Page 2 Page 8 Page 14 Asata nets big fish...Page 2 Page 8 Page 14 PROFILE WHO IS DARRYL ERASMUS?...

TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

INSI

DE

SOUTHERN AFRICA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLYDecember 14/21 2016 I No. 2428

Page 2 Page 8 4

PROFILEWHO IS DARRYL ERASMUS?

Focusing on solutions, not problems

NEWSEAST AFRICA

Region sees resurgence in popularity

NEWSFASTJET

No domestic flights in SA yet

TNW7945SD

TNW7616

Tel: CPT 021 418-1366/7 & JNB 011 012-9460/1Airport: CPT 021 936-2755 & JNB 011 978 5055

email: [email protected] [email protected]

MULTIPLE DAILY FLIGHTS!Johannesburg to WINDHOEK return from R 3,330*Cape Town to WINDHOEK return from R 3,438**T&C apply, subject to availability in G-booking class, view GDS rules or contact us for full conditions.

Sabre is investing in offering tech solutions that provide the traveller with more personalisation through the development of a new platform that will power itinerary management, policy-compliant booking as well as payment and expense management on the traveller’s mobile device. Pictured here is Richard Addey, country director of Sabre South Africa. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl

Sabre makes it personal

Asata nets big fishTaryn nighTingale

THE Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), including its operations in Namibia,

has officially joined Asata.Md of FCTG, Andrew Stark,

who had questioned the value of the association earlier this year (see TNW January 6/13), said the decision to enter Asata came after he realised that it offered the group an opportunity to be active in and engage with other stakeholders on issues that affect how the industry is regulated.

“Being part of an association like Asata is a two-way street. It’s not only about what the industry can do for you, but also about how you engage with and what you put into that organisation.”

“FCTG is probably one of the most recognisable travel brands to the consumer and the fact that they are going to be participants in Asata is crucial in developing the credibility and professionalism of the industry,” says ceo of

Asata, Otto de Vries. He says the agency’s

decision to join the association should dispel concerns around Asata’s relevance for travel agents operating in the leisure space. “We’ve always contributed in a meaningful manner to all sectors within the travel industry, including leisure, and Flight Centre coming aboard is a reflection of that.”

But Andrew says part of the reason the group has chosen to join the organisation is because an Asata membership gives corporate clients the “stamp of approval” many of them seek when selecting a TMC to serve their travel accounts. Six years ago, 95% of FCTG’s business came from the leisure sector. “Currently, our business is 60% leisure and 40% corporate – and our corporate business is growing,” he says.

Asata measures the portion of the travel industry it represents through BSP sales, and now with FCTG joining the association, Asata’s industry

representation percentage has moved from 88% to over 95%, says Otto. “We’re nearly at 100% representation,” he says.

“But, the stark reality is that there are three big businesses – Pentravel, Wings Corporate Travel and Travelstart – that are still not members of Asata.” Otto says the organisation is in constant engagement with these agencies about joining the association. “We hope to engage new ceo of Pentravel, Paulo de Oliveira, early in the new year about rejoining Asata,” he says.

Pentravel exited Asata in November 2015 after shop managers felt that being an Asata member did not give them an advantage in the leisure market (see TNW November 25, 2015).

Paulo said it would be premature to discuss whether Pentravel would consider joining Asata and that it would be something that he would need to discuss with the members of the consortium first. All change at Pentravel

leigh hermon

SEAN Hough, ceo of Pentravel, will leave the travel company in March 2017 after eight years at its helm, after which, for the first time, Pentravel will split the role of ceo by also appointing a coo.

Sean will remain ceo for

the next three months, after which Michelle Bergset, national sales and recruitment manager of Pentravel, and Paulo de Oliveira, gm of sales at Thompsons Holidays, will be appointed coo and ceo respectively.

Shady ITC brought to bookDebbie baDham

ITC, Kim Robbertse, has been arrested.

Kim made the headlines

in early 2015 after allegedly scamming hundreds of South African travellers, reportedly cashing in on bookings she had not made and leaving

holiday-makers stranded over the festive season (see TNW January 21).

She was arrested on To page 2

To page 16

2 n Wednesday December 14/21 2016 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

NEWS

Rubes® By Leigh Rubin

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

TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

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

www.etnw.co.za

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

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

Photographer: Shannon Van Zyl Production Editor: Ann Braun

GROUP PUBLISHER David Marsh [email protected]

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

PRODUCTION Design Head: Dirk Voorneveld

SUBSCRIPTIONS Circulation: [email protected]

Top web stories

Pentravel ceo steps down Beware extortion at ORTIA – Acsa TNW pick: Frustration! Decline in ORTIA departures could cause capacity cuts SAA warns of recruitment scam

Helen Johnston selects the top specials from Travelinfo

Holland America Line. Alaska 2017 sailings from R16 000pp sharing. Offer includes seven-night Vancouver roundtrip, Signature beverage package and Pinnacle grill dinner. Set departure May 10. F1 Grand Prix tours. Formula 1 Grand Prix Malaysia from 14 257pp sharing.

Rate includes return economy flights from Johannesburg to Kuala Lumpur, approximate taxes, three nights’ accommodation with breakfast daily, two-day circuit transfers and SA on-site tour director. Package excludes race tickets. Land-only packages from R7 140pp sharing. Valid for September 17. Protea Hotel Balalaika. Couples Getaway Package from R750pp sharing.

Special includes one night’s accommodation with breakfast for two, bottle of sparkling wine, 20% discount on all treatments at Cocoon Spa, valet parking, WiFi throughout the hotel and access to in-house gym. Valid until January 31. Andgo.com. Zanzibar early-bird specials from R10 590pp sharing.

Offer includes return flights departing Johannesburg, approximate taxes, seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast, lunch, dinner and selected drinks daily. Valid for travel from January 14-April 1. Kulula holidays. Party Like a Rock Star in Vegas from

R10 439pp sharing. Offer is inclusive of return transfers, five nights’ three-star accommodation, Rockstar club crawl, Party Bus Express, Hard Rock Café (Bluegrass menu). Valid for travel from March 1-31.

TNW7370SD

Shady ITC brought to book

November 14 in Polokwane, says Christo Snyman, national director: forensic services of Mazars. He says she was released on R10 000 bail and is due to appear again on January 26 at the Bellville Commercial Crime Court.

Kim has been charged with fraud and theft, says Christo, adding that the value of the fraud she is

accused of comes to R5 million. “This is all relating to tickets that she ‘issued’ but had not paid for. She essentially gave travellers false itineraries,” he says. TNW confirmed with the

Bellville Commercial Crime Court that her case will be prosecuted by Advocate Smith. He was unreachable for comment at the time of publishing.

Christo says the issue of whether or not travellers

will finally get their money back is dependent on how Kim chooses to plead.

If she chooses to plead guilty, she could either be sent to prison, get a suspended sentence, a fine, or both a suspended sentence and fine, Christo says.

He says should Kim pay back all the money, she could enter into a plea agreement. “But I don’t think that will happen.”

From page 1

Fastjet puts brakes on SA domestic flights Leigh hermon

DESPITE widespread media reports that fastjet will launch

internal flights in SA next year, the airline’s ceo, Nico Bezuidenhout, told TNW that the airline had no plans to expand here just yet.

Nico says the SA market is currently oversubscribed on certain trunk routes and the airline will not launch domestic operations next year.

Instead, fastjet is working on a stabilisation plan that will see it focus on its core markets – Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa – and offer capacity where there is demand, says Nico.

“The airline expanded too quickly into some markets and introduced capacity that

exceeded demand, which impacted its sustainability.” Fastjet will now reshape its fleet and refine its schedules to ensure medium- and long-term benefits, says Nico.

The airline has cut three of its routes, including the indefinite suspension of its Johannesburg-Victoria Falls service, which it announced on November 28. As a consequence, agents’ confidence in the airline has declined, with many saying they would not book fastjet unless they were forced to.

Jan Engelbrecht Klitzke, of ITC The Boyz Travel Merchants, says, as a rule, his company does not book airlines like fastjet until they are well established. He would rather lose the sale and have the client book online than be left with the

headache of an airline going bust.

Reena Lallo, md of Fast Link Travel, says she is nervous to book with fastjet and advises her clients to pay a little more with alternative airlines.

Maro Kyprianides, md of Tour Destinations International, says she will only book with the airline if her clients need to travel within the next few days, adding that it’s too risky to book the airline too far in advance out of fear of whether it would still be in operation.

Nico says the travel trade is critical to any airline’s success and that fastjet plans to address any perceptions that may have impacted its relationship with agents and operators.

TNW7934SD


NEWS

TNW7926SD

Trafalgar unveiled its new 2017 Europe and Britain brochure to Johannesburg agents on November 30. The brochure is the tour operator’s most expansive programme to date, comprising 109 itineraries, including the new six-day, Amsterdam Explorer and the 20-day Nordic Adventure itineraries. Pictured at the event are (from left): Maureen Mcilhargey (Harvey World Prime Travel Concierge); and from XL Sandown Travel, Maria Pereira and Giovanna Green. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl

What’s new in Europe?

RwandAir adds to network expansion plans

RWANDAIR has set its sights on introducing flights to the US by next

year, weeks after announcing the introduction of a second Johannesburg-Kigali flight (see TNW November 30).

As part of its international routes expansion programme, the airline’s ceo, John Mirenge, said the carrier planned to open a new route from Kigali to New York, adding that the airline planned to acquire a new A350 XWB

wide-body aircraft for the Kigali-US route.

The airline is also considering flying to the new Victoria Falls International Airport in Zimbabwe after taking a recent tour of the facilities. “We are going back to work with our travel partners to package Harare, Victoria Falls and other destinations,” said John. There are no timelines for the launch of the new route as yet.

In the first quarter of next

year, the airline hopes to introduce services from Kigali to London Gatwick and Mumbai. It has also set its sights on a Kigali-Washington, DC service in 2018 and wants to add Guangzhou to its route network, although a launch date has not yet been set (see TNW November 23). The airline will also add its Kigali-Durban service, initially intended to commence this year, to its early 2017 schedule.

Freeze kulula ticket prices!

SAA opens pet lounge

KULULA.COM has introduced a Price Freeze payment facility on its website that allows travellers to secure a ticket at the price that was advertised at the time of booking.

Agents and passengers who search for flights on kulula’s website will be able to freeze the price of their

chosen flight for 24 hours for a payment of R50. During this time, the booking will be put on hold while the passenger finalises travel plans before booking.

“When tickets are in demand, seats may sell out quickly, with prices increasing gradually. The Price Freeze

facility offers the convenience of securing a ticket at the price that was available at the time of booking,” says Bridgette Ramuluvhana, marketing manager of kulula.com.

Price Freeze is already active and is only available on kulula’s website.

DP launches yacht charter offeringDEVELOPMENT Promotions has partnered with two companies to offer South African travellers yacht charter holidays.

The new partnership with The Moorings and Sunsail will offer charters that can be booked and paid for using rands.

Jane Davidson, md of Development Promotions, says this partnership is the first of its kind for the travel marketing company. “You can either take one of the boats bareback if you’ve got your own licence, or

you can take it with a skipper.”

Travellers can charter yachts to destinations including islands in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, the Pacific and Indian oceans.

Skippered and crewed charter holidays are available to Croatia, Greece, Spain, the Seychelles, Thailand and other destinations.

Jane says the charters are open for booking and agents can earn commission (dependent on the package sold) on bookings.

In the November 23 issue of TNW in an article titled ‘AF KLM reveals details of new operation’, Kendy Phohleli, md of XYZ Consulting, was quoted as saying that Lufthansa was investing in its premium product in an effort to position itself as the world’s first five-star airline. This is incorrect. The airline is trying to position itself as the first five-star airline in Europe. TNW apologises for the error.

SAA’s new Pet Lounge facility at OR Tambo International Airport opened on October 1. The lounge has been designed to ensure the safety and comfort of pets

and SAA says it minimises environmental factors that cause distress in animals that are about to travel.

The cost of the service varies depending on the

weight of the pet and its destination. The service can be purchased through pet shipping agents or directly through SAA’s Reservations Office.

For the record

TNW

4950

SD


NEWS

Regent Seven Seas Cruises hosted a breakfast for agents at the Radisson Blu Sandton Hotel on November 23 to highlight the cruise line’s latest offering. Following a week of training at several cities across SA, sales manager – northern/eastern Europe, Benelux and Africa, Marcel von Rotz’s final stop was Johannesburg. Pictured (from left) are Janine Pretorius, GSA of Regent Seven Seas Cruises; Mary Goslin, director of Sure Penzance Travel; Gill Suckerman, independent travel consultant of Travel League; Marcel, and Daleen Lombard, travel executive of World’s Ultimate Travels. Photo: Leigh Hermon

Agents divided on Airbnb’s latest offeringLeigh hermon

AGENTS are divided on whether Airbnb’s new offering, Trips, is a threat

or an opportunity for them, according to a recent poll on eTNW.

Half of the respondents said they considered Trips to be a threat to the industry as more travellers turned to online bookings. The other half

saw it as an opportunity: 29% believed travellers were likely to return to travel agents after a bad online booking experience and 21% said Trips was an opportunity to supplement the industry.

Trips allows travellers to build their own itineraries that comprise niche experiences with local experts, guided audio tours, guidebooks and meet-ups with fellow Airbnb users.

Travellers can also manage their travel arrangements using Trips Itinerary and soon Airbnb plans to offer flight bookings.

Sean Hough, md of Pentravel, says Trips will add to the industry rather than take away from it. Selling clients interesting local experiences is something the industry does not do enough of, he says. “For London maybe we would sell some theatre tickets, for

Paris we’d sell an Eiffel Tower excursion, but I don’t think we’re doing this very well at the moment at all.”

There is a growing market of experiential travellers who are looking for something short and sharp to fill their limited travel time, says Andrew Stark, md of Flight Centre Travel Group. He says the group doesn’t see Trips as a threat as the group

focuses on marketing these experiences pre- or post-trip to not only leisure, but corporate travellers.

Currently, Trips is only available in 12 cities, including Cape Town and Nairobi. The other cities are Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Detroit, Havana, London, Paris, Florence, Tokyo and Seoul. It plans to include 39 more cities.

Regent hosts agents

TNW7915SD

TNW7948SD

ADVERTORIAL


NEWS

TNW7932SD

East Africa popular again with travellers Debbie baDham

EAST Africa came back into the spotlight this year, with Zanzibar one of

the top sellers among leisure travellers looking for exotic island experiences with a difference. Kenya has also recovered from its perception as unsafe as high-end travellers start to return.

Angela Wood, gm of marketing of Thompsons Holidays, says its bookings to Zanzibar are up over 200%. Not only is it affordable, says Angela, but it also offers a fresh alternative for leisure travellers who have already experienced the other Indian Ocean island destinations. She says the archipelago’s broad offering caters for budget and high-end travellers.

“We’ve seen a much bigger interest in Zanzibar this year,” agrees Stephen Jordan, ceo of Access to Africa. He says increased access to the

destination, through greater availability of direct flights, has also helped Zanzibar gain momentum.

Bookings to Kenya have also improved as a result of the country having stabilised from previous incidents of terrorism, says Stephen.

Thompsons has recorded a 49% increase in local travellers headed to Kenya this year, though Cameron Charlie, product and contracting executive, says this growth comes off a low base. He says it is predominantly high-end safari travellers who are heading to Kenya, adding that because it’s not cheap, the destination still struggles to attract South Africans.

In terms of the rest of East Africa, Stephen predicts that many more people will travel to Ethiopia in the coming months. He says the country’s economy is growing and this is creating a lot of interest in the destination.

In each instalment in this series, Advocate Louis Nel discusses aspects of the Consumer Protection Act that affect the relationship between travel suppliers and consumers.

Tips from Louis the Lawyer – catalogue marketing

CLARITY of communication is the most important consideration for agents involved in catalogue marketing. In section 33 of the CPA, catalogue marketing is described as a transaction not entered into in person and includes an agreement by telephone, postal order, fax, or any similar manner (the latter could include online transactions and the use of brochures).

Important for the agent to note is that all cancellations, returns, exchanges and refund policies must be disclosed to the client. Bear in mind that these policies should meet all the other CPA requirements discussed in previous inserts, for example they must be clearly visible and written in plain language.

Section 41 of the CPA also relates to catalogue marketing as it deals

with false, misleading or deceptive representations. The part of this section that is most important for agents to be aware of is the agent’s duty to ensure that any wording used is not misleading, ambiguous or deceptive. The agent is also obligated to clarify any misunderstanding that the client might have. In the context of a one-on-one sale, this may be deemed reasonably apparent from the client’s body language, for example frowning during a sale. However, this would be very difficult to assess via telephone or online, so all documentation and online information must be carefully scrutinised to ensure that any misunderstanding is avoided and addressed.

If any misunderstandings are not corrected, the communication may be regarded as false or misleading. I believe this

would include, for example, not clearly explaining non-refundable deposit and cancellation provisions.

What to do Ensure that your

cancellation, refund and non-refundable deposit clauses are worded in such a way that the reader who is considered an ‘average’ citizen and someone who has not travelled at all or much before, can understand them. Do not hide your

cancellation, refund and non-refundable deposit clauses in unnecessarily verbose wording or small print. Ensure that an objective

reading of your brochure could not cause a possible misunderstanding, as one of your sales consultants may not always be on hand to explain it to the client.

QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday December 14/21 2016 n 9

NEWS

TNW7951SD

Agents joined Busabout for the launch of its travel application, 360 Virtual Reality, at Gold Reef City last month. Agents and clients can get a sneak peek at the operator’s itineraries by downloading the app through their smartphones on Play (Android) or iStore (Apple). Pictured at the launch are (from left), Kaygee Rapetswa consultant at Pentravel Rosebank; Jessica Clarke, brand manager of Busabout; Kieran de Vries, marketing executive of STA Travel; and Elmar Deysel, branch manager of Student Flights Greenside. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl

Sneak a virtual peek

SA graded properties on the rise

THE Tourism Grading Council of South Africa reports an increase

of about 10% in graded establishments and/or rooms.

According to the TGCSA Management Information mid-year report, the initial increase in graded establishments and rooms came in May and June. This coincided with the launch of the Tourism Analytics Programme, an online-based system that collates guest reviews on tourism facilities and travel review platforms such as Booking.com, Agoda and TripAdvisor. Sixty-nine new

graded establishments joined the system during September and October.

According to TGCSA, the report suggests that South Africa’s travel and tourism industry recognises TGCSA as the official quality assurance body for tourism products in South Africa. Chief quality assurance officer, Darryl Erasmus, added: “We appreciate the industry’s support and trust in our system. Our aim of developing meaningful partnerships with the industry and interacting with them much more regularly is bearing fruit.”

Cruise line opens bookings, launches itineraries for 2018RIVER cruising specialist, AmaWaterways, has opened bookings for its 2018 season and hopes to add new itineraries in Africa, Vietnam and Cambodia, and six new sailing programmes in Europe.

The cruise line’s latest vessel, AmaLea, will join the AmaWaterways fleet in 2018 and will sail the Danube. The 158-passenger vessel will feature connecting staterooms, triple accommodations, unique

signature twin balconies and a swimming pool with a swim-up bar.

A host of new tours is also being planned, which will centre around food and wine. Come 2018, AmaWaterways

will introduce 50 wine-themed cruises through Austria, Germany, Portugal and France. Activities that will be included are special wine tours, tastings at local wineries and private cellars, visits to vineyards and

informative sessions led by wine experts.

Bookings are currently on the increase for both individual and group bookings, says Kristin Karst, executive vp and co-owner of AmaWaterways.

Joining Vanya in wishing the travel trade a happy

festive season are members of the Sure Travel head

office team (from left): Sipho Williams, Lize Felix,

Anthea Kaufmann and Shoneeze Lottering.

Sending their season’s greetings are the team from Harvey World Travel Highway (top from left): Brigitte Gonggryp, Karen Foley, Nicky Boland and Trace Patchin; (middle): Nicole Vorster, Rosa Botha, Prisca Ndawonde and Sthabile Nkwanyana, along with (front): Lorraine Seymour, Princess Mchunu, Roshni Moodley and Kim-Lee Adams.

“Time, precious time! Where does it go? What was your 2016 journey like? Did you take time, make time, count time? Did the fun times make up for the sad times, the hard times? Now it’s time to reflect and take some downtime and family time. From all of us to all of you, wishing you the very best. Happy Christmas, season’s greetings, happy holidays!” – Vanya Lessing, ceo of the Sure Travel Group.

Season’s Greetings

From your friends in travel...


See what your friends and colleagues have been up to as we head towards the end of the year in this festive finale. Merry Christmas and happy travels from all in the industry!

HWT Holiday Travel look fabulous in festive red!

The ladies of Lloyd Orr PR wish everyone in travel a happy festive season. Pictured here (back from left) are Audrey Palliser and Laura Sher along with (front from left) Keneiloe Kotlolo and Tammy Wilford.

TNW4949SD

Season’s Greetings


The Carlson Wagonlit Travel Management team wish everyone in the industry happy holidays and a successful 2017!The team from Travel Vision thank their travel partners for their support. “Have a blast during the festive season and we look forward to hearing from you in 2017!”

Mitzalyn Alonso, Thuli Khumalo and Daniela Gallagher

of Discoveries Worldwide would like to wish all agents a

relaxing festive season and a 2017 full of new discoveries!

The World Travel team wish TNW’s readers happy holidays and

a prosperous 2017! Pictured here (front from left) are Sugeshni

Sanasey, Penny Mc Aslin and Illona Du Bruyn; and (back) Toni

Jenkins and Zama Dlangalala.

From the team at Avis: “We wish you all a happy holiday season, travel safe and we look forward to a prosperous 2017!” Pictured here (from left) are Charlene Moodley, Martin Botha, Kathy Venner, and Bonolo Pitsoe.

Visit: www.travelinfo.co.zaTNW7696

Training when it suits you!

From the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape to the roaring wildlife of the Kruger National Park, South Africa is an untapped wonderland of unforgettable experiences, it’s all just a Sho’t Left away.

Complete our workshop and stand a chance to win.

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS ANDEXPLORE THIS BEAUTIFUL LAND

5 prizes up for grabs – each to the value of R3 000 for 2 people. Includes accommodation & local experience

Win a Topdeck trip* Nespresso coffee machine

or shopping vouchers!Complete the online workshop to enter the lucky prize draw. Learn about their

worldwide epic trips for 18-39’s.*T & Cs apply

Update your product knowledge now in the online workshop

WIN2 return tickets to Dubai ex-JNB all inclusive!

WIN a return ticket to Seychelles ex-JNB all inclusive!

Learn why Seychelles is an idyllic island getaway in this online workshop


WHO IS DARRYL ERASMUS?

For a FREE subscription to TNW contact Gladys on [email protected]

TNW7943SD

Savour the moments of magic and madnessAs part of the series Who is…,Taryn Nightingale speaks to Darryl Erasmus, who says his adaptable nature suits the unpredictability of the industry.

“ONE thing that makes me luckier than other people in the travel

trade is that I actually got to travel extensively before I had to pay for it myself,” says Darryl Erasmus, chief quality assurance officer of The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA).

“I had quite a disruptive childhood – my parents travelled a lot and I ended up going to school in the UK and South Africa.”

By the time Darryl had completed high school he had attended seven different schools. “But, I’m so grateful for the experience because it allowed me to see the world through different eyes – I got to see how everyone else operates.”

Darryl says growing up in circumstances that forced him to constantly adapt honed his ability to cope in the travel industry. “Change-agent should be my middle name. You only grow outside your comfort zone and the more you try new things the more your comfort zone shifts.

“The industry has its moments of magic and its

moments of madness.” Darryl says the industry has taught him one of his most important life lessons.

“While working at Protea I had a manager who taught me that the best way to handle a customer complaint was to own it.”

He says focus should be applied to finding solutions and not on the problem.

“I think this is a principle you can apply to life.

“There’s opportunity in chaos.”

Darryl studied marketing and business management. His first job was at Standard Bank, followed by a move to Protea Hotels, then an independent hotel management company that managed properties owned by HPF.

He then worked at Travelport where he headed up marketing and communications across Africa.

He says the position gave him exposure to the TMC environment and helped him understand the GDS. “Now I am at a destination management organisation – so I have a very holistic view of the sector.”

Policeman to partnerDarryl says much of the

TGCSA’s work has been in shifting its reputation from “policeman” to a partner of companies operating within the sector. “In order to add value we have to give graded establishments the opportunity to improve and not just give them an audit report.” The TGCSA has a basket of benefits that gives graded properties access to facilities including procurement services of linen, custom furniture and legal services at discounted rates.

The organisation also worked with Treasury on the accommodation rates stipulated in the cost-containment measure notes for government accounts. The TGCSA helped specify appropriate rates for establishments like self-catering properties and country cottages (often used by government officials) that were not initially included in Treasury’s first note on accommodation rates.

The TGCSA has a database of graded establishments – updated

every month – comprising 11 categories, including lodges, hotels, guest houses, country houses, convention centres and meeting or events facilities. “Any travel agency is welcome to have access to the TGCSA’s database through their system,” says Darryl.

Currently, the TGCSA’s work focuses on grading the hospitality sector and meetings and event centre space. But Darryl says within the next three years he hopes to fulfil the full

mandate of the TGCSA Tourism Act, which includes grading and ensuring the quality of all SA tourism touch points. These include tourism attractions and experiences, car-rental companies, airlines, tour operators and restaurants. “Essentially we want to ensure that all the facilities, services and amenities offered at a place like Constitution Hill are of an international standard so that we can comfortably market it in South Africa.”

Darryl Erasmus Photo: Shannon Van Zyl

Getting to know Darryl “I have a deep love

of cars – it’s my one vice,” he says. Darryl has more than one Mercedes. He describes himself

as dedicated, focused and inclusive. “I think everyone should be treated the same way and that the team should get recognition for a victory.” Darryl, a middle child,

always dreamed of studying hotel management when at

school, but for some reason – one he can’t explain – he ended up applying to the SAA cadet programme to become a pilot. He wasn’t accepted. “Maybe one day when I have money I will buy a plane and learn how to fly.” He says he doesn’t

read much and is more of a visual person. “I’d rather page through a magazine and look at the pictures.”

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

QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday December 14/21 2016 n 15

Appointments

The Flight Centre Travel Group has entered a partnership with the University of Johannesburg to help fund students in the ‘missing middle’ who cannot access state funds. FCTG has committed to providing two tourism students with full bursaries for the remainder of their studies. The group intends to increase the number of students it gives bursaries to each year. As part of the partnership, the university has also branded one of its rooms the Flight Centre Travel Group lecture room. Pictured here at the launch of the new lecture room on November 21 are FCTG md, Andrew Stark, and Dr Diane Abrahams, director of the School of Tourism and Hospitality at UJ.

FCTG partners with UJ

Tsogo Sun hosted Olympic gold medallist, Wayde van Niekerk, at Southern Sun The Cullinan during his recent trip to Cape Town. Pictured here (from left) are Gary Reed, gm of the Southern Sun The Cullinan; Wayde and John van Rooyen, Tsogo Sun’s operations director for the Cape Region.

We have a winner!

Thabo Rafuthu has been appointed new gm of the Protea Hotel Durban Edward. His appointment follows more than five years as gm of the Protea Hotel Roodepoort. Thabo has worked at the hotel group since completing school.

De Hoek Country Hotel has welcomed new sales manager, Khulile Mkhabela. Originally from Durban, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in English, Public Policy and Administration at the University of Cape Town and is currently working towards an LLB through Unisa. Before joining the hotel, Khulile gained sales experience while working at Protea Hotels, Sheraton Hotels and Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces.

Petra Onel has been appointed Satsa’s new coo on an interim basis. Previously, she worked at Welcome Tours and Kuoni Travel. “Petra brings

over 30 years of tourism experience and business acumen in the key areas of operations and finance and we look forward to having her as part of the Satsa team,” said ceo, David Frost.

Exclusive Serenity is to represent Karkloof Safari Spa in Pietermaritzburg and will be responsible for the lodge’s sales, marketing and PR in the South African market.

Daksha Vallabh has been appointed exhibition sales manager of the Sandton Convention Centre. She holds a national diploma in Exhibitions, Events and Conference Management from Damelin, and a certificate in Project Management from Wits University. Daksha has worked at Creative Axis, the Business Revolution Group, Events on Show, Scan on Show, and more recently for Sun International. “We are delighted that Daksha has joined our dynamic team. Her experience is extensive and ideally suited to the

Sandton Convention Centre systems along with her deep understanding of the needs of the industry,” says Shaun Bird, gm of Sandton Convention Centre.

Jenman African Safaris has appointed new operations manager, Alex Schwager, and digital marketing manager, Kate Higgs. Alex will be based at the Cape Town offices and will look after operations in Maun, Victoria Falls and Arusha.

The African Travel and Tourism Association has appointed Chris Mears to take up a new position of coo, reporting to ceo, Nigel Vere Nicoll. Chris spent 13 years with Acacia Adventure Holidays working both in UK and South Africa and until December 2015 managed the Cape Town office. For the past year he worked for Heathrow Airport as Groups Sales Development manager. Chris will take up his new appointment on January 9.

Pick of the week

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

brought to you by

TNW

7698

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

Top Intermediate Travel Agent – PretoriaProfessional Career ServicesWork shifts, including evenings, weekends and public holidays. Min 3 years’ travel consulting exp. Fluent in Arabic, French or Portuguese. Galileo. Email: [email protected] Financial Manager – CPTQuantex Recruitment Group5+ years’ financial management experience essential & travel/tourism industry experience preferred. Lead a successful finance team & be rewarded! Email: [email protected]

New Business Manager – CPTQuantex Recruitment GroupShowcase your expertise by bringing in new accounts! Candidate with 5+ years’ new business experience & proven sales record wanted by leading travel company! Email: [email protected] Top Intermediate Consultants – PretoriaCarlson Wagonlit TravelCompetently handle all domestic, regional and international travel – inbound and outbound. Domestic/intermediate experience as a travel consultant in retail travel. Email: [email protected]

Senior Travel Consultant x 3Carlson Wagonlit TravelCompetently handle all domestic, regional and international travel – both inbound and outbound senior experience as a travel consultant in corporate retail travel. Email: [email protected]

Groups Consultant – In-Bound – Johannesburg NorthEquity Connections ccDeal with direct guests, plan/book group tours into Africa. Sound knowledge of destinations within Africa plus relevant experience essential. Email: [email protected]

Senior FIT Consultant – Johannesburg NorthEquity Connections ccImpress with extensive knowledge of South/Southern/East Africa. Suit creative consultant with great itinerary design skills. Tour operator experience needed. Email: [email protected]

Intermediate Corporate Consultant – EdenvaleWendy’s Travel PersonnelOpportunity to work closer to home utilising your corporate consulting skills – Galileo essential. Email: [email protected]

TNW7644

E mail: [email protected] | [email protected] Web: www.pcs-sa.co.za

011 789 3337

APSO MEMBER

We have numerous vacancies available in both Travel Agencies and Tour Operators for experienced and qualified Travel Industry Professionals.

Should you be looking for a new and exciting career opportunity please contact either Jean or Nono or log on to our website to apply online.

Positions available in the following areas: Consultants (Inbound/Outbound/

Wholesale/Leisure and Corporate) Sales/New Business Development Finance Account Management Operations Management And more...


TNW7067

TNW NEWS

We book outside the GDS!Do you think it is safe to make bookings outside the GDS?

Yes, it is safe and convenient Yes, but I do not understand the risks No, I only use the GDS

48%26%

26%

All change at Pentravel

Michael Tollman, ceo of Cullinan Holdings, which owns Pentravel, says the agency’s business has grown sufficiently to warrant the two positions. He says the responsibilities for each position will be revealed in the near future.

Sean was appointed in 2009 and says he joined the group at a time when people doubted travel agents’ relevance as a result of the dramatic increase in travellers choosing to book direct online. “Despite this competition, we were able to grow from 22 shops to 32 shops, and grow turnover from R300m to close to

R1bn,” says Sean. Keeping mum on the details of his future plans until officially exiting Pentravel, he says: “I’ve been lucky to have had business success and a great career, but as a creative person, I want the challenge of starting up something new.”

Paulo says his first objective as new ceo is to get to know the Pentravel team. Michelle, who has been with the group for nearly 17 years, says she wants Pentravel to continue to be a place where its employees love to work and that its clients can trust. “They will make a phenomenal team,” says Sean.

From page 1

Festive wishes!The TNW team wish all our readers happy holidays and wonderful New Year. We hope all the goals you set for this year were achieved and that 2017 will be your most prosperous year yet. Pictured here are (from left, back row): Yolanda Katsi (account executive); Taryn Nightingale (new TNW editor); Diana Comninos (key account executive); and Dirk Voorneveld (design head). Middle row: Leigh Hermon (journalist); Leanne Cumming (journalist intern); Natasha Schmidt (deputy publisher – sales); Kate Nathan (sales director); and Shannon Van Zyl (senior visual media producer). Front row: Debbie Badham (deputy editor); Ann Braun (production editor); and Anthea Lucas (ad co-ordinator). Photo: Shannon Van Zyl

Treasury drags its feet Taryn nighTingale

TREASURY has again failed to meet deadlines regarding its new

measures for managing and securing government business. Government departments have yet to receive Treasury’s guidelines on bid specifications in order to publish their own tenders individually. As a result, most government departments have not gone out to tender for 2017. Despite this, Treasury says the process is on track, with government departments to publish tenders “soon”.

“The Guide to Accounting Officers/Accounting Authorities on the Minimum Bid Specification Requirements for

Travel Management Services will be issued before year-end. Departments will start issuing tenders soon after,” Treasury told TNW. In October, TNW reported that Treasury was expected to send the revised tender template to government departments by October 31 in order for the new contracts to be implemented by, latest, April 1, 2017.

Treasury could not confirm that departments would go out to tender soon enough for contracts to be initiated by this deadline. But it did say that TMCs currently serving government accounts on a month-to-month basis (because new tenders have not been awarded) will continue to do so until

March 31, 2017.According to Treasury, the

revised National Travel Policy Framework will be issued before the end of 2016 as “department comments are currently being considered and included” in the new framework.

Meanwhile, many agents’ government accounts remain unpaid.

When asked if Treasury was doing anything to assist agents with outstanding accounts, Treasury only said: “Most TMCs were not forthcoming with the information on monies owed by departments for fear of compromising future business – they preferred dealing with the owing departments directly.”

FlyAfrica courts local carrierDebbie baDham

FLYAFRICA Zimbabwe plans to partner with a South African carrier to strengthen its value proposition on its Harare-Johannesburg route, which is expected to launch next year.

Chairman, Cassidy Mugwagwa, says an alliance with a local carrier would enable FlyAfrica Zimbabwe to offer travellers onward connections within South Africa and allow it to compete with other carriers like SAA that fly Harare-Johannesburg and offer onward connections domestically.

Though Cassidy can’t confirm with which airline FlyAfrica Zim is seeking an alliance, he expects the news to be revealed in the New Year.

The airline had originally planned to relaunch flights by the end of October (see TNW September 28) but Cassidy says it had to settle issues with the Zimbabwean government, specifically a US$2,5m (R34m) tax debt left by the airline’s previous shareholders.

However, he says the airline’s papers are now all in order, with the exception of its Foreign Operators Permit (FOP) which it expects to acquire any day now.

“Our plan is to start flying sometime in the last week of February towards the beginning of March.” The strategy behind this is to avoid commencing flights in the typically low-revenue months of January and February.

According to Cassidy, the airline has landed a US$34m (R463m) equity investment from foreign investors.

Part of this investment is in the form of Boeing aircraft.

To comply with indigenisation laws, the equity has been provided on a buy-back basis spanning two years, he says.

Significant changes with regard to FlyAfrica Zimbabwe’s executive team are also in the pipeline, with the announcement of a new ceo to happen soon.

The airline will position itself as a value carrier rather than a low-cost carrier, which means checked baggage will not be charged for but other extras, such as a loyalty programme, will not be offered.

To the point

Qatar Airways has added 158 seats a day on its daily Cape Town-Doha flight with the introduction of a Boeing 777. The route was previously serviced by a 254-seat Boeing 787. The 412-seat B777 has 24 seats in business class and 388 in economy. The aircraft will service flight QR1370, which departs Cape Town at 12h50 and arrives in Doha at 23h20. Return flight QR1369 departs Doha at 02h45 and arrives in Cape Town at 11h30.

Page 2 Page 8 Page 14 Asata nets big fish...Page 2 Page 8 Page 14 PROFILE WHO IS DARRYL ERASMUS?...

Documents

Transcript of Page 2 Page 8 Page 14 Asata nets big fish...Page 2 Page 8 Page 14 PROFILE WHO IS DARRYL ERASMUS?...