A fee is charged to the airline used each time that a booking is made in the Global Distribution System (GDS) – that is the reservation system used by travel agents.  Charges are not only incurred for the bookings that are ticketed and enjoyed by travellers, but for each and every reservation that is made at the request of a client whether that booking ultimately translates into a ticketed transaction or not.  Airlines are cutting costs on every level and GDS costs, being a billion Dollar loss in the airline industry globally, is receiving much attention and scrutiny.  It is imperative for the clients of our ASATA Member Retail Travel Agents be aware of the costs involved so as to reduce this wastage and the implications thereof.  Methods of curbing the phenomenon include:

Enjoy the 25th anniversary of the Spring Flower Festival in Magoebaskloof including guest appearances from Keith Kirsten, well known gardening expert, the Welsh male voice choir and the Johannesburg Scottish band. Visit the Cheerio Gardens well known for their Japanese flowering cherries, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and crab apple blossoms. Also included are visits to Wegraakbosch organic Cheese farm, the historical Haenertsburg Cemetry, Debengeni Waterfall, a tour of the Modjadji Cycad Forest, an archeological tour of the Copper mine in Wolkberg amd a boat cruise on Ebenzer Dam. [ view details ]

LONDON has been ranked as the best city in Europe to visit in TripAdvisor's annual poll, despite also being voted the most expensive and dirtiest European city.  London may be the most popular, but Ireland beat its UK counterpart in the friendliest city race, coming out tops for the second consecutive year.