BWH HOTEL GROUP Celebrating one year in Addis Ababa - ZIMBABWE - Business Traveller Africa
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
ZIMBABWE Still struggling FACIAL RECOGNITION The new norm BWH HOTEL GROUP Celebrating one year in Addis Ababa ISSUE 143: SEPTEMBER 2019 www.businesstravellerafrica.co.za
Experience Zimbabwe
the
MAVERICK MEDIA 0819AS24
Travelling for business or leisure?
Unforgettable experiences await
you under the African Sun.
Experience... Explore... Enjoy...
HARARE BULAWAYO
Central Res South Africa Central Res Zimbabwe
+27 (0)100030079 +263 772 128 131/2 | +263 86 77004651
+27 (0) 100030081-85 +263 (4) 704501-10 | +263 (4) 251 200-14 | +263 (4) 795611-28
pacro@africansunhotels.com hacro@africansunhotels.com
Follow us on @AfricanSunHotels www.africansunhotels.com
Helping you select a better
quality guest house
Guest House Accommodation
of South Africa
www.ghasa.co.za
FINALIST
In the category
TOP GENDER EMPOWERED ORGANISATION:
TOURISM
Sponsored by
Awarded to
BCD TRAVEL
You have been ranked among South Africa’s top five Top Gendered Empowered Companies in your category. This
officially qualifies you for inclusion in our 2019 Top Women Awards. The Standard Bank Top Women Awards aims
to sustainably celebrate and uplift women and organisations making a contribution to gender empowerment.
FIONA WAKELIN
GR OUP EDITOR
10 Contents
24
Cover
Best Western Hotels & Resorts has a rich
history of over 70 years in hospitality, with a
current portfolio of 16 brands and a presence in
18 14
nearly 100 countries. It also operates a growing
network of properties in Africa and a year ago
established a presence in Ethiopia for the first
time. The Best Western Plus Addis Ababa
recently celebrated its first birthday.
FEATURES REGULARS
10 Zimbabwe
It’s been a tumultuous few years for
04 Message from the Team 18 Tried and Tested
What’s the editor ranting about now? Train Check
Zimbabwe, with the country going • The Blue Train
through a change in leadership. But life
has gone on and Zimbabwe remains 06 News
Airline, hotel and other travel news 20 Q & A Interviews
a business travel destination of great
from Africa and beyond • Kevin Clarence – Birchwood
interest to certain industries, so here’s
• Nicole Adonis – FCM Travel
08 HTI Consulting Column 22 People on the Move
what you need to know for a first-time
visit.
14 Airport Facial CEO Wayne Troughton provides his
thoughts on the African hotel industry The movers and shakers –
what they’re up to now
Recognition
As airlines and airports rapidly adopt the
use of biometrics, travellers are faced
09 ASATA Column
The latest from Chief Executive Officer 24 Bite with the Editor
with new requirements and procedures Otto de Vries Gidon Novick – Home* Suite Hotels
in their quest to check in and board a
flight. So, what do you need to know
about this new system? BT UK’s Jenni
Reid has the inside track.
Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za SEPTEMBER2019 | 3
ED’S LETTER
PUBLISHER
Richard Lendrum
I
'm a sucker for an interesting study and UK-based Hayes & Jarvis EDITOR
have come up with one that caught my eye. Dylan Rogers
dylan@thefuture.co.za
They are long-haul specialists and have been offering
holidays worldwide for over 65 years.
The other reason this study grabbed my attention is my dislike JOURNALIST
for people burying themselves in their smartphones, to the Kate Kennedy
detriment of actual human interaction, particularly when it comes
CONTRIBUTORS
to leisure time. Jenni Reid
In this instance, specific holidays or actual leisure trips.
Hayes & Jarvis decided to research what they've called the
world's "Top 20 Destinations for A Digital Detox", with the study DESIGN AND LAYOUT
Nadette Voogd
highlighting the number of wi-fi hotspots and 4G availability
(where less is better) in a country, as well as the percentage of
parks you can explore. SUBSCRIPTIONS AND PRODUCTION
By looking at the number of wi-fi hotspots, the percentage of the Mabel Ramafoko
population that have access to the internet, and more, this study mabel@thefuture.co.za
claims to find the best places to avoid the internet and relax.
Interestingly, the country coming out on top was Costa Rica. SOUTH AFRICAN OFFICE
That's due to 66% of the population having access to the internet Postal Address:
and the country's 4G speeds of around 5.82 Mbps, whilst Costa PO Box 1746, Saxonwold, 2132
Physical Address:
Rica also has a high percentage of parkland at 25%, higher than any 6 Rodwiella Rd, Edenberg
other destination on the list. Telephone: +27 11 327 6107
Chile, Iceland, Colombia and Peru rounded off the top five,
making South America a serious contender for a 'digital-light'
holiday. Throw in Argentina at number seven and Ecuador at NIGERIAN OFFICE
3rd Floor, EuniBrown House195,
number eight, and that argument is strengthened further. Ikorodu Road, Palmgrove,Lagos, Nigeria
Closer to home, South Africa is the highest-ranked African Tel: +234 1 740 3236
country at number 12, with low 4G speeds of approximately 15.42 Mobile: +234 803 963 0155
Mbps and many natural parks, whilst over 40% of residents are
disconnected from the internet. PUBLISHER – NORTH & WEST AFRICA
Tope Ogbeni-Awe
A couple of other interesting findings stood out: tope.ogbeni-awe@topcommng.com
- C anada: Only 0.11% of the land in Canada is built on, making it
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
perfect for an escape from technolog y Mohammed Abdullahi
- Australia: With 4G speeds of around 32.5 Mbps and 685 national
parks, rather opt for the unique wildlife and insects, as opposed
to surfing the net
Business Traveller Africa is published under licence from Perry
- I reland: Although Ireland only has six nationals parks, there are Publications Limited.
many hikes you can take to get away from densely-populated Warwick House, 25 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0PP.
areas and technolog y Tel: +44 20 7821 2740
www.businesstraveller.com
“It is vital for both our mental and physical health for us to get the
full rest we need," said Helen Adamson, Hayes & Jarvis Brand &
Commercial Director. "Digital devices like phones or tablets can at
times hinder our ability to turn off and truly relax, which is why we
conducted research into locations where the internet is limited or
unavailable."
Well said and well done!
Follow us on:
Dylan Rogers
Editor
dylan@thefuture.co.za
4 | SEPTEMBER2019 Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za
SUN2887
IT’S
HIGH TIME
BUSINESS
MEETS LEISURE
Situated in the heart of Menlyn Maine,
The Maslow Time Square is Sun International’s
238-room specialist business hotel. Not only a
destination for professionals, but a portal for
travellers. Boasting 17 floors that offer everything
from business to leisure with tempting eateries,
THE MASLOW TIME SQUARE
a relaxing business lounge and 13 bespoke
conference rooms. 209 Aramist Avenue, Pretoria,
Gauteng, South Africa
For the perfect balance of business and pleasure, Tel: 0860 846 377 / 0860 TIMESQ
be our guest. Central Reservations: +27 11 780 7800
timesquare.reservations@suninternational.com
NEWS
MSC Adds Second Ship to SA FCTG Embarks On New
Season Tech
MSC Cruises will be bringing two ships to South Africa’s shores for
the 2020/2021 cruise season. This will mark the first time that two South African travellers will soon have access to a
different class MSC Cruises ships (Lirica and Musica Class) will be seamless all-in-one travel shopping experience when
deployed in the country simultaneously. From December 2020 to Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa launches
March 2021, MSC Opera, which will be homeported in Cape Town, its new technology initiative, across its network and
will join MSC Musica, homeported in Durban. MSC Opera, which websites.The new web-based technology will allow
can host approximately 2,500 guests and was completely refurbished online customers to book a wide range of travel
in 2014, will offer 22 cruises next season alongside MSC Musica. content, from tours to accommodation, on a single
MSC Musica can cater for approximately 3,200 guests and will platform featuring the best direct rates. FCTG travel
offer 40 cruises. The ships will alternate routes, providing South experts will be the first to benefit from the tool’s
African cruisers with a wider choice of options. MSC Cruises is the ability to deliver dynamic and static inventory, early
world's largest privately-owned cruise line with seasonal itineraries next year, after which it will be rolled out to online
that include Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, South America, travel customers through the Flight Centre website
Southern Africa, China, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and India. and mobile app. A new dedicated project team has
been formed to roll out the first-to-be-seen technology
in South Africa.
BCD a Finalist in Standard
Bank Top Women Awards Marriott and Emirates
BCD Travel has been nominated in the Top Gender Empowered
Organisation: Tourism category in the annual Standard Bank
Top Women Awards, which recognises those organisations and
Strengthen Partnership
Marriott International and Emirates have relaunched
individuals whose efforts are uplifting women in business and
Your World Rewards, a partnership between Marriott
society. BCD Travel has placed a focus on providing opportunities
Bonvoy and Emirates Skywards. The partnership
for women in the workplace and says it is pursuing a consistent
allows registered members to elevate their earnings
commitment to driving gender parity. As a finalist, BCD Travel is
and benefits when they fly with Emirates or stay
encouraging its travel industry peers to support this initiative in
at Marriott International hotels around the globe.
order to drive sustainable development.
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, Titanium
Elite and Ambassador Elite members earn three
Marriott Bonvoy points for every USD or its foreign
equivalent spent on all eligible Emirates flights
(in addition to Skywards Miles). Marriott Bonvoy
Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite
also enjoy in-airport benefits, including priority check-
in and boarding. Emirates Skywards Silver, Gold and
Platinum members earn one Skywards Mile for every
USD or its foreign equivalent spent (in addition to
points) on all eligible stays at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
and resorts worldwide. Emirates Skywards Gold and
Platinum members also enjoy additional benefits at
Marriott Bonvoy hotels, including 16h00 late check-
out, access to the Elite check-in and complimentary
in-room internet access.
SAA Beefs Up Presence
in Ghana
South African Airways is strengthening its presence
BON Hotels Enters Kruger in Ghana by increasing weekly frequencies from
National Park
nine to 10 flights between Johannesburg and Accra,
and by launching a daily service between Accra
Overlooking the Sabi River, Leopard Sands River Lodge by and Washington DC, with effect from 5 September.
BON Hotels is set to launch in the latter part of 2019. The lodge All services to Washington DC commence in
is located in the prime area of the Kruger National Park, only Johannesburg with a short stopover in Accra. SAA is
minutes from the Kruger Gate entrance. The lodge has 18 luxury also examining new opportunities to connect Dakar
units, all equipped with private plunge pools. It also boasts an (Senegal) services through its Accra base. Whilst these
elevated restaurant that gives guests a unique view of the park. plans are finalised, SAA will temporarily suspend
Leopard Sands is the group’s second Halaal-certified offering in services between Johannesburg and Dakar, with effect
the area, with the other being Buckler’s Africa Lodge. from 5 September.
6 | SEPTEMBER2019 For more news, visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za
Best Western Celebrates a Year in Addis
The Best Western Plus Addis Ababa hotel has celebrated its first birthday, marking a
successful introduction to the Ethiopian hotel landscape for the international group. The
hotel is ideally located in the heart of the commercial and entertainment district of Addis
Ababa and just two kilometres from Bole International Airport. The Best Western Plus
Addis Ababa has 160 rooms and suites, and an all-day dining restaurant located on the
mezzanine floor that offers a wide selection of cultural and international delicacies. The
Lobby Bar & Cafe offers authentic Ethiopian coffee, whilst the Best Western Plus Addis
Ababa can also host a wide variety of private functions, including weddings, corporate
events, meetings, conferences, and private parties in one of its spacious meeting rooms
and halls. Further bolstering the offering is a sports bar on the 10th floor that has a
360-degree view of the city. The hotel also boasts a state-of-the art g ym and a spa that
offers bespoke treatments.
Austrian Airlines City Lodge at Two Rivers
Expands Flight Mall Awarded Four Stars
Service to Cape Town City Lodge Hotel at Two Rivers Mall, Nairobi has been awarded
a four-star rating from the Tourism Regulatory Authority
From the beginning of December, Austrian Airlines
in Kenya. The hotel “successfully scored 100% on essential
will operate one additional flight from Cape
items as required by the East African Community grading
Town to Vienna, increasing the frequency to three
procedure”, said the report. The 171-room City Lodge Hotel
weekly connections, which will be offered until
at Two Rivers Mall, Nairobi opened on 15 January 2018 and is
mid-March 2020. The route will be operated by a
the group’s biggest development outside of South Africa. Key
Boeing 777-200. The extension of the third weekly
features include wi-fi, two 20-seater boardrooms, two eight-
flight between Cape Town and Vienna is Austrian
seater meeting rooms, fitness room, #Café restaurant serving
Airlines’ response to the increased demand on this
breakfast, lunch and light evening meals, outdoor swimming
route. Together with Austrian Airlines’ additional
pool and sundowner bar. The City Lodge Hotel Group has also
connections over the period, Lufthansa offers five
opened the Town Lodge Umhlanga in KwaZulu-Natal, which
weekly flights from Cape Town to Frankfurt and
is located close to sister properties, the City Lodge Umhlanga
five weekly flights from Cape Town to Munich.
Ridge and the Road Lodge Umhlanga Ridge. In other City
SWISS (including Edelweiss) provides four
Lodge news, the group is undertaking a large-scale solar
weekly flights from Cape Town to Zurich. From
project at 25 of its hotels. This follows a successful pilot study
Johannesburg, Lufthansa has seven weekly flights
at the Road Lodge Centurion in Pretoria, which has a 50kWp
to Frankfurt with SWISS servicing another seven
(Kilowatt peak) generation system installed on the roof. The
weekly flights to Zurich. This brings the Lufthansa
roll-out will result in nearly 4,250 solar panels being installed at
Group’s total number of flights to South Africa
24 hotels in South Africa and one in Namibia, with a combined
during the winter flight plan to 31.
energ y output of approximately 1.45 megawatts of power.
COMFORT WITHOUT BORDERS
AS A HOTEL GROUP BORN AND BRED IN AFRICA, WE CONTINUE TO GROW OUR PRESENCE IN THE CONTINENT. YOU CAN NOW
CHECK INTO 60 HOTELS ALL OVER AFRICA – INCLUDING SOUTH AFRICA, DAR ES SALAAM, GABORONE, WINDHOEK AND
NAIROBI – KNOWING THAT YOU’LL FIND THE COMFORT AND RELIABILITY YOU’VE COME TO EXPECT FROM A STAY WITH US.
FOR THE RATES AND RESERVATIONS OF YOUR PREFERRED DESTINATION ACROSS THE CONTINENT, VISIT CLHG.COM
For more news, visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za AUGUST2019 | 7
COMMENT
Africa’s hotel industry ripe for
further growth
A
frica’s hotel industry has experienced growth lower occupancy, rooms sold increased by 6.3%,
over the last two decades. The proliferation which indicates a growth in demand.
Wayne of brands across the continent has taken the On the other hand, South Africa’s contracting
Troughton supply of hotels to the next level and whilst hotel economy appears to be the main factor affecting a
CEO: HTI Consulting opportunities in Africa can no longer be cherry 2.6% drop in occupancy in business hub Sandton.
picked, as in previous years, opportunities in key Government activity in Tanzania continues to
markets do still abound. constrain investor sentiment and create a knock-on
HTI Consulting summarised hotel market effect on occupancy growth, with Dar es Salaam
performances across 13 African cities for the first seeing occupancy drop by 2%.
half of 2019 as indicated by STR Global, a company With the continent strongly influenced by
providing hotel data benchmarking, analytics and currency fluctuations, none of the markets assessed
marketplace insights. showed Average Daily Rate growth in USD terms,
however the least impacted by currency constraints
OCCUPANCY GROWTH was Gaborone. In local currency ADR grew by 7.4%
Addis Ababa led the 13 African cities assessed in in Gaborone, as did Accra (9%) and Lusaka (17.9%).
terms of hotel occupancy growth. In the Ethiopian Of the bottom five ADR markets, South African
capital a growth rate of 9.7 % has been driven markets – Sandton, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria
largely by the improved economic environment – all showed declines in ADRs in local currency as
created under a new government actively attempting well as USD. The continued depreciation of the rand
to create more economic opportunities. Growth has combined with increasing competition and increased
also continued despite the attempted coup in June of price sensitivity negatively impacted rate increases
this year. in 2019.
South African markets also dominate in terms
of occupancy growth, despite dampened economic FUTURE SUPPLY
conditions in the country. On the sub-tropical east With an additional planned 2,455 hotel rooms, Addis
coast, Umhlanga, with an occupancy growth rate Ababa has the biggest pipeline for development
of 5.5%, led the South African markets, driven under construction, meaning in future years ADR
by the development and expansion of this area and occupancy rates will come under pressure here.
as a corporate and tourist hub. In Cape Town, It is encouraging to note that Nairobi and Lagos
overall occupancy growth was 4.1%, with the less are experiencing continued growth in rooms sold
price-sensitive five-star market driving growth as markets recover from recessionary conditions
(this segment experiencing an 8.5% increase Y TD (Lagos) and terror attacks (Nairobi). Whilst the
July 2019). Rooms sold in the city grew by 6.2%, high level of new supply in Nairobi has dampened
indicating that the market is gradually absorbing conditions, individual properties in strategic
the high levels of new supply that have recently locations are achieving strong, above average
entered the market. As a more affordable domestic performances
destination and event hub, Durban’s hotel occupancy Cape Town will experience a new round of
rate increased by 1.8%. midscale room supply in 2019 with the opening
Another city worth mentioning, Gaborone, has of the 157-roomed Signature Lux, as well as an
shown a significant turnaround since the end additional 735 midscale rooms entering the market
of 2017, when the city recorded a -6% decline in 2021 and 2022. This will continue to impact on
in average occupancy. Here, improved economic the occupancy and rates of this segment.
conditions combined with limited new supply The market to watch is South Africa’s Umhlanga
(prior to the Hilton Garden Inn opening) have seen node. Occupancy has increased consistently in
occupancy levels grow by 4.9%. recent years whilst ADR increased by 2.9% Y TD.
Whilst this is not a significant increase, given the
OCCUPANCY DECLINE constraints of the South Africa economy, this is
Lusaka’s occupancy performance was the weakest positive. Although new supply is planned in the
of the cities assessed driven by dampened economic market (over 400 rooms), this is expected to be
conditions. Growth forecasts for Zambia are at 1.9% absorbed relatively swiftly, particularly if economic
for 2019, down from 3.7% in 2018. This, combined conditions in South Africa improve in the medium-
with high levels of new supply in the country’s term.
capital, saw occupancy rates decline by a substantial As new international brands continue to enter
18.1%. key markets in Africa, conditions are becoming
A 5.2% occupancy decline in Pretoria is no real increasingly competitive. However, by finding the
cause for concern, however this can largely be right project in the right location, good investment
attributed to new supply, including the Protea by returns are still possible in markets across the
Marriott Loftus Park with 152 rooms. In fact, despite continent. ■
8 | SEPTEMBER2019 Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.zaCOMMENT
Travelling employees value experience
T
he travel industry is ‘experience’ has become the new to travellers and a robust business
under pressure to find challenge for travel buyers and travel framework that is easy,
new ways to improve the travel management companies appealing and rewarding to follow.
traveller experience. That is being which also have to deliver on their It’s not impossible to achieve, but
achieved through personalisation corporate customers’ KPIs. it takes continuous communication
and convenient booking options But, that’s difficult when between the organisation and its
tailored to the needs of the travellers increasingly demand travellers to find that win-win
individual traveller and their to control their own travel scenario.
company. experiences – ones that take into This is just one element of
As a result, ensuring equal consideration quality of life and corporate travel demand that is
focus on the practicality of a travel autonomy during travels. being explored in the review of the
policy that suits the needs of the These modern travellers want Association of Southern African
corporate and its travellers has to take back control because Travel Agents (ASATA) 21st
become a delicate balancing act for they believe that outdated travel Century Travel Agent Study.
company travel buyers. policies and strict corporate The study, to be released in the
To this end, more companies policies not only have a negative coming months, will also identify
(particularly in the US) are impact on their wellbeing, but also the role our TMC members play
establishing traveller satisfaction inhibit the success of a business in achieving a travel policy
prorammes, according to research trip. For them, good business that balances the demands of
by the Global Business Travel travel is not just ‘good’ for them, the business traveller and the
Association (GBTA) and HRS. but it also has to be ‘good’ for the organisation on whose behalf they
The study found that although company – a win-win. travel. ■
practicality is key for business To strike the right balance, travel
travellers, they view travel as an buyers and TMCs must offer a Otto de Vries
experience. Delivering on this balance between a retail experience ASATA CEO
MEETING
& EVENTS
Your group travel needs
the expertise & experience
it deserves to make it a
success. Let CWT manage
it all for you
Contact Vanessa Govender
Email:
vangovender@mycwt.co.za
or Cell: 082 383 0697
Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za SEPTEMBER2019 | 9FEATURE – ZIMBABWE
Tough times
Zimbabwe faces some serious economic challenges, but if it FACT FILE
can pull itself out of this hole, it has much to offer business Time zone: GMT+2
travellers to the country. Plugs: Three-
prong square
Dialling code: +263
Z
multi-currency system, and Currency: RTGS Dollar
imbabwean President taking another step towards Language: English,
Emmerson Mnangag wa, relaunching the Zimbabwean
who replaced long-time
Shona, Sindebele
dollar. The central bank also
leader Robert Mugabe hiked its overnight lending rate
after an army coup in November to 50% from 15% as a part of a
2017, is trying to repair an set of measures to protect the largely dependent on agriculture
economy ruined by hyperinflation Real Time Gross Transfer (RTGS) and mineral resources, with
and a long succession of failed dollar introduced in February. the mining industr y the largest
economic interventions. RTGS Dollars is money made driver, accounting for almost
Zimbabwe’s inflation, the up of bond notes, bond coins half of the countr y’s exports.
second highest in the world after and RTGS balances (electronic Manufacturing was once a
Venezuela, almost doubled in June money). key sector of the economy
to around 175%, courtesy of high The initial exchange rate when and the basic manufacturing
fuel and power prices. it launched in February was infrastructure still exists in
Also in June, Zimbabwe made around 3-4 RTGS dollars/US many cases. However, it needs
its interim currency the country’s dollar, but it has since slipped to investment, modernisation and
sole legal tender, ending a around 11.25/1. reliable power to get up and
decade of ‘dollarisation’ and the The economy of Zimbabwe is running again.
10 | SEPTEMBER2019 Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.zaHarare
Tourism has been long Harare International Airport
identified as one of the areas
of opportunity for Zimbabwe.
Tourism is a foreign currency
earner which currently contributes
approximately 10% to the GDP.
Zimbabwe has a long road
ahead to full recovery, but many
are optimistic, although the
country needs to get a few key
issues right.
CITIES
The capital city Harare is the most
populated city in Zimbabwe and
the country’s primary business
travel destination. Set in the
natural garden of the Zimbabwe
Highveld, 1,500 metres above sea
level, Harare is a friendly city of
city located south-west of Harare. in the region.
flowering trees and gardens and
The Zimbabwe International Trade Zimbabwe's most popular
a temperate climate. Don't miss
Fair is located here and is the tourist and MICE destination
the Harare gardens, Mbare market
largest intra-regional trade fair is Victoria Falls, home to the
and museum on your visit.
south of the Sahara, providing the greatest curtain of falling water in
Bulawayo is the second largest
largest, most convenient trade hub the world.
Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za SEPTEMBER2019 | 11FEATURE – ZIMBABWE
A'Zambezi River Lodge Cresta Lodge
Rainbow Towers Hotel Victoria Falls Rainbow Lodge
AIRPORTS
Harare’s airport is the largest in
the process.
Fastjet began operations into
“ Zimbabwe’s inflation, the
the country, situated 10 kilometres Zimbabwe in 2014 from Dar es second highest in the world
from the centre of town. There Salaam. The airline set up a after Venezuela, almost doubled
are shops and small restaurants in Zimbabwean arm in 2015 and
the airport. Most of the airlines, currently flies internally between
in June to around 175%. ”
including Emirates, SA A, BA Harare and Vic Falls and Harare
(operated by Comair), Kenya and Bulawayo, as well as the
Airways, Air Zimbabwe and Harare-Johannesburg route.
Ethiopian Airlines do offer airside Other airlines that land in HOTELS
lounge facilities to their first and Harare include Air Namibia African Sun is one of the big hotel
business class passengers. The (which also flies to Vic Falls) from players in Zimbabwe, operating 11
airport security and customs x-ray Windhoek, Airlink (which also properties across the country.
systems are extremely thorough, flies to Bulawayo and connects The group has three divisions,
though, so remove your belt, Cape Town with Vic Falls) from comprising ‘City and Country
shoes, watch and everything Johannesburg, and LAM from Hotels’, ‘Resort Hotels’ and ‘The
from your pockets. Taxis, airport Mozambique. Victoria Falls Hotel Partnership’.
shuttles and transfers by car As the country’s national Five hotels fall under the City
are the most popular forms of carrier, Air Zimbabwe connects and Country Hotels division, with
transport to and from the city. Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria three of them under franchise
The check-in experience can be Falls. BA (operated by Comair) from the InterContinental Hotels
long, especially in economy, but offers flights to Vic Falls from Group - the Holiday Inn-branded
immigration tends to be fast. The South Africa, while SA A reaches hotels in Harare, Bulawayo
arrivals hall appears disorganised, Bulawayo and Vic Falls in addition and Mutare. The other two
but it flows. Having your forms to Harare. properties in this division are
completed, knowing your visa The new Victoria Falls the Monomotapa Harare, with
requirements, and having exact International Airport opened in its iconic structure overlooking
change for your visa will expedite the lush Harare Gardens, and the
2016.
12 | SEPTEMBER2019 Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.zaVictoria Falls
setting. Suited to both the
business and leisure traveller, the
amenities include complimentary
wi-fi, two swimming pools, a
fitness centre, complimentary
breakfast buffet, secure on-
site parking and fine dining at
Emmanuel’s Restaurant.
Radisson Blu entered Zimbabwe
when it began construction of
the Radisson Blu Hotel Harare in
2018, with doors expected to open
sometime this year, if everything
goes according to plan.
CARD ACCEPTANCE
Major international credit cards
(Visa and MasterCard) are now
accepted in most of the larger
hotels, restaurants and shops, but
many smaller establishments still
do not have credit card facilities.
Diners Club and American
Express are often not accepted.
VISAS
Travellers from the following
Troutbeck Resort in the Eastern operates six properties across African countries do not require
Highlands mountains of Nyanga. Zimbabwe, with two in Harare visas to enter Zimbabwe:
African Sun’s Resort Hotels – the Rainbow Towers Hotel Botswana, DRC, Ghana, Kenya,
are located in all the country’s and the New Ambassador Hotel, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius,
major tourist destinations, such which is located in the CBD. RTG Mozambique, Namibia, South
as the Elephant Hills Resort also has the Bulawayo Rainbow Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo,
and The Kingdom at Victoria Hotel – its only property in that Uganda, and Zambia.
Falls. Hwange Safari Lodge is city – and two hotels in Vic Falls, African countries whose
situated in the Hwange National in the form of the A’Zambezi nationals are granted visas at the
Park where over 100 species of River Lodge and the Victoria port of entry on payment of the
mammals and nearly 400 bird Falls Rainbow Hotel. RTG’s sixth requisite visa fees ($30 – single
species have been recorded, property is the Kadoma Rainbow entry): Eg ypt and Seychelles.
whilst the Great Zimbabwe Hotel Hotel, about 140 kilometres from All other African passport
in Masvingo is located within Harare. holders need to apply in advance.
walking distance of the Great Looking at the other main
Zimbabwe National Monument, hotels in Harare, the Meikles HEALTH
a UNESCO World Heritage Site Hotel is a five-star property set in Malaria is prevalent in large parts
and the largest ancient structure a prime location in the centre of of the country, so do take the
south of the Sahara. The Caribbea the city. Local tourist attractions necessary precautions.
Bay Resort is in Kariba, which is such as Eastgate Centre, African Private medical centres offer
among the four largest man-made Unity Square and the National excellent healthcare, especially in
lakes in the world. Art Gallery are not far from the Harare, where quality treatment
The Victoria Falls Hotel, which hotel. Also nearby are the Harare is available 24/7. There are also
African Sun jointly operates with Gardens, Queen Victoria Museum several ambulance companies who
Meikles Hospitality, completes the and National Museum. Dining can undertake medical evacuation
group’s management portfolio. facilities at Meikles include La where necessary.
Cresta Hotels has three Fontaine, a good restaurant worth There are also a number of
establishments in Harare, in the trying. The hotel also offers emergency clinics offering good
form of the centrally-located transportation to/from the airport healthcare after hours, if you
Cresta Jameson, Cresta Lodge for an additional fee. prefer avoiding a hospital.
Harare on the outskirts of the The Bronte Hotel is renowned Drinking tap water is not
city centre, and Cresta Oasis, for its beautiful gardens and advisable, although Victoria
which is a hotel that also offers collection of Shona sculptures. Falls does have its own water
serviced apartments for long-term Centrally located in the Avenues, purification plant.
stays. Cresta also has the Cresta within walking distance of
Churchill in Bulawayo and Cresta downtown Harare, the Bronte CONTACTS
Spray view in Vic Falls. offers well-appointed rooms zimbabwetourism.net
Rainbow Tourism Group and executive suites in a garden gotovictoriafalls.co.za ■
Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za SEPTEMBER2019 | 13FEATURE: AIRPORT FACIAL RECOGNITION
Face of
the Future
The use of facial recognition at airports is
set to become an accepted method and just
part of the way we travel.
14 | SEPTEMBER2019 Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.zaT
he use of biometrics by whether obtained through One attendee mentioned even
airlines and airports (not documents like visas, by further uses, for example in
to mention banks, tech submitting it online in advance, advertising or to locate passengers
firms and governments) or via a booth at check-in. late for their flights – though these
is soaring. That database must be able to would likely fall foul of regulatory
International Air Transport communicate with others, chiefly hurdles, at least for now.
Association President Gloria those that know which passengers Following tests at Amsterdam
Guevara recently called it the should be on which flight, and Schiphol, KLM’s Chief
“future of travel”, with 71% of those that snap pictures of Executive Pieter Elbers said
airlines and 77% of airports passengers as they move through he has considered using facial
currently investing in biometric the airport checkpoints. recognition technolog y in airport
programmes. The picture is stored as a lifts so that staff can prepare for a
Recent years have seen big ‘template’ rather than an actual passenger’s arrival.
advances in facial recognition photograph, creating a kind of
technolog y, meaning it’s more map using numerous points on a WHERE CAN I FIND THESE
accessible and effective than ever face. When the picture is taken at SYSTEMS?
before – promising numerous new the airport, it creates another such In as little as five years’ time,
conveniences and impressively template and cross-references it will probably be easier to say
futuristic systems, but also raising it with the flight database. If it where you can’t find them.
concerns over privacy and data hits the threshold for a match – The technolog y is being
protection. 90%, for example – the passenger introduced across the US. In
Here, we break down what’s is approved. The whole thing November 2018, Delta launched
going on, and what you should happens very quickly, usually the country’s first end-to-
know about it. in less than two seconds and end biometric terminal for
you barely have to glance at the international departures at
HOW DOES IT WORK? camera for it to capture your Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson
‘Biometric’ refers to the analysis image. Airport. It worked for several
of biological data, which could Who manages the database years with the US Transport
apply to fingerprint matches, will depend on the systems used and Security Administration on
iris scans, voice recognition or in each airport or country – it the system, which obtains the
other measurements of physical could be the airline, airport or photographs from a Customs
characteristics. However, it is facial a government agency such as and Border Protection database.
recognition which is really taking the Transport and Security Images are stored for a year,
off, and which you’re likely to start Administration. How long it is officials said, and the system is
encountering more and more. stored for will also vary – some currently opt-out.
You’ve probably already used airlines will allow the images to Business Traveller visited the
e-passport gates when entering a be deleted as soon as you leave airport on the launch day and the
countr y – these match the picture the airport. Others plan to keep it process was remarkably smooth,
in your passport against the face stored for months or even a year. approving passengers almost
staring into the camera, and read instantly as they glanced at the
the other information contained WHAT WILL IT BE USED FOR? camera.
in it, such as your nationalit y. It Initially you will likely see it in Delta plans to make McNamara
usually takes between six and ten arrival and departure systems as Terminal in Detroit end-to-end
seconds to do this and requires described above, with biometrics at some point this year and it has
you to hold your passport into a used at check-in, bag-drop, run tests at JFK, Minneapolis-
scanner to obtain the information, security and boarding as well as Saint Paul International and
sometimes failing to read it as at immigration on entry. Ronald Reagan Washington
you do (to the frustration of many But there are wider applications. National Airport.
a passenger). There are already airports in The US Department of
New departure systems will China with screens that scan Homeland Security says Customs
work differently, theoretically your face in order to provide and Border Protection is working
allowing you to walk through information about your flight. toward implementation of
check-in, bag-drop, security Business Traveller saw several biometric exit technolog y to cover
and aircraft boarding without examples of such technolog y at more than 97% of departing
showing a passport or boarding the Passenger Terminal Expo commercial air travellers
pass once (in practice, no airlines in London earlier this year, within the next four years. The
are currently offering this, not including an eye-level screen government sees it as a key way to
least because it’s best to check displaying gate numbers that “support the homeland security,
passengers have a passport so highlights yours as you look at it defence, and justice missions”.
they don’t show up in a new and a wheelchair that uses facial For airlines, it’s a way to provide
country without one). recognition to identif y your gate, added convenience for passengers.
It works because a database drive you there, and then drive San Jose Mineta International
already contains your picture, itself back to a parking spot. Airport, Orlando Airport, Miami
Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za SEPTEMBER2019 | 15FEATURE: AIRPORT FACIAL RECOGNITION International, LA X and JFK are biometric boarding at Amsterdam is arguably less exposing than just some of the other places Schiphol, while Heathrow says showing your flight details introducing their own systems it will roll out facial recognition and personal data to various with various airline partners. at “each point of the departing individuals. There is plenty going on outside passenger’s journey” this year However, some say that your of the US, too. and Gatwick has partnered with face is a particularly sensitive Tokyo Narita aims to introduce easyJet on its own trial. piece of data as it cannot be a new “One ID” process sometime We could go on. There are changed and the growth of in spring 2020 that will provide several websites entirely devoted biometric systems mean you passengers with an end-to-end to tracking the latest updates in could start to be identified at automated experience, with facial biometric technolog y. any point and for any purpose. data captured at a self-service As Matthew Brennan, a writer kiosk on arrival. SHOULD I BE WORRIED on tech in China, summarised Kempegowda International ABOUT ALL THIS? it in a recent Twitter post: “Your Airport in Bengaluru has There are certainly valid concerns face is a unique identifier, it’s launched a biometric roll-out and about the proliferation of facial the real-world equivalent of an India’s Civil Aviation Ministry recognition technolog y. email address, passport or phone wants other airports to follow suit On the one hand, we already number that can be used to track to tackle long queues. acknowledge that we will be and identif y someone. But it’s In Qatar, Hamad International closely monitored and give up much more powerful than any is introducing an end-to-end personal information in order of these traditional identifiers biometric system, while Dubai to travel by air. When asked by as it can never be changed International has been working Business Traveller about possible (without surgery) and it doesn’t with Emirates on a ‘smart tunnel’ privacy concerns, a senior US require the person’s consent. The that will allow passengers to pass Customs and Border Protection moment you are on camera is through immigration checks in 15 agent pointed out that the only the moment you can potentially seconds. information being given up to be identified by your face and Cathay Pacific is trialling these cameras is your face, which profile data started to be stored 16 | SEPTEMBER2019 Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za
about your behaviour.” programmes stand on “shaky legal surveillance system that can monitor
Campaigners have argued ground.” practically every move of a citizen,
that the public has not been “Congress has repeatedly including persecuted ethnic minorities.
consulted on the growing use of ordered the collection of While most governments are still
such technologies, and warn of biometrics from foreign nationals relatively secretive about their use of
dystopian consequences. at the border, but has never facial recognition in activities such as
The Georgetown Law Centre clearly authorised the border crime prevention, in China it is used
on Privacy and Technolog y collection of biometrics from in everything from vending machines
in Washington DC is one American citizens using face to large screens that name and shame
organisation with concerns recognition technolog y,” it states. jay walkers.
about its growing use. In a 2018 The debate taps into a broader And it is not just China under the
report, it called biometric airport one about facial recognition. spotlight. Last year, India’s Supreme
screening a “solution in search Because of course, it is not just Court put limits on a government
of a problem”, arguing that in airports where this technolog y programme that was seeing biometric
government agencies had failed to is on the rise – serious concerns information being increasingly required
justif y its introduction while there have been raised about China’s to access public and private services,
were still flaws in the technolog y. use of the technolog y to create from welfare collection to banking.
It also argues that such an unprecedented nationwide Campaigners have also called
Amazon’s facial recognition services,
which are sold to US police forces,
“perhaps the most dangerous
surveillance technolog y ever
developed”.
There are huge debates at play here
– biometrics may well change the way
we pay for things, provide ID, get into
buildings and events, check in at hotels
and more.
Its introduction in airports will be
less of a sea-change. They are a setting
where we already have a fairly low
expectation of privacy and will bring
tangible benefits for passengers.
But many passengers will no doubt still
be glad that many of the new systems are
opt out. It remains to be seen whether
they will stay that way. ■
BIOMETRICS IN NUMBERS
15 seconds – How long Dubai airport says it
will take to pass immigration using biometrics
10 minutes – The time BA takes to board 240
passengers using biometric scanning – half
the usual time
40% – Reduction in airport waiting time in
Delta’s Atlanta biometric terminal
63% – The number of airlines that expect to
be using biometrics within the next three years
100% – The number of smartphones and
tablets that are forecast to be using biometric
technology by 2020
10.4 million – The number of people that pass
through airports daily. Expected to double in
the next 20 years
$231 million – Estimated revenue of airport
biometrics market in 2019
Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za SEPTEMBER2019 | 17TRIED & TESTED/Train Check
CAPE TOWN - PRETORIA
THE BLUE TRAIN
BACKGROUND: The luxurious Blue experience in Pretoria or Cape Town. nooks and crannies. After some time I
Train has its origins in the Union This typically lasts six to eight hours arranged a later time with the executive
Limited and Union Express, which and guests are treated to a five-course manager and my wife and I went off to
carried passengers between the mail meal, open bar, and hand-made Cuban grab a prime spot in the observation car,
ships of Cape Town harbour and the cigars, whilst onboard entertainment can which has a nice, big window looking
goldfields of the Witwatersrand over be arranged. out the back of the train.
a hundred years ago. After being
refurbished and modernised in the CHECK-IN & LOUNGE: This was ROOMS: Your options are De Luxe (4m
1970s and 1980s a new Blue Train was scheduled to start at 14h30 and we x 2m) or Luxury suites (5.1m x 2m) and
introduced in 1997. In the following arrived at Cape Town station around we were accommodated in the former.
year a second identical train came 14h50. There we missed the main By day it was a lounge with couch, side
into service, allowing The Blue Train entrance (not great signage) and instead table, chairs and large window, and by
to add Hoedspruit and Port Elizabeth went around to the platform inside the night a double bed, with the conversion
to its destinations. In November 2018 station where we were met halfway handled by The Blue Train staff when we
The Blue Train launched its new brand down by one of the train’s butlers, who weren’t in our suite. It seems some suites
repositioning, “augmenting the brand took our bags and directed us to the have double beds and some twin beds,
to meet the evolving needs of the lounge. Tip: go round the back of Cape and I would put in a request up front.
discerning traveller” and its MICE Town station and look for the signs Our double bed, with high thread count
offering for businesses. directing you to “long distance” trains. linen, was comfortable, but I seemed to
There you’ll find a carpeted entrance roll around with the movement of the
ROUTES: The Blue Train’s main route to the lounge. There we checked in and train, so I’d like to try the twin option
is between Pretoria and Cape Town, were handed our tickets, before taking to see if it’s more ‘contained’. In the
but corporates on a private charter a seat and running an eye over the food same lounge space there was a cupboard
can travel to any other destination in available – mostly delicious-looking with hanging space, shelves and a safe,
the country where there is a working savoury treats. We ordered coffee and further storage space above, and a T V
railway line. The Blue Train is ideal water and were a little disappointed that we didn’t make use of, whilst there
for board meetings, strateg y sessions, with the cold instant coffee. Am sure was also air-conditioning, under-floor
office celebrations, annual executive The Blue Train could invest in a coffee heating and a land line next to the
conferences etc. Corporates can also hire machine for its Cape Town lounge. bed, mainly for calling the butler. The
the train for private charters on ‘A Trip bathroom was small, but beautiful done
to Nowhere,’ as well as on the Pretoria BOARDING: Around 15h30 we were out in opulent marble and gold fittings,
to Sun City route and on the Pretoria welcomed by the train’s manager and with a comfortable shower, basin and
to Durban route. Other routes include about 15 minutes later boarded and toilet, plus monogrammed towels and
Pretoria-Hoedspruit, Pretoria-Kruger found our way to our suite. We were told slippers. Some of the suites have baths
Park, and the Garden Route. On A Trip that a butler would be round to orientate instead of showers. We made use of the
to Nowhere, corporates can charter the us, and in the meantime we unpacked complimentary wi-fi in the room and
train for 80 people for a lunch or dinner our clothes and explored the various had no problems.
18 | SEPTEMBER2019 Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.zaTHE TRIP: We were scheduled to FOOD & DRINK: Breakfast, lunch and ARRIVAL: After another lie-in and depart at 16h00, but the train only got dinner were served in the dining car breakfast, we arrived in Pretoria at going around 16h45, which was a little and high tea in the lounge car, which around 10h15 on the Monday morning. bit of a shame as it was dark by the has a bar. Dinner is a formal affair, After disembarking, we had a short wait time we reached the Cape Winelands with guests required to dress formally, in the lounge, before our luggage was mountains, which we were told was one but it’s worth it for the food alone. Just brought through and we were on our way. of the best views from train. Once it by way of example, dinner on the first got dark, we grabbed a shower before night for me was a salmon and capers VERDICT: Definitely a luxury dinner. Post-dinner we made our way salad, followed by pepper-encrusted experience and a real treat, with the to the smoking car towards the front of venison coupled with pistachio lamb food and dining service a particular the train for a nightcap. After a lie- cutlet and barley casing, and rounded highlight. There were just a couple of in, we were up for breakfast the next off with the Swiss chocolate fondant small details, such as the late departure morning, followed by some reading and with sorbet. For breakfast I opted for and a few service elements that I feel a mid-morning sleep, before heading the Eggs Benedict and delicious fresh could be brushed up and improved, back to the dining car for lunch. As per coffee, whilst lunch saw me wolfing to do further justice to the five-star the schedule, we arrived in Kimberley down bobotie and yellow rice, before experience. ■ around 14h00 and all piled into a mini- the next round of three-course dinner, bus with tour guide. What followed was which on night two saw me indulge Dylan Rogers an interesting tour of the Kimberley in baked Scottish salmon with sweet mine and viewing of the iconic ‘Big potatoes, Asian vegetables and herb Hole’, which takes your breath away coulis. All of this, of course, in between due its size and scale. Thereafter, we glasses of quality wine over the two CONTACT were back on the train by 16h30, but nights, the odd G&T, and me skipping T: +27 12 334 8459 only departed Kimberley station around the high tea, due to a rather full E: info@bluetrain.co.za 19h45, once dinner was underway. stomach! W: bluetrain.co.za Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za SEPTEMBER2019 | 19
Q&A
Ever evolving
Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre is one of South Africa’s most comprehensive conference venues, but
it has had to move with the times and adapt its offering, as the market and its needs have changed. Here, Birchwood
Director Kevin Clarence talks through some of those changes with Business Traveller Africa.
Kevin
Q: What are your thoughts venues are having to ensure that opposed to conference, space?
Clarence
on the current state of the SA their connectivity infrastructure A: The development of our
Director: Birchwood
conference industry? is ready to handle this. We’ve award-winning Silverbirch product
Hotel & OR Tambo A: It’s incredible to watch our managed to create a service offering as well as the creation
Conference Centre conference industry evolve. offering where we can tailor-make of ample and distinct dining
We’re continuing to see the a network for your group with options means that we are not
standard conferencing paradigm customisable bandwidth, privacy, just a conference venue. While
be challenged and changed as speed and even a personalised conferencing is at our core, you
demands and requests become SSID. You will feel that the wi-fi will not find a venue that can
more unique. The modern was created, just for you. offer you what Birchwood can in
conference group wants something terms of meeting facilities and
different – an experience rather Q: Birchwood was previously accommodation offering. The
than ‘just another day at the heavily reliant on the public additional options such as the
office’. sector for business, but have you Mang wanani Boutique Spa, our
managed to broaden your client newly launched pool area, as well
Q: How is Birchwood keeping base, and if so, how? as our free high-speed wi-fi, on-
up with the trend of offering A: We are incredibly appreciative site restaurants, business centre
‘something different’? of public sector patronage and and the in-house expertise of our
A: We’ve expanded our product continue to have them as a part of
various teams, means that we are
offering to enhance a multi-day our clientele. Birchwood however,
a one-stop-shop in a location that
stay or conference. This year we is a product offering that should
is incredibly convenient.
launched our Food Truck. This spark the interest of any individual
incredible installation sees our traveller, conference group or
Q: How are you employing
chefs live in action serving some travel agent/PCO. The way that
technology to enhance the
favourite classic meals with a we’ve created this is by creating
delegate/guest experience?
Birchwood twist around our pool distinct and dedicated package
A: Our digital signage facility
and decking area. In the last year, offerings that are tailor-made for
welcomes you with your company
we’ve completely revamped and the market in mind. The business
logo and event name on a high
renovated two of our most utilised traveller is welcome to use our
definition digital screen outside
conference centres. Continuing complimentary Airport Waiting
the venue. We invite clients to
with the ‘something different’ Lounge. Larger conference groups
are able to make use of the be as creative as they’d like for
theme, we’ve created two dedicated
accommodation rooms near the these devices, or alternatively,
holding rooms, with luxurious
bigger venues. our marketing team can put
furniture, and packages for groups
something together. Our wi-fi
with VIPs in their parties.
Q: Have you been successful infrastructure received a large
Q: What’s the most unusual in changing the perception that investment to offer an unrivalled
request you’ve received from a Birchwood only caters to large- network facility whether for
customer in the past year or so? scale conferences? basic browsing, heav y-streaming,
A: Hospice East Rand recently A: Absolutely. We took the video-conferencing or cloud-based
held a Polar Plunge event where feedback from our clients to heart file sharing.
brave individuals dived into our and developed our service and
pool in the middle of winter. product offering to create what we Q: Where would you like to see
While our pool area has just been have available today. Birchwood Birchwood in 10 years’ time?
relaunched, we didn’t expect it to is a hospitality hub which has A: We want to continue to be an
be utilised in July. something for everyone. This has ever-growing and versatile venue
been validated by not only the that is the premier conference
Q: Have you picked up on any incredibly positive feedback we’ve and accommodation offering in
global conference trends that you received from our guests, but by Southern Africa. If I had to look
feel are worth mentioning? the numerous awards that we’ve 10 years in the future, I’d like
A: It’s rare to find a conference received – most of which are based to have Birchwood positioned
requirement that doesn’t require on public opinion and votes. as a property and offering that
heav y bandwidth for their event. has been moulded using client
With streaming services, cloud- Q: How have you positioned feedback and business trends as a
based file sharing and event Birchwood as a serious player in foundation and platform to build
mobile apps becoming a standard, the standard corporate travel, as and improve. ■
20 | SEPTEMBER2019 Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.zaQ&A
Techno-centric
Despite the state of the economy, corporate travel is a necessity for many businesses and it’s not about to slow
down. At the same time, technology is playing an increasingly bigger role in how TMCs are servicing their clients,
making for an interesting time in the evolution of the TMC-business traveller relationship. General Manager of
FCM Travel Solutions, Nicole Adonis, talks to some of these pressing issues.
Nicole Adonis Q: What’s your view on the state to 31% of Generation X and just new ideas around traveller welfare
GM: FCM Travel of the SA corporate travel market? 18% of Baby Boomers. Technology’s are implemented. Predictive
A: In South Africa, the corporate rapid evolution has led to a surge functionality presents only the
Solutions
and government travel market is of digital tools in every area of a choices that are going to be
worth an estimated R25 billion. corporate’s life. In travel, these most pleasing to that individual
($1.6 billion). Demand for business tools can not only enhance the traveller, speeding up the process
travel in SA is expected to remain travel and booking experience of planning and booking and even
strong. FCTG’s corporate brands for the traveller, they can also further cost savings.
all foresee healthy growth ahead lead to lower transaction fees for
in the entire corporate sector, the company. However, although Q: How are you finding the
from small to medium and large companies are often keen to integration of IATA’s New
enterprises. drive tech adoption among their Distribution Capability in the TMC
employees, this can create friction. space?
Q: What was the thinking behind Some employees are simply more A: FCM Travel Solutions is
the new FCTG technology tech-ready than others. accelerating the global NDC
offering? technology drive with Amadeus.
A: When FCM Travel Solutions Q: What are your thoughts on FCM Travel Solutions SA will
introduced its travel chatbot, Sam, traveller-centric versus cost- enter a testing phase with the
it was designed to incorporate centric programmes? new graphical NDC-enabled user
the most important features a A: Booking cheap airfares and interface within Amadeus Selling
business traveller needs. The travel adopting a cost-centric travel Platform Connect. The design
bot makes recommendations and progamme might be to the incorporates FCM’s feedback and
performs actions relevant to the detriment of the corporate traveller. creates an intuitive user experience
individual traveller’s trip, assisting In fact, the less travel friction that caters to the diverse booking
business travellers with everything experienced by a business traveller needs across different markets.
from itinerary management, before, during and after the trip, the NDC will increasingly become a
flight updates and local weather more productive the journey and reality, but our goal has always
forecasts to security notifications, the greater the return on investment been to balance the short-term
taxis and transfers and city guides from that trip. Important savings priorities of NDC with building
and destination information. are rarely achieved by forcing a long-term, workable solution
However, Sam is not a fixed mobile employees to use discount airlines with our technology partners at
application and FCM is continuing and cheap hotels. Amadeus.
to evolve its features to meet users’
requirements and match AI/chatbot Q: There’s currently a lot of talk Q: Do you feel there’s a place for
technology developments. about a personalised travel the sharing economy in the world
experience. What is FCTG doing of corporate travel?
Q: Does FCTG believe it needs to implement this in the corporate A: From a travel perspective,
to move in this direction to travel space? the sharing economy has been
remain relevant and attractive to A: In corporate travel, technology responsible for one of the
customers? and data can reveal patterns, industry’s biggest shake-ups,
A: Technological innovation trends and business insights to impacting international, domestic
has become a non-negotiable help profile the corporate traveller. business and leisure travellers. The
requirement in today’s corporate By interpreting Big Data, FCM most successful disruptors to date
travel. However, although has significantly reduced traveller – Uber and Airbnb – have become
technology plays an increasingly friction. By identifying how your household names and other
important role, the corporate travel travellers behave in the travel suppliers are constantly emerging
landscape is also about to get a decisions they take, you’ll be able to challenge the status quo. As
whole lot more 'human'. to forge a closer connection with the sharing economy becomes
them and help reduce traveller more prevalent in corporate travel,
Q: What’s your view on the rate friction and increase compliance modern road warriors expect these
of technology adoption in the SA with the travel policy. FCM uses suppliers to be featured in their
corporate travel industry? data to gauge booking class usage, solutions. However, the peer-to-
A: Technology adoption in the low-cost carrier preferences, hours peer product should be handled
workplace has been fragmented in the air, single flight leg trends, the same way as any other travel
across the generations. Research travel over weekends and other transaction, with travellers able
shows that more than 74% of metrics. It also considers cost to claim back or track costs by
millennials believe new technology increases around these factors uploading receipts through an
makes their lives easier, compared and what changes occur when integrated mobile app. ■
Visit businesstravellerafrica.co.za SEPTEMBER2019 | 21You can also read
