Ruling on refunds raises ADM fears

16 Pages·2017·3.53 MB·English

July 19 2017 I No. 2454 SOUTHERN AFRICA’S TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY
TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY
TNW8164SD
FEATURE
E
NEWS NEWS
D USA & DISNEY
I INDIAN VISAS JNB-LOMÉ FLIGHTS Perfect destination for families
S
N Biometric data is required Ethiopian Airlines delays launch
I Page 2 Page 4 Page 11
Ruling on refunds raises
Austrian returns to SA
ADM fears
AUSTRIAN Airlines will tourism market.”
return to South African Although the Cape Town-
skies with a seasonal Vienna route is aimed
service late next year. primarily at the inbound
Taryn nighTingale must be calculated using the manager of Sure Adcocks
From October 27, 2018, market, the reintroduction of
Iata rate of exchange (IROE) Travel. Since it was an Iata
AGENTS say they are for the currency in which the ruling it should apply across the airline will launch two the flights offers convenient
vulnerable to ADMs amount is denominated on the the board and not just to weekly flights from Cape connections for South
after an amendment to date of issue of the original Lufthansa, she says. Tracy Town to Vienna. Africans flying into Europe,
a refunds resolution – not ticket. Agents say previously says she did a search in the Inge Dobihal, md of says Lufthansa group gm
communicated to them – came they calculated values using Iata handbook that came Austria Connection, says the for Southern Africa, Dr
into effect on April 1. the ROE available on the date into effect in June, and the introduction of direct flights André Schulz. “Vienna’s
The altered ruling is available the refund is issued. Iata portal. She couldn’t find to Vienna is very positive airport is a good choice for
in the Passenger Tariff An agent who had received anything on the change to the for the niche Austrian travellers looking to make
Coordinating Conferences the information from one of resolution, she says. tourism market. “Austria efficient connections into
Resolutions Manual under her Lufthansa reps took to Tracy says she was is popular in the winter Europe, and on to a large
Resolution 024k. It states Open Jaw with the news. “I concerned because she’d months because people selection of destinations
that, when issuing refunds, posted it because I didn’t get done a group booking in May enjoy skiing there and I am around the world.”
cancellation penalties and any notifications on it and I where passengers from an absolutely delighted at the Austrian Airlines last flew
the residual value eligible for was hoping someone would SA-based company were flying opportunities these flights to Cape Town between
refund or for exchange towards tell me that I missed the in from several destinations will bring for the outbound To page 2
the purchase of a new ticket, boat,” says Tracy Teichmann, To page 2
Fastjet flies JNB-VFA again – and more
CandiCe May the airline will deploy two on the horizon. “We will
Embraer E145 aircraft on potentially be moving further
FASTJET will reintroduce these and local Zimbabwean south and crossing the
direct flights between routes on July 31. continent toward the western
Johannesburg and Victoria Another step in the seaboard.”
Falls on July 31. Ceo of stabilisation plan was the Tickets for JNB-VFA are
fastjet, Nico Bezuidenhout, purchase of the airline’s currently on sale. The
says the reintroduction of the brand rights from easyGroup, schedule is as follows:
route is one of the steps in fastjet’s publicly listed On Mondays and
the fulfilment of the airline’s company on the London Thursdays, flight 8501 will
stabilisation plan. Stock Exchange, which depart VFA at 12h10 and
The carrier will also be remains a shareholder of arrive in JNB at 13h45.
bulking up its HRE-VFA route the airline. Nico says the Flight 8502 will depart JNB
with daily and, at times, purchase will allow the airline at 14h10 to arrive in VFA at
twice-daily frequencies. to build a tangible brand – 15h50. On Sundays, flight
Its HRE-JNB route will be “the African low-cost airline 8501 will depart VFA at
boosted with a fourth flight for everyone”. 13h35 and arrive in JNB at
Sean Bradley, gm of sales, fastjet looks forward to visiting on peak-demand days. In He says the possibility of 15h10. Flight 8502 will
Vic Falls on the new service. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl addition to its existing fleet, adding new routes is also To page 2
TNW8249SD
NEWS
India introduces biometric
Top web stories
 Industry stalwart passes visa requirement
 Austrian Airlines returns to SA skies
 BA crew announce another two-week strike
 Single African air transport market set for 2018 launch EFFECTIVE July 17, all VFS India visa applications valid for 59 months, however
 Laptop ban lifted on more Mid-East carriers travellers need to give centres must schedule an the Indian diplomatic
their biometric data appointment so that VFS mission may request
when applying for an Indian officials can digitally capture applicants to re-enrol data.
visa. the data. Zimkhita Mafanya,
Applicants must submit Those who have applied for spokesperson of VFS Global,
fingerprints and have a facial an e-visa will be required to says the new requirement is
photograph taken with their submit their biometrics upon to improve security and bring
application. arrival. application processes in line
Travellers applying at All biometric data remains with global standards. 
Ruling on refunds raises ADM fears
From page 1 imposed by them. Airlines say information is available to
and she had to cancel and if you are unsure of what rule them. Qantas raises an
rebook some tickets. At the to apply, to check with them ADM to agents who do not
time, she had issued refunds first, so the onus is on agents apply the ROE from the date
by using the exchange rate on and has been so for years.” of ticket issue,” says Michi
the date she did the refund. She adds, however, that this Messner, regional manager
TNW6153SD
“If there’s a mistake in the ruling has apparently been in Africa of Qantas.
Rubes® By Leigh Rubin refund amounts, we’ll definitely place for years. Ceo of Asata, Otto de Vries,
see an ADM,” she says. says the resolution is not
Another agent, who preferred “Airlines don’t want handled under the APJC/
to remain anonymous, says: to be clear about how PAPGJC forum and therefore
“When something like this is the association wasn’t
such rules should
changed, we aren’t notified informed. When TNW asked
and poor agents have to pay be applied, because Iata about the ruling, it issued
the price.” The agent says a statement saying the change
issuing ADMs is a good
airlines are the ones who came into effect on April 1
are part of Iata and it is their way of making money.” and that airlines were
responsibility to communicate informed. “Member airlines
such information. “But I think Delta Air Lines, Qantas agreed to clarify how the
airlines don’t want to be clear Airways and Singapore Airlines cancellation penalties are
about how such rules should say they are compliant and applied in the refund process.
be applied, because issuing have been for some time. The changes are applied to
ADMs is a good way of making “Qantas has always applied the default process, and its
money.” resolution 024K for refunds usage is up to each airline
Nicolene Van Blerk, BSP and always uses ROE from in accordance with their
Teamleader of Club Travel, the date of issue. This has commercial policy. Travel
says: “Agents should be made been our policy for a number agents should contact airlines
aware of new amendments of years and we have concerned for how they apply
or resolutions by Iata and not therefore not communicated the rule,” the statement
the airlines as it is a ruling this to agents as this reads. 
Austrian returns to SA
Efforts to trap rogue elephants on the
cash-strapped game reserve proved largely
From page 1 same connectivity to Eastern the route. Tickets go on sale
unsuccessful. 1997 and 1999. Industry Europe as Austrian Airlines. from October 27, 2017.
players say the airline Some industry players have Flight OS32 will depart
scrapped the route due to expressed speculation that Cape Town International
stiff competition. At the time, the Lufthansa group may be Airport at 00h20 on
Founding Editors: Alitalia and Sabena also launching these flights in Wednesdays and Sundays to
John H Marsh (1914-1996) Leona Marsh (1923-2003) flew CPT-VIE and all three efforts to possibly replace arrive in Vienna International
airlines couldn’t sustain flying Lufthansa’s seasonal CPT- Airport at 10h50. Return
EDITORIAL
TRAVEL NEWS WEEKLY Editor: Taryn Nightingale [email protected] there because of a price MUC route. But André says flight OS31 will depart Vienna
www.etnw.co.za Features Editor: Sue van Winsen [email protected] war, a source who prefers there aren’t any plans to halt at 10h15 on Tuesdays and
Published by Publisher: Anton Marsh [email protected] to remain anonymous told the route. Saturdays to arrive in Cape
Travel & Trade Publishing (Pty) Ltd Deputy Publisher: Natasha Schmidt [email protected] TNW. The source says the Business class, economy Town at 22h40. The flight
Printed by Juka Printing (Pty) Ltd Journalists: introduction of the flights is a class and premium economy time is about 11 hours.
Phone: [phone] Dorine Reinstein Kristian Meijer good move for the Lufthansa class will be available on this At this stage, the airline
Fax: [phone] Candice May group as the other airlines flight, as the new Boeing 777- has no plans to fly to
E-mail: [email protected] in the group don’t offer the 200ER will be deployed on Johannesburg. 
Web: www.nowmedia.co.za Photographer: Shannon Van Zyl
Address: Now Media Centre, Production Editor: Ann Braun
32 Fricker Road, Illovo Boulevard,
Illovo, Johannesburg. GROUP PUBLISHER
PO Box 55251, Northlands, David Marsh [email protected] Fastjet flies JNB-VFA
2116, South Africa.
SALES
Sales Director: Kate Nathan [email protected] From page 1 plan, which required a full demand in many of its
Ad Co-ordinator: Anthea Harris [email protected] depart JNB at 15h35 to overhaul of the business, markets and immediate
arrive in VFA at 17h15. says Nico. The plan was contraction, fleet change-
PRODUCTION
The JNB-VFA route was implemented when the outs and a reimagining of
Design Head: Dirk Voorneveld
suspended in January. business found itself the business were required
SUBSCRIPTIONS The decision was part of in trouble in mid-2016. to make it sustainable,”
Circulation: [email protected] the same stabilisation “Fastjet’s capacity exceeded he says. 
2 n Wednesday July 19 2017 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS
TNW7985SD
NEWS
Latam ups JNB-GRU
frequencies
Johannesburg-Lomé flight
LATAM Airlines will add two and Saturdays, to arrive
flights to its Johannesburg- in São Paulo – Guarulhos
pushed back, again São Paulo route for summer. International Airport at
Currently, the airline 17h30 the next day.
operates flights between Return flight JJ 8162 will
ETHIOPIAN Airlines’ launch A source told TNW that we have made an adjustment Johannesburg and São depart São Paulo on Fridays
Paulo on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 18h20
of direct flights between some flights had operated on the Johannesburg-Lomé
and Sundays. Monday to arrive in OR Tambo at
Johannesburg and Lomé, but many were cancelled. schedule and it will resume
and Saturday flights from 07h40 the next day.
Togo, has been delayed again. Ethiopian Airlines regional later this year,” Abel told TNW.
Johannesburg will now be The schedule changes
The flights, operated via manager for Southern Africa, He could not provide an
added. between February 18 and
codeshare agreement with Abel Alemu, has since exact date when the flights
The flight schedule for March 23, 2018, when flight
Togo airline ASKY, were first confirmed that the flights have would resume. “We will advise
the two new flights is as JJ 8163 will depart
planned to launch on April 8 been suspended. the travel date ahead of time
follows: OR Tambo at 12h25 to
and were bookable for travel “Due to operational reasons on the recommencement of
From November 17 to arrive in São Paulo at
from May 17. related to the peak season, the route.” 
February 16, 2018, flight 17h30. Flight JJ 8162 will
JJ 8163 will depart OR depart São Paulo at 18h20
Flyafrica Zimbabwe postpones Tambo International Airport and arrive in OR Tambo at
at 11h25 on Mondays 08h40 the next day. 
relaunch of services
To the point
FLYAFRICA Zimbabwe is working hard to get everything that the airline had stated
targeting a late August done. We are going to its intention to introduce
relaunch of all its services. relaunch Flyafrica and offer all daily flights between Harare The Namibia Tourism Board has announced increases in border crossing
The airline had previously the services and routes that and Johannesburg, and fees. The old prices were R254 for all vehicles and R154 for all trailers.
aimed to resume services by passengers knew and loved,” thrice-weekly flights between The new fees are as follows:
mid-June, but this has since says Cassidy. Bulawayo and Johannesburg  R177 for motor cycles, motor tricycles, motor quadru-cycles, caravans
been delayed. He says the airline has when it resumed operations. and light trailers;
Chairman of Flyafrica received its renewed Foreign Flights to Gaborone and
 R277 for motor cars, single and double-cab vehicles, 2x4 and 4x4
Zimbabwe, Cassidy Operators Permit from the Lusaka are also in the
vehicles and minibuses (fewer than 25 passengers);
Mugwagwa, says the airline South African government, pipeline.
 R579 for light goods vehicles and delivery vehicles (GVM < 3 500kg).
will relaunch all its routes, which will enable it to The airline has acquired
and will look at expanding and once again offer flights to two B737-700s, which will Travel agents should ensure that clients travelling to Namibia by road are
adding more routes later on. Johannesburg. be deployed when the airline aware of these new prices. For more information, agents can contact the
“It’s been a hard slog. We’re TNW previously reported starts flying again.  Namibia Tourism Board.
TNW8250SD
4 n Wednesday July 19 2017 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS
Advertorial
Diners Club collaborates with
GBTA SA to upskill the industry
Diners Club is doing its bit to promote education and training in the travel
industry. The financial services provider recently hosted delegates of the
Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Southern Africa’s Advanced
Principles of Business Travel Management course at its offices in Hyde Park.
T
he South African
travel sector, like
most industries in
the country, constantly
needs to recruit, develop
and retain talent within
the industry. Add to this
the impact of constant
changes in corporate
travel, whether they are
regulatory, company
policy or personal
preferences, and it GBTA SA chairperson, Howard Stephens directed
becomes even more the content of the course, which focused on travel
necessary for travel programme administration, buyer/supplier relationships,
agents and travel buyers data and analytics as well as strategic business planning.
to receive ongoing and
relevant training.
Pictured here at Diners Club head office in Johannesburg,
This was the message
where the GBTA SA course was hosted, are Diners Club
from Diners Club head
managing director, Lesego Chauke-Motshwane, and head
of corporate cards,
of corporate card, Kevin Lomax.
Kevin Lomax, who was
speaking on the sidelines receive formalised industry, while showing
of industry association, training,” he said. the travel industry who
GBTA SA’s Advanced Even if someone we are and illustrating
Principles of Business had been in the travel why we are such a
Travel Management industry for many strong player in this
course. years, the fact that the sector,” Lesego said.
The training session, industry was constantly Diners Club is a
which took place over changing meant there platinum sponsor
two days, was hosted was always room for of GBTA SA. The
at the Diners Club association, which is
offices in Hyde Park “This is why we a non-profit industry
in Johannesburg. The try to do our bit body, offers various National Treasury’s Potso Makgatho, deputy director
course is intended for educational platforms to of strategic procurement at the Office of the Chief
as Diners Club
travel buyers overseeing industry professionals, Procurement Officer, was one of the delegates who
a managed business to contribute to fuelling knowledge and attended the training session.
travel programme and upskilling the travel advancement in the
focuses on the key industry,” marketplace. Howard
competencies required Stephens, chairperson
of business travel development, said Diners of GBTA SA, said
professionals. Club managing director, collaborating with
“Constant training Lesego Chauke- sponsors was key to
helps travel professionals Motshwane. “This is why fulfilling this aim.
understand the changing we try to do our bit as “We don’t take training
landscapes that they Diners Club to contribute seriously enough in
– and their clients – to upskilling the travel the travel industry.
operate in, and equips industry,” she said. Professionals need
them to serve their “Associations and to take the time to
clients better,” Kevin travel companies are develop and learn from
said. “Many people welcome to get in touch one another. Through
have come into the with us to enquire about collaboration, we as
travel industry without hosting their training travel associations and
necessarily having a sessions at our offices. companies can do this
background in travel. We want to collaborate efficiently, to the benefit
TMCs and corporate travel managers recently attended
These courses offer with associations and all parties concerned,”
the GBTA Advanced Principles of Business Travel
a means for them to companies to upskill the said Howard.
Management course.
Bringing it home
Diners Club is prioritising of Business Travel the Advanced Travel
the upskilling of its own Management course Management courses
staff as well. Last year, all in a bid to learn what during this year, so that
Diners Club relationship it is like to be a travel they fully understand
For GENERAL QUERIES, AUTHORISATIONS and
managers completed the buyer. A few more Diners the challenges of their
LOST & STOLEN CARDS contact us on
GBTA SA’s Fundamentals staff will go through clients.
0860-DINERS (346377) | www.dinersclub.co.za
TNW7783
L o c al is le k ker! City Lodge Hotels has 54 hotels across all SA provinces.A H SeoSorueuh rti ahsg’ optAho-fserdih c lhaaaet’nepa s:tlt te (hrnS meahw naudrssp ewi-nsdeh dlatl oorbpm ee) eixn(psagtr)i.e c s tso urism.
Local hotel group expands
foothold in Gauteng
THE Royal Elephant Hotel high-profile visitors who
and Conference Centre request additional privacy.
in Centurion, Gauteng, Facilities include four
has joined Guvon Hotels boardrooms and five
and Spas. multi-purpose venues,
The Moroccan-themed including Bondev House
property is close to for large events.
three airports and offers The Royal Lounge is
corporates a multi-purpose reserved exclusively for
centre, seating up to 320 in-house guests and is
people banquet style, 600 adjacent to the Zagora
cinema style and up to 300 Grill room where all
delegates schoolroom style. meals are served, and
Lentaba Safari Lodge. Photo: Lalibela Game Reserve The hotel comprises a bar that overlooks the
40 bedrooms and one pool deck. Teambuilding
Historic farmhouse becomes
presidential suite and activities take place on
certain wings and floors the lawns bordering the
safari villa can be set aside for Hennops River.
LALIBELA Game Reserve Edwardian-style farmhouse alfresco dinners can be SA wine tourism website
in the Eastern Cape is positioned on a hill served. Accommodation
goes live
is converting a 1902 overlooking a waterhole, comprises five double, or
historic farmhouse into and will suit families or twin bedrooms, all en suite.
a five-bedroom hillside friends looking to book out The villa can accommodate A NEW portal has been project of the Wine Industry
private villa, scheduled an entire safari lodge for a maximum of ten launched to let visitors Strategic Exercise (WISE),
to open on August 15. At exclusive use. Facilities will guests. A private game explore what South Africa and aims to bring the wine
the same time, Lalibela include a bar, lounge and ranger, vehicle, chef and has to offer in wine tourism. and tourism sector together
will reopen its completely dining room, a swimming housekeeper are all on the The portal provides a to attract a larger share of
refurbished Lentaba Lodge, pool, sun deck, fire pit property to cater for guests’ co-ordination platform on international and domestic
which closed mid-May. The and barbecue area where needs.
wine tourism, with relevant travellers. “We believe
information, links and that this new platform will
Upgrades for Port Elizabeth airport online bookings also in the facilitate co-operation and
pipeline. communication within the
Visitors are steered wine industry, and allow
MAJOR upgrades are on While developments are and saw 1,6 million people across a wide network of each of our diverse wine
the cards for Port Elizabeth still in the planning phase, pass through the terminal in wine routes and regions routes to showcase its
International Airport. Acsa has consulted with the 2016-17 financial year. on the website, providing distinct offerings, stimulating
Airports Company South municipal officials, tourism Acsa’s target for the next big and small wine regions local economic development
Africa plans to turn the authorities and business decade is to upgrade the with a platform on which to where it is most needed, at
airport into an international leaders in the metro. The terminal and facilities to be promote themselves. rural and local level,” says
travel hub within the next airport can handle two able to accommodate four The one-stop searchable Siobhan Thompson, ceo of
10 years. million passengers a year, million passengers a year. wine tourism portal is a key Wines of South Africa. 
TNW8227SD
6 n Wednesday July 19 2017 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS
L o c al is le k ker! City Lodge Hotels has 54 hotels across all SA provinces. Here is the latest news in domestic tourism.
TNW8254SD
NEWS
US laptop ban lifted on
most Mid-East carriers
THE controversial security measures. time of going to print this
personal electronic All passengers carrying could not be confirmed.
devices (PED), or electronic devices on At time of publication,
laptop ban, on Middle East board US flights from EgyptAir could not Chill out with Legacy
flights to the US is waning. Abu Dhabi will be subject comment whether a similar
Turkish Airlines, Qatar to additional security lifting of restrictions was
Airways, Etihad and screening following the expected on its flights to Legacy Hotels and Resorts is offering a special on a
Emirates all confirmed lifting of the ban. the US. relaxing night at the Michelangelo from R3 300 for
that laptops and electronic The US Department a single and R4 220 for a double deluxe room. The
devices could, once again, “All passengers of Homeland Security special includes a three-course dinner and breakfast at
be taken on board flights introduced the PED ban on the Piccolo Mondo Restaurant; and either a 30-minute
carrying electronic
to the US. flights to the US from Mid- hot stone or warm candle wax back and neck massage.
For Turkish Airlines, this devices on board East airports on March 21. Valid until January 31. Pictured here are (left) Sharon
is valid for all US-bound US flights from Abu Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Scholtz, spa manager, and Prema Naidoo, reservations
flights from Istanbul Etihad, Qatar, EgyptAir and manager. Photo: Shannon Van Zyl
Atatürk Airport, and for Dhabi will be subject Saudia, which operate
Emirates, it applies to to additional security indirect services to the US
all US-bound flights from out of SA, use hubs that
screening following the To the point
Dubai. Ceo of Turkish were included in the ban.
Airlines, Bilal Eksi, also lifting of the ban.” The UK then followed
tweeted and said he with its own ban on From July 1, a Goods and Service Tax (GST) applies to all flights
expected that the ban Saudia, the national devices larger than 16cm originating from India. Economy class on both domestic and international
could be lifted on flights to carrier of Saudi Arabia, x 9,3cm x 1,5cm on flights
flights will be taxed 5% of the base fare plus the fuel surcharge (YQ/
the UK too, but no formal told the Saudi state from Turkey, Egypt, Saudi
YR), and business class will be taxed 12% of the base fare plus the fuel
announcement has yet news agency SPA that Arabia and other Middle
surcharge. Any bookings ticketed before July 1 are not subject to the
been made. it too expected the ban East countries that do not
A spokesperson for on electronic devices on have services to SA. There tax. Bookings ticketed on or after July 1 are subject to the tax. This also
Emirates said the lifting of its flights to the US from is no word yet on whether includes any amendments made to the booking. Passengers who are
restrictions came after the Riyadh and Jeddah to be the UK is planning to also flying on business will be able to claim the tax back after travel and must
introduction of heightened lifted by July 19. At the lift restrictions.  register with the Indian authorities to obtain their GST number.
TNW8252SD
8 n Wednesday July 19 2017 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS
Zimbabwe’s reputation as a self-drive destination has taken a knock.
Dorine Reinstein reports on the latest developments.
Improvements make self-drive a great option
WHILE Zimbabwe Fewer roadblocks satisfying that we drove
has always been Francis says government without a single fine or any Road rules to keep in mind
a popular self- also ordered that, effective hassle from the police.”
drive destination, the June 25, only four Mareike Pietzsch, always advisable to put in
recent media coverage of roadblocks may now be Insider advice digital marketing and an extra week in case of
excessive roadblocks has mounted per province. This Travel agents should reach communication specialist any delays in the country.
deterred a great number of is in response to the outcry out to local suppliers and of Giltedge, provides
travellers, tour operators from international and local tour operators for advice some useful tips for Customs
have reported. tourists and motorists in and information, says travellers heading to At the Zimbabwean border,
However, Francis Zimbabwe. Francis. “I suggest that Zimbabwe. tourists should proceed
Ngwenya, President of travel agents use a locally to the customs counter,
the Zimbabwe Council “Zimbabwe is a based tour operator who Car requirements Zimbabwe Revenue
for Tourism, says now is fantastic country to can assist with the hire of Tourists who are entering Authority (Zimra), to get a
the best time to take a a suitable vehicle and help Zimbabwe with a rented Temporary Import Permit.
drive yourself around.”
self-drive holiday in the plan a good route.” car need to make sure It is also advisable to
country. He says self- Sally Wynn, director of their car has working allow for extra days so
drive tourism is set to Thomas Dhliwayo, tour Wild Zambezi, agrees but lights (indicator lights, tail there’s no inconvenience
improve considerably, as operations manager of says travel agents can also lights and hazard lights) should their trip take
the two key barriers – poor Jenman African Safaris rely on a number of good and working number plate longer than planned,
road infrastructure and Zimbabwe, confirms that websites and Facebook lights as the police tend ensuring the permit
roadblocks – are both being the situation has improved pages for information. to check them at the road doesn’t expire before they
addressed. considerably. “Slowly, we “There is a Facebook Group blocks. Tourists also need exit the country.
“Zimbabwe is a fantastic are experiencing fewer called ‘Dear ZRP’, which is to have a fire extinguisher Tourists need to buy
country to drive yourself roadblocks. When I drove worth joining because it is and reflective triangle in local insurance for their
around. Not only is it to and from Victoria Falls filled with tips and advice their car. rented car and to pay road
beautiful and safe but, and Harare this week, there from people who live in access fees at Zimra.
barring the odd pothole, was a significant reduction Zimbabwe and can be very Documents The person who will
the roads are pretty good. in the number of roadblocks useful for advising clients On arrival at the be driving the car must
Everybody can speak to the extent that some who are planning a self-drive Zimbabwean border, have their name on the
English. Major towns roadblocks – which were trip.” She adds that there is tourists need to make Temporary Import Permit;
and areas of interest are almost permanent at some also a useful Facebook page sure their passports are if tourists are going to be
normally only a few hundred locations – were missing for information and help stamped with the correct sharing the driving then
kilometres apart and these from their usual spots. In about crossing the border at number of days they are they need to state this
can easily be reached most cases, we were not Beit Bridge: www.facebook. intending to stay. It’s when getting the permit.
within a morning’s drive.” even stopped, and it was com/crossingbeitbridge.
TNW7158SD
QUICK READ FOR BUSIEST PEOPLE Wednesday July 19 2017 n 9
Zimbabwe Cresta Churchill undergoes
refurbishment
How to react in case of
CRESTA Churchill Hotel in bedroom floors, international
Bulawayo is undergoing a plug points, USB chargers
a roadblock major refurbishment. The and other fittings, as well as
first set of refurbished repainting.
rooms was completed Glenn Stutchbury, ceo of
SALLY Wynn of Wild Zambezi  Always pay their fine if they of visitors (especially from in time for the recent the Cresta Hotels group,
says travellers should are in the wrong; South Africa) are intimidated Zimbabwe International said: “We are pleased with
stay calm and friendly and  Make sure they know their by the Zimbabwe police. Trade Fair and the second the stylish and modern look
avoid confrontation when rights (and stand up for They do not stand up for phase will be completed in of the new bedrooms and
stopped on a self-drive trip in them if they know they are their rights and tend to try time for the next big event suites and we are confident
Zimbabwe. in the right); to get out of the situation in the city, the Mine Entra these will quickly earn a
The key advice, according to  Always be patient and polite quickly by resorting to exhibition later this month. reputation for being the best
Sally, is for travellers to: and never lose your temper; bribery instantly, which does The refurbishment in the market in Bulawayo.
 Make sure they know the  Never resort to bribery. Says not help the situation.” includes the complete What we have sought is
rules and regulations; Sally: “Unfortunately a lot  Try to avoid being in a hurry. refitting of bathrooms, ease and convenience, as
introduction of electronic well as a classy, clean look
keys, installation of flat- that suits all travelling types,
screen televisions, new both local and international.”
Chinese investors secured
for Vic Falls development
By Kylie Granat hectares of land between the
airport and the Masue River,”
MEDIA reports from said the Minister.
Zimbabwe say the country Despite rumour around the
has signed an agreement with proposed Disneyland-style
Matobo Hills, the site of Cecil Rhodes’ grave. Chinese investors to develop project, a source told TNW
land near Victoria Falls. The that a theme park was not
Three great self-drive routes development has been on the being built. The allocated
cards since 2013, with an area for the development
estimated cost of US$460m will see a ‘new Victoria Falls’
1. Harare to Eastern network linking Victoria Falls distance between Vic Falls (R6bn). There has been much equivalent to a revamped
Highlands and Hwange with Kariba and Mana Pools, is about speculation around whether CBD for the area.
Francis Ngwenya of the or Mana Pools, along the 800km. the development includes However, other stakeholders
Zimbabwe Council for southern edge of Lake However, time is the real the concept ‘Disneyland in believe the project is not
Tourism says driving east Kariba. problem, according to Sally, Africa’. appropriate for the location.
from Harare to Nyanga “We always warn that this and it’s not advisable to Tourism Minister, Walter Charlene Hewat, ce of
provides visitors with route is for adventurous, attempt this trip in one day. Mzembi, said the theme the conservation group,
an amazing self-drive self-sufficient travellers only.” park and conference centre Environment Africa, says: “I
experience. This area She says it is a long, slow 3. South-North self-drive were part of the vision for am not really sure that this
is known by some as and very remote journey, Zimbabwe Holidays offers a a US$6bn (R80bn) tourism is the right kind of project for
‘Little England’ due to the mostly along unpaved roads south-north self-drive option. industry in Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of
cooler weather and green that can be in poor condition, On the first day, travellers which is classified as a the world. The Victoria Falls
vegetation. He says there especially after the rainy cross the Beit Bridge border Unesco World Heritage Site. does need a conference
are many attractions to be season. post to Masvingo and on “We have signed an centre but it needs to be
found along the three-and-a- Says Sally: “Travellers to Great Zimbabwe, where overarching agreement with done in a way that fits in
half to four-hour drive. These should be totally self- they can explore the ancient some Chinese developers for with our environment and the
include botanical gardens, sufficient (with food, water stone structure. On the a master plan to develop 300 surrounds.”
trout fishing and hiking to and vehicle spares) in second day, they make their
see some of the area’s case of breakdowns. It way to Bulawayo and on to
famous waterfalls. is advisable to travel in Matobo Hills where they can Book it!
convoy with at least one see ‘the View of the World’
2. Victoria Falls to other vehicle, because of at Cecil Rhodes’ grave. The
Air Holidays is offering two-night Vic Falls packages, inclusive of return
Kariba and Mana Pools the remote nature of this next day’s drive will take
flights between Johannesburg and Livingstone, cross-border transfers
Sally Wynn of Wild Zambezi, journey.” travellers to Hwange for a
and breakfast each day. Rates for The Rainbow Hotel start from R1 845,
says she has many requests The distance between safari experience and on the
from self-drive visitors to Victoria Falls and Kariba last day, they drive to Victoria Cresta Sprayview Hotel from R2 490, A’Zambezi River Lodge from
Zimbabwe about the road is roughly 770km; and the Falls. R3 050 and The Victoria Falls Hotel from R6 550. All rates are pps and
exclude approximate airport taxes of R3 265. Valid until October 31. 
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10 n Wednesday July 19 2017 QUICK READ FOR DECISION-MAKERS