TPConnects’ Iris platform enables travel agencies to access NDC content alongside traditional EDIFACT, LCC, and aggregator content through a single, unified interface. This comprehensive solution ensures seamless shopping and servicing of air content, enabling travel sellers to offer the best available fares and products to their clients.

The integration announcement marks a significant milestone as Flight Centre Travel Group implements Iris for FlySafair bookings for its corporate & leisure business.

Key features of the FlySafair integration include: 

1. Access to FlySafair’s full range of fare products and services 
2. Real-time pricing and availability
3. Seamless booking and servicing capabilities 

“This partnership with TPConnects represents a significant step forward in our distribution strategy,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer, FlySafair. “By making our content available through the Iris platform, we’re expanding our reach in the corporate and Leisure travel sector while ensuring our products are easily accessible to travel partners worldwide.”

“The integration of FlySafair into our Iris platform marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to provide the best available content to our customers.” commented Eric Dumas, CEO, TPConnects Technologies. “By bringing FlySafair’s network and competitive fares onto Iris, we’re not only expanding low-cost carrier distribution in South Africa but also enabling seamless access for travel businesses across both corporate and leisure sectors.

Sue Garrett, GM Supply and Distribution, Flight Centre Travel Group, added, “This integration enhances our ability to serve our corporate and leisure customers with a wider range of travel options. The addition of FlySafair’s content to the Iris platform strengthens our offering in the important South African market and demonstrates our commitment to providing comprehensive travel solutions to our customers.”

The Iris platform continues to expand its global presence, incorporating NDC and LCC content from leading carriers worldwide. This growth enables TPConnects to better serve travel sellers across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, offering enhanced retailing capabilities, rich content access, and comprehensive end-to-end servicing options. 

About TPConnects 

TPConnects Technologies is an IATA-certified, global travel content aggregation and distribution technology company. TPConnects provides modern air retailing products that transform content distribution for airlines and travel sellers, through swift, seamless and smart solutions. TPConnects helps travel industry players streamline their operations, increase revenues, and enhance the customer experience. 

TPConnects is granted Airline Retailing Maturity status under International Air Transport Association (IATA) Airline Retailing Maturity (ARM) programme and received IATA Financial Gateway (IFG) Certification. 

For more information about TPConnects, please visit www.tpconnects.com. 

Follow TPConnects on LinkedIn for company information and career postings.  

For media inquiries, please contact:  

marketing@tpconnects.com  

About FlySafair 

FlySafair, Southern Africa’s leading low-cost carrier and proud Trusted Domestic Carrier for the National Rigby and Cricket Teams, the Springboks and the Proteas. As the second largest airline on the African continent, FlySafair offers budget-friendly fares for domestic travel between nine destinations. FlySafair also operates five international routes, connecting South Africa with our African. FlySafair was ranked most on-time airline in the Africa and Middle East by Cirium for 2024.

About Flight Centre Travel Group

Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) SA is part of Flight Centre Travel Group, an Australia-based international travel company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with a market cap of AU$3.85 billion and a current share price of AU$17.36 as of 18 February 2025. FCTG with three leading brands: Flight Centre, Corporate Traveller and FCM, of which Corporate Traveller and FCM are proud level 1 BBBEE Contributors. FCTG SA is wholly owned and has been recognised as one of Deloitte’s Best Companies to Work for in South Africa for over a decade.

The brand will provide a true heart and home for independent travel agents and agencies with a polished new visual identity that reflects the Group’s experienced global community, industry leading technology and comprehensive product marketplace.

The name Envoyage combines the notion of connection through envoy and travel through voyage. The“bridge” in the logo represents the growth journey our travel agents and agencies can experience and the incredible travel journeys their customers can go on with us.

Flight Centre Travel Group Global Leisure CEO James Kavanagh said a new global brand will allow the company to continue nurturing the huge potential they see in the independent travel space.

“Independent travel has been one of the fastest growing divisions for us in recent years and the investment in our new brand signals the significant role we expect the network to play in our future business model.

“It’s our ambition that Envoyage will become a global powerhouse – the most comprehensive, trusted and recognised independent travel brand in market.”

Chantal Gouws, General Manager of Envoyage South Africa said Envoyage is the culmination of extensive market research, industry consultation and in-depth design.

“The new brand proposition is compelling, memorable and versatile. Our research tells us Envoyage conjures up an air of prestige, a feeling of security and an immediate association with travel and personalisation, so it truly embodies everything our independent division is about.

“Being part of Envoyage will offer agents the best of both worlds – the freedom of running their own business their way, coupled with the power of a truly global brand and community.

“We look forward to welcoming our existing network of incredible independent agents and agencies alongside newcomers into the Envoyage family.”

About Envoyage: 
Envoyage is a global network of independent travel entrepreneurs, dedicated to shaping the future of travel through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. With a commitment to empowering its members, Envoyage offers cutting-edge solutions and comprehensive business support to drive success in an ever-evolving landscape. Visit join.envoyage.com to learn more.

Media contact:

Tracy Porter 

Phone: +27 (0)82 891 4353 

Email: tracy.porter@envoyagegroup.co.za 

Overall, 45% of Zillennials across all five countries say a holiday is the perfect place to find love, with more men (53%) claiming they’ve experienced romance abroad compared to women (42%).

“This passion for finding love across borders may stem from South Africans’ sense of adventure and openness to new experiences. The diversity of cultures and landscapes across the globe offer the perfect backdrop for making meaningful connections,” says Euan McNeil, MD Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa.

Flight Centre travel agents have experienced travel romance first-hand: “I was working at the Canal Walk branch early 2020 when Chase walked in to book a flight with me. So he started out as a client. From there we chatted throughout lockdown and finally met up when restrictions lifted. We were inseparable and a beautiful love story followed. Chase eventually joined Flight Centre as a novice in 2022. Yes, I am his boss at work but definitely not at home!” says Karen Ackhurst, Garden Route Team Leader.

Chantal Boonzaaier from FCI Operational Finance also shared: “I met my now-husband while on holiday in South Africa during my 8 years working on cruise ships. We dated long distance for 2 years before getting married. Now we’ve been married for 8 years and have a beautiful 4 year old boy.”

On the flip side, solo travel is also becoming increasingly popular as people embrace the opportunity to connect with themselves while experiencing new destinations.

The majority of Zillenials from the five countries said they were very or somewhat likely to travel solo (or wanderlone) at 60 percent. Men were more likely than women to say they’d be very or somewhat likely to do so (64 per cent compared to 56 per cent).

Among Zillennials in the countries surveyed who’d be very or somewhat likely to wanderlone, the most popular type of solo travel was a soul-searching journey focused on self-discovery (54 per cent), a reflective journey that allows contemplation and builds self-awareness (54 per cent) and a cultural journey that fosters a deeper connection (49 per cent).

FCTG Global CEO James Kavanagh said” “Our research shows that people are seeking and finding love abroad – with each other, and with themselves.

“With Valentine’s Day around the corner, the pressure is on for couples to find the perfect gift for one another, and travel is the perfect option.

“No matter your preferred style of travel, our experts can help you find the right trip, at the right price and take the stress out of the booking process.”

• Travel as a couple – https://www.flightcentre.co.za/holidays/types/romantic-honeymoon

• Travel without the kids – https://www.flightcentre.co.za/holidays/types/adults-only

*All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 4,050 adults (822 from Australia, 801 from New Zealand, 801 from the UK, 823 from South Africa and 803 from Canada). Fieldwork was undertaken between 12th – 20th December 2023. The survey was carried out online and commissioned by FCTG. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Gen Z and Millennials (aged 18-42) in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, South Africa and Canada.

About Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa

Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) SA is part of Flight Centre Travel Group, an Australia-based international travel company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with a market cap of AU$4.69 billion and a current share price of AU$21.37 as of 14 February 2024. FCTG with three leading brands: Flight Centre, Corporate Traveller and FCM, of which Corporate Traveller and FCM are proud level 1 BBBEE Contributors. FCTG SA is wholly owned and has been recognised as one of Deloitte’s Best Companies to Work for in South Africa for over a decade.

Please feel free to reach out to Kim Taylor at kim@bigambitions.co.za for any media queries or should you require any additional assets.

This strategic expansion in air access is anticipated to significantly stimulate tourism, capitalising on South Africa’s diverse attractions that range from stunning beaches and cosmopolitan urban centres to wildlife-rich savannahs and fruitful vineyards. The new route promises a more streamlined and time-efficient travel experience and positions South Africa as a more attractive destination for a broader range of travellers eager to explore the multifaceted beauty of the rainbow nation in a single journey.

“FlySafair’s new Cape Town to Kruger route is a blessing for inbound tourism in South Africa. With Cape Town’s international two-way passenger figures soaring to 1.4 million in the first half of 2023 alone, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and the Kruger Park attracting around 4 million visitors last year, it’s clear that these destinations hold a special place on the global travel map,” comments David Frost, SATSA CEO.

Euan McNeil, MD of Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa, agrees and anticipates the positive impact of this exciting new introduction:

“Until now, connectivity between these two popular locations has been limited. The introduction of FlySafair’s new route will draw more travellers to both regions, as well as the nearby Cape Winelands. The route is especially good news for multigenerational travellers, offering access to various encounters catering to different ages and preferences. The industry is bridging gaps not just geographically but across generations, too.”

The route offers convenience and enriches the travel narrative by linking the contrasting experiences of urban sophistication and natural wilderness – a rare and highly valued combination in the world of travel.

“This new flight route is a game-changer and a fantastic addition to FlySafair’s already impressive network. It seamlessly connects two of the most coveted travel experiences in South Africa. Visitors no longer have to choose between the urban charm of Cape Town or the raw wilderness of the Kruger Park – they can effortlessly enjoy both. The route significantly contributes to creating an interconnected South African travel experience and is certain to escalate our position in the global tourism arena,” says Murray Gardiner, GILTEDGE CEO.

The inaugural flight for this route will make use of FlySafair’s Boeing 737-800. Tickets will start at R1851 one way, with flights leaving Cape Town at 09h00 every Tuesday and Saturday and landing at the Kruger Park around 11h30. The aircraft will then be turned around, taking off from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport at 12h05 and landing back in Cape Town at approximately 14h50.

“In addition to enhancing accessibility to the Kruger National Park for residents of the Western Cape, this new route by FlySafair promotes inter-provincial exploration, encouraging tourists to discover a plethora of hidden gems and world-class experiences across South Africa. It’s about inspiring travellers to linger longer and indulge in varied combo travel experiences combining the unique offerings of various provinces,” says Frost.

“Furthermore, this initiative underscores our emphasis on inclusive growth in the tourism sector. We’re committed to ensuring the benefits of increased tourism are spread across communities, particularly focusing on empowering local businesses and historically marginalised groups to partake in the tourism value chain. This route is more than a convenience; it’s a strategic step towards a more interconnected and inclusive South African travel experience,” Frost concludes.

As South Africa continues to emerge as a leading travel destination, the introduction of routes such as this is a testament to the country’s growing appeal and the tourism sector’s resilience and innovation. Watch this space – the journey is just beginning.

Please feel free to reach out to Kim Taylor at kim@bigambitions.co.za for any media queries or should you require any additional assets.

76 travel advisors and agency owners from 55 independent agencies across Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and South Africa will meet for the first global independent agent gathering of its kind.

Joining these high performers onboard will be representatives from Uniworld, TTC Tour Brands, Adventure World, Lindblad Expeditions, Cover More, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Expedia TAAP, and Inclusive Collection, Part of the World of Hyatt.

Other sponsors who have supported the event and will make a virtual appearance include Intrepid, AAT Kings, Back Roads Touring, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Independent advisors and their guests will enjoy a choice of excursions every day, including an exclusive outing to enjoy one of Trafalgar’s By My Guest experiences at a local winery with lunch in Budapest, hosted by TTC Tour Brands. They will also enjoy an after party with special surprises hosted from afar by Singapore Airlines.

In keeping with FCTG’s commitment to sustainability, Icons 2023 will be offset through a partnership with Allianz and Trees4Travel. The total carbon emissions of the journey will be estimated and offset through contributions made to a reforestation project in Nepal. Each individual participant will also have the opportunity to enter their specific travel details to ensure a more accurate measure, with the goal of being 100% carbon neutral.

“We are very excited to represent South Africa on Uniworld’s S.S. Beatrice and take part in this celebratory trip. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our ITCs and those attending are well-deserving of the exclusive opportunity to attend Independent Icons,” says Chantal Gouws, General Manager Flight Centre Independent Brands.

Danielle Galloway, Global Managing Director, FCTG Independent and Premium Divisions says: “Our team and global network of independent travel entrepreneurs are brimming with excitement for our first Icons event this November.

“This exclusive experience provides a unique setting for our leading advisors from around the world to connect with and learn from each other, as well as some of our most valuable suppliers and our global leadership team.

“We are confident our sponsors and advisors will forge valuable connections and make incredible memories while experiencing a truly special event that has been designed just for them,” Galloway concludes.

END

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kim Taylor, Big Ambitions

Phone: +27 (0)76 825 5508

Email: kim@bigambitions.co.za

About Flight Centre and FCTG Independent

After starting with one shop in the early 1980s, Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) (ASX:FLT), has enjoyed remarkable growth to become a $20 billion business consisting of more than 30 brands. One of the world’s largest travel agency groups, it has company-owned operations in 23 countries and a corporate travel management network that spans more than 90 countries. FCTG was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in 1995 (ASX: FLT). Flight Centre Travel Group employs more than 11,000 people globally.

FCTG Independent is a global network of over 1,400 independent travel agents and agencies across the USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.  

Each tour prize up for grabs is part of Intrepid’s commitment to provide ethical and authentic travel experiences, and winners will travel to destinations as intriguing as Morocco, Botswana or Sri Lanka as well as Australia and the USA.

“Partnering with Intrepid to offer these travel prizes is an obvious choice for us,” said Flight Centre General Manager Antonette Turner. “Not only is Intrepid one of the most experienced small-group touring companies with over 30 years in the business, they’re also one of the most responsible and ethical having earned their B Corporation certification.”

“Intrepid Travel’s due care to provide exciting tours that support local communities, respect the environment and protect wildlife mean they align well with Flight Centre’s values of sustainable travel.” Turner said.

Intrepid Travel’s Managing Director Australia and New Zealand, Brett Mitchell, said “We are proud to be teaming up with our long-time industry partner Flight Centre to offer travellers the chance to win one of 20 Intrepid tours. No matter the destination, travellers can expect small groups, big adventure and responsible travel.”

The competition is open between 5 October – 30 November 2023 and hopeful adventurers can enter the competition here.

Supporting Images here

*Airfare credit is based on $2,000 AUD and the exchange rate at xe.com on 2 October 2023. Refer to the full competition terms and conditions.

Ends

Contact:  Big Ambitions | Kim Taylor | kim@bigambitions.co.za or 076 825 5508

_______________

FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP SOUTH AFRICA 

Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) SA is part of Flight Centre Travel Group, an Australia-based international travel company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with a market cap of AU$4.25 billion and a current share price of AU$19.36 as of 10 October 2023. FCTG with three leading brands: Flight Centre, Corporate Traveller and FCM, of which Corporate Traveller and FCM are proud level 1 BBBEE Contributors. FCTG SA is wholly owned and has been recognised as one of Deloitte’s Best Companies to Work for in South Africa for over a decade.

“We understand the inconvenience and stress caused by this sudden change and will be supporting our customers to ensure minimal disruption,” says Euan McNeil, MD of Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa.  

Although Flight Centre has been unable to reach Air Belgium for rebooking options, the group has decided to offer a credit to the value of the original Air Belgium booking, towards new travel bookings for impacted customers, regardless of how they made their flight booking with FCTG. “This ensures that our customers can continue to travel as planned,” says McNeil.

 For customers who are currently in their destination and are affected by this event, FCTG is extending its full support. “We are doing everything we can to assist our customers who are in destination. Our team is ready to provide immediate assistance,” McNeil adds. 

Customers affected by the cessation of Air Belgium’s passenger flights are encouraged to contact their Travel Expert or Travel Manager directly for support and rebooking options. For bookings made on Flight Centre’s website, contact 0877 40 51 05.

 “Flight Centre Travel Group appreciates our customers’ patience and understanding as our team works to assist impacted travellers as smoothly as possible,” McNeil concludes. 

FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP SOUTH AFRICA 

Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) SA is part of Flight Centre Travel Group, an Australia-based international travel company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with a market cap of AU$4.36 billion and a current share price of AU$19.94 as of 19 September 2023. FCTG with three leading brands: Flight Centre, Corporate Traveller and FCM, of which Corporate Traveller and FCM are proud level 1 BBBEE Contributors. FCTG SA is wholly owned and has been recognised as one of Deloitte’s Best Companies to Work for in South Africa for over a decade.

Media Contact

Kim Taylor, Big Ambitions

+27 768 255 508

kim@bigambitions.co.za

In the remodelled workforce landscape painted by Gartner’s 2023 report, flexibility, purpose, well-being, and culture are the cardinal points. Flexibility isn’t merely a shiny perk – it’s the cornerstone for more than half of today’s workforce.

While some corporate stalwarts like META rally for office returns, the hybrid model, with its flexibility flag flying high, is continuing to gain momentum. This evolution is driven by a youthful workforce keen to seize control of their careers, well-being, and work-life balance. The message to companies hunting for talent is loud and clear: board the flexibility train or risk getting left in the dust.

Although ‘bleisure’ has been around for a while, a new more sneaky ‘bleisure’ trend is popping up under the name ‘hush trips’. The term ‘hush trip’ is courtesy of Glassdoor. Jill Cotton, a career trends expert at Glassdoor, defines it as an employee working remotely in a location different from where their employer thinks they are. The company may promote flexible work, but here, the worker is actively cloaking their location or pretending to be somewhere else.

The hush holiday trend is gaining speed overseas. Over half of Brits set to embark on such a journey in 2023, says the Evening Standard. On the other side of the pond, nearly 10% of American workers have already dipped their toes in these hush holiday waters, according to CNBC Travel.

“These covert workations enable employees to mix up their environment without digging into their precious paid leave. But, this strategy isn’t without pitfalls. The rise of hush holidays is throwing a complex gauntlet of visa regulations, insurance entanglements, data security issues, and duty of care obligations at companies,” says Bonnie Smith, GM at Corporate Traveller.

Smith elaborates, “In some cases, it’s feasible for employees to work remotely from other countries, but they need to check all the right boxes – appropriate visa, social security status, and adhering to the relevant tax and other laws.”

Similarly, Smith highlights the importance of understanding the employment jurisdiction that applies and the need to abide by all pertinent laws. A little-known fact is that an employee working abroad, even briefly, can acquire protection under the local employment rights – known as mandatory laws – in relation to holiday, minimum pay, and termination. As the employment laws in Europe, for example, are very different to those in South Africa, this could lead to challenges.

An employer’s duty of care also doesn’t clock out when an employee works abroad, making it crucial for companies to approve an employee’s location. “This involves assessing and mitigating any risks to the employee’s health, safety, security associated with their location, accommodation, travel, and workload,” Smith explains. It also brings data security implications into play.

“While working abroad may sound like a smart solution for busy workers with limited annual leave, the lure of a total disconnect from work and an actual holiday can’t be discounted. Given that professional burnout and stress are hitting the roof, and with a survey of 20,000 professionals revealing that 54% can’t fully switch off during paid leave, a working holiday might just add to the pressure,” Smith adds.

So, where does this leave employees in South Africa? In South Africa, in spite of load shedding and connectivity challenges, the hybrid work model is slowly gaining traction, particularly among top earners. But instead of opting for hush trips, Smith suggests transparency instead.

“If employees disclose their remote locations, there’s scope to discuss responsibilities, and duty of care challenges can be tackled upfront. If employees opt for hush holidays, companies could unwittingly be left carrying the can for duty of care liabilities, which could make for tricky situations,” she says.

As we plot a course through the unchartered territory of the hybrid work era, it’s high time for companies to strengthen their foundations. Compliance rules, a robust travel policy is a must-have, and offering flexibility within a clear framework is essential, according to Smith. The aim should be to foster a culture where employees feel comfortable enough to disclose their work locations, nipping the hush holiday trend in the bud.

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

The three-year Memorandum of Understanding encompasses Flight Centre Travel Group brands in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA, Canada and South Africa.

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Flight Centre Travel Group Limited (FCTG) have today inked a three-year multi-million-dollar Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), teaming up to drive increased visitation to Singapore via FCTG’s global network.

This is FCTG’s first global agreement with a destination partner since the pandemic, and the first time STB has entered into an MOU with a travel company, which will result in joint marketing efforts to promote the Lion City

Singapore has long been a firm favourite with the South African market due to its traditional stopover status on the way to final destinations in Asia and Australasia. The agreement between FCTG and STB will focus on enticing visitors to stay longer and experience Singapore before continuing their long-haul journey.

Aside from joint marketing campaigns, the partnership will also set aside support for FCTG Travel Experts to develop knowledge about Singapore through training and FAM trip experiences. This will equip agents with the latest destination information and allow them to become advocates of Singapore, sharing their experience and knowledge with prospective travellers around the globe.

Overall, the partnership will allow both FCTG and STB to further efforts in driving tourism recovery as the world continues its return to normality following the pandemic.

The announcement was formalised today with the signing of the MOU between FCTG’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Graham Turner, and STB’s Chief Executive, Mr. Keith Tan in FCTG’s head office in Brisbane.

Mr Graham Turner said, “This MOU underscores just how much FCTG values Singapore as a major player in the Asia-Pacific travel market. Now that more of the

region’s carriers have resumed routes through Singapore, FCTG is excited to work with STB to cast the limelight back on the city and remind the world just what a spectacular travel destination Singapore is.”

Mr. Keith Tan said, “As we look towards 2024, Singapore’s international visitation numbers are on track to meet pre-pandemic levels, and this partnership with FCTG will play an integral role in supporting those tourism recovery efforts. We look forward to showcasing the wide range of new experiences, attractions, infrastructure and events in Singapore to travellers around the world, via FCTG’s global network, and we can’t wait to welcome them back to the Lion City.”

As an evolving destination that constantly presents new products for visitors, the city has welcomed a raft of new attractions and openings in the past 12-18 months. Most notably, this includes multiple attractions on Sentosa island, including the Central Beach Bazaar, Skyhelix and Scentopia, in addition to a selection of new openings on the mainland, such as Mr Bucket Chocolaterie, and cultural spaces like the Children’s Museum Singapore.

For media queries, please contact:

Adhesive PR on behalf of STB

Emma Rogerson

Email: emma.rogerson@adhesivepr.com.au

Mobile: +61 434 213 894

Locally Issued By:

Big Ambitions on behalf of Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa

Kim Taylor

Email: kim@bigambitions.co.za

Mobile +27 768 255 508

About the Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.

More: www.stb.gov.sg or www.visitsingapore.com | Follow us: facebook.com/STBsingapore or linkedin.com/company/singapore-tourism-board

About Flight Centre Travel Group

After starting with one shop in the early 1980s, Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) has enjoyed remarkable growth to become one of the largest businesses of its kind in the world. FCTG has company-owned operations in 23 countries and a corporate travel management network that spans more than 90 countries. Key leisure and corporate travel brands in Australia include Flight Centre, Travel Associates, Travel Partners, Travel Money, BYOjet, Corporate Traveller and FCM.

JOHANNESBURG, 24 November 2022 – The Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG)’s Black Friday specials have landed, with South Africans able to save up to 50% on their 2023 travel to top-selling destinations.

“This is the first Black Friday we have had to look forward to in a couple of years,” said Sue Garrett, General Manager Supply, Pricing and Marketing at the Flight Centre Travel Group. “Last year, we pulled all of our Black Friday deals after it was announced that South Africa had been put back on the dreaded red list, leaving many travellers stranded and devastated as their long-awaited holiday was cancelled or postponed. Now, it’s all systems go! We can travel freely, unmasked, and most of the restrictions from COVID -19 have been lifted,” said Garrett.

“Like the rest of the world, South Africa is still suffering from limited air capacity, although we are encouraged that more and more airlines are increasing their frequencies and routes in and out of the country. The best tip for travellers is to book early. Due to reduced flight frequencies, there is still a limited supply of seats, and an immense pent-up demand, so if you book too late, you may be disappointed or pay significantly more. For example, bookings for the December peak season are almost at capacity, so if you want a last-minute holiday to popular destinations, such as Mauritius, the UK and Europe, you’d better book quickly.”

“Flight Centre’s Black Friday deals for 2022 are geared toward travel in 2023, so you can book now, save and secure your trip,” said Garrett.

Deals are released every day from 21 November until Friday 25 November.

South Africans can look forward to the following specials:

• Save up to 50% on touring
• Save up to 50% on cruising
• Save up to R19 500 on island holidays
• Save up to R4 660 on Middle East & Asia holidays
• Save up to R1 320 on local holidays
• 2023 School holidays – Save up to R17 450
  
  

Top tips for snagging a Black Friday deal

Research – do your research in advance. What factors do you need to consider with your chosen holiday? Think about visas, health jabs and other entry information. Visit fctgtravelnews.com for information.

• Create a wish list – research what holidays you would like to have and include nice-to-haves-but-not-essentials. This way, you can quickly make a call if it’s the right holiday for you.
• Up-size your holiday – Now is the time to upgrade and save.
• Know the average price of packages for your chosen destination/s and your preferred dates.
• Have the 2023 school and public holiday calendar handy.
• Read the Terms & Conditions.
• Have your passport information ready.

“We encourage all our customers to shop safely and responsibly this Black Friday,” said Garrett. “Our customers can choose how they wish to shop this year – virtually on our website or face-to-face with a Travel Expert in-store.

Shop Flight Centre Black Friday specials here.

***Ends***

FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP SOUTH AFRICA

Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) SA is part of Flight Centre Travel Group, an Australia-based international travel company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with a market cap of AU$3.15-billion and a current share price of AU$15.73 as at 24 November 2022. Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa is a level 1 BEE company with three leading brands: Flight Centre, Corporate Traveller and FCM. FCTG SA is wholly owned and has been recognised as one of Deloitte’s Best Companies to Work for in South Africa for 14 consecutive years.