South African Airways (SAA) recently provided insights on ticket-booking procedures in line with the airline’s policy at a recently organised workshop for some of its key travel agents.
The workshop which was held at the Lagos Aviation Academy in Ikeja, Lagos 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 travellers.
Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, the Country Manager for SAA, said: “South African Airways has a training culture. The brand has been operating in 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 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, 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 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.
SAA 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.
The airline also noted that its Business Class Lounge has been relocated from the old to a luxurious location at the new terminal at OR Tambo International Airport.
Furthermore, that airline took advantage of the forum to announce its plans to increase its frequency on the Lagos – Johannesburg route from the current three (3) to five weekly flights effective late October 2024.
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.
