The 2011 UNIGLOBE Travel Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya was a great success. It was attended by UNIGLOBE Travel delegates from South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho, Uganda, Kenya,Tanzania, Nigeria, Canada and Israel
Guest of Honour was UNIGLOBE Travel International President and COO Mr. Martin Charlewood, who also took time off before and after the conference to visit franchisee offices in Kenya and Tanzania as well as going on safari in the Masai Mara & Ngorogoro Crater and Zanzibar.
The theme of the conference seemed to be how to do more with less.
More sales with less debtors - a theme handled very well by representatives from Equatorial Bank who identified many new innovations in payment.
More value with little extra effort - Amadeus and their introduction of new GDS tools to help the consultant and traveller.
More sales with less effort - a talk on how to get more profit from fewer clients.
UNIGLOBE wishes to thank our key suppliers and sponsors; Amadeus, City Lodge, First Sixt Car rental, Kenya Airways and South African Airways.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia unveil long-term partnership
Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia group of airlines have signed a landmark agreement which will enable them to establish a longterm
alliance.
Under the agreement, the two airlines propose to:
· Codeshare on each other’s international and domestic flights;
· Offer reciprocal frequent flyer programme benefits and lounge access;
· Co-ordinate schedules between Singapore and Australia and beyond to provide seamless connections; and
· Engage in joint sales, marketing and distribution activities.
The alliance will connect Singapore Airlines’ extensive international network with Virgin
Australia’s wide range of Australian and Pacific destinations. Through the Singapore
Airlines network, Virgin Australia customers will have access to some 70 more
destinations, while through the Virgin Australia network Singapore Airlines customers will
have access to some 30 more destinations. Members of Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer
frequent flyer programme will be able to earn and redeem miles on Virgin Australia
flights, while Virgin Australia’s Velocity members will be able to earn and redeem miles
on Singapore Airlines-operated flights.
The two airlines will lodge an application with the relevant regulatory authorities to
enable them to co-operate across a broad range of commercial functions. Approval will
allow the airlines to build a deep and integrated alliance with seamless service offerings
to the travelling public.
Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong said: “Singapore Airlines has been committed
to the Australian market for more than 40 years and we are always looking for ways to
serve our customers better. With regulatory approval, the partnership will enable us to
offer even more choice for domestic and international air travel. Together with Virgin
Australia we will provide the public with access to an enlarged network, offering a firstrate,
integrated travel experience.”
Mr Goh added: “The partnership presents a significant opportunity for Singapore Airlines
to drive growth in a manner consistent with our focus on service excellence, product
innovation and network connectivity. It will enhance the attractiveness of Australia as a
travel destination while also opening up new horizons for travellers from Australia.”
Virgin Australia group of airlines CEO John Borghetti said: “We are delighted to be
partnering with one of the most respected and innovative airlines in the world. When it
first launched in Australia, Singapore Airlines revolutionised international air travel for
Australians, providing a world class service to Asia, Europe and beyond.”
Mr Borghetti added: “Asia is clearly a critical market for us as we build our international
alliance network. Singapore Airlines’ extensive network throughout Asia will be
particularly attractive to our international business and leisure travellers and this
partnership, along with our other alliances, will mean Virgin Australia can now offer truly
global flight coverage.
“With the recent re-positioning of our brand and the launch of our product
enhancements, including domestic business class, Virgin Australia and Singapore Airlines
are ideally suited as airline partners.”
As part of the announcement today, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia have agreed
that from 1 August 2011:
· Singapore Airlines customers will be able to interline on Virgin Australia’s domestic
network, allowing them to travel through to a range of destinations with one
ticket, through-checked baggage, terminal transfers and inclusive meals; and
· Virgin Australia Velocity Gold members and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold
members will have reciprocal access to each airline’s airport lounges.
Subject to approval from the relevant regulatory authorities, customers should be able to
experience the full benefits of the alliance from late this year.
alliance.
Under the agreement, the two airlines propose to:
· Codeshare on each other’s international and domestic flights;
· Offer reciprocal frequent flyer programme benefits and lounge access;
· Co-ordinate schedules between Singapore and Australia and beyond to provide seamless connections; and
· Engage in joint sales, marketing and distribution activities.
The alliance will connect Singapore Airlines’ extensive international network with Virgin
Australia’s wide range of Australian and Pacific destinations. Through the Singapore
Airlines network, Virgin Australia customers will have access to some 70 more
destinations, while through the Virgin Australia network Singapore Airlines customers will
have access to some 30 more destinations. Members of Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer
frequent flyer programme will be able to earn and redeem miles on Virgin Australia
flights, while Virgin Australia’s Velocity members will be able to earn and redeem miles
on Singapore Airlines-operated flights.
The two airlines will lodge an application with the relevant regulatory authorities to
enable them to co-operate across a broad range of commercial functions. Approval will
allow the airlines to build a deep and integrated alliance with seamless service offerings
to the travelling public.
Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong said: “Singapore Airlines has been committed
to the Australian market for more than 40 years and we are always looking for ways to
serve our customers better. With regulatory approval, the partnership will enable us to
offer even more choice for domestic and international air travel. Together with Virgin
Australia we will provide the public with access to an enlarged network, offering a firstrate,
integrated travel experience.”
Mr Goh added: “The partnership presents a significant opportunity for Singapore Airlines
to drive growth in a manner consistent with our focus on service excellence, product
innovation and network connectivity. It will enhance the attractiveness of Australia as a
travel destination while also opening up new horizons for travellers from Australia.”
Virgin Australia group of airlines CEO John Borghetti said: “We are delighted to be
partnering with one of the most respected and innovative airlines in the world. When it
first launched in Australia, Singapore Airlines revolutionised international air travel for
Australians, providing a world class service to Asia, Europe and beyond.”
Mr Borghetti added: “Asia is clearly a critical market for us as we build our international
alliance network. Singapore Airlines’ extensive network throughout Asia will be
particularly attractive to our international business and leisure travellers and this
partnership, along with our other alliances, will mean Virgin Australia can now offer truly
global flight coverage.
“With the recent re-positioning of our brand and the launch of our product
enhancements, including domestic business class, Virgin Australia and Singapore Airlines
are ideally suited as airline partners.”
As part of the announcement today, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia have agreed
that from 1 August 2011:
· Singapore Airlines customers will be able to interline on Virgin Australia’s domestic
network, allowing them to travel through to a range of destinations with one
ticket, through-checked baggage, terminal transfers and inclusive meals; and
· Virgin Australia Velocity Gold members and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold
members will have reciprocal access to each airline’s airport lounges.
Subject to approval from the relevant regulatory authorities, customers should be able to
experience the full benefits of the alliance from late this year.
TAP and SAA Redesign Commercial Partnership
Johannesburg 6 June 2011. TAP Portugal and South African Airways (SAA), both members of Star Alliance, are introducing new code-share services between Portugal and the Republic of South Africa, operated by both carriers via London (Heathrow) as of 2 June 2 2011. These new services are available for booking and purchase via the Travel Trade. and will provide daily services for the large number of passengers travelling between South Africa and Portugal.
Through this new agreement, SAA´s code will be added to TAP flights departing Lisbon to London on a daily basis. SAA customers can also benefit from connecting flights beyond Lisbon, which are available to other Portuguese cities of TAP domestic network, such as Porto, Faro and Funchal (Madeira).
Conversely, TAP passengers can now fly on daily services via London to five South African destinations: Johannesburg, Cape Town and three other cities (Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth).
"This new step in our commercial ties with SAA represents an important opportunity to offer diverse, convenient and attractive service options to passengers," said Jose Guedes Dias, VP Alliances & External Relations TAP.”
"SAA is proud to move forward with its agreement with TAP and resultantly offer our customers added connectivity and convenience, allowing for ease of travel between both South Africa and Portugal’s major and smaller hubs, this arrangement will provide the exceptionally large Portuguesecommunity in South Africa with easy access to prime cities in Portugal such as Lisbon, Porto, Faroand Funchal (Madeira). The South African Portuguese community maintains strong business and family ties with Portugal and this development will further strengthen the bond between the two countries” said Theunis Potgieter, GM Commercial for SAA.
In an effort to meet customers’ highest expectations, both TAP and SAA will continue pursuing the enhancement of their joint service offer between Portugal and South Africa.
As members of Star Alliance, TAP Victoria Members can earn miles when flying on qualifying flights, with a 200 percent Class-of-Service Bonus when flying in Business Class. All miles accrued count toward earning status.
As members of Star Alliance, SAA Voyager offers its members an added advantage towards earning and spending their Voyager Miles across the network. Our top tier members can also enjoy access to Star Alliance lounges wherever applicable.
Additionally, SAA and TAP Portugal offer reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including lounge access. Customers of both airlines will also enjoy one-ticket itineraries and through baggage check.
Through this new agreement, SAA´s code will be added to TAP flights departing Lisbon to London on a daily basis. SAA customers can also benefit from connecting flights beyond Lisbon, which are available to other Portuguese cities of TAP domestic network, such as Porto, Faro and Funchal (Madeira).
Conversely, TAP passengers can now fly on daily services via London to five South African destinations: Johannesburg, Cape Town and three other cities (Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth).
"This new step in our commercial ties with SAA represents an important opportunity to offer diverse, convenient and attractive service options to passengers," said Jose Guedes Dias, VP Alliances & External Relations TAP.”
"SAA is proud to move forward with its agreement with TAP and resultantly offer our customers added connectivity and convenience, allowing for ease of travel between both South Africa and Portugal’s major and smaller hubs, this arrangement will provide the exceptionally large Portuguesecommunity in South Africa with easy access to prime cities in Portugal such as Lisbon, Porto, Faroand Funchal (Madeira). The South African Portuguese community maintains strong business and family ties with Portugal and this development will further strengthen the bond between the two countries” said Theunis Potgieter, GM Commercial for SAA.
In an effort to meet customers’ highest expectations, both TAP and SAA will continue pursuing the enhancement of their joint service offer between Portugal and South Africa.
As members of Star Alliance, TAP Victoria Members can earn miles when flying on qualifying flights, with a 200 percent Class-of-Service Bonus when flying in Business Class. All miles accrued count toward earning status.
As members of Star Alliance, SAA Voyager offers its members an added advantage towards earning and spending their Voyager Miles across the network. Our top tier members can also enjoy access to Star Alliance lounges wherever applicable.
Additionally, SAA and TAP Portugal offer reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including lounge access. Customers of both airlines will also enjoy one-ticket itineraries and through baggage check.
Friday, June 3, 2011
IMPERIAL tourism subsidiary Edusport appointed Sales Agent for the 2014 FIFA World Cup
Johannesburg – 31 May 2011- IMPERIAL Holdings’ tourism division subsidiary, Edusport Travel, has been awarded exclusive hospitality programme agent in South Africa for 2014 FIFA World Cup BrazilTM and the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Edusport Travel is one of South Africa’s key players in the sports travel industry and provided hospitality packages for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Through its partnership with MATCH Hospitality, it will provide local fans with a range of exciting packages for the 2014 FIFA World CupTM. This includes tickets, accommodation, transport and tourist activities in Brazil.
Managing Director of Edusport Travel, Ed Hill, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for Edusport Travel and the IMPERIAL Holdings Group. Soccer is a major passion in South Africa, and, with Brazil already being a popular destination for South Africans, we believe that many local companies will choose the 2014 FIFA World CupTM as an ideal incentive opportunity.”
“Edusport Travel was intricately involved in the travel logistics for the 2010 FIFA World Cup TM in South Africa. We worked closely with MATCH in managing supporter movements over the six weeks of the tournament and we understand the challenges of operating logistics during one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Our experience will ensure that our hospitality clients will be well looked after in Brazil for the 2014 World Cup with a variety of packages for obtaining match tickets, booking accommodation and arranging all travel arrangements.“
CEO of IMPERIAL’s Tourism division, Moeketsi Mosola, said: “This partnership with Match Hospitality is a clear indication of Edusport’s expertise and networks in the South African market. Through Edusport’s extensive footprint, the IMPERIAL Group is assured exposure to international sporting events such as the 2014 World Cup. This has expanded our profile as a key service provider for international sporting events.”
Global ticket sales for the 2014 FIFA World CupTM will commence on 1st October 2011 and thereafter Official Commercial Hospitality Packages will be offered exclusively by Edusport to South African based companies, clubs, organisations and individuals wanting to attend. More information is available at www.edusport.co.za
Edusport Travel is one of South Africa’s key players in the sports travel industry and provided hospitality packages for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Through its partnership with MATCH Hospitality, it will provide local fans with a range of exciting packages for the 2014 FIFA World CupTM. This includes tickets, accommodation, transport and tourist activities in Brazil.
Managing Director of Edusport Travel, Ed Hill, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for Edusport Travel and the IMPERIAL Holdings Group. Soccer is a major passion in South Africa, and, with Brazil already being a popular destination for South Africans, we believe that many local companies will choose the 2014 FIFA World CupTM as an ideal incentive opportunity.”
“Edusport Travel was intricately involved in the travel logistics for the 2010 FIFA World Cup TM in South Africa. We worked closely with MATCH in managing supporter movements over the six weeks of the tournament and we understand the challenges of operating logistics during one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Our experience will ensure that our hospitality clients will be well looked after in Brazil for the 2014 World Cup with a variety of packages for obtaining match tickets, booking accommodation and arranging all travel arrangements.“
CEO of IMPERIAL’s Tourism division, Moeketsi Mosola, said: “This partnership with Match Hospitality is a clear indication of Edusport’s expertise and networks in the South African market. Through Edusport’s extensive footprint, the IMPERIAL Group is assured exposure to international sporting events such as the 2014 World Cup. This has expanded our profile as a key service provider for international sporting events.”
Global ticket sales for the 2014 FIFA World CupTM will commence on 1st October 2011 and thereafter Official Commercial Hospitality Packages will be offered exclusively by Edusport to South African based companies, clubs, organisations and individuals wanting to attend. More information is available at www.edusport.co.za
Kenya Airways set to receieve 7th Embraer Aircraft www.kenyaairways.com
Kenya Airways, the Pride of Africa, is expected to grow its capacity with the arrival of a new Embraer E190 jet to KQ’s fleet.
The aircraft is expected into service within the next two weeks and will be deployed to operate to the Southern and Central Africa regions.
The new long range plane will join the growing family of Embraer jets that Kenya Airways uses for its regional operations in Africa. This is in line with the plans to build capacity that is more efficient for its Africa market which is the core focus for the Pride of Africa.
“With our route network expansion firmly on course, the addition of a new aircraft into the fleet is quite timely,” said the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Titus Naikuni.
He explained that the preliminary information from the manufacturers and testing teams showed that the aircraft was ready for delivery by end of the week.
“We have already conducted the test flights and are in the final stages of securing all the necessary regulatory approvals for the aircraft to start operating,” said Dr. Naikuni, noting that the aircraft will undergo some further customization by its engineers before eventually being commercially deployed.
He added that the increase in capacity had been necessitated by growing regional passenger and cargo demand and a rapidly expanding route network.
The second Embraer E190 arrival will be in fulfilment of an order that the Airline placed last year. The first jet was delivered in December 2010. Three more E190 jets will be delivered within the next one year.
The Embraer E190 is a Brazilian-built state of the art regional jet. The aircraft is configured as per Kenya Airways design and will carry just under 100 passengers in a superbly appointed cabin which features the latest in In-flight Entertainment system. It brings to Kenya Airways an even higher level of technological advancement, lower maintenance and operational costs.
Dr. Naikuni said “The combination of the E170 and E190 in our network will offer greater flexibility in right-sizing the aircraft to meet route demand, using the same crew and ensuring consistent, high comfort for our passengers”.
The aircraft is expected into service within the next two weeks and will be deployed to operate to the Southern and Central Africa regions.
The new long range plane will join the growing family of Embraer jets that Kenya Airways uses for its regional operations in Africa. This is in line with the plans to build capacity that is more efficient for its Africa market which is the core focus for the Pride of Africa.
“With our route network expansion firmly on course, the addition of a new aircraft into the fleet is quite timely,” said the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Titus Naikuni.
He explained that the preliminary information from the manufacturers and testing teams showed that the aircraft was ready for delivery by end of the week.
“We have already conducted the test flights and are in the final stages of securing all the necessary regulatory approvals for the aircraft to start operating,” said Dr. Naikuni, noting that the aircraft will undergo some further customization by its engineers before eventually being commercially deployed.
He added that the increase in capacity had been necessitated by growing regional passenger and cargo demand and a rapidly expanding route network.
The second Embraer E190 arrival will be in fulfilment of an order that the Airline placed last year. The first jet was delivered in December 2010. Three more E190 jets will be delivered within the next one year.
The Embraer E190 is a Brazilian-built state of the art regional jet. The aircraft is configured as per Kenya Airways design and will carry just under 100 passengers in a superbly appointed cabin which features the latest in In-flight Entertainment system. It brings to Kenya Airways an even higher level of technological advancement, lower maintenance and operational costs.
Dr. Naikuni said “The combination of the E170 and E190 in our network will offer greater flexibility in right-sizing the aircraft to meet route demand, using the same crew and ensuring consistent, high comfort for our passengers”.
Iberia offers new destinations in Africa and The Middle East
Iberia's customers can now book to new destinations in Africa and the Middle East. Since today, under code shares with British Airways, the Spanish airline is offering flights to Accra (Ghana), Lusaka (Zambia), Riyadh and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). Meanwhile, British Airways has added its code to Iberia flights to Santiago de Chile, Guatemala and San Salvador.
The new code-sharing arrangements are a consequence of the merger of Iberia and British on January 24 of this year. Since then, more and more flights have both airlines’ codes. British Airways is placing its code in Iberia’s Latin American destinations, while Iberia is placing its code in British Airways flights to Africa, Asia and the Middle East. More destinations will be added to this code-share agreement in the coming months, so customers from both airlines will have access to a broader network.
Thanks to the merger, flights operated by each airline are progressively becoming available on the other's web site and telephone reservations lines. It is also possible in certain routes to combine fares of the two airlines, and to choose the most suitable. Other advantages to passengers include access to more than 120 VIP lounges in airports around the world.
The new code-sharing arrangements are a consequence of the merger of Iberia and British on January 24 of this year. Since then, more and more flights have both airlines’ codes. British Airways is placing its code in Iberia’s Latin American destinations, while Iberia is placing its code in British Airways flights to Africa, Asia and the Middle East. More destinations will be added to this code-share agreement in the coming months, so customers from both airlines will have access to a broader network.
Thanks to the merger, flights operated by each airline are progressively becoming available on the other's web site and telephone reservations lines. It is also possible in certain routes to combine fares of the two airlines, and to choose the most suitable. Other advantages to passengers include access to more than 120 VIP lounges in airports around the world.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
AVIAREPS South Africa celebrated their 2 birthday on 01 June 2011 www.aviareps.co.za
We currently represent Air Namibia, JetExpress the Charter Airline, Wyndham Hotel Group, HongKong Airlines & HongKong Express and happy to announce that from 01 July 2011 we will be representing 2 new clients; 1001Events DMC Dubai, Oman & Abu Dhabi as well as the airline Fly540 which offers local flights within Kenya and Tanzania as well as regional flights from both these countries.
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