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If you’ve ever felt too overwhelmed to plan a trip abroad, you’re not alone. Airfare prices, flight disruptions, overcrowding, staff shortages, and disruptive weather events have made cross-border travel increasingly challenging in recent years.

Absolutely thrilled is how we feel and we’re sharing the good news! Harvey World Travel was officially crowned South Africa’s Leading Travel Agency 2026 at the prestigious World Travel Awards Annual ceremony held recently in Zanzibar. World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across every key sector of the global travel, tourism and hospitality industries.

For decades, Africa’s tourism industry has marketed itself almost exclusively to travellers from Europe, North America and Asia – selling the continent as a long-haul, bucket-list escape for people who don’t live here. That’s changing! While international visitors remain essential to local economies, there is a powerful shift towards the rise of Pan-African travel.

“Girls just want to have fun” – or maybe not! Today’s women traveller is roaming, reconnecting and reclaiming her independence in a multitude of enriching ways, across the globe.

Aspiring new leader or jaded executive? No matter what hat you’re wearing today, the travel industry demands agility and resilience from those at the front of the pack. The global travel ecosystem is in a state of continuous evolution. Swift shifts in global markets, emerging technologies and changing consumer expectations mean that traditional top-down corporate hierarchies are no longer fit for purpose.

The travel industry thrives on connections – but the real power lies in Collaboration. So, what’s the difference, you ask? Connecting is all about building relationships and bonds, but collaboration is the art of taking that to the next level.

South Africa is known for many things, amongst which the legacy of Nelson Mandela truly stands out. This great peace-maker devoted many years of his life to public service and human rights challenges and earned a powerful reputation as a positive global icon.

Youth travel is growing fast. It’s also pushing the boundaries of more traditional travel norms and forcing the industry to stay ahead of its ever-expanding expectations. Youth travel is the driving force behind rewriting many of the rules of global travel.

Close your eyes – imagine standing on a street corner with the smell of unfamiliar spices in the air. The road signs are foreign and their text is meaningless. Your comfort zone and everything familiar is a continent away.

Endless white beaches, big sunny skies, remote wild terrain, and some of the trendiest cities in the world – that’s the diversity that is Australia. Boasting wild outdoor adventure, stunning locations, loads of fascinating culture, and foodie heaven, Australia is one of the safest, friendliest, and most “laid back” places in the world to holiday.

At Harvey World Travel SA, the word “Legacy” is in our DNA. It defines many years of integrity and commitment in an industry that has undergone whirlwind changes in the last decade.

At Harvey World Travel SA, the word partnership is a powerful commitment – an investment of our time and energy, that builds collaborations, alliances and most of all – opportunities! Why is a partnership approach to business so important for our franchisees? Because we are the sum of our parts. Well, for over 25 years, Harvey World Travel SA has helped entrepreneurs find their “next” by extracting maximum value from the collaboration that defines our brand.

If the roar of a crowd-filled stadium at a premium global sporting event is music to your ears, then we’ve got you sorted! We know that for sports fans just like you, the ultimate travel itinerary isn’t just about ticking off monuments it’s about the “Fan Voyage.”

If you’re anything like us, you’re always dreaming of your next great travel adventure. Maybe it’s a weekend getaway in Southern Africa, or a grand bucket-list destination.

Wherever you are headed, at Harvey World Travel (HWT), we believe travel planning should be as exciting as the trip itself. We know that the best way to make a dream a reality is to start planting the seeds today.

In a world dominated by artificial intelligence and automated algorithms, one thing has become abundantly clear – while technology and can book a trip, only passion can curate a journey.

We’ve returned to the school run, the cycle of work, and weekends filled with rugby games or other scheduled commitments. Thankfully, while February might be the shortest month, it’s packed with opportunities for memorable escapes right on our doorstep! Whether you’re seeking sun-drenched local beaches, a “Big Five” safari, or a regional island adventure, there’s a fun February getaway for every family and friend group.

Corporate travel is changing fast. Economic pressures, a serious focus on sustainability, and the undeniable force of new technology are completely reshaping the landscape.

The start of a new year is the perfect time to re-assess your business progress, declutter, and refocus to build a strong foundation for the year ahead.

12 Days. Long enough to truly disconnect, dive deep into a new culture, and chase the sun, yet short enough to feel manageable. Twelve days give you the luxury of not just ticking off a tourist checklist, but actually living a little in your chosen destination.

If you’re anything like us, you’re always dreaming of your next great travel adventure. Maybe it’s a weekend getaway in Southern Africa, or a grand bucket-list destination.

If you’re an entrepreneur in the travel business, looking to make a mark, the potential is Africa’s tourism sector is undeniable. In fact, forecasts show it could add US$168 billion to the African economy and create over 18 million jobs in the next decade.

Let’s be honest, sometimes it’s just not the most wonderful time of the year! December often feels as though it comes straight after July – and can quickly become a very stressful end to the year if you’re planning to fly.

Every country has a unique history that creates its culture and the stories handed down from generation to generation. And there’s something irresistibly captivating about places where history and mystery intertwine.

Owning your own business is a potent and bittersweet cocktail. A sense of freedom and independence, taken in equal doses, leads to increased responsibility and exposure to risk.

It’s spring in South Africa, heralding a season of new beginnings, and the perfect time to step back, assess, focus on fresh goals and plant the seeds for the next phase of growth.

September in South Africa brings jacaranda blooms and sunny spring days. It’s also Heritage month – the perfect time to hit the road and connect with our historical, cultural and natural heritage.

Worldwide, the travel and tourism industry is empowered by tenacious, talented women at all levels. And Harvey World Travel (HWT) is the epitome of a women-dominated business.

There are those of us who travel for the love of it. And then there are those that are destined to redefine it.

Throughout history, extraordinary women have pushed the boundaries, broken the rules, and reshaped our understanding of what it means to explore the world.

After years of travelling and countless conversations with family and friends, the most treasured holiday moments that stick with you for years after the trip aren’t the ones you meticulously planned in your itinerary.

Winter in very sunny South Africa envelops large parts of the country in chilly temperatures and even snow in some places. This cold season runs from somewhere around May to August each year, depending on which area of South Africa you happen to be in.

So finally, you have some skin in the game! You’ve transitioned from business manager to travel business owner and at last you get to steer a business in the direction you’ve always wanted.

Even in our world of remote work, travelling for business is still a vital need, whether it’s for something specific like a site inspection that can’t be done remotely, for building relationships, or to grow your business.

A change of scenery does us all a power of good. But planning family vacations after paying school fees, buying groceries and dealing with day-to-day expenses can make that dream holiday feel like a far-flung fantasy.

We all have those dream destinations pinned to our vision boards. Whether it’s watching the northern lights in Iceland, hiking Machu Picchu, or taking a local family break.

Whether small or large, every company that has travel as a line item in the budget should make sure that it has processes in place to proactively manage expenditure, compliance and duty of care.

There’s nothing like a good book to transport you to amazing new places. For those looking for travel inspiration, books offer a magical passport to distant lands, unique cultures, and extraordinary experiences. Whether you’re an armchair explorer or a seasoned traveller, here are some captivating travel books we love that will ignite your wanderlust.

In 1951, Harvey World Travel (HWT) was founded in Australia. As the company grew internationally, its South African operation played a major role in its global reach. While over time, the iconic blue and yellow logo was acquired by other companies in South Africa, the name has stood the test of time.

Just like that special someone gives you butterflies, the perfect romantic getaway for two can sweep you off your feet. For some, that may be a loved-up weekend away, while for others, it could be a dream holiday overseas.

Not only do we want to see amazing places when we travel, but we also want to feel connected to the destination and feel a part of that world. More than ever, tourism is embracing slower, longer trips that leave places better than before.

The needle on business travel trends for 2025 has not moved too much since last year. Corporate travel resurgence in 2024 caught up with pre-Covid levels and Oxford Economics predicts that the global travel growth in 2025 will be as low as 2.85%.

“Luxury is in the detail”, said famous fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy. For many, the word “luxury” conjures up an indulgent sense of great comfort and convenience made possible by incurring significant expense to achieve it.

A well-managed travel portfolio will always include comprehensive travel insurance coverage for your people and the business.

Handling infant children is already a medal-worthy challenge, but travelling away from home on airlines with tiny people certainly adds to this stress of the trip. Simply pack up and go just got much more complicated!

According to a 2023 Harvard Business survey, 84% of travel managers agree that business travel offers tangible benefits when travelling to personally meet with customers and prospects. But to calculate that return on investment, you have to track what you’re spending.

Pressing “pause” after the school years have come to an end is a great way to reset and recalibrate before plunging into the tedium and responsibility that often comes with a new adult chapter.

Implementing a business travel policy is a practical and proven way to manage travel expenses, ensure traveller well-being and achieve overall business objectives in a positive way.

Your tickets are booked and exciting plans have been made. You can’t wait and you think you’ve thought of everything. But our advice is to take some time now, in the days and weeks prior to travel, to make sure you’ve given adequate thought about not just what to pack but how.

You’ve just planned, organised and executed a great event and finally, it’s over. So, what’s next? Now is the time to build on the constructive momentum you’ve created.

Unless you are a very well-seasoned traveller, airports can often seem overwhelming, especially large international airports in unfamiliar countries. Our top tips will help you navigate them like a pro.

Help your travellers to meet more than just flight deadlines! Business travel disrupts regular routines and schedules. Staying ahead of expectations, both business and personal can be a challenge when away from home.

Dreams of sunny European weather and the confines of school vacation dates often determine when families can travel. So, it’s no surprise that Summer is the most popular time to head out, especially in Europe.

What is a travel policy? A travel policy prescribes a set of rules to outline procedures related to business travel expenses. The policy usually covers everything related to organising and undertaking business trips, from pre-trip approval (both to manage costs and keep travellers safe) to booking, payment and expense management.

Successfully managing travel for Millennials and Gen Z travellers means understanding their travel preferences and recognising just how different they are to traditional travellers of generations past.

If you’re craving a weekend packed with adventure, natural beauty and a dose of vibrant culture – look no further than Cape Town. This cosmopolitan city offers something for everyone and a long weekend is the ideal amount of time to get a taste of the magic.

Glamping means embracing nature’s beauty while still indulging in your creature comforts. Just imagine spacious tents with plush beds, crisp linens and en-suite bathrooms. Think private decks overlooking breathtaking scenery, complete with comfy furniture and maybe even a hot tub.

The world is a wonderful mix of cultures, customs and unique traditions. Social norms are diverse and include ways to eat, greet, dress and interact with one another. As travellers, venturing beyond your comfort zone and into new spaces requires more than just a nod to cultural sensitivity.

Welcome to the world of HWT podcasts! In this series, we plan to ignite your curiosity, broaden your perspectives, and leave you feeling inspired to travel after every episode. For us, “Next” means what else, what’s new, what’s happening, where can travel and HWT take you? And this is where you’ll find the answers to all things travel.

In the turbulent years following the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, the travel industry has clawed its way back to a brand-new normal. It’s safe to say that nobody was prepared for the unprecedented and dramatic drop in air travel, completely decimated supply chains, borders closing, global wide travel bans and travel and tourism job losses extending into the millions around the world.

What is duty of care for business travellers?
So, what does Duty of Care mean, and why is it so important in travel? Duty of Care is a reference to “a company’s moral and legal obligation to strive for the well-being, health, and safety of its employees whilst they perform their duties.”

Easter transcends borders and unfolds in unique ways around the world. Fill your next holiday with cultural richness, captivating celebrations and some quirky fun as you delve into customs and traditions that mark this holiday across the globe. Hop on board for some fascinating easter rituals to tease your travel taste buds: