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Cape Town, South Africa – IBTM Africa, which takes place alongside WTM Africa, is fast positioning itself as a critical platform for Africa’s MICE sector, bringing together international buyers, leading suppliers, and a dedicated business events programme at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from April 13-15, 2026.

Reante Naidoo, Buyers & Digital Director for WTM Africa says IBTM Africa is now a core pillar of the show.

“Over one-third of WTM Africa’s hosted buyer programme has direct MICE influence,” explains Naidoo. “Significantly, of those MICE buyers, 99% are senior decision makers who directly influence or control purchasing decisions. They’re coming to Cape Town, from both traditional and emerging source markets, to explore new products, establish new relationships and experience what South Africa, and Africa, has to offer.”

Of the confirmed MICE buyers who will be in attendance, there is strong representation from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Kenya, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Tanzania, Egypt, India, Spain, Australia, Uganda, Turkey, Netherlands and South Africa.

“IBTM Africa provides MICE suppliers with access to the buyers who matter,” says Naidoo. “And with an extended programme of events, including a ‘Women in MICE’ breakfast, a leadership workshop, and dedicated speaker sessions, there is plenty of opportunity to network and engage.”

Women in MICE Breakfast

The Women in MICE breakfast takes place on 15 April from 08:00 to 10:00 at the CTICC. The session brings together industry professionals to discuss leadership, inclusivity, and collaboration in the business events sector. Interested parties can register by emailing Antois-Leigh Nepgen on antois-leigh@4mal.co.za.

Space is limited and early registration is recommended.

Women in MICE Workshop, in partnership with Women in Tourism

Open to all exhibitors and taking place on the event floor on 15 April from 10:30, this workshop looks at tourism leadership, and specifically practical tools, proven strategies and real-world insights to empower organisations, women leaders, and entrepreneurs across the tourism value chain.

China Ready® Workshop

With China’s outbound travel market projected to soar to 200 million trips by 2028 (according to digital marketing and research firm, China Trading Desk) and South Africa’s Trusted Tour Operator Scheme coming in to play,  there is no better time for South Africa’s inbound tourism sector – including MICE – to familiarise themselves with the needs of the Chinese market. WTM Africa’s China Ready® Workshop gives interested exhibitors the chance to equip themselves with the knowledge and tools to cater to Chinese travellers.

For more information visit: https://www.wtm.com/africa/en-gb/whats-on/china-ready-workshop.html

Again, space is limited and booking a seat in advance is essential.

Sports Events & Tourism Exchange in partnership with Nielsen Sports 

The Sports and Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) brings together businesses from across the spectrum of sports, events and industries – with a full programme running on Wednesday, 15 April 2026.

“The global sports events sector is growing quickly,” says Olivia Gradidge, Marketing Manager, WTM Africa. “It presents a massive opportunity for South Africa. We encourage anyone up and down the supply chain to attend – and help position South Africa as a major player when it comes to hosting world-class, international events.”

Africa Tourism Investment Conference

The Africa Tourism Investment Conference (14 April, CTICC) is a crucial event for the MICE industry. It provides businesses with essential investment insights, networking opportunities, and access to key decision-makers.

This conference is the ideal platform for MICE professionals to drive growth and capitalise on emerging trends in tourism investment. To view the full programme, please visit https://www.wtm.com/africa/en-gb/whats-on/tourism-investment-forum-africa.html.

Pre-registration is essential.

Invitation to Join Diverse Exhibitor Base

Currently, 40% of exhibitors attending WTM Africa in April have a strong MICE element to their business, with representation from established hotel groups including Southern Sun Hotel Interests, Tsogo Sun Casinos Management Company, Minor Hotels, City Lodge Hotels, and specialist venues like Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate.

The exhibitor base spans 17 countries across Africa and beyond, including South Africa, Tanzania, Kingdom of Eswatini, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Uganda, Seychelles, Namibia, Botswana, and international destinations such as Singapore, Switzerland, Jordan, and Saint Helena.

National tourism authorities, airlines, venues and ground transport providers will showcase Africa’s business events infrastructure and capabilities, demonstrating the continent’s readiness to host international meetings, incentives, conferences, and events.

“IBTM Africa connects global demand with Africa’s growing business events sector,” says Carol Weaving, MD of RX Africa, which hosts Africa Travel Week, including WTM Africa and IBTM Africa, each year. “This is a warm invitation to Africa’s MICE sector to join us in Cape Town for three focused, valuable days. The buyers are confirmed, the programme is set, and the opportunity is real. We look forward to welcoming exhibitors who are ready to do business.”

Learn more & register your interest: IBTM Africa

-ENDS-

Issued by: Big Ambitions 

Contact: Sonnette Fourie

Tel: +27 81 072 2869 

Email: sonnette@bigambitions.co.za 

Notes to editors:

About CBISN
CBISN is a leader in market intelligence and capacity-building services for those engaging with the Chinese outbound tourism market. Their partnership with WTM Africa aims to provide African stakeholders with actionable insights and tools to welcome and serve Chinese visitors more effectively.

Now in its 33nd year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. Held annually at the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024 spanned 12 halls, making it the largest edition to date. The event attracted over 47,000 attendees and more than 35,000 visitors (including 6,000+ high-value buyers) and over 2,550 exhibitors and representatives from over 161 countries. In 2025, ATM will expand to 13 halls, growing across all sectors, and will continue to be a crucial gathering for the global travel and tourism industry. Arabian Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week. #ATMDubai

ATM takes place from 4 – 7 May 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai.
https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html

Arabian Travel Week is a week-long festival of events alongside Arabian Travel Market 2025. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector, it includes Start-Up Competition, Influencers’ Event, GBTA Business Travel Forums, and ATM Travel Tech. The event also features ATM Buyer Networking and a series of country forums.

https://www.wtm.com/arabian-travel-week/en-gb.html

About RX

RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.

About RELX

RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors

World Travel Market (WTM) Portfolio comprises leading travel events and online portals across four continents. The events are Arabian Travel Market, WTM London, WTM Latin America and WTM Africa.

WTM London is the world’s most influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes.

Next event: 3 to 5 November 2026 at ExCel London
http://london.wtm.com/

WTM Latin America is held annually in São Paulo and attracts more than 29,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers a qualified content combined with networking and business opportunities. In its most recent edition, in 2024, WTM Latin America maintained its focus on the effective generation of business and managed to secure the early scheduling of more than six thousand meetings that were held between buyers, travel agents, and exhibitors.  WTM Latin America contents are available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Next event: 14 to 16 April 2026, Expo Center Norte, São Paulo, Brasil
latinamerica.wtm.com

WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2024, WTM Africa facilitated more than 10 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 8% compared to 2023 and welcomed more than 10 thousand visitors (unaudited), 25% more than 2023.

Next event: 13 to 15 April 2026 – Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town http://africa.wtm.com/

About ATW Connect:  Africa Travel Week’s digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology.
https://atwconnect.com/

WTM Global Hub, is the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub. https://hub.wtm.com/

AirlinePros International unveiled its Digital Destination Marketing Portal, FlyingCarpet.travel at its four-day International Assembly in Cape Town, targeting what industry insiders say is one of 2026’s biggest challenges: helping travel advisors find and book the authentic experiences their clients increasingly demand.  

The Portal launch comes as travel professionals report a fundamental shift in client requests. Travellers are walking away from traditional tourist attractions, asking instead for cooking classes with local families, stays at community-owned lodges, and workshops with traditional craftspeople – experiences that until now have been nearly impossible for advisors to source and book.  

“Travel advisors have been telling us for months that their clients want authentic experiences, but they can’t find them through normal booking channels,” said Achma Asokan Foster, Group CEO of AirlinePros International. “Nobody knows about the Trappist Trail in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, yet everyone talks about the Camino in Spain. We’re not talking about slightly off-the-beaten-path tours. Clients want the real thing: experiences that actually benefit local communities.”  

The Aladdin’s world program on FlyingCarpet.Travel portal showcases previously hidden experiences like Zambia’s extraordinary bat migration at Kasanka National Park – where 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats create the world’s largest mammal migration from October to December – and South Africa’s Abbot Pfanner Trappist Trail, a spiritual walking route through historic mission stations in KwaZulu-Natal that rivals Spain’s famous Camino routes.  

Bridging NTOs, DMOs and Travel Advisors 

Aladdin’s World, part of AirlinePros International’s expanding digital portfolio, serves as a destination marketing and fulfilment solution that bridges National Tourism Organisations, Destination Management Organisations, and travel advisors seeking bookable authentic experiences.  

It provides travel advisors with integrated booking capabilities and real-time transactional features that traditional informational NTO sites lack. Unlike commoditised OTA platforms focused on price competition, Aladdin’s World emphasises destination uniqueness and quality while providing zero-cost core services for participating NTOs, removing barriers that previously prevented smaller destinations from accessing professional travel distribution networks.  

Empowering SMEs Through Advanced Technology 

The platform’s breakthrough lies in giving small and medium enterprises access to the same booking infrastructure available to major hotel chains and tour operators. Through the “Oasis” Local Supplier CMS & Booking Engine, currently under development, local artisans, family-run lodges, and community guides will manage real-time booking and multi-tier pricing through easy-to-use supplier dashboards.  

“For the first time, a traditional craft workshop or family-run eco-lodge will be able to offer travel advisors the same instant booking confirmation and professional service standards as international operators,” Foster explained. Features include automated promotions, resource allocation tools, and supplier notification systems that level the playing field for authentic local providers.  

AI-Powered Solutions Meet Market Demand 

The timing addresses what industry research confirms is 2026’s defining travel trend: complete rejection of manufactured tourism experiences. Multiple industry reports highlight travellers prioritising cultural depth, meaningful experiences, and alternatives to ‘overtourised’ destinations.  

Travel advisors benefit from the platform’s “Genie” AI-Powered Destination Trip Planner, which provides smart recommendations and itinerary adjustments, plus data-driven marketing insights that traditional platforms don’t offer. One-click booking capabilities for flights, hotels and tours streamline the booking process, while interactive chatbot and voice command features enhance user experience.  

Industry Recognition and Global Reach 

Operating across over 60 countries through AirlinePros’ established network, the platform leverages decades of airline industry expertise to provide the reliability travel advisors need while connecting them with experiences previously accessible only through complex local arrangements.  

The Cape Town assembly brought together representatives from nearly 70 global offices, aviation and tourism leaders, and media professionals exploring pressing industry themes from sustainability to AI integration, highlighting the platform’s strategic timing as the industry addresses evolving client demands.  

As UN Tourism’s Elcia Grandcourt notes: “What visitors don’t see is how tourism preserves culture, creates opportunities for young people to thrive in their communities, and safeguards biodiversity.” The platform directly supports this by ensuring booking revenue flows to local providers rather than international intermediaries. 

For more information, or interview opportunities, please contact Michelle Loewenstein at mich@bigambitions.co.za 

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Johannesburg – Here’s the thing about business travel: everyone’s doing it, but nobody’s doing it quite the same way.

The twenty-something on their first international assignment has a completely different idea of what makes a trip “good” than the executive who’s been flying for work since the early eighties. One wants flexibility and adventure. The other wants direct flights and zero surprises. Both are essential to your business. And both need to show up ready to perform.

So how do you design a travel programme that works across the generations?

The answer isn’t about choosing sides, it’s about understanding what drives each generation, finding the common ground, embracing change, and building policies flexible enough to work for everyone.

Purpose, Flexibility, and Growth

The good news? Younger travellers genuinely want to be on the road – and they’re right to. Recent research from US-based travel management company (TMC) Perk found that 35% of 18-24 year-olds believe business travel has directly helped them gain promotions.

Herman Heunes, GM of Corporate Traveller South Africa agrees.

“Business travel is unbelievably beneficial when you’re just starting out. Not only in terms of opening doors, building relationships, learning opportunities, a confidence boost and career progression, but it’s an opportunity to see parts of the world still out of reach for those who can’t afford leisure travel. In fact, over half of Gen Z and Millennials would love to travel more,” says Heunes.

But, as Heunes explains, they want trips that feel meaningful. They need to see how the travel connects to learning, networking, or career development. They want seamless tech, reliable connectivity, a say in their itinerary (something that would have been unthinkable even a decade ago), and accommodation that’s safe and interesting – not just functional. And they absolutely expect the option to arrive early or stay an extra day to explore.

For this group, a work trip is an investment in their future. If it feels like just another obligation, they’ll disengage.

Efficiency, Reliability, and Respect

For more experienced travellers, the novelty has worn off. They’ve done enough trips to know what actually matters: direct flights where possible, lounge access, realistic schedules that don’t wreck their week, safe, comfortable hotels (ideally with early check-in), and 24/7 travel support when things go wrong.

They’re also managing more complex lives. Millennials and Gen X have families. The disruption to home life has to be worth it. They want clear itineraries, straightforward policies, limited T&E admin on their return, and proof that companies respect their time and energy.

“Travel used to be a status symbol,” says Heunes. “You were the one trusted to go, so you just got on with it. But that’s not the world we’re in anymore. The way a company structures its travel now reflects how it treats its people.”

Common Ground: Wellness Isn’t Optional

Strip away the generational preferences and you find something universal: everyone just wants to arrive intact and return without burning out.

Speaking at the GBTA’s 2025 Southern Africa Conference, the University of Pretoria’s Prof. Anneli Douglas described business travel as a “double-edged sword”: a “demand” that drives exhaustion and work-life conflict, and a “resource” that boosts learning, visibility and career satisfaction at the same time.

Her talk revealed that business travel stress often occurs in three distinct waves. The first hits before anyone even leaves home – the scramble to arrange coverage at work, sort out family logistics, and prepare the household for an absence. The second wave arrives during the trip itself, think long-haul flights alongside unexpected delays or disruption. The third wave? That’s when you get back. The mountain of emails, the pressure to reintegrate into work and home routines, and the family tensions that surface after time away. It’s a lot. And a common thread for travellers, young and old.

“Burn-out is real,” says Heunes. “But those who feel supported and able to balance work with life – through practical help and human-centred policies – are more engaged, resilient, and loyal. Business travel done well is a great retention strategy.”

Interestingly, research from one of Prof. Douglas’ master’s students shows that travellers from younger generations are more likely to comply with business travel policies than their older counterparts. In other words, Gen Z are more likely to toe the line (which makes sense, as they’re still finding their place in the workforce) while older employees are more likely to push back against (or ignore) policies that don’t meet their needs.

How Companies Can Adapt (and Win) in 2026

The good news? You don’t need a massive budget to fix this. You need a policy that acknowledges reality, moves with the times, and demonstrates a willingness to treat travellers like adults.

“SMEs actually have an edge here,” says Heunes. “You may not have the scale of a multinational, but you’re far more agile when it comes to changing the rules. You can move fast.”

Here’s what works:

Build flexibility into your policy. Let people choose their preferred flight times, airlines and accommodation (within reason). Allow for early arrivals or weekend extensions where it makes sense. Give travellers a say in their schedule.

Plan for recovery. Don’t schedule critical meetings the morning someone lands from an international flight. Build in buffer days. Respect time zones.

Support health and safety properly. This means clear protocols, 24/7 access to help, and a TMC that can handle disruptions without drama.

Prioritise sustainability. Incorporate eco-friendly options into your travel policy, like promoting green transportation and supporting sustainable accommodations. Show Gen Z your commitment to environmental responsibility.

Make the purpose clear. Before anyone books a ticket, they should understand why they’re going and what success looks like. Younger travellers especially need this.

Count the real costs. Not just airfares and hotel rates, but energy, stress, and time. Companies with fair, flexible travel policies see higher engagement and better performance. Those focused solely on cost control see more policy non-compliance, higher turnover, and avoidable productivity loss.

“You don’t need a 60-page manual,” says Heunes. “You need a policy that people can live with, a partner who can help manage risk, and permission to treat travellers like humans, with families, fears and mental load. At the end of the day, everyone just wants a fair policy, time to recover, space to unwind, and a responsible approach to health, safety and carbon emissions.”

-ENDS-

MEDIA CONTACT

For more information about Corporate Traveller, or to interview Corporate Traveller South Africa GM Herman Heunes, call Sonnette Fourie on 081 072 2869 or email sonnette@bigambitions.co.za.   

About Corporate Traveller

Corporate Traveller is a division of the Flight Centre Travel Group, dedicated to saving businesses across Southern Africa time and money. Corporate Traveller has the benefit of being part of the world’s third-largest travel retailer, leveraging its global negotiating strength. It has access to over 50 of the world’s leading airlines and deals with more than 100 000 hotels around the world to guarantee savings for clients. Corporate Traveller provides clear, consolidated reporting of all its clients’ travel activities, helping them to control travel spend and identify opportunities to save costs.

Issued by:

Big Ambitions

Sonnette Fourie

sonnette@bigambitions.co.za

+27 81 072 2869

In addition to leading the tourism industry, Mrs. Bernstein’s portfolio will also include Culture.

Mrs. Bernstein, a resident of Baie Lazare, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Journalism from Kingston University, London, and a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.

Her career began in the United Kingdom with the International HIV and AIDS Alliance, where she also served as Liaison Officer for the Commonwealth HIV and AIDS Action Group. These early roles honed her expertise in communication, advocacy, and awareness-raising on global health issues.

Upon returning to Seychelles, Mrs. Bernstein joined the Department of Foreign Affairs as Press Attaché, a role she held for three years. During this time, she collaborated closely with the Minister’s Office and national stakeholders to enhance public understanding of the department’s work and strengthen Seychelles’ presence on the international stage.

She later served as Principal Counsellor at the Seychelles Embassy in Addis Ababa, where she was instrumental in establishing the new diplomatic mission and advancing Seychelles’ engagement with the African Union. Upon completion of her mission, she returned to Seychelles to continue her service as Principal Counsellor in the Consular Division, coordinating with consuls worldwide and assisting Seychellois citizens abroad.

In her remarks to the National Assembly, Mrs. Bernstein described her years in the Foreign Affairs service as “deeply fulfilling and formative,” highlighting how the experience contributed to her professional and personal growth.

Beyond her diplomatic career, Mrs. Bernstein brings a wealth of experience from Seychelles’ private sector, having held senior positions at Barclays Bank (now ABSA) and within the wider commercial and financial services industry. During her tenure at Barclays, she contributed to the bank’s major rebranding initiative to ABSA—one of the most significant projects undertaken at the time. She has been involved in various technical, strategic, and financial projects, with her work consistently emphasising community engagement, stakeholder relations, and corporate social responsibility.

“My journey and experience in both the private sector and diplomacy, coupled with my drive and perseverance, have shaped my commitment to share the knowledge I have gained across the various fields I’ve worked in. I am ready to keep learning, to challenge the status quo, to make a difference, and to leave things better than I found them. Most importantly, I am ready to work hand in hand with every stakeholder,” she said during her presentation to the National Assembly.

Mrs. Bernstein’s background in communications, marketing, diplomacy, and partnership development aligns strongly with the Department’s strategic priorities, particularly in strengthening destination branding, advancing sustainability, and fostering innovation within the tourism, culture, and heritage sectors.

About Tourism Seychelles

Tourism Seychelles is the official destination marketing organisation for the Seychelles Islands. Committed to showcasing the islands’ unique natural beauty, cultural heritage, and luxurious experiences, Tourism Seychelles plays a pivotal role in promoting Seychelles as a premier travel destination worldwide.

Issued by

Celine Patterson | Big Ambitions 

Tel: +27 71 899 3780| Email: celine@bigambitions.co.za

Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, has signed a master development agreement with Mayan Properties, a subsidiary of Resources Investment, to further expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa. The partnership strengthens Accor’s presence in Africa while underscoring the strong contribution of UAE-backed investment to Africa’s tourism future.

Under the agreement, Accor in partnership with Mayan Properties will develop five hotels across Sub-Saharan Africa, adding over 1,100 keys to the Group’s regional portfolio. The collaboration builds on the signing of Novotel Nouakchott in Mauritania,a 154-key new-build project, and Mövenpick Moroni in Comoros, a 159-key conversion,with four additional projects to follow in key destinations.

The agreement reinforces Accor’s long-term strategy to accelerate growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Mayan’s vision to strengthen Africa’s tourism sector through sustainable investment. By combining Accor’s global expertise and diverse brand portfolio with Mayan’s investment leadership, the two groups are supporting both business and leisure demand while creating jobs and driving local economic development.

“This development agreement with Mayan Properties is a strong step forward in our commitment to grow across Sub-Saharan Africa. With Novotel Nouakchott and Mövenpick Moroni signed, and three more hotels to follow, we are creating the foundation for a diversified portfolio that addresses real market needs and supports the long-term growth of Africa’s tourism industry,” said Maya Ziade, Chief Development Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at Accor.

Mohammed Al Dhaheri, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Resources Investment, and Chairman of Mayan Properties, commented “As a subsidiary of Resources Investment LTD, Mayan Properties is proud to extend its partnership with Accor through this development agreement. As a UAE-backed initiative, this agreement underscores the pivotal role the Emirates plays in driving sustainable investment and creating meaningful connections with Africa’s fast-growing tourism economies.”

Accor currently operates more than 175 properties across Africa, representing over +33,000 keys across 15 brands and 60+ properties in development. This agreement further cements the Group’s position as a leading international operator in the region, with a focus on expanding its brands into fast-growing and emerging markets.

###

ABOUT ACCOR

Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,700 hotels & resorts, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry’s most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL Accor, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay, gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor’s mission is reflected in the Group’s purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.  

About Mayan Properties

Mayan Properties is a premier UAE-based real estate and hospitality developer, recognized for delivering high-impact, landmark projects across hospitality, residential, infrastructure, healthcare, and islands development. With a global footprint spanning nine countries and a total project value exceeding $300 million, Mayan Properties combines visionary design, sustainable development, and operational excellence to create world-class destinations and exceptional guest experiences. From luxury hotels and waterfront residences to integrated mixed-use communities, Mayan Properties transforms prime locations into vibrant destinations that inspire, connect, and endure.

Mayan Properties operates under the umbrella of Resources Investment Company, a leading Abu Dhabi–based strategic investment firm with a diversified portfolio across real estate, infrastructure, renewable energy, technology, agribusiness, and financial services. As the parent company, Resources Investment Company provides Mayan Properties with strategic direction, financial strength, and global expertise—empowering it to deliver projects that drive innovation, create lasting value, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

For more information, please visit www.mayanproperties.ae and www.ri.ae

Contacts media relations

Accor  

Cybelle Daou Khadij
Director PR & Communications
Middle East, Africa and Türkiye
Cybelle.daou@accor.com

The only defensible reason to go is to create value you can’t generate from your desk: accelerated deals, stronger relationships across multiple stakeholders, sharper competitive intelligence and content you can use again and again. This demands a ‘portfolio’ mindset and a rigorous selection process.

Start with the three Rs: Reputation, Relationships, Revenue

Before you book, ask three questions:

• Reputation: Will your presence or speaking slot strengthen your brand with the right audience?
• Relationships: Can you make high-value contacts or deepen existing relationships, not just collect cards?
• Revenue: Is there a realistic path to influence your sales pipeline or accelerate existing opportunities in the next two quarters?

If you can’t credibly answer yes to at least two of these, pass on the event.

Quality over quantity

Treat conference selection the way you’d approach choosing your most important customers. Quality trumps volume every time. Start by validating whether the event actually attracts decision-makers in your target industries and regions.

Ask organisers for anonymised breakdowns of attendee mix by role and seniority – you want to know if the right stakeholders will be there, so you can progress real conversations and opportunities.

Then layer in practicality. Does the event platform make scheduling one-on-one meetings straightforward? Meeting density is your leading indicator of return on investment.

Mummy Mafojane, GM FCM Meetings and Events, says you need to consider the logistics too, as visa requirements, flight connections and available accommodation can make or break an event.

“Don’t ignore the impact of long-haul travel on wellbeing or ignore carbon cost for marginal gain,” says Mafojane. “And remember that the best conversations often happen off-programme, so shortlist events with strong satellite dinners, peer gatherings and partner receptions.”

To this point, Mafojane uses Mining Indaba 2026 as an example.

“Mining Indaba 2026 will bring 10,500+ decision-makers to Cape Town from 9 to 12 February next year. But central accommodation goes quickly. Chat to your travel management company (TMC) about booking flights, accommodation and ground transport as soon as possible – before rates rise and rooms disappear. You want to be close to the action.”}

Design success before you board

Go in with concrete objectives at two levels. First, identify the organisations, roles or people you want to engage with, and what qualifies as success – perhaps a follow-up involving multiple stakeholders, agreement on a pilot scope, or an invitation to run a workshop with their executive team. Second, set personal metrics: meetings held with target accounts, opportunities touched, strategic learnings, or any content assets you’ll create.

Believe it or not, the real work starts two weeks before you fly. Use the event app and your network to pre-book meetings, aiming to fill sixty to seventy percent of your schedule with pre-qualified conversations while leaving purposeful white space for unexpected opportunities. Consider being proactive and convening a small roundtable with peers in your industry as intimate forums often deliver more value than keynotes for senior relationships.

Once again, don’t underestimate the commercial impact of being well-rested and relaxed before the events starts, so book smart, book early, stay near the venue, plan for disruptions and have the event programme close to hand.

Convert sessions into conversations

Once you’re onsite, every action should create momentum. Choose your seat strategically to enable quick access to speakers and target contacts. Ask one sharp question that earns you follow-ups. Pay attention to polls, Q&A sessions and booth traffic – these reveal real market pain points. Capture verbatim comments and photos, tagging them to specific accounts for tailored follow-ups later. Even respectfully engaging attendees around competitor stands helps you understand their narrative and the objections you’ll need to overcome. Throughout it all, protect your energy: build in recovery time, stay hydrated, and use quiet spaces to prepare between meetings.

Strike while the iron’s hot

The event doesn’t end when you take off your lanyard for the last time. Within seventy-two hours, send personalised emails to those you’d like to connect with again, route warm introductions to your account teams with clear expectations, and log everything so nothing dies in your notebook.

Finally, atomise what you learned. Turn panel discussions and corridor debates into a point of view you can share with accounts, internal training notes for your team, and short video clips or LinkedIn posts. Invite your highest-value contacts into a continuing peer forum to keep momentum between major events. Share the patterns you observed with marketing and product – the buyer questions, pain points and emerging competitors – so your whole organisation benefits from your investment.

The bottom line

Making every conference count means ruthless selection and disciplined execution. Choose events where your target customers gather, where you can orchestrate dense, high-quality meetings, and where the environment supports both your wellbeing and your commercial momentum. Measure what matters: meetings with the right people, pipeline influence, and deal acceleration. Then recycle the insights and content across your teams.

As Mafojane explains, if you do this well, conferences stop being line items on your travel budget.

“Conferences and events are an important part of your growth strategy,” says Mafojane. “But they do require thought and a strategic approach. Make sure every event delivers – and you never regret a trip again.”

**ends**

For more information about FCM Travel call Sonnette Fourie on 081 072 2869 or email sonnette@bigambitions.co.za.

About FCM Travel:

FCM Travel, the flagship corporate travel brand at Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), is the business travel partner of choice for large national, multinational and global corporations. We are an award-winning global corporate travel management company ranking as one of the top five by size around the world. We operate a global network which spans more than 100 countries, employing over 6000 people.

FCM are transforming the business of travel through our empowered and accountable people who deliver 24/7 service and are available either online or offline. Leveraging FCM’s negotiating strength and supplier relationships in conjunction with our tailored business travel programs, our expertise delivers more for our clients where it matters most to them.

Visit us at www.fcmtravel.co.za

Issued by: Big Ambitions

Contact: Lori Cohen

Tel: +27 79 641 4965

Email: Lori@bigambitions.co.za

JOHANNESBURG – Business travel is about more than just moving from point A to B – for women, it is pivotal for visibility, opportunity, and leadership development.

In today’s fast-paced business world, career advancement can often hinge on one essential factor: visibility. For women in corporate roles, gaining that visibility – especially with executive leadership, international clients, and strategic decision-makers – has historically been a challenge. But there’s one powerful, and often underappreciated, tool that is changing that: business travel.

Business travel is no longer just about attending meetings in a boardroom across the country or presenting at a global conference – it’s about being in the right place, at the right time, making things happen. And for ambitious, future-facing women, corporate travel can be a gateway to growth, leadership, and influence.

Mummy Mafojane, General Manager at FCM, is a big advocate of women using corporate travel to accelerate their careers. “Business trips put you in front of crucial people – whether it’s partnering with colleagues in other regions, seeing customers or networking with suppliers,” she says.

In the age of Zoom calls and online meetings, in-person experiences allow you to get to know people in their own environment and build deeper levels of trust. “Travel gives you a chance to live in their world for a bit, which isn’t always possible to do virtually,” says Mafojane. “It gives that personal touch, which is so important, especially in South Africa. We are a community – we learn and grow from each other.”

Mafojane acknowledges that there are extra challenges at play for women who travel for work. “People don’t ask men on business trips about who is looking after the family or the kids. It’s not always as easy as a woman to be able to drop everything.”

FCM is part of the Flight Centre Group South Africa – where an impressive 71% of senior leaders are women (compared to a global average of 34% when looking at senior management roles across mid-market, multi-national organisations). Mafojane credits this commitment to gender parity in the workplace to FCM’s culture of inclusion and diversity – and the fact that the company puts strategies in place to support and encourage women to take advantage of career-boosting travel opportunities.

“We always take into consideration safety, flexibility and optimal travelling times,” says Mafojane. “For example, booking the 7am flight might mean women need to leave their homes while it’s still dark. It’s not always safe for women travellers to have an early flight or get home late at night.”

Women are also more likely to juggle family commitments right up until the last minute, leaving them exhausted by the time they get onto the airplane. “As a mom, you already feel like you’re trying to manage everything at home. It’s only when you get to your destination that you think, ‘Ok, now I’m in work mode.’,” says Mafojane.

In addition, it’s important to plan for travel delays and interruptions. “I choose flights outside of the peak hours so there’s less traffic, meaning I can get to the airport later and spend more time at home,” says Mafojane. “I’d rather fly overnight than do a day flight because then I’ve gained a day in both directions.” says Mafojane. “I try to arrive on the Sunday morning and spend the day seeing the city so I’m fresh and ready for Monday. Factor in enough time so you’re not always rushing.”

When Mafojane gets to her destination, she always speaks to the locals to get first-hand information instead of trying to figure everything out by herself. “If you don’t ask, you don’t know,” she says. “When you land, ask the people at the airport where the train station is and how it works. Not only is it cost effective, but it also helps you be more aware of your surroundings.”

This collaborative attitude extends to her leadership style, and for Mafojane just one advantage of being a woman is we aren’t afraid to ask questions when we don’t know something: “I try to lead by asking questions rather than assuming,” says Mafojane. “If you ask people, you get the real information and you also make sure you’re not leading by assumption. Asking questions is a great way to make your way through the world.”

For Mafojane, it’s all about being ‘hard on the process, soft on the people’. She received this advice from FCM Business Leader Raylene Pienaar and it has informed the way she leads as well as the way she manages business travel within the company.

Being soft on people is often seen as a weakness for women. Their attitude is often misconstrued as ‘too emotional’, while men are simply seen as ‘passionate’. “The truth is we’re all very passionate about what we do but when you’re a woman it’s seen as a negative thing,” she says. “I hope we can change that.”

For decades, workplace biases and stereotypes assumed women were less likely – or willing – to accept roles involving travel. This assumption still quietly shapes who gets selected for client visits or multi-location projects.

But more women are realising that corporate travel is about more than just professional obligation – it’s an opportunity to reposition themselves as mobile, ambitious, and leadership ready.

“I hope in the next five years that women are taken more seriously. We have laid the foundation, we are showing the results,” says Mafojane. “It shouldn’t matter what gender you are. We should be judged on our skills, capabilities and what we deliver rather than what we wear.”

Mummy Mafojane’s Top 3 Travel Tips:

1. Own your travel experience: Figure out which travelling times work best for you and plan around that.  
2. Ask a local: When you land in a new city, don’t be afraid to speak to the locals and ask questions – this can only elevate your learnings and travel experiences.
3. Ditch perfect: There is no such thing as the ‘perfect’ way to travel (or do business) but there is the right way for you.

**ends**

For more information about FCM Travel, or to interview Mummy Mafojane, General Manager at FCM, call Sonnette Fourie on 081 072 2869 or email sonnette@bigambitions.co.za.

About FCM Travel:

FCM Travel, the flagship corporate travel brand at Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), is the business travel partner of choice for large national, multinational and global corporations. We are an award-winning global corporate travel management company ranking as one of the top five by size around the world. We operate a global network which spans more than 100 countries, employing over 6000 people.

FCM are transforming the business of travel through our empowered and accountable people who deliver 24/7 service and are available either online or offline. Leveraging FCM’s negotiating strength and supplier relationships in conjunction with our tailored business travel programs, our expertise delivers more for our clients where it matters most to them.

Visit us at www.fcmtravel.co.za

Issued by: Big Ambitions

Contact: Lori Cohen

Tel: +27 79 641 4965

Email: Lori@bigambitions.co.za

To be fair, you may have missed your flight due to traffic or a meeting running long, but the most immediate point of rebooking is the sheer amount of time it devours.

Mummy Mafojane, General Manager FCM South Africa says that despite today’s technological advances, rebooking can still mean lengthy queues at an airline’s customer service deck – or hours on hold trying to speak to an expert.

“Even the most efficient customer service teams can struggle when things go wrong,” says Mafojane. “This is because busy hubs like Dubai facilitate between 2,000 and 2,500 flights a day – that’s thousands upon thousands of passengers who might need to be reaccommodated, and a serious knock-on effect if more than one flight is delayed or grounded.”

As Mafojane explains, you can’t expect your top executives to know what to do – or have the time to do it. This is because business trips aren’t just about the flights, they’re a veritable web of interconnected reservations and commitments. When the first domino falls, everything else begins to unravel, including onward connections, hotel reservations, shuttle bookings and/or car rentals, and, most importantly, meetings.

The irony is bitter: the very people whose schedules are most valuable are the ones most likely to face delays. This is because they’re typically flying routes with fewer alternatives and tighter connections (including mining, oil and gas execs who are often flying to remote locations).

“Multinational companies with big travel programmes would deal with rebooking nightmares on a daily basis, if they didn’t have a travel management company onboard,” says Mafojane. “Reducing rebooking stress is where TMCs prove their value – and really earn their stripes.”

Often, passengers are at the mercy of flight schedules (for example, if there are limited flights in and out of a destination), and for frequent business travellers already managing fatigue, time zone changes and packed schedules, unexpected disruptions add another layer of stress and exhaustion – especially at 30,000 feet.

But there are ways to ease the pain of rebooking.

Here, Mafojane shares her top tips for travellers and travel bookers alike. In no particular order:

1. Book the first flight out. Earlier departures have more rebooking options throughout the day.
2. Choose hubs over quieter airports. More flight frequency means more alternatives should things go wrong.
3. Book the right fare. The cheapest ticket is often the costliest if you need to rebook. A travel advisor will be able to guide you, but flexible fares with no (or low) change fees are always a good idea.
4. Always buy travel insurance. Today’s policies cover everything from visa delay and denial to changes and cancellations. Just read the small print.
5. Download travel apps. The airline’s app will keep you across all the latest flight, gate and luggage carousel information (even providing a map of the airport so you can get to your gate quickly and easily) – while your TMC’s app will update your flight details and keep all your e-tickets and digital docs in one place.
6. Enable all push notifications. This means you’ll receive cancellation alerts before official announcements.
7. Screenshot your boarding pass. This gives you offline access if networks go down during irregular operations.
8. Keep a copy of your airline loyalty status – for physical proof if apps crash.
9. Build buffer time into itineraries (and allow for extra time at the airport).
10. Carry a portable charger and international adapter – a dead phone will only add to your stress.

Of course, Mafojane’s top tip is to lean on your TMC:

“Managing disruption – especially in today’s climate – is a core business capability. The right travel partner will have the booking platforms, partners, and industry knowledge to manage changes as quickly as possible.”

In isolated cases (for example, you overslept and missed your flight), rebooking is almost instantaneous. In more complicated cases (for example, industrial action affecting an airline’s operations) it might take a little longer.

But TMCs understand airline alliance partnerships (i.e. which carriers will rebook you on competitors), have strong relationships with hotels and ground transport suppliers (and will update your itinerary with ease), and will organise priority lounge access so passengers can pass the time in comfort.

“Rebooking remains one of the last major friction points for today’s business traveller,” says Mafojane. “But it’s a point of pride for TMCs. We want to make it as smooth and seamless as possible.”

**ends**

For more information about FCM Travel, or to interview Herman Heunes, General Manager at FCM, call Sonnette Fourie on 081 072 2869 or email sonnette@bigambitions.co.za.

About FCM Travel:

FCM Travel, the flagship corporate travel brand at Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), is the business travel partner of choice for large national, multinational and global corporations. We are an award-winning global corporate travel management company ranking as one of the top five by size around the world. We operate a global network which spans more than 100 countries, employing over 6000 people.

FCM are transforming the business of travel through our empowered and accountable people who deliver 24/7 service and are available either online or offline. Leveraging FCM’s negotiating strength and supplier relationships in conjunction with our tailored business travel programs, our expertise delivers more for our clients where it matters most to them.

Visit us at www.fcmtravel.co.za

Issued by: Big Ambitions

Contact: Lori Cohen

Tel: +27 79 641 4965

Email: Lori@bigambitions.co.za

“This UNESCO recognition is a complete game-changer for Mozambique tourism and elevates the country from a regional beach destination to a world-class ecotourism hub capable of competing with established conservation leaders like Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana,” said Natalie Tenzer-Silva, Director at Dana Tours.

“We now have two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Maputo National Park for incredible wildlife experiences, and Ilha de Moçambique for rich cultural heritage. Combined with some of Africa’s most pristine coastlines and uniquely intimate safari settings where elephants roam on beaches and marine life thrives offshore, Mozambique offers an authentic bush-beach-culture experience that few destinations can match; all backed by UNESCO credibility,” she added.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) finalised the inscription of the 1,794 km² park this week during its 47th meeting in Paris, France. The recognition acknowledges one of Africa’s most successful ecosystem restoration projects, where over 5,000 animals have been reintroduced since 2021.

“Mozambique is no longer just a beach add-on to South African itineraries. This UNESCO status puts us on equal footing with established conservation destinations and gives travel professionals a compelling new story to sell,” added Tenzer-Silva. “What’s particularly exciting is that local communities receive 20% of tourism revenue, and visitors can participate in active conservation work like mangrove rehabilitation. This is meaningful travel that creates real impact.”

“The designation is a historic and proud moment for Mozambique,” said Gustavo Dgedge, Secretary of State for Land and Environment. “Being recognised by UNESCO is a powerful endorsement of the work being done here. It honours the dedication of our government, communities and partners in restoring this unique landscape.”

Maputo National Park features an extraordinary variety of natural environments, from coral reefs and seagrass beds to wetlands, freshwater lakes, coastal dunes, savannas, swamps and mangroves. Its beaches are home to the southernmost nesting sites of leatherback and green turtles while hosting the world’s largest concentration of giant kingfishers and serving as a key stopover for migratory birds on the East African flyway.

“The timing couldn’t be more perfect,” continued Tenzer-Silva. “International travellers are increasingly seeking meaningful conservation experiences rather than just wildlife viewing. They want to see their tourism dollars making a real difference, which is exactly what Mozambique now offers.”

***ENDS***

About Dana Tours

Founded over 20 years ago and based in Maputo, Dana Tours is a leading travel company renowned for its unparalleled local expertise in Mozambique. Specialising in tailor-made holidays and business travel solutions, the company offers a comprehensive range of services – from day tours and airport transfers to wedding transport and bespoke group travel arrangements. Dana Tours is committed to exceptional service and client satisfaction, providing 24/7 support and drawing on strong relationships with suppliers across even the most remote parts of Mozambique. An active member of both AVITUM and SATSA, Dana Tours is the trusted partner for reliable, comfortable, and memorable travel experiences throughout Mozambique.

Issued by Big Ambitions: 

Steph Reinstein

steph@bigambitions.co.za

+27 83 268 6535

Table of Contents

JOHANNESBURG – Chasing savings on business travel has become almost automatic for many organisations. With budgets under scrutiny and finance teams laser-focused on spend, booking the cheapest possible fare seems like an easy win. The latest SAP Concur Business Travel Survey shows that 87% of business travellers say their company has cut back over the past 12 months, and further cuts are expected to company travel budgets this year, which typically show up as requiring the choice of the lowest fares. One in three polled say that business or premium class as an option has dried up. The logic is simple: less money spent per flight means more left in the pot. But here’s where things get complicated, because not every cost comes with a clear price tag.

A bargain ticket might trim the budget sheet today, yet it can quietly drain productivity tomorrow, warns Herman Heunes, General Manager of Corporate Traveller South Africa.

“Employees routed through multiple layovers to nab a good deal, arrive at their destination running on empty. A journey that should take ten hours stretches into thirty, and instead of hitting meetings at full strength, travellers need time to recover from their itinerary,” says Heunes.

When “Savings” Mean Setbacks

The knock-on effects go far beyond tired faces in airports. Sixty-one percent say these leaner itineraries make them less effective; nine out of ten would flat-out refuse trips if safety or health feels compromised by fatigue or logistical stress.

Every disruption – whether it’s a missed connection or an unplanned reroute – triggers new expenses and lost opportunities along the way. In South Africa alone this year, nearly ninety percent of business travellers hit major snags while on assignment; many now factor extra days into each trip to cope with setbacks before work begins in earnest.

And company culture isn’t immune either: almost half of employees say current travel rules fall short for real-world needs, and more than one-quarter have considered switching jobs because they feel unsupported on the road.

Value Means More Than Just Price

What does smart savings really look like? As global prices continue their steady climb, the answer lies not in squeezing every cent but in planning wisely around total value delivered, say Heunes.

“The best-run businesses empower staff with booking tools that weigh both ticket price and journey impact and introduce flexible policies based on trip purpose rather than blanket mandates for everyone,” he says.

Expert guidance from a specialist travel management company makes all the difference here – not simply pushing higher fares but helping shape strategies where every rand supports both employee performance and organisational objectives, he explains.

“A well-designed travel policy recognises that sometimes paying more upfront actually protects productivity,” says Heunes. “It isn’t about luxury; it’s about outcomes.”

For those planning trips – or approving them – the question becomes less about what’s cheapest today and more about what delivers results tomorrow. Before confirming that next ticket, ask yourself: Will this journey set our team up for success?

The human cost aside, cheap fares can deliver a real hit to your budget, adds Heunes.

Airlines design these bargain seats with plenty of strings attached. The cheapest tickets tend to show up when demand is low, but there’s a catch: they’re often non-refundable and loaded with strict rules. Need to adjust your trip because a client moved a meeting? Expect to pay significant penalties or find yourself stuck buying an entirely new ticket at the last minute.

For business travellers whose schedules change quickly, inflexible fares rarely deliver actual value. That’s why many top performers opt for flexible tickets whenever possible. They might cost more upfront, but as Heunes puts it: “Paying extra for flexibility is like buying insurance against disruption. Sometimes it’s what keeps your deal on track and your costs under control.”

The bottom line? What looks cheap today can end up being surprisingly expensive once real-world business needs kick in.

**ends**

For more information about Corporate Traveller, or to interview Corporate Traveller South Africa GM Herman Heunes, call Sonnette Fourie on 081 072 2869 or email sonnette@bigambitions.co.za.

About Corporate Traveller

Corporate Traveller is a division of the Flight Centre Travel Group, dedicated to saving businesses across Southern Africa time and money. Corporate Traveller has the benefit of being part of the world’s third-largest travel retailer, leveraging its global negotiating strength. It has access to over 50 of the world’s leading airlines and deals with more than 100 000 hotels around the world to guarantee savings for clients. Corporate Traveller provides clear, consolidated reporting of all its clients’ travel activities, helping them to control travel spend and identify opportunities to save costs.

Issued by:

Big Ambitions

Lori Cohen

lori@bigambitions.co.za