Newsflash

Download Newsflash – February

Zambia implements tourism taxZambia implemented a 16% tourism tax as from the 1st of January.  Tourism products that were previously VAT zero-rated are now subject to the 16% charge. Bookings made prior to December 31st will not be subject to the VAT charge.

Negative impact for Mozambique  – Increase unrest, kidnappings and an attack on a tourist resort have made Mozambique less attractive as a destination for tourists. Other issues that have also had a negative impact include, a lack of clarity on whether tourism visas could be acquired on arrival; the closure of a number of lodges in the Bazaruto / Benguerra area and an unreliable service from LAM, the national airline.

Excess baggage increase for Emirates  – Effective for sales and travel from January 15th, excess baggage rates have been increased.  Any excess baggage purchased prior to the 15th of January will be honored at the pre-purchased level.

SA Express offers free luggage wrap  – Get your luggage wrapped at no extra cost at the SA Express check-in counters by simply presenting your flight ticket.

Marriott  International purchases ProteaDefinitive agreements have been signed for the purchase by Marriott of Protea’s three brands and Management Company.

Singapore Airlines & Air New Zealand form alliance – The agreed alliance will

expand the services between the two countries with the goal of increasing capacity on the route by up to 30%. Air New Zealand will be able to fly the Auckland – Singapore route again and Singapore Airlines to operate an Airbus A380  to New Zealand for the first time.

Government launches new domestic airline – Phakalane Airways in partnership with the Northern Cape provincial government, is expected to launch domestic flights from Kimberley to Upington and Springbok as from February. The airlines market is for everybody but will mainly be concentrating on government business and tourism. The fleet consists of a King Air 200, which can accommodate nine passengers, and an Aero Commander, which can accommodate six passengers.

Qatar launches online visa system – The airline recently introduced a new online system that allows travelers on the airline, including South Africans, to apply online for a one month single-entry tourist visas to Qatar and the visa must be used within 60 days of the date of issue. The service can be accessed from Qatar’s website.

Hilton Worldwide opens the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Saudi Arabia – The 153-room DoubleTree by Hilton Dhahran is situated in Al Khobar in Eastern Province.