Incentives weather the economic storm
WHILE economic
uncertainty affects
the demand for
travel both in the business
and leisure sectors, there
are signs of things picking
up for incentives, with more
companies returning to use
travel as a tool to motivate
staff.
“Incentive travel is
definitely growing in the
SA market. Companies are
realising that consumers are
motivated more and more by
experiences, and travel offers
countless varied experiences
to suit every kind of person,”
says Ross Volk, md of MSC
Cruises South Africa.
While Mandy Lerena, Virgin
Atlantic commercial manager
South Africa, agrees that there
has been growth, she feels
that the pace has been a bit
slower in SA than abroad. She
says that in the last few years,
there has “certainly” been an
increase in incentive travel,
but adds: “This trend is true in
our international markets and
we can slowly see the demand
increasing in SA.”
A motivational tool
Teresa Richardson, md of
The Travel Corporation, says
sales-driven companies
use incentives to drive the
right behaviour to increase
productivity or sales. “We
know that travel is high up on
the wish list of the average
South African and an incentive
trip in exchange for targets
being achieved has always
been a successful driver.”
But what is it about travel
that makes it so effective
as a motivator? For Dalene
Oroni, groups manager at
Development Promotions,
travel works effectively as
an incentive because people
generally can’t afford to travel
in their personal capacity.
“Everyone wants to travel, so
they will work hard to achieve
their targets in order to do
so,” she says.
Meanwhile, Beachcomber
Groups and Incentives
has experienced “another
good year”. Enid Maullin,
groups sales executive,
says: “Our repeat corporate
business is also encouraging.
Beachcomber’s group travel
for the new year and forward
bookings are positive and
exciting.” She says companies
have used travel as an
incentive for many years and
that this will continue as it
is a great motivator. “It is
rewarding and one of the best
options to get the company
together in a special place,
have fun and enjoy time
together with your fellow
colleagues,” she adds.
Tighter budgets
However, Lizaan Schnettler,
groups and incentives
manager, Cruises
International, says while
there has definitely been an
increase in incentive travel,
companies’ budgets have not
increased much over the past
two years.
“We have also seen that
this year we have a mix of
incentives looking to travel
within the next six months
and quite a number of other
incentives looking at a longer
lead time,” she adds. The
reason for travel being an
increasingly popular incentive
option, says Lizaan, is
because it offers value for
money when motivating staff.
While Samuel Herman, team
leader at FCM Events, says
incentive travel is booming,
he’s found that budgets are
not up in the South African
market as a result of the
poor exchange rate. He adds
that, in the current economic
climate, money incentives tend
to go toward paying off debts.
“Travel, on the other hand, still
offers exciting experiences
and memories,” says Samuel.
Martine Sanderson, group
sales manager for World
Leisure Holidays, says while
there is constant growth
in incentive travel, there is
definitely a push to be more
cost-effective. “Due to the
negative currency fluctuations,
we are seeing very last-minute
sporadic booking patterns and
a trend to drive more costeffective
destinations.”
Stagnant demand
But Jose Emilio Garcia,
portfolio brand manager in
South Africa for Iberia, is of
the view that SA’s incentive
travel market is “currently
stagnated in all the segments,
including group travel”.
Sharing his sentiments is
Club Travel travel manager,
Mandy McEvoy. She says
the incentive market is not
growing and that it is still
the same as it has been in
previous years.
David Sand, ceo of Uwin
Iwin Incentives, argues that
incentive travel is “definitely
booming, judging from the
number of tender processes
we are taking part in”. But
he says budgets aren’t up
and because of currency
fluctuations, clients frequently
have to adapt. “This
sometimes means cutting a
day or some excursions.”
He says although travel is a
highly sought-after experience
for people, luxury travel is
still out of reach of some
employees. “This makes an
incentive trip so much more
aspirational. If you look at the
overall expense burden on
companies, it has proven its
value as a stand-out reward.
South Africans are travel
crazy and that is why it is so
successful in this market.”
Bespoke travel is the talk of the town
WHEN it comes to incentives
and groups, many travellers
are demanding something
new and exciting, but can
agents deliver customised
travel for groups?
“It’s all about the
experience these days.
Travellers today are quite
savvy and they’re looking to
do interesting and exciting
things that take them off the
beaten track. You cannot
discount the power of social
media in driving this type of
behaviour. Travellers don’t
want more of the same thing
and they don’t want to have
to think for themselves,”
says The Travel Corporation’s
Teresa Richardson.
Off the beaten track
She says that while the
usual destinations such as
Paris and Rome are still
very popular, there is more
demand to visit off-thebeaten
track destinations
and for once-in-a-lifetime
experiences. “At TTC we are
able to tailor-make trips and
these are often requested.
We are constantly changing,
expanding and adding to our
trips to keep them fresh and
exciting through our unique
experiences.” According
to Teresa, people want to
immerse themselves in
new cultures and soak up
authentic experiences.
Thanks to technology,
travellers are more
knowledgeable about the
destinations they visit, and
are likely to have done
some research before their
trip. “This increases their
expectations,” says Noku
Dlodlo, sales manager at
Mercure Hotel Bedfordview.
Travellers are now looking
for unique, one-of-a-kind
experiences.”
Keeping it fresh
Enid Maullin, group sales
executive of Beachcomber
Tours, says every year
the tour operator looks at
different ways to offer unique
experiences. These include
unique dining options and
cultural activities involving
the local communities
and eco-sensitive
experiences. Dalene Oroni
of Development Promotions
says repeat groups are
looking for different and
new destinations, and new
groups are trying to promote
bucket-list destinations and
unique experiences.
One of the ways this
is playing out in the
marketplace, says David
Sand of Uwin Iwin Incentives,
is that companies with
first-time travellers are
usually more open to
unusual destinations, as
long as the complexity of
the trip is minimal, while
experienced travellers are
looking for completely unique
experiences outside of their
comfort zones and frames of
reference.
“We are seeing
experienced travellers
requesting out-of-the-box
thinking from our side.
Clients like that push our
creativity and it is really
exciting for us. We recently
took a group to Lapland,
truly once in a lifetime, and
in October we are taking
another group to Sri Lanka, a
new unexplored destination
with some magical
experiences.” David adds
that clients are also looking
for unique experiences
at more commercial
destinations.
Busy itineraries
Club Travel’s Mandy McEvoy
explains that it’s essential to
keep the itinerary packed for
incentive travel. “Activities
or day trips need to be
arranged almost every day,
plus gala dinners and often
teambuilding days such as
survivor on the beach or
amazing race around the
island.
“Islands are the most
popular as it is easier to
keep a group all together in
a resort on an island such
as Mauritius rather than
in a city like Phuket,” she
adds. Mandy says cultural
experiences, such as a
Mauritian cooking class as
a teambuilding activity, are
becoming increasingly sought
after.
Excitement at sea
According to Ross Volk of
MSC Cruises South Africa,
the increased interest in new
destinations was the reason
Pomene in Mozambique was
introduced last year. The
island was added to the MSC
Musica itinerary due to its
popularity. “Groups get to
enjoy not only the unspoiled
beauty of the island, but
there are also a variety of
experiences and activities
available, such as water
sports and guided tours,” he
says.
Ross believes the rising
popularity of cruising reflects
an emerging trend in group
travel – having everything
you need in one venue
that offers a wide range of
activities, entertainment and
meal options, with almost
everything included.
“It is much less hassle
and makes sense for limited
budgets.”
Lizaan Schnettler of
Cruises International says
the increase in demand
for new destinations and
bespoke experiences is
having a positive effect on
group travel. “You can travel
almost anywhere on a
cruise ship as a group and
some of our ships go to
amazing ports where groups
can do private events, for
example an awards dinner
in Ibiza.” She says more
groups are looking at
destinations such as Alaska,
European river cruises and
the Northern Lights.
The cost of customisation
Teresa explains that all
17 of Uniworld’s ships
and both U by Uniworld
ships are available
for full-ship charter,
accommodating up to
159 guests in Europe
and up to 81 guests in
Egypt, India, Vietnam and
Cambodia. “Charters are
completely customisable,
including special menus,
on-board entertainment
and activities, private
shore excursions,
corporate branding
opportunities and more.
Itineraries can also
incorporate themes such
as food and wine, history
or art, or emphasise
events such as birthdays,
weddings, anniversaries
or family reunions,” she
says.
Similarly, Lizaan says:
“Cruises International
is able to work with the
cruise line to tailor-make
the on-board experience
to what the group
requires.”
Tread carefully
World Leisure Holidays’
Martine Sanderson says
there will always be
increased demand for
new destinations when
it comes to incentive
travel as clients don’t
want to repeat the
same experiences. She
says for small incentive
groups there’s often a
push to find bespoke
experiences and new
adventures. But, she
points out, value for
money plays a vital role.
“Often clients are not
aware of the hidden costs
when you do offer more
bespoke experiences, so
this can harm the final
decision-making process,
which in turn results in
loss of time and revenue.”
Samuel Herman of FCM
Events, says: “Although
we are always looking
for new destinations
and experiences, the
reality is that unique and
bespoke destinations are
expensive. The economic
climate means incentive
budgets are currently not
allowing for these kinds of
experiences, however we
predict the tide will turn.”
Become a specialist
BECOMING a specialist
in selling group and/or
incentive travel is not only
financially rewarding, it
pushes you to be creative
and puts your skills to the
test. If that sounds like a
path you’d like to follow,
here’s how to get there.
According to FCM Events’
Samuel Herman, education
is key for anyone wanting
to become an incentive
specialist. “Aspiring
incentive consultants
need to try and visit as
many destinations as
possible, as first-hand
experience is key to selling
a destination. Attending
trade fairs will also help
incentive specialists forge
relationships with suppliers
and acquire new and original
ideas,” he says. He points
out that putting together an
incentive programme is very
different to normal leisure
trips. “It’s important to
have the right contacts and
relationships in place with
DMCs,” adds Samuel.
For Mandy McEvoy, being
a group specialist boils
down to product knowledge
and experience. “A little is
learned after each group
departure. Organisation is
vital – the moment a group
gets messy, it is almost
impossible to find your way
back.” She recommends
using Excel spreadsheets
for big groups. She agrees
that travelling to popular
group travel destinations is
an advantage, as the client
feels more comfortable
knowing that the person
organising the trip has been
there. “This will also allow
you to offer essential little
tips,” adds Mandy. Why take
on the challenge? Mandy
says: “It’s fun, it’s intense, it
keeps you on your toes and
it’s profitable!
Strength in numbers
BOOKING for a large
number of travellers gives
you an advantage when it
comes to pricing trips, as
suppliers might be open to
discounting on the basis of
large volumes.
Ross Volk of MSC Cruises
South Africa, says groups
guarantee a high number
of guests with just one
booking, which offers cost
benefits for suppliers and
entails much less hassle.
“They are highly sought
after,” he adds. Because of
this, Ross says agents have
leverage when negotiating
the best deal with suppliers.
“The greater the group,
the more buying power you
have,” says FCM’s Samuel
Herman. But he adds that
this isn’t necessarily an
advantage when dealing
with airlines, but a plus
when dealing with ground
handlers and hotels.
Budget upfront
When it comes to
negotiating with suppliers,
Martine Sanderson of
World Leisure Holidays
says budget is important.
“Managing clients’
expectations and budgets
is such a critical part of
the negotiation process
with both suppliers and the
client. We won’t normally
enter into negotiation with
suppliers until we have a
budget. If we don’t have
a budget that is clearly
defined, it becomes a
nightmare to put packages
together,” she explains.
Because hotels need at
least one group staying
with them at a time,
Noku Dlodlo of Mercure
Hotel Bedfordview, says
they are more flexible,
which can benefit agents,
particularly during off-peak
times. She suggests that
agents request value-adds
and signature products
or experiences that will
improve their guests’
experience.
Mandy Lerena of Virgin
Atlantic South Africa, says
the airline’s dedicated
groups team gives agents
“exactly what you need”.
“We offer a dedicated
group sales team, global
connections and discounted
fares, among lots of other
great benefits that help you
and your groups enjoy the
best trips yet.”
The TTC brands, says
md, Teresa Richardson,
offer agents group rates
that allow them negotiating
power on pricing.
“For every 15 full-paying
passengers we offer a free
seat and, of course, we pay
commission on the entire
package, not just on part of
the package.”
The right timing
To secure the best price
for your clients, Jose Emilio
Garcia of Iberia, advises
agents to confirm the group
bookings well in advance
and to book out of the high
season.
“November and February
would be a very good period
to organise this kind of trip,”
he adds.
David Sand of Uwin Iwin
Incentives, says: “Through a
network of trusted suppliers,
agents can gain more
negotiating power, however
incentive travel is not all
about the cost because of
the expectations of client.
Wedding special from Beachcomber
BEACHCOMBER has an
exclusive offer available
for destination weddings
or vow renewal.
Travellers have a
choice of eight resorts
on premier beachfront
sites in Mauritius, and
can opt for either the
Beachcomber Wedding
Package or Beachcomber
Glamour Wedding
Package.
The bridal or renewal
of vows couple receive
a 25-30% discount on
the land portion as well
as sparkling wine on
arrival. This discount is
applicable to all guests
joining the couple.
Should 20 adults book,
the bride’s discount
increases to 50% and a
complimentary celebratory
beach barbecue dinner is
arranged for the full group
(on condition that they
travel between May 1 and
September 30, 2019).
Stretching your clients’ rands
WITH most companies keeping
a close eye on budgets,
destinations that are more
affordable for South Africans
are becoming strong incentive
options.
Samuel Herman of FCM
Events says there’s been
a trend toward all-inclusive
options, making Mauritius
and Zanzibar popular choices.
“Cruising is also a good
choice as it not only has the
all-inclusive element, but
also offers delegates the
opportunity to visit multiple
destinations on one trip.”
According to The Travel
Corporation’s Teresa
Richardson, a good
incentive will have many
interesting and unique
experiences in the mix.
“Turkey, Portugal, London
and Greece are all great
on-trend destinations
that have always
managed to cater
for large groups by being able
to offer great service and
support.” She says the eastern
Mediterranean has always
been incredibly popular, with
countries such as Greece and
Turkey offering the right amount
of culture, sightseeing and
history to satisfy travellers.
“They are also rand-friendly
destinations, making the
incentive winner’s spending
money go further,” says Teresa,
adding that Eastern Europe
is also “packed to the rafters
with culture, history and hidden
gems”.
Jose Emilio Garcia of Iberia,
recommends southern Europe,
and Spain in particular, for
incentive trips. “Spain offers
a lot of things: culture, good
cuisine, nice weather, natural
landscapes, great beaches,
good transport infrastructure
and plenty of hotel and
congress venues. It is also very
close to other destinations in
Europe that you can combine
in your ticket.”
Jose adds that it is fairly
easy to offer a competitive
package for incentive travel
to Spain and other parts
of Europe. While the
traditional cities such as
Madrid and Barcelona
remain popular, Jose
says other Spanish cities,
including San Sebastian
and Seville, are being
discovered by South
Africans.
The islands
Mandy McEvoy of Club
Travel, says incentives are
generally four nights, making
closer destinations such
as Mauritius, Mozambique,
Zanzibar and Madagascar
favourable.
Carla da Silva, Air
Mauritius regional general
manager: Africa & Latin
America, says Mauritius
remains a top incentive
travel destination for South
Africans, thanks to the short
flight, no visa requirement,
world-class infrastructure
and conferencing facilities,
all-inclusive value
propositions with different
packages; entertainment
and tailormade excursions,
and more. She adds that
there have also been MICE
enquiries for India, Hong
Kong and Singapore.
Enid Maullin of
Beachcomber agrees:
“Most companies today
look for the best value for
money – their requests are
all-inclusive, a good resort
offering added value and
a fun programme, and not
long-haul flights. Mauritius
offers all of this and more.”
She adds that some
companies do look at other
destinations they consider
to be new to them, for a
different experience, but that
this depends on budgets.
Zanzibar is experiencing
a boom in incentive travel.
Says Steve Cooke, sales
& marketing manager for
Africa Stay: “It is a very costeffective
destination and
ideal for teambuilding. The
all-inclusive packages are
ideal as companies have an
exact budget. With meals
and drinks included, they
don’t have to worry about
additional costs when they
check out of the resort.” He
says another drawcard is
that most of the four- and
five-star properties offer
conferencing facilities.
According to Martine
Sanderson of World Leisure
Holidays, more adventure
is a hot trend. “Réunion
Island is definitely a
talking point for 2019 and
2020 for MICE groups.
It offers a whole array of
adventures for teambuilding
and relaxing and taking in
the magnificent sights of
the island. The nightlife
is amazing as well, with
a meal only costing €6
(R103).” Other countries
Martine says are getting a
lot of attention are India,
because it’s not a traditional
destination, and Egypt,
because the political unrest
is no longer a concern and
the destination offers a
myriad things to do that
are affordable for South
Africans.
Float their boat
When it comes to cruising,
Lizaan Schnettler of Cruises
International says Europe
is a bestseller because
of the cost-effective flight
options, leaving more
budget to spend on a cruise
of their choice. She says
Asia is also popular due to
competitive rates on cruises
as well as the lack of a
visa requirement for South
African passport holders
embarking on shorter
cruises from Singapore to
Phuket.
Companies stand
to benefit from the
affordability, luxury, variety
and convenience cruising
offers, says Ross Volk
of MSC Cruises South
Africa. “Cruising is an allinclusive
travel experience
where guests get all their
meals, accommodation and
on-board entertainment and
activities included in the
price.
“This is ideal for
companies that want to
offer incentive travel, as
they can manage costs.”
He says the weekend
three-night cruise to
Portuguese Island in
Mozambique (which MSC
Musica will be calling at
from November) is one of
MSC Cruises’ most randfriendly
destinations. “Our
guests love the fact that
they get to experience
another country without
having to break the bank
or spend hours stuck in
vehicles travelling to the
destination,” adds Ross.
Closer to home
With the exchange rate,
South Africa offers value
for money and a variety of
experiences, says Noku
Dlodlo of Mercure Hotel
Bedfordview. “At Mercure,
we work together with
the agents and exchange
ideas on how we as
a hotel can make the
guests’ check-in or stay
with us memorable. For
example, a beautifully laid
out group check-in station
of special personalised
welcome packs,” she
adds.
David Sand of Uwin
Iwin Incentives, says
even though he and his
team like to promote
destinations in Africa,
they have found that only
a few are really affordable
for clients. “Destinations
such as Swakopmund,
Victoria Falls and Zanzibar
offer the best value. If
you travel further off our
shores you find a lot
of value in Mauritius,
Thailand, Bali and to
the west, destinations
such as Rio and Cancun.
Europe will always come
with a premium price tag,
however the amount of
added value you receive
on those trips does make
it worthwhile”
Raise a toast with Cruises International
CRUISES International
is offering MICE groups
an all-inclusive drinks
package on all Royal
Caribbean sailings.
The package includes
cocktails; spirits; liqueurs;
beer; bottled water; wines
by the glass; freshly
squeezed juices and
non-alcoholic cocktails;
premium coffees and
teas; fountain sodas;
and a drinks-only cocktail
party. Further, a 40%
discount is offered on
bottled wines priced up
to US$100 (R1 492) and
a 20% discount on wines
priced above US $100.
Did you know?
Virgin Atlantic has operated its first commercial flight using nextgeneration
sustainable fuel made by recycling waste carbon gases. The
airline says if the UK approves plans to go ahead with construction of
LanzaTech fuel plants, by 2025 it could produce enough sustainable fuel
to fly all the airline’s UK outbound flights. If rolled out worldwide, it could
produce enough fuel to meet around 20% of the current commercial
global aviation fuel demand.
Send your groups to Egypt with WLH
WORLD Leisure Holidays can
arrange a memorable trip to
Egypt for groups of up to 48
people from R31 500 per
person sharing.
For travel between June and
September 2019, the package
includes meet and assist at
Cairo, Aswan and Hurghada
airports; all transfers as per
itinerary; all tours as per
itinerary; professional guide;
three nights’ accommodation
on board the Star Goddess
Nile cruise; three nights’
accommodation in Hurghada
at Baron Palace Sahl
Haheesh; accommodation
in Cairo at Cairo Marriott
Hotel; domestic airfares; gala
dinner; and more.
Iberia bringing premium economy to SA in 2019
FROM April
2019, Iberia will
introduce its
new premium
economy
cabin on its
flights between
Johannesburg
and Madrid.
According to
Jose Emilio
Garcia of Iberia,
this new cabin
is perfect for
incentive trips,
honeymooners
or to
complement
the experience
of those
travelling to
take part in
a cruise, for
instance.
The premium
economy cabin
features more spacious
seats that recline further
than economy class
for a more comfortable
flight. In addition to
enhanced entertainment
and dining, premium
economy gives travellers
separate fast lane
access to tourist-class
check-in counters and
priority boarding and
disembarkation.
AF KLM relaunches Corporate Benefits Programme
AIR France KLM is
relaunching its Corporate
Benefits Programme
designed for its corporate
customers. A total of 14
benefits are now on offer
on all Air France and
KLM flights, as well as on
flights operated by HOP!
and Joon. Additionally, from
November 1, certain benefits
will also apply to flights
operated by Delta.
Under the service category,
benefits include a dedicated
accounts manager to each
customer, a local sales team
and 24-hour call centre for
travel agents. In terms of
flexibility, the programme
offers the opportunity to
change passenger names
on tickets, more flexible
ticketing deadlines and a
guaranteed seat in economy
on long-haul flights.
Priority benefits include the
option of selecting seats at
any time, priority boarding on
all long-haul flights,
and a commitment to
take care of them first
when it comes to waitlist,
customer care and aftersales
service.
“Constantly developing
our commercial offer for
our corporate customers
is one of Air France KLM’s
priorities. We now offer
our corporate customers
individual benefits
independently of their
personal status, but in
line with the status of the
company for whom they
are travelling,” said Patrick
Alexandre, executive vp of
Air France-KLM Commercial,
Sales and Alliances.
To the point
Guests staying at Trou aux Biches Beachcomber in Mauritius now get free access to the 18-hole Mont
Choisy Le Golf at popular tee-off times, within Beachcomber’s prebooked rounds. Guests will get free
transfers, green fees and golf carts. Valid until December 19.
For the record
In the Loyalty & Rewards table in TNW dated October 10, it was incorrectly stated that
Lufthansa’s Partner Plus Benefit was applicable on Star Alliance member airlines. In fact, it is
only applicable on selected airlines: Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Air
Canada and United Airlines. In addition, the name of aha Hotels & Lodges marketing manager,
Ruzandri Stoltz, was spelt incorrectly in the same feature.
Photocap: Zanzibar
AfricaStay is offering promotional, inclusive rates on
its Zanzibar packages. Until November 30, agents can
book a four-night package from R8 575pps and seven
nights from R10 895pps. Prices include return airfare
Johannesburg-Zanzibar (including airport taxes), return
airport transfers (seat-in-coach), accommodation in a
standard room, all meals and selected non-alcoholic
and local alcoholic drinks. Prices exclude all items of a
personal nature, visas applicable for non-SA passport
holders, and travel insurance. Pictured: Steve Cooke,
sales and marketing manager, AfricaStay.
Nine great specials!
Cruises International is
offering a 30% discount
on standard cruise fares
with Royal Caribbean
International for all guests
in a stateroom for all
sailings. The booking
window ends on October 31,
2018 for sailings on or after
October 1. All other charges,
including taxes, fees and
port expenses are additional
and apply to all guests.
Valid for new bookings only
and subject to availability.
Air Austral’s promotional
X-class fares from
Johannesburg to Mauritius
start from R5 380 return
(incl. taxes). Stopovers are
permitted in Réunion. Valid
for sales before October 31,
with no restrictions on the
travel period.
Beachcomber Tours has
introduced special rates
at the four-star newly
refurbished Mauricia
Beachcomber Resort and
Spa in Mauritius. Five-night
packages start from
R16 750pps, which is a
25% discount and includes
one child under the age
of six staying and eating
free. Valid for travel from
June 1-30, 2019, and a
supplement is applicable for
stays between June 14 and
June 30 of R1 530pp.
MSC Cruises has launched
its South America specials
for a selection of cruises
ranging between six and
10 nights from Brazil
or Argentina on board
MSC Fantasia and MSC
Orchestra. Options include
six- and seven-night cruises
from Santos or Rio de
Janeiro to explore the
Brazilian coast with rates
starting from R14 147pps,
long cruises from Buenos
Aires or Rio de Janeiro to
visit Argentina, Brazil and
Uruguay from R22 998pps.
The cruise season runs
from November 2018 to
March 2019.
The Travel Corporation
is offering a CostSaver
Jewels of Italy Winter 2019
package with rates starting
from R11 250pps. The
seven-day tour features
seven cities, including
Venice, Florence and Rome
and attractions such as the
Colosseum, Leaning Tower
of Pisa and the Duomo.
The package includes
accommodation, transport,
daily breakfast, two dinners
and sightseeing. Valid for
travel between November
2018 and March 2019.
World Leisure Holidays
has launched special rates
at Shangri-La’s five-star
Le Touessrok and Spa
with rates starting from
R42 700 ex-JNB and DUR.
Package includes return
direct flights to Mauritius,
return private standard car
transfers, all land and nonmotorised
water sports,
daily entertainment, WiFi,
green fees at Ile Aux Cerfs
Golf Course, access to Ilot
Mangenie and approximate
taxes. There is also an
option to upgrade to half
board from R10 580pp.
Valid for sales until October
31 and for travel until
December 11.
Aha Alpine Heath Resort
has introduced a midweek
‘Berg Break special.
A chalet which sleeps
between one and six people
is available at a rate of
R2 999 per night, including
breakfast daily, dinner
on the first night, all the
ingredients to make your
own braai on the second
night, glass of house wine
per person with dinner,
selected on-site activities
and discounts on horse
riding outrides and spa
treatments. Children get
a free milkshake or soft
drinks with dinner, as well
as a free slush puppy
daily. The offer includes an
upgrade to a deluxe chalet,
subject to availability.
A minimum stay of two
nights applies. Valid from
Monday to Thursday until
December 15.
Thompsons Holidays is
offering special rates
on a Rovos Rail journey
combined with a stay at the
five-star Fairmont Zimbali
Resort, starting from R24
351. The package includes
two nights on board
Rovos Rail from Pretoria
to Durban, two days’ car
rental (group B), two nights’
accommodation at the
Fairmont Zimbali and a
one-way flight from Durban
to Johannesburg (incl.
taxes). A bonus extra is all
meals and selected drinks
daily are included while
on the Rovos Rail, limited
laundry service and off-train
excursions accompanied
by a tour guide. At the
Fairmont Zimbali, daily
breakfast is included, as
well as discounts on spa
treatments and dinner,
along with a complimentary
bottle of wine. Valid for set
departures from Pretoria to
Durban on October 26 and
November 23.
Travel Vision has put
together a special four-night
package for the Rio Carnival
in Brazil. For R11 013pps,
the package includes return
airport-hotel transfers, four
nights’ accommodation
in the three-star Windsor
Martinique Copa, daily
breakfast and Sambodrome
ticket – Bleacher sector 10.
Valid for bookings before
October 31 for travel from
March 8-12, 2019.
Did you know?
To coincide with MSC Cruises bringing the MSC Musica
to South African waters, the cruise line has introduced
a special corporate offer. For every 23 full paying
passengers booked, one passenger will cruise for free
(excluding mandatory charges).
