Air connectivity fosters growth
NEW air routes offering better connections to Indian Ocean destinations are burgeoning. Air Madagascar has seen a positive response from the travel trade to the news that it has put Johannesburg back on its map, says Isla Moffett, commercial manager of Border Air, GSA representative for the airline in SA. “From June 18, Air Madagascar is introducing twice-weekly flights on Tuesdays and Sundays between Antananarivo and Johannesburg after an absence of four years.” The arrival time in Antananarivo allows passengers from Johannesburg to enjoy the same-day connection to several domestic destinations (flights operated by Tsaradia) such as Nosy Be, Antsiranana or Taolagnaro, she says. After consolidation and Air Austral purchasing 49% of the airline in 2017, Air Madagascar is now in a
position to expand its network and South Africa is a key market, confirms Border Air ceo, Lu Dowell (TNW April 24). Maldivian Airlines continues to eye SA as part of its global expansion plan, although no launch date is available yet, confirms Shona Pittaway, md of Perfect Destinations. “As Maldivian Airlines is a national carrier and the route is a scheduled operation, the Johannesburg leg is connected to onward routes, primarily into China. Due to heavy global flight traffic into China, the onward leg has incurred delays. This remains a work in progress by the airline.” Travel agents can, however, once again book direct flights to the Maldives as ATO Tours has signed a new charter agreement with SAA to operate once-weekly nonstop flights to the southern Maldives, landing at Gan International Airport (TNW March 13). The airport is a short boat charter from many
of the Maldives’ exquisite beach resorts and the nonstop flight – which cuts out a stopover – has reduced flying time to just seven hours. For Zanzibar, Mango has been testing its route out of Lanseria with Saturdaymorning flights for the month of June (TNW May 29). Marian Sandu, ceo of Holiday Packages by AfricaStay, says this is an amazing opportunity to increase traffic into Zanzibar. “Mango has organised the scheduling of the flight to connect seamlessly with flights from Cape Town and Durban on the same day. This is a first for flights to Zanzibar.” Isla adds that, from June 3, Air Seychelles has increased the number of flights from JNB to SEZ from five to seven over the period of 12 months, with an increase in capacity when the A320neo is deployed on the route from August this year. This means Air Seychelles is
servicing Johannesburg daily as part of its 2019 summer schedule. “Current capacity is 116 passengers per flight, but with the A320neo, the capacity increases to 168 passengers per flight.” Until October 26, Air Seychelles is also servicing Antananarivo twice a week from July 3 and Mauritius five times weekly, including a new
Saturday night flight starting from July 6. In terms of overall connectivity in the region, Mauritius is the best-served island with flights from South Africa, with numerous carriers servicing this destination, says Isla. Réunion has two flights a week on a Tuesday and Sunday and in the high season offers a third flight on a Friday, she says. “From an inter-island perspective, Air Austral probably has the best network, with flights from Réunion to the Comoros, Mauritius, Mayotte, Seychelles and Madagascar (Antananarivo, Fort Dauphin, Tulear, Tamatave and Nosy Be) and on its subsidiary EWA Air – Mozambique (Pemba) Tanzania (Dar es Salaam) and Comoros (Anjouan and Moroni).” Air Tanzania will start flying four times a week between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam from June 28 (TNW May 8).
Mad about Maldives
THE changing landscape of how the Maldives is being marketed to South African travellers has meant more sales opportunities for agents. “We attribute this to resort prices having decreased significantly over the last few years,”says Janine Pienaar, Perfect Destinations’ head of marketing. Maldives is still a bucket-list destination but is now much more easily accessible, she says. It is a great option for more specialised itineraries geared toward surfing and diving. There is also an increase in combination packages incorporating Indian Ocean islands with alternative destinations, says Janine. “Some great examples would be Sri Lanka packaged with the Maldives; Mumbai and Mauritius; or the Seychelles included with a stopover in Abu Dhabi.” Groups and incentive travel in the Maldives is
on the rise, says Alexis Bekker, LUX* Resorts and Hotels head of sales and marketing SA and Africa. Its two resorts in the Maldives – the newest, LUX* North Malé Atoll, a penthouse
retreat, opened in February this year – have also seen an increase in sales, albeit off a lower base, she says. Alexis says its two resorts have not benefited as a direct result of the flight to Gan, but the increased exposure of the destination has resulted in more awareness within the trade and made the Maldives seem more accessible from South Africa. “There are a limited number of resorts in the immediate Gan area and we are hoping that, in time, a flight to the more in-demand and popular Malé will be on the cards.” Brenda Mitchell, World Leisure Holidays head of sales, agrees: “The flight to Gan assists us with packages that include Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa. Our popular resorts are most accessible from Malé, so improved connectivity, less flight time or a direct flight to Malé would be most welcome.”
More LUX in Mauritius
THE growth this year for the resorts in Mauritius has been exceptional, with forward sales looking extremely positive, says LUX* Resorts and Hotels’ Alexis Bekker. “We have six resorts in Mauritius, with the Salt of Palmar having opened in November 2018.” The introduction of the new brand, Salt, has made travellers think about the experience of the actual destination not only the resort, she says. “Salt of Palmar Mauritius is only the first in a range of resorts we plan to launch in other destinations.” In addition, says Alexis, the Merville Beach resort closes in July and an extensive rebuild of LUX* Grand Baie
five-star deluxe begins. “This is unlike any other on the island and another first for LUX*.” Particular growth in Mauritius is seen in the five-star and five-star-deluxe resorts, she says, as well as in FIT and MICE sales. “We have our Fabulous 3.0 offer out to market at present for Mauritius, which is valid for booking until the end of June and includes discounts, depending on dates of stay, of between 10% and 25%.” Self-catering luxury villa rentals in Mauritius have gained momentum of late, she adds. “We are working on other destinations, however we do not have any detail on our expansion plans to share yet,” she says.
MK launches Seychelles route
AIR Mauritius will start operations to Seychelles on July 2. The flights will operate twice weekly using an A319, with 16 seats in business class and 108 in economy. “Our two countries are world-class tourist destinations but as islands we also share similar challenges like the size of our home markets and our geographical remoteness. Bringing our islands closer through better air connectivity is key to overcoming such challenges,” says Air Mauritius ceo, Somas Appavou. Flight schedules for the Mauritius-Seychelles service have been designed to optimise connecting possibilities for passengers through the Mauritius hub.
This includes business and leisure traffic to and from Madagascar, Réunion, South Africa and Australia. Reinforced air services between Mauritius and Seychelles also offer the
Mauritius-Seychelles schedule
Tuesday flight, starting July 2, 2019
Friday flight, starting July 5, 2019
MRU Departure 08:30 Tue MRU Departure 22:30 Fri
SEZ Arrival 11:10 Tue SEZ Arrival 01:10 Fri
Departure 12:00 Tue Departure 02:20 Fri
MRU Arrival 14:40 Tue MRU Arrival 05:00 Fri
opportunity to combine these two destinations into two-centre holiday packages. Air Mauritius has recorded growth to both Réunion and Madagascar, says Carla da Silva, regional manager for Southern Africa and Latin America. “Air Mauritius is the perfect airline for multidestination trips, with Réunion and Mauritius combination trips an exciting offer for many travellers. Madagascar has grown from a corporate and leisure perspective and Air Mauritius serves the destination daily.” The airline is re-fleeting to build on Mauritius’s strength as a regional hub, says Carla. SA flights Air Mauritius serves Mauritius daily from Johannesburg, three times a week from Durban and twice weekly from Cape Town, with the introduction of a fourth Durban frequency on Sundays from July 1. From April this year, Johannesburg has been served daily by wide-body aircraft, resulting in an injection of extra capacity of around 550 seats per week, she says.
Sugar, sugar
BY THE end of September, 80% of the refurbishment at Sugar Beach in Mauritius will be complete. “The resort currently has amazing rates over this period and we have made every effort to ensure the refurbishment does not impact on guests, says Brenda Mitchell of WLH. “The Buddha Beach Bar is also a new addition at Sugar Beach and so are the Foam Parties that our guests can enjoy on the beach.” More news is that World
Leisure Holidays has introduced its Golden Shore awards where top supporters across a number of categories and their partners will be hosted on a trip of a lifetime, says Brenda. “We intend laying out the red carpet for them. Toward the end of May a number of agents received an acknowledgement that they were in the running. At the end of June, the final winners of each category will receive their invitation with the date and details.”
WLH keeps it fresh
WORLD Leisure Holidays has introduced babymoon packages at its Ambre and Long Beach resorts. These packages have a number of inclusions, says Brenda Mitchell of WLH, but the couple can also opt for extras such as a photo session, yoga, virgin cocktails
or spa treatments. “The joy of being at one of our Mauritius resorts is that it ticks all of the babymoon boxes. The travel time is short, there is no zika virus or malaria to worry about and the island offers sophisticated medical facilities for peace of mind.
The Plus Factor
THERE is so much more to a Beachcomber Tours holiday, so much to sell, says md Terry Munro. He is referring to the Plus Factor inclusions, which give agents added-value selling points for Beachcomber resorts. Beachcomber Tours is currently promoting a 25% couples’ special at the fourstar Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa for R16 800 (five nights) in a standard room, valid for travel from July 9-28. An all-inclusive supplement of R615pppn applies. Rates are pps inclusive of return Air Mauritius Travel Smart Programme airfare ex-JNB, approximate airport taxes, return transfers, breakfast and dinner daily as well as free land and motorised water sports as per brochure. Beachcomber also offers free WiFi at all resorts and in rooms, as well as free land and water sports, including wakeboarding, water-skiing and free use of the gym/ hammam/sauna. The Plus Factors for Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa also include one child under six staying and eating free when sharing with parents, a free kids’ club daily for three- to 11-year-olds and free baby care room for children under three. Interchangeable facilities between the three four-star resorts (Mauricia, Canonnier and Victoria) are available, as is 15% off spa treatments, 10%-20% savings on selected excursions and a 5% repeat guest discount. For the Air Mauritius Travel Smart Programme, up to
two children under 12 years fly free (only pay taxes) and passengers have free access to a business-class lounge in JNB, DUR or CPT. “Honeymooners not only save 25% on their land package, but we also throw in complimentary lunch daily, a bottle of bubbles and a Beautiful Experience per couple valued at up to R5 200, such as a cat cruise, scuba initiation, parasail, or speedboat outing.” Extend the stay to 12 nights and the saving increases to 30% during the mid-year period. “Also, get 50% off a room upgrade when the booking is paid in full and available to access 14 days prior – valid on most room categories.” Brides save 25% to 30% or even up to 50% should the wedding party total 20 guests staying with her at the resort (20 includes the bride and groom). “We also offer special savings and inclusions for babymoons or wedding anniversaries,” says Terry.
Book it!
Perfect Destinations is currently running a special for the four-star Maritim Crystals Beach Hotel in Mauritius, priced from R18 360pps (all-inclusive). It includes return flights from Johannesburg, airport taxes, return airporthotel transfers and seven nights in a Superior room. The rate is valid for travel until September 14, to be booked by June 30
‘France, island style’
RÉUNION Island Tourism Board is seeing growth in the number of South African holiday-makers visiting the island, says Atout France director in SA, Hélène Bezuidenhoudt, who also represents the Réunion Island Tourism Board locally. “These are travellers looking for a different holiday. It’s not because they are avid sunworshippers. They are adventure seekers as a group or couple who want to explore the natural beauty of the island by climbing mountains or exploring forests. It is France, island style. That is the drawcard.”
There has also been an increase in the number of families from SA visiting, she says. “There is something for everyone, in activities, culture, and fun.” In terms of developments, the Grand Bleu Hotel is a new property in the heart of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, just 50m from the famous beach of Roches Noires. “Among its many services and facilities, the restaurant Le P’tit Bleu offers simple and authentic cuisine using fresh produce sourced directly from local suppliers.” The Ness by D-Ocean opened at the beginning
of the year and is a smart, modern and intimate hotelresidence in La-Saline-LesBains, on the west coast of the island. “Its contemporary architecture, surrounded by a lush coconut grove and tropical garden, offers amazing comfort in an exceptional environment.” Hélène reminds travel agents about the tourism board’s new blog that launched in April. “The aim is to inform visitors with inspiring articles, but also make it easier for them to find their dream holidays via a packages page where tour operator partners are listed.”
Photocap: Get exclusive
Constance Aiyana, with its 30 ocean-facing villas, is a secluded and chic retreat on the northern tip of Pemba Island, Zanzibar. Ecologically designed and inspired by African architecture, the high ceilings, pastel colours, traditional building materials and luxuriant vegetation and gardens create a picture-postcard paradise. Constance Aiyana is currently offering discounts on all beach villas. Book by June 30 (minimum four-night stay) to qualify for a 30% discount for travel until August 31. A return transfer from Pemba airport is included. Constance Hotels & Resorts is a collection of luxury hotels in destinations across the Indian Ocean, including Mauritius, the Maldives, Seychelles, Madagascar and Zanzibar.
Book it!
World Leisure Holidays is currently promoting discounted packages to four- and five-star properties in Mauritius, valid until September 8. The packages include return direct flights to Mauritius on Air Mauritius, return seat-in-coach transfers; approximate taxes and levies; daily entertainment and all land and non-motorised water sports as per brochure. Kids under 12 stay and play free when sharing with adults (not applicable at Ambre). The following specials apply for five nights ex-JNB: Ambre from R17 100 (all inclusive, Superior Garden room, 35% off), Long Beach from R17 950 (Junior suite, half board, 40% off), and La Pirogue from R18 100 (Garden Bungalow room, half board, 35% discount). There are also packages available from DUR and CPT.
Sugar and spice and all things nice
‘SUGAR & Spice’ is the latest campaign of Holiday Packages by AfricaStay launched to all travel partners to celebrate its 15th birthday in June, says sales and marketing spokesperson, Annemarie Lexow. “Agents stand a chance to win Woolworths or Takealot
vouchers, domestic flights and a holiday to Zanzibar.” The Saturday departure of Mango Airlines from Lanseria at 09h50 is part of the campaign running until end-June, she says. In Zanzibar, for example, agents can book the Reef and Beach Resort from R8 675pps or the Uroa Bay
Resort from R10 255pps (both half board). “Zanzibar is an excellent destination that offers value for money to South Africans and our scheduled departures during this campaign on Saturdays are perfect for travellers from Cape Town and Durban to connect the same day.”
KQ resumes Malindi operation
KENYA Airways’ low-cost subsidiary, JamboJet, resumed services to Malindi from June 10. The flight will be served four times a week using a 76-seat Bombardier Q400
aircraft. The service will support Kenya Airways’ upcoming Nairobi-RomeGeneva flights, which start on June 12, creating seamless connections between Italy and Malindi.
Through the airline’s codeshare partnership with Alitalia, passengers from Italy will be able to access Malindi through a one-stop service via Nairobi.
