TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY

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SOUTHERN AFRICA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLYMarch 11 2015 I No. 2340

Dorine reinstein

THE biggest challenge retail travel agents face right now is load shedding, with agencies losing business and having to fork out big sums of cash to invest in back-up power systems.

The impact of the budget speech on consumer confidence is “nothing” compared with the challenges South Africans and retail travel agencies face currently with the Eskom crisis, says Garth Wolff, ceo of eTravel.

Tammy Hunt, operations director of eTravel, says the company has installed costly equipment in its offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg. “These generators are

large enough to run a small village so we can work in fully lit, fully air-conditioned offices with IT infrastructure operational during load shedding,” she says.

Dinesh Naidoo, group operations director of Serendipity Worldwide Group, says the company has invested over R100 000 in back-up equipment. “Prior to load shedding, we had a UPS back-up that could handle just the core function of our operations. After we realised that load shedding was here to stay we purchased a few more UPSs to power up our entire operation. Each UPS can handle between five and six computers and costs

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FEATURE

Cultural attractions draw visitorsPage 6

NEWSAVIS BUDGET TAKEOVER

What to expect

Page 4

NEWSASATA DINERS CLUB AWARDS

Travel stars shine

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The more the merrierTNW’s first Thirsty’s event of the year was a hit, with over 100 travel agents, suppliers and friends coming together to network and socialise at newly branded The Capital Empire in Sandton. It’s a group effort (from left): Wouter Nel (Air Mauritius); Robyn Christie (Travelport); Tammy Hunt (eTravel); Yvonne Skerritt (DTWM); Ramon Geldenhuys (360 Degrees Travel); Lize Roodt (Travel Counsellors); and, in front, Alexis Bekker (Brandom Communications) and Evi Moller (LUX* Resorts). For more pics, see page 8. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl

Less disposable income, less travelDorine reinstein

SOUTH African consumer confidence took another knock following Finance

Minister, Nhlanhla Nene’s, 2015 budget speech late last month, which revealed consumers would be paying more tax and higher fuel levies, and would likely have to tighten their belts even further in the near future.

This is likely to have a considerable impact on

disposable income – and therefore travel – as a direct result. Michael Snyman, cfo of Flight Centre South Africa, says when people are taxed more, in whatever form, this automatically means less disposable income. “People will tighten their purse strings and luxuries like travel will become harder to afford.”

Corporate travel will also be affected, as the budget speech will do nothing to improve the

waning confidence in the SA government by the international community, says Gary Mulder, financial director of Club Travel.

“The impact on the travel industry will come for the most part from the retained sentiment that this budget is not investment-friendly. It does not stimulate growth,” agrees Mladen Lukic, gm of Travel Counsellors. He says until we have an environment where SA companies are

compelled to move out of the holding pattern and invest locally, retail travel will, at best, be stagnant.Government too will continue

to cut back on travel, which will also influence travel and tourism. Minister Nene said in the budget speech that government spending on travel and subsistence would be curbed by 4% a year. Catering, entertainment and venues would be cut by 8% per annum.

“We are concerned that these cuts will have a massive impact on some of our already battling hotels, conference venues, restaurants and entertainment facilities that the government uses. Government is a major purchaser in the hospitality and tourism sectors and significant cuts like these are going to hurt a number of businesses,” says head of Advisory Services at Grant

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Load shedding takes toll on agencies

Germany Austria &

2 n Wednesday March 11 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 Features Editor: Michelle Colman michellec@nowmedia.co.za Contributors: Debbie Badham Max Marx Hilka Birns Caro Malherbe Dorine Reinstein 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

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Load shedding takes toll on agencies

approximately R8 000/unit.” The loss of business as a result of load shedding is also concerning, agents say. Jonathan Gerber, director of TAG, says load shedding is damaging the psyche of business. “People are become despondent, which leads to less travel and a general downward trend in trading as travel is invariably

one of the first industries to suffer from negative sentiment.”

“Not being able to service our clients immediately is frustrating as we want to provide a speedy service,” says Michelle Boshoff, Pentravel’s national operations manager. “Consultants have to play catch up when the power comes back on and this puts

them under pressure for the rest of the day.”

A spike in power when electricity goes off or comes back on also affects equipment, she says. “If the power is off for long periods this could affect the Telkom back-up infrastructure, which then leaves us without phones and customers calling are unable to get hold of us during these periods.”

From page 1

How to minimise the impact on your business Restructure your day: Travel agents will have to learn how to restructure their day in line with load shedding. For example, schedule appointments with clients when you don’t need to be at your computer. Also start your day earlier or work later, depending on load-shedding schedules. Invest in UPS: Travel agents and ITCs should look into purchasing back-up batteries (UPS)/mini-inverters, although

they are costly, to further increase the battery life of their laptops and protect equipment. Use a laptop: Travel agents should look into replacing their PCs with laptops and make sure they keep cellphones and laptops charged at all times Be resourceful: ITCs are mobile, so if they are hit with load shedding at home they can take their 3G and work from a friend’s or parent’s place

or from a coffee shop that offers WiFi. Stay positive: Jonathan says it is important for travel agents to remain positive. “Don’t take it to heart, stay upbeat and for heaven’s sake don’t buy into this theory that we are all doomed! Just work smarter and try and incorporate load shedding into your daily lives and keep your customers informed of your load-shedding schedule.”

It’s the time of year to don your greenest attire and crack open a bottle of Guinness. St Patrick’s Day festivities kick off this week, with celebrations on St Paddy’s Day on March 17. Tourism Ireland’s new pr manager, Katharyn Williams-Jaftha, launches into the Irish festivities. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl

Travelport signs with Bidvest Car Rental

TRAVELPORT has added Bidvest Car Rental content to its platform,

becoming the first travel platform to offer the newly branded content to travel agencies.

This follows the signing of a new long-term agreement

with the Bidvest Group, which has rebranded its Budget Car Rental operation to become Bidvest Car Rental.

Travel agencies can now book Bidvest Car Rental through Travelport Smartpoint. In the recently launched version of

Travelport Smartpoint, booking car rental now mirrors that of the consumer’s online experience and allows travel agents to access enhanced features, including pictures and comparisons, all within the same workflow.

Celebrate St Paddy’s Day

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Travel stars shine!

Asata Diners Club Awards 2014

TOP travel professionals donned their finest and took to the red carpet for

the 2014 Asata Awards on February 28. Awards winners were announced at a gala event at the Montecasino Ballroom in Johannesburg.

The winners were as follows: Exceptional Commitment:

Lidia Folli, Tourvest Travel Services Head Office, Johannesburg.

Tomorrow’s Leader: Minette Fourie, Club Travel head office, Cape Town.

Leisure Consultant: Marcha Lourens, South African Reynolds Travel Centre, Springs.

Corporate Consultant: Celia Kluever, Sure African Imprint Travel, Pretoria.

Key Accounts Executive:

Shanell Mowers, Tourvest Travel Services, Johannesburg.

Independent Travel Consultant in association with eTravel: Janine Corry, 24Point7 Travel Studio, eTravel, Cape Town.

Wholesale Representative in a Tour Operator: Enid Maulin, Beachcomber Tours, Johannesburg.

Wholesale Consultant in a Tour Operator: Kuben Moodley, Thompsons Holidays, Durban.

Beachcomber’s Enid Maulin celebrates her win. Photos: Kate Nathan

Celebrating her award for Exceptional Commitment, Lidia Folli (Tourvest Travel Services) is joined by Tourvest’s Andrew McDonic (left) and Morné du Preez (right).

Showing off her trophy in the ITC category is Janine Corry (24Point7 Travel Studio, eTravel).

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NEWS

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Fly to the mother city of South AfricaSix times weekly from June , 2015

Book, Pay and check-in Onlinewww.ethiopianairlines.com

Avis Budget takeover – what to expectAvis has officially taken over the Budget Car Rental brand in Southern Africa. What does this mean for you and your clients? Natasha Schmidt reports.

AS OF March 1, Avis now operates and manages both the Avis and Budget

brands in the southern African market.

This follows the Bidvest Group’s decision to give up the licence to operate the Budget brand at the end of last year, when its agreement with the Avis Budget Group (ABG) came to an end, and rebrand as Bidvest Car Rental (see TNW February 25).

“Taking on the Budget brand gives us the opportunity to segment the market for different needs and position the Avis and Budget brands to each of those needs,” says Avis Executive: sales, Lance Smith.

The Avis brand will be positioned as a premium brand – an “aspirational brand”, says Lance. Budget on the other hand, will target a younger client, positioned as the “fun, first experience” type brand. The Budget brand will be slightly cheaper and one wouldn’t expect it to include all the offerings that Avis does, Lance says. “For example, Avis customers will have a different service experience; they’ll have access to those cars parked first and the vehicles with lower mileage.”

Avis’s current infrastructure (fleet, branch network, call centre, etc.) will be

used to service the new Budget customers. For the moment, all kiosks – both at the airport and off site – will be dual branded, with dedicated counters for Budget customers. “Ideally, we would have liked separate kiosks at the airports but there is limited space. All car-rental groups are going to tender at the moment and we are aiming to get more space at the airport,” says Lance.

Travel partners who have customers with contracted corporate accounts with Bidvest Car Rental, previously trading as Budget, will need to take special care to ensure that these customers are booked using the new Bidvest Car Rental GDS supplier code.

“We expect that people will make mistakes and arrive at the Budget kiosk, now operated by Avis Budget Group, but who have reservations with Bidvest Car Rental. We have trained our staff to deal with these issues, who will refer – even walk – clients to the correct kiosk,” Lance says. “If we receive queries for invoices that are meant for Bidvest, we’ll transfer these. We will do what is in the best interest of the customer.”

All Avis staff, including sales people, will be dedicated to both the Avis and Budget brands. “This will be a new

experience and we expect it to be a learning curve,” he says. “We’re fortunate that we’re taking over an established brand, with existing systems that the trade and customers are familiar with.”

Over time, Lance expects the new Budget brand will carve a niche in the market, which, he says, will be tough as the market is flat. “Essentially, Bidvest is the new brand in the market and I expect they will lose some market share, particularly from inbound as these customers won’t recognise the Bidvest brand, whereas the Budget brand is already there and credible.

“The next couple of years will be interesting,” he says.

What you need to know: Budget will continue to

serve both corporate and discretionary markets and the GDS Supplier Code for Budget will remain ZD.

New discretionary pricing options for Budget are available on both the GDS and the Club Red website.

Budget discretionary rentals will earn Club Red members’ Roses.

The contact for Budget reservations, customer care and roadside emergency remains 086 101 6622.Avis’s current GDS helpdesk

has been upgraded to serve both Avis and Budget.

MasterCard launches Cash Passport app PREPAID Worldwide, a subsidiary of MasterCard, has introduced a mobile app that allows Mastercard Multi-currency Cash Passport users to more effectively manage their foreign currencies before departure and while travelling.

Available for Apple and Android operating systems, the free app allows users to transfer money between purses, review transactions and track their spending on their phone. It also uses the mobile phone’s GPS to inform users where

to find the closest ATM should they need to withdraw money.

The Multi-currency Cash Passport can be loaded with currency before departure and while travelling with one or more of the four available currencies – US dollars, pounds, euros, and Australian dollars (with a locked-in exchange rate). The cardholder can use the card to pay for goods and services or withdraw cash from ATMs wherever the MasterCard Acceptance Mark is displayed.

New Lilongwe property to open soonPEERMONT Hotels Casinos and Resorts is completing the pre-opening development phase of Umodzi Park in Lilongwe, Malawi. It incorporates the five-star President Walmont, the Bingu Wa Mutharika International Convention Centre (BICC) and the Presidential Villas.

The interior design fit-out is expected to be completed by the middle of the month, when it is expected to

run at full capacity.The entrance to the

Umodzi Park business precinct features 2 500 secure parking bays and leads to the BICC, which seats 1 500 delegates and features conference rooms that can be combined or used individually to cater for up to 70 delegates each during company meetings or plenary sessions.

The President Walmont hotel comprises 130 rooms

and suites with a writing desk, international plugs, WiFi, a mini bar that is stocked on request and a tea and coffee station.

The 14 Presidential Villas are in a secure estate with a private clubhouse and sporting facilities.

The President Walmont hotel will be open for sale to the general public from May 1 after a period of soft trading to test and check all facilities and standards.

For the recordAn error crept into TNW’s Cruising feature last week. We erroneously talked about ‘Uniglobe’s’ ships in Europe, whereas the correct name of the company is Uniworld. Uniworld was acquired in 2006 by The Travel Corporation, the parent company of many popular travel companies such as Trafalgar and Insight Vacations. Since then, Uniworld has made major investments in its ships and people. The ultimate goal of these investments is to provide guests with a first-class European boutique river cruise experience. TNW apologises for the error.

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TRAVEL industry veterans and newbies gathered at The Capital Empire in Sandhurst on February 26 for the first TNW Thirsty’s of 2015. Guests enjoyed networking, with the

stunning Sandton skyline as a backdrop. The next Thirsty’s will take place in Cape Town. To find out more, e-mail Kate Nathan at katenathan@nowmedia.co.za.

(From left): Fashionistas Kim Thipe (SAA), Robyn Christie (Travelport) and Bulelwa Koyana (SATC) enjoy the relaxed vibes on a beautiful Sandton evening.

From left: Linda van der Pol (Now Media) and Kathryn Garton (Black Martini) share a private joke.

Caught in a rare moment in front of the camera is Now Media’s Shannon van Zyl (left), joined by Lee Botti’s Kim Botti (centre) and Cornelia van Zyl.

Charmaine Thomé (Aviareps) hides her copy of TNW behind Laura van der Molen (Cemair).

Winner of the evening’s lucky business card draw was Evelyn Kidder-Ralphs (Lufthansa) who was thrilled to be presented with a prize.

From left: George Argyropoulos (Cruises International) and Jean Adolphe (JA Travel Personnel) catch up on the latest industry news.

The Capital Empire’s Gillian Kapotwe and Now Media’s Kate Nathan are all smiles. Photos: Shannon Van Zyl

The Capital Empire’s Fiona Wachsberger and Nelson Rodrigues were the successful evening’s venue hosts.

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Austria and Germany are promoting cultural attractions this year. Max Marx brings you the latest updates.

Germany to showcase its heritage

GERMANY’S traditions and customs; reunification 25 years on; scenic routes; and the 500th

birthday of painter, Lucas Cranach the Younger, are the focus of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) in 2015.

Customs and traditions play a significant role in Germany’s rural regions and this year the GNTB plans to promote rural Germany by highlighting living traditions, arts and crafts and culinary aspects.

Heritage and history are among the top 10 reasons foreign visitors choose the country as a holiday destination. Petra Hedorfer, ceo of the GNTB, would like to see more inbound tourists visiting rural areas this year, as a

disproportionately large number of foreign visitors opt for city breaks.

“Twenty-two percent of inbound visitors to Germany already head for our rural areas. By picking up on the current trend for originality and authenticity, we want to promote tourism development in these areas,” said Petra in a press statement.

The GNTB campaign encourages foreign visitors to sample Germany’s traditional festivals. Among the popular festivals are the Munich Oktoberfest, which attracts six million visitors annually, the Cologne Carnival, the Bach Fest in Leipzig, and the Berlin International Film Festival.

And while beer and bratwurst are

integral parts of German culture (there are more than 1 300 breweries in Germany), they’re just a small part of the culinary delights on offer. Visitors can sample around 300 varieties of breads – many regionally distinctive, more than 26 varieties of German sausage, and potato dishes such as pancakes, dumplings, and croquettes. Germany also has 13 wine-growing regions, many with small family-owned vineyards that are well worth exploring.

Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and this year Germany will be celebrating 25 years of its reunification by promoting the large variety of tourist attractions around the country.

Germany Austria

The roads less travelled...GermanyTHERE are around 150 scenic routes across Germany offering a great variety of authentic experiences. These include cultural, historical, architectural, gastronomy, golf and spa routes, as well as Black Forest, garden art and Romantic Road routes. These can be explored by car, motorcycle, bike and on foot.

Some suggestions: The Baden Wine Route leads through

one of Germany’s most beautiful gourmet areas, with picturesque wine-growing villages with Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir grape varieties.

The scenic German Alpine Road is a 450km winding tour through the Bavarian Alps, from Lindau on Lake Constance to Berchtesgaden on Lake Königssee. The route has 21 mountain lakes, 25 castles, palaces and abbeys, more than 60 spa resorts, charming villages, and hundreds of peaks.

History enthusiasts will be fascinated by the German Limes Route, which transports travellers back to the

heyday of the Roman Empire. The German Fairy Tale Route follows

in the footsteps of the Brothers Grimm’s tales. The route offers a variety of art and history, magical medieval towns, castles, caves and museums.

The Allgäu Cheese Route connects alpine dairies with local farm shops, holiday resorts and traditional country inns in the Western Allgäu. The region is best explored on bike or foot. For more scenic routes, visit

www.Germany.travel/scenic-routes.

Austria The most popular destinations in Austria are Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck but including a visit to the lesser known country areas where visitors can meet the locals and experience their way of life offers a touch of authenticity to a trip.

Exploring the Austrian countryside by car is the best way to do it, says Inge Dobihal, owner of Austria Connection. She recommends: Rust on Lake Neusiedl, east of

Vienna. It is a charming small town

with a vast steppe lake that is a birder’s paradise. It’s also in Austria’s biggest wine-growing region.

On the way from Vienna to Salzburg, drive through the Wachau Valley, the most romantic part of the Danube with medieval towns, orchards, vineyards on steep slopes, castles, fortresses and ruins. Most famous is Ruine Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned.

South-west of Salzburg is the Salzkammergut lake area. Here, a visit to Lake Hallstatt is a must.

To explore Alpine life outside Salzburg, drive west through one of the Tyrolean valleys where mountain farmers feed their cattle in the mountains. Visitors can sample a healthy meal with local beer and wine. Zillertal, Oetztal and Alpbachtal are some of the most scenic valleys.

In the Graz area, take the Styrian wine route with its rolling hills. Annemarie Lexow, Travel Vision’s

sales and marketing manager, recommends cycling the Danube for a less travelled route in Austria and Germany.

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The best of both worldsTRAFALGAR’S guided The Sound of Music tour covers Austria’s romantic cities, dramatic scenery, epic history and timeless connection to music.

This ‘At Leisure’ trip (later starts, longer stays, more free time) is priced from R24 600 (excluding an early payment discount of up to 7,5% by March 26). It starts in Germany, taking in Munich, Neuschwanstein and Oberammergau (site of the Passion Play) before moving on to Austria’s romantic spots of Innsbruck, Berchtesgaden, Salzburg, Mondsee, the Wachau Valley and Vienna.

Also on offer is the 13-day Best of Germany & Austria tour, priced from R34 900pps (with the possibility of an early payment discount as above). The tour begins in Frankfurt, where travellers take a Rhine cruise to Cologne. Then they board the InterCity Express high-speed train to Berlin for two nights.

It’s then on to Bayreuth and Rothenburg before stopping in Munich for two nights. Neuschwanstein Castle and Innsbruck follow, then Salzburg, where a local specialist leads a walking tour to locations of The Sound of Music, as well as Mozart’s birthplace. From there it’s off to Vienna via Dürnstein.

A Best of Germany tour and a Highlights of Germany Costsaver trip are also available.

Neuschwanstein Castle.

Phot

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Cam

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To receive TNW contact Gladys on gladysn@nowmedia.co.za

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Self-drive AUSTRIA Connection is offering a seven-day, self-drive Beautiful Austria 2015 package from €557pps (R7 246). It takes in Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Zell am See, and Graz, includes six nights’ accommodation with breakfast in three-star hotels, and car hire with unlimited mileage, CDW and theft insurance.

The tour operator is also offering two Vienna packages: The Vienna Interlude

with three nights’ hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast from €330pps (R4 293) in a three-star hotel and airport hotel transfers, a 72-hour Vienna Card, two-day hop on, hop off sightseeing tour; coffee and cake at a traditional coffee house; and a traditional lunch or dinner at a restaurant.

The Vienna – Music Experience package with two nights’ accommodation with buffet breakfast in a three-star hotel; tickets to a Johann Strauss concert, and return airport transfers from €178pps (R2 316).

Cycling and cruising Travel Vision’s walking and cycling adventure holidays in Germany and Austria

are routed from Passau to Vienna, enabling travellers to explore some of the best destinations in both countries. The activity level ranges between leisurely and moderate, and they are great for young and old alike.

“Starting in Passau, you follow the bends of the Danube through steep valleys and wide riverside woods, passing many delightful castles, ruins and abbeys and visiting historic towns such as Linz, Melk and Krems before arriving in beautiful Vienna,” says Annemarie Lexow.

For those seeking more luxury, Travel Vision offers Danube river cruising. The seven-day Cruising – Christmas Markets cruise from Vienna to Nuremburg via Passau departs on December 11 and is priced from R9 927pps. “Travellers will be enchanted by the snow-covered winter scenery, and attractively decorated villages and towns, all getting into the Christmas spirit,” says Annemarie. Shore excursions take travellers to the Christmas markets for gift shopping.

Grand Prix F1 Grand Prix Tours is offering an attractive three-night package to the 2015

Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix from June 18-22. The package is priced from R22 187pps (ex-JNB).

Included are return economy flights and taxes from JNB to Klagenfurt via Paris; accommodation in a superior four-star hotel, service charges and taxes, return airport/hotel transfers, guided group circuit transfers; and the services of an F1 Grand Prix Tours tour director. Breakfast (add R202pppn) and race tickets from R2 159-R7 984 are excluded.

Also on offer is a three-night package to the 2015 Formula 1 German Grand Prix from July 16-20. Package prices start from R18 648 (standard four-star hotel), and R20 638 (VIP four-star hotel) ex-JNB. It includes return economy-class flights via Zurich, service charges and hotel taxes, return airport-hotel transfers, guided return circuit transfers and the assistance of a tour director.

Weekend race tickets are excluded and range between R5 424 and R8 046.

Full Paddock Club (VIP hospitality) and exclusive F1 Team hospitality (be a guest of a Formula 1 team of your choice) are available for both individual and corporate clients.

Sell these!

Austria 2015 – music and festivals AUSTRIA is known as the home of music and festivals, and there’s always something on wherever you go in the country, says Inge Dobihal.

There are jazz festivals, dance, gourmet and film festivals, street theatre and even an avant-garde pop festival.

The country is also home to some of the world’s most popular classical music festivals. Topping the list is the Salzburg Festival, taking place this year from July 18-August 30.

Other ‘must-visits’ this year are the Salzburg Easter Festival (March 20-April 5), Vienna Festival (May 15- June 21), Mörbisch Operetta Festival on Lake Neusiedl (July 9-August 22), the International Haydn Festival in Eisenstadt (September 3-13), and the Bruckner Festival in Linz (September 13-October 7).

But one doesn’t have to be there at festival time to enjoy the music, says Inge. In cities such as Vienna and Salzburg,

operas and operettas, Johann Strauss and Mozart chamber music concerts take place almost daily, except in the holiday months of July and August.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of release of The Sound of Music, which was based on the life of Austria’s Von Trapp family. Each year, around 300 000 fans of the movie visit Salzburg, where filming

took place. There are a host of special productions, events, exhibitions and even The Sound of Music Choir Festival taking place this year.

The Von Trapp family’s former Salzburg home is now a hotel, with its ground floor dedicated to their story. In 2015 there’s a special exhibition at the house, and a 45-minute tour includes the rooms where the family lived.

Germany Austria &

During the Salzburg Festival, the city transforms and fills up with people from around the world.

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Cycling the Danube – 8 Day leisurely trip for the whole family (Passau to Vienna)

From R11,177 per person sharing

Validity - March to October

Including all accommodation en route, all breakfasts, luggage transfers, route notes and maps

Tel: (011) 408-8000 Fax: (011) 782-7624 email: info@travelvision.co.za

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 March 11 2015 n 11

Appointments

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

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Call centre sales agent - RivoniaMSC Cruises SAInbound cruise consultant responsible for converting telephonic requests to sales and assisting with general queries. Email: cruiseconsultant@msccruises.co.za

Senior Consultant – Randburg Quantex Recruitment GroupPro-active senior with 5+ years of retail consulting experience required by top TMC. Galileo knowledge/experience needed. Email: lee@quantex.co.za

Wholesale Consultant – Johannesburg NorthProfessional Career ServiceGalileo. Min. 8 years’ experience. Sell tour packages to agents. Ski knowledge an advantage. Sales orientated. R18-R20000. Email: jeancv@pcs-sa.co.za

Travel Consultant - DurbanLee Botti & AssociatesBustling agency in Westville wants a dynamic consultant to handle their bookings on Amadeus. Immediate start. Salary: R6 000 neg. Email: ashneem@nowjobs.co.za

Recruitment Specialist – NorthEquity Connections ccOversee full functions of internal/external recruitment. Draw up job profiles, conduct interviews, lead team. Relevant qualifications essential. Email: equitycon@mweb.co.za

Account ManagerFlight Centre Travel Group3 years’ experience in a corporate consulting role, experience working on Galileo. Proven track record with consistent sales and a large client base. Email: lauren.grobbelaar@flightcentre.co.za

TOP Roving Senior Consultant (High-Touch Consultant) - SandtonInfusion ConsultingSeeking Top Senior to handle complex bookings and travel related duties. Full function fares/ticketing. Amadeus/Galileo CTC: R24-25KPM neg. Email: belinda@infusion.co.za

BSP Invoicing Processor – CBD Cape TownClub TravelSeeking experienced BSP Invoicing Clerk to ensure all invoicing is accurately captured and revenue billed in correct time period. Provide support BSP team. Email: careers@clubtravel.co.za

Marketing Co-ordinator - Cape TownQuantex Recruitment GroupLuxury African Safaris Specialists looking for a marketing co-ordinator. SEO, editing & web content experience essential. Tourism experience preferred.Email: lee@quantex.co.za

Senior Bookkeeper / Personal Assistant - SandtonProfessional Career ServicesBooks up to Trial Balance 5-7 years’ experience. Handle Intercompany accounts, VAT, PAYE. Pastel. Running of 3 sets of books. R16000ctc. Email: nonocv@pcs-sa.co.za

Leisure Lover - PretoriaLee Botti & AssociatesClient focused individual sought by established TC! Galileo and 3 years relevant experience. Salary market related. Email: corneliavz@nowjobs.co.za

Training Facilitator – NorthEquity Connections ccCover full spectrum of Training and Development for all staff. Must have relevant qualifications and minimum six years training experience. Email: equitycon@mweb.co.za

Senior Consultant – (Africa Hub) RivoniaTourvest Travel ServicesAction travel booking process at all levels. Matric/Travel Diploma. Minimum 6 years experience with 4 being in senior role. Beginners/intermediate/advanced fares. Email: Nomsa.mathebula@travel.co.za

Travel ExpertFlight Centre Travel Group2 years’ experience in a target-driven sales environment/customer service, international travel experience. Matric essential. Passion, persistence, ambition, strong computer literacy. Email: lauren.grobbelaar@flightcentre.co.za

Corporate Senior (High-Touch Consultant) - SandtonInfusion ConsultingSeeking Top Senior to handle complex bookings and all travel related duties. Full function fares/ ticketing. Amadeus / Galileo CTC: R22-25KPM neg. Email: belinda@infusion.co.za

Credit Controller – EdenvaleWendy’s Travel PersonnelSAP & Excel knowledge essential, plus a minimum of 3 years relevant experience to join international concern. Excellent package offered! Email: wtppositions@icon.co.za

Programme/Account Manager –

JohannesburgUse your Programme/Account

Management skills to implement and manage global and national

travel services solutions

Only candidates with a minimum of 5 years’ experience as a TMC Programme/Account Manager will be considered. Business

analytical consulting skills required. Tertiary qualification preferred

Starting date: As soon as possible Salary negotiable

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To apply email: dbuys@carlsonwagonlit.co.za

(regret only successful candidates will be contacted)

Closing date: 20 March 2015

Top jobs in Cape Town this week:

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RES TEAM LEADER Be responsible for group of SA experts for luxury T/O. Must be able to travel int’l. Sal R 20 000.

HR OFFICER Labour fundi with a passion for travel req to join lively bunch of travel experts. Qualif ess! Sal R 30 000.

SOCIAL MEDIA MNGR Yr creative online skills will ensure success in this role for int’l T/O. Mnge team of 5. Sal R 30 000.

SNR ITALIAN CONS Leading T/O req’s strong sales personality to join their spirited team. Sal R 15 000 +

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

Waves for Change hosts Club TravelClub Travel’s directors and managers, along with their families, gathered at Muizenberg Beach on February 1 to experience the teambuilding ‘Waves for Change’ programme, which aims to turn previously disused township beaches into hubs for skills training and social justice. The event raised R108 975 for the organisation, which funded their container ‘office’ in Muizenberg. The organisation, led by programme director, Tim Conibear, trains local community members and equips them with surfing skills. It also provides programmes where vulnerable youth receive social, health and educational support.

Anantara Hotels and Resorts, part of the Minor Hotel Group, hosted a ‘Not-so-Minor’ drinks function at the restaurant MO-ZUM-BIK in Johannesburg last month, to recognise industry peers who were supportive during the group’s rebranding, previously Rani Resorts. Pictured here are (from left): Julia Barnett (Africastay); and Elize Scheepers (reservations manager of Anantara Hotels). Photo: Darise Foster

Anantara thanks trade

For the record

In Community News in last week’s issue of TNW (March 4), the photo caption on page 19 stated that Travelport hosted the ‘Celebration of Women’ event on February 12 at Momentum World of Golf. This event was, in fact, hosted by Avis, and titled ‘The Beginners’ Guide to Golf’. TNW apologises for the error.

South African Tourism has appointed new chief marketing officer, Margie Whitehouse, effective March 2. Margie, an African brand development specialist, has over 25 years’ experience in growing African brands, having joined the Unilever management graduate programme in 1988. She worked as ceo of Freedthinkers between 1999 and 2005 and for MW Brand Innovation in a consultative capacity before joining SAT. She has also served on the SAA board and presently sits on the board of HospiceWits

12 n Wednesday March 11 2015 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS

TNW NEWS

brought to you by eTNW and TRAVELINFO

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Thornton Gillian Saunders.The aim is not necessarily

to reduce the number of trips in government but rather to focus on a better travel policy to cut costs per trip, says Gary. Mladen agrees: “If government departments apply this directive by re-assessing their

travel patterns and volumes, then the impact will be minimal. However, historically, government departments have reacted by maintaining their travel volumes and looking for the required savings by looking for discounts and by reducing service fees. In this scenario the impact will be significant.”

It could go either way…Will government cutbacks affect your business?

Yes – 50% No – 50%

From page 1

Less disposable income

How low can fares go?SA Airlink is doing the limbo – and offering flights from Cape Town to George from only R560 one way, inclusive of taxes and free checked baggage allowance of 20kg, valid until June 30. Agents are advised to look for low-fare availability in (V, L, G and W class) on both the early morning and late afternoon flights. Flights between Johannesburg and Kimberley start from R1 340 one way, and between Johannesburg and Gaborone from R1 580, all inclusive (G class). (From left) Airlink’s Tshepo Skhosana (senior revenue controller), Clement Kunene, (revenue controller) and Justin Bosman (revenue analyst) are down for the challenge. Photo: Shannon van Zyl

Cape hotel goes up in flamesDarise Foster

THE Tintswalo Atlantic Lodge has been destroyed by wildfires that broke out

across the southern Cape on March 2. They have spread to Klein Constantia, Hout Bay, Noordhoek and Tokai and burnt the Silvermine section of Table Mountain National Park, where infrastructure, including office buildings, campsites and board walks continue to be at risk.

“Tintswalo Lodges Group management is still unable to

fully assess the damage to the property. Through offshore observation, we foresee 60-80% of damage to the property, including the main building and our individual rooms,” says md, Michelle du Plessis.

“We regret that the property will not be operational for an extended period. We hope to rebuild by the end of the year and will continue marketing and promoting Tintswalo Atlantic until it is re-launched in December. Once we have a

set timeline... we will update the press and public.”

Guests were evacuated from the premises early on Monday morning (March 2) and were relocated to various properties throughout Cape Town. Tintswalo will either refund bookings already made or relocate those bookings to other properties.

For all enquiries regarding a change of reservation, contact Dumi by email on res3@tintswalo.com or by telephone at +27 (0)11 300 8700.

Flyafrica hit by CAA curveball Dorine reinstein

FLYAFRICA.com’s inaugural JNB-WDH service, which was planned for March 2, has been postponed as the airline is still awaiting the Civil Aviation Authority’s final approval to operate on the route.

Adrian Hamilton-Manns, Flyafrica ceo, told TNW the airline had been advised on February 21 that the CAA wanted to inspect the airline’s operation. “It is their right to inspect at any time but they are not able to inspect until late next week. We have to

delay by two weeks.” Due to the sensitivity of the issue, he did not disclose whether the CAA was the South African or the Namibian Authority.

Although Adrian remains tight-lipped about the reasons for the additional inspections, the airline posted on social media: “We assume it was caused by all the crying and complaining by certain competitors afraid of the low fare revolution.” Flyafrica competes on these routes with both Air Namibia and SAA.

Affected passengers can opt for a full refund or can re-book

their flight for a later date. The airline will also give vouchers to affected passengers.

JNB to BUQ launchedMeanwhile, Flyafrica’s daily flights between Johannesburg and Bulawayo have taken off.

Flights depart Johannesburg at 12h00, arriving in Bulawayo at 13h15. The return flight departs Bulawayo at 13h45 and arrives in Johannesburg at 15h00.

The airline now flies to Johannesburg from three cities in Zimbabwe: Bulawayo, Harare and Victoria Falls.

Visit: www.travelinfo.co.za

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