“Be it Bafana Bafana, the Proteas, or the Springboks, our sheer love of the game and unyielding appetite for gees continues to mobilise us,” says Antoinette Turner, GM at Flight Centre South Africa.

That sentiment applies to the upcoming Emirates Dubai Sevens, taking place from the 27^th to the 29^th of November 2026. With interest building ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, this event, combining elite rugby, cricket, netball, and padel in a destination that does it all, is firmly on the radar. For anyone who has been saying they will get to Dubai eventually, this is the reason to finally go.

According to Flight Centre data, Dubai bookings amongst South African travellers jumped 83% between March and April, rose a further 31% in May, and grew another 14% in June. By the end of June, bookings had recovered to almost three times March levels. In short, the city’s revival is most certainly underway.

With local sports fans frothing for their next fix and confidence in Dubai travel officially climbing, here’s everything you need to know to time your trip with the Emirates Dubai Sevens.

More than just rugby

The Emirates Dubai Sevens has evolved into one of the Middle East’s largest multi-sport festivals, with fan villages, entertainment zones, and live concerts extending the experience well beyond the pitch. More importantly, for savvy South African travellers, it’s the centrepiece of a broader holiday opportunity.

“This is a chance to build an entire trip around a world-class sporting event during the best time of year to be in Dubai,” says Turner. “November brings warm days, comfortable evenings, and ideal conditions for exploring TopGolf, Deep Dive Dubai, and Danube Sports World.”

For those eager to lace up, the Dubai Run, the world’s largest free community run, takes place on 22 November. This annual mass-participation event, which welcomed over 307,000 participants last year, transforms Sheikh Zayed Road into a car-free running track, taking runners past iconic landmarks like the Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers, and the Burj Khalifa.

The booking window matters

One of the most common mistakes sports tourists make is assuming they can organise everything closer to departure.

“Large-scale sporting events create concentrated demand, and the Dubai Sevens is no different,” says Turner. “Thousands of people are heading to the same destination on the same dates, so travellers who book early get more choice, better pricing, and accommodation closer to the event.”

For South Africans, Dubai appears deceptively easy to organise independently. The city is well developed, and information is widely available online. However, Turner highlights that major events are one of the areas where booking online independently can leave you exposed.

“Flights, hotels, transfers, travel insurance, and visa requirements all need to align around fixed dates, and if something goes awry, having an expert in your corner matters.”

She offers this specific note on visas: “South African passport holders are still required to obtain a pre-approved United Arab Emirates (UAE) tourist visa, usually processed within 3 – 5 working days. Recent reports about UAE visa-on-arrival arrangements apply only to South African nationals residing abroad who meet specific qualifying requirements, not to those travelling directly from South Africa for leisure.”

Preparing for potential travel shifts

Considering recent disruptions, the Emirates Dubai Sevens organisers are continuously monitoring the regional situation in consultation with local authorities. A formal review takes place during the week of 12 October 2026. Full refunds are available if the event is cancelled entirely, or if a participating team’s country issues official travel advice between 12 and 16 October 2026.

“What’s encouraging is travellers showing a willingness to book ahead,” says Turner. “Flight Centre’s share of Dubai bookings for 2027 departures increased from just 1.5% in March and April to 5.4% in May and 3.4% in June. Still a relatively small portion of overall bookings, but people committing more than a year out tells us something real about where confidence sits right now.”

Turner highlights Flight Centre’s Dubai holiday packages carrying a Moneyback Guarantee. Should plans change, travellers can cancel more than 24 hours before check-in for a full refund, no questions asked.

“The Dubai Sevens has evolved into a complete travel experience, and the key to making the most of it really is to cover all your bases and start planning sooner than you may think,” says Turner. “As the FIFA World Cup recently proved, you’ve got to be ‘Rassie-level’ organised to execute a holiday centred around a major sporting event. Book too late, and you pay for it. Flights dry up. Accommodation prices climb. Securing event tickets is only one part of the puzzle,” she concludes.

Jamestown, St Helena Island, 8 April 2026: Runners and adventure travellers can now sign up for the World’s Most Remote Marathon, taking place on St Helena on Sunday, 28 February 2027, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take part in one of the most extraordinary races on Earth.

Set in the heart of the South Atlantic, this marathon is far removed from the crowds and noise of city races. Instead, participants will experience a subtropical paradise with dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush green highlands and sweeping ocean views, all while testing their endurance in one of the world’s most isolated destinations.

Runners can choose between a full marathon (42.2 km), half marathon (21.1 km) or 10 km distance, with the spectacular routes winding along forest trails, mountain tracks and coastal cliff paths before finishing in Jamestown, the island’s storied capital. As Jonathan Passaportis, Head of Tourism for St Helena Government explains, crossing the finish line will place participants among a small, select group who have completed one of the world’s most remote and distinctive races.

The inaugural marathon, initially scheduled for 2026 and cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, forms the centrepiece of St Helena’s Adventure Week, a programme designed to showcase the island’s natural beauty and unique experiences. Visitors can take on the iconic Jacob’s Ladder climb (and its 699 steps from Jamestown to Ladder Hill Fort), join guided hikes across diverse and spectacular terrain, try open water swimming, or explore the island’s rich history and marine life. 

“The World’s Most Remote Marathon is far more than a race; it is an invitation to run in one of the most unique destinations on the planet. Whether you are a seasoned runner or an adventurous traveller, this event offers the chance to experience something truly special in 2027,” says Passaportis. “With limited capacity on flights and accommodation, we encourage those interested to book early and start preparing to take on this bucket-list challenge.”

Entry is priced at R1,450 for the full marathon, R850 for the half marathon and R450 for the 10 km, including race participation, a finisher medal and access to all the Adventure Week activities. There is also a 5km fun run for friends and family.

Getting to St Helena is easy with direct flights operated by Airlink from South Africa. In addition to regular weekly services from Johannesburg, Airlink will be offering additional flights from Cape Town to support the event with flights scheduled on 23 February and 2 March 2027.

Accommodation options on the island include boutique hotels, welcoming guesthouses and self-catering cottages, providing a comfortable base for visitors throughout their stay.

For more information, please visit https://sthelenatourism.com/marathon or enter at The World’s Most Remote Marathon | 2027 | Running Races in Jamestown | Racepass

̶ ENDS ̶

Issued by

Big Ambitions Marketing

Roland Muller

Email: roland@bigambitions.co.za

About St Helena

St Helena is one of the world’s most remote islands. It is a subtropical paradise where the mountainous terrain and microclimates create an astounding diversity of landscapes all within a few minutes’ drive. Boasting clean air, a sparkling ocean environment, and a safe community (pop. 4,439), St Helena is an off-the-beaten-track, bucket-list destination. Boasting more than 500 plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth, the island is also renowned for its diving and marine experiences. Additionally, St Helena is home to Jonathan the Tortoise, the world’s oldest living land animal!

Flights to St Helena can be booked from Johannesburg and Cape Town to St Helena (with the carrier Airlink). Airlink has recently doubled its scheduled flight service between South Africa and St Helena to a seasonal twice-weekly flight. https://www.flyairlink.com/

Notes to editors:

For any media enquiries, please contact: sthelena@bigambitions.co.za

For more tourism information about St Helena please, visit www.sthelenatourism.com

“Famous for football, samba, and its sprawling Amazon rainforest, venturing through this continent-sized nation can feel like stepping into an alternate universe,” says Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa.

Fortunately, with direct flights to Guarulhos International Airport operating four times a week from South Africa, local travellers are rewarded with increased opportunities to explore Brazil’s full depth and diversity.

But where to start if you’re a first-time traveller? Reader, take note. Here’s a great overview courtesy of Turner and her team of travel experts:

Start in São Paulo

São Paulo is best known for its exuberant Carnaval festival in February, just before Lent. But should you want to skip the crowds, Brazil’s largest city offers a wealth of culture and creativity to explore year-round.

This inland metropolis is brimming with graffiti murals, stylish neighbourhoods, underground bars, and a buzzing food scene. Head north to embark on a street art tour in Vila Madalena. Browse the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) and visit the free open-air gallery of Museu Aberto de Arte Urbana.

According to Turner, Sampa, the city’s affectionate nickname, is best explored at a lento (relaxed) pace like a local.

“São Paulo proves an excellent gateway to the rest of Brazil,” Turner adds. “It’s a place that rewards slow travel, so no need to rush off elsewhere too soon. You can spend a good few days wandering its tree-root-cracked sidewalks and never see the same thing twice.”

Next Stop: Rio de Janeiro

You simply can’t go to Brazil and skip Rio. Once you’ve explored São Paulo, the postcard-perfect beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema beckon. As do the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, and the Sugarloaf Mountain cable car.

“If there’s one thing you must do, it’s to get up high and admire the view, but don’t overlook the real Rio from down below”, urges Turner. “Take a samba lesson in Lapa or join a favela tour for an authentic perspective on local life. And if you simply must get that iconic cliffside photo op, it’s only a moderate trek up to Pedra do Telégrafo.”

Soccer fan? Don’t miss the chance to catch a live match at the legendary Maracanã Stadium, which hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup final.

The Pantanal and Paraty

Beyond the big cities, Brazil’s quieter corners are guaranteed to steal your heart. The Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, is a wildlife lover’s dream. Think jaguars, capybaras, giant otters, and over 600 bird species.

Further south, the colonial town of Paraty proves an underrated gem. Cobbled streets, art galleries, and a protected bay filled with secluded beaches make it the perfect escape for first-time travellers.

“Remember, Brazil is extensive,” Turner explains. “The most common way to get to further-flung places such as the Pantanal and Paraty is by air, with flights from São Paulo to either Cuiabá or Campo Grande.”

Head to the Amazon

The Amazon Rainforest remains a bucket list item for many. However, Turner urges travellers to time their visit carefully.

“The best time to go is during the drier season, between July and December, when hiking trails are more accessible,” she advises.

The most common and efficient route is to fly to Manaus, the primary gateway to the Amazon. A visit here is equally extraordinary: unparalleled natural biodiversity awaits you just beyond a breakneck jungle metropolis teeming with exotic foods, frenetic markets, and a river-driven way of life.

“You’re in the thick of it in Manaus, and that’s precisely the point,” Turner adds.

Things to know before you go:

• Download Duolingo and challenge yourself to learn a little Portuguese before you arrive. English is not widely spoken outside the main areas, so basic phrases will go a long way.
• Be smart about safety. Brazil is friendly, but petty crime can be a concern in cities. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid flashing valuables.
• Pack light, but right. Brazil’s climate ranges from steamy jungles to cooler highlands, so versatile clothing is key.
• Plan for festivals in advance. Be it Carnival, New Year’s in Rio, and São João in the northeast.

Remember that the seasons in Brazil are similar to South Africa. If you want summertime weather, you should arrive between December and March.

The exclusive breakfast session, held at Proud Mary Modern Eatery + Wine Bar in Rosebank, brought together key South African media representatives for an insightful discussion on Seychelles’ future developments and upcoming major events.

During the session, Mrs. Francis unveiled several landmark initiatives, including new luxury hotel developments, an extensive collection of boutique properties and small homegrown products, as well as the new Seychelles Tourism Grading Programme, reinforcing Seychelles’ commitment to maintaining its position as a premier holiday destination.

Among the key highlights of the presentation were discussions surrounding Seychelles’ sporting calendar for the year ahead. Mrs. Francis provided details regarding the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, alongside signature events such as the Seychelles Sailing Challenge and the Seychelles Nature Trail, positioning the destination as a hub for world-class sporting events.  

The Tourism Seychelles team also seized the opportunity to generate excitement for the upcoming 40th Festival Kreol in October 2025. Mrs. Francis mentioned that the country is committed to ensuring it remains one of the most iconic events on the Seychelles socio-cultural calendar every year, making sure to engage visitors and keep the festival top of mind.

“Our engagement with the South African media market is crucial as we continue to strengthen our presence in this key region,” said Mrs. Francis. “The exciting developments and events planned for 2025 will enhance our tourism offering while creating significant opportunities for cultural exchange and economic growth in our islands.”

The briefing also showcased new cultural experiences designed to offer visitors authentic encounters with Seychellois heritage, responding to the growing demand for meaningful travel experiences.

This media engagement forms part of Tourism Seychelles’ broader strategy to maintain strong relationships with key market partners and ensure consistent, high-quality communication about the destination’s offerings and developments.

Tourism Seychelles anticipates that these initiatives will contribute significantly to the destination’s appeal, particularly in the South African market, which remains a vital source of visitors for the islands.

Flica, skippered by veteran sailor Rijk Kuttel, claimed overall victory and the coveted Governor’s Cup Trophy with a corrected time of 11 days, 23 hours, 21 minutes. In an exhilarating finish, Atalanta, co-skippered by Gerry Hegie and Heye Daun, secured Line Honours as first to cross the finish line.

“This race exemplified the true spirit of ocean racing – combining fierce competition with remarkable camaraderie,” said David Garrard, RCYC Vice Commodore and Race Chairman. “The fleet demonstrated exceptional seamanship throughout, facing everything from challenging light winds at the start to testing Atlantic conditions.”

Key highlights:

· Seven-year-old twins Peter and Vera Halling aboard Magic Dragon became the youngest competitors in race history, winning the Ambrose Family Trophy.

· A nail-biting final sprint between Flica and Atalanta created one of the closest finishes in the event’s 28-year history.

The eight-boat fleet experienced varying weather conditions during their 10- to 13-day crossing, showcasing both tactical decision-making and endurance. Upon reaching St Helena, competitors were welcomed as honoured guests, with Governor Nigel Phillips hosting a gala dinner at historic Plantation House.

“The hospitality shown by the Saints was extraordinary,” said Line Honours winner Heye Daun. “St Helena offers a special combination of sailing challenge and cultural experience that makes this race truly one-of-a-kind.”

During their island stay, crews explored Napoleon’s exile residence, hiked volcanic peaks, and enjoyed world-class snorkelling, cementing the race’s reputation as both a competitive event and an unforgettable adventure.

The island remains a bucket-list destination for many, explains Matt Joshua, Head of Tourism for St Helena. “It’s always a privilege to welcome visitors to St Helena, by boat or by air! We know the island has captured their hearts and we hope to welcome them – plus families and friends – back soon!”

Several key partners supported the race, including Groot Constantia Wine Estate – South Africa’s oldest wine estate, which provided commemorative individually-boxed bottles of prized wine – along with MACS Shipping, Zed Core, Southern Ropes, and Associated Rigging.

“The success of this race relies on our generous sponsors, who share our vision for adventure and excellence – a big thank you to each and every one of them,” noted Garrard.

Looking ahead, preparations are already underway for the 2026 edition. “We’re seeing growing international interest in this unique ocean racing challenge,” said Garrard. “The combination of competitive sailing, adventure, and the chance to visit one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands creates an irresistible draw for sailors worldwide.”

The next Cape to St Helena Race is scheduled for December 2026. For race information and entry details, visit www.capetosthelena.co.za.

The event kicks off at the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) with the traditional Blue Peter party on 23 December with family, friends and supporters – setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating race across the South Atlantic.

The impressive lineup includes Tintin (skippered by Di Hutton-Squire), defending her title as winner of the last race in 2022, Umoya (skippered by Pete Martin), Atalanta (skippered by Heye Daun & Gerry Hegie), Flica (skippered by Rijk Kuttel), Magnus (skippered by Evert Groenewald), Fryd (skippered by Jarl Spandow), Magic Dragon (skippered by Rod Halling), and Mwera (skippered by Ashley Verhulp).

This year’s race continues the rich 28-year history of the yacht race from the waters of the Cape to Jamestown, St Helena, says David Garrard, Vice Commodore of the RCYC and chairman of the 2024 organising committee: “Originally called the Governor’s Cup, this epic race represents not just interest and growth in competitive sailing, but also showcases the RCYC’s commitment to fostering world-class sailing events that challenge and inspire our members.”

Matt Joshua, Head of Tourism for St Helena, emphasises the island’s significance in Atlantic sailing: “St Helena has long been a crucial stopping point for Atlantic crossings, with a rich maritime heritage dating back centuries. We’re thrilled to welcome these competitive sailing teams to our shores and share our unique island culture with them!”

The Cape to St Helena Yacht Race is one of only a handful of races that finish at a remote island destination – and it’s a big part of what makes this race so special. Beyond the test of skill, challenging conditions, stiff competition and camaraderie, St Helena offers competitors the chance to explore its heritage, dramatic landscapes, and warm hospitality in a post-race adventure like no other.

“The magic of St Helena is undeniable,” says Garrard. “We know it adds to the allure of the race, and it has become a bucket-list goal for many.”

For travellers keen on exploring this once-in-a-lifetime destination, Airlink offers a weekly flight service from Johannesburg (JNB) to St Helena Island (HLE), with a seasonal flight from Cape Town added between December and March 2025. Flight tickets are available on flyairlink.com and through all IATA-registered travel agents – take the plunge and explore the island’s history, discover the island’s unique plant and bird life, take on any of the ‘21 postbox walks’ and engage in exciting marine and adventure activities with the local ‘Saints’ who can’t wait to share St Helena Island with the world!

Additional Information:
· Race website: https://capetosthelena.co.za/
· 2024 Notice of Race and documents: https://capetosthelena.co.za/notice-of-race/
· Information on St Helena: https://sthelenatourism.com/

“When you break Comic Con Africa down by the numbers, you can really appreciate the scale of the event,” says Carol Weaving, MD of RX Africa. “This year was the 5^th live iteration of Comic Con Africa, and it took 21 weeks of planning and over 70 hours of set-up to pull it off – not to mention a full 48 hours to breakdown.”

The four-day event offered fans interactive experiences, on-site and virtual gaming opportunities, eSports tournaments, cosplay, shopping, and the opportunity to meet like-minded fans, cosplayers, influencers and celebs.

The Johannesburg Expo Centre was the perfect venue, given that Comic Con Africa required 36,000 square metres of space for 5 stages and 18 activation areas.

“In addition to the main stage, we also had a pop culture content stage, Otaku Town (celebrating anime, manga and Japanese pop culture), an outdoor stage, and the Telkom VS Gaming Stage, where seasoned eSport enthusiasts competed for R300,000 in prizes,” explains Weaving. “This year saw over 32 hours of gaming available with 23 winners across various categories.”

Comic Con Africa is a highlight on the events calendar for many brands, including KFC, Telkom, Axe, Red Bull, Doritos, Checkers, Netflix, Symbiote, Disney+ and RGB Gaming – with the Toyota Gaming Engine, Nu Metro Pop Up Cinema, Toys R Us Pop-Up Store, NCPD Marvel Superhero Training Academy and Bubble House proving to be popular spaces – alongside plenty of  autograph and photo opportunities.

Comic Con hosted 3 film and series celebrities (Lou Ferrigno, Joe Manganiello, as well as Brenton Thwaites), 3 international cosplayers ( CutiePieSensei, Wynter Phoenix, as well as Har_Fir) and 12 comic book artists.

For Weaving, the highlight of the show remains cosplay, which “dazzled attendees with its creativity”. The Comic Con Africa Championships of Cosplay crowned Blu Rohbot Studios as the overall winner, earning them the chance to represent Africa at C2E2 in Chicago. Meanwhile, the fan-favourite cosplay vote went to a remarkable portrayal of Groot, who captivated the crowd and reinforced the festival’s celebration of creativity.

“We are proud to welcome fans to Comic Con Africa each year” says Comic Con Africa Show Director Carla Massmann.

“Comic Con Africa is a happy place in a world that can be quite daunting. For four days, anyone and everyone is able to celebrate their passions in a self-expressive and judgement free environment. We hear such incredible stories on how people were able to connect with like-minded people as well as make new connections,” Massmann added.

“We saw representation from the X-Men and MCU, including Spider-man, Deadpool, and Wolverine, an array of video game characters, like Princess Peach and Lara Croft, inflatable costumes and more. The cosplay this year really impressed,” says Weaving.

Equally impressive was the array of content on offer. “We had 90 hours of stage content, with approximately 19.07 TB of data used on the free fan Wi-Fi – and it’s only going to get bigger and better next year!”

As Weaving explains, for many visitors, Comic Con is a bucket-list experience, and it takes an enormous effort to ensure 70,000 visitors can park, eat, shop, mingle and navigate the stands. “We have a core team of 26 people,” says Weaving. “But the behind-the-scenes support is immeasurable. Every single person involved – including in all the side events – puts in a massive effort. We cannot thank our partners, sponsors and staff enough. Only 50 weeks until Comic Con Africa 2025!”

For more information contact Olivia Gradidge – olivia.gradidge@rxglobal.com

About RX  

RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people.  RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.

About RELX

RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.

*Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors

“Globally, over two-thirds of business travellers take at least one bleisure trip per year. For professionals who have work commitments coinciding with the event, it’s a golden chance to experience world-class rugby and French culture amidst business engagements,” says Bonnie Smith, GM Corporate Traveller. “After all, you get the perks of experiencing a globally acclaimed sporting event, discovering a new destination, and building unforgettable memories – without compromising work responsibilities.”

Advance Planning Tips for a Smooth World Cup Bleisure Experience

The key to seamless bleisure travel is meticulous preparation. Smith shares some planning pointers to help you balance work and leisure with French finesse:

• Make Travel Arrangements ASAP

With thousands of passionate fans flocking to France, flights and hotels will be in high demand. Make all bookings as early as possible to lock in your preferred options.

• Schedule Work Commitments Strategically

Plan your business agenda wisely so you have sufficient time to enjoy the matches. If possible, schedule meetings on non-match days. On match days, keep your schedule light and evenings free for the games.

• Research Transportation Thoroughly

Carefully figure out how to get to and from stadiums smoothly. Also, check travel time to your business meetings as the country will be more congested than usual. If driving, book parking spots well in advance. If using public transport, research routes and real-time schedules to avoid missing kick-off!

• Learn Key French Phrases

Practice a few basic but helpful French phrases and etiquettes. Locals always appreciate visitors who try to speak their beautiful language, and it will be useful in the boardroom too.

• Tech Tips to Seamlessly Balance Work and Play

Leveraging technology intelligently can make blending business and leisure travel smooth sailing:

• Consolidated Calendar: Maintain one unified calendar with all your work appointments and match timings, ensuring everything is easily accessible in one place. Remember to include buffer time for transportation between meetings and stadiums.
• Streamlined Check-In: It goes without saying but always leverage airline and hotel apps to complete check-in formalities in advance. Skip the hotel lobby and head straight to your room or match venue upon arrival.
• Digital Itinerary Access: Always have e-copies of your booking confirmations, match tickets, and detailed travel plans handy online and on your phone for seamless access. TMC apps, like Corporate Traveller’s SAM, allow you to receive real-time trip updates including flight changes, boarding info, and destination weather. Instant travel alerts also notify travellers of any unexpected developments or incidents.

Keep it professional

While bleisure travel allows fun experiences, you must continue upholding workplace responsibilities and behave appropriately:

• Mind Your Manners: Don’t get carried away with World Cup fever and avoid excessive drinking, rowdiness, or any inappropriate conduct that could cross professional lines. Remember, even during off-hours you are representing your company and brand.
• Prioritize Work Commitments: Ensure leisure activities don’t eat into important work commitments. Be punctual for meetings and avoid distractions from the rugby euphoria.

As Smith advises, “While we want travellers to enjoy trips, professionalism must be maintained. Companies are responsible for duty of care, but travellers also have a duty of loyalty.”

Too good to be true?

Can you really enjoy the World Cup on the company dime? Not really, warns Smith. Your employer likely won’t be footing the bill for your bleisure trip. Generally, they’ll pay for anything related to the business portion of your travel, but as soon as you transition into leisure time, the bill’s on you.

“You can expect your employer to book flights for you to and from the destination where you will be working. However, any other travel (for example, to a different destination on the way home) will likely need to be paid for by you. You may also be asked to contribute towards the flight costs. Be sure to check the travel policy for exact details,” she warns.

Your employer won’t cover any of the costs of your trip that are for personal reasons. This includes things like meals, accommodation, and incidentals. You can only claim these expenses when you’re staying overnight for work purposes. So make sure you know what you can and can’t spend before shelling out on multiple World Cup tickets!

Although your company won’t foot the bill for everything, bleisure is a fantastic way to experience this amazing event. So, play your cards right and get ready to experience the best of French culture, cuisine, arts and world-class rugby!

For more information about Corporate Traveller, or to interview Corporate Traveller South Africa GM Bonnie Smith, call Dorine Reinstein on 083 278 8994 or email dorine@bigambitions.co.za.

**ends**

About Corporate Traveller

Corporate Traveller is a division of the Flight Centre Travel Group, dedicated to saving businesses across Southern Africa time and money. Corporate Traveller has the benefit of being part of the world’s third-largest travel retailer, leveraging its global negotiating strength. It has access to over 50 of the world’s leading airlines and deals with more than 100 000 hotels around the world to guarantee savings for clients. Corporate Traveller provides clear, consolidated reporting of all its clients’ travel activities, helping them to control travel spend and identify opportunities to save costs.

Issued by:

Big Ambitions

Dorine Reinstein

dorine@bigambitions.co.za