Johannesburg – FCM Travel announced that Sam – already known to customers as the company’s AI travel companion – has been fundamentally reimagined. What goes live across more than 90 countries in June is not just an upgrade.

It is a new category. A proprietary AI ecosystem built at the core of FCM’s technology, making Sam the intelligence layer running through everything FCM does – not a feature sitting on top of it. For existing customers, what’s coming will feel like a different product entirely.

“This is a genuine, game-changing first for the managed travel industry,” said John Morhous, Global Chief Experience Officer, FCM Travel. “A lot of our competitors are trying to bolt AI onto existing stacks, but the real power in AI is that the more connected it is, the more you can do with it. Sam is built, not bought – and that compounds over time.”

Sam intelligence works across all roles – travellers, arrangers, and travel managers – with equal depth. Most AI in managed travel still focuses on a single point in the journey. Underpinning it all is FCM’s proprietary technology architecture, which defines which trusted data sources Sam queries for each interaction, preventing hallucination and ensuring enterprise-grade accuracy.

Customer data is stored in FCM’s private environment and never used to train public AI models.

Central to Sam’s architecture is its proprietary guardrail system – a capability that goes far beyond hallucination prevention. Travel managers can configure precisely how Sam responds to specific query types, ensuring answers always reflect their policies and rules of engagement.

A traveller not entitled to business class will never receive a recommendation for a premium fare. An out-of-policy hotel will not be surfaced as an option.

Spend thresholds, approval workflows, and supplier preferences are all automatically enforced in conversation, giving organisations the benefits of conversational AI while retaining the programme controls that enterprise travel demands.

“Travellers are tired of fragmented experiences – piecing together more than five tools just to get through a trip,” said Morhous.

“Sam isn’t a single point of support. It’s there throughout the entire journey, for every person in a travel programme. Because our AI is proprietary, the accuracy and compliance enterprises need isn’t bolted on, it’s built in.”

“But what truly sets this apart is our people. Sam works alongside our FCM travel managers so that when a human moment matters most – a disruption, a complex itinerary, an urgent need – our experts step in with the speed, context, and care that no technology alone can replicate. Sam makes those moments more meaningful, not less.”

At launch, Sam delivers end-to-end trip support across the full traveller journey, with real-time programme data intelligence for travel managers through plain-language conversation, seamless handoff to FCM Travel Managers with full context intact, and a unique smart redirect into customers’ existing booking tools – the only AI solution in managed travel to offer this.

“June is only the beginning,” said Morhous. “Because we own our technology end-to-end, every release makes our customers’ programmes smarter.”

Mummy Mafojane, General Manager at FCM South Africa, agrees:

“Sam represents a meaningful shift in what you can expect from a travel management partner. FCM South Africa customers have travel programmes that stretch across the continent and beyond, often through complex routings and shifting conditions. Sam brings another layer of intelligence, consistency and speed into every interaction, allowing our local travel experts to focus on what they do best. We see this as the start of something significant for managed travel in our market.”

ENDS

Media contact

Sonnette Fourie, Account Director at Big Ambitions (on behalf of the Flight Centre Travel Group – Corporate Brands)

sonnette@bigambitions.co.za

+27 81 072 2869

Table of Contents

Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) has delivered a confident outlook at its Annual General Meeting (Wednesday, 12 Nov 2025), reporting strong momentum across its global operations as FY26 gets underway. First-quarter results and preliminary October trading data confirm the group’s positive trajectory, with corporate operations particularly robust.

Corporate is strong, with FCM Travel securing a pipeline of account wins totalling almost AUD$400 million, Asia returning to modest profitability, and the business globally delivering further productivity gains. First-quarter total transaction value (TTV) increased by nearly seven per cent.

Leisure TTV is also growing at a healthy rate. Still, the temporary travel pattern shifts that emerged late last year continue to impact year-on-year profit comparisons, which is in line with our expectations. We are, however, starting to see signs of recovery, which is a positive signal ahead of our peak second-half trading periods.

For the full year, FCTG is targeting an underlying profit before tax of AUD$305 million–AUD$340 million, a 5.5%–17.6% uplift on FY25.

Comments by Chris Galanty, Global Corporate CEO, Flight Centre Travel Group:

“Global business travel continues to face challenges, from airline disruptions to geopolitical tensions, including the USA government shutdown. In addition, Africa continues to face persistent inflationary pressures, inconsistent exchange rates, rising visa costs and escalating global uncertainty. It is at times like this that FCTG’s corporate brands FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller demonstrate the vital nature of expert travel management for businesses.

“Having a trusted travel management company spearheaded by people and tech has never been more crucial. Our corporate brands are not just booking services – they’re essential risk management partners always providing real-time support and strategic guidance.

“Our customers have benefited from immediate assistance during disruptions, with dedicated consultants proactively managing itinerary changes and providing duty-of-care services that have proven invaluable.

“Corporate Traveller thrives with its dedicated consultant model, particularly resonating with small and medium enterprises seeking personalised service alongside technological efficiency.

“FCM Travel continues to strengthen its position serving larger organisations with complex travel needs, expanding its client base by securing significant new accounts throughout the year.

“The business is leveraging its proprietary technology suite to deliver customised solutions to sophisticated travel programmes, while making substantial progress with New Distribution Capability implementation.

“We’re at the forefront of implementing artificial intelligence tech that enhances service delivery while improving operational efficiency. AI now intelligently routes inbound requests to the appropriate consultants, improving response times and saving thousands of consultant hours.

“Business travel remains essential to prosperity, even in uncertain times. Our role is to ensure that when our customers’ people need to travel – whether to close deals, grow relationships, or drive innovation – they can with confidence knowing they have expert support at every stage.”

***Ends***

For more information about FCM Travel, or to interview FCM Travel General Manager South Africa, Bonnie Smith, call Lori Cohen on 079 641 4965 or email lori@bigambitions.co.za.

FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP SOUTH AFRICA

Flight Centre Travel Group (Pty) Ltd (“FCTG”) in South Africa is wholly owned by Flight Centre Travel Group Limited – an Australian based international travel company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with a market cap of AU$3.34 Billion and a current share price of AU$16.75 as of 30 April 2021. FCTG has two level 1 B-BBEE subsidiaries: FCTG Corporate and FCM Travel Solutions. FCTG consists of two leading brands: Flight Centre and Corporate Traveller. FCTG has been recognized as one of Deloitte’s Best Companies to Work for in South Africa for 14 consecutive years.

And it’s not just leisure travellers who let their guard down. A study by IBM Security found that people on business trips are more likely to engage in risky behaviours, such as connecting to public Wi-Fi, than those on holiday trips. Only 13 per cent of respondents said they’d never used public Wi-Fi while travelling.

The stakes are high in a cybersecurity attack. At best, stolen passwords can lead to embarrassing conversations among friends, colleagues and customers. At worst, hackers can install ransomware that can cost you or your business a fortune.

It’s a reality. No matter where you are in the world, tech-savvy criminals are looking for ways to exploit email addresses, social media profiles, passwords, financial data, and stored files.

“When business travellers are on the road, they face unique cybersecurity risks that may be different from what they’re used to at home or in the office. These include having a laptop or other device stolen or thieves breaking into the system in search of sensitive information. To stay safe, it’s important for business travellers to be aware of these risks and take steps to protect themselves when away from home,” says Bonnie Smith, GM FCM.

7 tips for better cybersecurity for business travellers

Avoid using public wireless networks

Hackers can easily set up malicious hotspots in public places and steal people’s personal data, say NordVPN security experts. This is a big problem because it puts everyone who uses public Wi-Fi at risk. It’s a good idea to disable your devices’ auto-connect and Bluetooth features so they only connect when you want them to. This way, you can avoid accidentally connecting to an insecure Wi-Fi network.

Hook yourself up with a VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) is one of the most effective ways for businesses to reduce the risk of cyberattacks. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your online activity, making it impossible for hackers to monitor your activity, even if you’re using a public hotspot, and gives you a secure way to access company data from afar.

Be more streetwise

As travellers, we’re often careless about safety once we reach our destination. It’s important to remember that thieves targeting travellers know precisely when to strike, such as during meal times when laptops are left unattended in hotel rooms. Extra caution is needed at conferences and trade shows, as thieves know there will be a wide selection of devices with sensitive data around and they have more opportunities to gain access to guest rooms during published conference session times. The best way to protect your devices is to lock them in the hotel safe when you leave your room.

Reconsider your out-of-office message

If you’re going to be away from your desk for an extended period, you should protect your email account from attack. One way to do this is to not include too much information in your out-of-office message. If you give criminals details about your absence, you make it easier for them to impersonate you in a scam.

Keep your software up to date

It can be tedious, especially if you’re trying to get through those last few tasks before a trip. But it’s worth it. Outdated software can leave you vulnerable to attack, and many security issues are fixed with the latest update. If you’re travelling for work, be sure to update your software on all your devices, including your antivirus package.

Provide your own power source

Cybercriminals can use USB connections to download data from mobile devices or install malware without your knowledge. To protect your devices from data syphoning while you charge them in a public place, carry your own battery to charge them, choose a traditional power outlet instead of a USB port, or use juice outlet protection.

Change your passwords

Your passwords are like the keys to your house. You wouldn’t use the same key for your front door, back door and garage. So why would you use the same password for all your accounts? If a cybercriminal gets their hands on one of your passwords, they could try to use it to access others. That’s why you must use a different password for each online account.

With a password manager app, you can keep track of all your individual passwords. Use a strong password for your password manager account. When you get home, you can reset your passwords to whatever you like. Just not your favourite pet’s name or your birthday!

**ends**

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

About FCM:

FCM, the flagship corporate travel brand at Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), is the business travel partner of choice for large national, multinational and global corporations. We are an award-winning global corporate travel management company ranking as one of the top five by size around the world. We operate a global network which spans more than 100 countries, employing over 6000 people.

FCM are transforming the business of travel through our empowered and accountable people who deliver 24/7 service and are available either online or offline. Leveraging FCM’s negotiating strength and supplier relationships in conjunction with our tailored business travel programs, our expertise delivers more for our clients where it matters most to them.

Visit us at www.fcmtravel.co.za

Issued by: Big Ambitions

Contact: Dorine Reinstein

Tel: +27 83 278 8994

Email: Dorine@bigambitions.co.za

FCTG FY22 Annual Results

Corporate Leadership Comments

 Comments from Chris Galanty, Global CEO of Flight Centre Corporate

“After the turbulence of the last few years, it is encouraging to see strong recovery across our global corporate business. This emphatic rebound signifies the importance of meeting people and customers face-to-face despite the enormous logistical challenges currently existing in the industry.

“Over the last 12 months, we have focussed on delivering a winning growth strategy that is intrinsically customer centric. This reflects the changed requirements around business travel in a post-COVID world and how we are seamlessly blending the latest technology with an emphasis on VIP service.

“The ongoing disruption impacting the wider industry has further reinforced the need for the support of a very professional travel management company to minimise these frictions. Alongside investments in developing highly personalised digital technology, we have also employed new staff to deal with anticipated demand. As a people-first business, our biggest priority is to look after our customers and continuing to deliver fantastic service despite the challenges.

“This approach has clearly given us a distinct competitive advantage and enabled our duo of category-leading brands FCM and Corporate Traveller to swiftly ramp-up and capitalise on improving conditions. Rather than relying on the market coming back, instead we have boosted global market-share through retention and growth, welcoming a raft of new customers generating a multi-billion dollar (AUD) pipeline of new accounts.

“Near-term, clearly the global economy is not yet firing on all cylinders, and the industry will continue to be tested in a number of areas; however, the current frictions we are seeing in travel are improving month over month, and as the world adapts, we anticipate this will continue to get better.”

Comments from Tom Walley, Corporate Traveller Global Managing Director: 

“As international travel roars back to pre-pandemic levels, it’s heartening to see SME’s spearheading the return of the business traveller. We close off the financial year in terrific shape, reinforcing Corporate Traveller’s recovery from the impacts of the pandemic and furthering our position as THE travel management company for SME’s.

“Our secret sauce? We put it down to the power of our people, bolstered by great tech. Our high-tech high-touch approach firmly places our customers’ needs front and centre. This is what defines us, and why we are leading the charge in the SME space and in the global markets where we operate.

“As business travel continues to ramp up at pace, new priorities for travellers are emerging. Having accelerated our investment in next generation technology during the pandemic, we’ve been able to swiftly provide an immediate solution in the shape of Melon, our new proprietary travel management platform.

“Through the actions we’ve taken – improved digital experience, reinvigorated products and services – we are helping customers maximise their productivity, make decisions around their travel programmes while keeping their travellers informed and safe before and during trips as they propel their businesses forward in this changed world.

“With global corporate travel bookings now exceeding pre-pandemic levels, it is this powerful commitment in our business and customers that sets us apart from the competition and why we’ve gaining market-share globally though significant account retention and record account wins over the past year.

“Despite the challenges of the current economic environment, the outlook for Corporate Traveller and SME travel is positive, evidenced by robust performance to date. Alongside our clients and industry partners, we are running the business for the long term and are confident that we are well-positioned to continue driving value in the year ahead.”

Comments from Marcus Eklund, FCM Global Managing Director:

“The past year has seen a resurgent global FCM business which is testament to the growing confidence among our clients in FCM’s products, services, and people. With an operational footprint that spans over 100 countries, we have experienced immediate and strong uplift in key locations as restrictions eased. This is particularly true of America and the EU, where business travel has firmly rebounded.

“Having accelerated our investment in next generation omnichannel technology throughout the pandemic, we were able to ramp up swiftly and provide innovative solutions through the debut of our new proprietary platform, and further boosted our capabilities with the launch FCM Booking in the US and Canada. These significant developments reflect our focus on user experience and flexibility, and firmly position us as leaders in the tech travel space.

“It is this ability to deliver an incomparable, globally consistent experience alongside enhanced service and support, that gives us a competitive advantage and has proven to be incredibly appealing to clients and prospects. So much so, over the last 12 months, we’ve fast-tracked market-share growth and clinched a record-breaking number of new accounts.

“However, there is no doubt that the pandemic has introduced added complexity and sharpened the way we meet ever-changing client requirements. Admittedly, the return to travel has not been without its challenges and caused a lot of friction in the industry and supply chain. And while this has negatively impacted the traveller experience in the short term, we expect this friction to slowly ease in the coming months.

“In this ever-evolving travel landscape, we will continue to adapt through investment in user-centric tech and innovative services, working collaboratively with our customers, travel partners and industry bodies as we shape the future business travel experience.

“While there will likely be further hurdles to overcome – many outside of our control – our actions through the pandemic demonstrated our resilience and preparedness for whatever challenges occur and gives us confidence in the year ahead.”

Please see the full results online (https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20220825/pdf/45d7pt7ycph4x1.pdf)

MID-YEAR TREND WATCH:

THE TRENDS SHAPING BUSINESS TRAVEL TODAY

JOHANNESBURG, 22 JULY 2022 – Having reached the halfway mark of 2022, there’s little doubt that travel is rebounding – and quickly. So much so, that airports around the world are reporting delays, queues and flight disruptions as they struggle to hire (and rehire) staff quickly enough to meet the huge surge in demand.

Air travel’s recovery is being led by domestic, regional and leisure travel, with international business travel bringing up the rear. According to a new study by Deloitte, although business travel continues to make a steady, but slow, return, recovery to 2019 levels is being impacted by new Covid variants; workplace flexibility and work-from-home policies; sustainability goals; and rising fuel costs.

The trends shaping business travel today came under the spotlight at FCM’s global Th!nk event in May. For Bonnie Smith, GM FCM Travel South Africa, the most significant developments are around:

1. Airlines

“What was clear from FCM’s Th!nk,” says Smith, “is that air travel now has significant momentum, and global airline seats are recovering well. North America, for example, is forecast to exceed their pre-Covid levels by 6% come September/October, while Africa is already looking at 80% recovery in comparison to 2019 figures – with Nigeria already at over 100%. This is incredibly encouraging. It shows that airlines are feeling confident to bring their all aircraft back online, add capacity, and restaff as quickly as possible.”

And while a return to normality in terms of routes and fleet capacity can only add to traveller confidence, it will be tempered by a rise in fuel costs.

“Fuel prices are already affecting people personally, and there’s no doubt the rising cost of fuel will impact airlines, airfares, and in turn, decisions around business travel,” says Smith. “For South Africans, and South African companies, it is going to be the biggest concern this year.”

2. Hotel accommodation

Speaking at Th!nk 2022, Felicity Burke, GM FCM Australia, noted that worldwide occupancy in 2019 sat at 65%, and as of April 2022 the figure was 61%. “Accommodation occupancy has bounced back, which is a really strong sign when it comes to recovery,” says Burke. “There are still some hotels that aren’t fully open, that is, they are operating, but are waiting for more staff to be able to full operate the entire hotel. But it’s a positive trend.”

Smith believes that this is the perfect time to lock down rates with your accommodation suppliers.

“Many hotels had put a rates freeze in place, but now with an increase in demand, inflation and fuel prices, we can expect hotel rates to increase. Chat to your TMC about negotiating packages on your behalf – or using their buying to ensure you always qualify for volume rates, discounts or additional perks.”

3. Traveller behaviour

Despite an increase in traveller confidence, last-minute bookings are still the predominant trend in 2022.

“Travel bookers have had a bumpy ride,” says Smith, “the last two years have been characterised by disruption, travel restrictions and border closures. Perhaps understandably, last-minute bookings remain the order of the day. But it is an expensive way to book travel. We need to educate travellers about the benefits of booking in advance, flexible fares, and the need to move away from last-minute bookings.”

According to Deloitte, remote working had a major effect on corporate travel and 2022’s ‘return-to-office’ trend is expected to accelerate in the second and third quarter of the year, making it easier to ask employees to travel and easier to set up in-person client meetings. Live industry events are also returning, which bodes well for corporate travel.

“Of course,” says Smith, “It’ll be interesting to watch how the pandemic’s impact on how we live and work continues to shape business travel. For example, companies are under pressure to attract good staff to fill vacancies. Salaries have gone up, and ‘work from anywhere’ policies and the opportunity to travel have become critical in attracting key talent. TMCs will be doing a lot of work in terms of updating travel policies to include remote working, bleisure, applications for long-stay visas and the like.”

4. Traveller experience

Burke says the traveller experience has ‘absolutely changed’. “The expectation for everything to be digital, touchless and instant has just heightened over the last two years.”

Smith agrees, saying that travellers expect hyper-personal service, 24-hour support and up-to-the-minute information and communication.

“It’s a marriage of tech and touch. At FCM we ensure that travellers have all the tools they need for a seamless journey, for example, mobile apps / digital communication channels but that we back it up with personal, direct – not call centre – support.”

5. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG)

The biggest buzzword globally? ESG. Burke goes as far as saying that ESG is now the number one selection criteria – ahead of price – when looking at new procurement of contracts.

“In terms of business travel, the assessment areas for ESG are hotels; airlines; car hire and ground transport; offset programmes and alternatives to travel; and demand management.”

And while this is a hot topic internationally, Smith believes South Africa is playing catch up.

“In Europe, for example, we’ve heard stories whereby corporate travel buyers are being measured on a carbon budget in addition to their monetary budget – and when that budget is spent, business travel comes to an end. South Africa has a long way to go, but this will change.”

For Smith this means creating an ESG-centric travel programme which looks closely at how your organisation builds sustainability into your travel programme, how you set targets, work with suppliers, reward travellers for changing their travel behaviour, and then report on your progress.

As Burke said at Th!nk 2022, “Travel is one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions, so we have to decide how we make the world a better place for our children – and their children.”

**ends**

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

About FCM:

FCM, the flagship corporate travel brand at Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), is the business travel partner of choice for large national, multinational and global corporations. We are an award-winning global corporate travel management company ranking as one of the top five by size around the world. We operate a global network which spans more than 100 countries, employing over 6000 people.

FCM are transforming the business of travel through our empowered and accountable people who deliver 24/7 service and are available either online or offline. Leveraging FCM’s negotiating strength and supplier relationships in conjunction with our tailored business travel programs, our expertise delivers more for our clients where it matters most to them.

Visit us at www.fcmtravel.co.za

Issued by: Big Ambitions

Contact: Dorine Reinstein

Tel: +27 83 278 8994

Email: Dorine@bigambitions.co.za

Are South African corporates ready to ditch business travel for the metaverse

JOHANNESBURG, 18 JULY 2022 – A hot topic in the business world today, the metaverse is taking virtual reality collaboration to the next level. This new and futuristic virtual environment has the potential to fundamentally disrupt the workplace. The question is: are South African corporates ready to embrace more virtual connections?

During the recent Th!nk Conference, a global event organised by FCM, a division of the Flight Centre Travel Group, Dan Nieves, Head of Commercial Sales Meta’s Reality Labs, explained that metaverse labs make people feel like they’re in the same space even though they’re spread around the world.

Nieves showed off the capabilities the metaverse holds with avatars replicating facial expressions, allowing you to high-five your colleagues and share presentations and ideas in almost perfect 3D audio – the virtual reality space even allows you to whisper something in your colleague’s ear.

Despite the many advantages the metaverse has to offer, most of us still seem reluctant to embrace it. According to a recent survey of more than 2,500 U.S. adults by Axios, people are more likely to fear the metaverse than be excited about it, with one-third of respondents saying it made them ‘more scared’, and just 7% responding ‘more excited’.

In Africa, the continent’s first metaverse Africarare is fast gaining momentum. Africarare is set in Ubuntuland and offers a 3D virtual reality immersive hub that showcases African art, and provides a platform for businesses and artists to display their offerings. As soon as Ubuntuland opened, the virtual country reportedly sold 149 virtual plots in less than eight minutes. Among the inhabitants of Ubuntuland are MTN and M&C Saatchi Abel.

Even though there is clearly interest in the metaverse from South African companies, widespread adoption of the virtual world is still at least ten years away according to experts. FCM GM for Southern Africa Bonnie Smith adds that South African business travellers are not ready to ditch their business travels in favour of the metaverse just yet.

“We’re noticing a clear virtual and screen fatigue among South African corporates,” says Smith. “For two long years, they were forced to adopt virtual means of communicating. But it’s important to remember that this digital-first attitude was dictated by external circumstances. There was no cultural preference for being online instead of meeting in-person.”

Evidence shows that the virtual realm will never replace in-person connections. Researchers at Stanford University identified four ways in which video conferences can be exhausting: they require excessive amounts of eye contact; looking at a picture of yourself is tiring; they restrict mobility and demand a high degree of concentration compared with face-to-face meetings. A survey by web development agency Virtira found that 49% of workers experience a “high degree of exhaustion” from being required to be on camera during meetings. As a result, companies have ditched the idea of a virtual-first approach and are actively exploring how to combine newly acquired virtual skills with in-person interactions.

For business travel, this means that business trips have become more ‘intentional’ with companies wanting to make sure business trips are productive and worthwhile, according to Smith. “Digital has become a powerful tool to enhance meetings, trainings and conferences. The metaverse will take these digital meetings to a further and better level, but it won’t replace in-person experiences,” she says. “In fact, face-to-face meetings are more powerful now than ever before.”

John Morhous, FCM Chief Experience Officer, said during the Th!nk Conference that as a frequent road warrior himself, he sees the metaverse as an ‘augmentation’. “Everyone who is back on the road travelling is evaluating whether they need to take the trip, what the purpose is of the meeting, how it impacts on their life, the risk, sustainability. There is no black-and-white answer, it is a spectrum. The metaverse fills a void. It’s a great way to connect for short periods of time, because after wearing a headset for prolonged periods of time, you can start feeling fatigued.”

For anyone who is curious about the metaverse and how it fits into their business reality, Nieves suggests giving it a try. “Immerse yourself. Try it out for yourself. Explore what’s possible. And most importantly: think about the goals you want to achieve. While this technology does create a feeling of presence, there’s also an opportunity to come together in person. That will evolve and require more intentionality in terms of how meetings are curated.”

**ends**

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

About FCM:

FCM, the flagship corporate travel brand at Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), is the business travel partner of choice for large national, multinational and global corporations. We are an award-winning global corporate travel management company ranking as one of the top five by size around the world. We operate a global network which spans more than 100 countries, employing over 6000 people.

FCM are transforming the business of travel through our empowered and accountable people who deliver 24/7 service and are available either online or offline. Leveraging FCM’s negotiating strength and supplier relationships in conjunction with our tailored business travel programs, our expertise delivers more for our clients where it matters most to them.

Visit us at www.fcmtravel.co.za

Issued by: Big Ambitions

Contact: Dorine Reinstein

Tel: +27 83 278 8994

Email: Dorine@bigambitions.co.za

FCM GM Bonnie Smith takes the reins of both Corporate Traveller and FCM

JOHANNESBURG, 08 July 2022 – The Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) has announced that from 01 August 2022 Bonnie Smith will be heading up both corporate brands under the FCTG umbrella. She will take over the reins from Oz Desai as GM of Corporate Traveller, while also retaining her position as GM of FCM.

Smith has successfully navigated the FCM brand through the COVID pandemic during the past two and a half years. Prior to that, Smith was the GM for Technology for the entire Flight Centre Group in South Africa.

Smith commented on her new appointment: “Oz Desai has built solid foundations for the Corporate Traveller brand for the past six years. He has provided incredible leadership and fulfilled his goal of ‘making travel simpler’ for our corporate clients. I’m excited to continue to build on the legacy Oz has created for Corporate Traveller.”

Desai has been appointed as Managing Director of FCM in Ireland. For this role, he will relocate from South Africa to Dublin.

He said: “After nearly six years at the helm of steering Corporate Traveller in South Africa through challenging times and promising recovery, I’m looking forward to expanding my knowledge internationally as part of the European team.”

According to Desai, Corporate Traveller South Africa couldn’t be in better hands than under Smith’s leadership. He said: “I know Bonnie will bring huge value to Corporate Traveller thanks to her expertise and technological know-how. She is sure to take both corporate brands to new heights.”

Euan McNeil, MD FCTG SA, shared his heartfelt wishes for both Smith and Desai in their new roles. He said: “We are very fortunate to have someone with Bonnie’s expertise take over the Corporate Traveller brand at a time when travel is rebounding at such a rapid rate. Her experience in both corporate travel and technology is an incredible asset to the team. I would also like to thank Oz for the incredible job he has done building the Corporate Traveller brand in South Africa over the last six years. I’d like to wish both Oz and Bonnie all the best in their new roles.”

***Ends***

FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP SOUTH AFRICA

Flight Centre Travel Group (Pty) Ltd (“FCTG”) in South Africa is wholly owned by Flight Centre Travel Group Limited – an Australian based international travel company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with a market cap of xx and a current share price of xxx as of xx June 2022. FCTG has two level 1 B-BBEE subsidiaries: FCTG Corporate and FCM Travel Solutions. FCTG consists of two leading brands: Flight Centre and Corporate Traveller. FCTG has been recognized as one of Deloitte’s Best Companies to Work for in South Africa for 14 consecutive years.

GLOBAL 24-HOUR EVENT PUTS BUSINESS TRAVEL UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

Th!nk 2022’s live and on-demand sessions will take a closer look at the sector’s recovery and future – with a keen eye on global trends and local insights from markets across the world.

JOHANNESBURG, 06 MAY 2022 – Corporate Travel brand FCM has joined forces with the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) to host a one-of-a-kind virtual event that brings the international travel industry together in one extraordinary space.

Kicking off at 8am on Tuesday, 10 May (South Africa Standard Time), Th!nk 2022 will be broadcast across the globe – and across time zones – over 24 hours with attendees able to access both live discussions, recorded on-demand sessions and a library of content.

The format allows people to cherry-pick the best content and insights from a range of industry leaders, including speakers from FCM, GBTA, The Flight Centre Travel Group, Amadeus, Thrust Carbon and FutureScape and Sabre. In South Africa, insights will be shared by FCM GM Bonnie Smith, along with FCM’s Raylene Pienaar and Mummy Mfojane.

“The beauty of Th!nk 2022,” says Bonnie Smith, GM FCM South Africa, “is that every market is represented, with talks and presentations from across Asia, EMEA, USA, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. Each region has unique insights and information to share – it’s a must for any suppliers, partners, stakeholders or media in the sector, or organisations kickstarting their travel programmes.”

From the circular economy to wellness for travellers in a post-pandemic world; from digitalisation of the travel industry to the role of data, the event will cover a great number of crucial trends. The event agenda covers among others:

• Surviving the ultimate disruption
• The good, the bad and the ugly of travel technology
• The net zero target
• The great debate: sustainability vs wellness vs cost
• Humanising digital transformation
• Business travel’s future in the face of workplace and digital transformation

“We’re especially excited about the fearless way all content is being presented. Not only has it been thoroughly researched by highly knowledgeable leaders in the field, but they’re unafraid to tackle topics that may feel a little uncomfortable, or controversial. All content is designed to challenge current paradigms. It’s fresh, innovative and interesting, and is bound to get attendees contemplating what they can do differently,” says Smith

The event is open to anyone interested in trends, innovations or the transformation of business travel. There will be media opportunities, including press and radio interviews for interested parties – and South Africa will be well represented in what promises to be an exciting, internationally-important event.

To register, visit: https://www.fcmtravel.com/en/resources/events/think-2022

For more information, contact:  087 740 5151

You, your trip, and your data: just how safe are you?

JOHANNESBURG, 21 April 2022 – The more time you spend online, the more you’re at risk of being targeted by cybercriminals. But did you know that the threat is even greater when you travel?

Imagine this scenario: your company sends you overseas to complete a project. During your stay, you use your company business card at an ATM – nothing unusual about that. But, once you return home, your employer notices massive cash withdrawals from the bank – withdrawals you’re at a loss to explain.

For one small consulting firm, this was no imaginary situation. Reported by the National Cybersecurity Alliance, the incident saw the 10-man consultancy lose a total of $15 000 – the business’s entire cash reserve – after the credit card details were recorded by a skimmer device that criminals had installed on the ATM used by the employee.

“This incident shows just how devastating the effects of cybercrime can be,” says Bonnie Smith, General Manager FCM Travel. “And it’s just one example of a cyberattack. There are so many more ways criminals can target travellers – so it’s important to be aware while you’re out on the road. Don’t let your guard slip, which is often challenging when you’re focussed on meetings, exploring new places or enjoying your trip.”

According to a study conducted by IEEE Innovation At Work, the travel and transportation industry was the second most targeted industry for cybercriminals in 2018. The same study reports that one in seven travellers has fallen victim to information theft.

Why are travellers such soft targets?

One reason may be their lackadaisical attitude. A somewhat concerning report by IBM shows that although 40% of travellers acknowledge that they could be at risk of cybercrime, only 30% guard against the threat.

Don’t judge the other 70% of travellers too harshly, though. Smith points out that travel leaves people in a highly vulnerable position. For a start, travellers typically have, out of necessity, a large volume of valuable data on their person, from their passports to travel itineraries and payment information. All of this is gold for the cybercriminal who can sell the information or use it for identity theft or phishing attacks.

The traveller’s state of mind doesn’t help, either. When you’re feeling tired after a long trip, it’s normal to opt for the quickest connectivity solution – like public Wi-Fi – to download a mail or make a fast transaction instead of opting for the safest option.

What’s more, because of the interconnectivity of devices, any seemingly small breach of security may have massive ramifications.

Guard against being a victim

The good news, says Smith, is that while the threat might be significant, there are several steps travellers can use to avoid an attack.

Some of these actions should be taken before leaving home, like brushing up on your rights and local laws. This is important because different countries may exert different rights to your data. For example, border guards may ask to see the contents of your laptop, and if you know that this is likely, you can plan ahead.

It’s also a good idea to change all your frequently used passwords. You may even wish to set up a temporary email account if you know that you’re likely to use a public computer. In fact, this is advisable if you plan to work from your hotel’s business centre, as these centres are a natural target for cybercriminals.

If your personal data is stored on the cloud, consider deleting the local copy from your laptop and disabling the sync feature. While you’re at it, download software that encrypts information and protects copied data. Update your anti-virus protection, host intrusion and host-based firewall software.

This is also the time to pay any bills that may fall due while you are away, a step that will lessen your exposure while you are travelling. If you foresee the need to download software, do so before you leave.

Your final action, before you land, should be to disable the auto-connect function on your phone – connecting to the Internet manually for a few days isn’t much of a hassle, especially if it keeps your data safe. You should disable Bluetooth connectivity, too.

In transit? Chances are you’re using your time to catch up on mails – but refrain from plugging into the public WI-FI network. Instead, set up a WI-FI hotspot on your phone and encrypt your data using a Virtual Private Network.

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, keep your device on you at all times. It sounds obvious, especially for crime-wary South Africans, but a request to borrow your phone or tablet for one second may not be quite as innocent as it seems. By the same token, don’t use anyone else’s device. And don’t consider taking ‘backup’ devices with you just in case – the fewer devices you have to worry about, the better.

Use public equipment with care, and exercise caution if you need to charge your USB in public. If you need to charge, a good tip is to switch off your device before plugging it into a charging station. Finally, if you have been asked by border guards to screen your device, treat it as if it has been compromised.

The bottom line? “It’s important to stay alert and aware when you’re travelling,” says Smith. “This is always good advice, and now in terms of cybercrime too. Follow the tips and advice shared above, and chat to your travel expert about any destination-specific alerts or information.”

**ends**

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

About FCM:

FCM, the flagship corporate travel brand at Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), is the business travel partner of choice for large national, multinational and global corporations. We are an award-winning global corporate travel management company ranking as one of the top five by size around the world. We operate a global network which spans more than 100 countries, employing over 6000 people.

FCM are transforming the business of travel through our empowered and accountable people who deliver 24/7 service and are available either online or offline. Leveraging FCM’s negotiating strength and supplier relationships in conjunction with our tailored business travel programs, our expertise delivers more for our clients where it matters most to them.

Visit us at www.fcmtravel.co.za

Issued by: Big Ambitions

Contact: Dorine Reinstein

Tel: +27 83 278 8994

Email: Dorine@bigambitions.co.za

SHELL AWARDS GLOBAL TRAVEL BUSINESS TO FCM TRAVEL

19 April, 2022 – Energy company Shell has selected FCM as its global travel provider to manage travel requirements across all businesses. With a multi-year contract commencing in 2022, Shell travellers will benefit from the rollout of FCM’s game-changing platform, and encompass a full range of travel services.

According to FCM Global Managing Director Marcus Eklund, the company triumphed due to its client-first approach that prioritises their needs and preferred systems without compromising on quality.

“As we begin our journey with Shell, we are truly excited to work in partnership with their global travel team to devise and implement a comprehensive programme that delivers on their goals, while making business travel simpler, safer and productive for their employees,” said Mr Eklund.

“At FCM we’re unafraid to challenge conventions nor are we limited by the constraints that many of our competitors face thanks to our global range, proprietary technology and inherent flexibility. This means we can provide a truly bespoke solution to clients like Shell that accommodates a variety of complex needs within an integrated globally consistent experience.”

Over the course of the thorough tender process, Shell welcomed FCM’s agile and instinctively collaborative method. Unsurprisingly, FCM’s powerful technology capabilities were a differentiating factor in Shell’s decision to award the contract. Specifically, the FCM platform’s baked-in ability to deliver a globally consistent user experience alongside a wholly flexible open-platform solution. This level of adaptability was crucially important for Shell to enable easy future integration of their preferred feature and functionality options on a market-by-market basis.

Commenting on FCM’s appointment, Shell’s Global Travel Operations Manager Julia Sullivan said: “We look forward to working with FCM and to leveraging their digital capability and innovative approach. Our joint goal is to make a positive difference to our employees’ travel experiences, supporting their wellbeing and empowering them to make more sustainable travel choices.”

Both companies share a commitment to travelling purposefully, and will be developing a best-in-class travel programme of solutions and service offerings that will deliver safe, inclusive, seamless and sustainable travel experiences for Shell’s business travellers.

“Business travel is changing, and in FCM we have found a partner that understands the challenges, and supports our ambition to establish a travel programme that is as progressive as possible when benchmarked against Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks,” added Ms Sullivan.

Shell joins a growing number of prestige accounts that rely on FCM’s expert travel and procurement services. Over the last 12 months, the business has consistently gained market-share across its key regions adding a clutch of multi-national household brands alongside major government accounts to an already a diverse client list.

About FCM

FCM is one of the world’s largest travel management companies with a 24/7 reach in over 100 countries. As a trusted travel partner for thousands of national and multi-national organisations, including many household brands, Fortune and FTSE 100 companies, FCM’s agile and flexible technology platform anticipates and solves client needs supported by expert teams who provide in-depth local knowledge and duty of care as part of the ultimate personalised business travel experience. While as the flagship business travel division of the ASX-listed Flight Centre Travel Group, FCM is able to negotiate and deliver access to the widest network of airfares, hotels, and ground transport for unique and best-value solutions. The company recently debuted its new omni-channel platform featuring a ‘first of its kind’ customised end-to-end user experience that will be available to new clients from 2022. Discover the alternative at www.fcmtravel.com

# # #

Visit us at www.fcmtravel.co.za

Issued by: Big Ambitions

Contact: Dorine Reinstein

Tel: +27 83 278 8994

Email: Dorine@bigambitions.co.za