This comes after the pair announced the travel company’s financial performance and sustainability – against the background of an increasingly online world – in June earlier this year. This is the second time that Pentravel – in its 32 years of business – has appointed an external communications firm, previously relying on positive word-of-mouth and good service.

Sean Hough, Pentravel CEO says; “Despite our longevity in the leisure travel industry against tough trading conditions, we’ve been relatively quiet about what we do. However, we’re committed to proving that a bricks and mortar travel consultancy holds immense value in an increasingly digital world, and this was the backbone to Cultivate’s initial brief which they managed excellently.”

Since the 2009 recession, Pentravel has recorded an impressive sales growth of 734%, a quarter of which comes from walk-ins to its 30 physical stores around the country. This story, which was supported with multi-media content, caught the attention of on and offline media including FinWeek, Business Day, Sake24, CNBC Africa, BizNews and SAFM, among others, as well as industry peers of Pentravel who personally called Hough to congratulate him on his company’s performance after reading about it in a national daily.

“Sean and his team are very humble, so announcing their good news is not something that they’ve been forthcoming with in the past. However, during an economic downturn that is impacting the sustainability of businesses across South Africa, it’s important to celebrate those that are performing, and to analyse and share why. In Pentravel’s case it’s simple; it is genuinely committed to making its people - staff, suppliers and customers – happy. This positive experience is what retains its team, and sees 61% of its business as repeat or referrals,” explains Rebecca Cronje, director of Cultivate Communications.

“We look forward to working with the Cultivate team again on a permanent basis and in engaging the national media, our customers and corporate stakeholders on relevant stories that we believe emphasise the increasing value, and demand for, real relationships and expert travel advice in a digital world,” concludes Hough.

For more information, visit www.cultivatecoms.co.za.