Online travel agency, Travelstart, has launched its new, exclusive subscription service for an upgraded travel experience. Travelstart+ is the newest perks programme that aims to redefine the world of travel with its benefits and privileges.
According to Statista, the global online travel industry’s market size is expected to surpass USD1 trn by 2030, indicating a sharp increase in the popularity of booking travel online as more travellers seek top results at their fingertips.
Additionally, according to Statista, 68% of revenue across the global travel industry can be attributed to online sales, and this trend is likely to grow.
Acknowledging and actively fuelling the growing shift towards online travel bookings, Travelstart+ by Travelstart introduces a comprehensive suite of benefits that aims to transform the online booking experience into a journey of luxury, savings, and convenience.
"With Travelstart+ we're offering real instant rewards and benefits. It's a priority perks programme and an upgraded, more sophisticated way to travel. Our commitment is to elevate your journey, making it extraordinary from take-off to landing,” says Travelstart’s Founder and CEO, Stephan Ekbergh.
Exclusively available through the Travelstart app, Travelstart+ brings premium travel planning directly to mobile devices through an annual subscription.
“With Travelstart+, customers embark on a journey like never before. This offers a new standard in travel, including exclusive discounts, travel vouchers, a 24/7 concierge service, complimentary upgrades, cashbacks, red carpet experiences, and more. Travellers can now elevate their journeys, making every trip an unforgettable adventure,” notes Ekbergh.
Alongside online travel bookings, artificial intelligence (AI) features among the latest trends in travel, coupled with the desire for sustainable tourism, where budget-friendly recommendations, travel advice, personalised itineraries, and swift task execution make for a more seamless experience for travellers looking to book a trip.
“The adoption of AI tools in the tourism and hospitality sector has the power to significantly redefine customer travel experiences and is becoming an integral part of the booking experience,” adds Ekbergh.
To complement Travelstart’s AI travel assistant – the first of its kind in Africa, Travelstart+ subscribers also enjoy a 24/7 concierge for booking support at any hour directly from live agents.
At R195 (€9.5) per month, Travelstart+ members gain year-long access to travel benefits. “This unlocks a plethora of perks, ensuring luxury travel is accessible to everyone,” says Ekbergh.
Amongst the key benefits, members receive an immediate R5 000 (€245.5) travel credit valid for different products in their accounts as soon as they sign up. Customers who recently joined the programme said they had also received member-only deals offering up to 50% off local flights.
“Travellers are increasingly leaning towards a simplified, all-in-one process that facilitates the best holiday and business trip bookings with ease, and Travelstart+ absolutely delivers,” Ekbergh concludes.
