Travel Agent Newsletter
October, 2025
In the Spotlight
FlySafair
Africa’s fast-growing low-cost domestic airline, FlySafair, has built a strong reputation for affordability, reliability, and convenient travel across South Africa. Focused on connecting major cities efficiently, the airline enables travelers to move seamlessly between key business hubs and leisure destinations.
Established in:
2013
Main Hub:
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Destinations:
FlySafair operates domestic flights connecting major South African cities, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, George, East London, Bloemfontein, and Kimberley. The airline focuses on high-frequency, reliable services between these hubs, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers.
Why Book FlySafair
- Affordable and reliable domestic travel within South Africa.
- High-frequency flights connecting major business and leisure hubs.
- Modern fleet ensuring efficiency and passenger comfort.
- Flexible booking options for multi-city domestic itineraries.
Pro Tip for Agents
Use FlySafair’s extensive domestic network to craft multi-stop South African itineraries. Combine key hubs like Johannesburg and Cape Town for business trips or design leisure routes including Durban, Port Elizabeth, and George – all within a single booking flow.
Hidden Trails
Hoedspruit, South Africa
For clients who dream of wild Africa without the crowds, Hoedspruit is a true hidden treasure. Nestled between the Drakensberg Mountains and Kruger National Park, this charming town offers effortless access to safari adventures, wildlife sanctuaries, and luxury lodges—without the rush of busier safari hubs.
Why Recommend It
- Gateway to world-renowned reserves like Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon
- Authentic small-town safari experience with upscale lodges and eco-stays
- Ideal for travelers who want wildlife encounters with fewer tourists
- Strong community focus on conservation and sustainable tourism
Best Routes
- FlySafair operates flights from Cape Town to Hoedspruit (HDS) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays while Airlink offers daily flights from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit.
- 5-hour scenic drive from Nelspruit or Phalaborwa
- Excellent access for multi-destination itineraries with Kruger, Panorama Route, and private reserves
Unique Experiences
- Game drives and walking safaris in Balule and Klaserie reserves—home to the Big Five
- Visit the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre to learn about cheetah conservation
- Scenic helicopter flights over Blyde River Canyon
- Dine under the stars at a bush boma or enjoy a sundowner overlooking the savannah
Weather & Festivals
- Best travel window: May to September (dry season, ideal for game viewing) and November to March (lush landscapes, great birdwatching)
- Don’t miss the nearby Marula Festival (February–March) in Phalaborwa, celebrating the region’s iconic marula fruit with local crafts, live music, and cultural performances
Agent Tip
Position Hoedspruit as the perfect blend of adventure and serenity — ideal for couples, photographers, and wildlife lovers seeking a boutique safari base that’s off the beaten track yet close to everything that makes South Africa unforgettable.
Travel News & Updates
Stay ahead with the latest airline routes, hotel openings, attractions, and global travel updates.
Iberia to Launch Madrid–Monterrey Direct Flights in June 2026
Iberia will begin direct flights between Madrid, Spain, and Monterrey, Mexico, in June 2026. The route will operate three times weekly—on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays—offering convenient options for both business and leisure travelers between Europe and northern Mexico.
New EU Entry Rules for Non-EU Travelers from October 2025
From October 12, 2025, non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area must register passport and biometric data at automated border kiosks under the new Entry/Exit System (EES). A six-month transition period runs until April 2026, after which EES checks become mandatory.
Kyoto Raises Tourist Tax to Curb Overtourism
Kyoto has sharply increased its accommodation tax to manage overtourism. Luxury hotels now charge up to 10,000 yen (£48.92) per night—ten times higher than before—while mid-range and budget hotels have seen taxes double or quadruple across most lodging categories.
JW Marriott Opens Its First Hotel in Tokyo
JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo has opened within the new Takanawa Gateway City complex. Spanning the 23rd–30th floors of the South Tower, the 200-room property features panoramic city views, luxury amenities, and marks the brand’s debut in Japan’s capital.
Renovated Dubai Fountain Reopens from October 1, 2025
After five months of extensive upgrades, the Dubai Fountain—the world’s largest performing fountain—reopens on October 1, 2025, at Burj Lake. The revamped attraction features new choreography, advanced robotics, and radiant blue-tiled flooring, creating even more mesmerizing light-and-water shows every evening from 6 PM to 11 PM.
Empire State Building Named #1 Attraction in the World
Tripadvisor has crowned the Empire State Building as the world’s top attraction for 2025. The New York icon previously held the #1 U.S. spot for three consecutive years.
The news items and articles shared here are sourced from publicly available information and third-party websites.
FCT Events & Platform Updates
Discover what’s new at Flying Carpet —platform upgrades, partner events, and travel tools that keep you ahead.
Susana Ribeiro Joins Flying Carpet Inc as Regional Commercial Manager, Southern Africa
Flying Carpet Inc. has appointed Susana Ribeiro as Regional Commercial Manager, Southern Africa, effective October 1, 2025. In her new role, Ribeiro will oversee Flying Carpet Travel’s commercial operations across South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Angola, leading the commercial strategy and its execution for the Southern Africa region. Reporting directly to Achma Asokan Foster, CEO, Flying Carpet Inc, she will drive revenue growth, expand market share, and strengthen supplier partnerships across the region.
FlyingCarpet.Travel Expands Footprint Across Africa
Through September – October, the FlyingCarpet.Travel team conducted a series of insightful training sessions for travel agents in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Mozambique and Tanzania. The orientation sessions introduced travel advisors to the Flying Carpet B2B platform, travel booking tools, features and exclusive benefits.
The sessions were led by Mr. Sanju Thomas, Global Sales Support Manager – Middle East, Africa & India, FlyingCarpet.Travel and the local business development teams to support the regional initiative.
Offers & Promotions
Complete 10 Confirmed Bookings to Earn a $200 Travel Voucher
- Complete 10 confirmed bookings (Flights, Hotels, or a combination of both) by December 31, 2025
- Each booking must have a minimum value of USD $300
- Each PNR/reservation counts as one booking
- The first 10 agents to achieve this will each receive a $200 Travel Voucher (or wallet credit) redeemable toward future reservations
Special Autumn Promo on Airline Comissions
Earn more this season with our exclusive commission offers on NEOS S.p.A, China Airlines, and over 80 other partner airlines. These special rates are valid for ticketing until October 31, 2025, so don’t miss the opportunity to maximize your earnings!