Avis: Mobility as a strategic enabler

TRAVEL agents are increasingly expected to operate as integrators of complex journeys, bringing together multiple components into seamless and commercially viable experiences. In this context, mobility is no longer a supporting function but a core enabler. “At Avis Southern Africa, we are seeing this shift in real time. Car rental is emerging as a critical lever within the evolving travel ecosystem,” the company tells Travel News. Historically an ancillary service, car rental now plays a more strategic role, enabling flexibility, access and continuity across the travel. Avis sees this as an opportunity for travel advisers to strengthen their offering, improve their relevance for customers and gain more commercial resilience. The global shift is towards user-based mobility solutions, where access, adaptability and efficiency are prioritised over ownership. “At Avis, our role extends beyond providing vehicles. We enable the movement of people, businesses and economic activity, connecting customers to opportunities, destinations and experiences. The quality of that mobility directly shapes the quality of the overall journey,” says Avis. Integrated In this broader industry shift towards more integrated ecosystem thinking, where travel, logistics, infrastructure and technology are increasingly interconnected, strong partnerships are essential. For travel agents, integrating car rental into the planning process allows for more adaptable itineraries and stronger customer outcomes. It also supports commercial diversification in a competitive market, particularly when backed by structured partner programmes that recognise agent contribution. Through initiatives such as ClubRed, Avis is formalising this value exchange by rewarding agents for their car-rental bookings and positioning mobility as an embedded part of the travel proposition rather than an add-on. Trusted Reliability remains central. Travel agents carry responsibility for the full journey, making the choice of trusted mobility partners a strategic decision that directly impacts the agent’s brand credibility and the customer’s experience. Additionally, car rental plays a wider role in tourism development by enabling access to secondary destinations and supporting regional economic activity. Avis believes that future competitiveness will depend on integration and that agents who embed mobility into their core offering and build strong partnerships will be best positioned to succeed. “We will continue to evolve alongside the industry – through innovation, operational excellence and deeper collaboration with the travel trade. Our focus remains enabling journeys that are not only seamless but resilient and responsive to the realities of the markets we serve. “The future of travel will not be defined by individual services but by how effectively they are brought together. Within this, car rental is no longer supplementary but strategic. And at Avis, we are committed to shaping that future alongside our partners,” the company says.