Every July brings South Africans together to celebrate Mandela Month. It’s a time to remember Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy and focus on uplifting others. For corporates, it’s also an opportunity to align their business travel practices with meaningful objectives.

It’s Youth Month in South Africa, which got us thinking about the Generation Z newbies launching their career paths.

For managers in charge of a travel budget, there is a hidden cost that, according to the Global Business Travel Association, now accounts for around 8% of total business travel expenses: Ancillaries.

Within the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) sector, guests and delegates don’t just want entertainment – they want an experience. They want moments of connection that are meaningful and leave a real impact.

In a business landscape defined by always-on emails, back-to-back calls, and relentless meetings, time out has become a rare commodity. The corporate grind and constant connectivity can be mentally and physically exhausting, which has led to a significant rise in silent retreats and digital detoxes.

The competitive talent marketplace has organisations actively searching for fresh strategies to enhance their employee wellness programs. Yet, many are missing out on leveraging business travel as a powerful wellness tool.

World Health Day offers the perfect moment to shine a light on the importance of protecting our well-being despite our fast-paced professional schedules.

For most companies, business travel is a vital part of their activities. But travel today is diverse and complex, with an increasing need for compliance, duty of care and cost efficiency.

In 2024, amidst the swirling discussions at Davos, the aviation industry’s carbon footprint remained a hot-button issue.

In 2024, amidst the swirling discussions at Davos, the aviation industry’s carbon footprint remained a hot-button issue.

In a managed business travel programme, accommodation expenditure often exceeds air travel costs. In fact, for most businesses in South Africa, local accommodation can account for 30% to 50% of the total travel budget, compared to air travel which averages 20% to 40%.

As the aviation industry and pricing start to normalise after the post-pandemic travel boom, a new, elevated baseline is reflecting the current cost of business travel. Travel managers can now start to make sense of their air travel programme and readdress negotiations to ensure they are getting maximum value.

As we enter 2025, South Africa travel managers must plan for numerous significant challenges that could impact their corporate travel programmes. Based on a recent report from our BCD Travel global risk assessment team, here are the primary risks requiring attention:

The Season of Giving is here! If you have someone in your life who travels regularly, here are some of our top travel-inspired picks for the road warrior who has everything (almost).

Sustainability is no longer a luxury but a necessity. As businesses and individuals grapple with the pressing environmental challenges of our time, it’s imperative that we integrate sustainable practices into every aspect of our lives, including Meetings and Events.

Lights, camera, party – We all love a good party and wish we could score a ticket to the event of the season. Be it an “Emily in Paris” inspired Baccarat ball or an opulent Bridgerton dinner with corsets, cravats and quartets. Every

Embarking on international travel can be a demanding experience, but with the right technological aids, you can turn it into a smooth and productive journey.

The travel industry has long been recognised as a female empowered realm where most of the workforce consists of women.

It’s springtime, and as we emerge from the gloom and drab of winter, it’s the perfect time to refresh and revitalise your business travel programme.

The global workforce is evolving rapidly, with women increasingly taking on leadership roles and international business trips. As a result, the number of solo female business travellers has surged in recent years.

This is a general guide, as visa requirements vary widely by country. Always consult the official government website or our visa specialists for accurate information.

When you are running a small, growing business, every penny saved counts. So, the natural default when you’re starting out is to do it all yourself (DIY).

The same is true for managing your travel effectively. In most small businesses, business travel is booked directly online with an airline, hotel or car hire company.

Business travel is a game-changer, even for growing SMMEs. It’s a proven fact that face-to-face meetings build trust, convert leads and turn prospects into loyal clients.

But let’s be honest, navigating travel for smaller businesses can be a headache. And when it comes to business travel management, everyone is looking to make the most of their travel budget.

Welcome to the latest edition of the Travel Market Report, brought to you by
BCD Travel’s Research & Intelligence team.
We start this quarter’s Travel Market Report with a roundup of the latest global
airline industry outlook from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
This includes a summary of what to expect in six regions.

The excitement of attending a big sports event is undeniable. For athletes and support staff, however, the journey to and from the big game often involves a less glamorous reality: complex travel logistics.

To travellers who hit the road once a week or month, complaining about travel burnout seems completely unjustified. After all, from the outside, business trips look glamorous and are often seen as a privilege.

Business expectations are high and being disconnected for hours on a long flight can cause frustrations to soar in our constantly connected world. Whether you need to catch up on emails for work, check out your messages or just browse social media, having internet access from 30,000 feet is becoming a must- have.

The geopolitical landscape has shifted seismically in recent years. With crises constantly erupting in various corners of the world, corporations are realising they need watertight plans to protect their travelling employees.

Let’s face it – after the first few trips, the magic of business travel quickly loses its appeal. It’s hardly surprising it has earned a reputation for being stressful, exhausting, and unhealthy – the endless airport waits, fast food on the run, jet lag, and lack of sleep all combined end up leaving regular road warriors resembling zombies by the end of a trip.

On a recent trip to the Mother City (that’s Cape Town for us in South Africa), we decided to take the scenic route as it were, and instead of rushing home, we stopped over for a night in Mossel Bay. What a wake-up call that was! Our hotel, the Diaz, can best be described as mammoth and our immediate reaction was one of surprise and awe.

Incentive trips should be more than just boardrooms and meetings — it’s an opportunity to explore, connect, and be inspired. In 2024, it’s time to set your sights on destinations that offer not only the perfect backdrop for your next meeting or event but also a blend of culture, history, and unique experiences. We’ve created this list of popular options for you to consider for your next incentive trip.

Convenient connections mean different things to different people. Ask any business traveller, and they’re likely to highlight the importance of well-timed interconnecting flights or critical flight updates while abroad

Travel is intricately linked to city trends, with each influencing and shaping the other in a dynamic relationship.

We understand that balancing eco-conscious decisions with business needs can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. It’s not just about saving the planet; it’s also about saving those “greenbacks”

As part of our 70th birthday celebrations, we thought it might be fun to look back at the evolution of airline tickets.

It may seem strange for us to be dishing out advice about what to look out for in a Travel Management Company (TMC), but there’s a good reason that we are. There have been several incidents of fraud involving local travel agents that have caused concern amongst clients recently.

Sustainable Tourism is an attainable goal for business travellers in the know. Underscored by climate change, sustainability goals in travel are geared toward reducing carbon footprints and the corresponding negative impact on the environment.

Event planning is an art form, a symphony of details, and a stage for unforgettable moments. It’s not just about coordinating logistics; it’s about creating experiences that leave lasting impressions.

There’s a reason that events are evolving into platforms that provide opportunities for meaningful engagements where “Connection” is that magical and often elusive ingredient that is the secret sauce in the mix.

In the corporate travel landscape, where speed and efficiency reign supreme, a hidden oasis awaits: the harmonious blend of technology and human touch. Forget the Holy Grail quest; at Rennies BCD Travel, we’ve built it.

Take a deep dive into key trends that are shaping the industry with our expert analysis and advice on what will matter most in 2024.

Just like online shopping is the answer to retail therapy, travel technology is the key to unlocking seamless and unforgettable travel experiences.

For several decades, Travel Management Companies (TMCs) have built their business model on two income streams – the corporate customer and suppliers.

Global business travel spending is expected to surpass pre-Covid levels in 2024, two years sooner than previously predicted, according to the GBTA.

Last year, we at Rennies BCD Travel made some ambitious predictions about travel trends and what a rollercoaster it has been!

The great merge of business and leisure travel has created a new trend that looks like it’s here to stay – bleisure travel.

We’ve all heard the phrase “Actions speak louder than words”. Well, at Rennies BCD Travel, we conducted a survey that really got us thinking about the gap between what companies

In most companies, employees must travel at some point to meet business objectives, for example, to meet prospective clients, undertake training, or manage project work.

Our BCD Global Travel Research and Intelligence team has published its 2024 outlook for economic prospects, key risks, projected prices for air, hotel, and car rental, sustainable travel trends, and more.

One of the more interesting questions posed on a general knowledge show was “Why are planes painted white?” Needless to say, that piqued our interest. Not to say that we don’t spend countless hours contemplating all things travel

You know, travel can be an adventure, but let’s face it—it can be a hassle, too. And if you’ve got a disability, that hassle can multiply. Let’s talk about why that is and what we can do to change it.

Hey there, jet-setters! The team at Rennies BCD Travel wants your trips to be awesome in every way — that includes keeping your digital life on lock whilst you’re in the boardroom or snapping selfies at the Eiffel Tower.

There are a few tried and tested guidelines to control business travel expenses while enhancing the employee travel experience. These tips will help travel managers or business owners to keep in budget and better manage the bottom line.

In a fast-moving, interconnected world, business travellers often juggle between tight schedules, pressing deadlines, and the quest for work-life balance. The recent update on the STATISTA report, examining the preferred work-life balance support

In a dynamic corporate landscape where the pursuit of work-life balance is more crucial than ever, integrating Bleisure – a blend of business and leisure travel – has gained momentum. A recent survey by Expedia Group revealed that 60% of business trips were extended for leisure purposes, underscoring the growing appeal of bleisure among today’s workforce.

Rennies BCD Travel is proud to announce its outstanding victory at the 2023 World Travel Awards. The company has been crowned with not one, but two prestigious titles: “Africa’s Leading Travel Management Company 2023” and “South Africa’s Leading Travel Management Company 2023”.

Any seasoned business traveller will attest it’s not all glam and gram. Beyond the polished LinkedIn posts lies the reality of disrupted sleep, packed schedules, and, often, solitude. While business travel incorporates work and routine, it doesn’t have to be stressful.

In the fast-paced world of business, where time is money and every second counts, jetlag can be a formidable adversary for business travellers. Balancing packed schedules whilst traversing time zones can place undue stress on the traveller, hampering both well-being and productivity, especially for those flying east and losing precious hours.

There is a lot to remember when travelling. And at the heart of this planning lies the expertise and guidance from Rennies BCD Travel. Here are some vital rookie mistakes to avoid for a seamless trip.

Our global partner, BCD Travel, in collaboration with Global Crisis Management, initiated a survey focused on travel risk management (TRM), exploring the experiences of travel buyers.

Seamless communication has always been an important part of a travel manager’s job. But now, travellers expect the same level of professional communication strategies marketers use to influence consumers.

Several trailblazing women have risen in the dynamic world of hospitality, leaving an indelible impact. Their innate flair for curating comfort, combined with a pioneering spirit, has led them to redefine excellence in this sector. Join us as we spotlight these remarkable women and their thriving establishments in the realm of accommodations.

Ever felt overwhelmed while packing for a business trip? Luckily you can make your next packing experience a breeze. Pack a punch on your next business outing with these nifty tips to help you power-dress on the go.

With the increase in the number of women in businesses, so are the risks associated with them during business travel. Statistics reveal a stark reality: while striving to maintain a work-life balance during business trips, 31% of women refrain from venturing out alone at night

The travel industry has undergone immense evolution and expansion over the decades, with women playing an indispensable role in this transformation. At Rennies BCD Travel, we cherish the profound influence of women in our field and within our company.

Travel seems to be the domain of the ladies who account for the majority of the workforce and who bring something special to the table. It’s the perfect example of synergy arithmetic, the 1 + 1 = 3 phenomenon. The intangible contribution of women in travel is as much an asset to travel management companies as the distant and exotic locations they endorse to boost tourism.

Our focus is squarely on social responsibility this month as we pay tribute to the spirit of Mandela Day and take action to inspire change in our communities. For us at Rennies BCD Travel, which is made possible through our work with Dignity Projects through the Modern Community Foundation that makes reusable sanitary towels for young ladies living in underprivileged areas.

Every year, Mandela Day serves as a poignant reminder of a man who honoured the power of reconciliation and exhibited extraordinary courage and remarkable vision. His generous spirit lives on throughout the world, and we celebrate the wisdom he shared through our ongoing initiatives to help others. It’s the finest example we know of paying it forward.

Creating sustainable opportunities by empowering small, start-up businesses in our industry, the tourism sector, and our country is a core focus for our business.

South Africa’s unique history has created an opportunity for a symbiotic relationship between emerging businesses and large corporations. The growth and support of Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment is crucial for all private and public sector enterprises.

At Rennies BCD Travel, our leadership philosophy mirrors our perspective on travel – it has a global, future-oriented outlook. We see sustainability as a concept that transcends beyond the conventional. It’s not just about responsible travel and fuel efficiency, but it extends to envisioning the larger framework and strategising for what lies ahead.

Travelling for business doesn’t have to come at the expense of our planet. As responsible travellers, we can care for the environment in various ways while still fulfilling our professional obligations.

At Rennies BCD, we go beyond offering eco-friendly options for flights and accommodations. We collaborate with hotels and airlines that have established sustainable practices, ensuring that corporate travellers can make conscious choices that align with their sustainability goals.

The travel industry is witnessing a shift from over-tourism to sustainable tourism, raising questions about sustainability’s real impact and benefits. According to Gregory Miller, executive director of the Center for Responsible Travel, sustainable tourism is about building a meaningful connection between visitors and locals, emphasising community and shared passions.

MICE Tourism has exploded in what can only be described as a tsunami of events in every conceivable form. In the travel space, groups travelling for meetings, exhibitions or conferences are governed by different policies and conditions and fall under the purview of events specialists who provide a unique service in this space.

Welcome to the fast lane of corporate travel, a space dominated by Rennies BCD Travel, the Best Travel Management Company in Africa, and your passport to complete peace of mind.
In a world seemingly spinning out of control, peace of mind is rare. Urgency and emergency dominate the landscape of corporate workspaces, and people are constantly on the move to maintain a presence in the global village.

In today’s fast-paced, constantly evolving business environment, organisations need efficient and effective ways to manage their travel programs. That’s where Travel Management Companies (TMCs) come into the picture. TMCs are responsible for coordinating and managing corporate travel, ensuring businesses can focus on their core operations while employees travel smoothly and safely.

The travel industry is no stranger to the transformative power of technology. From convenient online booking tools to digital check-ins and global tracking technology, it’s undeniable that tech is reshaping how we travel. However, ask any seasoned traveller, and they’ll agree – it’s the people who truly make a journey unforgettable. And when planning a trip, none more so than the dedicated professionals working behind the scenes to ensure a seamless experience.

The MICE industry refers to the planning and execution of business-related events, consisting of meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. In the travel space, these groups are governed by different terms, conditions and cancellation policies for business or leisure travel, making the management of this type of travel a specialist field of expertise.

History has its place in travel. Destinations exist because of their rich history – think of The Forbidden City, The Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge. Then consider the value of history to society. The wisdom and insight we gain from the past.

The highly regulated and demanding nature of travel for Life Sciences travel is exemplified by board meetings, training sessions, seminars and product launches and includes patient travel, which means travel cannot be managed as a ‘typical’ corporate program.

The airport experience has morphed dramatically in the past decade with the introduction of biometric security, mobile check-in, and baggage tracking. That’s really just the tip of the iceberg. Passenger numbers are set to double in the next twenty years, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), but airport expansion won’t keep up.

With the flexibility to work remotely, it makes sense that digital nomadism is an increasingly enticing lifestyle, with an estimated 1 billion digital nomads expected to roam the globe by 2035. This is a trend that is changing the travel industry, compelling a shift in focus, and is one that cannot be overlooked.

Strikes are a swear word for most travellers. They cause mayhem and incite fear, but this need not be the case.
Preparedness is the key to navigating “strike season”. It’s important to remember that both your Travel Management Company (TMC) and the airline will usually inform you of any potential strike action, so that strikes pose little threat and are little more than a nuisance.

Despite an encouraging resurgence in air travel in 2022, the majority of the traffic is international and domestic carriers have only seen a slight uptake of around 7%. This is in part due to the fact that domestic travel was not as severely impacted by global lockdowns as international travel.

At the heart of tourism, the culture and heritage of each destination intrigues and inspires people to visit, explore and experience. It’s about engaging with locals who share their stories and history with others. Karabo Sepharatla certainly has an interesting story to tell, and he is sharing it with tourists from far and wide through his company, Camping Khapela.

Compliance is a minimum requirement; and buy-in is the gold standard when it comes to travel programmes. The reason is simple – the more your travellers support your programme, the more productive, happy and engaged employees are.

We’ve compiled a list of travel safety tips to help make business travel as smooth as possible. While this isn’t a complete list, these tips are a great starting point to help you plan a safe and productive business trip.

It’s the month of love and in the corporate travel space that translates to demonstrating care for the
wellbeing of business travellers to reduce avoidable risk. Companies have a legal and moral
obligation to take care of their employees who engage in business travel.

It’s all happening in 2023, and this is what’s in store for hotels around the globe.

The return of Corporate transient travel has increased hotel occupancy to 90% of pre-pandemic levels. As corporate travel stabilises, hotel demand will remain variable in 2023. High inflation globally and corporates curbing travel spending means hotels must adopt flexible pricing models to deal with current short-booking window trends and ongoing market crises.

Veteran car rental analyst Neil Abrams famously said, “We’re in a transformative stage in the car rental industry. A radical new transportation paradigm, where the lines between car ownership, rental, and lease are blurred beyond recognition. In that world, cars will drive themselves and Apple, General Motors, Hertz, and Google will be in the same business.”

A seismic shift toward new and innovative thinking is revolutionising business models across the board and is a good reason for strategists to rethink the future. Tesla, Uber and Airbnb have all been major disruptors and proven that holding onto the tried and tested may prove to be an act of futility in these turbulent times.

Even in this world of instantaneous communication and social media connectivity, business travel is still as necessary as ever. As business travel returns after the shakeup of the pandemic, the main reason travellers are hitting the road is for ‘face-to=face’ client meetings to reinforce relationships , sales meetings and conferences. But how travellers undertake their journeys has changed..

As international travel starts to bounce back, it’s vital to make sure you’re prepared for your journey. Business trips are important, and planning your trip effectively will help you to arrive at your destination relaxed, making you more likely to create a good impression and concentrate on the purpose of your meeting.

As a Travel Management Company (TMC), we understand the importance of ensuring the safety of your business travellers. In today’s global climate, it is essential to be aware of and plan for potential risks to traveller safety. Fortunately, advances in travel technology can provide travel managers with robust solutions to evaluate these risks and provide instant support to those in need.

Each company has its own challenges and nuances, making each travel program unique. Using a Travel Management Company (TMC) can provide significant benefits for businesses with a large number of employees who travel for work. A trusted travel partner can unlock the potential in your travel program, improve the efficiency of your staff and your business as a whole.

When managing a business travel programme, the looming question remains how to cut business travel costs and improve efficiencies.
As businesses balance growth and expenses, some may see cost savings as cost-cutting, but slashing travel budgets and other key spending can be short-sighted. The key is not to reduce spending but to increase travel effectiveness towards meeting the company’s goals.

While the key aspects of creating a well-balanced travel program might not have changed, the expectations of the average business traveller certainly have. Cost and traveller safety will always underpin your approach, but it’s worth noting that there is an increased need for flexible trip options that facilitate a more personal travel experience.