Kaya 959 Kaya Biz

South Africans Plan More Holidays in 2026 — AI, Lux-Scaping & Passion Pursuits on the Rise

Loading player...
After years of cautious spending, South Africans are getting ready to pack their bags and they’re doing it smarter, greener, and with more luxury in mind.

According to Marriott Bonvoy’s latest Ticket to Travel research, nearly seven in ten South Africans plan to take the same or more holidays in 2026, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the charge. AI is officially mainstream, with almost 60% of travellers comfortable letting AI tools like ChatGPT plan and book their trips while new trends like “lux-scaping” and “passion pursuits” are shaping how people travel.

Joining us to unpack these trends is Dorcas Dlamini Mbele, Senior Director of Commercial for Sub-Saharan Africa at Marriott International. She shares insights into how South Africans are blending tech, sustainability, and indulgence to redefine modern travel from spa retreats and curated experiences to multi-country adventures and purpose-led holidays.
11 Nov 2025 4PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Stats SA Explains April’s Sharp Inflation Rise to 4%

South Africa’s inflation rate surged to 4.0% in April, driven by fuel, transport, and housing pressures. Stats SA’s Patrick Kelly unpacks the numbers, the 1.1% month‑on‑month spike, and what’s behind the dramatic swing in transport inflation. We explore regional differences, goods vs. services inflation, and what this means for households…
20 May 4PM 11 min

4% Inflation and the SARB’s Next Move

With inflation back at 4% and oil‑driven risks rising, the SARB faces a critical decision next week. Economist Sifiso Skenjana unpacks the April CPI print, the credibility of the new 3% target, and whether a rate hike is now on the table. We discuss real interest rates, global financial conditions,…
20 May 4PM 15 min

Southern Sun Earnings Surge on Domestic Travel Boom

Southern Sun delivered a strong FY26 performance, with income up 9% and domestic travel driving a major rebound. CEO Marcel von Aulock discusses the second‑half surge, rising occupancy, R600 million in refurbishments, and the return of major events. We also explore offshore challenges, the impact of geopolitical tensions, and how…
20 May 4PM 11 min

PMBEJD Warns of Hunger Risk as Prices Rise

The national household food basket jumped 2.3% in April — the steepest rise in years. PMBEJD’s Mervyn Abrahams explains how fuel price spikes are already filtering into food costs, why minimum‑wage earners face a survival crisis, and how nutritional shortfalls are becoming a national security concern. We discuss urgent policy…
20 May 4PM 11 min

DHL’s R220 Million Bet on Gauteng

DHL Supply Chain is doubling down on South Africa with a R220 million investment in a new Gauteng distribution centre. Bremer Pauw, CCO MEA & MD Africa, DHL Supply Chain explains why this matters for FMCG, cross‑border trade and local job creation
8 Apr 2PM 19 min
All episodes