Wole Shadare 
As part of its training culture, expanding travel business and equipping travel agents with in-depth knowledge of its products, South African Airways (SAA) recently held one-day training for travel agents. It was also an opportunity for the carrier to showcase Mauritius as a unique destination for travellers. The Country Manager for SAA, Mrs Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, said: “South African Airways has a training culture.
The brand has been operating into Nigeria for over 20 years and during this time many smaller agents have sprung to life and are today partners with SAA. We have strong partners in the top ten and top twenty categories, but we appreciate the small family groups. It means a lot to us. That’s why we are here.” “We are a member of Star Alliance and a network carrier.
Product knowledge is therefore important for your business as travel agent. Collaborate with SAA; collaborate with our partners in Mauritius and we will provide you with the necessary tools like product knowledge training, special group discounts, familiarization trips, MICE fares and lots more to facilitate the ease of doing business”, she assured.
Addressing the Travel Agents, Mr Visham Carpen, General Manager of Maurijet, a Destination Management Company (DMC) from Mauritius, presented the benefits of selling Mauritius as a destination of choice for passengers seeking to travel to an exotic destination within the continent. He also highlighted that Mauritius has a visa-free policy for Nigerians boasting of beautiful tourist attractions and exclusive hotels.
He therefore encouraged the Agents to partner with the DMC for the needs of their clients including guided tours and excursions; tailor packages; MICE and leisure groups; car rental; and in-resort assistance among others. In a comprehensive presentation, SAA showcased its extensive route network within and outside Africa; highlighting code-share agreements with numerous airlines which enable it to airlift passengers to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Namibia and other destinations on the continent and beyond. Travel agents were also encouraged to take advantage of the airline’s two new destinations Perth Australia and Sao Paulo, Brazil.
