JOHANNESBURG – Boarding an aircraft continues to be a critical facet for corporates across South Africa with astute travellers opting to fly with hand luggage only for shorter trips to help save both time and money. Research from luggage company Antler has previously revealed that about 1 in 4 business travellers polled opt for just hand luggage while travelling. “In a country where airfares can be quite expensive, and checked baggage is now routinely charged for, it makes sound financial sense for South African corporates to maximise their carry-on allowance whenever possible,” said Bonnie Sm ..read more

– Company to Debut Its First Upscale Thai Restaurant, ‘Sukhothai’, Dedicated Plant-Based Venue, ‘Planterie’; and New ‘Swirl Wine Bar’ – JOHANNESBURG, 17 April, 2024 –  Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, revealed fresh, new culinary and beverage experiences debuting aboard Norwegian Aqua, the Company’s next evolution new build and first vessel of the expanded Prima Plus Class, setting sail in April 2025. In line with the Company’s commitment to delivering the ultimate cruise holiday experience, Norwegian Aqua will boast three brand-new onboard offerings inc ..read more

Cape Town – The winners of the prestigious World Travel Market Africa (WTMA) Responsible Tourism Awards were announced at Africa Travel Week 2024 in Cape Town. Bangu Masisi of Transfrontier Parks Destinations revealed the honorees, celebrating businesses and initiatives that are making a positive impact through responsible tourism practices. “These awards are integral to WTM Africa’s responsible tourism programme, and spotlighting those that have truly made a difference is important for the encouragement of others to do the same,” said Masisi. Alderman James Vos opened the awards ceremony, con ..read more

Cape Town, South Africa – April 15, 2024 – The Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA) has announced the winners of its inaugural Hospitality Awards, honouring excellence across the South African hospitality industry. The awards ceremony was held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the Century City Convention Centre in Cape Town, whilst marking the trade association’s 75th year. “The FEDHASA Hospitality Awards were created to celebrate the incredible talent and dedication of hospitality professionals across Southern Africa,” said FEDHASA Chairperson Rosemary Anderson. “This ye ..read more

Cape Town – WTM Africa opened its 10th edition yesterday with a remarkable 53% increase in attendees compared to the previous year. This massive surge in participation, with unaudited numbers indicating representation from 88 countries worldwide, signals a bright future for the African tourism industry. ATW, which comprises shows like the Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA), WTM Africa, and Equal Africa among others, takes place in the host city of Cape Town. The show also features seven networking events and the support of 53 partners, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that drives ATW ..read more

After years of dedicated service, the Tourism Department bids farewell to David Germain, our esteemed Director of Marketing for Africa, and the Americas. David has played a pivotal role in our team, significantly contributing to our marketing endeavours and overall success. David boasts an impressive 40-year career in the industry. He started his journey at Travel Services Seychelles (TSS) before joining Creole Travel Services in 2005 following the merger of TSS and Creole Holidays. His expertise led him to overseas postings in Africa, where he oversaw the markets of Zambia and Botswana. It wa ..read more

JOHANNESBURG – Business travellers are accustomed to the occasional travel hiccup or security risk that comes with the territory. However, national elections bring an entirely different level of complexity and unpredictability that travel managers and employees need to plan for. This is according to Bonnie Smith, GM of Corporate Traveller. “National elections aren’t like any other travel scenario because the sphere of uncertainty is so high,” says Smith. “You’re not just dealing with factors like transport delays or hotel staffing shortages. Emotions can run high, meaning companies and busines ..read more

The most sought-after event for luxury travel’s top decision-makers and suppliers Cape Town – As demand for luxury African travel experiences rebounds, ILTM Africa returns to Cape Town for its 9th edition. Under the theme ‘Step Inside ILTM Africa’, the event will once again bring the very best of luxury African travel to the world’s most prestigious buyers from April 7-9, 2024. Hosted at the iconic Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens in Cape Town, the invitation-only event facilitates exclusive face-to-face meetings and networking opportunities between luxury travel brands from across Afri ..read more

JOHANNESBURG – With public holidays on the 21st and 29th of March, there’s a golden egg of an opportunity for business travellers hatching plans for a bleisure trip (business combined with leisure) – one that not only works for them but their company too. There’s a reason making the most of the Easter break should be encouraged, says Bonnie Smith, GM of Corporate Traveller. “Employees return with improved morale and reduced burnout, and employers gain a valuable tool for attracting and retaining top talent,” she says. How to sweeten the travel experience for your travellers? Being flexible wit ..read more

JOHANNESBURG, 18 MARCH 2024 – FEDHASA acknowledges Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s statement regarding the internal circular issued on 21 December 2023. While the Minister regards the ensuing media storm and the distress among the tourism sector as unintended consequences of an internal document, the reality presents a starkly different picture. The experiences shared globally by “Swallows” – tourists who migrate seasonally in search of warmer climates – attest to a more distressing outcome. These narratives, far from being isolated, have reverberated through international communities ..read more