The battle started when Student Flights initiated a Yellow Ticket promotion, similar to STA Travel's existing Blue Ticket offer. "Basically, you pay R100 upfront, which secures your flight, and you only have to pay the difference 30 days before departure."Through STA Travel, this offer is with over 70 airlines worldwide," said Justin Kable, general manager of STA Travel South Africa, of the Blue Ticket offer.
Initially the Blue Ticket promotion required a deposit of R1,000. Student Flights then introduced the Yellow Ticket, essentially the same deal, for half of that price. This was then lowered by Student Flights to R250. Now you can get STA Travel's Blue Ticket for less than a round of drinks.
Marketing manager at Student Flights Roland Muller said: "I must admit our deal was in reaction to STA's Blue Ticket offer but it is something we had been looking at for a while. Besides, isn't imitation the best form of flattery?" The companies have referenced each other in advertising, though it seems more like playful banter than an episode of Game of Thrones
And where are all these cheap deals securing trips to? According to Muller, Thailand and much of Southeast Asia are the most popular destinations for Student Flights customers, followed by Europe, the US and Australasia.
Kable's clientele have similar proclivities, with their top destinations being Thailand, Bali, New York and Europe. One place where they have seen a divergence is in Africa. "We've seen a big spike in the number of South African youth wanting to travel within Africa. The youth want to explore more of their own continent and embrace the beauty in their own backyard, which is awesome," said Kable.
Muller says the youth travel market is in fine shape with much of its ruddy complexion down to affordable destinations and increased disposable income in the 18-35 group.
Source: The Times
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