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Articles by Abigail Kent
Agents using AI can deliver real value
C USTOMERS benefit hugely if artificial intelligence (AI) is driven by a travel counsellor rather than exposed to them directly, says Mladen Lukic, GM of Travel Counsellors South Africa. Lukic says the reason behind this is that the quality of AI-generated information is dictated by the science of the prompt. He argues that delivering strong results would require customers to have the same depth of knowledge and experience as a travel counsellor to create effective prompts.
Domestic holidays survive the squeeze
R ISING airfares and fuel costs are changing the way South Africans approach domestic travel with travellers becoming more selective about where they go, how long they stay and whether they fly or drive. Industry feedback suggests that cost pressures are reshaping travel decisions rather than stopping South Africans from taking local holidays altogether. FlySafair reported a softer second quarter, with passenger numbers down around 9% year on year.
SA ski market has evolved
E UROPEAN ski holidays continue to attract South African travellers, although the market has become significantly more specialised than it was two decades ago, says Jacqui Coupland, Ski Specialist for SUNnSKI Holidays. While demand remains strong, the structure of the market has shifted. “There are fewer operators than there used to be, but there are still specialist companies actively selling ski holidays for South Africans,” she says.
Traveller apps become smart travel companions
I N THE hyper-connected, always-on market, traveller apps have transitioned from a luxury to an everyday expectation. Nowadays, travel agencies are investing in proprietary traveller apps with more functionality. Beyond storing itineraries and travel documents, many of these apps now incorporate AI, real-time travel updates and direct communication with clients. Travel News spoke to industry players to find out how their apps are changing the way agencies support travellers.
Africa tops global baggage mishandling
Africa recorded the highest baggage mishandling rates for international travel, even as global rates fell by 23% to approximately 4,9 per 1 000 passengers. This is according to SITA’s latest baggage insights report, which showed that Africa’s rate stood at 12,1 per 1 000 passengers, citing older infrastructure and capacity constraints as the cause.
Visa hurdles dampen demand for US travel
Demand for travel to the US from South Africa’s neighbouring countries has sharply declined since the introduction of visa bonds and changes to visa issuance processes. The visa bond requires applicants from selected countries to pay a refundable bond of US$5 000 (R82 000), $10 000 (R164 000) or $15 000 (R246 000) when applying for a B1/B2 visa. The exact amount is determined at the visa interview.
CT Marathon Major status creates tourism opportunity
Cape Town’s tourism industry expects the city’s Marathon Major status to translate into increased international arrivals, longer visitor stays and higher tourism spend when the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon joins the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) calendar in 2027. The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was confirmed as the eighth AbbottWMM and the first on the African continent to join the global series alongside Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York.
Namibia restores self-drive access to Deadvlei
Namibia has reversed its decision to restrict self-drive access and limit shuttle operations in Deadvlei to the concessionaire and lodge-based operators. In a public notice issued on May 2, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) stated that Deadvlei will remain accessible to tour guides registered with the Namibia Tourism Board and to self-drive visitors with 4x4 vehicles. Visitors may also use the concessionaire’s shuttle service but buses and trucks are not permitted.
Namibia restores self-drive access to Deadvlei
Namibia has reversed its decision to restrict self-drive access and limit shuttle operations in Deadvlei to the concessionaire and lodge-based operators. In a public notice issued on May 2, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) stated that Deadvlei will remain accessible to tour guides registered with the Namibia Tourism Board and to self-drive visitors with 4x4 vehicles. Visitors may also use the concessionaire’s shuttle service but buses and trucks are not permitted.
Has ‘boutique’ become a luxury marketing formula?
Recent research by Flywire, a travel payment solutions and software company, found that a majority of travellers prefer boutique luxury hotels over chain or branded luxury properties. At the same time, some of the world’s biggest hotel groups are investing heavily in Africa’s safari sector – historically one of the last strongholds of independent luxury hospitality. The trend raises questions about what “boutique” actually means in 2026.
Sports travellers unfazed by geopolitics
South African sport fans are not shying away from travel despite rising airfares. This is according to sport travel specialists who say that, while ongoing geopolitical instability continues to affect routing and ticket pricing, demand for major sporting events remains high. Shelley Duffield, Team Leader Sports & Incentives at Tourvest Meeting & Events, notes events like the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Rugby World Cup, Olympic Games and major European fixtures continue to perform strongly.
Tourists in limbo after Namibia visa portal crash
Namibia’s online visa portal was down for over a week after failing to be restored following planned maintenance. The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security originally announced a temporary outage between 15h00 and 17h00 on May 19 but undisclosed disruptions extended the downtime to around seven days until May 27.
Namibia aviation crisis looms
Namibia is facing a commercial aviation staffing shortage, compounded by systemic failures in work permit and visa processing and a converging fuel supply crisis. With many of the country’s key attractions located in remote areas, unreachable by road, air access is critical, says Gitta Paetzold, CEO of the Hospitality Association of Namibia. While many lodges have invested in the necessary infrastructure to ensure accessibility, human capacity is a foundational part of the equation.
Host nations ready venues for Cricket World Cup
Host countries South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia are making preparations for the International Cricket Council World Cup (CWC) with venue upgrades progressing and early signs of international spectator interest emerging. Zimbabwe’s Mosi-oa-Tunya Cricket Stadium is expected to host its first domestic games in August, according to The Herald Zimbabwe. The facility is said to be 80% complete.
Host nations ready venues for Cricket World Cup
Host countries South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia are making preparations for the International Cricket Council World Cup (CWC) with venue upgrades progressing and early signs of international spectator interest emerging. Zimbabwe’s Mosi-oa-Tunya Cricket Stadium is expected to host its first domestic games in August, according to The Herald Zimbabwe. The facility is said to be 80% complete.
Operators challenge KWS payment system
The Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) has petitioned lawmakers urging Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) to suspend a 5% gateway fee introduced as part of its new payment system, citing system inefficiency and additional costs for tour operators. The move follows a separate dispute last year over proposed conservation increases, which were temporarily blocked by a High Court interdict.
Vic Falls sees softer SA demand
Lodges in Victoria Falls are seeing softer demand from the South Africa market, with the destination’s widespread use of US dollar-based pricing cited as a key factor. According to Anald Musonza, Head of Sales and Marketing at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, South Africa has historically been the lodge’s largest regional source market, but arrivals from Kenya and Tanzania are now increasing.
Eswatini goes all in on events
Eswatini Tourism Authority has launched its 2026 calendar featuring large-scale events such as the MTN Bushfire Festival – an African music festival hosted in the Malkerns Valley – alongside traditional festivals as well as hikes, markets and races (mountain biking and trail running). According to Chunky Mdluli-Dlamini, Head of Marketing at Eswatini Tourism Authority, the calendar is shared annually to “maximise visitor arrivals, drive economic growth and enhance Eswatini’s brand visibility”.
Canada visa delays cloud World Cup travel plans
Visa processing delays for South Africans travelling to Canada remain a major challenge for travel agents, with long waiting periods and inconsistent outcomes continuing to complicate travel planning – even with the FIFA World Cup (hosted by North America) now less than five months away. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that it will not issue special FIFA World Cup visas.
Equine Veterinary Journal | BEVA Journal | Wiley Online Library
• , , , , . What is the likelihood that thoroughbred foals treated for septic arthritis will race? Equine Vet J. ; ( ): – . https://doi.org/10.2746/0425164044868396 • , , , , , , et al. Factors associated with prognosis for survival and athletic use in foals with septic arthritis: 93 cases (1987–1994) . J Am Vet Med Assoc. ; ( ): – . • , , , , , . Factors associated with survival and racing performance of 114 thoroughbred foals with septic arthritis compared with maternal siblings (2009–2015) .
6 Ways to Make Your Home Eco-Friendly
Are you looking for ways to make your home eco-friendlier? There are a number of advantages to going green. In addition to being better for the environment, it can also help benefit your wallet. Here are six ways to make your home eco-friendly. 1. Make Sure Your Home is Properly Insulated When your home isn’t properly insulated, it can be drafty — which can ultimately lead to higher gas or electric bills.
Eco-Friendly Tips to Dispose of Dead Trees in Your Property
Eco-friendly tree maintenance and removal is very important. You need to know how to take care of your trees and dispose of them in the most environmentally responsible way possible. Across the USA, 36 million trees perish each year, according to the US Forest Service. This can be due to many reasons, but whatever the cause of death, dead trees can be highly troublesome. It can be hard to determine whether or not a tree is truly dead.
5 Important Changes to Become An Eco-Friendly Nicotine User
Over the years, the world has become more and more focused on living green, but this can be a problem for those of us who enjoy nicotine products – no one really equates a nicotine habit with being sustainable or eco-friendly. However, this is not necessarily true. Even back in 2012, National Geographic showed that there are differences in environmental friendliness between e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes. Below, we take a look at 5 ways to become a more environmentally conscious nicotine user.
Everything Eco-Friendly Consumers Should Know About Ethical Streetwear
We have seen a lot of eco-fashion trends emerge in recent years. They will become even more significant as more people express their concerns about preserving the planet. The market for eco-friendly clothing is . There are many different forms of sustainable fashion that are gaining interest among environmentally conscious consumers. Here are the best style tips to help you choose that stunning streetwear that will allow you to look great while exhibiting your environmentally conscious style.
Reasons Why Eco-Friendly Women Can Become Successful at Welding
Sustainability is a concept that is becoming a lot more important to the welding profession. Tulsa Welding School has talked about some of the environmental practices that have started to change the welding profession in beneficial ways. This could be good news for women that care about sustainability, since many of them have already struggled with challenges getting accepted in the workplace as it is.
Essential Tips for Eco-Friendly Businesses Facing Eviction During the Pandemic
Eco-friendly businesses are doing everything that they can to make it through the devastating pandemic. Unfortunately, many small businesses in general are struggling. In September, 97,966 businesses closed for good due to the pandemic. That figure has probably risen a lot more after the more recent waves of lockdowns. Eco-friendly businesses have an even harder time.
Eco-Friendly Stock Investing Trends for the Coming Year
The green energy market is one of the most exciting sectors in the global financial markets. The global market for renewable energy is expected to grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025. The call for a shift to clean energy has boosted the rapid growth of the renewable energy market and this has made it a compelling option for growth investors. This does not mean that clean power will replace fossil fuels any time soon.
Green Living Tips for Environmentally Conscious Consumers
It would be difficult to find a more worthwhile cause to support in 2021 than protecting the environment. Indeed, regardless of your age, profession, or social status, everyone benefits from a healthy environment and sustainable practices. You will find that a lot of people are more concerned about sustainability than ever. Gallup has found that 65% of citizens prefer sustainability over the economy. However, not everybody knows how to be eco-friendly.
Eco-friendly Burial Methods for Green Living Advocates
It’s 2020 and we should be proud to have have come such a long way in terms of living greener, earth-friendly lives. We repurpose, recycle and re-use. We drive hybrids, charge our lives with solar power and bring our own bags to the grocery store. It would be weird to think that once we pass away, our bodies wouldn’t be sent away in an earth-friendly way too. One way that you can be more sustainable is by having an eco-friendly funeral. You may be surprised to hear how popular this concept is.
Magical Skills for a Debt Collection Agent
What strikes your mind when somebody tells you they are a debt collector agent? Most people would picture an unpleasant individual pursuing others forcing them to settle amounts overdue. This is far from the reality due to the fact that the commercial debt collecting method is quite smooth. Give us a chance to explain to you how to be an efficient debt collection agent.
DOING THIS CAN ULTIMATELY SAVE YOU a LOT of MONEY
It is not really easy to forget about your savings when you are addicted to something out of your habit. A few coins cannot hurt quite a bit of your financial plan, correct? After all, it’s simply some slack change you can forget anyhow. This is actually what people would think while paying for a pack of cigarette or beer. These are inexpensive things that anybody has the cash for.
What To Know About Teaching Kids To Be Eco-Friendly
The environment is where we all meet, where we all have a mutual interest. It is one thing all of us share. Being kind to the earth is an important consideration no matter what it takes, and teaching kids to be eco-friendly is especially important. For years, finding organic food and clothing has been a familiar task, but nowadays being eco-friendly has crept into many more aspects of our lives. Life is a process of constant learning and those who are learning the most are children.
What I Face As A Foreign Woman Living In Seoul
The Han River, taken from Yeoido, Seoul’s main finance and investment banking district (Photo credit: Visualhunt) Being a solo woman traveller anywhere in the world comes with its quirks. Every country has certain values and expectations about how women should act, dress and speak. South Korea is no exception. I’m currently living in Seoul for a semester abroad at Kyung Hee University, but the majority of my education has come from outside of the classroom.
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