtown
Dubai, a 15-minute walk
from the Dubai Mall and the
Dubai Fountains;
Manzil Hotel, also in
downtown Dubai, a
contemporary Arabic-themed
hotel only 3km from the
Dubai Mall and the Dubai
Fountains;
Marriott Harbour Suites
Hotel at the Dubai Marina,
where one- to threebedroom suites provide
accommodation for groups
of people working together
on Dubai projects.
In neighbouring Abu Dhabi
new hotels span the three- to
five-star range. The emirate
currently has a complement
of 35 000 rooms, operating
at 75,4% average occupancy.
A further 8 000 rooms will be
built by 2017 but, with the
ultimate goal – according to
the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030
– of 80 000 rooms, building
cranes will be a fixture for
some time.
Among the familiar Hyatts,
Hiltons and Radissons, is the
four-star Southern Sun Abu
Dhabi operated by Tsogo Sun.
It offers 353 rooms, six food
and beverage facilities, and
a city centre location that is
convenient for the airport,
business districts and tourist
attractions.
Jean Martins, country
manager for the Tourism and
Culture Authority (TCA) Abu
Dhabi, lists the following
properties as appealing to
South Africans:
Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri
Abu Dhabi, ideally positioned
on the creek, with a good
beach and access to a mall;
The three-star Premier
Inn situated at Abu Dhabi
International Airport, offering
quality accommodation for a
quick overnight stopover;
Yas Island properties, such
as the Centro Yas Island
and Park Inn by Radisson
Abu Dhabi Yas Island.
This emirate is claiming a
50% growth in tourist arrivals
from South Africa, including
both business and leisure
sectors, since the opening
of a TCA Abu Dhabi office
in Johannesburg in March
last year.
New in Dubai
The following mid-market establishments have all
opened in Dubai in the last four months:
 Al Buraq Hotel (three-star)
 Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Mina Hotel (four-star)
 Naif View Hotel L.L.C (two-star)
 Al Manar Grand Hotel Apartment (standard rated)
 Hilton Garden Inn Mall of the Emirates (four-star)
 Auris Inn Al Muhanna Hotel (four-star)
 AlFarej Hotel (three-star)
 Ibis One Central Hotel L.L.C (three-star)
 Travellers Hotel Apartment L.L.C (standard rated)
 Ibis Styles Dragon Mart Hotel (three-star)
 Wyndham Marina Hotel L.L.C – (four-star)
TNW7484SD
The Gulf
Free stopovers with Etihad
Muscat offers exceptional diving. Photo: Cruises International
Christmas in the Gulf
CRUISING in the Gulf
is the ideal option for
South Africans looking
for an affordable holiday
this December. In fact,
according to George
Argyropoulos, md of
Cruises International,
Gulf cruises should be
in the basket of typical
destinations that travel
agents offer their clients
for the festive season.
“European schools close
around December 22 or
23. This is ideal for South
African families because
our schools close on
December 7, which
enables SA travellers to
take advantage of the
first and second sailings
before the super peak
season starts.”
Cruises International
sells Royal Caribbean Gulf
cruises with sailings every
Monday from December
12. George says the two
early sailings offered
on December 12 and
December 19 are ideal
for South Africans
because the cruises are
unlikely to be crowded by
the European market and
also these two sailings
would be less expensive
than the ones following,
which would enter the
high season. “Over the
Christmas and New Year
period the prices of the
sailings go up.”
However if South
Africans miss these two
earlier sailings, George
says a cruise is still an
attractive option as the
Christmas and New Year
sailings are a fantastic
time to visit because, as
it is winter in the Gulf, the
temperatures are much
lower. If travellers cannot
make those sailings,
George says February
is the best alternative
for travellers who enjoy
a good bargain, as it
is during this time that
Dubai has its shopping
festival.
Fun without the hassle
While cruising in the
Gulf, travellers can
experience the same type
of activities that they
would if they had visited
the emirates on land, but
without the planning that
would come with such a
trip.
Following departure in
Dubai, the first port of
call of Royal Caribbean
International’s Dubai
cruise is Khasab in
Oman. Khasab was
isolated from the rest of
the region until the new
road from the UAE was
built. The city is seen as
a good starting point to
explore the Musandam
Peninsula. On the third
day, the cruise stops in
Muscat, where travellers
spend the day. “In Muscat
travellers can enjoy the
exceptional diving around
the area,” says George.
The last port of call is in
Dubai, where travellers
can explore the huge
shopping malls as well
as the Bedouin desert
experience. “Because
of the overnight [stay]
in Muscat and Dubai,
you have two proper
nights to explore the
destinations which are
diametrically opposite
in the experience they
offer.” George adds
that Dubai offers a
“unique culture with a
mix of cosmopolitan
people” and is a lot
more commercialised
than Muscat. “Muscat
is relatively new to the
tourism industry.” He
adds that Muscat’s
appeal is its local colour,
culture and architecture.
If you book your customers on an Etihad first-class flight, they can take advantage of
a complimentary stay for two nights in Abu Dhabi or Dubai at any of the following
five-star hotels: Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, InterContinental Abu
Dhabi, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi,
Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi and Bonnington Jumeirah Lake Towers. Customers booked
in business class can enjoy one free night. Simply book your customers in first or
business class, complete the hotel booking form at etihad.com/stopovers and you will
be contacted within 48 hours to book the complimentary stay in the selected city.
Upon hotel check-in customers should present their Etihad boarding pass and booking
confirmation to access their complimentary room. The offer is valid on confirmed
Etihad Airways first- or business-class flights into Abu Dhabi with a connecting flight
to an onward destination. Booking must be made prior to travelling. Photo: Etihad Airways
Book an All-Inclusive
family holiday in Dubai today
Honeymoon / Sea & Mountain / family packages available with amazing value adds
Children u/12 years stay FREE on the same meal plan as booked by their parents in all room types.
FREE Wi-fi access is available for guests in all room types and resort areas.
Complimentary sports: Tennis, squash, badminton, table tennis, gymnasium, volleyball, aqua gym,
camel rides.
Access to the CoolZone kids club for children 4 - 11 years.
Access to the ChillZone for teens 12 - 17 years.
Contact World Leisure Holidays on 011 285 2500 / www.wlh.co.za /
TNW7560SD
For a FREE subscription to TNW contact Gladys on [email protected]
The Gulf
Good air access
Ja Wibit Water Park in Dubai. Photo: World Leisure Holidays
WLH extends portfolio
Taryn Nightingale
WORLD Leisure Holidays has
partnered with JA Resorts &
Hotels, a relatively unknown
property group from Dubai
that owns hotels and resorts
that offer affordable options
for both leisure and corporate
travellers.
“JA Resorts & Hotels
has a fantastic portfolio of
properties, including JA Jebel
Ali Golf Resort, which offers
an all-inclusive package
in Dubai, which is vital for
leisure travellers and, most
importantly, is a great offering
for the MICE market,” says
Cathie Bester, national sales
manager for World Leisure
Holidays. She says this allinclusive package is ideal for
cost-conscious companies
looking to travel internationally
for conferencing.
The all-inclusive value
package at the JA Jebel Ali
Golf Resort in Dubai includes
breakfast, lunch, dinner and
snacks at the beach bar and
restaurants. It also includes
all beverages – soft drinks,
internationally branded wine,
beer and spirits and cocktails
during or without meals.
Activities that form part of
the package include kayaking,
dinghy sailing and windsurfing
at the Watercooled Water
Sports Centre. Tennis, squash,
badminton, table tennis, a
gymnasium, beach volleyball,
aqua gym and camel rides
are also offered. Travellers
will also have access to
the CoolZone kids’ club for
children between four and 12
and access to the ChillZone
teens’ club for children over
12. The package also includes
free access to the JA Wibit
Water Park, a floating water
park in the sea.
The JA Jebel Ali Beach
Hotel also offers excellent
conferencing facilities, as do
the JA Hatta Fort Hotel and JA
Oasis Beach Tower.
The 51-room JA Hatta Fort
Hotel in the Hajar Mountains
can be booked exclusively and
offers complimentary branding
possibilities.
The JA Oasis Beach Tower
has 180 serviced apartments
and rooms on Jumeirah
beach in Dubai. The hotel
is known for its sea-view
meeting rooms and also offers
a group cooking or cocktailmaking class.
WITH the recent dissolution
of the SAA/Etihad Airways
partnership, air access to
the Gulf underwent some
changes, notably the
reduction of flights from
Johannesburg to Abu Dhabi
from two flights a day to one
daily.
Jean Martins country
manager TCA Abu Dhabi
in South Africa, points out
that Etihad Airways will be
introducing a larger-capacity
A330 on the route in April
and a B787 in November.
The airline will also up its
service to Johannesburg
with the introduction of three
flights a week between July
and September.
Emirates continues to
serve Cape Town twice
daily, Durban daily and
Johannesburg four times
daily. Agents should note
that Dubai International
Airport has implemented
a new passenger facilities
charge (PFC) of AED 35
(R149) on all departing
flights.
Qatar Airways serves
Johannesburg twice daily,
Cape Town daily and Durban
via Johannesburg four times
a week.
Ethiopian Airlines offers the
following connections from
Addis Ababa to the main
access points in the Gulf.
All flights have less than
two hours’ connecting time
for the airline’s flights from
Johannesburg, Durban and
Cape Town.
Dubai International Airport:
Flights operate three times
daily;
King Abdulaziz International
Airport, Jeddah, Saudi
Arabia: Flights operate
daily;
King Khaled International
Airport, Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia: Flights operate
daily;
Hamad international Airport
Doha: Flights operate three
times a week on Sundays,
Tuesdays and Thursdays;
Muscat International
Airport: Flights operate
daily excluding Saturdays.
TNW7559SD
Insider report
Affordable Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority invited agents
for an educational to Abu Dhabi. Ronel Coston, product
development manager of TravelVision attended as a guest.
APART from Abu Dhabi
being more affordable than
Dubai, Ronel says she
would also sell it as a much
quieter destination. She
says Abu Dhabi is better
suited to travellers who
are looking for somewhere
that is less busy than
the more commercialised
Dubai. “Both destinations
offer the same desert
experiences, so ultimately
it would depend on what
atmosphere the client
wanted.
“The hotels are of a good
standard,” she says. “South
Africans are drawn to the
beach hotels and the hotels
in the Gulf are superb.” She
says the Anantara Qasr Al
Sarab in the Liwa Desert
was a definite highlight of
the educational. “This was
a real treat; it was like a
dream come true.” The
luxury hotel is a secluded
retreat with desert castle
décor. It is a two-hour
drive from Abu Dhabi and
has a Desert Excursion
Centre that organises camel
treks, dune bashing and
desert walks.
Ronel says the Park
Hyatt and Southern Sun
cater for brand-conscious
travellers: “[South Africans]
like branded hotel chains
because they generally
know what service and
room type to expect.”
For travellers who can
afford the more expensive
option, Ronel suggests the
five-star Emirates Palace,
which she describes as
incredibly lavish. “The door
handles are covered in
Swarovski crystals.” She
suggests a visit to the hotel
just so that travellers can
experience its grandeur.
A visit to the Sheikh Zayed
Grand Mosque is a must
for travellers wanting to
explore the local culture
The world’s fastest rollercoaster at Ferrari World – a must for thrill seekers. Photo: Ferrari World
in Abu Dhabi, says Ronel.
However, she advises travel
agents to remind their
clients of the dress code at
the mosque. Neither men
nor women need to wear
an abaya (black dress) but
do need to ensure that they
wear long (ankle-length)
trousers and long-sleeved
(wrist-length) shirts or suits.
Clothes can be any colour
but visitors cannot wear
beach wear, short trousers
or any transparent clothing.
Women are also required to
wear a headscarf to cover
their hair.
Abu Dhabi also offers
the Ferrari World Theme
Park which is home to the
world’s fastest rollercoaster.
It features 20 rides and
attractions designed to
tell the Ferrari story. “This
is a very popular sell,”
says Ronel.
Another recommendation
of Ronel’s is a visit to the
Etihad Innovation Centre –
a research facility designed
by the airline to ensure
that it delivers the best
standards possible –
ideal for travellers with a
curious mind.
“I think a three- to fourday stay is ideal.” She says
the destination can be sold
to any market: families,
honeymooners or business
travellers and that it would
all depend how one would
package the product.
“Honeymooners who are
doing a stopover en route to
Europe could spend some
time at the resorts as they
are gorgeous,” she says.
There are many activities
that they can then choose
to do – visit a souk, a
desert safari or a Bedouin
dinner, for example. ■
TNW7557SD
CONFERENCE VENUES
Corporates are constantly looking for greater value when it comes to conferencing.
Darise Foster investigates how agents and suppliers can work together to deliver that wow factor.
How to ensure you keep the business
C
ORPORATES are not
only constantly on the
lookout for the best
possible deals but also want
access to these deals without
compromising standards. For
this to happen, agents and
suppliers must work together
to provide the added value
the client is looking for.
“While suppliers and agents
can always negotiate a good
deal to offer the client, we
need to identify other ways
to add value and ensure the
business stays with us – both
as agent and supplier,” says
Premier Hotels and Resorts
group sales and marketing
manager, Grant Sandham.
Value-adds are the best way
to go when negotiating, he
maintains.
“A good deal is great but
corporates want to know that
they are making a massive
impact with every single
rand they spend – and that
is where that agent-supplier
relationship comes in.”
The travel agent and the
hotel are on exactly the same
side, Grant says.
“We are there to impress
the client, get the business
and between us we have
to make it work. If we look
good as the hotel, the agency
looks good as well, and vice
versa.”
But for the agent-supplier
relationship to work, the
agent needs to make the
client feel that they are truly
acting on the client’s behalf
and that the corporate is
more than just another
customer. “This means that,
where possible, they are in
attendance at the event, they
give the hotel the correct
information in order to
effectively execute the event
and they give the suppliers
the information timeously.”
In order to achieve this,
Somieya (Sue) van Heerden,
senior co-ordinator and
project manager at Carlson
Wagonlit Travel’s Meetings
and Events division, says she
sends a questionnaire to her
clients, designed to cover the
entire booking.
“I ask questions such as
‘what time would you like
Site inspections
your morning/afternoon tea
breaks to take place?’ or ‘do
you want bottled water or
jugs or both?’.”
That way the hotel has all
of the information it needs,
thereby minimising back and
forth communication between
the supplier, the agent and
the client. “In doing so, I
know I can rest assured the
hotel has everything they
need and the conference will
go off without a hitch.”
For suppliers and agents
to provide better customer
service to corporates, Carla
Campbell, sales executive
at Peermont Hotels, Casinos
and Resorts, suggests agents
and clients conduct joint site
inspections of venues. “That
way, we can create a threeway relationship between the
supplier, the corporate and
the travel agent.”
Conferencing is a lot more
involved than simply booking
a room and agents need to
become familiar with the
entire process to understand
the different factors that
need to be considered when
suggesting a particular venue
to a client, agrees Birchwood
Hotel and OR Tambo
Conference Centre director,
Kevin Clarence.
On the other hand, says
Kevin, agents are pressured
for time and often cannot
afford to be out of the office.
“But it is still so important
for agents to bring the client
along to the property when
doing their final inspections so
and can therefore offer
options beyond those
the agent or client has
requested. “Suppliers need
to understand the client’s
requirements and match
them perfectly by suggesting
various options that could
give the client more than
they thought they could
receive out of a particular
venue.”
Another reason why
suppliers need to be able to
Grant Sandham
that the client, the agent and
the hotel representative can
talk and discuss exactly what
it is that should be provided
for a particular conference to
go off effectively.”
Sue agrees: “If we cannot
make it out of the office,
we have to make sure
we have every little bit of
information that is needed
for the conference to be a
success, and scrutinise every
suggestion they make.”
For instance, clients may
say they would like a venue
that is ‘central’ but Sue says
the agent must clarify what
exactly the client means by
‘central’. “Do they want it
central to their offices, or in
the centre of Johannesburg?
We must find out exactly what
it is they want and provide
suitable options for them to
choose from.”
“Ultimately, however, agents
should have the client’s best
interests at heart,” says
Grant. “Because as soon as
they do that and they follow
the hotel’s guidelines, it works
like a charm.”
Consult the supplier
To get the most out of the
agent-supplier relationship,
agents need to see suppliers
as more than just service
providers. “Suppliers should
be intimately involved in the
process and offer solutions
to agents rather than just
quotes,” says The Capital
Hotel Group’s head of
marketing, Gillian Kapotwe.
She says this is because
the supplier knows the
full capability of the venue
respond quickly is because
lead times have become
shorter for agents, says
Gillian, making it important
for them to be adaptable to
constantly changing needs.
To page 18
We, the People Walk –
Commemorating 20 years of the Constitution
C
onstitution Hill in collaboration with the
City of Johannesburg and Government
Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), will
host the third edition of the We, the People Walk.
Dubbed ‘We, The People Walk’, which is
taken from the preamble of the South African
constitution, this year’s route will once again
make its way through the streets of the City of
Johannesburg. The Walk is a symbolic activity
that seeks to honour those who played a role in
the establishment of this site, its significance
and recognise the role of those who participated
in the struggle for the attainment of South
Africa’s Constitutional Democracy.
This year’s edition of the walk aims to
celebrate 20 years of coming into effect of
the constitution. The Chief Executive Officer of
Constitution Hill, Dawn Robertson said “the walk
celebrates 20 years of the constitution, which
is a key framework to ensure the protection of
democracy and human rights. More than any
other time, it is critical now for all citizens to be
active and
Significantly, MMC Vondo said: the “We, The
People Walk” is an important social cohesion
tool. Therefore, harnessing collaborations
such as this one is important for us in the
City of Johannesburg because it provides us
with platform to realise our vision of promoting
healthy living lifestyle and nation building among
all our citizens”.
The 5 and 8 km walk will be preceded by
the Thand’uMzansi campaign, which aims to
promote patriotism and active citizenry by
encouraging all citizens to read the preamble
to the constitution, hoist the flag and sing the
national anthem.
We, the Children Walk
Children under the age of 12 will have an
opportunity to participate in their own walk,
designed to inculcate the Bill of Rights and
Responsibilities through activities such as
reading of the children’s charter; chalking the
legacy and other child friendly activities.
On the Event Day
 Stage performances and Celebrity guest
appearances by Thand’uMzansi ambassadors
 Children’s play area, toddler’s trot and
focussed kids entertainment
 Drumming for Constitutionalism
EVENT DETAILS
Date: 24 April 2016
Time: 07:00
Venue: Constitution Square, Constitution Hill, 11
Kotze Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Parking: Level C Basement Parking, Joubert
Street Entrance, Constitution Hill
Phetsile Nxumalo
Sales and Marketing Co-ordinator
[email protected]
011 381 3128
www.constitutionhill.org.za
Business events key to overall
tourism growth, says Hanekom
T
he meetings and events
segment has huge potential to
contribute to overall tourism
growth, with in turn provides means
for social economic development
through more jobs and opportunity
for entrepreneurs to innovate and
become part of the tourism value
chain. This was the message
from Minister of Tourism, Derek
Hanekom, who was speaking at
the opening ceremony at the 11th
edition of Meetings Africa, which is
currently underway at the Sandton
Convention Centre in Johannesburg,
He said the show has ushered
in a new era as it enters into its
second decade of existence, as it
increasingly focuses on its theme
of “Advancing Africa Together”
with some 15 countries and seven
tourism boards exhibiting their
offering to 250 buyers from around
the world. “The business events
industry is ambitious, marketfocused and strategically organised
in order to meet the demands of
the international market,” he added.
Also speaking at the opening
ceremony, Gauteng MEC for
Economic Development, Lebogang
Maile, also emphasised the
importance of working together
with stakeholders from throughout
the continent in order grow the
business events industry in
Gauteng.
“Over the past year we have
seen a tremendous increase in
the number of quality meetings,
conferences, conventions and
exhibitions hosted on our shores.
With the planned construction of the
Tshwane International Convention
Centre, possible expansion of
the Sandton Convention Centre,
the building of another five-star
conference centre in Melrose
Arch and the Gautrain phase two
expansion, Gauteng is poised to
continue being a dominant player in
this industry,” he said.
Maile added that Gauteng had
recently approved and its new
bidding and hosting strategy,
which he expects will stimulate
the province’s competitive edge
as a preferred business events
destination.
N
ow in its 11th year, Meetings
Africa 2016 is the African
continent’s largest trade
show for the business events
industry.
Hosted annually by the South
African National Convention Bureau
(SANCB), a division of South
African Tourism, this year's event
provided a networking opportunity
for the best and brightest minds
in the global business events
industry.
This year's Meetings Africa
boasted an assemblage of
PHOTO: TSOGO SUN
TNW7572
Derek Hanekom, Minister of Tourism
industry experts and distinguished
international speakers ready to
share valuable insights into global
best practices and trends.
With an even larger contingent of
qualified buyers and visitors at this
year’s event than last year's, the
tourism sector and those who were
in attendance certainly benefited
immeasurably.
It attracted more than 170
quality vetted hosted buyers from
across the globe, all intent on
pursuing business ventures with
the best Africa has to offer.
For more information on what’s happening in Gauteng, what to do and where to
go, visit www.gauteng.net download our Gauteng Travel Guide APP on Google Play
and App Store, follow us on Facebook ilovegauteng, on Twitter @visitgauteng with
#GPLifestyle #GeePeeShotLeft
CONFERENCE VENUES
From page 16
Suppliers know that flexibility
is now more crucial than
ever, she says, and agents
should feel open to discuss
new ways of impressing the
client.
On the other hand, Kevin
believes that it is also
important for agents to
become familiar with the
supplier and their value-adds.
“Agents should know exactly
what each property has to
offer so that they shortlist
the correct properties as
options so that the client
ultimately hosts their
conference at the best
possible venue.”
For example, the Cradle
of Humankind has reached
an agreement with a nearby
township to create township
experiences for those who
have attended conferences
at one of the various
venues within the Cradle
of Humankind Heritage
Site, says director of brand
management, Adrian Amod.
“We have also incorporated
our surroundings to provide
more add-on options for
conference attendees.”
He says the Cradle of
Humankind has begun
working together across
its venues to ensure the
business stays within the
Cradle itself. “So for instance
if one venue can only
accommodate 300 people
but a particular conference
has 400 delegates, we will
offer the other 150 delegates
to another venue within
the Cradle and amend the
schedule accordingly.”
It’s also important that
agents compare apples
with apples, says Sue, and
analyse venues according
to their true counterparts.
“You cannot suggest venues
of varying standards and
present them on the same
level.”
For instance, if a client had
requested a five-star property,
the agent should specify if
some of the suggestions
they are making are for fourstar properties. “So they
could say, ‘we found a great
four-star property which fits
your budget but there are
a few things you requested
which the hotel does not
have,” says Sue.
...and negotiate!
CORPORATES have become
more demanding, and
suppliers have had to ensure
that they adapt to the needs
of the corporate or risk losing
the business, meaning they
are often more open to
negotiations with agents.
“On top of that, the number
of conferences taking place
has decreased considerably in
the past three to four years,
so we as suppliers are even
more keen to do business with
agents and keep the business
at our properties,” says
Birchwood’s Kevin Clarence.
This also means suppliers
are much more open to
negotiations than agents may
think.
“We look at doing the best
possible deal whenever we
have an enquiry but obviously
every hotel has a walkaway
point where it just isn’t
financially viable any more,”
says Premier Hotels and
Resorts’ Grant Sandham.
“But we are more than
happy to sit down, look at the
different options and discuss
how we can make money while
ultimately ensuring that the
Kevin Clarence
event is a success.”
While Peermont’s Carla
Campbell agrees that her
property is always open to
negotiations, she says valueadds are what clients look for
most – and this can be an
opportunity for agents.
“Agents can earn off
commissionable corporate
rates as well as benefit
from commission incentives
that are in place for both
accommodation and groups
and conventions business.”
The Birchwood also
offers commission on its
conferencing bookings. “We
offer agents 10% commission
and there are always other
avenues for them to capitalise
on, such as group bookings,”
says Kevin.
Agents will still receive their
full commission when booking
at the Birchwood, even if the
rate is reduced, Kevin adds.
According to Gillian Kapotwe,
The Capital Hotel Group
offers preferential agreements
based on volume. “We also
have override agreements
with agents that meet those
criteria.”
In line with this, agents
should try as far as possible
to convince corporates to
keep their spend at one
hotel, recommends Carlson
Wagonlit’s Sue van Heerden.
“We find there are many
corporates that will have
meetings fortnightly or monthly
– and instead of having them
go to different hotels, it is a
good idea to have them return
to the same hotel so that the
hotel continues to give you a
good rate because it is repeat
business for them,” she says.
TNW7555SD
Inside The Capital Moloko
Sue van Heerden, senior co-ordinator and project manager at Carlson Wagonlit
Travel’s Meetings and Events division, recently visited the new conference venue
at The Capital Moloko in Sandton to conduct an inspection.
I RECENTLY received a
brief from a client wanting
to host a conference in an
area that was central to
their offices. The brief also
indicated the budget they
had agreed on with top
management and the extras
they would appreciate for
the conference.
As part of my search I
visited The Capital Moloko
in Sandton. I selected
this venue because the
location was suitable as per
the brief I’d received and,
as soon as I entered the
foyer, I was attracted to the
calming aura of the venue.
It gives off a country feel –
ideal for conferencing as it
allows delegates to feel as
if they are away from the
hustle and bustle of day-today life, yet they are in the
heart of the city.
On visiting the rooms, I
was further impressed by
the size of the rooms and
the calming colour tones
used. The Capital Moloko
also has apartment options
A peaceful venue in Sandton. Photo: The Capital Hotel Group
– which are becoming
popular with business
travellers. The apartments
were absolutely stunning
and offered that homeaway-from-home feeling that
is great for travellers who
will be staying at the hotel
for an extended amount of
time.
The hotel was also very
open to negotiations and
that was a good thing to
see because I had never
booked with The Capital
Hotel Group before. They
agreed that if we gave
them business, they would
give us a good rate, which
is a standard negotiating
practice among conference
venues.
Their packages also came
with some nice extras, such
as complimentary parking
and laundry, which is a
major plus for the client,
and I think this facet will
see The Capital Hotel Group
become a very popular
option among conference
venues.
Corporates fancy cruise
conferencing
CRUISING is fast becoming
a trend in the conferencing
space. Especially as
corporates continue to
look for new ways to cut
costs and seek all-inclusive
solutions, says Cruises
International’s incentive
conference manager, Dalene
Oroni.
“Corporates are seeing the
value for money in cruising
and they realise that
cruising keeps the delegates
together,” she says.
The conference group can
do things together while
on the cruise, such as
cocktail parties and dinners,
thus creating great teambuilding opportunities. “But
individuals can also enjoy
time on their own outside of
group activities.”
When conferencing on a
cruise ship, corporates will
benefit from complimentary
conference facilities and
state-of-the-art equipment,
which can be a saving for
the corporate client at the
Dalene Oroni
end of the day, says Dalene.
Agents can also benefit
from booking conferences
on cruise ships, says
Dalene. “We do at times
offer agents a commission
tier whereby they can earn
more commission if they
book several groups with us.
We also offer commission
on the shore excursion tours
for the groups.”
TNW7512SD
CONFERENCE VENUES
When to blow the budget and go bespoke
Liesl Venter
INTIMATE, stylish and
anything but ordinary,
boutique venues are
designed to create unique
experiences. TNW spoke to
some experts to find out
when one should splash
out for a bespoke venue
rather than the standard,
run-of-the-mill hotel.
Boutique and budget are
two words that definitely
do not belong in the same
sentence, regardless
of what one is talking
about – fashion or hotels.
Patrick de Bree, owner
of Hospitality Affairs, an
exclusive events company
that specialises in creating
memorable signature
events for a niche market
of corporate clients, says
boutique hotels offer that
“wow factor”.
“That is the allure
of bespoke,” he says,
“and bespoke is what a
boutique hotel offers its
visitors. They are, more
often than not, smaller
in size and independent,
allowing the delivery of
unique experiences.”
Using a boutique hotel
for an event, be it a
conference or a meeting,
is not a decision that
should be taken lightly,
he says. “Bespoke is not
cheap. In the boutique and
bespoke market there is
no such thing as copying
and pasting. Every event
is a once-off where the
client’s needs are met
100%,” says Patrick.
“Fulfilling a guest’s needs
by giving attention to every
last detail and walking the
extra mile to meet their
expectations all the time is
always going to be a more
expensive option than
using larger hotel brands.”
The very size of boutique
hotels in South Africa also
has a cost implication, he
explains. “Boutique hotels
are for the most part not
The conference dining area in the Saxon.
very large as their facilities
are geared towards smaller
more intimate events.
These venues cannot
compete with the bigger
chain brands and so the
cost immediately will be
higher. In the current
economic climate these
are factors that will play a
big role when choosing a
venue.”
The benefits of boutique
Boutique venues serve
very specific purposes
and are ideally suited to
small, intimate gatherings
where attention to detail
is required. “If matched
to the right client they
are the ideal setting
and make for very
successful events,” says
professional conference
organiser, Zelda Coetzee
of Imfunzelelo Conference
and Event Management.
“Small sophisticated
gatherings – be it for
a cocktail function or
a dinner – are ideal
for the boutique hotel
market,” says Zelda.
“In the meeting space,
boutique hotels also have
a powerful role to play.
The value-add that comes
from holding a board
meeting at a boutique
hotel rather than in the
corporate boardroom is
sometimes reason enough
to blow the budget and go
bespoke.”
Not only does it allow
for a change of scenery
but, with the added
attention that comes with
these types of venues,
stakeholders can get on
with their business and be
served, allowing for more
powerful deliberations.
“They can go to the spa,
they can have a personal
chef make the specific
things they want to eat,
they can sleep over and
so can meet late into the
evening. There are several
benefits to using these
Zelda Coetzee
spaces,” says Zelda.
Boutique hotels the
world over cater for the
principle that guests want
what they want and they
cater for those wants, no
matter what they are. “It
is this very concept that
makes it beneficial for top
business people to meet
in boutique hotels rather
than at the office. Not
only do they get what they
want but they are also
afforded privacy unlike
anywhere else. They get
exclusivity and sometimes
this is exactly what is
required.”
Zelda cites examples
such as meetings
where top executives
do not necessarily want
staff to be aware that
deliberations are under
way, or when headhunting
high-quality people is
being done.
“Any event where
you want exclusivity,
privacy and intimacy is
what drives one not to
consider budget and
use a boutique hotel.
It is not the venue for
a conference of 100
people. They are not set
up to handle that from
any perspective, but also
these establishments do
not want to compete in
that market.”
Patrick agrees, saying
meetings with top
clients who contribute
significantly to one’s
business are a reason
to head to a boutique
hotel. “It is ideal for
The unusual Turbine Hotel, Knysna. Photo: Turbine Hotel
those clients that you
want to impress, as
these venues are usually
beautiful and secluded.
They are authentic by
nature, delivering an
experience that is not
found elsewhere.”
Security is another
reason, says Zelda. “If
someone is high profile
or there are real security
threats involved, then
these types of venues are
ideal as they are able to
assist by providing the
facility exclusively for your
use.”
TNW7544SD
CONFERENCE VENUES
10 beguiling boutique venues
Liesl Venter
SOUTH Africa boasts some of the
world’s most extraordinary boutique
hotels. TNW rounds up some great
options on offer.
La Residence (Franschhoek)
Considered in a class all of its
own, surrounded by vineyards and
plum orchards with a spectacular
mountain backdrop, this venue
offers complete tranquillity. The
uniquely designed property has 16
suites and a spa and offers gourmet
food to its guests in a baronial
dining room decorated with crystal
chandeliers and exquisite art works.
Le Quartier Français
(Franschhoek)
This luxurius 21-room establishment
is known for its impeccable service
and attention to detail. Tucked away
in a secluded garden in the heart
of Franschhoek, it is the perfect
base from which to experience
this picturesque village. It is also
the home of world-renowned and
award-winning restaurant, The
Tasting Room, from where acclaimed
executive chef, Margot Janse, takes
guests on a gastronomic journey.
Abbey Manor (Cape Town)
Nestled on the slopes of Table
Mountain, Abbey Manor’s views of
the Mother City are sensational. It
was built more than a hundred years
ago and its old-world charm and
grand décor are as impressive as
the dramatic views. Offering several
elegant suites and rooms, the focus
of this establishment is on luxury.
Catering for the business traveller,
wireless Internet access is available
throughout the property.
as well as a suite. It boasts two
conferencing rooms that are state of
the art and can each seat up to 20
delegates.
Babylonstoren, Paarl
No. 5 Boutique Art Hotel
(Port Elizabeth)
No stone was left unturned in the
development of this unique hotel in
Summerstrand. Offering 10 suites,
a spa and an executive boardroom
fitted with the latest technology, it is
a glamorous stay for any guest. The
hotel features a privately owned art
collection.
Saxon Boutique Hotel Villas and
Spa (Sandhurst, Johannesburg)
This unique space is frequently
visited by international celebrities,
thanks to its privacy and high
security features. With two
conference rooms, a boardroom as
well as the space to host banquets,
it offers five-star facilities to the
business sector. The hotel has five
suites and one villa and a wellestablished spa on the premises.
The Peech Eco Chic Boutique
Hotel (Johannesburg)
South Africa’s first ‘eco-chic’
boutique venue offers 16 suites, a
bistro restaurant and a boardroom
in Melrose, close to the hustle and
bustle of the city’s business centre.
The hotel also features two fully
At the foot of the Hottentots-Holland mountains lies this unique
working fruit and vegetable farm where guests will find anything
from beehives to roaming tortoises. The venue is a multi-award
winner and dates back to 1692 with one of the best preserved farm
yards in the Cape. The small hotel and spa offers its visitors an
authentic farm-stay experience.
equipped meeting rooms. Much of
the hotel has been designed around
the original buildings but its focus
on the environment is significant,
creating spaces that need no added
lighting or heating.
African design and art are the themes
of this luxury venue, where stone,
thatch and natural elements are used
throughout. Rare African artifacts and
tasteful décor combine harmoniously
to provide a calming and comfortable
sanctuary from which to explore the
Zebula Nature Reserve. Four luxurious
and spacious suites make up this
intimate boutique hotel.
Quarters Hotel (Durban)
The Turbine Boutique Hotel
and Spa (Knysna)
Situated on the picturesque Thesen
Island within the Knysna estuary,
this hotel is the product of the
transformation of an old power
station. Guests have a choice of 17
standard rooms, six luxury rooms
Botsebotse Luxury Retreat
(Waterberg)
The Peech Hotel is the first eco-chic venue in South Africa. Photo: Peech Hotel
A former Victorian home in
Morningside that has been restored
to its glory days, it offers guests a
charming stay in a venue filled with
character. It has 24 rooms and is
ideally situated close to the Durban
International Convention Centre.
Its design, a subtle combination
of modern sophistication and oldfashioned warmth, guarantees guests
personalised experiences.
TNW7550SD
CONFERENCE VENUES
Cape winter conferencing
Book it!
Legend Lodges is offering a special conferencing rate at three of its
properties. From only R750pps, delegates can enjoy a conference at
the Legend Golf and Safari Resort, Zebra Country Lodge or Entabeni
Safari Conservancy.
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Win your place aboard Seven Seas Explorer®
Dream Hotels and Resorts is offering
travellers the chance to stay at the
Peninsula All-Suite Hotel in Cape
Town on a budget as part of their
‘Winter Warmer Deals’ promotion.
The hotel has sea views and state-ofthe-art accommodation. It is a block
away from the Sea Point Promenade
and the beach, and is also near
various restaurants and shopping
centres. Pay for two nights and stay
for three at R1 860 per room for a
one-bedroom suite, R2 930 per room
for a two-bedroom, and R4 120 for
three bedrooms, all on self-catering
basis. This promotion is valid from
May 2 to July 28.
Hotel development
in Africa up 30%
THE number of planned
hotel rooms in Africa has
increased to 64 000 in 365
hotels, up almost 30% on the
previous year, according to
new figures from the annual W
Hospitality Group Hotel Chain
Development Pipeline Survey.
The increase is largely due to
strong growth in sub-Saharan
Africa, which is up 42,1%
on 2015 and is significantly
outstripping North Africa, which
achieved only a modest 7,5%
pipeline increase this year.
A major shake-up in the
rankings by country saw
Angola, never before listed
among the top 10, push Egypt
out of second place, due to
a major deal there signed by
AccorHotels.
Trevor Ward, W Hospitality
Group md, said: “The
evidence from our survey
is clear – investors remain
confident about the future
of the hospitality industry
on the African continent.
Even when pummelled daily
by low commodity prices,
exchange rate problems,
political challenges and poor
infrastructure, Africa remains
resilient.”
The IMF forecast for
economic growth in subSaharan Africa is for an
increase of 4% this year and
4,7% in 2017, up from 3,5% in
2015. Overall, this is down on
the 5-6% increase enjoyed over
the past decade but is still
double or more the forecast
for the world’s advanced
economies, such as Europe,
the US and Japan.
Matthew Weihs, md of
Bench Events, said: “Africa is
still on the up. For business,
trade and capital investment,
the continent remains an
attractive proposition, leading
to continuing demand for
accommodation and other
hospitality services.”
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TNW7538SD
TNW7567
Sue van Heerden shares her tips
for picking the right venue
1 Always identify and
understand exactly what the
client is looking for. Know
your brief and find out how
much room there is to add
on some extras.
2 Always compare apples with
apples i.e. do not go back
to the client with venues
of varying rates but also
varying standards.
3 Always be upfront and do
not cover up any hidden
costs.
4 Identify the areas that the
client is open to before
obtaining quotes from
venues. ■
COMMUNITYNEWS
JOBS
Births, deaths, marriages, promotions – we want to know! Please fax or e-mail TNW’s Debbie Badham, at [email protected] or (011) 327 4094.
Pick of the week
Obituary
thoughts are with Mike’s
family at this incredibly
difficult time,” said Stanley
Tollman, founder and
chairman of TTC.
Theresa Szejwallo, md
of TTC, said of her many
years of working with Mike:
“He was a great leader who
was very passionate about
growing the market in South
Africa and he was a great
support to me in my role.”
Mike held several
executive roles within TTC,
including md of Trafalgar
and ceo of TTC, a position
from which he retired in
late 2010. He remained a
director of TTC until he died.
He is survived by his wife,
Louise, and son, Justin.
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HR Manager – CPT
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Join leaders in corporate travel.
3+ years’ HR experience, as
well as management & staff
supervisory experience is
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Min 10 years’ experience in
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Spanish Travel Consultant –
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Professional Career Services
Designing of leisure FIT tailormade itineraries. 3-5 or more
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TNW7540
Leisure Consultant – Durban
Lee Botti & Associates
Senior role for specialist
in groups and incentives.
Fabulous opportunity with well
known, established brand.
E mail: [email protected] | [email protected]
Web: www.pcs-sa.co.za
APSO MEMBER
AFRICA EXPERTS
South Africa Expert –
Johannesburg North
Equity Connections cc
Is SA your area of expertise?
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Business Development
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Corporate Traveller
Minimum three years’ new
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Goway Travel offers an attractive, above industry compensation package with
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Please email your resume, with a covering letter as to why you are
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Market Manager – N/
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Quantex Recruitment Group
5+ years’ MICE experience
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Senior Leisure Consultant –
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Matric, Amadeus, min 6
years’ leisure background,
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Tour Controller – Durban
Lee Botti & Associates
Flaunt your SA knowledge
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Handle full functions of
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Travel Consultant – Ballito
Flight Centre Travel Group
Our travel experts are the
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TNW7570
To advertise on this page email
[email protected]
TNW7574
MIKE Ness, former ceo
of The Travel Corporation
(TTC), died in the UK on
Saturday, April 16, at the
age of 70 after a short
illness.
“I am extremely saddened
to advise of the passing
of our dear friend and
esteemed colleague, Mike
Ness, who was a mainstay
of the travel industry. His
drive, tenacity and vision
for the company throughout
our five decades of working
together were a vital
component in creating the
success that TTC is today.
Mike was a wonderful friend
and a revered business
associate, whom we will all
deeply miss. Our heartfelt
These adverts were selected from the vacancy
section of www.travelinfo.co.za
For more details contact [email protected]
TNW7566SD
TNW NEWS
More airlift to India
From page 1
Airlines and Kenya Airways
all offering services to the
country – a direct flight
would be welcomed in the
market, says Dinesh Naidoo,
group operations director of
Serendipity Worldwide Group.
Johan Groenewald, md of
Royal African Discoveries,
agrees but adds that Air India’s
reputation may be a problem.
“There is definitely demand for
direct flights between South
Africa and India, although I’m
not sure if most passengers
will switch from the Middle
East carriers, as Air India
doesn’t have the greatest
reputation in India.” ■
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T
RAVEL agents are advised
to review their contracts
with clients following
a new directive by the EU
regulating the Passenger
Name Record (PNR) data for
the prevention of terrorism.
Under the directive, which
was passed on April 14,
agents and airlines are
now obliged to provide
EU countries with the
personal information of their
customers. This could be a
sticking point for agents who
will have to comply with South
Africa’s Protection of Personal
Information (POPI) Act, which
comes into effect mid-2016.
In terms of the Act,
Advocate Louis Nel says travel
agents will need to ensure
they communicate in their
contracts with clients that
their personal information will
be shared, with which parties,
for how long the information
will be made available (five
years) and that “adequate
privacy precautions” will be
in place with the parties that
have access to their clients’
information.
“Travel agents will need
to advise their clients
why parties would have
access to their personal
information.”
“The travel agent would
not only have to obtain the
consent of the traveller
to share their personal
information in the initial
consultation but also for
further processing by the
other parties,” says Louis.
He adds that travel agents
will need to advise their
clients why parties would
have access to their personal
information.
In terms of the EU’s new
directive, travel agents will
have to advise their clients
on the role the EU member
states would play in the
exchange of their personal
information. Under the EU’s
directive, member states will
have to set up Passenger
Information Units (PIUs)
that will be responsible
for collecting, storing and
processing PNR data. This
would include transferring the
data to the authorities and
exchanging it with the PIUs
of other member states and
with Europol. ■
Govt units in dark
From page 1
access to these rates. “It’s
all been a bit hurried and
disorganised so far.”
The agent added that
government departments
had been taken as
much by surprise as the
TMCs by Treasury’s new
procurement measures.
“For the various
government officials it
also came as a shock as it
will have a profound impact
on their booking behaviour.
“It has been stipulated,
for instance, that they’ll
now need to book seven
days in advance, whereas
before they were used to
booking travel at very short
notice.”
There is huge uncertainty
surrounding government
travel and the expected
new way of doing
business, says Lance
Smith, executive: sales
of Avis Budget. “Many
travel agency groups are
contacting suppliers to ask
what it means.
“There is zero
commission on car hire in
large contracted business.
Corporate buyers want a
nett rate and that’s how
we deal with things. It’s
been a very transparent
relationship with travel
agents. Now there is
uncertainty being created
in government business.
“Many travel agents’
livelihoods are directly
affected by government
business, whether a
hybrid or other model. The
travel industry will have
to change its business
model,” he says.
Martin Lydall, cco of
Imperial Car Rental,
says the group has
been in discussions with
government to explain carrental cost drivers, revenue
streams and transactions.
He believes people
will have to think about
their business models
differently: “TMCs will have
to charge a higher service
fee, and then government
can compare service fees
with service fees.” ■
TNW7430
TNW7552SD

Iberia is back, with bold plans for SA

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