Change to immigration laws will bring long-term relief
THE travel
industry
is eagerly
awaiting the
Department of Home
Affairs’ expected
announcement this
month of changes
to the country’s
immigration laws,
in expectation of a
freeing up of crossborder
family travel.
In December,
the DHA advised that,
in response to an InterMinisterial
Committee’s
recommendations,
amendments be made to the
controversial regulations. An
advisory would be issued early
this year, making changes to
elements that the industry
has been fighting for two years
now. The most damaging, to
both inbound and outbound
sectors, is the requirement
that under-18s carry an
unabridged birth
certificate (UBC).
The DHA held
back on releasing
the advisory in
peak travel season,
but two pieces of
information offered
were that the
term ‘unabridged
certificate’ was
to be substituted
by that of ‘birth
certificate’, and that
minors’ passports in future
would carry their parents’
name, ultimately doing away
with the need for a birth
certificate for travel.
Silvana Polo, operations
manager of Beachcomber
Tours, pointed out that
the proposed changes to
children’s passports were not
a short-term remedy, although
in the long term the changes
would eventually phase out
issues that applied to children
accompanied by both parents.
The changes may indeed
take time. Recently, airlines
received a DHA briefing
presenting a prototype of the
new South African passport for
minors. In the communication,
the DHA cautioned that the
new passport would need
to be aligned with operating
requirements of its ‘Live
Capture System’, and that it
was working with its IT service
provider to ensure software
supported the urgency of the
situation.
The department is also
bound to be under pressure
when the new passport is in
place and applications
flood in.
Cathie Bester, marketing
relationship manager of World
Leisure Holidays, pointed out
that clarity would still need
to be obtained on procedure
where only one birth parent
accompanied a child.
Challenges when booking families
NO MATTER where they
come from or go to,
travelling families the
world over experience
challenges. Travel
consultants who
understand this are better
able to suggest suitable
resorts and destinations.
Perhaps the most
common issue for families
is the cost.
Even when able to
access great rates, they
are always talking in
multiples, and what is
reasonable to the single
traveller becomes three- or
four-fold for the family. Of
course, most family travel
takes place in school
holidays, considered to be
peak travel periods that
are characterised by
higher rates.
Family group numbers
also influence the amount
of luggage families take.
Even families with
very young children are
laden down with nappies
and wipes and favourite
toys, and the medicine
cabinet in case they can’t
find what they need at
their destination.
Lack of downtime is a
big concern for parents,
who may be on holiday but
are never off duty. Having
a night on the town is
often difficult, and their
situation is compounded
by living in close quarters,
possibly sharing rooms
with young ones.
Expert guidance
There are destinations
that are just not suitable
for younger kids, or
activities that are closed
to them. Teens have
their own entertainment
preferences. The ages of
accompanying children
also affect restaurant
choices.
Consultants are advised
to question their clients on
these points. With the
answers at hand
they are better
able to point
the family to
the appropriate
holiday choice.
In addition,
families need
to be guided on
the nuts and
bolts of travel.
Annemarie
Lexow, sales
and marketing
manager of Travel Vision,
says big bugbears are
customers whose travel
documents are not in
order at the time they
want to book flights,
or who have incorrect
spelling on documents
and changes that are not
made consistently across
all documentation.
Nazira Mohamed,
operations team leader
of Avoca Travels, raises
the specific challenges
of high-season family
travel, which includes
availability of airline seats
and reasonably priced
accommodation,
while World
Leisure
Holidays’ Cathie
Bester points
out that room
allocation can
be a challenge,
depending on
the size of the
family group and
ages of children
travelling.
Spokesperson
for low-cost airline Mango,
Hein Kaiser, suggests:
“It is important that when
families travel together
they check in early, as at
times and during busy
periods aircraft fill up
quickly, making seating
together challenging at
times.”
“Just when you think you
have it all under control,”
says Nazira, “be prepared
for last-minute changes,
visa processing delays
and other dramas. Make
sure that families have
travel insurance to cover
any eventuality.”
Car-hire tips for families
When hiring a car,
Gaynor von Loggenburg,
executive: Sales and
Marketing, Bidvest Car
Rental, says the size of
the vehicle that a family
reserves can be an issue.
“Generally, families are
price-conscious and reserve
a vehicle in the smaller
categories, forgetting that
they have luggage. Due to
this we always advertise
the specifications of each
vehicle on our website so
that the customer clearly
understands the size of the
vehicle they are renting,”
says Gaynor.
Lance Smith, executive
sales of Avis Rent a Car
Southern Africa, agrees
that the challenge in family
travel is ensuring that
families book a vehicle big
enough to accommodate
both the family and luggage,
that they timeously request
baby seats and, in peak
season, that they make
reservations early enough to
avoid disappointment.
Important pointfs for agents
Beachcomber’s Silvana
Polo highlights some points
for consultants to take
into account when making
bookings:
Airline seating – one
cannot seat small children
on their own.
Car hire – not all
cars are equipped to
accommodate baby seats.
Transfers – bigger groups
like to be transferred
together and the right
vehicle must be booked.
Accommodation – groundfloor
rooms are more
suitable for families with
small children and interleading
rooms should be
booked when children
are too small to sleep on
their own.
Food and beverage
– often families have
members who are allergic
to certain foods and this
information should be
communicated to resorts.
Excursions – it is better
for large parties to prebook
their excursions
and make arrangements
for exclusive use of
vehicles and other
equipment.
Seven family-friendly travel services
1. Families are advised to
make use of online checkin
to save time at airport
queues. Print off boarding
passes and luggage labels
at home.
2. Most airlines, including
national carrier SAA, have
a bundle of services
for infants and children,
including bassinet and
baby restraint devices,
baby-changing facilities,
special meals, assisted
boarding, children’s activity
kits with games, and
special entertainment
channels. Extra bedding
can also be requested but
it is advisable to do so in
advance.
3. KLM introduced a brand
mascot, Bluey, to engage
younger travellers. The
airline has since rolled out
a series of Bluey-branded
products, ranging from
trolleys and card games,
to a meal box for children
on international flights. In
holiday season, families
using Amsterdam Airport
Schiphol will find check-in
desks marked with a Bluey
sign for family check-in or
baggage drop-off.
4. The Air France Family
Service includes priority
boarding for families, family
assistants on-board flights
in holiday periods, games
and gifts and special
entertainment.
5. Cruise lines also offer an
online check-in facility
that saves time at
boarding. The concept is
the same as with air travel
but comes with the option
of adding services such
as a beverage package
or a shore excursion
taken prior to the cruise.
Passengers will need
passport details and
details of payment method
to complete the process,
and can print off their ‘set
sail’ pass in advance.
Once done, they can board
their vessel without the
drudge of queueing.
6. Membership of Avis Rent
a Car’s Avis Preferred
Loyalty Programme ensures
families get the speediest
service from the company
when picking up their rental
vehicle, so they can make
a quick getaway. They also
receive other benefits,
such as upgrades and
free weekend car-rental
vouchers.
7. “Look for a resort that
offers baby-sitting facilities,
good kids’ clubs and
activities for teenagers,”
says Cathie Bester of
World Leisure Holidays.
Cathie suggests that
consultants should give
their tour operator a full
breakdown of the family
group with children’s ages
so that the best possible
resort can be advised.
Top destinations for 2017
BY ALL accounts, South
Africa’s family travel market
is increasing, despite the
status of our currency.
“Family travel is one
of the fastest growing
segments of the travel
industry, for both
international and local
travel,” says Thaybz Khan
of Cruises International.
“In today’s economic
environment, both
parents are required to
work, therefore family
holidays become a must
for both the parents and
the children. Holiday
decisions are based on
various elements, including
package inclusions and
price, but having the family
holiday is a must.”
Cathie Bester of
World Leisure Holidays
comments: “We have
seen an increase in
family celebrations and
gatherings, with groups
of people meeting up
from all over the world in
a central point. Parents
are becoming more
adventurous in terms
of travelling with their
children.”
Here are industry experts’
top destination choices for
2017:
Annemarie Lexow, Travel
Vision: Walt Disney World,
Orlando; Disneyland,
Paris; Disneyland, Hong
Kong; Sentosa Island,
Singapore; United Arab
Emirates (Dubai and
Abu Dhabi). “They are
all geared for family
entertainment and
specialise in the needs
and requirements of
families and groups,” she
says.
Cathie Bester, World
Leisure Holidays: Indian
Ocean Islands – “All
our destinations have
something special to
offer families.”
Lance Smith, Avis Rent
a Car: “Great driving
destinations are the US,
Canada, Europe, Australia
and New Zealand, as
the roads are in good
condition and safe.”
Nazira Mohamed, Avoca
Travels: Mauritius,
Phuket, Dubai, US,
Malaysia: “All are familyfriendly
destinations with
a host of theme parks,
shows, natural and other
attractions – basically
something for everyone.”
Thaybz Khan, Cruises
International: “Cruising is
a family-friendly holiday,
regardless of destination.
If we go by cruise
popularity, then trending
destinations would be the
Mediterranean, followed
by the Caribbean.”
Hein Kaiser, Mango:
“Zanzibar, without a
doubt. Not only is it
family friendly but it
provides a rich cultural
experience while also
offering some of the
finest Indian Ocean island
beach holidays.”
Opt for villa stays in thailand
LESLEY Simpson,
representative of the
Tourism Authority of
Thailand in South Africa,
says increasing numbers
of families are opting for
villa-type accommodation
that accommodates multigenerational
groups.
Villas are particularly
good options in northern
Thailand, and make a
good base in Chiang Mai
or Chiang Rai, from where
the surrounding mountains
and tribal villages can be
explored.
Thailand is still one
of the most affordable
destinations for rand-poor
South Africans, with firm
family favourites being
Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi
and Pattaya. Other beach
locations are becoming just
as popular, as are cultural
locations in the hilly north.
Destinations worthy of
attention for families are:
Koh Chang, the country’s
second-largest island and
renowned for its quiet,
tropical beaches;
Hua Hin, one of Thailand’s
oldest beach resorts and
very popular with golfers;
Koh Samui, where quiet
beach spots can still be
found among the island
bustle. A fun family
activity is to go off the
beaten path and explore
the island by car.
Chiang Mai, for its ancient
culture, surrounding
jungles and temples, its
elephant sanctuaries and
the best craft shopping in
the country;
Phuket for its superb
beaches and exquisite
Andaman coast and, at
night, the vibrancy of the
Patong area.
This year TAT will be
promoting the Khao Sok
and Khao Lak national
parks in the south and
Kanchanaburi in central
Thailand, a short train ride
from Bangkok. The city is
central to the infamous
World War II episode of the
building of the railway and
bridge over the River Kwai.
While all these locations
are great for families,
Lesley advises not missing
out on Bangkok with its
tuk-tuk rides, long-tail boat
rides on the river, glistening
temples and shopping.
Opt for villa stays in Thailand
LESLEY Simpson,
representative of the
Tourism Authority of
Thailand in South Africa,
says increasing numbers
of families are opting for
villa-type accommodation
that accommodates multigenerational
groups.
Villas are particularly
good options in northern
Thailand, and make a
good base in Chiang Mai
or Chiang Rai, from where
the surrounding mountains
and tribal villages can be
explored.
Thailand is still one
of the most affordable
destinations for rand-poor
South Africans, with firm
family favourites being
Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi
and Pattaya. Other beach
locations are becoming just
as popular, as are cultural
locations in the hilly north.
Destinations worthy of
attention for families are:
Koh Chang, the country’s
second-largest island and
renowned for its quiet,
tropical beaches;
Hua Hin, one of Thailand’s
oldest beach resorts and
very popular with golfers;
Koh Samui, where quiet
beach spots can still be
found among the island
bustle. A fun family
activity is to go off the
beaten path and explore
the island by car.
Chiang Mai, for its ancient
culture, surrounding
jungles and temples, its
elephant sanctuaries and
the best craft shopping in
the country;
Phuket for its superb
beaches and exquisite
Andaman coast and, at
night, the vibrancy of the
Patong area.
This year TAT will be
promoting the Khao Sok
and Khao Lak national
parks in the south and
Kanchanaburi in central
Thailand, a short train ride
from Bangkok. The city is
central to the infamous
World War II episode of the
building of the railway and
bridge over the River Kwai.
While all these locations
are great for families,
Lesley advises not missing
out on Bangkok with its
tuk-tuk rides, long-tail boat
rides on the river, glistening
temples and shopping.
Exploring local can be very lekker
SOUTH African Tourism (SAT)
has some great suggestions
for families who wish to get
to know their own country a
little better.
SAT’s Mpho Mfenyana,
corporate and internal
communications manager
made the following
suggestions. “SAT
encourages South African
families to visit the Great
and Little Karoo area, which
has many attractions to
experience. The area boasts
beautiful mountain ranges,
waterfalls, and a wide variety
of local cuisine like Karoo
lamb and ostrich.”
She added that the Garden
Route, popular with overseas
travellers, also had lots to
offer locals year-round, with
most activities able to be
enjoyed at affordable prices.
“The stretch of coastline
is breath-taking and there
are endless activities,
including the
Addo Elephant
National Park,
Cape St Francis
and Nelson
Mandela Bay.
The Tsitsikamma
National Park
and Village are
well known for
great cuisine
and adventure
activities.
All the way
down through
Plettenberg Bay,
Knysna and
Wilderness there
is so much to
enjoy for the
whole family.”
Many parts
of KwaZulu
Natal, including
the Ladysmith
battlefields,
which are rich
in culture and
heritage, had
fun in store for
families, said
Mpho. The
Natal Midlands
has one of the
most interesting
meanders in the
country and not
far off are the
Drakensberg
mountains.
In the
Drakensberg,
Premier Hotels
and Resorts will
shortly reopen
the Premier
Hotel Sani Pass
Hotel on the
Lesotho border.
Grant Sandham,
group sales
and marketing
manager, said
the hotel would
be back in
action as a
four-star property at the
end of May after a R75m
refurbishment. The family
market is most definitely
a target of the revamped
resort, which plans to be
“an exceptional product”
featuring amenities such
as a wellness centre and
conference facility. At the
time of writing, the hotel
group was in the process
of appointing a resort
marketing person whose job
it will be to set up family
programmes.
The hotel is the base for
4x4 excursions up the Sani
Pass, provides access to
horse trails up the mountain
to Lesotho, shorter horse
rides around the property
and pony rides for children.
Golf, swimming, chess,
snooker, bowls, tennis,
volleyball, squash, putt-putt,
fly and bass fishing will leave
families spoilt for choice.
Sani Pass is also featured
in Avis Rent a Car’s selection
of top holiday roads. Lance
Smith advised that the carrental
company was currently
involved in a global initiative
to identify the best roads
in several countries and
regions. “We are doing the
same for Southern Africa.
Our recommendation for
families in 2017 is for them
to explore South Africa’s
Best Roads to Drive On by
visiting www.avisbestroads.
co.za.”
Avis’s top 10 include South
Africa’s most spectacular
passes: Magoebaskloof
Pass in Limpopo; Chapman’s
Peak and Franschhoek
Pass in the Western Cape;
Naude’s Nek in the Eastern
Cape; Spektakel Pass in the
Northern Cape; Robbers’
Pass and Long Tom Pass
in Mpumalanga and Golden
Gate Pass in the Free State.
Europe flush with fun fro everyone
WHEN it comes to
travelling in Europe, Inge
Dobihal, owner of Austrian
Connection, says there
are two types of family
travellers.
“There are those who do
a ‘European Experience’
trip, taking the children with
them and hopping from city
to city. Then there are those
who are looking for just one
place that offers plenty of
entertainment for children,
but is also centrally located
to do some sightseeing in
the nearby surroundings.”
The city hoppers seem to
think that most European
cities do not offer much
for children, she says,
with the exception of
Disneyland outside Paris.
She counters this notion,
taking as an example
Austria Connection’s ‘Vienna
for Families’ package, which
features attractions such as
the House of Music where
young ones can conduct
an orchestra, learn what
a baby can hear while in
the womb, and compose
music on a computer. The
Zoom Children’s Museum,
the Prater amusement park
and Madame Tussaud’s Wax
Museum are other included
fun and educational
experiences. The three-night
package in a family room in
a three-star hotel sells from
€552 (R7 892).
“Cities like Salzburg,
Innsbruck, Prague and
Budapest have lots of
activities or sights that are
of great interest to children,”
says Inge. She mentions the
trick fountains at Hellbrunn
Palace on the outskirts of
Salzburg, the Swarovski
Crystal World in Innsbruck,
and the Children’s Railway
in Budapest, an 11km-long
railway line operated mainly
by Hungarian children
between the age of 10 and
14 who get time off school.
For those who prefer to
stay in one place, Inge’s
suggestions are Austria
and Croatia. Hotels in
rural Austria, she says,
are child friendly. “Parents
and children quickly make
friends with other families
and enjoy the beautiful
alpine scenery, go on walks,
do water sports on the
lakes and day trips to cities
like Salzburg or Innsbruck.
Cycling in Austria is suitable
for multi-generational
holidays, where the Danube
Cycle Path is ideal for all
ages, with kid-friendly stops
at water parks and similar
activities.
“Croatia with its beautiful
beaches is a paradise for
children and adults, with
historic towns and cities
usually not far away,”
she says, highlighting
island-hopping cruises as
another idea worthy of
consideration.
What the wild side has on offer
DESTINATIONS like
Botswana, Victoria Falls in
Zimbabwe, Namibia and
Mozambique are suitable for
families wanting to stretch
their horizons beyond South
Africa, says Avoca Travels’
Nazira Mohamed.
In all these locations,
wildlife is a significant
attraction, but many lodges
do not encourage younger
children.
The following products in
neighbouring countries have
all publicised new familystyle
amenities in recent
weeks:
Family-focused tours in
South Africa and Namibia
are now offered by Live
the Journey, suitable for
children under 12. Travel
distances are shorter
and activities aim to keep
children intrigued for the
duration of the journey.
Food, accommodation,
outdoor activities, safaris
and animal interactions,
as well as interaction with
locals, are included.
Ichingo Chobe River
Lodge in Botswana has
undergone renovations
since its incorporation
into the Zambezi Queen
Collection. One of the
changes is the addition of
a family tent for children
sharing with adults.
Activities now include
game viewing by boat,
birding and tiger fishing.
Ichingo Chobe River Lodge
offers two- or three-night
programmes utilising boats
to maximise the guest
experiences.
Imvelo Safari Lodges in
Zimbabwe will expand
three camps in 2017 –
Zambezi Sands River Camp
in the Zambezi National
Park, Nehimba in Hwange
National Park, and Bomani
Tented Lodge in Ngamo
Plains, where a family suite
will be included.
Natural Selection, a newly
established inbound safari
operator, will open Sable
Alley, in the Khwai Private
Reserve, in Botswana this
year. It will comprise 11
tents, two of which will
be family rooms able to
accommodate up to four
guests.
African Bush Camps is
constructing the new Khwai
Leadwood, a family- and
groups-orientated camp,
in the Okavango Delta,
Botswana. The camp
will comprise two family
units (with inter-leading
walkways/rooms) and
two standard units built
on raised decking, with
180-degree views of the
lagoon in front of camp.
Kids come first in Mauritius
BETWEEN April 22 and
October 8, up to two
children under the age of 18
sharing rooms with parents
stay free at Beachcomber
Hotels’ Mauritian resorts,
with the exception of the
Royal Palm. If parents have
selected one of the groups’
all-inclusive meal and drinks
plans, this applies to the
accompanying children too,
at no charge.
According to Joanne
Visagie, sales and
marketing manager of
Beachcomber Tours,
families are a major focus
for the tour operator,
which promotes the eight
Beachcomber resorts on
Mauritius and one in the
Seychelles.
Further, with Air Mauritius’s
Travel Smart programme,
free flights are on offer
for up to two under-12s
per family during specific
seasons in 2017; only their
airport taxes must be paid.
Free business-class lounge
access is included for the
family out of Johannesburg,
Durban and Cape Town. The
offer is subject to availability.
All the Mauritian resorts
have complimentary kids’
clubs for children from
three to 12 years and a
number offer activities for
teenagers during school
holidays. Trou aux Biches
has a complimentary baby
club for infants aged one
to three years on weekday
afternoons, while Canonnier,
Mauricia and Victoria have
special baby-care rooms
for infants under three. All
resorts offer baby-sitting
services and kiddies’ menus
at their restaurants.
The group’s all-inclusive
options, with the facility
to prepay for extra food
and beverages, are a win
for families, enabling
them to know upfront what
their overall expenditure
will be.
