“We’re delighted to introduce our Frequent Flightie loyalty programme as a way to express our gratitude to our customers,” says Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre. “We believe in providing exceptional experiences to our travellers at every stage of their journey. The Frequent Flightie programme allows us to go the extra mile by offering exclusive rewards and discounts that enhance both our customers’ leisure and business trips.”

All Frequent Flightie partners were chosen to make it more affordable for travellers to stock up on travel must-haves.

“Trappers supplies outdoor essentials and clothing for bush breaks, hiking holidays, camping and glamping. Poetry offers stylish new clothes, Estoril Books presents an enticing selection of novels to accompany travellers on the beach, and Luggage Warehouse provides premium luggage and other travel essentials for a hassle-free journey. Finally, Decathlon offers a wide range of sporting gear and outdoor clothing tailored to various adventures,” Turner explains.

Frequent Flightie rewards are not limited to flight bookings or package deals. Any booking made with Flight Centre qualifies for the programme, ensuring that all customers can benefit from this exciting initiative.

Upon booking confirmation, the primary traveller within a travel party will receive an email containing a discount code for each of the programme’s partners. Frequent Flightie vouchers do not apply to every booking the primary traveller makes. Instead, they are issued once upon booking confirmation and again after a six-month period.

For more information about the Frequent Flightie loyalty programme, prospective travellers are encouraged to contact their nearest Flight Centre store or call 0877 40 50 00.

About Flight Centre South Africa

Flight Centre South Africa is a leading travel agency with a strong presence in the South African market. With a wide range of travel services and an extensive network of retail stores, Flight Centre strives to provide exceptional travel experiences and personalised services to its customers. As a part of the Flight Centre Travel Group, the company leverages global partnerships and industry expertise to offer competitive deals and innovative travel solutions.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Kim Taylor, Big Ambitions

kim@bigambitions.co.za

As Easter approaches, many South Africans are eager to take a well-deserved break and spend quality time together. However, with the current economic uncertainty and rising inflation, budget-friendly options for a getaway can seem limited – especially when booking last minute.

The experts at Flight Centre share their tips for booking a cost-effective Easter escape:  

• Fly or Drive?  

One of the most significant decisions a traveller must make is whether to fly or drive. While the answer largely depends on individual factors, there are a few general rules of thumb to follow. 

Flying is generally the most cost-effective option if travelling alone to a city or hub. If travelling as a couple, it could go either way, depending on the distance and the fuel economy of the couple’s car. If travelling with kids, a road trip may be the way to go. 

To get an idea of the cost difference between driving and flying, Top Auto conducted an experiment last year comparing the cost of driving from Johannesburg to popular South African destinations, Durban and Cape Town, to the cost of flying. The experiment looked at three cars with varying levels of fuel economy: a Ford Ranger 3.2TDCi Double Cab 4×4 XLT Auto, a Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Xs, and a VW Polo 1.0TSI 70kW Life. 

Keeping in mind that fuel prices have increased slightly since the experiment was conducted, for a round trip from Johannesburg to Durban, the cost of driving ranged from R1,998 for the VW Polo to R2,668 for the Ford Ranger. For a round trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town, the cost of driving ranged from R3,744 for the VW Polo to R5,316 for the Ford Ranger.

However, flight prices are subject to more fluctuations and can vary significantly from airline to airline. Currently, flight prices per person for a round trip from Johannesburg to Durban range from* R2,253 to R4,008 depending on the airline, while flight prices per person for a round trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town range from* R4,848 to R7,060. 

If travelling with multiple people, the cost of flying can quickly add up. However, if a traveller is set on flying, being flexible with their travel dates can help reduce costs. For example, departing from Johannesburg to Cape Town just one week later can result in a much cheaper flight, with prices starting at* R3,497 per adult return ticket from Johannesburg to Cape Town and R1,674 per adult return ticket from* Johannesburg to Durban. 

• Be clever about accommodation choice 

Travellers should look for all-inclusive holiday packages and special combo flight and accommodation deals.  “The savings offered in these instances could certainly tip the scales regarding cost-effectiveness and your mode of travel, especially if the deal involves accommodation where kids under 12 years old stay for free,” advises Antoinette Turner, General Manager of Flight Centre South Africa. 

Many hotels and resorts also offer interleading, larger or adjoining family rooms, which can help to save money. 

• Use a travel expert 

Travel experts can access exclusive deals unavailable to the general public. This means they can often offer discounted rates on flights, accommodation, and activities that a traveller might not be able to find on their own. Travel experts also have quite a few tricks up their sleeves regarding the best times to book, the best destinations to visit, and the most cost-effective ways to travel. By using a travel expert, travellers can tap into this expertise and make the most of their budget. 

• Be flexible 

With just days to go before Easter, it pays to be flexible. Popular tourist destinations are often more expensive, so it’s a good idea for prospective holidaymakers to consider exploring alternative locations and hidden gems that are just as enjoyable and cost less. 

• Plan as much as possible 

The opportunity for advance booking might be out of the window, but there are still a few ways for travellers to cut costs. If flying, it’s possible to buy extra baggage online ahead of time. This is cheaper than doing so at the airport. It’s also easy to plan activities in advance. Many tourist attractions offer discounts for advance bookings. Of course, another option is to look for free or low-cost activities such as hiking, visiting local markets, or exploring museums.

Prospective Easter holidaymakers can find flight tickets and holiday packages at www.flightcentre.co.za or contact 0877 405 000 to speak to a Flight Centre Travel Expert.

*at the time of writing this article

For more information about Flight Centre, or to interview Flight Centre South Africa GM Antoinette Turner, call Kim Taylor on 076 825 5508 or kim@bigambitions.co.za

Protea Hotel by Marriott Loftus Park is co-owned by Bluecor, a South Africa based Real Estate Development Company and longstanding partner of Marriott International, together with Redefine Properties and Abland.

“Protea Hotels by Marriott has enjoyed a great relationship with Bluecor since 2010, currently partnering on two other Pretoria hotels,” said Volker Heiden, Vice President Protea Hotels by Marriott, Marriott International, Middle East and Africa. “With our shared passion for hospitality, we are confident this new venture will cement our relationship with our partners and we look forward to a successful and strengthened partnership.”

“We are delighted to partner with Marriott International once again for Protea Hotel by Marriott Loftus Park. This signing is a testament to our fruitful relationship and we are confident that together we will be able to provide best in class facilities and services to our guests,” said Andre and Tony from Bluecor.

“We are excited to partner with Protea Hotels by Marriott. We have no doubt that with the strong regional brand equity and awareness coupled with the global distribution of Marriott International, Protea Hotel by Marriott Loftus Park, will emerge as a preferred choice for business and leisure travellers to Pretoria” said Jurgens Prinsloo, Managing Director of Abland

Expected to open later this year, the hotel will offer 152 modern rooms as well as conference facilities and meeting rooms catering for up to 180 delegates. Food and beverage facilities include a restaurant, a coffee shop, a rooftop swimming pool and bar and lounge, offering panoramic views of the city.
Located in the rapidly transforming suburb of Arcadia in Pretoria, Loftus Park, is fast emerging as a bustling business and leisure destination. The central location of the Precinct, not far from the Hatfield Gautrain Station, makes it easily accessible for guests travelling from Johannesburg or coming in from OR Tambo International Airport. Situated adjacent to Loftus Versfeld Stadium, the leading site for rugby and soccer, the hotel is expected to attract interest and gain visibility amongst the sporting circles. While its proximity to the Union Building and Pretoria’s many embassies, the numerous Ministerial headquarters in the area, as well the neighboring school and university will drive further business into the Hotel.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Pretoria Loftus Park, will open in the first phase of the development together with a corporate office section, retail space and a Virgin Active gymnasium.