TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

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SOUTHERN AFRICA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLYMay 17 2017 I No. 2445

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FEATURECORPORATE TRAVELHelping clients choose hotels

NEWSFLYSAFAIR

Pax vote for new routes

NEWSST HELENA

Airlink flight touches down

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Avis’s Premium Self Drive 4WD Luxury Safari Camper is perfect for travellers who love to explore the outdoors. The vehicle features a double bed, fully fitted kitchen, pressurised shower and solar charging system. Travellers can choose between the Land Cruiser 4x4 double cab (manual) and Ford Ranger double cab (automatic). Pictured (from left) are Avis team members, Rebone Motsatsi, commercial and licences executive; Camille Janse van Rensburg, strategic accounts manager; and Gary Van Der Walt, travel partner regional manager. Photos: Shannon Van Zyl

Travel trade talks transformationtaRyn nightingale

AS PART of its mandate for this year, Asata is assessing the level

of BEE transformation the industry has reached. Industry experts say that, although transformation has taken place over the last 20 years, its progress has been slow, particularly in terms of black ownership.

Ceo of Asata, Otto de Vries, says the travel industry is constantly being challenged by government with claims that it hasn’t done enough to transform. “How do we respond to that if we don’t have a clear sight of the level of transformation that has taken place?” says Otto.

As a first step, Asata is

asking all its members to provide it with their BEE certifications during their membership renewal process, which is currently taking place.

Robyn Christie, gm of Travelport Southern Africa, says the industry has achieved exceptional transformation in the last 20 years but the last five years show it’s not happened quite at the rate the industry would have liked. “Entrants in the industry reflect the demographic of the country, but in terms of management and ownership – it’s a different picture.”

Dinesh Naidoo, group operations director of SWG Tours, agrees and says the scarcity of black-owned travel companies could be a result of the lack of exposure to

travel this demographic had in the past. He says existing black industry leaders often aren’t given enough exposure to the industry as there is a fear these employees will be poached by competitors.

“Because the market is saturated by white-owned established travel agencies, it’s become increasingly difficult for [new black-owned businesses] to penetrate the industry,” says Gomolemo Manche, owner of Lerato Travel.

Some of the biggest challenges black entrants face is the substantial Iata guarantee that needs to be paid to be accredited. “The majority of travel tenders from both the private and

Child passports – a pipedream? doRine Reinstein

ALTHOUGH the new passport for South African minors was promised for launch on February 1, the Department of Home Affairs now says the process has not yet been finalised.

At the beginning of last year, the DHA and the Department of Tourism announced that the controversial visa laws – which require all South African minors to travel with an unabridged birth certificate (UBC) – would be replaced with an updated passport for minors with printed details of both parents within the following three to 12 months. The DHA reaffirmed its commitment on December 2, saying the new passport would come into effect on February 1, 2017. In March, the DHA said it was “in advanced stages of

introducing the passport” (see TNW March 8).

However, DHA spokesperson, Thabo Mokgola, told TNW internal processes relating to child passports with parental details had not yet been finalised. Until then, the requirement for the UBC stands.

Travel agents say most South Africans are well aware of the need to carry a UBC, which means there are fewer ‘problems’. “The DHA is now also issuing letters to those who may not have received the UBC in time for departure,” says Michelle Boshoff, gm Central Services of Pentravel.

Michelle adds, however, that some clients do not want to book or pay for their trip until they have received the certificate, which can ultimately affect the cost of their

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Luxury in the wild

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2 n Wednesday May 17 2017 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

NEWS

Rubes® By Leigh Rubin

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Top web stories

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Revenge, a dish not necessarily best served cold.

Touchdown at St HelenaSue van WinSen

MAY 3 was a historic day for St Helena when a charter flight

operated by Airlink carrying 60 passengers successfully landed at St Helena Airport. The flight was operated by a British Aerospace 146 Avro RJ85 aircraft, and carried passengers affected by the cancellation of Royal Mail Ship St Helena voyages 255 and 256 due to mechanical issues. The aircraft departed again the same day, returning to Cape Town via Windhoek with 48 passengers on board.

The smooth touchdown on Runway 20 was a significant milestone, as attempts to implement a regular commercial service on the island have been unsuccessful due to problems encountered with turbulence and wind shear, particularly on Runway 02. Following the landing, St Helena councillor, Derek Thomas, said: “Over the past year there have been many disappointments for air access. The arrival of the aircraft today is one step nearer to commercial use of our airport.”

The successful flight bodes well for Airlink, which remains in the running for a tender to operate commercial flights to St Helena. Airlink ceo and md,

Rodger Foster, says: “The crew did not experience abnormal conditions and stable approach was accomplished.”

Roxanne Green, press officer for the St Helena Government (SHG), says the preferred bidder will be announced next month but that any details regarding the bidders cannot be released due to confidentiality constraints. “Commencement of air services will follow once the regulatory permissions are granted and the necessary practical arrangements are in place.”

In the meantime, Comair has confirmed that its contract with SHG to provide air services between Johannesburg and St Helena remains in place, despite the airline only operating the implementation flight and not a commercial service.

When or if Comair will begin operating the service remains unclear though. “We’re committed to continued engagement

with the SHG and will play whatever role we can to find a more permanent, reliable air service for the island,” says Susan van der Ryst, corporate communications manager. He also confirmed that the airline had not submitted a revised proposal based on the tender released in December.

Despite the recent mechanical issues, until a regular air service commences, RMS St Helena remains the only way of travelling to the island, and the schedule will continue to run until January 24, 2018 (Voyage No 268), at which point it will be withdrawn from service and decommissioned, says St Helena Tourism spokesperson, Simon Quarendon. The ship has since been repaired and has already taken 130 passengers from Cape Town to the island, arriving on May 9.

He confirmed that there would be a period when both the air and mail ship service would co-exist, allowing visitors to fly one way and sail the other.

In anticipation of the air service, Mantis Collection is restoring three Georgian buildings to form the 30-room Mantis St Helena luxury hotel, which is expected to open in September.

Child passports – a pipedream?

public sector state it as a prerequisite to obtain them as a client.” Furthermore, she says, “Travel is a capital-intensive business that often requires pre-payment, especially if the agency does not have accounts with suppliers.”

Dinesh says to really make progress, the industry must define transformation and outline the goals it wants to achieve. “A BEE level 1 or level 2 certificate doesn’t

equal transformation,” says Dinesh.

“Real transformation is about creating an environment where all demographics can thrive,” says Themba Mthombeni, ceo of Duma Travel. He says many companies in the industry make the mistake of thinking having a black investor is enough to be “transformed”. The focus should be on giving previously disadvantaged people the opportunity to understand the travel

business so that they have the capability to be entrepreneurs. “Our children should enter an environment that leverages the strengths and uniqueness of our country to ultimately build a better industry.”

Robyn says transformation is not just about changing the colour of the industry, but transforming it into a viable career with viable business opportunities. “It must be as attractive to work in the travel industry as it is to work in any other.”

package if booking too late.Travel agents are expecting

the new passport to significantly simplify travel for South African travellers. “It is easier to carry one passport and it makes sense to have the parents’ names reflected therein,” says Michelle.

“The new passport would

be a huge advancement and will, without a doubt, increase security for minors in our country,” says Dinesh Naidoo, group operations director of SWG.

He says, globally, most passports for children feature the parents’ details.

However, some travel agents doubt that the passport will

be launched in the near future. Inge Beadle, co-owner of Corporate Travel Services, says: “The child passport seems to be something that was proposed and not fully thought out. Government departments seem fond of voicing wonderful proposals, and then fail to follow through.”

From page 1

From page 1

Travel trade talks transformation

“Commencement of air services will follow once the regulatory

permissions are granted and the necessary

practical arrangements are in place.”

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NEWS

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Virgin Atlantic spoiled members of the trade at a client appreciation lunch on May 5 at the trendy Gentleman’s Arthouse in Newtown. Attendees were treated to a six-course lunch and a special gift. Pictured, are (from left): Ben Langner, md of CWT; Liezl Gericke, head of Virgin Atlantic SA; Lidia Folli, ceo of BidTravel and Bronwyn Philipps, md of HRG Rennies Travel. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl

A brief look at this week’s hotel news

Major refurb for Mombasa hotelMOMBASA Beach Hotel is undergoing a KSh200m (R26,3m) renovation. The hotel is owned by the Kenyan government and is managed by Kenya Safari Lodges and Hotels. The work includes modernising the 151 rooms and public areas, including the bar on the seafront. Eight conference rooms will also be renovated and equipped with modern meeting facilities and new furniture.

Facelift for popular Protea HotelTHE Protea Hotel by Marriott in Centurion is being given a multimillion-rand refurbishment. In the standard rooms, attention is being paid storage space and plugs to suit travellers’ needs. The work, which includes new furnishings, block-out curtains, and paintings, is being done on weekdays between 09h00 and 16h00, with some sections of the hotel closed while the refurbishments take place. The project is expected to be completed by August 26.

Cresta opens hotel in MaunCRESTA will open a new 83-room hotel in Maun, Botswana, this month. The Cresta Maun Hotel is in the final stages of construction and is situated along the Thamalakane River. It will have two conference facilities with capacity for 300 people. Cresta also operates Rileys Hotel at Maun Old Mall.

Multimillion-rand refurb for Western Cape hotel AHA Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel in the Western Cape will undergo an R8,6m refurbishment. The hotel closed on April 18 until August. All 26 bedrooms will receive a complete transformation with an additional three rooms added, bringing the total number of rooms to 29. Bath tubs will be replaced with showers to ensure water conservation and sustainability. Advanced technological features will be added, including the upgrading of the television sets, WiFi access and new lockset handles.

Mother City gets a Radisson RedRADISSON Red Hotel V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, is set to open in the third quarter of this year. Six grain silos have been transformed into sustainable spaces and the hotel will offer 220 studios, 32 studio suites and a gym. Radisson Red will house four events and games studios for up to 90 guests, free WiFi and 24/7 entertainment tech throughout the property.

New ownership for two SA hotels FROM July 1, Protea Hotel Hluhluwe and Safaris and Ingeli Forest Resort will fall under Anew Hotels. The properties will be renamed Anew Hotel Hluhluwe and Safaris and Anew Hotel Ingeli Forest and Spa. Anew Hotels is a newly established hotel group headed up by ceo, Clinton Armour. The group plans to attract corporates and leisure travellers. Plans to acquire more properties and expand the brand’s presence include venturing into cities such as Durban, Umhlanga, Johannesburg and the Kruger area. Clinton said, with the right opportunities, expansion beyond SA could even take place.

PillowTalk

FlySafair opens voting for new routesCandiCe May

FLYSAFAIR is asking travellers to vote on its website for potential new

routes to help decide where it should fly next. To vote, travellers must visit the FlySafair website, click on the banner that reads, ‘Which destination are you rooting for?’, click on the route they want to vote for on the map and then supply their name and email address. At the

moment, DUR-ELS is leading, followed by HLA-PLZ and DUR-PLZ.

The airline will launch between one and three new routes based on the votes provided the new services meet certain criteria. Kirby Gordon, head of sales and distribution of FlySafair, says: “If a route does not allow us to optimise crew utilisation for efficiency and to reduce costs, or won’t fill our 165- to 189-seat aircraft most of the time,

it may not be worthwhile.”According to Kirby, the main

reason FlySafair is looking at adding new routes is to expand its network, which will make it a more attractive partner for interlining with feeder carriers. FlySafair plans to announce the winning route/s on its Facebook page and in-flight magazine on May 22.

By May 26, the airline will confirm launch dates for the new route/s.

MK takes off to Geneva AIR Mauritius will start flying to Geneva from November 18.

The flight operates on Saturdays, departing Mauritius at 09h15 and arriving in Geneva at 17h50. The return flight departs Geneva at 21h05 and lands in Mauritius at 11h05 next morning.

Flights will operate between November 18 and December 16, and December 22 and February 23, 2018, using an A340-300, with 34 seats in business-class and 264 in economy class.

“The start of operations to Geneva will stimulate traffic

from the Swiss market. The decision is in line with our strategy to reinforce operations to Europe following the announcement earlier this year regarding the introduction of Amsterdam,” said Raja Buton, Air Mauritius acting ceo and officer-in-charge.

Virgin says thanks

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NEWS

Electronics ban may spreadChana BouCher

SINCE the US and UK imposed a ban on electronic devices on board flights from certain

locations, other countries are considering adopting the policy.

“We need to plan for a possible future where we are likely to see fewer personal belongings in the cabin and more in the hold,” Bob Judson, a director in the risk advisory practice at Deloitte in London, told Travel Weekly. This, he says, is because the ban on devices bigger than smartphones could expand to other destinations.

He compared the situation to the liquids ban. In 2006, the US and UK were the first to prohibit the carriage of liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) of more than 100ml on board after a supposed terror plot to detonate a bomb on transatlantic flights was uncovered. The rule was supposed to be a temporary measure but within weeks it was adopted by the rest of the world and continues to be applied to this day.

Already, New Zealand Prime Minister, Bill English, said his country’s Civil Aviation Authority was assessing evidence to determine whether it should consider restrictions on electronic devices and Canada’s transport authorities recently held meetings with international counterparts to weigh in on the matter.

However, Michael Kloth, head of communications of France’s International Transport Forum said the issue had not been examined in any detail at the time TNW asked for comment. Spokesperson for

Germany’s Federal Ministry of the Interior, Lisa Hager, would only say that the adequacy of air security measures was constantly being reviewed. She added that the German security authorities were in close contact with their US and British colleagues.

According to a source from the EU Commission, the 28 EU member states recently met to discuss the restrictions but that no decision had been taken to impose similar measures. The source said they concluded that the intelligence and aviation communities needed to remain vigilant and ready to react, but added: “the Commission has no information of imminent security risks involving laptops or similar devices.”

For now, the ban only affects a small percentage of flights (around 350 scheduled flights a week – 2,7% of total international flights – in the US; and 393 a week – 2,7% of international flights – to the UK), so the possibility of it spreading is unclear.

But Iata dg and ceo, Alexandre de Juniac, said industry experience and know-how needed to be incorporated into new regulations and standards. “We have a common interest in safe and secure flight. Yet the US and UK announced that large electronic devices would be banned from passenger cabins on some flights from the Middle East and North Africa. There was no consultation with airlines and the measure challenged public confidence with inconsistencies, while the safety concerns over concentrations of lithium batteries in the aircraft hold have not yet been adequately considered or addressed.” He added that, in future, governments needed to share information, consult with industry and support the International Civil Aviation Organisation as it developed a global aviation security plan.

Direct Togo flights put on iceFiona Davis

THE launch of direct flights between Johannesburg and Lomé, Togo, has been delayed.

On April 5, TNW reported that Ethiopian Airlines and ASKY would, through a codeshare agreement, introduce four weekly non-stop flights between Lomé and Johannesburg on April 8. The airlines quietly delayed the scheduled launch to May 3 but a consultant in Ethiopian Airlines’ Johannesburg office has since told TNW that “the start date has not been communicated as yet”.

When TNW tried to book a flight from Johannesburg to Lomé on Ethiopian Airlines’ website, the site indicated that all the scheduled flights were fully booked.

When flights eventually launch, the schedule will remain the same. Flight KP1200/ET859 will depart Johannesburg at 07h15 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays to arrive in Lomé at 11h30. Return flight KP1201/ET858 will depart Lomé at 14h00 on the same days and arrive in Johannesburg at 22h10.

The route will be operated by a Boeing 737-800.

“We need to plan for a possible future where we are likely to see fewer personal belongings in the cabin and

more in the hold.”

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CORPORATE TRAVELWith $1,2 trillion (R16,2tr) being spent on business travel around the world in 2016, accounting for nearly one quarter of total global travel spend, corporate travel is still on the rise. TNW reports on the latest trends.

Guiding your clients through hotel choice

CORPORATE travellers want agents to play a far more active role

in guiding them through the process of hotel selection, and expect to be treated as individuals with recommendations that reflect their own preferences.

This is according to Melissa Gay, Sabre’s business development manager for EMEA, who says customers are faced with an overwhelming amount of hotel options compared with booking a flight. “Their decisions are also much more emotional and driven by personal preference.”

Melissa says TMCs need to be able to provide clients with rich content such as 360-degree video, strong imagery and customer reviews. This is even more important with the rising popularity of ‘bleisure’ trips, and the expectations millennials bring to their workplace.

“Bleisure bookings are gaining ground as time-pressed business travellers look to extend work trips and explore surrounding leisure options. TMCs know the importance of large hotel chains in delivering a consistent, convenient and quality experience, but some business travellers want to stretch out and try boutique, tailored accommodation as well,” says Melissa.

One of the biggest factors influencing business travel, says Niklas Andreen, Travelport’s svp of Hospitality, is the evolution of leisure travel and most corporates expect the same speed and efficiencies when it comes to their business trips.

“They want fast, seamless booking and payment process, including the ability to not only book chain hotels but independents too. They want to review and choose between prepaid and pay-on-departure rates, and rates

including ancillary options, and they want to see on a map where their choice of hotel is,” he says. “And they want all this comparability offered simply through a traditional offline agent, a corporate booking tool, or based on their approved booking process.”

A wider choice of hotel content is one of the main demands of corporate travellers, says Niklas, followed closely by seamless booking processes. “In such an increasingly competitive industry, it’s more important than ever for corporate agencies to streamline their booking process and provide a seamless experience at point of sale and beyond. This includes items like TripAdvisor ratings, comparable rates and maps in the booking process so that the traveller doesn’t have to ‘go surfing’ or wait while their agent does the same to find the information.”

Junk status – will corporates travel more?Fiona DaviDs

DESPITE economic concerns over Standard & Poor and Fitch’s downgrading of South Africa’s sovereign credit rating to junk status, one expert says corporates should respond by travelling more, not less.

Howard Stephens, chairman of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) for Southern Africa, says corporates should start travelling more now that the country has been downgraded. “The junk

status downgrade will obviously mean fewer investors for SA, therefore corporates should go out and travel more in order to bring more money in,” he says.

But, history tells us this may not be the case, says Howard. “When times are tough, corporates should go out and look for more business and investors, but if the rand continues to weaken, corporates see travel as one of the things corporates can cut back on rather than retrenching staff.”

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CORPORATE TRAVEL

Remember domestic duty of careLiesL Venter

TRAVEL can involve risk. It can require people to enter the unknown and deal with the unfamiliar.

“Already, one understands why duty of care gets more attention from an international travel perspective than locally,” says Howard Stephens, of GBTA Southern Africa.

“We assume people understand and know their own country. We also assume that travellers have a general awareness of the local risk and are therefore less likely to be hurt or endangered.”

Monique Swart, founder of the African Business Travel Association, says, in general, people feel far safer locally than internationally when they travel, as they are in their comfort zones. “I also think that we have some preconceived ideas that can get us into trouble.

“Statements such as ‘Cape Town is safer than Joburg’; ‘Nothing bad will happen as I’m travelling by day’; ‘Travelling in groups keeps me safe’; ‘Men are safer than women when travelling’ or ‘Travelling to my home town is safe as I know my way around’ might generally be true, but companies tend to rest on their duty-of-care laurels from a domestic

perspective because of these kinds of assumptions and false sense of security.”

Monique, like Howard, is adamant that duty of care in domestic travel needs to be a higher priority. “Anything bad can happen to anyone – at any time, anywhere in the world and it is more likely to happen to those who are unprepared,” says Monique.

Being prepared locally is therefore just as important as being prepared when abroad. Duty of care, however, is not only about ensuring business travellers arrive safe and sound.

At heart, it is about ensuring your corporate clients are managing safety risks throughout their trips,

says Frank Palapies, ceo of Wings Travel Management.

“Duty of care, however, has different interpretations in different companies and there is no standard definition that is applied. In some companies, it simply means knowing where travellers are, while in others, it comprises all aspects of risk management.”

Often, however, discussions around a corporate’s duty of care focus on issues like natural disasters, terror incidents and kidnapping.

But, it is in the less dramatic that the far more frequent incidents occur, says Howard.

“General risks for travellers are not necessarily all that different locally. Car accidents and medical incidents are far more likely to happen in domestic travel,” he says.

Add to that the loss of productivity due to travel delays, or lost luggage, and duty of care becomes just as important from a domestic perspective as an international one.

“Duty of care should not just be about what happens to your traveller in the case of an unforeseeable event,” says Howard, “but ensuring that you are managing their safety and ensuring their wellbeing throughout their trips.”

Increased focusDuty of care domestically is getting more attention, says Frank. “We are seeing companies where travel is predominantly in South Africa, show more interest in traveller risk management and safety support. It is still very sector-dependent and also about where they are travelling to in the country and how often.”

For Monique, it is important that duty of care gets more attention locally. “As much can happen here in South Africa as abroad; it just means that it is probably easier and less expensive to deal with locally. But there will still be hassle and expense!”

Unfortunately, says

Monique, investment in a duty-of-care programme locally is often a grudge purpose. “No one wants to pay for something they might never need, but what if you do and you don’t have it? It’s about weighing up the pros and cons – i.e. having it and not needing it versus needing it and not having it. This is where I think companies often go wrong; where they severely underestimate what could go wrong and how to be covered for it.”

Ultimately, it is essential that duty of care improves locally, says Howard. “It is important that the corporate client and the traveller know which insurances are going to cover what incidents and who is responsible for additional costs and payments.”

Frank Palapies

Book it!

Sales have opened for cruises aboard the new MSC Bellissima megaship. It will set sail in the Western Mediterranean from March 2019. One of the highlights of MSC Bellissima’s on-board entertainment will be Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows. With two performances six nights per week in the purpose-built Carousel Lounge, guests will also be able to enjoy an exclusive pre-show dinner service. All guests booked by July 31 will receive a complimentary Cirque du Soleil at Sea dinner and show experience. MSC Voyagers Club members will receive a 5% discount, while other guests will also receive a 5% discount on early booking fares until October 31.

“It is essential that duty of care improves

locally.”

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CORPORATE TRAVEL

First Signature Lux Hotel to open in SandtonSIGNATURE Lux Hotels will open its first hotel on June 1 in Sandton.

The 218-room hotel will target business travellers and tech-savvy millennials, offering exclusive services, some of which include a fully integrated app. The app will allow travellers to book, use their cellphone as a room key and check in remotely.

Signature Lux Hotel will offer a 24-hour hassle-free, self-service check-in kiosk and automated housekeeping; access to uncapped

WiFi and a 10-seater boardroom. The hotel in Sandton will be

the first of its kind in Africa, and will be followed by four additional hotels opening within the next 18 months in Cape Town V&A; Woodmead and Melrose Arch in Johannesburg; and Umhlanga in KwaZulu Natal.

The hotel group has also formed a partnership with the Endangered Wildlife Trust to give R5 for each room night sold to protect endangered wildlife.

Is home-sharing for corporates coming to SA? Fiona DaviDs

SOUTH African companies are less likely than their overseas counterparts to adapt their travel policies to accommodate home-sharing properties, says one business travel expert.

According to a GBTA Foundation study on travel professionals from the US and Canada, home-sharing properties are allowed in 17% of the participants’ travel policies.

Furthermore, many of the companies participating in the survey indicated that they were making an effort to review home-sharing options before deciding to include or exclude these offerings.

But duty of care and a lack of available houses limit this trend’s expansion in SA, says Abta’s Monique Swart. “A big portion of South African business travel takes place within the country and Africa. In the rest of Africa,

home-sharing facilities are not on offer and, even so, travel managers would be less likely to allow travellers to use the offering if it cannot be vetted beforehand.”

On the other hand, she says if corporates were to consider using the home-sharing facilities, they would do so in big cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town but would be less likely to do so in cities like Lagos, Accra and Luanda.

Monique suggests that, over time, the use of home-sharing properties will be considered.

“Within SA, it is less likely for international business travellers to opt to stay in such facilities. But from a local perspective, some travel managers are finding ways to supply travellers with alternative accommodation offerings.”

As an alternative to expensive hotels, Monique points out that some companies utilise the services of B&Bs. “B&B stays are expanding because it is increasingly expensive to stay in hotels. From a duty-of-care perspective, B&Bs are preferred, because companies can pre-vet the offering, whereas with Airbnb, that is very difficult to do.”

“Travel managers are finding ways to supply travellers with alternative accommodation

offerings.”

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CORPORATE TRAVEL

Don’t be afraid to charge for services renderedYOU wouldn’t visit a bank or doctor continuously without incurring fees for their consultation or service rendered. The same should apply in travel.

This is the view of Yolande Bouwer of Agentivity, who says TMCs find themselves caught in a vicious circle when it comes to charging for services delivered as – if there is a human dependency on the service being logged (i.e. a consultant raising an invoice) – it’s near impossible to provide an accurate audit travel account of services. “So, most TMCs don’t, and suffer as a result.

“In our experience, when a corporate client is shown detailed logs of all changes to bookings, with accurate analysis of specific traveller buying behaviour, it’s not difficult to persuade the client to pay a fair price

for your services. It also paves the way for traveller education and highlighting the buyers who take advantage of a situation where they don’t get charged.

“TMCs tend to be scared to charge, but by starting to have an accurate audit trail of all changes to bookings, all revalidations, etc., sharing that with your customers on a regular basis goes a long way to help the customer understand travel behaviour and, as a result, you will encounter very little resistance to a fair price per change as it’s entirely visible to the customer,” she adds.

“Lastly, the result of not providing customers with an accurate audit trail of all changes incurred by

the TMC, tends to be customers simply moving on to the next TMC in search of a lower service fee.”

Did you know?

In light of the popularity of the Silverbirch @ Birchwood, which targets business travellers, the decision has been taken to overhaul and upgrade the Phomolong Lapa and transform it to offer a new expansive menu. Diners will be able to enjoy various serving stations and see chefs at work preparing their meals. Once it is complete, Silverbirch guests will be able to experience a different dining experience every night. The restaurant launches this month.

“When a corporate client is shown detailed logs of all changes to bookings, it’s not difficult to

persuade the client to pay a fair price for your services.”Yolande Bouwer

Fly RwandAir JNB-LGW

RwandAir will launch its new Johannesburg-Gatwick route on May 26. The route will be operated with a Boeing 737 from Johannesburg to Kigali, and its new Airbus A330-200 from Kigali to Gatwick with 20 seats in business class, 21 in premium economy and 203 in economy class. Flights from Kigali to Gatwick depart on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 12h30, arriving in Gatwick at 20h10. Return flights depart Gatwick on the same days at 21h30 and arrive in Kigali at 07h15 the next day. Fares start from R7 500 return, including taxes.

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CORPORATE TRAVEL

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Visa restrictions hamper business travelWHILE business travellers tend to be considered more resilient to burdensome visa requirements due to less flexibility on destination choice, visas do still impact corporate travel. This is according to a report released by Travelport and the World Travel and Tourism Council, which says visa restrictions have a big impact on events and conferences in particular.

The report says organisers setting up events generally aim to host them in destinations that are easily accessible to participants and an onerous visa process would count strongly against a destination in the selection process.

The UNWTO Openness Index of 2015 listed those countries that had made it easier for visitors from a large number of countries to obtain visas. Comparing this with the list of countries that had the strongest business travel growth in the five years

to 2016, many countries featured on both lists – at least 41 in total.

The balance of security versus being open for business is essential, says the report. “Ensuring a smooth process for entering and conducting business in a country will help to drive trade and support growth of a country’s overall economy.”

Beside improvements to visa processes, the report says the use of technology supporting travellers and travel companies will assist in the growth of corporate travel, and also indicates a need to serve digitally connected millennials. The industry needs to deploy data-driven insights to engage customers more effectively. Business travellers want

mobile phone alerts and information about disruptions, flight updates and upgrades sent to them.

“Every day we see business travel growing at a significant rate in many emerging markets with technology playing an increasingly important role in easing the

way for those on trips for their work. As an industry, we need to continue to invest in the best technologies and infrastructure,” says Gordon Wilson, ceo of Travelport.

The report notes that the fastest growth for the business travel is expected in emerging markets. In Africa, the strongest forecast for annual business growth is from Rwanda and Gabon at 8,5% and Tanzania at 7,9%.

Sabre adds features on GetThere softwareSABRE’S GetThere travel management solutions are launching a fast, design-led mobile platform to provide business travellers with a simple way to book and manage in-policy travel on the go.

The redesigned GetThere empowers travellers to make smarter in-policy booking decisions, gives more self-service options and delivers an optimal search, shop and book experience on mobile and desktop.

Other features include a simplified and responsive design, an intuitive booking workflow that is accessible and consistent on any device and Sabre’s air

merchandising capabilities to support airlines’ branded fares with existing travel policy.

“Travel managers and travellers will also have access to more content and the ability to differentiate various fare offerings from airlines, including branded fares – helping business travellers get the exact services and features that they need to be productive, says Wade Jones, interim president of Sabre Travel Network.

Sabre’s GetThere mobile solution.

Gordon Wilson

TNW reported last week (May 10) that Minor Hotels was looking to build an additional 50 hotels in Africa over the next five years. The report was based on outdated information. While Minor has plans to expand its presence, the group is not ready to reveal those plans yet.TNW apologises for the error.

For the record

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Insider tips for a cruise incentiveLiesL Venter

CRUISE ships are ideally suited to MICE business. Synonymous with luxury and glamorous travel, they have become an exciting option for corporates wanting a change from the ordinary and mundane.

Ross Volk, md of MSC Cruises SA, says the cruise option has become very popular. “It is fast becoming a trend for corporates for incentives, teambuilding, meetings and conferences.

The major benefit is that a cruise is all inclusive – meaning everything is included in the cruise fare: the accommodation, meals, entertainment and conferencing facility.”

Lizaan Schnettler, who heads the Groups and Incentives portfolio at Cruises International, says cruises are growing in popularity in the MICE sector, not only locally but also around the world. “Cruises offer an incredible range of destinations. Delegates wake up in a

different port every day, and there is a choice of where you would like to go,” she says.

Another reason why cruising has become so popular is the convenience it offers. Says Lizaan: “A cruise ship is a one-stop shop for incentives. Everything from conferencing, arranging cocktail parties, award events, group photos, exclusive use of a restaurant for a gala dinner, and so much more is available.”

Most cruise vessels also have a dedicated group

co-ordinator on board to assist. “The groups department assists in planning and logistics, and ensures all activities happen on board as per the client’s requirements,” says Ross.

He says MSC Cruises has seen an increase in MICE events on board the MSC Sinfonia year-on-year as corporates realise the benefits and value of cruising.

Cruising represents very real value for money to corporates, especially when it involves larger groups. Not only is there a range of activities on board to meet the preferences of just about anyone, but it also allows for very good networking as the shop is a self-contained environment that allows for a captive audience – meaning delegates cannot leave.

Seven things to consider Agents organising a MICE

event must book and pay relevant deposits to secure cabins long in advance.

Group sizes are probably the biggest consideration, says Lizaan. “There is a minimum requirement that has to be adhered to,” she says. “At Cruises International, we can cater for any group of

eight cabins and up.” MSC Cruises requires a minimum of 12 cabins for MICE bookings, says Ross. “We work closely with organisers of an event to ensure that all their requirements are taken care of, while a dedicated conference co-ordinator is also available throughout the event.”

According to Ross, many elements can be tailored to suit client needs. From cabin drops to private cocktail parties, to allowing corporates to brand their venues for functions in a variety of ways, very little is not possible.

All delegates must be in possession of a valid passport if the cruise

vessel is leaving South African waters.

“Transfers, arranging of shore excursions and the variety of entertainment are also all elements that need to be considered,” says Lizaan.

It is also important to consider the length of the cruise and the number of days at sea, which ports

will be visited, the amount of land excursions and how much time is required to simply enjoy being on board.

Agents need to make sure they understand and factor in the cost and time of getting delegates to the cruise vessel and back home again from the docking port.

Worldwide, cruises are growing in popularity for incentives.

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14 n Wednesday May 17 2017 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

CORPORATE TRAVEL

Six great local specials Southern Sun Katherine Street

in Johannesburg is offering long-stay specials for guests staying for a week or longer in its studio apartments. Rates are from R1 150 per room per night for a minimum of seven nights, valid until August 31. The studio apartments have a separate lounge, dining room and a self-catering kitchenette. Island Club Hotel and

Apartments in Cape Town is

offering a winter special from R1 390 per room per night. The rate includes accommodation in a superior deluxe room, breakfast, parking and WiFi. Valid seven days a week until July 31. The Fairmont Zimbali Resort in

KZN is offering a ‘winter warmer’ special from R1 520pppn. The rate includes one night’s accommodation and breakfast. Valid until September 30.

24-hour conference packages at Ingeli Forest Resort in Kokstad start from R1 130pps per night, including accommodation, dinner and breakfast, two soft drinks, WiFi and parking. For the conference, buffet lunch, two tea and coffee breaks with snacks, stationery, data projector and screen, flip chart and marker pens, water, sweets and venue hire are included. BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central

is offering special rates from R897 for a single and R1 029

for a double room per night. The rate is room only and not valid for groups. Valid until June 30, subject to availability and full pre-payment. Dolphin Beach Hotel in Cape

Town is offering a winter special from R930 per single room per night. The rate includes accommodation in a lagoon-facing apartment with breakfast, parking and WiFi. A minimum two-night stay is required. Valid from Sunday to Thursday until July 31. Southern Sun Katherine Street in Johannesburg.

The Fairmont Zimbali Resort in KZN.

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JOBSCOMMUNITYNEWSBirths, deaths, marriages, promotions – we want to know! Please e-mail TNW’s Taryn Nightingale, at tarynn@nowmedia.co.za.

QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday May 17 2017 n 15

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Pick of the week

These adverts were selected from the vacancy section of www.travelinfo.co.za For more details contact jobs@travelinfo.co.za

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Intermediate FIT Leisure Consultant – RamsgateWY-GO4-5 years’ experience. Galileo. Experience with groups a benefit. Willing to travel. Microsoft Office skills. Attention to detail and perfection. Email: wesley@wy-go.com

German Incentives Consultant – Cape TownQuantex Recruitment Group3+ years’ incentives experience, fluency in German & experience within a DMC essential. Be rewardedwhen joining this leading luxury travel brand! Email: bridget@quantex.co.za Leisure Expert – GautengLee Botti & AssociatesNorth. Love making holiday dreams a reality? Personalised team in upmarket shopping centre wants you! Amadeus essential. Lucrative basic + commission. Email: traceyc@leebotti.co.za

Travel Consultant specializing in cruisingFlight Centre Travel GroupPassionate about cruising? Flight Centre’s fastest growing brand is looking for cruise consultants.Email: jobs@fctg.co.za

Rates Administrator – JohannesburgEquity Connections ccHighly skilled, experienced rates expert sought! Accurately load rates, specials, terms and conditions etc. in Tourplan. Rates knowledge plus Tourplan essential. Email: equitycon@mweb.co.za Business Development Executive – RosebankClub TravelJoin sales team in Rosebank, Gauteng. The ideal candidate must have previous corporate industry experience with a minimum of 3 years’ sales experience in travel. Email: careers@clubtravel.co.za

Senior German Sales Consultant – N/Suburbs, Cape TownQuantex Recruitment Group5+ years’ inbound consulting experience, excellent East Africa product/destination knowledge, & astrong sales focus required by safari experts. Email: bridget@quantex.co.za

Senior Corporate Fundi – GautengLee Botti & AssociatesNorth. Well established TMC! Affluent clientele requires your flair for complex internationals and Galileo proficiency. Competitive offer. Email: traceyc@leebotti.co.za

Junior-Intermediate Travel Consultant – SandtonFlight Centre Travel GroupOne of Flight Centre’s top leisure stores is looking for experienced consultants. Email: jobs@fctg.co.za

Financial Accountant – JohannesburgEquity Connections ccTake full responsibility for month-end, age analysis, balance sheet, budgets, VAT process etc. Relevanttertiary education, three years’ senior experience needed. Email: equitycon@mweb.co.za

Marketing Administrator – DurbanvilleClub TravelBe involved in group marketing and primarily support corporate division with marketing functions,requests and campaigns - as well as other divisions in the group. Email: careers@clubtravel.co.za

Financial Accountant – SandtonWendy’s Travel PersonnelFinancial diploma/degree. Knowledge and experience of Tourplan, Accpac and Touring is advantageous.Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar financial role. Email: wtp@icon.co.za

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Kenya Tourism embraces tradeTHE Kenya Tourism Board is moving to strengthen its relationship with the South African travel trade with the appointment of a new local representative, Activ8 Branding.

KTB will participate at this year’s Indaba in Durban and will host a special event to launch its new campaign,

Asambe e Kenya, at its stand on May 17, at 12pm.

The tourist board will also embark on a local trade roadshow, for agents and tour operators to learn more about the destination.

“South Africa is an important market for us. We are pleased to be able to drive the market with

some strategic campaigns through our new partnership with Activ8 Branding. KTB is aligning its efforts towards creating a full awareness about who we are as a country, and the myriad of experiences that have on offer for travellers to Kenya,” said KTB ceo, Dr Betty Radier.

Gentlemen in Travel (GIT) held one of its many networking lunches at Vasco’s Seafood and Grill in Bedfordview last month. The club has a new committee. Pictured, from left, are chairperson, Raymond Wilson, hotel member development manager of Chakela Hotels and Resorts; with committee members, George Argyropoulos, md of Cruises International; Marco Cristofoli, coo of BidTravel; and Andrew Richard, deputy gm of Southern Sun Montecasino. Photo: Taryn Nightingale

Men in charge!

SA to benefit from eNett CSR programmeENETT has partnered with Melon Educate, an African development charity, to focus on South Africa as the next beneficiary of eNett’s CSR programmes ‘Repay the eNett way’. The focus of the

programme is to help develop infrastructure and education in underprivileged areas so that these communities can take advantage of South Africa’s growing tourism industry. The main way this will be

done is through a ‘Building Blitz’, where volunteers build a school in the course of a week. The eNett team will be raising funds until they travel to Cape Town in November to build the school in Khayelitsha.

Globus Family of Brands has appointed Janine Pienaar as its sales and marketing manager. Janine is based in Cape Town and was previously marketing

manager for Centara Hotels & Resorts.

Sebastian Mikosz will join Kenya Airways as group managing director and ceo from June 1.

Sebastian has 20 years’ experience in executive management in the private and public sector. He was previously ceo of eSky.pl, a central European online travel agent, and president and ceo of LOT Polish Airlines.

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16 n Wednesday May 17 2017 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

TNW NEWS

Are sports holidays becoming popular?

Slow growth for sports holidays

No. I’ve had the same number of requests that I’ve always had.

I’ve never even heard of sports holidays.

Sort of. I’ve had more requests for sports holidays than before.

Yes. I’ve noticed a steady increase in requests for sports holidays.

Book early, save bigFastjet launched its ‘book 21 days in advance’ campaign to educate the trade on booking early. The earlier passengers book, the better the chances are to secure lower fares. “Our low-cost business model allows us to keep fares low for everyone, and rewarding passengers who book early with even lower fares is just another way that fastjet is working to make flying even more affordable,” says ceo, Nico Bezuidenhout. Pictured is Sean Bradley, general manager sales of fastjet. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl.

New gateway to US for SA travellersMathias Ringa

EAST Africa is expected to become a gateway to the US as both Kenya Airways

and RwandAir plan to launch flights to the country in the coming year. However, South African travel agents doubt that it will be an interesting option for SA travellers.

The Kenya national carrier has submitted its application for direct flights to the US, targeting June 2018 for the inaugural flight. The airline is also seeking to partner with an American carrier through codesharing.

Mbuvi Ngunze, Kenya Airways’ outgoing ceo, confirmed that the application had been made, adding approval might come by the end of this year. “We plan to inaugurate the flights in June

next year as we have to match the approval date with market trends.”

RwandAir also recently announced that it was planning to expand its services to New York within the next year (see TNW March 1).

However, although travel agents say there is always a need for more airline options to the US from South Africa, East Africa might not be an ideal option because of the added flying time, unless price was the determining factor.

“Kenya Airways is a well-known airline and travellers would consider it favourably, if the prices are good and connections convenient,” says Inge Beadle, co-owner of Corporate Travel Services. She says although her clients have been satisfied with RwandAir, some travellers might be

hesitant to fly via Kigali because of security concerns.

According to Dinesh Naidoo, group operations director of SWG, the distance to the US via East Africa is just too long. “SAA and Delta fly direct from South Africa. Other travellers will choose to fly through the Middle East, which offers a much better option than East Africa,” he says.

However, Rachael Penaluna, business manager of Sure Maritime Travel, says the ban on electronics from some Middle Eastern countries has changed the game. She says flying via East Africa is not ideal because of the extra flying time, making Europe the better alternative. “This will be an interesting route to watch in light of airline and worldwide security and how it affects travellers.”

TC betters its businessCandiCe May

TRAVEL Counsellors plans to upgrade how its agents do business. The consortium will pump R12m into the investment of its myTC app locally, ceo Steve Byrne said at Travel Counsellors’ annual conference held on May 5-7 at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town. The app will eventually enable travellers to plan, book and organise every aspect of their trip while being in contact with their agent 24/7, eliminating the need to converse via the phone or email.

Steve says the app, which launched May last year and “combines high tech with human touch”, was introduced to keep up with the growing trend of travellers wanting to organise their travel via their mobile phones. “This investment is a way of future-proofing our business. Staying dedicated to promoting intimate customer relationships is critical to an ITC company’s survival,” he says. Waseem Haq, digital and innovations

director of TC, adds that the app is a way of supplementing rather than substituting how agents and customers liaise.

The app’s current features include imagery and videos to provide trip inspiration, an enquiries section to request and view travel quotes, and the ability to request an appointment or booking with an agent. New features include an integrated system that will collect data on what a traveller did or didn’t enjoy about their trip. This will make future trip planning easier for agents and ensure that customers are only sent marketing relevant to their interests. Other features on the way include flight status, parking availability, geographical tracking, road mapping and duty of care.

Within the next two years, TC envisages that most of its customers will only be using their mobile phones to make bookings. Mladen Lukic, gm of TC South Africa, says many customers are already using the app to engage with agents. He believes it will have the biggest impact on

the corporate market as it will remove all admin-related processes involved in booking. Travellers will not need to carry a wad of paperwork to ensure all itineraries are in one place, for example. Steve says the app will drive more bleisure travel for the same reasons. “Spontaneously deciding to extend a trip will be completely fuss-free, no matter where you are.”

TC agents agree that the rapidly improving app puts them ahead of the curve. Roshnee Govender says the app has already given her customers peace of mind knowing that she is available 24/7. Once all the features are added, Siobhan Nel expects the app to be a hit with both corporate and leisure travellers.

Steve says TC will continue to invest in keeping up with trends while ensuring customer relationships remain personal.

“The future is huge,” he concludes.

For more on the TC conference, see the next issue of TNW.

STOP PRESSSAA has appointed Phumeza Nhantsi as its new chief financial officer (cfo), effective May 1. Prior to her appointment, she was the interim cfo of SAA since November. Before joining SAA, she was a director at SizweNtsalubaGobodo, the largest black-owned and -managed firm in Southern Africa. “Regarding the ceo position, the first round of interviews and shortlisting have been concluded. The final round of interviews will start in due course, whereafter a discussion with the shareholders will be sought,” Finance Minister, Malusi Gigaba, said in Parliament last week.

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