SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s leading online travel agency, Travelstart, has launched a “Book Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) payment option in collaboration with Payflex.
This payment option, developed in partnership with Payflex, allows customers to book their travel plans and spread payments into interest-free installments. The feature is arriving just in time for Black Friday, offering South Africans an easier way to plan their holidays amidst rising costs.
As Travelstart makes travel more accessible, the country’s tourism industry is also basking in international praise.
The Trevor Noah-led promotional campaign, showcasing South Africa’s cultural richness, earned third place at the 36th World Tourism Film Awards.
The BNPL feature enables customers to manage payments in two flexible ways: four equal installments over six weeks or three installments aligned with their payday schedules.
For instance, a flight from Johannesburg to Durban could now be secured for just R195 per installment, free of interest.
“This payment flexibility addresses a real need for travelers who want to explore without the burden of upfront costs,” said Mikha’il Ernest, Chief Commercial Officer of Travelstart. “We’re thrilled to help more people experience travel by making it affordable and manageable.”
Launched alongside Black Friday, the feature ensures customers can capitalize on Travelstart’s holiday season discounts running from November 27 to December 2.
By removing the hurdle of immediate full payment, this innovation caters to budget-conscious consumers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, who increasingly rely on BNPL systems.
While Travelstart focuses on making travel more accessible, South Africa’s global tourism profile is receiving a significant boost.
The Trevor Noah campaign, led by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and supported by Tourism Marketing South Africa (TOMSA), highlights the country’s cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class travel experiences.
The campaign recently achieved international acclaim, earning third place in the Best Country Promotion Film category at the prestigious World Tourism Film Awards in Valencia, Spain.
Competing against 4,000 entries worldwide, South Africa’s campaign stood out for its creative storytelling and ability to inspire global audiences.
“The recognition highlights the power of storytelling in connecting travelers with destinations,” said Alexander V. Kammel, Director of the International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals (CIFFT).
Notably, Trevor Noah also appeared in Switzerland Tourism’s “The Ride of a Lifetime” alongside Roger Federer, which took the top prize in the Tourism Products category.
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