Download Newsflash – MARCH
US airports increase security measures
Security at all US airports has been stepped up. US Department of Homeland Security announced that the Transportation Security Admin-istration had increased random searches of travelers and carry-on lug-gage as well as luggage searches at the gate once passengers had gone through security checkpoints. En-hanced screening at certain foreign airports from where travelers are de-parting for the US, has also been im-plemented.
E-tolls here to stay
The current e-toll system will not be scrapped but must be reviewed in order to address afford-ability. This is the primary finding of the advisory panel report on the socio-economic impact of e-tolls in Gauteng. The main recommendation of the pan-el is that elements of the current e-toll system must be reviewed to address the questions of affordability, equity, fairness, administrative simplicity and sustainability.
Marriott opens first hotel in SA
Mar-riott International will open its first Protea Hotel branded property in South Africa since its acquisition of the Protea Group in April last year. Protea is one of 18 brands under the Marriott International umbrella.
CemAir reveals new route
CemAir has announced a new scheduled ser-vice between Johannesburg and Bloem-fontein. Starting February 23, the air-line will offer 12 return flight week be-tween OR Tambo International Airport and Bram Fischer Airport. Weekday flight times are geared towards busi-ness travelers with a morning and evening return flight. An afternoon flight will be offered on weekends.
Qatar Airways flies newest Airbus
Qatar Airways became the first airline to operate scheduled flights using the Airbus A350 XWB, with a daily Doha-Frankfurt service. The A350 is the third major new aircraft in a decade.
Virgin Hotels’ first property open for business
Virgin Hotels, Virgin’s new four-star lifestyle hotel brand, opened its first property in Chicago on January 15. Virgin Hotels Chicago is located in the city’s business district and features distinctive brand touches.
Spike in Swiss franc value a concern for travelers
The Swiss National Bank cancelled the fixed exchange rate be-tween the Swiss franc and the euro on January 15, causing the value of the franc to rise by 30% (that’s since settled at around 15%), which has had a knock-on effect on travel to Switzer-land.
NYC launches Delegate Discount Pass
NYC & Company, the city’s offi-cial marketing, tourism and partner-ship organization, launched a 2015 New York City Delegate Discount Pass this month, offering exclusive savings throughout the year at more than 70 restaurants, tours, attractions and re-tailers. For more information contact – destinationservices@nycgo.com.
Additional flights for SA Express
South African Express Airways have added flights to Walvis Bay, effective February 1.
Zimbabwe implements tourism VAT
The Zimbabwean government an-nounced on January 19 that it would start levying VAT on tourism with immediate effect. The tax applies to payments for accommodation by for-eign visitors to Zimbabwe.
First open-access arrivals lounge for OR Tambo
In April, OR Tambo Inter-national Airport will open the first ar-rivals lounge in South Africa that is open to all travelers, regardless of air-line or travel class. The Sesfikile Arri-vals Lounge will be situated adjacent to the SAA Arrivals Lounge at OR Tambo. It will be open to arriving pas-sengers as well as walk-in travelers for a fee of R350 per person. What makes this lounge stand out is that you don’t necessarily need to be a passenger to make use of it. The arrivals lounge will feature shower and bathroom facilities (serviced after each use) as well as high-speed complimentary Wi-Fi.
Hand baggage allowance on British Airways
As of 2 February 2015, Air-port company South Africa (ACSA) will assist all airlines in applying their prescribed hand baggage allowances, whether flying economy or business class! A handbag allowance of 1 bag up to 7kg and 1 small or a slim-line laptop bag will apply. All hand bag-gage will be screened at all ACSA air-ports prior to proceeding through the security check point. Any hand bag-gage not within the prescribed allow-ance, will be referred back to the check point in counters and extra bag fees may apply. Airline will not accept re-sponsibility of missed flight due to in-correct hand baggage.
BOTSWANA
Ntwala Island Lodge
Valid Until: 30 June 2015
Price: R13 332.00 pps
Included:
- Return airfare and taxes on SA Airlink from Johannesburg to Kasane Airport
- Road transfer from Kasane airport to Immigration (Chobe River)
- Boat transfer from Kasane Immigrations (Chobe River) to Ntwala Island Lodge
- 3 Nights’ at Ntwala Island Lodge incl. Breakfast, lunch,dinner and laundry.
Activities included:
- Private guided game cruises along the Chobe National Park on the Chobe River
- Private guided sundowner boat cruises
- Bird watching walks and boat cruises
- Fishing with spinning tackle as well as fly fishing
- Guided walks can also be arranged on Impalila Island
- Government taxes and park fees
- Boat transfer from Kasane Immigrations (Chobe River) to Ntwala Island Lodge
- Road transfer from immigration (Chobe River) to Kasane airport
5 Star Phuket and Phi Phi Combo
01 April – 31 October 2015
From R18 980 pps including approximate airport taxes.
Includes:
- International flights from Johannesburg
- All transfers
- 8 Nights at 5 Star La Meridien Phuket in a Deluxe Garden View Room
- 3 Nights at 5 Star Zeavola Resort Phi Phi in a village Suite
- Breakfast Daily
Excludes:
- Travel insurance
- Meals not specified
- Items of a personal nature
- Beverages
- Visas
Book By 31 March 2015.
PLEASE NOTE:
All prices quoted are subject to change without prior notice, due to airfare increases and / or currency fluctuations and subject to availability.
Please contact GRAYSTON TRAVEL on the following telephone Number: 011 613-1944 / Fax: 011 613-1948 A/H Cell: 083 610 2171 www.grayston.co.za
