TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

INSI

DE

SOUTHERN AFRICA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLYApril 29 2015 I No. 2347

Page 13

FEATUREGULF TOURISM

Abu Dhabi – the new buzz

Page 6

FEATURE

Where to meet down south

Page 2

NEWS90 DAY ACTION PLAN

SAA achieves ‘significant milestones’

TNW6867SD

TNW7003SD

Tickets to the 2015 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are now on sale. The race will take place at the Yas Marina Circuit from November 27 to 29. Tickets are available via the Yas Marina website and call centre as well as through all Etihad Shops and Virgin Megastores. Bookings made before May 31 will receive a 20% ‘early bird’ discount. In pole position are Tracey Krog (country manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority); and Jonathan Hollard (trade and MICE executive, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority). For more on Abu Dhabi, see the Gulf Tourism feature on page 13. Photo: Shannon van Zyl.

The race is on!

June 1 – be prepared! doRine ReinsTein

“IT’S all systems go for the implementation on June 1 of the new immigration

regulations,” says Mmatšatši Ramawela, ceo of the Tourism Business Council of SA.

Despite ongoing engagement, it is unlikely that the Department of Home Affairs will abandon the requirement for unabridged birth certificates and travel agents are advised to inform their customers of the implications of travelling without the correct documentation.

“Despite a recent meeting between the deputy minister of Home Affairs, Fatima Chohan, and travel and tourism associations in South Africa represented by umbrella body, the TBCSA, all indications are that the 12-month moratorium

on the implementation of the impending immigration regulations will not be passed,” Asata said.

Mmatšatši says the TBCSA has engaged with the DHA on three occasions since the announcement of the new immigration regulations in 2014. However, the feedback from all meetings was that the DHA would press ahead with the implementation of the new regulation from June 1.

To make sure the implementation happens smoothly, the DHA is developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which will be used by immigration officials at ports of entry.

Mmatšatši says the deputy minister has committed to sharing the SOP documents with the TBCSA for input before finalising them. The finer

details of the SOPs will assist the TBCSA to address some of the miscommunication in the market regarding the new regulations, says Mmatšatši. “We will be making follow-ups in this regard, to at least get the SOPs to get further clarity on the requirements of the new regulations to disseminate proper information to our members.”

Travel agents should be prepared for June 1, says Otto de Vries, ceo of Asata. He says they should warn affected clients not to delay applying for unabridged birth certificates as the time frame for obtaining the birth certificate varies greatly, from a few weeks to several months. “We have even heard of extreme cases taking over a year,” he says.

Meanwhile, trade To page 16

CONFERENCE VENUES

Xenophobia – concerns rise over reprisal attacksdoRine ReinsTein

XENOPHOBIC violence in South Africa has given rise to concerns that South Africans travelling into Africa will be targeted in reprisal attacks.

The SA consulate in Nigeria was closed on April 22 after a spate of anti-xenophobia protests, according to various media reports. South African consul general in Nigeria, Sam Monaisa, reportedly said in an email to the SA

business forum in Nigeria that Nigerians were making use of social media to escalate the already tense situation. He warned forum members to stay alert and not move around unnecessarily, saying that South African businesses and citizens become targets of threats and acts of retaliation whenever xenophobic attacks take place in South Africa.

However, Chris Maroleng, executive Group Corporate Affairs at MTN, told TNW: “We

have not received any direct communication from a credible source that they will shut down MTN operations in Nigeria.” He added that MTN would not repatriate any staff for the moment, as there had been no threats made to SA staff.

In Mozambique, protests against xenophobia in South Africa resulted in the temporary closure of the Lebombo border post between SA and Mozambique after reports that cars with SA registration plates

were being stoned and trucks exporting goods grounded. The border post has since been reopened.

Sasol has evacuated 340 SA employees from its Mozambique operation out of fear for their safety. Mining company, Kenmare Resources, has temporarily repatriated the SA members of its workforce at the Moma Mine, saying it was a precautionary measure, due to unrest regarding foreign workers in South Africa,

which had recently created reciprocal unrest concerning South Africans working in Mozambique.

Until formal government advisories against travel into Africa are issued, or local partners caution against travel, there is no credible reason for a TMC to advise its clients not to travel at this time, says Ben Langner, md of Carlson Wagonlit Travel.

As far as duty of care is To page 16

2 n Wednesday April 29 2015 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

NEWS

Rubes® By Leigh Rubin

Phone: (011) 327-4062 Fax: (011) 327-4094 E-mail: tnw@nowmedia.co.za 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 Group Editor: Natasha Schmidt natashas@nowmedia.co.za Contributors: Debbie Badham Tessa Reed Hilka Birns Max Marx Dorine Reinstein Caro Malherbe Darise Foster Photographer: Shannon Van Zyl Production Editor: Ann Braun

PUBLISHER Kate Nathan katen@nowmedia.co.za

GROUP PUBLISHER David Marsh davem@nowmedia.co.za

ADVERTISING Sales: katen@nowmedia.co.za Advertising Co-ordinator: Courtney Canham courtneyc@nowmedia.co.za

PRODUCTION Design Head: Dirk Voorneveld

SUBSCRIPTIONS Circulation tvlsubs@nowmedia.co.za

Top web stories

TNW7000SD

TNW6002SD

SAA achieves ‘significant milestones’Natasha schmidt

“SOUTH Africans now have a national aviation asset that

is well on its way to relative stability,” says SAA acting ceo, Nico Bezuidenhout.

He was speaking at a media briefing earlier this month, where he provided feedback on the conclusion of SAA’s 90 Day Action Plan. The plan, which concluded on March 24, was a roadmap to stabilise the carrier and resume full implementation of a refined Long-Term Turnaround Strategy, he said. “There is no doubt that while we have achieved significant milestones during the 90-day period in review, the real task of full implementation of a refined LTTS is at the starting block.”

Within the 90 days, the airline managed to implement and effect several changes that address some of its major financial issues. Total annualised EBITDA improvement, from the commencement of its new financial year on April 1, would amount to R1,25bn as per the initial target as agreed in November, Nico said.

SAA expects to save around R440m per annum as a result of cutting its direct flights between Johannesburg and Beijing and Johannesburg and Mumbai.

The airline has also renegotiated a deal with Airbus, first made in 2002, to receive 10 of the 20 A320 aircraft it had on order. SAA will no longer receive 10 A320s, rather, it will take delivery of five A330 wide-body, fuel-efficient aircraft that will better serve its medium-haul African routes.

These will come on stream in 2016 and will save the airline R1,4bn.

The airline realised R290m savings relating to fleet financing/composition changes and R425m from reviewing onerous agreements, including over 150 procurement contracts. “Anyone who has a contract with SAA that is up for renewal should expect a 15% reduction in costs as part of SAA’s new procurement

structure,” Nico said. The SAA Board has

investigated several future funding models for the business and will table recommendations to National Treasury.

This includes plans to privatise parts of SAA operations as well as pursue a public listing of its subsidiary, Mango. Nico said there was buyer interest in some of the constituent parts of the group and that government would make a decision in the first quarter of the new financial year, which began this month.

Regarding recent reports that suggested SAA was in talks with both Air China and HNA Group’s Hainan Airlines that could see the airlines take a stake in SAA, Nico said SAA was “not in talks about selling itself to any other airline right now”.

“I accept that the selling of SAA is the most interesting thing we can talk about,” Nico said. “But that does not change our business, our operations. What we, as a management team, need to focus on is having an efficient and effective entity that ideally you would not want to sell.”

“SAA is not in talks about selling itself to any other airline

right now.”

TNW pick: No more ADMs New passport application system to be trialled Trade abandons SA SAA ‘not in sales talks’ R680m Tsogo Sun hotel coming to Cape

TNW6980SD

4 n Wednesday April 29 2015 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

NEWS

TNW6992SD

It's raining ESD points in travel

www.tep.co.za

Revised B-BBEE Framework effective May

For more information on TEP’s Enterprise & Supplier Development Solutions and how to earn full points, contact Fathima Haffejee on (010) 612 0261 / (011) 880-3790 or email esds@tep.co.za

TNW7303

Trade platforms key to tourism growthTessa Reed

INTERNATIONAL travel trade shows taking place in Cape Town and on the continent

unlock Africa’s potential and showcase its offerings to a global audience.

This was the message City of Cape Town Mayor, Patricia de Lille, shared with delegates while opening WTM Africa 2015 at the Cape Town International Convention

Centre, which took place from April 13-15.

The inbound and outbound trade show boasted an increase of over 18% on visitor attendance to the show on last year’s inaugural event, as well as 570 exhibitors and 82% new buyers.

“As a developing continent, Africa has proved to be a resilient force in the global market, emerging from challenging circumstances to

achieve notable successes,” said Patricia. She described tourism as a major economic sector in the city, creating jobs and exposing the city to international markets.

“We are very proud to support WTM Africa, which acts as a catalyst to unlock new ideas and new possibilities.”

WTM Africa 2016 will take place in Cape Town from April 6 to 8.

Verde Hotels looks to Africa for green opportunitiesTessa Reed

HOTEL Verde has launched a hotel management group to take the green concept of its Cape Town hotel into Africa.

Verde Hotels will focus on the development and management of sustainable hotels and offer consulting on sustainable hotel practices, environmental impact assessments and assistance with retro fitting. Speaking at the launch of Verde Hotels at WTM Africa, Samantha Annandale, gm of Hotel Verde, said: “We built Africa’s greenest hotel. Our aim is to

build every country’s greenest hotel.”

She said, given Africa’s energy challenges there was a critical need for sustainable hotels. “We realised that if you are going to build a hotel as a hotel chain you should only be building green hotels. That’s the future.” She said operators that continued to build hotels the way they had in the past would be left behind. “We are proposing that we will be the first truly green sustainable hotel management company within South Africa and Africa.”

Hotel Verde had managed to achieve savings and lower

operating costs because the hotel was built and run in a sustainable way, Samantha said, and that, while building sustainably was more expensive, the cost savings more than recovered this.

She said Hotel Verde had spent an additional R20,2m – or 10% of its overall investment of R187m – to ensure the hotel had been built sustainably. She said the utility costs per room night of a conventional hotel were roughly R97,28, compared with Hotel Verde’s R29,52. “Work that out over 365 days a year over 10 years.”

TNW6389SD

6 n Wednesday April 29 2015 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

TNW6993SD

CONFERENCE VENUES

With a number of premier conference venues and a diverse mix of attractions, Johannesburg’s southern suburbs are a sound choice for meetings with a difference. Max Marx reports.

Where to meet down south

GOLD Reef City is undergoing a R630m refurbishment, which includes its meetings and

conference facilities. For meetings, Gold Reef City offers

eight multifunction rooms, catering for between 40 and 1 100 delegates (cinema-style). The Crown Reef Room, which caters for 550 delegates cinema-style, is currently closed for renovation.

The complex remains fully operational throughout the renovation, offering a plethora of entertainment options, such as the Lyric Theatre, which doubles as a conference venue.

There are also a variety of restaurants and bars, including the Back o’ the Moon restaurant – themed on a 1950s bar in Sophiatown – which has reopened with the addition of a cognac and cigar bar.

Vigour & Verve is a new restaurant offering healthy meal options.

The theme park offers a range of team-building activities, from ‘Amazing Race’ and ‘Survivor’-type packages to ‘murder mysteries’ and ‘movie-making’ challenges, which see delegates deciphering clues, solving riddles and exploring and navigating challenges and obstacles through team work.

On site are two hotels – the four-star, 38-room Southern Sun Gold Reef City Hotel and the four-star, 75-room Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel, reminiscent of an authentic turn-of-the-century mining town. Free WiFi is available to guests at both hotels.

Also part of the renovations is the launch of the Tsogo Sun movie franchise, Movies@, featuring a six-cinema complex as well as a 12-lane tenpin bowling alley, five new restaurants and a fast food court.

The upgrade is due for completion in October.

Multi-faceted meetings in SowetoAPART from its great conference facilities, Soweto’s chief attractions for corporates desiring a multi-faceted meeting experience include its fascinating history and adventure-packed team-building activities.

The 48-room, four-star Soweto Hotel & Conference Centre in historic Kliptown caters for conferences of up to 60 delegates, cinema-style (50 schoolroom). Bigger groups of 100 delegates (cinema-style) can be hosted at the nearby Soweto Information Centre. Guests are entertained by local jazz artists at the on-site Jazz Maniacs Restaurant.

A half-day Soweto itinerary, recommended by Ahaah Shuttle & Tours, includes a stop at Orlando Twin Towers, where visitors enjoy a Kasi-style braai at Chaf-Pozi restaurant; a walk around Kliptown’s historic Walter Sisulu Square; a stop at Bolo’s Place with its collection of Kliptown antiques; a visit to Ubuntu Kraal to sample locally made Soweto Gold craft beer; and a walk around the Vilakazi Precinct with its Mandela Family Museum and Hector Pieterson Memorial. Culinary tours, a cooking experience and a craft and art tour are also on offer.

Clients seeking a more authentic township experience can stay at Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers. The lodge offers guided bike, tuk tuk

and walking tours of Soweto, where visitors interact with locals, enjoy a township braai, take part in a drumming session, enjoy a spot of dancing, visit a traditional healer and even attend a church service.

For conservation enthusiasts, Bay of Grace Tours takes visitors on bird-watching and cycling tours of the township, focusing on Soweto’s green areas. Cycling tours start at the Eyethu Lifestyle Centre, where visitors can enjoy lunch, view art exhibitions and enjoy wine tastings.

Soweto Outdoor Adventures is Soweto’s only adventure centre, offering quad biking, go karts, paintball and bungee jumping packages, which make for great team-building adventures. Owner, Kgomotso Pooe, has also created SoWeToo Tours, which operates the Soweto leg of the CitySightseeing Joburg tours, with pick-up at the Gold Reef City stop. Options include a standard Soweto tour as well as tailor-made private tours.

To really mingle with Soweto residents, TKD Tours offers the Soweto Exchange tour, where guests travel around the township on local public transport, lunch at the home of a Soweto family or in a shebeen, and explore Soweto’s off-the-beaten-track places. TKD Tours also offers walking and cycling tours of Kliptown.

Did you know?

Delegates who wish to explore Johannesburg’s sights can start their tour at Gold Reef City and they’ll receive a number of discounts when they purchase a City Sightseeing Joburg Red City Tour ticket, including R50 off the entrance to the Gold Reef City Theme Park; a 20% discount voucher for lunch at Barney’s at the Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel, and R15 off entrance to the Apartheid Museum.

QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday April 29 2015 n 7

Africa’s Premier Lifestyle and Sporting Destination

Advertisement

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

TNW7347

Increasing traffic to the city region using major sporting and lifestyle events to create a fulfilling experience for the visitors and beneficiation for local enterprises

Soweto Derby, 7th March 2015The Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs attracts over 90 000 fans to the majestic Soccer City with millions glued to their television sets.

This is one of Africa’s biggest soccer derbies and ranks amongst the best derbies in the world. It is one of the must-do things in GeePee. The experience starts way before match day with rival fans (almost the entire country divided in half) exchanging words and punting their teams.

It is broadcast to over 6 million viewers across SA, Africa and the Middle East, serving as a true advertisement for destination Gauteng, confirming our standing as Africa’s leading events, sporting and entertainment capital. Soccer fans may use the derby as an ‘experience GeePee’ and ‘explore Soweto’ weekend, mixing

soccer with a visit to some of the country’s top historic and heritage sites. They dine and wine in Africa’s biggest township, and the brave take a bungee jump from the famous twin towers e’Kasi.

The derby sees soccer fans using some of the many backpacking and budget accommodation facilities in the region – so a simple soccer match contributes to the economy of Soweto. Gauteng Tourism, working with our various product owners, promotes affordable Soweto Derby accommodation and experience packages. Soweto Hotel, Lebo’s Backpackers, Mama Lolo BnB, the Reef Hotel and Gold Reef City are some of the places to stay and enjoy a remarkable Soweto experience with a focus on township experience, sports and lifestyle.

Spirit of GautengGauteng, South Africa’s province of gold, is a place born out of the chase for gold. The spirit, richness, celebration and ongoing search for gold remains interwoven into our natural resources, our people and their cultures.

We are not only Africa’s economic hub, but we also provide an unrivalled experience of South Africa’s complex history and much-celebrated heritage, vibrant arts scene, spirited people, competitive sport and the Cradle of

Humankind. Similarly, we are home to many gigantic sporting and lifestyle events, positioning the destination as the hub of lifestyle content and a key inspiration to local and regional travellers and visitors alike.

An Urban City Vibe, world-class telecommunications infrastructure, modern and sophisticated banking systems and the availability of leading shopping brands, hotels and leisure attractions make our destination a preferred area for

both business and leisure travellers, especially from the African continent. Supporting this unique offering, Gauteng Tourism (through the activation of its bidding and hosting plan) has identified some of the key events and periods to promote our lifestyle offerings. Music, fashion, cuisine, shopping and a variety of sporting and cultural activities are made up for our visitors.

This campaign is intended to package and present to the market all these as part of a bigger lifestyle offering with a call to action to

‘SPEND ANOTHER DAY’ in Gauteng and immerse yourself in these world-class experiences under the golden skylines.

Catching a bite before the soccer match at the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein

Ready for the big game

FNB Stadium is a prime sporting venue

8 n Wednesday April 29 2015 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

TNW6999SD

We enlisted the help of meetings expert, Clare Coomer, to inspect the new meeting space at the Emperors Palace Conference Centre in Johannesburg. After a detailed walkthrough, she has provided us with her independent assessment of the venue.

Emperors – the empire expandsRECENT upgrades to the Emperors Palace Convention Centre have seen a further 1 800sqm added to the venue’s conferencing facilities. The Romanesque-style centre now offers a total of 29 conferencing venues, with capacities catering from eight to 3 000 delegates.

State-of-the-art audio visual equipment is available, and delegates are provided with free WiFi access of up to 500MB per device, per person, per day. To increase the comfort of delegates during breaks or socialising, casual seating has been set up within the pre-assembly area of the venue’s new conferencing wing. What’s more, the Convention Centre now has an Information Centre to assist all delegates on arrival.

Featured in the south wing, close to the conference venues, is the CODESA walkway. The walkway is beautifully preserved, and is, I

am told, the only venue in our country where the bridge to democracy can be found!

Also convenient is the venue’s location close to OR Tambo International Airport. A complimentary shuttle service operates every 20 minutes, from 06h00 to 23h00 every day, to its selection of four hotels, ranging from the five-star D’oreale Grande, to the four-star Mondior, three-star Metcourt Suites and Peermont Metcourt. These hotels offer a combined total of 674 air-conditioned hotel rooms within one complex. All rooms offer standard features such as an electronic room safe, hairdryer, TV, tea/coffee station, bath and shower, except for the Mondior, which offers either a bath or shower.

In terms of the complex facilities, guests have access to the casino slots and tables, a health spa, tennis courts, gym facilities, live shows at

the Odeon Showbar & Theatre of Marcellus, 14 different restaurants, and six Nu Metro cinemas.

When it comes to parking facilities, there is ample parking space close to the convention centre. Directional signage is clear and leaves no room for confusion. The complex also offers access to Rhodesfield Gautrain station, putting Sandton and Pretoria within easy reach. It operates weekdays from

05h30 to 20h30. Once the site inspection

was over, I enjoyed a delicious luncheon at the Galleria restaurant – guests are certainly spoiled for choice, with a wide selection of buffet dishes.

Having booked numerous conferences and functions at Emperors Palace over the last few years, I can certainly speak from experience when I say it is definitely a venue of choice.

The inspectorClare Coomer, exco committee member of the PCO Alliance Network and director of Network Conferences, has been in the conference industry for the last 35 years. Her career in hotels started in Zimbabwe with Meikles Southern Sun Hotels, moving to South Africa in 1981 where she joined the Southern Sun Hotels sales team. Clare founded Network Conferences in 1994.

Clare Coomer

Emperors Palace. Photo: Peermont

CONFERENCE VENUES – VENUE INSPECTOR

DCP rates

from

R460

TNW6997SD

10 n Wednesday April 29 2015 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

TNW6994SD

5 things to remember when conferencing in remote locationsTechnology has changed the way the world works. Thanks to the Internet, conferencing in locations that are far from the city is easier than ever before. Liesl Venter spoke to Pieter Swart of Conference Consultancy South Africa, to find out what conference organisers need to consider before setting off.

1. Know your locationConfidence in your chosen location is closely linked to knowing exactly what it offers. Whether through online research or a visit to the destination prior to the conference, you need to identify all the restrictions or shortcomings in services and supply beforehand. This will allow you to plan far more effectively. Choosing the venue is probably one of the most important steps in planning a conference, and having knowledge of the venue, its location, the weather, accommodation facilities, parking and attractions is crucial. Also, make an effort to research the customs and culture of the local people.

2. Evaluate risksIdentify all known and potential risks associated with an event in a remote location and plan to mitigate them. Consult widely when it comes to the risk assessment

and mitigation plan, involving all the necessary role-players.

3. Brief your guests Brief guests and delegates well in advance – the same goes for suppliers. They have to be in a position to prepare for the journey and because they can’t just quickly pop out to replace something left at home it is essential they have as much information as possible prior to leaving home. Make sure they have the knowledge to prepare for the journey and stay, and offer them practical advice on what to expect. Although not applicable to a local destination such as the Drakensberg, other destinations might require travel documents for cross-border journeys. Inoculations and/or prophylactics may also be required in areas where disease is endemic. Thorough communication with all stakeholders in preparation for an event held in a remote location is most important.

4. ChecklistNever underestimate the importance of a list. Ensure that you have a proper checklist for collateral (bags, ID tags, programmes, gifts/handouts), office equipment and supplies (everything that needs to be transferred to the remote location) in your event specification guide, then have those checked off and packed before departure. It is good to remember when heading off to a remote location that what’s left behind will stay behind.

5. Take care of yourselfRemain aware of your own state of health. Unlike conferences in a city where someone can stand in at a moment’s notice, when you are in a more remote place it all comes down to you. Remember prescription medication and vitamins and anything else that is needed for your own well being. You cannot look after others if you are incapacitated.

CONFERENCE VENUES

Pieter Swart

QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday April 29 2015 n 11

TNW7002SD

Test your knowledge

Luxury at Capital Moloko

TRAVEL agents stand a chance to win a trip to the Zambezi Sun in Livingstone by signing up for and completing Travelinfo’s online ‘Dreams – Falls Resort Zambia’ workshop.

Agents can learn more about conferencing on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls. The Falls Convention Centre offers facilities for up to 450 delegates and is suitable for a variety of conferences, corporate functions,

product launches, senior management meetings, brain storming and strategy sessions.

There are four conference venues at the Zambezi Sun, all of which are inter-leading, allowing for variable sizes depending on the requirements. There is also a business centre and boardroom and various outdoor dining options.

See Travelinfo for more details.

The Blue Train offers corporates the opportunity to tailor-make their own Blue Train route. The train can be chartered for strategic meetings, product launches, VIP cocktail parties, Christmas lunches, dinners and even weddings. The Conference Car, which accommodates up to 22 delegates, is fully equipped with audio-visual and technical equipment for a high level business meeting or a small conference. Photo: The Blue Train

THE Capital Moloko conference centre offers full conference services with the added benefit of luxury accommodation at affordable rates. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, facilities have been designed to include natural light to create a pleasant conferencing experience in the heart of Sandton. The Capital Moloko can accommodate just under 200 delegates cinema style. Rates

start at R500 per person for a full-day package, which includes lunch and three tea breaks, while a half-day conference package – including lunch and two tea breaks – costs R460 per person. A second half-day option, with lunch and one tea break, costs R420 per person. All packages include conference venue hire, secure parking, standard conference equipment, notepads, pens and bottled water.

Charter The Blue Train!

CONFERENCE VENUES

A country feel in the heart of Sandton. Photo: Capital Moloko

12 n Wednesday April 29 2015 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

TNW7001SD

THE Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre has introduced a ‘Recharge Package’ for corporates travelling through OR Tambo International Airport with lengthy stopovers, to relax at the new Silverbirch wing of the hotel. The Birchwood is located less than 10 minutes from the arrivals hall at OR Tambo International and offers

hourly shuttle services. Travellers will be able to catch up on sleep or work at designated work stations equipped with free Internet. The package also grants clients access to the hotel’s restaurants, the swimming pool, gym facilities and large gardens, and includes a R100 voucher for Mangwanani African Spa. Rates start at R499 for five hours.

Book it!

African Hotels and Adventures’ Kopanong Hotel and Conference Centre in Gauteng is running a conference special from May 1 until July 31. Conference rates are R396 per person, while accommodation, inclusive of breakfast, is R880pppn or R556ppspn. Dinners may be arranged at an additional R165 per person.The group is also running a winter special on conferencing at Thakadu River Camp in North West province. Rates start at R1 720ppspn or R2 850pppn, for a minimum of three nights. The offer includes lunch, dinner, two game drives, bed and breakfast, and is valid between Mondays and Thursdays from May 1-31.

The Emerald Collection has attractive conference and banqueting packages for any corporate event in Zanzibar. Full- and half-day packages are available at the Hideaway of Nungwi Resort and Spa, which caters for four to 180 delegates. Packages include IT support, complimentary wireless Internet, dedicated meeting and event staff, and catering for special dietary requirements. Parking, basic equipment, conference stationery and basic refreshments are also supplied. Clients should enquire about discounted spa packages for delegates. Rates start at R471 for half-day packages or R531 for full-day meetings. The Dream of Zanzibar Resort (pictured) offers facilities equipped with air-conditioning and WiFi services. Packages include afternoon buffet-style coffee breaks. The resort’s conference facilities accommodate up to 140 delegates. Rates start from R355 for half-day meeting packages, while full-day packages start at R474. Photo: Dreams of Zanzibar

CONFERENCE VENUES

Zanzibar-style conferencing

Corporates can enjoy some time out in the Birchwood Hotel’s Silverbirch wing – located in a discreet section of the hotel. Photo: Silverbirch

Recharge at Silverbirch

QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday April 29 2015 n 13

TNW6996SD

GulfTOURISM

Abu Dhabi is enjoying a new profile among South African travellers. Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority is opening in South Africa and SAA has launched daily flights to the city, expanding its codeshare with Etihad Airways. Lisa Witepski investigates.

Abu Dhabi – the new buzz

WITH Abu Dhabi more accessible to South Africans than ever

before – thanks largely to the addition of a second daily flight made possible through SAA and Etihad Airways’ expanded codeshare – the timing seemed right for the establishment of a local branch of the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), says the organisation’s country manager, Tracey Krog.

The destination has much to offer the South African traveller. With a large number of Muslims calling South Africa home, TCA Abu Dhabi’s Halal Tourism programme, promoting self-

guided visits to culturally important sites, is on target, she says. To this end, TCA Abu Dhabi is joining forces with specialist tour operators in South Africa, such as Legend Tours, who are able to speak directly to the target market.

The destination also boasts a number of attractions for sports fans, from Ferrari World to the only links course in the United Arab Emirates. Events such as the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon and Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship are further draw cards.

For art lovers, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is set to open at the end of 2015 and

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will open its doors in 2017.

Yas Waterworld and the Arabian Wildlife Park satisfy the need for family activities, while the Yas and Marina malls offer excellent shopping opportunities.

The destination is also gearing up for the cruise industry with the launch of a cruise terminal at the end of the year.

But the MICE market will be the destination’s key focus, says Tracey. “With two

daily flights, accessibility is assured.

The destination is well priced, within R1 500ppns. With a plethora of hotels and conference venues, it is well equipped for conventions and has, in the past year, hosted significant international events such as the Eye on Earth Summit.”

With double-daily flights, the city’s appeal as a stopover destination has also increased.

Natalia Rosa, media and PR executive of TCA Abu Dhabi, says the organisation is undertaking a number of initiatives to educate local travel agents about the destination and its

offerings. Chief among these are training sessions, with an online training service launched on visitabudhabi.ae.

The company is working to establish partnerships with industry players, from tour operators to PCOs and incentive specialists, and will be hosting fam trips to Abu Dhabi.

South Africa has been selected as one of a limited number of markets to participate in TCA Abu Dhabi’s Summer Season campaign, which encourages tour operators to formulate value-for-money packages showcasing the best of Abu Dhabi’s seasonal attractions.

Book it! Thompsons Holidays is offering a four-night special at the five-star

Le Meridien Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Priced at R12 200pps, the offer includes return flights from Johannesburg to Abu Dhabi, airline levy, return transfers, breakfast daily, a tourist visa, a fruit basket and a bottle of mineral water upon arrival. To qualify for this offer, travellers must book and pay 30 days in advance. Travel dates are May 1 to August 27 and the offer expires on July 30. Thompsons Holidays is offering a four-night stay at Dubai’s five-

star Atlantis, The Palm. With prices starting from R23 813 from Johannesburg, the package includes return flights to Dubai, airline levy, return transfers and breakfast and dinner daily. Value-adds include free entry to the Aquaventure Water Park and The Lost Chambers Aquarium. The special is available between July 16 and August 21.

Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

“The MICE market will be Abu Dhabi’s

key focus.”

14 n Wednesday April 29 2015 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

Royal Caribbean back in DubaiROYAL Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas has announced its 2015/2016 schedule, which includes voyages to Dubai as well as shorter and longer cruise options, allowing visitors to explore the UAE and other Middle Eastern destinations.

The seven-day cruise begins and ends in Dubai, with visits along the way to the ports of Khasab and Muscat in Oman and Abu Dhabi.

The longer flagship 16-night Suez Canal cruise starts in Venice before visiting Athens/Piraeus, Haifa and Jerusalem. It will then go through the Suez Canal and cruise the Red Sea, before turning into the Gulf of Aden and round the Arabian Peninsula to the UAE, where the first stopover is Salalah. The trip ends in Dubai. A 16-night version of this same cruise travels in the opposite direction.

Abu Dhabi vs DubaiWHILE Abu Dhabi works to raise its profile among South African travellers who are more familiar with its neighbour, Dubai, industry authorities believe it will boost travel to Dubai, rather than compete with it.

“Abu Dhabi and Dubai are two of the seven Emirates that make up the Union of the UAE. They are only one hour apart and currently many visitors to the country visit both these destinations,” says Wendie White, director of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing Southern Africa.

Increased exposure will benefit the entire Gulf region by increasing focus on the area, she says. “Our experience is that many people want to know more about other Emirates, and while our focus is on Dubai, we realise that SA travellers are seeking to gain the most out of their experience in the region.”

She adds that the organisation has no intention of changing its strategy following TCA Abu Dhabi’s entry into the market.

“There is a clear focus that is being rolled out over the next five years as we follow vp of the UAE and

ruler of Dubai, HE Sheikh Mohammmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s, vision to welcome two million visitors to the Emirate by 2020. In addition, as the Emirate prepares to host the World Expo 2020, our marketing efforts will continue as planned for 2015 and beyond with our focus on family travel, new markets and MICE, for example.”

Tracey Krog adds that the recently established TCA

Abu Dhabi does not intend to compete with Dubai.

“Our strategy is to promote Abu Dhabi as a cost-effective destination rather than a stopover point, emphasising its culture and heritage. Both destinations will, of course, participate in the same road shows and other industry events but our campaigns will be exclusive. We certainly don’t intend to force comparisons between the two destinations.”

Dubai’s popularity as a destination is increasing as it experiences something of an evolution, says Johann Strydom, md of World Leisure Holidays.

“In the past, Dubai was known primarily as a stopover or shopping destination but it’s increasingly becoming thought of as a destination in its own right.

“We’re seeing more people booking five- to seven-night

stays in the city.”John Ridler, Cullinan

Outbound Tourism’s media and PR manager, agrees, adding that Dubai’s popularity has been boosted by the element of the “spectacular”.

“There are so many unique attractions, like Ski Dubai and 4x4 dune safaris. Add to that, swimming with dolphins, fabulous resorts, and year-round good weather.”

Brush up on your knowledgeAGENTS eager to improve their knowledge about Abu Dubai can access Discover Abu Dhabi (www.Discoverabudhabi.tcaabudhabi.ae) – TCA Abu Dhabi’s e-learning channel – which includes info on golfing, adventure

activities, important landmarks, heritage, culture and more. Industry players who complete the workshop between April 7 and September 30 stand to win a number of prizes, including a fam trip to Abu Dhabi.

Gulf TOURISM

Burj Khalifa stands out against Dubai’s skyline. Photo: Dubai Tourism

TNW7005SD

JOBSCOMMUNITYNEWSBirths, deaths, marriages, promotions – we want to know! Please fax or e-mail TNW’s Natasha Schmidt, at natashas@nowmedia.co.za or (011) 327 4094.

QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday April 29 2015 n 15

Appointments

To advertise on this page email

courtneyc@nowmedia.co.za

Top jobs in Cape Town this week:

TNW7359

SNR RATES CO-ORD CBD. Vibrant city based T/O seeks South & East Africa specialist in rate negotiating & loading. Tourplan ess! Sal R 15 000.

ASS RES MNGR Assist in creating new sales & ops strategies and oversee busy team for int’l T/O. R 25 000 ctc.

SNR WHOLESALE CONS CBD. Leading safari expert seeks a deal closer with strong South Africa prod knwldg. Sal R 16 000 + comm.

Call Malika / Lee: 021 418 1084, capetown@nowjobs.co.za

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

brought to you by

TNW

7360

E-Commerce Specialist - CPT, N/SuburbsQuantex Recruitment GroupAn Out-of-the-box thinking, tech-savvy candidate. Take control of clients web-presence. Tourism industry experience & outstanding Southern Africa knowledge required! Email: lee@quantex.co.za

Senior Travel Consultant - RandburgProfessional Career ServicesTravelport/Galileo, Quicktrav, IATA/UFTAA certification an advantage. Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior consulting role. Corporate travel. R18000-R25000 ctc. Email: nonocv@pcs-sa.co.za

Incentives Consultant – SandtonLee Botti & AssociatesSouthern Africa lover with relevant experience of 3 years sought by est co. GDS knowledge a must. Salary to R28 000. Email: corneliavz@nowjobs.co.za

Senior Incentives & Events Consultant – ParktownEquity Connections ccSuit highly skilled consultant with minimum six years in similar role. Manage events/incentives for VIP clients. Email: equitycon@mweb.co.za

Reporting Data Analyst - RandburgFlight Centre Travel groupThis exciting analyst role will be instrumental in development of customer MI for the Corporate business, Excel skills, 3 years’ travel experience. Email: nadia.williams@flightcentre.co.za

Training Development Team Leader - RivoniaTourvest Travel ServicesResponsible for overseeing the end-to-end training and development function. Training will cover inductions/orientation, technical training, soft skills, leaderships development. Email: Nomsa.mathebula@travel.co.za

Top Corporate Senior – Johannesburg – SandtonInfusion Consulting5+ years senior consulting. Multi sector/RTW bookings. Strong fares & ticketing. Galileo: salary R24K CTC + commission. Email: belinda@infusion.co.za

Sales Executive – Cape Town TygervalleyClub TravelAre you passionate about travel & do you possess the drive to analyse the market & offer feedback on markettrends? Email: careers@clubtravel.co.za

Social Media Manager – CPTQuantex Recruitment GroupAre Facebook, Twitter, & all things Social Media your thing? We require an energetic & creative candidate to manage & grow client’s online reach. Email: lee@quantex.co.za

Training & Development Team Leader - Johannesburg NorthProfessional Career ServicesQualified assessor, facilitator & moderator to oversee all training at all levels. Work skills plans, employment equity. Email: jeancv@pcs-sa.co.za

Senior Leisure Consultant – DurbanLee Botti & AssociatesYour experience at senior level and strong leisure background is required for this prestigious leader in the travel industry. Email: ericaks@nowjobs.co.za

Training & Development Team Leader – NorthEquity Connections ccTake charge of training and development of all staff in keeping with legislation. Relevant senior experience essential. Email: equitycon@mweb.co.za

Senior Consultant - Port ElizabethTourvest Travel ServicesPerson that enjoys working within a team. Exposure to Africa critical. Complete reissues and refunds. Ability to conclude multi-sector/round the world reservations. Email: Nomsa.mathebula@travel.co.za

Intermediate Corporate Consultant – LyndhurstWendy’s Travel PersonnelYou will be greatly appreciated for handling domestic reservations to assist senior consultants in lovely working environment!! Email: wtp@icon.co.za

BSP Refunds Clerk – Cape Town CBDClub TravelAssist with refunds and administration. Able to work in a team, be proficient in at least one GDS. Minimum 1-3 years’ BSP experience. Email: careers@clubtravel.co.za

Looking for:• A professional and presentable individual• Self-starter with attention to detail• Excellent administrative skills• Excellent communication skills• Ability to perform under pressure

Principal Accountabilities:• Design creative itineraries • Ongoing communication with clients • Travel with site inspections, groups and

assist with on-site coordination• Responsible for final invoicing and

reconciliation

Southern & East Africa’s Leading Inbound Destination Management Company, seeks experienced Inbound Senior Event Manager

Full-time and paid position based at head-office (Illovo, Johannesburg).

Interested? Apply now: Lufuno Mphephu - Lufuno@dragonfly.co.za

TNW7361

Qualifications and experience:• Grade 12 certificate• A minimum of 3 years’

experience in a senior account management role, specializing in incentive inbound tourism

• In depth product knowledge of Southern Africa

• Knowledge and experience in MS Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Word)

Use your travel experience

Become a Travelinfo Account Executive, this position would suit an intermediate travel consultant looking for a career change.

Use your good people skills and travel industry experience to establish and maintain relationships with travel suppliers and agents.

Essential Requirements: 4-5 years travel industry experience License and own car

Send CV to careers@nowmedia.co.za (put position name in subject line)

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

TNW7362

Serena Hotels has announced two new appointments. Lusinda Landman has been promoted to sales account manager, having been with Serena Hotels for seven years in the reservations department. Melissa Buyetndag joined the group on April 1 in reservations. She previously worked with Bush Tracks in Johannesburg.

Dionne Potiphar has been appointed Cruises International’s trade relations manager: Gauteng, having previously worked for Regent Seven Seas Cruises for more than a decade.

Extended career day at MangoMANGO has launched its company-wide internship programme with an intake of 42 previously unemployed young women at its headquarters, as part of its Career Day and youth development initiative. The young South Africans, who come from across the country, will gain experience across several aspects of the business while the majority are being trained as cabin crew along with five working toward formal qualifications in Flight Dispatch. Mango Career Days have seen the airline visit both urban and remote geographic areas throughout all nine provinces, and the events comprise either large exhibits or informal visits and talks at schools.

Immaculate lives up to her nameTHE City Lodge Academy recognised its top performer and other employees at an awards function held at the new 149-room City Lodge Hotel Waterfall City. The City Lodge Hotel Group’s skills development programme has trained new hotel managers for more than a

decade. Immaculate Taylor, who was chosen City Lodge Academy’s top performer, is currently a trainee manager at City Lodge Hotel Lynnwood. She is pictured here with Zodwa Msomi, assistant gm at Road Lodge Rustenburg, the previous winner of the award.

16 n Wednesday April 29 2015 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

TNW7067

TNW7067

Cape conferencing please! Which destinations do you book most often for conferences?

Cape Town 41% Johannesburg 23% Durban 20% Pretoria 8% Boksburg 8%

To the point

TNW6986SD

June 1 – be prepared!

associations have not given up lobbying the Department of Home Affairs. “Barsa will never throw in the towel and will continue to act in the best interests, not only of its members, but also tourists visiting South Africa,” says ceo, June Crawford.

“We are truly doing all we can to make representations and have already engaged various parties within government, such as the Presidency, the

DHA and the Department of Tourism,” says Mmatšatši. She says the TBCSA will resume talks within the Immigration Task Team, which was set up by the Minister of Home Affairs late last year. “There might not be hope that the regulations might be abandoned but we believe that there is hope for us and other business formations to lobby for the amendment of the regulations and, most importantly, to influence how the regulations

are implemented.”The TBCSA has

commissioned a second impact assessment study by Grant Thornton on the impact of the new immigration regulations. The report will be more detailed compared with the first one, which was commissioned late last year, Mmatšatši says. “The second report has more ‘meat’ and we hope that it will strengthen our voice on the new regulations.”

From page 1

TK reconsiders JNB scheduleTessa Reed

TURKISH Airlines has revealed details of its double-daily flight

schedules to SA.It will split its services,

offering direct flights to both Cape Town and Johannesburg from October 26. However, the airline said it was considering re-routing Johannesburg flights via Maputo.

Turkish Airlines plans to launch flights to Mozambique this year by routing the Johannesburg flight through Maputo, but is still finalising

arrangements for this. The airline does not have fifth freedom rights to fly passengers between Johannesburg and Maputo. On the flight to Johannesburg, passengers would be able to disembark at Maputo and the flight to Istanbul would pick up passengers in Maputo, said head of marketing, Aslihan Safak. A date for the Maputo flights has not yet been confirmed.

From October 26, the Johannesburg flight will depart Istanbul 00h50, arriving in Johannesburg at 10h40, with

the return flight departing Johannesburg at 19h45, arriving Istanbul at 05h20 the next day.

The airline will service Cape Town with direct flights from Istanbul. Flights will depart Istanbul at 01h15, arriving in Cape Town at 12h50, with the return flight departing Cape Town at 18h00, arriving Istanbul at 05h00 the next day. The airline currently offers daily flights from Istanbul to Cape Town via Johannesburg.

The Cape Town and Johannesburg flights will both be operated by A330-300s.

Xenophobia – concerns rise

concerned, it’s important to keep close track of travellers, monitor developments and take pro-active steps, when necessary, to ensure the travellers’ safety, he says. “We are advising our corporate travellers to take advice from their local partners, heed any formal advisories and ensure that all relevant parties are aware of their travel plans. It’s

important to constantly monitor developments and be ready to make changes to travel plans at short notice, should the need arise.”

Paul O’Brien, regional security manager of International SOS, says affected personnel should monitor news sources and liaise with local contacts to stay abreast of changes to the security situation. “SA

nationals should maintain a low profile, minimise movement to protected commercial sites, tourist locations or established business centres in the near term. If there are tensions or direct threats made against a company you are visiting, it is advisable to defer non-essential travel or relocate meetings to neutral venues until the situation normalises.”

From page 1

Hahn Air now supports Interline Electronic Miscellaneous Documents (IEMDs). The new service is available on Amadeus, with other GDSs to follow soon. The EMD is an Iata standard document sold via the GDS to enable the indirect sale, fulfilment and tracking of usage of ancillary airline services in one seamless process. However, airlines can only sell their EMDs in markets where they have joined the local settlement system (BSP). With an interline agreement, partner carriers can now sell their services via Hahn Air’s HR-169 IEMD.