Built on Service

After many years in the industry, Lara Casasola launched her own travel business in 1996, with the aim of offering a more personalised and streamlined service to her clients.

Within three years, Lara Travel had achieved IATA (International Air Transport Association) status as an Accredited Retail Travel Agency and was accepted as a  member of ASATA  (Association of South African Travel Agents) in 2001. Lara herself has served as an active member of the ASATA committee, a forum focused on promoting professionalism in the industry and security for ASATA members and their clients.

 

Adapting to growth

Lara Travel restructured in 2002, when travel veteran Donna Hitchcock joined as a shareholder and Key Accounts Manager, focused on building client relationships and adding her expertise to the signature Lara Travel personlaized customer service.

In  July 2002, Lara Travel became a SEEKERS Franchise  Partner, another tool in offering clients the best deals possible.

With a history of seamless execution and legendary service, Lara Travel adapted readily to the transformation of Travel Agents in the airline industry, from a commission based to a service industry. 

 

Proudly South African

Lara Travel supports the Proudly South African Campaign, and complies fully with the membership requirements. First conceived at the Presidential Job Summit in 1998, under the leadership of former President Nelson Mandela, the PSAC is mandated to create and sustain quality jobs. Lara Travel is actively working towards this goal, including  a strong BEE strategy plan.

 

Why Lara Travel?

The best thing about Lara Travel is the 14 strong team of dynamic, passionate, professional staff and management. From reception to consultant to management, they are committed to excellence and seamless execution, in creating pleasurable experiences for their clients.

Conveniently situated at The Mall of the South, Lara Travel caters to both corporate and leisure markets,  offering a comprehensive range of travel related products, services, and competitive prices for both International and Domestic travel.

Lara Travel’s strong purchasing power and an excellent track record with Travel priniciples equals competitive prices and options in Travel products and packages.

The Ageny is also linked to one of the leading international reservation systems, ensuring immediate access to all major airlines, car rentals, hotels and tour operating companies, ensuring immeiate booking status advice and confirmation as well as the cost competitive, packages and fares.

 

The Product Mix

Air – Scheduled and Charter air services and Internet Reservations for Domestic and International Travel.

Hotel and Car Rental – we negotiate   excellent corporate rates

Travel Insurance – all major Travel Insurance products are available at Lara Travel

 

Group and Incentive Services 

Lara Travel is highly specialized in Group & Incentive  Travel Services and will make all the arrangements for group travel. Fare benefits for group travel are credited back to the client.  

 

Seminars and Conferences

From destination planning to execution and bookings, Lara Travel is an indispensable partner in planning a conference or seminar. Clients can leave all the Air and ground travel, accommodation and tour bookings to the agency, freeing up their valuable time for content planning.

 

Seamless Service

Foreign Exchange –Lara Travel offers a full advisory service and, if required, will purchase  foreign exchange, on behalf of clients, at very competitive VIP rates, through American Express

VISA services – advice and completion of visa applications, including submission and delivery

Delivery of Travel Documents – delivery and collection of all travel related documents.

After Hours Assistance – the after hours service number is 083 444 5545

Exclusive car park – parking at the airport, pick up & drop off, for Client’s convenience

Website – Interactive website, informative travel information  and special offers.

 

Total travel management

As any experienced traveller knows, complete consolidation of travel spend is necessary in order to achieve real savings. Lara Travel has the expertise to manage travel portfolios in a professional and pro-active manner. From reservations, to  visa, insurance and foreign exchange requirements, to air, rail and bus travel, to accommodation, car hire or transfers, to airport parking, Lara Travel will tailor make travel portfolios to suit individual clients.  

 

Travel Policy

A well planned travel policy ensures that  a travel portfolio controlls expenditure, blocks abuse and generates exceptional returns.  Lara Travel works closely with clients to formulate and manage their exclusive travel policies.