By Chinelo Obogo
South African Airways (SAA) recently hosted a workshop for travel agents in Lagos to bolster its presence in Nigeria while also highlighting Mauritius as a prime tourist destination for Nigerians.
According to SAA Country Manager, Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, the airline is committed to supporting its travel agent partners, especially smaller agencies that have grown alongside the company over the past 20 years and also encouraged collaboration with SAA and Mauritius to enhance business success.
South African Airways has operated 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 10 to 20 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. Collaborate with SAA; collaborate with our partners in Mauritius and we will provide you with the necessary tools to facilitate the ease of doing business,” she said.
Mauritius, represented by General Manager of Maurijet, Visham Carpen, presented the island nation as an ideal African getaway. He highlighted the country’s visa-free policy for Nigerians, coupled with its beaches and resorts while urging travel agents to partner with local tourism boards to cater to their clients’ needs.
SAA also announced an increase in Lagos-Johannesburg flights from three to five weekly starting in late October 2024. It also highlighted its expanded global reach with new routes to Perth, Australia, and Sao Paulo, Brazil, accessible through its extensive network and code-share partnerships.
By showcasing Mauritius as a compelling destination and providing valuable insights to travel agents, SAA aims to strengthen its position in the Nigerian market.