Dear All
The year ending 2025 was both challenging and successful — and sometimes, in the middle of all the change sweeping through our industry, it can feel tricky to pause and truly celebrate the wins. But celebrate we must, because there were plenty!
We closed our financial year on a record-breaking note in both Top Line Sales and Gross Commissions:
- Turnover: 5.8% growth from R1,616,516 billion in 2024 to R1,710,515 billion in 2025.
- This growth is not just a number — it directly fuels our ability to hit overrides (usually requiring a minimum 5% growth).
- It also strengthens our hand when negotiating even better deals with airlines.
- Achieving this level of growth on an already high base is no small feat! The only challenge is the noticeable shift of ITCs booking via airline websites instead of navigating the tricky NDC tools designed to combat fare differentiation.
- The reality is: the only way we secure those deals is by bravely stepping into the “NDC fire pot” and working through the challenges together.
- Gross Commissions: 9.4% growth from R146,768 million in 2024 to R160,620 million in 2025.
- This reflects the real strength of eTravel and our ITCs.
- Our sharper focus on service fees is paying off, with commissions growing faster than sales — directly boosting ITC monthly income.
- Here’s a golden tip: if you’re charging the same service fee on NDC fares as on GDS, it’s worth rethinking. NDC fares take more effort, but that effort can (and should!) translate into more income. We’re here to help guide you — because knowledge is power, and when clients understand the difference, they see the real value in your service.
- GDS: Full-service offering
- NDC: Cost savings, but with a more limited service due to airline restrictions
- Clients only get confused when they’re left in the dark — but the moment you explain the difference, it all clicks 😊.
- Thanks to this strategy, ITCs on average earned 9.8% more in 2025 compared to 2024!
- And as Garth always says: the higher the fees ITCs charge, the more YOU earn (while eTravel earns less) — which means the uplift is truly in your favour.
- Bottom line: ITCs enjoyed nearly 10% higher monthly fees/commissions, and eTravel retained 7.7% more.
- Happy days all round! 🎉
- Yes, the last few months since May have felt a little rocky, with sales dipping in a more volatile market — but August is already showing positive momentum again.
- Looking ahead, we’ve budgeted a conservative growth of 2.31% for the new financial year, factoring in Trumpanomics and global uncertainty. But let’s be honest — we know that with our phenomenal ITCs, our trusted Preferred Partners and a resilient South African travel base, this is a target we can (and will) smash together.
The last 12 months have been trying for both ITCs and PTCs, with airlines pushing NDC in a way that, frankly, felt like “putting the cart before the horse.” Imagine how different it could have been if the Travel Trade — their strongest sales force — had been consulted first to map the workflow challenges! At eTravel, we’ve done the research, and the biggest hurdle is clear: aggregators and online solutions built for overseas markets don’t translate neatly into the South African landscape. Foreign costs, language barriers, and lack of local understanding have added layers of complexity. We can however see that this is the future and we are embracing it wholeheartedly by making it our mission to find the right solutions!
The good news? We now know exactly what we need to deliver to our ITCs, and we’re deep in negotiations to hopefully sign a deal that will catapult us to the next level in the next 24 months. Our vision is simple but powerful: to perfectly blend the human element with technology. We believe this will set all of us apart and ensure we continue to lead the ITC space with strength, innovation, and heart.
We have also recently welcomed Lara Saunders (Operations Manager) into our Management Team. In just a few short months, she has embraced the company and culture wholeheartedly, and I am excited about the energy she brings. With her travel expertise, passion for people and training, and her eagerness to make a difference through both technology and human connection, I have no doubt she will help elevate us to the next level.
One thing technology will never replace is the human touch — the EQ element — and that is where eTravel will always stand apart. Our commitment is to help you, our ITCs, continue to marry the best of technology with your one-of-a-kind service: personal, professional, and passionate. It’s this unique combination that sets you apart with your clients, and we are here to keep strengthening that every day.
We’re counting down the days to the eTravel Seminar on 15 October in Cape Town (with virtual access for the rest of the group), and then to The Huddle in Johannesburg on 08 November — a full day of connection, learning, and a rip-roaring Wild West Party 🤠🎉. We honestly can’t wait to wrap up the year together in true eTravel style!
We’re also thrilled to share that Maree is on the path to directorship at eHolidays — an achievement that is not only well deserved, but already being lived out in the way she leads and inspires. We couldn’t be prouder of her journey and what it means for the future of eHolidays and the wider eTravel family.
What a year it’s been — full of wins, challenges, and plenty of high-fives along the way! To our amazing ITCs: you are the heart of eTravel, and together we’re unstoppable. Let’s saddle up, kick off our boots, and make the next year even wilder, brighter, and more unforgettable! 🤠🎉
From Tammy
Beyond the Safari: The Wild Life of a Safari Lodge Owner
Updates from Leopard’s Bend Bush Lodge
The three cheetahs have been successfully relocated into a bigger boma to start their journey to being released into the greater Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve. A big thank you to the donor, Mel Chiert, who funded the costs of the vet as well as the collar which will be used to monitor the cheetah for the next 20 – 24 months. Conservation projects like this would not be possible without donors to the Leopard’s Bend Wildlife Foundation.
Click to find out more: Leopard’s Bend Wildlife Foundation – Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve
The best way to start (and perhaps end) your day on safari is with a steaming Choca-Mocha-Rula and homemade crunchies. How can it get any better than this!
Visit Leopard’s Bend Bush Lodge to be spoilt with these indulgent treats.
At Leopard’s Bend Bush Lodge, we’re no strangers to unforgettable wildlife moments — extremely lucky guests in June were gifted with something truly exceptional. In the span of just 12 hours, they were treated to not one, but two of Africa’s most elusive and sought-after creatures: the aardvark and the pangolin.
Spring is not in the air yet, but there are a few new additions to the Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve. Hyena cubs, Five lion cubs
Don’t miss out: 30% SAVING
Valid for travel: 1 August – 30 September 2025
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Normal rate: R9 000.00 per person sharing
Special offer: R6 300.00 per person sharing
T&C’s apply.
Contact bookings@leopardsbend.com for more information.
Meet the Team - eHolidays
Name: Amy Ismail
Position: eHolidays Finance Clerk
How long have you been at eHolidays: 9 years 6 months
Guilty pleasure: ordering takeouts multiple times a week instead of cooking 🙈
Name : Alyssa Hans
Position: eHolidays Finance Clerk
How long have you been at eHolidays: 1 year and 8 months
Guilty pleasure: rewatching Grey’s Anatomy, Gossip Girl, Derry Girls, and Friends instead of starting new shows
Name: Maree Adkins
Position: eHolidays Manager
How long have you been at eHolidays: 16 years
Guilty pleasure: unwinds to true crime
Name: Anthonia Scott
Position: eHolidays Senior Consultant
How long have you been at eHolidays: 4 months
Guilty pleasure: watching children cartoons and movies without my son👀
Name: Yusra Bharoochi
Position: eHolidays Administrator
How long have you been at eHolidays: 1 year and 4 months
Guilty pleasure: ordering takeouts when I have food at home
Name: Robyn-Leigh Phillips
Position: eHolidays Reservations Supervisor
How long have you been at eHolidays: 3 years and 10 months
Guilty pleasure: online shopping and forgetting to check out my cart
Name: Shelley Smidt-Booys
Position: eHolidays Financial Accountant
How long have you been at eHolidays: 9 years and 10 months
Guilty pleasure: telling the creme de la corn of dad jokes
Name: Quanitah Majiet
Position: eHolidays Junior Consultant
How long have you been at eHolidays: 2 years
Guilty pleasure: always going over my budget because of buying food with my team
Name: Nadia Joubert
Position : eHolidays Senior Consultant
How long have you been at eHolidays: 2 years and 6 months
Guilty pleasure: food, music and spending time with family
Name: Mumtaz Samsodien
Position: eHolidays Senior Consultant
How long have you been at eHolidays: 1 year and 8 months
Guilty pleasure: buying my 4-month-old little princess clothes she doesn’t need 😉
ITC Visits
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Eastern Cape
eTravel welcomes new family members
- Bridget From Travel B and her husband welcomed their son, Jack into their family and into ours 😊
- Jesse (eTravel staff member) and his wife welcomes their son, James into the greater eTravel family
ITCs spoiled by Amadeus with a Barnyard Show
Amadeus treated us to 2 awesome shows
- JNB @ Emperor’s Palace Barnyard
- CPT @ Tygervalley Barnyard
- We watched Super Troopers (featuring songs from Roxette, The Bee Gees & ABBA)
eTravel Huddle
eTravel Seminar
Beachcomber Top 10
Women’s Day treat from Emirates
Emirates visited eTravel and handed out treats to the staff in celebration of Women’s Day 😊
