UAE flights to Delhi to become expensive

Posted on April 26, 2012 by admin

Dubai: All UAE flights to New Delhi are in for a steep fare hike following a 345 per cent increase in airport charges and a user development fee (UDF) that will be levied on all passengers by the Indian capital’s airport operator.

Tour operators in Dubai and Sharjah said they are yet to receive an official intimation on the new slabs, but expect fares to go up as early as next month since the hiked airport charges will be effective from May 15. Current economy return fares from Dubai to Delhi range from Dh1,500 to Dh2,000 depending on the airline.

The new airport charges were approved by the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority in India, which has also allowed GMR-backed DIAL, the airport operator in Delhi, to charge a UDF on all passengers.

An Emirates Spokesperson told XPRESS: “Emirates is concerned by the proposed increase in airport changes at Delhi airport. We are currently in discussions with the relevant authority and have no further comment at this time.”

An official of an Indian airline that operates from Dubai said: “Taxation in India is over the top. Already, 50-56 per cent of airline costs go into taxation and it can be assumed that any additional burden will be passed on to passengers.”

“Nothing has come to us in black and white yet. But fares will definitely go up in May,” said an agent with a prominent travel agency in Sharjah.

“The fares will vary from airline to airline,” said another Dubai-based agent.

Speaking to XPRESS from Singapore on Thursday, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents 240 airlines worldwide, said the new charges are “extremely disappointing” and will make Delhi the most expensive airport in the world.

Albert Tjoeng, Assistant Director, Corporate Communications Asia Pacific, IATA, said in an e-mailed statement: “The increase in charges will have a larger impact on India and its economy with an expected five to eight per cent decrease in demand at Delhi, as a result of higher costs, a fall in tourist arrivals and further damage to local and international airline connectivity.”

“This is a big step backwards for Delhi’s ambition to be an aviation hub,” he said.

“The Ministry of Civil Aviation as the custodian of India’s aviation industry needs to intervene in order to moderate this steep increase being imposed on both the airlines and the passengers. The government needs to take into consideration the long-term development of Indian aviation at its hubs,” he noted.

TJoeng said the proposed rate card is “unacceptable” as it violates the prescribed policy of cost-based charging by having different landing fees for international and domestic flights. “Charging UDF based on distance also violates this principle and in addition, distorts competition and creates a non-level playing field for carriers operating direct flights and carriers operating through an intermediate hub.”

He said, “We welcome AERA’s decision to simultaneously commission an independent study in the asset allocation practice adopted by Delhi airport, where currently 89.25 per cent of the assets are allocated towards aeronautical activities. We hope that this independent study will correct the allocation mix in the next control period.”

Media reports in India quoted some officials as saying the “unfavourable cost structure” could result in several airlines cutting back their Delhi operations.

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Tourist Information on Tradition and Culture of Ghana

Posted on April 26, 2012 by admin

Culture of Ghana is very rich with diverse traditions and customs performed in different regions of the country. Culture of Ghana not only deals with the social relations and its people but also with the literature, food habits and various festivals.

Ghana is a populous nation with more than twenty million people and comprises over 60 ethnic groups. About Fifty two major languages and many dialects are spoken in this place with English being the official language. The culture of Ghana differs from one ethnic group to another.

Communal values such as love for the family, respect for the elderly and honoring traditions and customs are some of the main features of the Culture of Ghana. Culture of Ghana also includes honoring traditional rulers and the importance of dignity and proper social conduct

Ghana Culture emphasis is given to individual conduct and behavior which has a direct impact on the society and family. Thus everyone tries to be hospitable, kind hearted and respectful in public gatherings and in other walks of life.

Ghanaians are very cheerful people and loves to celebrate all the major festivals and events round the year. The place has the highest number of Christians in West Africa. Seasonal celebrations like Christmas are celebrated in a grand scale and bring a whole tribe together.

The major decisions regarding any custom and other tribal matters are taken by leaders and chiefs. Factors like formal education, membership in professional associations, and ethnic affiliation decides the importance of a person in the society.

As far as the status of women is concerned they were treated as child bearers and retailers of fish and farmers. In due course of time polygamy was encouraged especially for wealthy men. Dowry system was also encouraged during pre modern Ghanaian society.

Celebrating different festivals is an integral part of the Culture of Ghana. Several rights and rituals that are performed throughout the year include child-birth, puberty, marriage and death.

Ghana culture is never complete without the mention of its music which is an integral part of the Ghana traditions. In Ghana mainly three types of music prevail. One is the traditional and ethic music which is played during festivals and funerals, the highlife music and the choral music which is performed in schools, colleges and churches.

Tourist from all over the world can get into Ghana through kotoka international airport Accra, which connects flights to Accra Ghana from major destination across world and have experience the hospitality, culture and custom of Ghana. However, for getting more relevant information regarding Ghana’s culture and booking flights to Ghana you can call our reservation experts on 02079936219 or visit our website http://cheapflightstoaccra.uk.com/.

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Precision Air to launch flight to Lusaka

Posted on April 25, 2012 by admin

TANZANIA’S private airline, Precision Air, will mid next month start flights to Lusakaand the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Lubumbashi.
In a statement released in Lusaka, the airline commercial director Patrick Ndekana said Precision Air aims at mitigating the air transport woes that the Zambian market has been facing when travelling to and from Tanzania.
Mr Ndekana said with the absence of other airlines in the market, the company is proud to offer direct services to Dar es Salaam within two hours.
The airline will operate thrice weekly with a new Boeing 737 which it recently acquired from Singapore.
“We would like to inform the public that from 18th May, Precision Air will be providing new flights to Lusaka and Lubumbashi with operations every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
The addition of these two routes officially brings our list to 17 destinations-an achievement we cannot overlook in the growth of our airline,” he added.
Mr Ndekana said the airline will operate from Dar es Salaam connecting via Congo’s business complex, Lubumbashi, then Lusaka with the aim of trapping potential traffic on its way back to Dar es Salaam.
He said the airline is committed to eliminating the challenges that passengers face between Zambia and Tanzania by having to travel more than nine hours through South Africa or Nairobi to arrive in Lusaka or Dar es Salaam due to the lack of convenient and direct flights.
Precision Air was established in 1993 as a private charter air transport company, operating a five-seater piper Aztec aircraft providing connections to tourists visiting the country.
The airline currently offers connections to all major towns in Tanzania and regionally flights to Nairobi and Mombasa in Kenya and Entebbe in Uganda.

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Emirates Holidays Launches its Biggest Ever ‘A World of Choice’ Brochure for 2012-2013

Posted on April 25, 2012 by admin

Emirates Holidays, the tour operating arm of Emirates airline, has unveiled its new 600-page ‘A World of Choice 2012-2013’ brochure with the introduction of eight brand new destinations spanning six continents and featuring over 100 destinations.

Holidays to Zimbabwe, Argentina, Denmark, Ireland, and Zambia  all make their first appearances in the brochure, which has grown by 20 per cent – from 500 to 600 pages – since the 2011-2012 edition. Holidays to Dallas and Seattle in the USA, along with Vancouver in Canada, have also been introduced this year to coincide with the launch of new routes to these cities by Emirates airline.

In addition to the exciting new destinations, Russia, Morocco, Malta and South Korea have all been reintroduced into the brochure in response to customer demand. Offerings in popular countries such as China, Thailand, India, South Africa and Germany have also been expanded to provide more travel options with a wider choice of cruises, safaris, palace hotels and dedicated wellness retreats.

The once-popular Fly & Drive packages have also been re-launched this year in partnership with various car rental companies to satisfy customer desire for a more diverse range of holidays around the globe.

 “This really is a landmark year for Emirates Holidays,” said Frederic Bardin, Senior Vice President, Emirates Holidays. “With the new destinations, travel offers and the reintroduction of some old favourites, ’A World of Choice 2012-2013’ brochure is our best and biggest to date.

“At Emirates Holidays we offer a tailor-made holiday experience to each customer so the changes we have made this year reflect current travel trends and are based on what our customers have told us they want.  The expansion of our offering has been driven by the increased demand for a wider choice of destinations around the world. Places that were once considered out of reach are now easily accessible with the launch of new routes by Emirates airline and with the help of our new brochure, the travel opportunities are endless.”

To reach out to its increasingly diverse customer base and to further reinforce its position as the leading holiday expert in the Middle East, Emirates Holidays is also expanding its 3 and 4-star hotel offerings – these are available when booking directly with Emirates Holidays or via travel agents.

As always, excellent service levels, destination knowledge and attention to detail play a core part in providing the impeccable customer service that Emirates Holidays has become known for. A wide network of well-trained Emirates Holidays staff  will help bring ‘A World of Choice 2012-2013’ to life for every customer through well-informed recommendations on flights, accommodation and sightseeing – all based on travel experience and extensive research.

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Qatar Airways wins Skytrax 2012 World Airport Awards

Posted on April 24, 2012 by admin

Qatar Airways has been honoured with two major accolades at the annual Skytrax 2012 World Airport Awards held in Vienna. For the second year running, Qatar Airways’ Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport (DIA) has been named World’s Best Premium Service Airport, recognised for its superior Five Star service and excellent customer care.

Qatar Airways-owned Oryx Rotana, a five-star hotel at Doha International Airport, has won the Best Airport Hotel in the Middle East award and ranked 10th best airport hotel in the world – a remarkable feat for a property open only two years.

A favourite among premium passengers worldwide, Qatar Airways’ Premium Terminal remains a unique facility in the world and, indeed, to the State of Qatar. Opened in 2006, the Premium Terminal is for exclusive use by Qatar Airways’ First and Business Class passengers and is renowned for its world-class facilities including fine dining, luxurious spa amenities, as well as business facilities for transiting and departing passengers.

Doha International Airport beat two other high profile contenders for the title of Best Premium Service Airport – Frankfurt Airport’s Lufthansa First Class Lounge and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport’s Thai Airways First Class check-in and lounge facilities – both placed second and third respectively.

The 400-room Oryx Rotana is a leading business hotel in the Qatari capital with features including six exquisite and exclusive signature dining options, high tech business facilities, car limousine rental, multi-lingual staff, and wireless internet connection in all guest rooms.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker was delighted on the news of two key airport accolades for the Qatar Airways Group.

“We’re extremely proud of our Premium Terminal, the first of its kind in the world to provide check-in, duty free, fine dining and transit services exclusively for our First and Business Class passengers,” said Al Baker.

“Our passengers always comment on how much they enjoy the experience of the Premium Terminal. It really is a one of its kind. Our focus on providing the best service to all our customers is what keeps us ahead of the rest and ensures we remain committed to delivering the ultimate in Five Star service both in the air and on the ground,” he said.

“After all, passengers’ entire journey experience starts at an airport and it is vitally important that airlines and airports deliver what passengers expect,” he added.

Al Baker added that the Oryx Rotana was a great asset for the company, its first venture into the hotel business in 2010.

Oryx Rotana General Manager Kevork Deldelian said it was a real coup to win the award, given the high level of competition that the hotel faced across the region.

“We are so proud of this award – it symbolises all that we set out to achieve since opening our doors two years ago,” said Deldelian.

“Doha is growing at an incredible rate and with so many new hotels and restaurants planning to open, the competition is very high. But our commitment to delivering a Five Star service with the backing our airline parent company and our attention to detail is what makes our hotel a favourite not only among travellers, but locals as well,” Deldelian added.

On winning both awards, Skytrax Chairman Edward Plaisted said, “We congratulate Doha International Airport and Qatar Airways on this fantastic achievement, winning the Best Premium Service Airport award. The Qatar Airways Premium Terminal remains a unique passenger facility worldwide, unmatched in terms of exclusivity and passenger amenities. With the New Doha International Airport due to open at the end of 2012, we will watch with interest to check that the quality of product and service remains at this award winning level.”

Plaisted said, “In a region where is seems there is a new luxury 5-star hotel opening each month, the Oryx Rotana Doha should be pleased with their success being named as the Best Airport Hotel in the Middle East. To deliver such exacting standards in one of the most competitive high end hotel markets is no small achievement, and the management and staff should be proud of their place as the jewel of Middle East airport hotels.”

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 108 aircraft to 113 key business and leisure destinations worldwide. Last year was a landmark 12 months for Qatar Airways, which inducted 15 new destinations to its network, and won the coveted Skytrax 2011 Airline of the Year Award.

As part of its 2012 expansion programme, Qatar Airways launches flights to Perth (Australia) from July 3, a further 11 destinations – Zagreb (Croatia) from May 9;  and others cities during the year, including Mombasa(Kenya), Zanzibar (Tanzania), Helsinki (Finland), Gassim (Saudi Arabia), Belgrade (Serbia), Erbil (Iraq), Baghdad (Iraq), Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) and Yangon (Myanmar). In February, the carrier launched services to the Azerbaijan capital Baku and Georgia’s capital city of Tbilisi, and last month began flights to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda in East Africa.

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Etihad Airways celebrates premier flight to Kenya

Posted on April 24, 2012 by admin

With the touchdown at the JKIA of the inaugural flight to Kenya by Etihad Airways, came the promise to be a force to reckon with in the airline industry in East Africa and around Africa. Led by Etihad’s Chief Commercial Officer Peter Baumgartner, the Etihad Kenya team was unveiled at a press briefing at Ole Sereni Hotel and guests treated to an elaborate cocktail at the Zen Gardens.

Kenya has the distinct honour of being the first country in East Africa to welcome the airline’s airbus A320 service. Other countries currently on the airline’s roster are Egypt, South Africa, Sudan and Morocco.

While Etihad may be new to the East African market, it is certainly not a stranger to international destinations resulting in over 30 awards since its inauguration in 2003. Top of the list has been ‘World’s Leading Airline’ for the second consecutive year at the 2010 World Travel Awards (WTA) in London.

“We hope this trend continues here in East Africa,’ Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan said. The well-attended cocktail provided the airline management and Kenyan team to interact with people relevant to the industry and also sell their brand.

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SAA announces expansion with new direct flights to Maun in Botswana

Posted on April 23, 2012 by admin

South African Airways (SAA) is continuing to expand its network in Africa by launching a new daily direct flights to Maun, Botswana  from Johannesburg  on June 15.

According to Tim Clyde-Smith, SAA’s Country Manager, Australasia, Maun is the gateway to the Okavango Delta, a 15,000 square kilometre area of swamp and water that is the world’s largest inland delta and also the world’s largest oasis.

“The Okavango Delta lies in northern Botswana on the north-eastern edge of the Kalahari Desert, and is close to the border with the Caprivi Strip panhandle in eastern Namibia,” Tim said.

“Botswana is increasingly popular with Australians who are looking for a different travel experience in a region teaming with wildlife. Now, with direct services to the Delta, they can reach it in just one stop from Australia,” he said.

The Delta’s combination of lush wetland lying next to arid dry country makes it one of the world’s most unique places to see game, in terms of the variety of dry-land and wetland species that co-exist in near proximity. Low-ecological-impact tourist camps and lodges are dotted throughout the area catering to group and individual safari visits.

SAA’s service to Maun Airport (IATA code MUB) will be operated by its regional partner South African Airlink with 37-seat Embraer ERJ-135 regional jets. SA operates eight 37-seat Embraer ERJ135LR regional jets, as well as eight 83-seat Avro RJ85s and 13 29-seat BAE Systems Jetstream 4100 turboprops.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana recently made a decision to allow increased flights into the country, meaning SAA can commence the new service in addition to its existing flights to Gabarone, the capital city.

The schedule for the new daily Johannesburg-Maun service will see flight SA 8300 departing Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) at 11:45 am, arriving at MUB at 1:15 pm. In the other direction, flight SA 8301 will leave MUB at 2:00 pm and reach JNB at 3:40 pm.

“SAA’s new service to Maun opens up a new and much more convenient way to access one of Botswana’s most popular safari destinations through our partners at Airlink,” Tim Clyde-Smith said.

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Emirates Airline commits to promoting tourism in Zambia

Posted on April 23, 2012 by admin

EMIRATES Airlines country manager for Zambia Khalid Hassan says the airline is promoting tourism in Zambia as a tourist destination throughout its worldwide network in an effort to increase the inflow of international tourists in the country.
Mr Hassan says the airline will work with Zambian and international travel agents by making connectivity easy for the tourists who want to sample the Victoria Falls and other tourist attraction sites dotted around the country.
Preliminary data shows the number of international passengers at Zambia’s major airports grew by 17 percent in the first half of 2010.
He said the airline will continue to market the world-famous Victoria Falls and other tourist attraction areas such as safaris.
“This new Emirates service will further support this growth by bringing leisure and business travellers from points across the airline’s global network,” he said.
Mr Hassan said the airline will engage local travel and international agents to explore the local tourism industry.
He said Zambia is one of the fastest growing economies in Africa and Emirates sees potential for continued growth in the future.
He said this month (April) Emirates launched its new global brand platform, “Hello Tomorrow”, which positions the global airline as the enabler of global connectivity and meaningful experiences.
“The theme encapsulates life’s potential and embraces the future with all the possibilities it holds,” he said.

The airline flies to 123 destinations across six continents, connecting cities through Dubai.
“These new routes give Zambian travellers new opportunities to explore the world, discover new cultures and connect with people,” he said.
He said the airline is providing an efficient bridge to the Middle East, Far East, North America and the Indian sub-continent; and will open new opportunities for business and leisure travellers both in Zambia and worldwide.
Mr Hassan said the main objective of the airline in Zambia is not only to grow its business but to also invest in the local talent.
He said Emirates currently employs 25 qualified Zambian staff.
The airline currently operates 170 aircraft – a mix of 162 Airbus and Boeing passenger aircraft and eight freighters.

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Ethiopian Airlines to fly to Sao Paulo by summer

Posted on April 23, 2012 by admin

Ethiopian Airlines plans to start flights to Sao Paulo, Brazil, a Latin American Power house,  this summer.

Sao Paulo, one of the largest and richest cities in the world, with a population of about 20 million, is predicted to be the 6th biggest urban area by 2025. According to data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), its GDP in 2006 was about USD 2.83 billion. If Ethiopian Airlines opens a flight to Sao Paulo, it would be its first venture into Latin America and the airline’s fifth continent after Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

While the current North American destinations are exclusively located in the US, the airline also plans to venture to US’ northern neighbor with a flight to Toronto, Canada’s largest city, by the summer of this year; accommodating the substantial Ethio-Canadian community.

Ethiopian Airlines is reportedly contemplating the direct route to Brazil because of its emergence as a prominent member of the world’s leading economic block; BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).

Brazil recently overtook the United Kingdom to become the world’s sixth largest economy.

Ethiopian Airlines expects many travelers to Brazil including a substantial business class. Brazil’s famous historical and beach sites open up great prospects for tourism in both countries.

According to Marcelo A. Borges, first secretary and deputy mission at the Brazilian Embassy to Ethiopia, if the new flight route is opened it could mean a whole new market for business people and tourists.

He also said it could potentially make Addis Ababa Bole International Airport a hub for travelers from Latin America traveling to other African countries and beyond. Currently, no Brazilian airlines fly from  Brazil to Ethiopia.

Ethiopian Airlines recently launched flights to the tiny Indian Ocean island archipelago of Seychelles after 32 years of absence. It also aims to start non-stop flights to Cotonou, the economic capital of the Republic of Benin, effective by June 15. Ethiopian Airlines now flies to 65 destinations globally with multiple lines opening soon.

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Precision Air Looking at Zimbabwe to launch flights

Posted on April 21, 2012 by admin

Taking advantage of the growing tourism and travel demands in Southern and Eastern African states, Tanzania’s fast-growing airline, Precision Air, is looking to launch flights  Zimbabwe as a southern destination.

When implemented later this year, Tanzania’s registered airline will take over the southern route once operated by Air Zimbabwe. Precision Air officials said other than Zimbabwe, the airline will extend its wings from Tanzania’s capital of Dar es Salaam to Lusakain Zambia and Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The airline plans to apply a new Boeing 737-300 to fly the route. From May 18, the airline will launch its first schedule three flights a week between Dar es Salaam, Lusaka, and Lubumbashi.

Other routes the airline is eyeing are Lilongwe in Malawi and Luanda in Angola through its expansion to cover the Southern African region.

Precision Air officials have finalized their business plans with the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority to allow smooth operations of the airline.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority executive said the launching of Precision Air flights will boost tourism, trade, and commerce between Southern African member states.

Standing as a strong member of the Regional Tourism Organization of Southern African (RETOSA), Zimbabwe is looking to tourism and trade with Tanzania through regional integration.

The Dar es Salaam to Harare route was previously being serviced by Air Zimbabwe and Air Tanzania Corporation, both of which have since pulled out owing to operational challenges.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority will jointly host the Africa Travel Association’s 37th Annual World Congress in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

About 300 delegates are expected at the Congress, including tourism ministers, industry experts representing tourism boards, tour operators and their product development executives, front-line agents, ground operator companies, airlines, and hotels.

The Congress will be held at scenic Victoria Falls, famously known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Victoria Falls is a giant waterfall located in Southern Africa, shared between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwe Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Walter Mzembi said his country’s greatest attraction, other than wildlife and the Victoria Falls, is the hospitality and culture of the Zimbabwean people.

Minister Mzembi is expected to assume the presidency of the Africa Travel Association (ATA) during this year’s Congress.

The last ATA congress in Zimbabwe took place in 1988. ATA was established in 1975 and serves both the public and private sectors of the international travel and tourism industry, with membership comprising governments, tourism authorities, airlines, resorts, and tour operators, among others. Its last congress was held last year in Dakar, Senegal.

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