In a bid to draw closer to its affiliated travel agents, South African Airways (SAA) recently organized a product knowledge workshop for some of its key travel agents at the Lagos Aviation Academy in Ikeja, Lagos. The event, which took place on July 16, 2024, was aimed at equipping travel agents with in-depth knowledge of SAA’s products and services as well as to showcase Mauritius as a unique destination for travelers.
In her welcome address, the Country Manager for SAA, Mrs. Kemi Leke-Bamtefa has this to say: “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. The product knowledge is therefore important for your business as travel agents. Collaborate with SAA; collaborate with our partners in Mauritius and we will provide you with the necessary tools like product knowledge training, special group discount, 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 and boasts 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 made packages; MICE and leisure groups; car rental; 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 to other destinations on the continent and beyond. Travel agents were also encouraged to take advantage of the airline’s two new destinations to Perth in Australia and Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The airline also used the workshop to address common errors made by travel agents when booking flights for their clients, providing valuable insights and clarifications on certain ticket-booking procedures in line with the airline’s policies.
It was also noted that SAA’s Business Class Lounge has been relocated from the old to the new Terminal at OR Tambo International Airport – a luxurious space where registered passengers can relax before boarding their flights to their various destinations.
With regards to SAA’s operations, the airline announced plans to add two more flights to its Lagos – Johannesburg schedule effective late October 2024 from the current three (3) to five weekly flights.
The event concluded on a friendly note, with SAA presenting souvenirs to the elated guests while encouraging them to reach out for assistance if need be when booking tickets and planning tours for groups, to give them a taste of the exclusive SAA treatment.
