Uganda Airlines Flight UR 720 departed Entebbe at 10am local time on September 25, 2024 on its maiden flight to Lusaka, Zambia and Harare, Zimbabwe, marking the 15th and 16th destinations in the airline’s network, just two weeks after the airline added Abuja to its Lagos service.
Harare and Lusaka will be served four times a week, marking the first time in 23 years that the two capitals will be served by a direct flight from Uganda. Uganda Airlines’ entry is a potential disruptor for competitors Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways and RwandAir, which have been feeding off connecting traffic from Entebbe to various points in Zambia and Zimbabwe.
RwandAir flies to Harare and Lusaka, while KQ and Ethiopian fly several times a day to Harare and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Lusaka and Livingstone in Zambia.
The two destinations generate significant business travel to Uganda and visits from friends and relatives, while Uganda Airlines is also counting on them to provide connecting traffic for its flights to India, Dubai and later London, which officials say will be launched before the end of the year.
“We are happy to return to the capitals of Zambia and Zimbabwe, countries whose history and culture are closely linked to Uganda. These two destinations, which expand options for travel between East Africa and Southern Africa, demonstrate our commitment to increase travel options for Africans by providing safe affordable and reliable air transport services to connect the continent,” said Jenifer Bamuturaki, the CEO of Uganda Airlines.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – Palm River Hotel is thrilled to announce its latest indulgent offering: the High Tea on the Zambezi River. This luxurious afternoon experience, set amidst the serene backdrop of the Zambezi River, combines refined culinary delights with breathtaking views.
Guests will be welcomed with a refreshing glass of hibiscus prosecco, followed by a range of premium cappuccinos and teas. The experience includes an array of delectable treats, from delicate panna cottas to dainty sandwiches and buttery scones with whipped cream and strawberry preserves.
Under the shade of indigenous trees, and with the soothing sounds of the Zambezi River, the High Tea offers an unmatched blend of relaxation and sophistication.
Details:
Price: $25 per person
Time: 15:30 – 17:00 daily
Reservations: Advanced booking is required. Email [email protected] or call +263 867 719 6873.
About Palm River Hotel
Located on the banks of the Zambezi River, Palm River Hotel is a luxury destination offering world-class hospitality and picturesque views. The High Tea offering adds to its reputation for providing unforgettable experiences to visitors and travellers.
For bookings and inquiries, contact us at [email protected] or +263 867 719 6873.
Johannesburg/Harare – 26 September 2024 – South African Airways (SAA) is pleased to announce that it has increased the number of flights between Harare and Johannesburg from 10 to 12 frequencies per week, with effect from 5 November 2024, to cater for the growing demand.
SAA customers will have the option of two additional flights from Harare to Johannesburg.
Harare flight details:
SA25 departs Harare at 07h20, arriving in Johannesburg at 09h00 (Monday to Friday)
SA23 departs Harare at 12h25, arriving in Johannesburg at 14h05 (Daily)
Johannesburg flight details:
SA22 departs Johannesburg at 10h00, arriving in Harare at 11h35 (Daily)
SA24 departs Johannesburg at 20h10 arriving in Harare at 21h45 (Sunday to Thursday)
The increased frequency is part of SAA’s densification strategy to meet customer demand in the African region, an important area for SAA’s growth strategy.
The increased demand is driven mainly by Zimbabwean expatriates, tourism and increased trade between the two countries. This trend is expected to grow in the coming years as the political environment stabilizes in Zimbabwe.
Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) has once again demonstrated its leadership in Zimbabwe’s hospitality industry, clinching two prestigious awards at the 2025 Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents (AZTA) awards held on 21 September at The Beach House Restaurant in Harare under the theme “Country and Western”. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge was named Best Resort Hotel for an unprecedented 26th consecutive year, while Lokuthula Lodges secured the award for Best Self-Catering Facility for the 10th year, and Wendy Bourne, AAT Sales Executive, received the award for the Most Outstanding Voluntary Service to travel agents for the twelfth year, in recognition of her sterling contribution to the industry.
This latest accolade for Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, the group’s flagship property, comes at a particularly significant time as the iconic property prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary on 14 December. Over the years, the lodge has become synonymous with exceptional service, breathtaking views, and a commitment to sustainable tourism.
AAT’s director, Ross Kennedy, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating: “Winning this award for 26 years in a row is an extraordinary achievement, and it is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team and their passion for delivering a world-class experience to every guest. As we approach Victoria Falls Safari Lodge’s 30th anniversary, this recognition reinforces our commitment to maintaining the high standards that our guests have come to expect while continuing to innovate.”
Kennedy went on to highlight the importance of the self-catering award for Lokuthula Lodges, saying “We are incredibly proud of Lokuthula Lodges being named the Best Self-Catering Facility for the 10th year running. This award reflects our focus on providing diverse and flexible accommodation options that cater to families and independent travellers. The property offers a unique and memorable experience, and we are honoured to be recognised for our efforts.”
Managing director, Nigel Frost, shared his excitement about the awards and what lies ahead for AAT, saying:
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the AZTA members and the travel trade in Zimbabwe for their continued loyalty and support—your partnership has been invaluable to our success. We would also like to congratulate Wendy Bourne on her well-deserved individual award for Most Outstanding Voluntary Service, in recognition of her dedication and tireless contribution to the industry over the years. While we are deeply honoured by all of our awards, we are also firmly focussing on the future. We have exciting developments in the pipeline that will further enhance the guest experience and build on the legacy of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and our other properties. These upcoming projects will not only improve our facilities but also align with our ongoing commitment to offer world-class hospitality.”
AAT operates a portfolio of world-renowned properties in the iconic destination of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, namely Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Club, Victoria Falls Safari Suites, Lokuthula Lodges, The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show and the Victoria Falls Safari Spa.
After three (3) consecutive years in Botswana, the 7th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) & Awards (www.tourismleadershipforum.africa) held at The Grand Palm Hotel Casino Convention Resort in Gaborone, Botswana, from the 3 rd to the 6 th of September 2024 concluded with resounding success.
Themed “Charting a new path forward for Intra-Africa travel, tourism & investments,” ATLF 2024 was officially opened by the Vice President of the Republic of Botswana, His Honor Mr SlumberTsogwane, UN Tourism Secretary General – Zurab Pololikashvili, the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Botswana, Hon. Nnaniki Wilhemina Tebogo Makwinja and the AfCFTA secretariat and was hosted by Botswana Tourism Organisation in collaboration with UN Tourism, AfCFTA BDO and Africa Tourism Partners.
In his statement during the official opening of the ATLF 2024, the Vice President of the Republic of Botswana, His Honor Mr. Slumber Tsogwane acknowledged ATLF’s significant role as a vehicle in boosting economic growth across the African continent. “Africa Tourism Leadership Forum is a Pan-African dialogue platform that unites key stakeholders from Africa’s travel, tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors to network, share insights and devise strategies for growing intra-Africa travel and tourism while enhancing the brand equity of destination Africa”.
The ATLF hosts senior pan-African government dignitaries including Heads of States, Ministers, senior African government tourism officials, policymakers, Directors of Tourism, Development Agencies, Principal and Permanent Secretaries CEO’s and executives of travel, tourism, aviation, youth, startups, women in tourism, travel and hospitality companies. ATLF 2024 was preceded by Intra – Africa Travel and Tourism Business-to-Business Sessions, Exhibition, Destination Showcase and Entrepreneurial MICE Masterclass. The Forum was attended by over 800 physical and over 2000 virtual delegates cumulatively over the four (4) days from over 95 countries.
ATLF 2024 celebrated the Africa Tourism Leadership Awards in nine (9) categories, recognizing the progressive contributions of individuals and organizations to the African tourism industry. Th winners were selected based on their exceptional achievements in sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Mr. Roger Foster, CEO and MD of Airlink, South Africa won the Destination Africa – Lifetime Award while Ms. Keitumetse Setlang, CEO, Botswana Tourism Organisation and Ms. Elcia Grandcourt, Director, Africa Department, UN Tourism received special recognition awards for their immense contribution to the growth of tourism in Africa. Additionally, winners of the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge were announced at the ATLF. Joseph Owiredu from Ghana emerged the winner while Rosalia Haufiku Laudika from Namibia and Ajena Jafar took the 1 st and 2 nd runner up positions respectively. The Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge aims to empower young people to develop their projects from ideation to the implementation of bankable solutions in the tourism and travel tech sectors.
About Africa Tourism Partners African Tourism Partners (ATP) – www.africatourismpartners.com is a UN Tourism affiliated award-winning Pan-African tourism development and strategic destination marketing advisory firm. The firm specializes in tourism and MICE strategy formulation, investment facilitation and promotion, research, master planning and destination market development and capacity building across Africa’s travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation and golf sub-industries. Our clients and partners include but are not limited to UN Tourism, World Bank, MastercardFoundation, NEPAD, AfCFTA, South African Tourism, Ghana Tourism Authority, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Rwanda Development Board, Rwanda Convention Bureau, Rwanda Chamber of Commerce, SAACI, RwandAir, SAA, Ethiopia Airlines, Tanzania Tourism Board, Kenya Tourism Board, Uganda Tourism Board, Gauteng Tourism Authority, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Tourism Business Council of South Africa, Nigeria and more.
About UN Tourism The United Nations Tourism is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UN Tourism promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.
About AfCFTA The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a free trade area encompassing most of Africa. It was established in 2018 by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which has 43 parties and another 11 signatories, making it the largest free-trade area by number of member states, after the World Trade Organization, and the largest in population and geographic size, spanning 1.3 billion people across the world’s second largest continent.
Contact details: For more information about the awards partnerships, sponsorships, registration, and enquiries, please contact Ms. Rejoice Chishamba at: rejoice@africatourismpartners,.com / +27 (0) 11 318 1741/ +27 (0) 81 303 7030.
Africa’s first bike hotel, Trail’s End Bike Hotel, has opened its doors in the beautiful Elgin Valley near Cape Town, making its way to the top of every mountain biker’s “stay-and-play” travel wish list.
“Considering the region’s scenic trails, the hotel is ideal for mountain bikers, trail runners, and hikers alike. Its design was inspired by the iconic lodges in the Swiss Alps, allowing visitors to cosy up and enjoy warm hospitality in one of just 16 rooms. It also houses the only bicycle museum in Africa, featuring historic bikes and stories like Sol Plaatje’s journey and Riaan Manser’s African cycling adventure,” says Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa.
Alongside the Elgin Valley, here are Flight Centre’s Travel Experts’ top destinations for mountain bikers – perfect if an active and exhilarating getaway is on the cards and you’re looking to reinvent the wheel and travel somewhere new.
Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park
Where? Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
What to expect:
45km of single-track trails.
Trails are colour-coded and graded using the IMBA system.
A purpose-built BMX track with 5m and 8m start hills is available for BMX riding and racing.
Bike rentals available on site.
Highlight: The park’s extensive network of trails, which includes some of the best permanent dirt jumps in South Africa.
Nearby accommodations: Cybele Lodge, Branley Lodge, and Rivendell Bed & Breakfast.
Table Mountain National Park
Where? Cape Town, South Africa.
What to expect:
Extensive trail network, stretching from the Western Seaboard, via Signal Hill and Table Mountain, to Newlands Forest and Constantia Nek.
Trails include exposed single tracks, rock gardens, and gentle jeep tracks through indigenous forests.
Riders need an annual My Activity Permit Level 3 – or you can purchase a day pass for specific areas like Tokai.
Highlight: The Panorama Loop – Silvermine trail. This trail is famous for its gorgeous scenery, with a 4.7-star rating on AllTrails. It’s 7.1km long with an elevation gain of 301m.
World-class trail network (consistently ranked as the best in South Africa), spanning over 400km of mapped single and double track trails, logging roads, and forest paths.
The trails are renowned for their flow, which is a result of the trail-building expertise of local resident Hylton Turvey.
Highlight: The annual Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival, which includes the SA MTB Marathon Championships.
Nearby accommodations: Belvidere Country Estate, Gartmore Guest Farm, and Halliwell Country Inn.
Harkerville Mountain Bike Trails
Where? Harkerville Forest (between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay), South Africa.
What to expect:
4 main routes, colour-coded according to difficulty and length. The shortest route is the Yellow Route at 13km, while the longest route – the Red Route – is 22km.
Sections of the routes are shared with hiking trails, which are signposted. Cyclists should be cautious in these areas.
You’ll need to obtain a permit from the Thesen Island Office or the Garden of Eden.
Highlight: The Red Route has a reputation for being the most exhilarating and scenic, traversing deep indigenous forest, fynbos, and offers coastal views.
Nearby accommodations: Masescha Country Estate, Coral Tree Cottages, Knysna Elephant Park Lodge.
Van Gaalen River Trail
Where? Skeerpoort Valley, Hartbeespoort, North West, South Africa.
What to expect:
The trail is part of a larger network that spans over 80km of single-track trails across 30 private farms, making it one of the country’s most extensive mountain biking areas.
Riders are required to wear helmets and protective eyewear, and must adhere to specific rules, such as yielding to horses and staying on marked paths.
You’ll need to buy a day permit at the Trail/Farm Shop when you arrive.
Highlight: The trail promises amazing views, including several bridges and long reed tunnels.
Nearby accommodations: Greenwillows Guesthouse, Mill Lane Farmhouse, and Sky Lodge.
Eselfontein Farm Trails
Where? Ceres, Western Cape, South Africa.
What to expect:
The main trail is approximately 70km – 80% of which features purpose-built single-track paths.
These trails are exceptionally rugged, posing a challenge for experienced riders, from steep climbs to adrenalin-inducing descents.
Highlight: The main trail’s “Death Drop” (a steep ascent followed by a heart-stopping descent) and “Blair Witch Forest” (winding trails that weave through dense vegetation) sections.
Features 35km of trails primarily designed for 4×4 vehicles but that make for excellent mountain biking routes.
The routes include climbs and steep ascents, particularly to higher points like Carolusberg, the highest peak in the reserve.
Highlight: The reserve’s terrain stands out – it’s a desert-like landscape, interspersed with flora such as kokerbome (giant aloes) and halfmens trees. The perfect spot to appreciate the biodiversity of the Succulent-Karoo Biome.
Nearby accommodations: Camping and Huts at Goegap Nature Reserve, The Olive Tree Guest House, and Kleinplasie.
Another worthy biking experience, according to Turner, is to head off on a cycling safari in Botswana.
“While South Africa is packed with trails and incredible scenery, it’s worthwhile venturing beyond our borders for more diversity. Botswana is famous for its cycling safaris, allowing travellers to explore the bush from a new perspective and get even closer to wildlife. These safaris typically involve cycling for 3-5 hours per day, covering distances of 20-50km, with armed local experts cycling alongside for guidance and peace of mind.”
Inspired to pedal your way to enchanting new adventures? Ready, set, ride!
Cape Town, 16 September 2024– RX Africa today announced “Ignite Africa” as the official theme for its WTM Africa 2025 event, taking place from 9 to 11 April in the Host City of Cape Town at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). Next year, WTM Africa promises a revamped format with a laser focus on actionable insights and strategic networking, making it a must-attend for anyone invested in the future of African tourism.
Expect a content-rich programme at WTM Africa structured around critical themes such as aviation, responsible tourism, and marketing. Curated by industry experts, sessions will move beyond theoretical discussions to deliver practical solutions and tangible strategies. The “Brain Box” will also offer interactive workshops and discussions, providing opportunities for attendees to gain practical knowledge and develop new skills.
In addition, WTM Africa will launch a renewed trend report packed with the latest industry statistics and insights. This State of the Industry report will serve as an essential resource for stakeholders, offering data-driven perspectives on current challenges and opportunities in African tourism.
WTM Africa 2025 will also feature a reimagined Media Awards programme, designed to raise standards in travel journalism across the continent. A panel of leading industry judges will recognise excellence in reporting, setting a new benchmark for media coverage of African tourism. Press conferences, media briefings, and exclusive opportunities for interviews with top industry spokespeople will be scaled up, allowing the media to access crucial stories and insights directly from the source.
Photo: Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director for RX Africa
“This isn’t just an update to our annual event. We’re completely reimagining how we can drive African tourism forward,” said Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director for RX Africa. “The new format and content are designed to give attendees practical tools and knowledge they can immediately apply to their businesses. With ‘Ignite Africa,’ we’re bringing together the sharpest minds, the latest trends, and actionable strategies in a way that’s never been done before. This is an event that professionals across the tourism industry won’t want to miss.”
WTM Africa is positioned as the definitive event for those looking to stay ahead of the curve in African tourism. This event will be the flashpoint for new strategies and collaborations that will shape the future of the sector.
Event Information:
WTM Africa : 9–11 April 2024 | Cape Town, South Africa
Venue : Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
World Travel Market (WTM) Portfolio comprises leading travel events and online portals across four continents. The events are Arabian Travel Market, WTM London, WTM Latin America and WTM Africa.
WTM London is the world’s most influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes.
Next in-person event: 5 to 7 November 2024 at ExCel London
http://london.wtm.com/
Arabian Travel Market (ATM), now on its 31st year, is the leading, international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. ATM 2023 welcomed over 40,000 attendees and hosted over 30,000 visitors, including more than 2,100 exhibitors and representatives from over 150 countries, across 10 halls at Dubai World Trade Centre. Arabian Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week. #ATMDubai
Next in-person event: 28 April to 1 May 2025, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai
https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html
Arabian Travel Week is a festival of events taking place from 28 April to 1 May, within and alongside Arabian Travel Market 2024. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector, it includes Influencers’ events, GBTA Business Travel Forums, as well as ATM Travel Tech. It also features the ATM Buyer Forums, as well as a series of country forums.
WTM Latin America takes place annually in the city of São Paulo and attracts around 20,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers qualified content together with networking and business opportunities. In this its ninth edition – there have been eight face-to-face events along with a 100% virtual one, which was held in 2021 – WTM Latin America continued to focus on effective business generation, and achieved the advance booking of six thousand meetings that were held between buyers, travel agents and exhibitors in 2022.
Next event: 14 to 16 April 2024 – Expo Center Norte, SP, Brazil
http://latinamerica.wtm.com/
WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2022, WTM Africa facilitated more than 7 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2019 and welcomed more than 6 thousand visitors (unaudited), the same number as in 2019.
Next event: 9 to 11 April 2024 – Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town http://africa.wtm.com/
About ATW Connect: Africa Travel Week’s digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel, LGBTQ+ travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology.
WTM Global Hub, is the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub. https://hub.wtm.com/
About RX
RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.
About RELX
RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.
The Grand Tour is coming to an end after an action-packed run, with the final special One for the Road taking Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond to Zimbabwe.
The trio have picked out cars that they’ve always dreamed of owning – those being a Lancia Montecarlo, a Ford Capri 3-litre, and a Triumph Stag – to traverse the terrain, which takes them to a “strangely familiar” island.
Indeed, viewers who have been following the motoring enthusiasts since their Top Gear days may also recognise their final destination, which puts a fitting bow on more than two decades of outrageous adventures.
Clarkson said that “the whole trip” was poignant for the presenting team, including hours of “reminiscing” – much of which had to be cut for time – although the broadcaster wasn’t overly misty-eyed by the end of the shoot.
“I was surprisingly unemotional in a weird way because I can see James and Hammond any time I want to, they’re only a phone call away, and I’m sure we will,” he told press.
The Grand Tour: One for the Road is now streaming on Prime Video, having screeched onto the streaming service on Friday 13th September 2024.
Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, leveraging its diverse attractions to drive economic growth. Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi outlined this strategy at the Zimbabwe MICE Masterclass in Bulawayo, coinciding with the 17th Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo.
The global MICE industry, valued at approximately £510-550 billion, presents a significant opportunity for Zimbabwe. The country aims to tap into this market by showcasing its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and improving infrastructure.
Key attractions include the Chilojo Cliffs in Gonarezhou National Park, Victoria Falls, and Great Zimbabwe. However, officials acknowledge the need for larger conference facilities, with plans to develop 5,000 to 10,000-seat venues in each province.
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority is actively promoting these resources to international markets. Rwodzi emphasised that MICE tourism could significantly contribute to revenue generation, job creation, and GDP growth.
Experts suggest that Zimbabwe should also invest in technology infrastructure to support hybrid events, a growing trend in the MICE sector. The government is calling for private sector collaboration to realise this vision and develop necessary facilities.
By focusing on MICE tourism, Zimbabwe aims to position itself as a competitive destination in the regional market, potentially transforming its tourism industry and broader economy.
JOHANNESBURG, 12 September 2024 – Business travel has always involved managing risks, but recent trends have intensified the need for comprehensive data collection – and the challenges that come with it. According to International SOS, there was a 16% increase in security and medical alerts from January to November 2023 compared to the previous year. This surge not only highlights growing risks but also highlights the increasing importance of gathering sensitive traveller information.
Dr Chris van Straten, a global health advisor, emphasized these rising threats at the GBTA Southern Africa Conference 2024. He noted, “Climate change is not only affecting weather patterns but also increasing health risks. For instance, warmer and wetter conditions in winter are intensifying malaria risks in Africa, and dengue fever in Asia and even Europe. Emerging diseases like mpox also pose new challenges for travellers.”
As these risks continue to evolve and escalate, understanding individual traveller profiles and vulnerabilities has become more critical than ever, says Bonnie Smith, GM of Corporate Traveller. Smith notes that this means our approach to travel risk management also needs to shift, and a human-centric approach is crucial. “With travel risks becoming increasingly complex, having detailed information about our travellers isn’t just helpful – it’s essential for their safety,” Smith explained. “However, gathering this sensitive data requires a delicate balance of trust and transparency.”
Van Straten emphasised the importance of empathy in this process: “It’s vital to build trust with your travellers and approach their personal information with care. When travellers feel supported, they’re more likely to share crucial details that can impact their safety.”
Smith elaborates on the type of information travel managers need: “As a travel manager, you want to know things like if a traveller is pregnant, if they identify as part of any minority groups, or if they have chronic health conditions. This information is crucial for tailoring risk management strategies, but it’s also highly personal and sensitive.”
For businesses grappling to get the balance right, Smith has this advice:
1. Prioritise transparency: Clearly communicate what data is being collected and why. Travellers are more willing to share when they understand how the information protects them.
2. Train for empathy: Equip travel managers with the interpersonal skills to discuss sensitive topics. The ability to approach these conversations with empathy is becoming as important as technical know-how.
3. Create two-way communication channels: Establish easy ways for travellers to update their information and express concerns. Giving travellers a voice in the process builds trust.
4. Personalise risk assessments: Use the data collected to provide tailored risk management strategies. This demonstrates a genuine commitment to each traveller’s well-being.
5. Incorporate mental health support: Recognise the psychological impact of travel, especially in high-risk situations. Offering mental health resources shows travellers that you care about their overall wellbeing, not just their physical safety.
Smith suggests a practical approach for companies dealing with sensitive data: “Always ask, ‘Is this information essential for traveller safety?’ If the answer is yes, ensure you have the systems and training in place to handle it responsibly.”
“Effective risk management isn’t just about having the right data,” she concludes. “It’s about creating an environment where travellers feel valued, understood, and protected. That’s the key to not only gathering the necessary information but also fostering a positive travel culture in these challenging times.”
For more information about Corporate Traveller, or to interview Corporate Traveller South Africa GM Bonnie Smith, call Dorine Reinstein on 083 278 8994 or email [email protected].
About Corporate Traveller
Corporate Traveller is a division of the Flight Centre Travel Group, dedicated to saving businesses across Southern Africa time and money. Corporate Traveller has the benefit of being part of the world’s third-largest travel retailer, leveraging its global negotiating strength. It has access to over 50 of the world’s leading airlines and deals with more than 100 000 hotels around the world to guarantee savings for clients. Corporate Traveller provides clear, consolidated reporting of all its clients’ travel activities, helping them to control travel spend and identify opportunities to save costs.
