Communique' - August 2010 Edition
In This Issue:
and more...
PASSENGER LANDING FORMS REINTRODUCED
Passenger landing forms (DHA 55) have been reintroduced in South Africa. Previously known as BI-55 forms, the landing forms aim to ensure that visitors do not overstay their visit to South Africa. Kagiso Siko, SA Customs and Immigration manager at OR Tambo International, says for foreign visitors, the most important function of the form is to ensure that all foreign nationals are safe and accounted for by being traceable through records maintained by the department. Kagiso told TNW that when the forms were collected by customs officials on arrival in South Africa, they were taken to a central point and captured in the immigration system and became accessible to both Immigration and Home Affairs. All foreign nationals visiting South Africa from June 14 have been expected to complete the DHA 55. The forms are handed to immigration officials who have the authority to refuse entry to all foreign nationals not in compliance with the DHA 55. Kagiso confirms that only foreign nationals have to complete these forms. Passengers who travel on foreign passports but have a South African permanent residence stamp in their passport do not need to fill in the form. Mike Christoph, operations manager at Lanseria Airport, says all foreign nationals are required to fill in a landing form in the arrivals lounge at that airport and that most charter companies are issuing the landing forms to foreign nationals on board their aircraft. All commercial airlines contacted by TNW are aware of the implementation of the new passenger landing forms and confirm that the crew will distribute them on board the aircraft.
SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS FARE INCREASE
Kindly be advised that South African Airways will "Increase" fares from South Africa to the UK/Europe effective 06 August 2010. All tickets issued on/before 05 August 2010 will be honoured at the old fare levels. These changes will ensure that SAA remains competitive in the market place. The following increases will be implemented:
- Business class fare: to increase by 2%
- Economy class fare: to increase by 5%
Please ensure that all tickets are issued on/before 07 August 2010 which was quoted at the current fare levels. NO waivers will be given for issuance at the "old" fare levels.
SOUTH AFRICANS GO FREE DURING NATIONAL PARKS WEEK
South Africans will have free access to South Africa's national parks between September 13 and 17 as part of the 2010 South African National Parks Week, which will be launched at the Addo Elelphant Park in the Eastern Cape next month. Day visitors will need to present their official South African identity documents to quality, while the week-long campaign will provide free access to all the national parks managed by SANParks, with the exception of Boulders Beach in the Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town. Free access to the parks will not include any commercial activities in the park, such as guided safaris in vehicles or guided walks, or accommodation.
PAY UP, KHAYA NGQULA
SAA's board of directors has announced that it has resolved to institute action against the former ceo of the airline, Khaya Ngqula. The announcement follows an investigation and the subsequent result of a forensic audit into various allegations made largely against Ngqula. Cheryl Carolus, chairperson of the board, told media that they had taken steps to claim recovery of the following:
- Approximately R27m in respect of monies which he caused to be expended on sign-on retention bonuses to employees of the company in excess of the authority given to him.
- Approximately R3,3m in for the hiring of hospitality suites in various sports stadia around the country.
- And at least R500 000 for free junkets that he granted to personal friends and associates in breach of his obligations to the company.
In a statement, the board said that a summons was in the process of being served on the former ceo for the retention bonus claim and it was anticipated that a second summons dealing with the remaining matters outlined above would be served on him shortly. The board continued to say that the forensic investigation also outlined various weaknesses in the company's internal controls and procurement processes. As a consequence of this, the company has already introduced measures to improve financial and risk management in its business as well as further internal controls in relation to procurement. Among various other issues raised in the report, the conclusion of certain sponsorship agreements during the period of 2006-2009 remains a concern. Furthermore the company is in the process of taking disciplinary action against a number of its employees who were involved in failures to comply with the company's procurement procedures and policies and the requirements of the PFMA. The report also brought to the attention of the board that conduct on the part of its employees who were involved in failures to comply with the company's procurement procedures and policies and the requirements of the PFMA. The report also brought to the attention of the board that conduct on the part of its employees, both present and past and its directors may also constitute contraventions of various statutes that might expose such persons to criminal prosecution. The board has referred certain possible criminal contraventions to the relevant commercial crimes unit for investigation and consideration by it.
BA TO INTRODUCE SECOND DEAILY FLIGHT TO CAPE TOWN
British Airways will launch a second daily flight between Heathrow and Cape Town from November to capitalize on rising demand. BA Commercial Manager in South Africa, Sue Botes, said that Cape Town's popularity as a holiday destination, particularly among Britons, had grown steadily during the year, in addition to the World Cup business. Tourism officials, meanwhile, are calling on suppliers to build on tourists' heightened interest in South Africa. "We have the capacity, we have great offerings, and we have exceptional attractions. What we must make sure of now is that we live up to our visitor's expectations and provide them with experiences that they will not forget," urged Cape Town Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Mariette du Toit-Helmbold.
THREE CITIES GOES GREEN
The Three Cities Hotel Management Group has finalised a "Green Strategy" for its managed properties. Sustainable energy solutions will be provided in conjunction with environmentally sustainable options. These include energy-saving initiatives, more profound waste management programmes and careful selection of materials during construction and refurbishment projects. The 'Energy Strategy' includes improved technological installations for electrical usage and the associated carbon emissions, more efficient heating and cooling systems, low-flow water systems, reduction of harmful emissions from fuel-fired boilers, employing renewable materials where possible and the disposal of waste in more environmentally sustainable programmes.
TOURISM SUFFERS FROM OIL SPILL
After the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, wary travellers are shunning the once-popular destination despite reports that it is not all black beaches and clean-up crews, reports USA Today. Numerous travel agencies across the US reported half of their Gulf coast-booked travellers were considering cancelling, even though they'd been told most of the beaches were fine. Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front owner, Julian MacQueen, said before the oil spill occupancy was up 20% over last year but the bubble had burst as "reservations have gone down and stayed down". Florida, Mississippi, Alabama and Louisianna state tourism directors, which each received $15 million (R113m) from BP in compensation for lost business, along with Florida, which received $25 million (R190m), will reportedly spend most of the funds on advertising campaigns using websites showing date-stamped images and live webcam feeds telling visitors that the region is open for business.
THE CAPE MILNER - WINTER WARMERS |
CLIFTON EXCLUSIVE SAFARI HIDEWAY ROMANCE SPECIAL |
KWAFUBESI TENTED SAFARI CAMP - WINTER SPECIAL |
Weekend and Mid week Specials in the heart of Cape Town
Valid until 30th September 2010
- Midweek from R575.00 per person sharing per night
- Weekend from R490.00 per person sharing per night
What's included in your package:
Accommodation, breakfast daily
Excludes:
Transfers, beverages, meals not specified and items of a personal nature
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Three Night Romance Special in the Welgevonden Game Reserve
Valid until 30th September 2010
- From R1450.00 per person sharing per night
What's included in your package:
Accommodation, 3 meals, 2 safaris, one private wine cellar dinner, romantic evening turndowns and one sundowner cocktail for two in the bush.
Excludes:
Transfers, beverages, gate entry fees and items of a personal nature
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Valid until 30th September 2010
- From R1350.00 per person sharing per night
What's included in your package:
Accommodation, 3 meals, 2 safaris, one Horseback Trail per stay
Excludes:
Transfers, beverages, gate entry fees and items of a personal nature
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****Contact our leisure consultant, Graham Moore for any booking reservations on 031 368 8000****
AUGUST 2010 LUCKY DRAW COMPETITION
Conveniently situated on Durban's famous Golden Mile, within five minutes of the city centre, the Protea Hotel Edward (Durban) heralds a time of Victorian elegance. This world-famous 4-Star Hotel has played host to Princes and Presidents, Field Marshals, millionaires and movie stars since 1911.
Whether you are travelling for business or leisure purposes, the Protea Hotel Edward (Durban) is well placed within the Durban golden triangle. This links the Suncoast Casino, Ushaka Marine World and the International Convention Centre (ICC). The 4-Star Hotel is an elegant and comfortable springboard from which to explore the rich Zulu culture and game reserves of KwaZulu Natal. The sea views from most of the well-appointed rooms of this 4-Star Hotel, the personalised service on offer and a sub-tropical climate combine to offer you a luxurious holiday experience.
Proud Sponsor of the August 2010 Lucky Draw Prize!
Contact Keshni Naidoo on email address Keshni@proteahotels.com or visit www.proteahotels.com for more details.
This month, one lucky reader stands the chance to win the following wonderful prize:-
BREAKFAST FOR TWO AT PROTEA EDWARD HOTEL
To enter our lucky draw competition, all you need to do is make any travel booking during August 2010 and email your name and company name to Rachelle: rachelles@turnergroup.co.za
Or, simply fill in your details below and click enter competition.
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