Archive

Customers travelling in Air France’s Economy and Premium Economy cabins can now book Seat Plus for a small cost

SMEs are an increasingly important part of the global economy, but a sector the travel industry has largely overlooked. British Airways’ answer to this marginalised group is On Business, a loyalty programme that provides rewards and benefits to the company rather than the individual traveller and recognises needs particular SMEs have, such as flexibility and limited capacity for administratively intensive processes. Edward Frost, BA’s Regional Commercial Manager South and East Africa, explains the intricacies behind On Business.

The Shanghai Free Trade Zone is almost halfway into its official three-year term, but the jury’s still out as to whether or not it’s a success, writes Sarah O’Meara.

Africa offers enormous growth potential for the world’s hotel giants, driven by sustained economic growth, rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development. Helen Grange looks at the continent’s rapidly expanding big brand hotel profile.

Rwanda is a relatively stable East African country, as well as being easy, safe and simple to travel around. It is surrounded by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Johannesburg-Mthatha

Rwanda may be one of the smallest countries in Africa, but there is so much going on there that it can no longer be considered a ‘small player’. Kate Kennedy visited the ‘land of a thousand hills’ and found a country bursting with potential and ambitious plans.

The world is a different place since the 2008 global economic downturn, and whilst the impact of that seismic event has softened, the travel industry faces new challenges, with both the 5-star hotel market and the airline industry’s premium travel market on the receiving end of corporate travel policies that have changed irrevocably. Richard Holmes investigates.

The 28-storey Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi’s central business district is an internationally-renowned East African venue for conferences, meetings, exhibitions and special events. During its 39-year history it has been the host of several well-attended international conferences, seminars, exhibitions and summits. Fred Simiye, Managing Director at the KICC, took some time to explain what the centre is all about.