Flight Centre throws support behind South African water crisis
Cape Town and the Cape West Coast are currently suffering severe water restrictions and tourists have been told to do their part to assist conservation efforts.
Amid the restrictions, Flight Centre has extended a helping hand, announcing that the Flight Centre Foundation will begin a water donation initiative.
According to FC, the Flight Centre Foundation will be conducting a Cape Town water collection initiative at the Travel Expo at Johannesburg’s TicketPro Dome on 10-11 February.
Every five-litre bottle of water that is donated at the event will receive an entry into a competition that could see the donor win a Mediterranean Cruise.
Andrew Stark, Flight Centre Travel Group MD, said, “We are devastated to see the impact of the drought on Cape Town”.
“As a member of the travel industry which conducts business in Cape Town, we feel compelled to join the effort to create awareness around how to save water and initiate water-saving campaigns such as our water collection competition at Travel Expo.
“So, in some small way, we are helping alleviate the intense pressure Cape Town and its citizens are currently experiencing.”
The Travel Expo is expecting 25,000 visitors to this year’s show, and, according to Flight Centre, if the initiative is successful, it could result in a large water donation for the Cape Town cause.
Flight Centre Foundation will be working in partnership with Gift of the Givers, which will station a truck at the show to transport and distribute the donated water in Cape Town.
The initiative forms part of the Flight Centre Travel Group’s (FCTG) wider campaign to help create awareness of the severe drought in Cape Town and encourage water-wise behaviour among all travellers visiting the Mother City.
Speaking to Travel Weekly about the draught, Martin Edwards, Bench Africa General Manager said: “The drought and resultant water restrictions are pretty much isolated to the City of Cape Town and some surrounding areas.
“All these areas are still open for business and travellers will continue to have fulfilling experiences here.”
“Much like Western Australia this is a very water-scarce part of the world and as such it is vulnerable to periods of drought, therefore tourists need to treat this scarce resource with the utmost respect but continue to enjoy all the highlights that the Western Cape, and the rest of South Africa has to offer.”
Click here to find out everything you need to know about the water restrictions.
Travel Weekly recently reported on the South African water crisis, as the country’s government issued guides to tourists coming into the country on what they can do to save water.
Tourists have been told to, “Save like a local, and keep your usage to under 87-litres a day”.
“You can still have a fantastic holiday without wasting resources, and we ask that you take special care when you visit. We love Cape Town, and we want it to remain a wonderful destination for future generations.”
“While we’re doing all we can to ensure Cape Town remains a world-class destination and your stay is comfortable, there are a few ways this might affect you as a visitor,” said the government.
“Some accommodation establishments have closed their pools, saunas and steam rooms and removed bath plugs, to limit non-essential water use.”
The measures follow almost three years of water shortages, with Cape Town’s rainfall dams currently sitting at just 27 per cent.
In a statement on the situation, South African Tourism said, “Below average rainfall over a number of years has forced everyone who lives in, or visits, Cape Town to rethink how they use water.”
“Responsible consumption of water is the new normal – not just in Cape Town, but in many other water-scarce places in the world.”
“Some parts of the tourism and hospitality industry have proactively adjusted how they utilise water to reduce their consumption – giving guests peace of mind that every drop is being used responsibly.”
“In the event of what the City of Cape Town refers to as ‘Day Zero’, there will be available water for tourists’ and locals’ critical needs.”
“These are considered to be water for personal hygiene and consumption. ‘Day Zero’ is when the City of Cape Town cuts the regular flow of water.”
“‘Day Zero’ is a projected date that is entirely dependent on current rates of water consumption: If all stakeholders adhere to the required water savings target, ‘Day Zero’ can be avoided.”
“Much like locals, tourists need to treat water with the utmost respect.”
Check out the affected areas below:
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Agents. Flight Centre cape town FC flight centre flight centre foundation johannesburg south africa travel expo waterLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!