Vacations Unlimited (VU) is a privately owned travel agency that is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
VU is an organization dedicated to maximizing the efficiency and profitability of the travel industry.
VU is registered with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Association for South African
Travel Agents (ASATA). VU is also a member of the CLUB TRAVEL GROUP. VU has a broad
spectrum of international and local experience in the travel services industry. Our team is diverse in
expertise, background and culture, allowing us to fully understand the business management, customer
satisfaction and professional challenges posed by a changing
South Africa. This does not exclude any
country abroad.
Although VU is a retail travel agency, we have divided our expertise between corporate travel (70%) and leisure
travel (30%).
Our areas of expertise are:
· Domestic and international travel.
· Conference organizing.
· Assisting with visa applications.
· Hotel reservation (domestic / internationally).
· Car rental (domestic / internationally).
· Miscellaneous (theatre, bus, train etc. tickets).
· Professional travel advice.
· Rack and customized tour packages.
· Travel insurance.
VU has always been proud to associate themselves with various international organizations, local
government departments and numerous international Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions.
Due to the diversity of our clientele base, strict confidentiality has always been a priority within our organization.
Strict procedures are in place to comply with this matter.
VU strives to offer the best prices within the allowed rules of each service sold. It is in VU’s interest to ensure
that all parties involved save travel costs to a maximum. In line with the savings, VU does charge various
consultation fees for professional services rendered.
All travel accounts based in
South Africa are quoted in South African Rands (ZAR). VU currently has various
accounts based outside of
South Africa, mainly humanitarian organizations.
Vacations Unlimited currently has three share holders. n.l.
Johannes Ngcobo (30%),
Karin Sfreddo (35%),
Sandro Sfreddo (35%). Ms Sfreddo has been in the travel industry for more than 30 years and although she
is the Managing Director, still consults on a permanent basis.
Sandro Sfreddo is the Operation Director, in
charge of the day-to-day running of the business, IT development and consults too. He is also the past
National Retail Chairman of ASATA who has around 900 members. These are voluntary positions with no
remuneration to help improve the standards of the travel industry in
South Africa and to encourage young
people of all races to empower themselves within this industry. The remainder of the staff compliment is
all fully qualified travel agents with numerous years of experience between them. VU also has a full-time
designated driver who does all deliveries and visa submission and collections, unless management
intervention is required.
The entire operation is fully automated and uses all the modern technology available to function at peak
performance. This includes a 24-hour internet access connection, direct manual fax line, electronic fax-to-pc
fax line and a multiple incoming switch board with individually dedicated outgoing lines and e-mail addresses.
Two standby cellular phones for 24-hour service and the most advanced CRS (Central
Reservation System)
available globally. VU also have a huge network of 3rd party service providers, e.g. office - airport or
home - airport transfers, meet and greet facilities at Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airports, to
mention a few. All confidential records are kept for a maximum of five years. VU has a fully integrated and
automated accounting system from which management reports can be drawn.
