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TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

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SOUTHERN AFRICA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLYNovember 30 2016 I No. 2426

NEWSFASTJET FLEXITRIP

Fixed-price bundles for frequent flyers

Page 4Page 2

NEWSDOMESTIC CARRIERSToo many airlines in SA market

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Car Rental

Because every minute counts.

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Hit a hole in one with Mango! The airline will waive all golf bag fees on all new bookings made from November 1 for travel between December 1 and January 31. During the promotional period, golf bags will be weighed in as part of Mango’s full 20kg checked bag allowance. Pictured, showing impressive follow-through, is Nic Vlok, acting ceo of Mango. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl

No golf bag fees!

Tour operator disappearsDebbie baDham

ANOTHER tour operator has vanished into thin air leaving clients and

airlines out of pocket. Gary Smith, md of Renwick

Business, recently contacted TNW to report that at least nine different people had phoned him to complain about a company trading as Globetravel (www.globetravel.co.za). Gary owns a website called www.travelmonkey.co.za and disgruntled clients have been confusing his site with Globetravel’s registered company name – Travel Monkey. TNW has since

spoken to four of these people. In at least three cases, clients booked and paid for their tickets online through Globetravel. They all received booking confirmation and reference numbers, however when they arrived at the airport on the day of travel, they were told that Globetravel had not paid the airlines in question.

They have all attempted to contact Globetravel via phone and email but were

not successful. Two of the affected clients

initiated their searches on Cheapflights and were then redirected to Globetravel.

After receiving complaints from customers about Globetravel in late October, Cheapflights removed the company from its site.

“We experienced similar difficulties when querying these complaints,” says Phil Bloomfield, global head of Communications and PR.

Cheapflights says it vets all partners as thoroughly as possible. “We also validate their financial status with the local government regulatory body,” Phil says. Cheapflights makes use of the CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property

Commission) to validate SA partners’ status.

Iata terminated Globetravel’s ability to issue any more tickets and placed it into default in accordance with the Resolutions of the Passenger Agency Conference, once it failed to pay for the tickets it had issued.

Meanwhile, TNW visited Globetravel’s (Travel Monkey) offices on 38 Melle Street in Braamfontein on November 18. The office door was locked and knocking produced no response. The security officer on duty told TNW that the couple who owned the tour operator had not appeared at the offices for three weeks and that several

parties had been to the building looking for them.

“Sites offering holidays that are ‘just too good to be true’ are probably just that,” says John Ridler, pr and media manager of Thompsons Holidays.

Advocate Louis Nel says, given the state of the economy, there will be more than the usual number of businesses falling on bad

Namibian visa hassles – tourism board advisesDebbie baDham

TO ENSURE they are not sent back at the border, business travellers to Namibia should apply for a work visa (not to be confused with the more onerous application for a work permit), says the Namibia

Tourism Board. TNW recently reported that

South African travellers were being turned back at the Namibian border due to visa confusion, particularly when determining the difference between entering Namibia for

To page 2To page 12

When TNW visited Globetravel (Travel Monkey) to speak with them – they found their offices closed.

SEASON’S GREETINGSThe travel industry spreads the cheer!

Page 6

2 n Wednesday November 30 2016 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

NEWS

Rubes® By Leigh Rubin

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

TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

Published by Travel & Trade Publishing (Pty) Ltd Printed by Juka Printing (Pty) Ltd

www.etnw.co.za

Founding Editors: John H Marsh (1914-1996) Leona Marsh (1923-2003)

EDITORIAL Acting Editor: Taryn Nightingale [email protected] Deputy Editor: Debbie Badham [email protected] Deputy Publisher: Natasha Schmidt [email protected] Journalists: Dorine Reinstein Leigh Hermon Hilka Birns Max Marx Michelle Colman

Photographer: Shannon Van Zyl Production Editor: Ann Braun

GROUP PUBLISHER David Marsh [email protected]

SALES Sales Director: Kate Nathan [email protected] Ad Co-ordinator: Anthea Lucas [email protected]

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SUBSCRIPTIONS Circulation: [email protected]

Top web stories

Mango’s total losses revealed TNW pick: Flood of schedule changes hits agents RwandAir cuts SA route Mango ups ZNZ frequencies Local airline enters business rescue

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Vestigial wingman

Namibian visa hassles

meetings or for work purposes (see TNW October 26).

Visa specialists told TNW that travellers attending business meetings for two days were able to obtain a visa on arrival, while those attending for longer needed to apply for a work permit.

However, the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs says South Africans aren’t being turned back for such reasons. Chief immigration officer, Esther Hamukoto, says South Africans heading to Namibia to attend meetings can enter the country without a visa, irrespective of the number of days and times per year.

But Cristina Cicognani, area manager Cape Town

of Namibia Tourism, says ultimately entry is at the discretion of the immigration official on duty. She says this can create complications for companies that regularly send staff to Namibia and rely on entering the country under the guise of attending meetings. Cristina says the regularity with which they return indicates they are not really there for a meeting. “The immigration officer may suspect that the person is in fact coming to work, even if it is just for one week. Rather than risk being sent back, apply for a work visa.”

Cristina says applicants must not be confused between a work visa and a work permit. Esther clarifies that a work

visa should be applied for by anyone entering Namibia for work purposes, for example those who are consultants or facilitators. A work permit should be acquired when staying in Namibia to work for longer than three months.

Esther says a work visa costs N$470 (R470) and takes about a week to acquire and must be applied for on behalf of the traveller by the company inviting them to work in Namibia. Applicants will need to submit their completed application form, passport, a certificate verifying their qualification and letters from both the host company in Namibia and the company of employment in South Africa.

From page 1

AF launches year-round CPT flightsAIR France will offer year-round flights between Paris and Cape Town, effective March 26. Currently, the airline offers a seasonal, thrice-weekly service between the two cities.

The all-year service will operate every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Flight AF871 will leave Cape Town International Airport at 23h35 and arrive at Paris-CDG at 11h15 the next day.

Flight AF864 will depart Paris at 10h10 and arrive in Cape Town at 21h30. This schedule applies to flights between March 26 and May 2 and October 9-27. The airline will release an updated schedule for its flights from October 28 closer to the time.

Between May 3 and October 8, AF871 will depart Cape Town at 23h20 and arrive at Paris-CDG at 11h20

the next day. Flight AF864 will depart Paris at 09h40 and arrive in Cape Town at 21h20.

The service will be operated by an Airbus A330-200 with 40 seats in business class, 21 in premium economy and 147 in economy, and a Boeing 777-200 with 35 seats in business class, 24 in premium economy and 250 in economy class.

‘Too many carriers in SA skies’Leigh hermon

LAST week the news broke that Fly Blue Crane had entered business

rescue and Mango had made a R37m loss for the past financial year. Industry experts say the state of these companies and others that came before them suggest that SA’s airline market is oversubscribed.

“The number of participants, for me, is clearly far too many. The amount of capacity is clearly far too much,” says Rodger Foster, ceo and md of Airlink. He says new airlines face the conundrum of whether to drop their prices to gain market share but if there are not enough passengers on the route, they cannot generate enough revenue to cover their costs.

Erik Venter, ceo of Comair, says the SA domestic market is small and has not grown since 2008. “The entry of new airlines into the market therefore inevitably leads to

excess capacity, and then it is just a matter of who has the deepest pockets and lowest operating cost.” Erik says airlines can only operate by ensuring they cover their costs, and that full aircraft do not necessarily mean that they have done so.

FlySafair ceo, Elmar Conradie, says from the consumer’s point of view, there is just the right amount of seats at the right price.

When one looks at Acsa’s load factors, passenger numbers are up, says Elmar. “It seems like the market is adjusting to the additional capacity.” According to Acsa’s latest aviation barometer figures for July through to September, domestic arrivals

and departures increased by 3,8% and 3,7% respectively compared with the same period last year.

Despite this, Rodger says the latest developments at Mango and Fly Blue Crane may result in some airlines reducing capacity and frequencies, but says Airlink has no plans to cut its capacity at this stage.

Erik says airlines often exit the market without reducing capacity due to commitments such as employment and aircraft lease contracts and their obligation to carry passengers who’ve bought tickets.

Airlink, Comair and FlySafair all say they are doing their best to keep costs low to avoid increasing airfares. “I think we are at a sustainable pricing point right now. If it had to go any lower, I think that would be a problem,” says Elmar. TNW approached Mango

and SAA for comment, but they had not responded by time of publication.

“The number of participants, for me,

is clearly far too many. The amount of capacity is clearly far too much.”

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NEWS

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TNW had a surprise visit from the most esteemed new recruit to the Thompsons Holidays team. Agents will soon have the chance to meet the fun-loving ‘WorldO’ in person as he escorts them on educationals and makes appearances at workshops. They can also communicate with him via his social media platforms. Where’s WorldO competitions are also in the pipeline. Meeting WorldO for the first time are (from left) TNW’s Debbie Badham (deputy editor), Taryn Nightingale (acting editor) and Leigh Hermon (journalist). Photo: Shannon Van Zyl

Where’s WorldO?

Due to high demand, Mango has added two return flights between Johannesburg and Zanzibar in December. Flight JE928 will depart Johannesburg on December 13 and 20 at 09h30 and arrive in Zanzibar at 14h05. JE929 will depart Zanzibar at 15h15 and arrive in Johannesburg at 18h00. Mango says its peak flights are at 100% capacity for the December holiday season. “Should demand grow further, we will definitely add capacity,” says Mango spokesperson, Hein Kaiser.

Fastjet launches bundles, ups HRE-VFA flights

FASTJET has launched FlexiTrip, a flight bundle solution for travellers

who fly frequently. Flexitrip lets travellers

purchase 10 one-way flights at a fixed price, inclusive of taxes and fees. At the time of purchase, three passengers can

be nominated to use the bundle.

The bundle is valid for travel within one year of purchase and allows passengers to book flights up to six hours before departure.

The FlexiTrip option is available on domestic flights in Tanzania on all routes

between Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Mwanza, Mbeya and Zanzibar for R15 000, as well as flights within Zimbabwe between Harare and Victoria Falls for R11 250. Flight bundles are also available on the Harare-Johannesburg and Victoria Falls-Johannesburg routes for R22 500.

The airline has also added five more flights to its December schedule between Harare and Victoria Falls. On December 21, 26, 28, 30 and 31, FN8001 will depart Harare at 10h55 and arrive in Victoria Falls at 12h05. The return flight, FN8002, will depart Victoria Falls at 12h35 and arrive in

Harare at 13h40.The airline has also

extended its free baggage allowance to its direct flights between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls. Passengers can check in two free bags weighing a maximum of 20kg each. This allowance is also available on flights between Johannesburg and Harare.

To the point

QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday November 30 2016 n 5

NEWS

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Apply for UAE visas on your smart phone

SOUTH African passengers on Emirates can now

apply for a UAE visa using the Dubai Visa Processing Centre’s mobile app by following these steps:1. Passengers can

download the app to their smartphone from either

the Apple App Store or Google Play store.

2. They then need to create a profile in the app.

3. Passengers will need to input their Emirates booking reference number and upload any supporting documents using the app.

4. Once the application has been submitted, passengers can pay for their visa within the app.The app allows users

to track the progress of a visa. Once approved, the e-visa will be sent to the applicant via email.

Vic Falls airport work complete REFURBISHMENT and construction at the new Victoria Falls International Airport are complete, reports the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe.

According to public relations manager, Annajulia Hungwe, all the planned works on the new airport have been completed.

Annajulia told TNW that the project had

entailed construction of a new international terminal building with the necessary passenger processing facilities; construction of a new 4km runway and associated taxiways; and construction of a new air traffic control tower with associated equipment.

A new fire station, sewer ponds and water reservoir have also

been completed. The old terminal building was refurbished and converted into a domestic terminal, and the car parks were expanded to accommodate the anticipated increased demand for parking space.

The airport now has the capacity to handle 1,5 million passengers annually.

Canadian eTA: Now a requirement TRAVELLERS to Canada from certain visa-exempt countries are now required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before travelling.

Passengers from those countries, including those travelling with a UK passport, flying to or transiting through Canada, must apply before their flight. The eTA allows Canadian officials to screen travellers before they board. Passengers travelling with a valid US passport do not need an eTA to enter Canada.

Travellers can check if they require an eTA

and apply for it on the Government of Canada’s website and are advised to do so before booking their flight. Applicants will receive approval by email; in most cases it takes minutes but could take several days.

The requirement became mandatory for certain visa-exempt travellers to Canada on March 15, but a leniency period – which ended on November 9 – allowed travellers unfamiliar with the eTA requirement to still board their flight to Canada.

SA passport holders require a visa when travelling to Canada.

To the point

Air Seychelles has expanded its codeshare agreement with Jet Airways, boosting its links to Thailand. Air Seychelles’ HM code is placed on Jet Airways triple-daily service between Mumbai and Thailand’s capital, Bangkok. The Seychelles national carrier already operates five weekly flights between Mahé and Mumbai, and with the expanded codeshare, passengers now have 15 connections a week to the Thai capital via India.


‘Tis the season to be silly! Harvey World Travel Centurion does it in style. Pictured here (back from left) are Janine Roux, Monica Maskowitz, Jackie Viljoen and Louanne du Plessis, along with (front from left) Paulina da Silva, Madi Mahlanya and Karin Holliday.

“We operate in an increasingly tough and competitive

market but in order to remain fresh and focused

we all need a bit of downtime. At this time of year

it’s important to give yourself some true peace and

tranquillity and remind yourself of what we are doing in

this strange world. So spend time with your families and

loved ones and don’t worry about the future as it will

always work out.” – eTravel’s Garth Wolff, pictured here

(centre) with Tammy Hunt and Shaun Stober.

Harvey World Travel Morningside is spreading the festive cheer!

Pictured here (from left) are Geraldine de Grey Birch, Bharathi Saib,

Kelly Frank and Diana Pengelly.

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From your friends in travel...

Festive fever has hit the industry and TNW readers are spreading the cheer! Take a look at what the travel industry has been up to in the run-up to the silly season and see next week’s TNW for more!

From left: LUX* Resorts & Hotels’ Tanika Hawkins, Evi Moller, Alexis Bekker, Glen Taylor and Porsche Dumagude are ready to welcome the festive season. “’Tis been a jolly 2016! Thank you from all of us.”

Season’s Greetings


The World Leisure Holidays Johannesburg sales team would like to

wish everyone happy holidays! From left: Tanya Viljoen, Lauren

Blaine, Lesley Smith and Mario Baccani.

The Harvey World Travel Steenberg team are ready to party! Pictured here (from left) are Landi Griessel, Ina Schlothauer, Lea Kotze and Sandy Pretorius.

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Season’s greetings from Sure Ritz Travel Windhoek! Pictured (back from

left) are Elize Petrus, Elena Doyle, Cita Luis and Hendrina Ashetu along

with Julia Kaufmann.

Club Travel wishes all its colleagues, suppliers and industry friends a merry festive season and prosperous new year! “May the spirit of ‘giving’ ring true in every heart as we spend it amongst our loved ones. Happy holidays from Club Travel!” Team members (from left): Thabiso Mabena, Tatum Alexander and Talene Van Wyk.


Season’s Greetings

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Cruises International wants to thankall its valued travel partners. “2016 was an unpredictable year for cruising but thanks to your continued support, it was yet another successful and profitable one for Cruises International! We look forward to ‘cruising’ with you in 2017,” says md, George Argyropoulos.

The Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre thanks all its guests and conference

delegates for their support during 2016. “We look forward to another successful year of doing

business together. Wishing you all a happy and healthy Christmas and successful 2017,” says

Kevin Clarence, founder and ceo. Pictured (from left) are: Andries Brink, Bradley Partridge,

Kevin, Chantelle Hibberd, Maurice Strijp and Jazzman Mahlakgane.


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Thompsons Holidays wishes the travel trade happy holidays and thanks them for their support in 2016. From left: Vanessa de Stefano, Angela Wood, Joanne Adolphe and Paulo de Oliveira.

(From left) Ntombizodwa Nhlapo, Jane Briers, Nivashini Sookdeo,

Wentzel Du Toit and Linda Chiu send all their colleagues in the travel

industry their very best festive season wishes on behalf of Trafalgar.

“Be Simply the Best in 2017!”

NEWS


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Ten Bompas is one of Johannesburg’s trendiest and edgiest landmarks and it’s hard to believe it is now 20 years old. Birthday celebrations took place on November 11 on the beautiful terrace, with movers and shakers from the travel and events industries enjoying champagne and the legendary cuisine. From left, Danie Aucamp (Ten Bompas); Erica Ramatlo (SAA); and Hylton Morley-Smith (24 Carrots). Photo: Kate Nathan

Ten is twenty

India’s cash crisis – what to advise your clientsDebbie baDham

TRAVELLERS to India are warned not to rely on cash while travelling in

the midst of the country’s cash crisis.

Shameema Desai Kajee, manager of JetStar Tours, says the removal of INR500 and INR1 000 bank notes from circulation on November 8 created initial chaos for travellers, with ATMs running out of cash as long queues of people waited to exchange outdated notes. The notes have been replaced by redesigned INR500 and new INR2 000 notes.

To add to this, Alet Steyn, gm of Wendy Wu Tours South Africa, says the operator’s ground handlers in India have advised there is an INR2 500 (R528) cap on debit/credit card ATM withdrawals per day. The limit to withdraw from

the bank is restricted to a maximum of INR24 000 (R5 064) per week. The government has promised to increase limits, however no specific date has been announced yet, she says.

The government recently announced that use of old denominations would be extended until November 24 for tourists only. However, those travelling from November 25 need to be aware that there is still a shortage of the new notes in circulation and, with the imposed restrictions and long queues at banks and ATMs, Alet says, it’s best to exchange currency at the money exchange counters at the airport.

She also warns that the maximum limit for exchange at the airport is INR5 000 (R1 055) per passenger.

Alet says the situation is expected to improve over the

coming days and weeks, and that, hopefully, the restrictions and availability of new currency notes will soon ease.

Get money savvyWendy Wu Tours advises the following for travel to India: Travellers should use their

credit/debit cards as these are widely accepted across the country by all business institutions. This would avoid unnecessary problems with long queues at the banks and ATMs.

They must ensure they exchange old notes for those that have legal tender character (the value of which does not exceed INR5 000), on arrival at the airport in India.

All arriving passengers should change foreign currency on arrival at any of the money exchange counters at the airport before exiting.

To the point

Peermont Mondior Gaborone has just completed a refurbishment. “We refurbished all 67 rooms – five two-bedroom suites, 27 one-bedroom suites, one special assisted room and 34 standard studio rooms,” said Antoinette Starke, operations manager. Room upgrades include the installation of specially adapted bedside reading lamps and a dedicated work station with free high-speed Internet. The hotel also offers conferencing facilities that take up to 45 delegates. Internal gardens also received a facelift and the swimming pool was refurbished.

JOBSCOMMUNITYNEWSBirths, deaths, marriages, promotions – we want to know! Please e-mail TNW’s Taryn Nightingale, at [email protected].


Appointments

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Our highly trained consultants have a combined experience of 20 years in recruitment. We have a solid understanding of the travel industry and aim to source the best staff for all our clients.

We have an extensive database of experienced applicants looking for exciting new career opportunities. Please don’t hesitate to contact either Jean or Nono to assist with all your staffing needs.

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E-Commerce Manager (South Africa) – Cape TownEmirates AirlineResponsible for growing Emirates E-Commerce (Emirates.com and OTA) revenue streams and activities in their respective markets. Apply at - www.emirates.com/careers Top Intermediate Travel Agent – PretoriaProfessional Career ServicesWork shifts, including evenings, weekends and public holidays. Min 3 years’ consulting exp. Fluent in Arabic, French or Portuguese. Galileo. Email: [email protected]

New Business Procurement Rep – Cape TownQuantex Recruitment GroupDynamic candidate wanted to secure new business for TMC. Previous sales & marketing experience. The ability to compile marketing material & proposals essential. Email: [email protected] Top Junior Consultant – Johannesburg East RandLee Botti & AssociatesPrestigious in-house! Min 2 years’ domestic corporate experience and Amadeus essential. Excellent growthpotential! Salary – R10 000 ctc. Email: [email protected]

Africa Expert – Johannesburg NorthEquity Connections ccMust have sound working knowledge with DMC’s within Africa, five years’ senior in-bound experience. Plan,cost design itineraries into Africa. Email: [email protected]

Reservations Manager – JHB NorthProfessional Career ServicesMust have minimum 5 years’ management experience in inbound tour operator. Tourplan essential. Knowledge of FITs and groups. Email: [email protected]

Marketing Assistant – N/Suburbs, Cape TownQuantex Recruitment GroupA relevant marketing qualification & at least 1 years’ marketing experience is required by a successful & established tour operator. Email: [email protected]

Leisure Consultant – Johannesburg NorthLee Botti & AssociatesMarket leader! Make holiday dreams come true. Min 4 years’ experience and Galileo or Amadeus. Basic salary + lucrative commission. Email: [email protected]

Reservations Agent – Johannesburg NorthEquity Connections ccWork with leading operator and handle full functions of bookings for clients, agents, direct travellers. Minimum three years’ in-bound experience. Email: [email protected]

Payroll Administrator – East RandWendy’s Travel PersonnelMinimum 3 years’ full function experience in payroll administration - VIP People Systems experience essential!Email: [email protected]

Adriaan Liebetrau, ceo of SAACI, has resigned from the association and will take up his new role as Tsogo Sun’s sales and marketing manager for the Sandton Convention, Sandton Sun, InterContinental Sandton and Garden Court Sandton City early next year. Adriaan joined SAACI in May 2014 and has ensured the successful roll-out of the SAACI strategy that was launched three years ago. He will remain on the SAACI board as a co-opted member. SAACI thanks Adriaan for his dedication and wishes him all the best with his future endeavours.

Sure Holdings has added two new members to its board for 2016/2017. They are Rachael Penaluna of Sure Maritime Travel in Port Elizabeth and Fanus Oosthuizen of Sure Ritz Travel in Windhoek (both pictured). They join board members Janet Aldworth of Sure Voyager Travel, Nicholas Leonsins of Sure Travkor, Sean Kritzinger of Sure Giltedge Travel, Zain Mitha of Sure Mithas Travel,

Vanya Lessing, Sure Travel ceo, and Stefan van der Merwe, cfo.

Tsogo Sun has appointed Louise Otto as new deputy gm of Tsogo Sun’s Cabanas Resort. Michelle Bregger takes up Louise’s former position as the deputy gm of Garden Court Marine Parade. Previously, Michelle was the deputy gm of Southern Sun River Sun.

Vincent Coste has been appointed commercial director at Kenya Airways. He worked previously at Qatar Airways and AF KLM.

The Petousis Group has appointed Nina Daniels as gm of its Oude Werf Hotel in Stellenbosch. She has been with the group for many years as the hr manager. “Nina is a committed, loyal member of our team. Her qualifications and experience are a real asset,” says Lex Petousis, ceo of the Petousis family of hotels.

Satsa coo, Jenny Mewett, has resigned with immediate effect. “I would like to extend my deepest thanks to Jenny for her many years of dedicated service and commitment to Satsa and the extended tourism industry,” said Gavin Courtenay, Satsa national president. Satsa will provide details of future plans for the coo role in due course.

Muhammad Ali Albakri will join Iata as its new regional vp for Africa and the Middle East from January 1. Muhammad was previously executive vp for strategic projects and transformation of Saudi Arabian Airlines. His career at the airline spans 26 years, where he started out in its IT division. Muhammad will be based in Iata’s regional office in Amman, Jordan.

Lerina McCall has been appointed new gm of Island Hotel Isipingo Beach in KwaZulu Natal. “Now my challenge is to take this property to ‘great’ along with this very willing, hardworking and talented team,” said Lerina.

Yes to the Seychelles!Thompsons Holidays hosted a group of agents in the Seychelles for five days earlier this month. The group explored Mahé and Praslin and took part in several activities to give them an in-depth understanding of the islands.


TNW NEWS

brought to you by eTNW and TRAVELINFO

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More business please!What is your career wish for 2017?

More clients A new career More travel A raise A promotion

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Wish list32%

29%

19%

14%

6%

Tour operator disappears

times so agents should be very cautious. He advises the following to avoid falling victim: Only deal with members of

professional bodies such as Asata and Satsa (members of the latter have to take out obligatory insurance that covers inter alia

liquidation but not voluntary liquidation).

Always pay with a credit card as you may have a right of recourse via the credit card company (read their T&Cs).

Failing all else, you may have a legal right of recourse against the owners, members or directors if they have traded recklessly.

From page 1

RwandAir launches second Joburg-Kigali flightLeigh hermon

RWANDAIR will launch a second flight between Johannesburg and Kigali

from January 16. The airline currently offers

a daily flight between the two destinations. The new flight, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, will land in Johannesburg in the afternoon and will reduce the connection time for travellers looking to fly to other cities such as Durban or Cape Town, says RwandAir’s country manager, Thembela Dladla.

Flight WB107 will depart Johannesburg at 16h45 and arrive in Kigali at 20h45. Flight WB106 will depart Kigali at 09h15 and arrive in Johannesburg at 13h15.

The airline will also introduce new times on its current Johannesburg-Kigali

service from January 16. These new times will reduce the connection to less than two hours for travellers catching flights from Kigali to other African destinations, says Thembela.

Flight WB103 will depart Johannesburg at 02h55 and arrive in Kigali at 06h45 every day. Flight WB102 will depart Kigali at 22h20 and arrive in Johannesburg at 02h10.

The airline will no longer operate direct flights between Johannesburg and Lusaka as of January 15. Instead it will increase its thrice-weekly service between Kigali and Lusaka to five weekly flights.

Flight WB110 will depart Kigali for Lusaka at 09h20 and arrive at 11h50 every day except Tuesdays and Thursdays. Flight WB111 will depart Lusaka at 18h30 on the same days and land in

Kigali at 21h00. RwandAir operated a direct

route between Johannesburg and Lusaka under fifth freedom rights for the past year and, according to Thembela, nothing has changed with regard to these rights. He says the airline is trying to make the schedule more efficient and use its hub in Kigali more effectively.

The airline also took delivery of its third Boeing 737-800NG on November 16. The new 154-seat aircraft will be configured with 16 business- and 138 economy-class seats and has WiFi in both cabins. The airline is in the process of upgrading all its aircraft with WiFi.

RwandAir expects to grow its fleet to 12 aircraft with the addition of a second Airbus A330-300 in December and another Boeing 737-800NG in May.

Experience an unforgettable summer with Peermont Hotels, Casinos and Resorts with its Summer FunStays packages. Travellers can stay from R420pps across the group’s three-, four- and five-star hotels. Valid from December 12-January 15. The offer is valid until January 31 at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg. Partner agents can earn up to 10% commission on the packages. Pictured here is Wayne Hill, gm of Hotels and Resort Operations at Emperors Palace. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl

Pick a Peermont package

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