After a six-year hiatus, Flight Centre’s Travel Expo returned in spectacular style, transforming Sandton City into South Africa’s travel hotspot from 19 to 22 February 2026. The four-day pop-up event united more than 40 iconic travel brands – including leading airlines, renowned hotel groups, and top cruise lines – across 16 stands, for a one-of-a-kind, face-to-face travel showcase.
Consumers arrived ready to engage directly with their favourite travel brands, pick up exclusive expo-only deals, consult with expert advisors, and even book their dream 2026 escapes on the spot.
“The turnout and energy at this year’s Travel Expo exceeded our expectations,” said Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa. “There’s a real appetite for travel, and for new destinations and experiences. The event’s success reflects how much travel has rebounded since the pandemic and how high demand is for expert guidance and real value.”
The key attraction was the opportunity to access exclusive, expo-only deals, engage directly with leading industry representatives from around the world, and participate in daily prize giveaways (including a grand prize of a five-night stay for two at the adults-only, 4-star Sunrise Attitude Hotel in Mauritius, valued at R22,000) – all amplified by the enthusiasm of Flight Centre’s brand ambassador, Anele Mdoda.
Travel Partners Applaud the Return
Samantha Bronkhorst, Sales Executive at Beachcomber Tours, said: “The Flight Centre Expo was very successful and incredibly well marketed, giving suppliers a wonderful opportunity to share brand awareness and engage directly with clients. We saw huge interest, a great number of bookings, and believe the expo will only go from strength to strength.”
Divan Viljoen, Business Development Manager at On The Go Tours, echoed the excitement: “Flight Centre has done it again! Travel Expo 2026 was a huge success, from planning to marketing, right through to the phenomenal exposure and bookings. The energy matched what we saw pre-COVID and then some. A true success story.”
Strategically timed to occur during 2026 trip planning season, the expo met consumers at the perfect moment: balancing the post-festive season travel buzz with the hunt for shoulder- and peak-season deals.
“Travel is once again considered an essential rather than a luxury,” added Turner. “Expo’s comeback is a direct response to strong, sustained demand – and we’re delighted to offer inspiration, support, and access to the best experts and brands in the business.”
