Navigating the complex world of business travel has never been more important, and the 15 th Global Business Travel Association of South Africa (GBTASA) Conference provided African businesses with the tools and knowledge to do just that.
The event, which concluded last week, went beyond exploring industry trends, equipping attendees with strategies to mitigate risk and ensure business continuity in an increasingly unpredictable travel landscape.
This year saw a surge in attendance from across the continent, reflecting Africa's growing influence in the global business travel sector. Industry professionals from various African nations convened to share insights, forge connections, and address the evolving nature of supplier relationships in a volatile world.
'In today's environment, a transactional approach to suppliers isn't just outdated it's potentially dangerous,' warned Kamogelo Maerman , FCM National Sales Leader. His message resonated with attendees, highlighting the need for partnership-based approaches to travel management.
Maerman explained that travel management was no longer just about cost control. 'Flight cancellations, border closures these aren't mere inconveniences,' he said. 'They pose serious threats to business continuity and, in some cases, to personal safety.'
