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| TRAVEL COMMUNIQUE' AUGUST 2011 |
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In This Issue:
- Turners After-Hours email address changes
- ACSA hikes passenger service charges
- CPA protects 'bumped' passengers
And much more...
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| Turners Travel After-Hours email has changed |
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| Yellow Fever requirements between RSA and Zambia |
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The South African Department of Health (DoH) informed Tourism Safety Initiative that proof of a yellow fever vaccination IS NOT A REQUIREMENT for travel at RSA ports of entry or exit for passengers from Zambia. |
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| South African Airways Up-date |
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Y-UP PROMOTION
Passengers can now enjoy the benefits of flying Business Class on all SAA's domestic and African destinations whilst only paying an economy class fare. This benefit is applicable at the time of booking and will be clearly indicated in the Travel Agents' system, showing the Y UP fare basis. The advantage is that a passenger is confirmed immediately in Business Class whilst still adhering to Corporate Travel Policy which informs the class of travel allowed within a time frame; which usually dictates Economy Class fares for travel of up to 6/8 hours. |
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SAA EXPANDS ITS AFRICAN ROUTE NETWORK
South African Airways (SAA) is growing its route network on the African Continent by providing customers with even more travel options to destinations previously difficult to reach by air.
SAA will launch new operations for Bujumbura (Burundi), Kigali (Rwanda) and Cotonou (Benin, from 31 October this year. SAA's growth strategy aims at strengthening already profitable routes and introducing new destinations to especially those African destinations with limited air services. Simultaneously, adding three new destinations to their African route network with strengthen their already expansive route network. SAA aims to increase travel options for the convenience of its customers and to ensure that South Africa remains both a major destination in its own right and a key transit point for connecting long-haul international and regional African destinations. |
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| Consumer Protection Act Protects 'Bumped' Passengers |
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Airline passengers bumped due to overbooking can now expect to be compensated, according to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act. "The act also provides for compensation for any other that the consumer incurs for long-haul flights departing Terminal 5", says Lucien Pierce, partner at Phukubje Pierce Maithela. Says Lucien: "Section 47(3) is specifically directed at suppliers of goods and services who, in the past would arbitrarily and unilaterally implement changes to what they had promised to supply, without fear of any serious consequences".
"The Act says that where they can find someone else who can provide the same service to you, then they must do that. They must try and put you on another flight, perhaps one of that airline's competitors or whomever they have an agreement with. That is what they technically should be doing".
Overbooking is an industry standard for most airlines to ensure that every seat is filled when a flight departs. BA Comair says.
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| BA Comair Update |
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B UP TO C PROMOTION
BUPTOC fares are valid until 31 August 2011! The traveller pays for a B class fare and gets a guaranteed seat in Business Class. This is a huge saving!
COASTAL HOPPER
Coastal Hopper - These flights are between Durban/Port Elizabeth and Port Elizabeth/Cape Town. Fares start from R912 return for Durban/Port Elizabeth route, including VAT, excluding Airport Taxes. |
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| British Airways Upgrades Premium Check-In At JFK |
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British Airways is improving the check-in area for Club World and first-class customers at New York's JFK Terminal 7. The lounges have been redesigned and the concourse will be modernised. Construction will finish in late August. During the work, the concourse may be closed fro time to time and passengers may experience some disruption. The new-look concourse will have new lighting that complements the lounge and on-board experience and new seating will be provided in the check-in area.
British Airways is improving the check-in area for Club World and first-class customers at New York's JFK Terminal 7. The lounges have been redesigned and the concourse will be modernised. Construction will finish in late August. During the work, the concourse may be closed fro time to time and passengers may experience some disruption. The new-look concourse will have new lighting that complements the lounge and on-board experience and new seating will be provided in the check-in area.
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| ACSA Hikes Passenger Service Charges |
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Airport tariffs are set to rise by 34.8%, effective from 01 October, 2011, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirmed late last week. In a statement ACSA said that is recognisses the increase will have an impact on customers, but reiterated that the were "unavoidable but necessary" for the industry.
The passenger service charge (exclusive of VAT) will be:
| Domestic |
R94,49 |
| Regional |
R119,12 |
| International |
R262,28 |
According to ACSA's website the current tariffs are:
| Domestic |
R59,65 |
| Regional |
R124,56 |
| International |
R164,04 |
The Department of Transport on Thursday said that it will review ACSA's economic regulatory framework within the next six months to, to create "predictable, transparent and balanced tariff determinations in future". In that regard ,ACSA responded that it welcomes the commitment made by the Department and that as part of the overall review process, a mechanism will be found by December this year to address the outstanding issues in time for the next tariff adjustment in 2012.
In closing, Priscilla Mabelane, ACSA's Executive Director Finance, pointed out that the promulgated tariff increase will certainly enhance ACSA's financial position. Further details will be made available during the release of the Company's financial results in August 2011.
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| Business Travel To Carry Cape Town Through Tourism Slump |
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Although Cape Town leisure tourism is currently feeling the full effect of the international economic recession - which has placed greater financial pressure on the tourism industry globally - business travel is steadily on the increase locally and will continue to supplement dwindling leisure tourism figures until the current cycle turns again the next two to three years.
This is according to Bruce Deneys, sales and marketing director of Pepper Club Luxury Hotel and Spa in Cape Town, who says that infrastructure improvements such as the expansion of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) and ongoing upgrades to the city's Central Business District will further boost the city's global reputation as a competitive business destination and drive increased business traveler figures.
Denys points to a recent feasibility report by economists from the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business that measured the possible impact of the Convention Centre expansion. "The report revealed that the CTICC's contribution to national Gross Domestic Product alone is expected to increase from R2.3billion currently to over R5.1 billion per annum".
He explains that affordability is also a significant factor in doing business in Cape Town and is a significant consideration by global companies and organizations when it comes to selecting a conference or business destination. "A recent study by the Economist Intelligence Unit revealed that Cape town was ranked far outside of the Top 20 most expensive cities in the world, making it an attractive business destination" "We envisage that Cape Town will eventually become one of the major commercial centres on the African continent. With more conferences being planned in the city, hotels located strategically in the hart of the CBD stand to benefit most from the expected business tourism influx," concludes Deneys.
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| This Month' Travel Specials |
| Gateway Hotel |
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Gateway Hotel and Turners Travel have the following special offer for a limited period only.
Validity: From 01/08/11 until 31/08/2011
| Standard | Single Per Person | R650 |
| | Sharing Per Person | R400 |
Imagine staying at a hotel with 380 stores, 38 restaurants, a Ster Kinekor Cinema Nouveau, a Science Centre, an art gallery, a forest fantasy, Barnyard Theatre, a rock climbing wall, a sports area and the biggest man-made stationary wave in the world?
Imagine no more; The Gateway Hotel - allowing guests direct access to the famous Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
A wonderful and central venue for business men and women, The Gateway Hotel is soon to become the preferred venue for conferences and business meetings. With 146 rooms, including 40 deluxe rooms, 3 junior suites, 2 paraplegic rooms and 12 sets of inter-leading rooms, the Hotel caters to the needs of every type of guest - definitely a one-stop destination offering.
Rates include:
- Accommodation
- Breakfast
- TOMSA Levy & VAT at 14%
Terms and Conditions:
- Maximum 2 persons per room
- Rate is subject to availability at time of booking
- Full Pre-payment required within 24 hours of booking
- 100% cancellation fees will apply
- Applicable to SA and SADC residents only
- Limited rooms are available on the special
- Three Cities Standard Terms and Conditions apply
Kindly contact Graham Moore at XL Turners Travel on 031 368 8000 for bookings or enquiries.
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| Thompsons Thailand Specialist - Phuket |
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DISCOVER A WHOLE NEW MEANING IN AFFORDABLE 5-STAR 7 NIGHTS AT LE MERIDIEN PHUKET BEACH RESORT
- Valid until 30th September 2011
- WAS R11 528 per person - NOW from R7 935 per person ex Johannesburg
- (Add airline levy ex Johannesburg R2 347)
- Add-ons ex Cape Town/Durban/Port Elizabeth R1 685 per person
- Direct flights ex Cape Town - add R1 229
- BONUS: Complimentary upgrade to a Deluxe Pool View Room
Package Includes:
- Return flights to Phuket on Singapore Airlines
- Return transfers
- Deluxe Garden View Room
- Breakfast Daily
- Thompsons travel bag
- Prices are per person sharing
Terms and Conditions:
- Per person sharing
- Subject to change due to airfare increases, currency fluctuations and availability
- Standard Terms and Conditions apply
- E & O.E.
- Valid for dates as specified
- Please note airport taxes, fuel levies and surcharges are approximate and are subject to change - the exact amount will be confirmed at time of booking
Kindly contact Graham Moore at XL Turners Travel on 031 368 8000 for bookings or enquiries
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| August Luck Draw Competition |
| Quarter's Hotel Hermanus |
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This month, one lucky reader stand the chance to win the following wonderful prize:
Two Nights stay for two including Bed & Breakfast
At the 4 star Quarters Hotel on Harbour Road, Hermanus...
COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE TO SEE THE RIGHT WHALES - HERMANUS
Situated in the heart of Cape Whale Coast, Quarters Hermanus is located on the historic Hermanus Harbour. All suites and rooms are tastefully decorated and furnished. Suites feature mountain and ocean views, separate lounge area, and fully equipped kitchens.
Quarters Hotel Hermanus offers a swimming pool, on-site free parking with 24-hour security, porter, babysitting and laundry service. Private dining functions at the hotel's restaurant or in-room dining is available upon request. Alternatively, guests can choose from the many restaurants close by.
Nearby, guests can enjoy some of the best land-based whale watching experiences. Hermanus Harbour also provides shopping and entertainment centres.
Visit www.signaturelifehotels.com
Call Hayley on 031 3126250 for further information.
To enter our lucky draw competition, all you need to do is make any travel booking during August 2011 and visit our website:
www.turnerstravel.co.za - click on the competition link to enter the lucky draw.
Or, simply fill in your details below and click enter competition.
Competition Rules:
- The judge's decision is final.
- The prize may not be exchanged for cash and accommodation will be subject to availability at the time of booking. The prize must be utilized within six months, or it will expire.
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| This communiqué comes to you as part of XL Turners Travel's commitment to customer care. E&OE |
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