Kate

Air Mauritius and Emirates have signed an agreement to partner their respective frequent flyer programmes, Kestrelflyer and Emirates Skywards

Air Mauritius has launched weekly flights connecting the island with Tanzania

Along with the likes of Emirates, Etihad and Qatar, Turkish Airlines is one of the more aggressive airlines in the world, in terms of its growth and route network expansion. So, it seemed prudent for editor Dylan Rogers to join Johannesburg General Manager Muhammed Mehdi Tunc for a coffee and a Turkish Delight at WTM Africa in Cape Town, to get more on the airline’s African plans.

The MICE industry in Africa is under pressure to remain relevant and prosperous, with even more emphasis on events and incentive programmes that can differentiate themselves from the competition and work within tight budget constraints, as Dylan Rogers discovered.

The recent tragic events in Istanbul, Brussels, Lahore and the Ivory Coast have reminded us once again that we live in a world where effective Duty of Care has become a top priority for any organisation, no matter where you’re based.

Travel policy is about to receive a complete overhaul in years to come. What can you expect? More advanced technology, enhanced communication and better education are all on the cards to make your life easier. An added bonus for companies is that these factors are also expected to enhance travel policy compliance.

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) provides a rigorous framework and process for the quality assurance that is continuously sought by tourism products seeking to showcase and differentiate their products in the industry. Darryl Erasmus, newly appointed Chief Quality Assurance Officer at the TGCSA, took some time to shed light on the association and its benefits to the tourism industry.

Faircity Hotels & Apartments was started nine years ago by Lukas van der Westhuizen and Gustav Holtzhausen – energetic entrepreneurs who brought fresh eyes and ideas to the hospitality industry. Not being limited by the approach of “this is how it has always been done”, they have been able to think outside of the norms to create an experience guided by guests’ needs and expectations. Van der Westhuizen took some time out to shed light on the company.

I have to say that getting new hotels open in Africa is so frustrating. I looked back at an article I wrote for Business Traveller Africa last year, welcoming the forthcoming opening of such hotels as the Noom in Conakry, Marriott in Accra, Four Points in Ikot (Nigeria), the Ramada Plaza in Lagos, the Kempinski in Accra and others.

Abuja, Nigeria

If you find yourself in Johannesburg with a few hours to spare, consider one of these outings and get to know the City of Gold a little better.

EgyptAir will introduce the Airbus 330-300 on the Johannesburg-Cairo route, beginning service on 11 May