Rufaro Destination Management

03/03/2026

Travel insurance policies during conflict
Yesterday - By Tylin Moodley

Amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including closures of Doha and Dubai airports and regional airspace restrictions, travel insurance companies are reminding agents and their clients what their policy covers in these circumstances.

Santam Travel Insurance
According to Santam Travel Insurance, its policy only covers emergency medical and related expenses if travellers are injured as innocent bystanders (not actively participating) as a result of war.

However, trip cancellations and/or disruptions due to war are excluded under the following policy exclusions: War, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities, or war-like operations (whether declared or not), civil war, mutiny, military rising, usurped power, martial law, state of siege, insurrection, rebellion, or revolution.

“Travel insurance is designed to protect travellers from unexpected mishaps – lost luggage, sudden illness, or trip cancellations. But one thing it almost never covers is war. The reason is that war is too unpredictable, too widespread, and too financially destructive for insurers to manage. Because wars escalate quickly and unpredictably, it makes it impossible to assess risks and set fair premiums,” said Santam Travel Insurance.

For travellers who need to postpone or extend their trips, clients are advised to contact their travel agents regarding administrative policy date changes.

Santam added that many travel insurance providers included limited terrorism coverage because, even though it is intentional, it usually happens in specific places and on a much smaller scale, making it easier for insurers to estimate the risks and plan for them.

Hollard Travel
Hollard Travel’s policy states that travel insurance is designed to protect travellers against individual, unforeseen personal events, such as illness, injury, or family emergencies. “War is a large‑scale, deliberate event that affects many travellers simultaneously. These types of systemic disruptions fall outside the scope of what travel insurance is intended or able to cover.”

The current situation in the Middle East is deemed war/armed conflict, rather than an isolated terrorist incident. As a result, Hollard excludes claims arising directly or indirectly from war, invasion, civil war, or military action. This means that trip cancellations, travel disruptions, and related losses linked to the current conflict are not covered under travel insurance.

In cases where airlines have cancelled or suspended flights, travellers are advised to contact the airline directly for refund or rebooking options, as these decisions fall under the airline’s control.

Emergency medical and related expenses for Hollard Travel travellers who are already in an affected country and require urgent medical treatment are covered subject to policy terms. Travellers needing medical assistance should contact their 24‑hour emergency number on their policy immediately.

If a trip is cancelled because of the conflict, the travel insurance policy itself may be cancelled, and 100% of the premium will be refunded, provided no claims have been made.

Bryte
Bryte’s policies include a standard exclusion for losses arising directly or indirectly from war or war-like events. As a result, cancellation or postponement claims related to these circumstances would not be covered.

For clients who are already travelling, cover will automatically extend for seven days from February 28, and emergency medical assistance services remain available during this period, according to Anrieth Symon, Head of Travel at Bryte.

“For clients who have not yet departed, we encourage them to contact their airline or travel provider to discuss available options. Our customer care centre is available to assist travel partners and policyholders with guidance on how cover may respond in specific circumstances,” said Symon.

Travellers are advised to follow official travel advisories and remain in contact with their airline or tour operator for the latest updates.

02/03/2026

New UK eVisa for SA passport holders.Key Details for South African Passport Holders:
New eVisa System: A streamlined digital system is available from 25 February 2026, allowing easier management of UK immigration status.

UK Visa Requirement: South Africans still require a Standard Visitor Visa to enter the UK, which includes a full application, biometrics, and fee, unlike visa-free nationals who use the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

How to Apply: Applications can be processed via the official UK government website, where users can set up a UKVI account.
Documents Needed: Applicants will need their passport, a valid visa/application number (e.g., GWF number), and sometimes a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
Digital Status: Once approved, the immigration status is linked directly to the passport.

If you have an existing physical visa (vignette/sticker) or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) that is 5 years old, you should transition to the new digital eVisa system. The UK is phasing out physical documents in favor of digital records. You need to create a UKVI account to link your status to your passport, ensuring you can prove your rights to travel, work, or rent.

Key Details for Existing Visa Holders:
Action Needed: Even if your physical visa is valid, you should create a UKVI account on GOV.UK to access your digital status.
Replacement: eVisas are replacing BRPs, BRCs, and passport vignettes (stickers/stamps).
Expiration: If your physical document (BRP) expires, you must have an eVisa to prove your status.
Travel: Ensure your UKVI account is updated with your current passport details to avoid issues at the border.

02/03/2026

Middle East flight cancellations:https://www.travelnews.co.za/article/agents-face-widespread-middle-east-rebookings

27/11/2025

Cape Town, South Africa Travel Agent. Rufaro is a Zimbabwean ‘Shona’ word, loosely translated means ‘to travel happily’ or ‘Bon Voyage’. We are small enough to be flexible, big enough to offer a variety of travel options and services. Rufaro functions both as a destination management com...

28/10/2025

World Travel Awards: Portugal voted 'Best Destination in Europe' for 2025

Copyright Armando Franca/AP
By Ema Gil Pires
Published on 24/10/2025 - 12:24 GMT+2
Several destinations in Portugal were also recognised, such as Lisbon, Porto and Madeira.
Portugal was voted "Best Destination in Europe" at this year's World Travel Awards. The country regained the honour it lost to Greece last year, which it has won six times since 2017.
This year, Portugal stood out from a list of nominees that included 12 European territories: Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.
Pedro Machado, Secretary of State for Tourism, Trade and Services, said this distinction "reflects the work, dedication and quality of all the professionals who, on a daily basis, make tourism one of the main pillars of our economy", in a note published on the Turismo de Portugal website.
In the same statement, the president of Turismo de Portugal, Carlos Abade, also said that "this award demonstrates Portugal's great capacity to assert itself as one of the best tourist destinations in Europe", adding that it represents "the consolidation of a prominent position that the country has been building up in a sustained manner".
This was the 32nd edition of the World Travel Awards, with the awards ceremony taking place on Wednesday in Sardinia, Italy.
Madeira, Lisbon and Porto were also in the spotlight
Several national regions were also recognised at the2025 World Travel Awards.This included Madeira, which won the title of "Best Island Destination in Europe", Porto, which topped the category of best urban destinations on the continent, and Lisbon, designated as the place to consider for city breaks.
Also in southern Europe, Huesca La Magia, in Spain, won in the category of best destination for adventure tourism, "dethroning" the Azores, which won the award last year. Costa Navarino, in Greece, was nominated as the place not to forget for beach holidays on the continent.
The coastal town of Batumi, one of Georgia's pearls, was considered the best place to visit in "all seasons" of the year. In Croatia, Dubrovnik was once again named "leading cruise destination", as in the previous two editions.
France, meanwhile, won the award for Europe's"Best Cultural Destination" for 2025, with the Greek capital, Athens, emerging as the best city in this category.
The title of the continent's most outstanding "emerging tourist destination" went to the region of East Macedonia and Thrace in Greece.

01/09/2025

Small Group Tour to Portugal
16 - 24 May 2026 (8 nights/ 9 days)

Day 1. SAT 16 MAY: ARRIVE LISBON Met at airport and en route to hotel morning orientation tour of Lisbon. Stop for a mid-morning coffee break and refreshments (own account). Check in at hotel. Time to freshen up and afternoon at leisure. Evening: Welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight: SANA...

28/08/2025

https://www.rufaro.com/die-blou-van-onthou-toer-forget-me-not-blues-tour/
“Die Blou Van Onthou Toer”/”Forget-Me-Not-Blues Tour”
Portugal met/with Marita Van Der Vyver 16 - 24 May 2026 (8 nights/ 9 days
Join a small private group to Portugal.

Day 1. SAT 16 MAY: ARRIVE LISBON Met at airport and en route to hotel morning orientation tour of Lisbon. Stop for a mid-morning coffee break and refreshments (own account). Check in at hotel. Time to freshen up and afternoon at leisure. Evening: Welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight: SANA...

12/06/2025

Ireland
South Africans in Ireland complain of holiday visa delays since new rules came in
State introduced visa requirement for citizens of South Africa and Botswana last July due to ‘significant number of international protection applications’ from both countries
Tegan Jones and her friend, Ansuné, have been waiting since March for a decision on her short-stay visa application.
South Africans living in Ireland say family and friends hoping to visit have been left “waiting” and are losing significant sums of money in rescheduling flights and accommodation due to long waits for visa approval.
Ireland introduced a visa requirement for citizens of South Africa and Botswana last July in light of a “significant number of international protection applications” from both countries.

While the target processing times for short-stay visas are six to eight weeks, some South Africans complained in online groups that they have been waiting since January for a decision. Others claimed their family members have lost “thousands” after rescheduling flights, accommodation and tourist attractions due to the delays.
Tenille Webster, a 28-year-old originally from Durban who has been living in Ireland for five years, last saw her boyfriend, Steve, when she visited South Africa in February.

He was due to fly to Ireland on Friday but had to push out his flight, despite applying for a short stay visa 12 weeks ago.
Still awaiting a decision, Ms Webster said they have been left in “limbo”, adding they have lost €540 so far on pre-booked hotels, activities and changing flights.

“I know the cautious advice is to wait until the visa is approved before booking anything, but we followed the estimated timeline we were given and planned accordingly.
“When visas are finally approved, it often forces people to book last-minute, when prices are higher and things are sold out. It turns what should be a joyful reunion into a situation filled with anxiety and pressure,” Ms Webster said.
Having heard of others in similar circumstances, Ms Webster, who lives in Co Leitrim, believes the system is “overwhelmed”.
Several South Africans who spoke to The Irish Times, some of whom recalled a wait of just five weeks for approval last year, claimed there has been a lack of communication amid the delays.
Tegan Jones (24) from Durban, but living in Dublin, said she and her close friend have been left “waiting” due to the delays.
Her friend, Ansuné, is due to fly to Ireland later this month, but is now in her 12th week waiting for a decision, saying the process has been “frustrating.”
“I know backlogs can happen, but ... they could say where in the queue you are or let you know an actual time frame so you can start preparing other plans if needs be,” she said.
So far this year, 4,965 short-stay visa applications have been received, 2,384 of which are still awaiting a decision, according to Department of Justice figures.
It said it is “acutely aware that visa applications are very important for the persons impacted”, but is recommending that applicants do not book flights to Ireland until they have received and validated their visa.
“In recent months, additional resources and staff have been assigned to the department’s visa division, which, it is expected, will reduce the waiting times for visa applications in the coming months,” said a spokesman.
He added that visas are being issued “largely in line with the published target processing times”, though unforeseen delays can arise “which are outside the control of the visa desk”.

12/06/2025

Warnings for Europe anti-tourism protests
Yesterday - by Tylin Moodley

Past anti-tourism strikes in Mallorca.


Activist groups in southern Europe have organised a wave of coordinated anti-tourist protests on June 15 to draw attention to the housing crisis, rising rent and environmental impacts caused by overtourism.
A coalition of activists and local campaigners under the Southern Europe Network Against Touristification banner announced the protests after a strategy meeting in Barcelona, attended by 120 delegates from more than a dozen cities.

Protests will take place in destinations suffering from over tourism, including Barcelona and Mallorca in Spain, Venice and Palermo in Italy and Lisbon in Portugal, according to EU Today.
It is unclear what form the protests will take; however, some reports indicate that protesters will carry water guns and march through historic city centres, picket at airports, and blockade tour buses and popular landmarks. Organisers say the aim is to be disruptive, but peaceful.
In July 2024, anti-tourism protests in Barcelona resulted in activists cordoning off restaurants and hotels and spraying tourists with plastic water guns.
Sue Garrett, GM: Pricing, Supply and Marketing at Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa, believes that the protests will have some impact on visitors. “Local authorities are already increasing their presence around key landmarks and transport hubs. Travellers may encounter temporary road closures, larger crowds near demonstration routes, or delays to public transport services – particularly in historic centres and around major attractions,” she said.
Garrett is advising clients of the following:
• Stay informed: Monitor official city channels for live updates. Many European cities offer real-time alerts via their tourism apps or social media feeds.
• Be flexible: Plan itineraries with extra time on June 15 if moving between sites or catching flights or trains. Consider adjusting sightseeing schedules so that visits to high-profile landmarks can be moved earlier or later than protest times where possible.
Carla Vickers from Italian and French Excursions is advising clients to be aware of their surroundings at all times and, if possible, avoid areas where protests are taking place. “Generally, these protests are pretty calm, but of course, you still have to remain vigilant,” she said.
Garrett is also reminding clients to remain respectful and understanding. “These protests are not aimed at individual travellers but reflect broader conversations about sustainability and local quality of life across Europe’s most popular destinations. Respecting local sentiment by being patient if plans change unexpectedly goes a long way towards ensuring positive relations as guests abroad.”

02/06/2025

Visa frustrations: a clear frontrunner
Yesterday - by Christiaan Schultz


Over the course of two polls, Travel News readers revealed the most challenging and most efficient countries when it comes to applying for visas.
With South Africans waiting in excess of 500 days for a Canadian visa, it came as no surprise that it claimed the top spot by far for most challenging with 57% of the votes.

In 2024, Canada rejected a record number of temporary resident visas, including those for tourists, foreign workers and students, resulting in its highest-ever rejection rate.
After the Republic of Ireland announced last year that South Africans must require a visa before travelling, travel agents started to see red, complaining that once the visa was submitted, there was no way to follow up and clients could expect to receive their visa only days before they depart. It therefore claimed the second spot for most challenging with 10% of the votes.
Other traditional source markets such as the US (8%), Australia (5%), the UK (5%), and the Schengen region (5%) were also highlighted as frustrating to navigate.
The remaining for the most challenging were Morocco (6%), China (2%), India (1%), UAE (1%) and New Zealand (1%).
Easiest
There was a clear winner for the easiest visa – Turkey, with 42% of the votes.
The UAE came in second (18%), followed by Australia (11%) and the Schengen area (7%).
India also garnered 7% of the votes, followed by the US (4%), the UK (3%), New Zealand (3%), Japan (2%) and China (2%).
Drop in global ranking
The latest figures from the Henley Passport Index show that South African passport holders now have fewer visa-free travel options than they did earlier this year.
At the beginning of 2025, the passport was ranked the 48th strongest passport (out of 199) globally and allowed visa-free access to 106 countries.
However, according to the latest update from the Henley Passport Index, South Africa has dropped two positions to 50th, having lost visa-free access to two countries, Pakistan and Mauritania.

20/04/2025

With Cape Country Routes – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

04/02/2024

Treat yourself to a real French Experience and join a small fun group of people.https://www.rufaro.com/a-taste-of-perigord-with-marita-van-der-vyver/