My Residence Africa

Safety Checklist for Women Travelling Alone on Business: Essential Measures for Secure Stays in Serviced Apartments

ncumisa — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 13:41:19 +0000

Travelling alone on business can be scary, especially for women. Choosing the right serviced apartment can give you peace of mind during your trip. At MyResidence, we provide fully vetted and secure serviced apartments across Africa, ensuring that your accommodation is safe, comfortable, and tailored to your needs. Here are four key safety measures to look for when booking a serviced apartment for your business trip.

1. Secure Access and 24/7 Monitoring

Key Card or Code Entry: Ensure the apartment features secure entry systems such as key cards or access codes. This restricts access to authorised guests only.

24/7 Security: Our serviced apartments are located in buildings with 24/7 security personnel and CCTV surveillance, ensuring that you feel safe no matter the time of day. Whether you’re returning late from meetings or need assistance, help is always available.

2. In-Room Safety Features

Deadbolt Locks and Chain Locks: Look for apartments that feature secure locks on the door, such as deadbolts and chain locks, for added peace of mind when inside.

In-Room Safe: We ensure all our serviced apartments include in-room safes to securely store your valuables, from passports to business documents, so you can focus on your work without worrying about security.

3. Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Contact Information: Make sure the apartment provides emergency contacts, such as local authorities, medical services, and management support, in case you need assistance.

Clear Evacuation Plans: Our serviced apartments are equipped with emergency response systems, including fire alarms and clear evacuation plans, so you can feel confident in any emergency.

4. Privacy and Discreet Guest Access

Strict Guest Policies: Ensure that the apartment has strict guest policies, so you can maintain your privacy during your stay. At MyResidence, we ensure all our serviced apartments are discreet and secure, giving you the comfort of hosting colleagues or friends in a private setting, without worrying about uninvited guests.

When travelling alone on business, your safety should always be a priority. By choosing a serviced apartment with secure access, emergency preparedness, in-room safety features, and privacy, you can ensure your trip is both successful and stress-free.

At MyResidence, we are committed to providing secure, vetted serviced apartments to meet the needs of women travelling for business across Africa, allowing you to focus on your work while feeling safe and comfortable.

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Benchmarking Your Corporate Travel Programme: 5 Key Factors to Consider

ncumisa — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 13:36:29 +0000

As a corporate travel manager, it’s crucial to understand how your travel programme compares to others in the industry. Benchmarking allows you to assess areas for improvement, identify trends, and ensure your programme delivers value while keeping employees satisfied. Here are five key factors to track when comparing your programme against competitors:

1. Cost per Trip

Cost management is a major concern for any corporate travel programme. Tracking the average cost per trip—including flights, accommodation, transport, and additional expenses—helps you identify where money is being spent. By comparing your costs with industry standards, you can assess whether you’re paying too much and look for opportunities to negotiate better deals or improve booking strategies.

2. Traveller Satisfaction

The experience of your employees is just as important as the financial side. Gathering feedback on traveller satisfaction will help you understand how well your programme is meeting their needs. Focus on areas such as ease of booking, comfort, convenience, and overall experience. By comparing satisfaction levels to industry benchmarks, you can spot areas for improvement and ensure your programme is supporting employee wellbeing.

3. Traveller Safety and Risk Management

Ensuring the safety of your travellers is critical. Traveller safety includes having proper risk management practices in place, such as tracking employee locations, offering travel insurance, and providing timely updates in case of emergencies. Benchmarking your safety protocols against others in the industry helps you understand if your measures are sufficient or if you need to enhance your approach to protect your employees.

4. Booking Compliance and Policy Adherence

A successful travel programme relies on clear travel policies that employees follow. Tracking booking compliance—how well employees adhere to travel guidelines such as using preferred suppliers or staying within budget—helps ensure the programme runs smoothly. Comparing your policy adherence rates with competitors shows where your policies may need updating or if employees need more support to follow them.

5. Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in corporate travel. Tracking the environmental impact of your programme—such as carbon emissions from flights and hotel stays—can help you reduce your company’s footprint. Benchmarking your programme against industry sustainability standards helps you identify areas for improvement and align with broader corporate responsibility goals.

By regularly benchmarking these five factors, you can gain valuable insights into how your corporate travel programme performs compared to competitors. This process helps you identify areas for improvement, control costs, ensure employee satisfaction, and stay ahead of industry trends.

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New Distribution Capability (NDC) and its impact on the African travel industry

ncumisa — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 11:57:33 +0000

MyResidence participated in a webinar on the evolving landscape of New Distribution Capability (NDC) and its impact on the African travel industry. The session provided a deep dive into the global successes of NDC while also addressing the unique challenges faced in Africa. With only six African airlines currently on board, the road to NDC adoption remains complex due to high costs, integration challenges, and a lack of transparency.

A significant focus of the event was the role of Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and their ability to navigate these complexities. The varying approaches by airlines, the high costs involved, and the need for effective partnerships were highlighted as essential for overcoming barriers to successful implementation. A case study from Kenya demonstrated that collaboration between airlines, TMCs, IATA, and travel agents can lead to smoother adoption, emphasising the power of communication and shared goals.

Corporates also expressed concerns about the fragmented nature of NDC and the lack of clarity around its benefits. Clear, accessible content and a transparent roadmap for implementation are essential to securing corporate buy-in and ensuring a smooth transition to NDC-enabled systems.

René Stegmann, our director, emphasised the importance of managing change effectively within the African context. He underscored that the key to progress lies in enhanced collaboration, sharing of global best practices, and ongoing education for all stakeholders in the travel ecosystem.

At MyResidence, we believe that embracing NDC, while challenging, is crucial for the long-term growth and modernisation of the African travel sector. It is only through collaboration and a shared commitment to innovation that we can overcome these barriers and unlock the full potential of NDC in Africa. The future of travel in Africa hinges on our ability to navigate these complexities and work together for lasting change.

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Sustainable practices in the serviced apartment industry

ncumisa — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 11:41:23 +0000

The serviced apartment industry has increasingly embraced sustainability, driven by a growing awareness of environmental impact and the evolving priorities of corporate clients.

Here are a few essential sustainable practices to implement and why they matter:

As with most initiatives, it’s important to start where you are and gradually work your way up the sustainability ladder. While your company may not be able to implement everything at once, taking small, deliberate steps in the right direction can lead to significant long-term impact.

1. Eco-friendly Buildings

Green Certifications: Many serviced apartments now feature buildings that meet sustainable design certifications such as BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) or LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). These certifications ensure that the structure meets high environmental standards for energy use, water efficiency, and overall environmental impact.

2. Energy Efficiency

Smart Energy Management: Energy-efficient appliances and lighting, such as LED lights and Energy Star-rated appliances, are standard in many serviced apartments. Some also implement smart technologies, such as motion sensors for lighting and temperature control systems that adjust based on occupancy, reducing energy consumption.

Renewable Energy: Some properties have started using renewable energy sources, like solar panels or wind power, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower their carbon footprint.

3. Water Conservation

Low-flow Fixtures: Many serviced apartments install low-flow faucets, showers, and toilets to reduce water consumption.

Rainwater Harvesting: In some regions, serviced apartments collect and use rainwater for irrigation or non-potable purposes, conserving valuable water resources.

Why Sustainable Practices Matter for Employees and Business Growth:

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Many corporations are committed to reducing their environmental impact as part of their CSR strategy. By booking serviced apartments that align with their sustainability values, companies can enhance their own sustainability credentials.

Cost Efficiency: Energy-efficient properties can lower operational costs, making them more attractive to corporate clients seeking cost savings in the long term.

Employee Well-being: Sustainable serviced apartments often provide a healthier and more comfortable environment for employees. Green buildings with improved air quality and natural lighting contribute to overall well-being and productivity.

Reputation and Brand Image: Companies that partner with sustainable providers enhance their reputation with stakeholders, customers, and employees, aligning with the growing consumer preference for environmentally conscious brands.

Regulatory Compliance: Governments around the world are introducing stricter sustainability regulations. Corporations that book sustainable accommodations can ensure compliance with these laws, avoiding potential penalties or reputational damage.

Sustainability in the serviced apartment industry is not just about reducing environmental impact; it is also a strategic business decision that benefits both property providers and corporate clients alike. With increasing consumer and regulatory pressure, the shift toward greener accommodations is expected to continue growing.

Why Choose Us: Secure, Vetted Serviced Apartments Tailored for Expatriates

At MyResidence we specialise in providing high-quality, secure, and comfortable serviced apartments across Africa for expatriates, project teams, and executives. Our primary focus is on offering serviced apartments that meet your corporate needs for safety, convenience, and comfort.

All of our serviced apartments are carefully vetted to ensure they meet your requirements, offering peace of mind and reliability during your stay.

Whether you’re looking for short-term housing for a project team or long-term accommodations for executives, we offer flexible solutions designed to meet your needs. With a focus on security and personalised service, our serviced apartments across the African continent help your team feel at home and stay productive.

Get in touch to discuss how our personalised services can make your employees’ stays more productive and comfortable – requests@myresidence.africa

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2024’s Top 10 Places Business Travelers are Flocking to in Africa

Cassidy Dauberman — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 08:35:30 +0000

In 2024, four years after the breakout of the global Covid-19 crisis, it is almost safe to say that the pandemic has become a distant memory for many of us. The most obvious way to determine that this is true is by having a look into the recent travel and tourism statistics. The World Economic Forum has published an article in May 2024 stating that the travel and tourism industry are officially back to pre-pandemic levels.

This does not negate the fact that challenges still exist. Companies are attempting to navigate their way to success through geopolitical and environmental risks, growing scrutiny of sustainability practices, and the effect of new digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence. However, the current travel and tourism statistics are looking promising and enable us to look into the future with optimism. This claim is supported by the aforementioned article from the World Economic Forum which stated,

‘’ The global tourism industry is expected to recover from the lows of the COVID-19 pandemic and surpass the levels seen before the crisis. This is largely being driven by a significant increase in demand worldwide, which has coincided with more available flights, better international openness, and increased interest and investment in natural and cultural attractions’’.

African companies and corporations found themselves relieved and thrilled at the developments that followed the reopening of borders. In the business travel industry particularly, companies have been excited to embark on the road to recovery, resume on-site operations and reconnect with the rest of the globe.

Better yet, African companies and corporations have adopted a new positive outlook towards the pandemic and consider it an incident to have learned valuable business lessons from, rather than merely perceiving it as a hindrance.

The IOL has reaffirmed that business travelers and travel management companies agree that working with so many industries during the pandemic have allowed them to formulate thorough travel risk strategies for different sectors. In doing so, they have come to learn that each company has different needs required to overcome their set of travel risks. A Return to Travel Framework has therefore since been developed to assist in providing direction for the companies, as well as for the purpose of empowering customers to take confident action when it comes to resuming business travel.

With new developments in the loop and excitement and progression buzzing around every corner of the business travel industry, it would be an injustice not to shine a light on the African economies that are leading the way post-pandemic.

Business travelers from all around the world are choosing to flock into these African cities for numerous reasons other than just their extremely lucrative and strong economies. Other appealing factors that typically attract international business travelers include things such as the state of the city’s infrastructure, the standard of its real estate and standard of living, the quality of life in those cities, as well as other factors such as tourism potential.

Top 10 destinations for business trips in Africa for 2024

Marrakech, Morocco: As Morocco’s fourth largest city, Marrakech is a favorite among tourists for dream holidays. Marrakech does not merely appeal to vacationers but is also an excellent destination for business trips, offering a blend of business opportunities and a relaxing atmosphere. Since 2012, the city has seen significant development in tourist facilities, including hotels, golf courses, and health spas. These improvements have greatly boosted the local and national economy by creating numerous jobs and attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Lagos, Nigeria: As the economic powerhouse of West Africa, Nigeria presents abundant business opportunities for travelers. Lagos is the country’s commercial capital and a prime destination for business travelers looking to engage with Nigeria’s booming markets. Lagos is home to the headquarters of most of the country’s commercial banks, financial institutions, and major corporations. Often referred to as “Africa’s Silicon Valley,” Lagos hosts 5 of the 7 African tech start-ups valued over 1 billion euros.

Cape Town, South Africa: Cape Town is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city surrounded by natural beauty. Home to the famous Table Mountain, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the Mother City is renowned for its stunning beaches, copious biodiversity, award-winning cuisine and wine, and diverse experiences. Cape Town is South Africa’s second main economic center and Africa’s third primary economic hub. The city boasts the highest number of successful information technology companies on the continent, making it a crucial hub for the industry.

Nairobi, Kenya: Nairobi is East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city and Kenya’s dynamic and bustling capital. It contrasts the rest of the country’s untouched natural beauty with its energetic urban environment. Nairobi hosts the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), which is one of Africa’s largest stock exchanges, officially recognised by the London Stock Exchange. Nairobi also houses the headquarters of several of Africa’s largest companies, including Safaricom, Kenya’s most profitable company, KenGen, the largest African stock outside South Africa, and Kenya Airways, Africa’s fourth largest airline.

Cairo, Egypt: Cairo is synonymous with ancient Egypt and is located near the Giza pyramid complex and the historic cities of Memphis and Heliopolis. Cairo is home to 11% of Egypt’s population and 22% of its economy. The city generates the majority of the nation’s commerce and is the center for most of Egypt’s publishing houses, media outlets, film studios, hospitals, and universities. Cairo is the driving force of the country’s rapid urban development, termed “hyper-urbanisation”.

Mombasa, Kenya: Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city and primary seaport, is a premier tourist destination on the country’s eastern coastline. Known for its beautiful beaches, diverse marine life, and welcoming atmosphere, Mombasa attracts numerous visitors throughout the year. It is also a crucial economic center, hosting industries such as coffee trading, food and chemical manufacturing, a steel mill, an aluminum rolling mill, an oil refinery, and a cement plant.

Casablanca, Morocco: Casablanca is Morocco’s economic powerhouse. The city is famous not only for its cinematic legacy but also for being a leading business hub in North Africa. The city boasts modern infrastructure, vibrant markets, and a burgeoning startup scene, providing corporate travelers with a mix of business opportunities and cultural experiences. Casablanca drives Morocco’s economic development and is a key trading node between Africa and Europe.

Abuja, Nigeria: Abuja is Nigeria’s capital and eighth most populous city. It serves as the country’s administrative and political center and is significant to the entire African continent owing to Nigeria’s geopolitical influence. Real estate is a major driver of Abuja’s economy, reflecting the city’s substantial growth and investment from both foreign and local sources. This sector continues to positively impact the city, and provides employment to the local population.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: This vibrant commercial capital of Tanzania, is located along the country’s eastern coast. The bustling city offers a unique blend of rich history, diverse cultures, stunning natural beauty, and thriving economic activities. Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s most important city for both business and government, with a high concentration of trade, services, and manufacturing. The Central Business District is the largest in Tanzania and is home to the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange.

Johannesburg, South Africa: Johannesburg, often referred to as Jozi, Joburg, or “The City of Gold,” is South Africa’s most populous city and a classified megacity. It ranks among the 100 largest urban areas globally. Johannesburg is the economic and financial hub of South Africa, contributing 16% to the country’s GDP and accounting for 40% of Gauteng’s economic activity. The city hosts Africa’s largest stock exchange, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).

This incredible list of African cities was compiled from information derived from geotags.

The platform analysed 1,000,000 Instagram posts tagged with the hashtag #businesstrip. It focused exclusively on post-pandemic data, spanning from October 2022 to February 2024. Among the continents, Africa emerged as a compelling hub for business travel. This, in our opinion, is quite an achievement for Africa, and one that we definitely expected.

These African locations have secured their positions amongst the best in the world, and these cities are most deserving of all the attention and business they are receiving.

Africa is rich in culture and diversity, minerals and resources, and local and international business opportunities. And African companies and corporations have an entrepreneurial spirit and are eager to welcome any new business opportunities that may come their way.

We cover 66 vibrant cities across Africa. If you’re a business traveler seeking top-notch serviced apartments, look no further. Contact us today to secure your ideal accommodation. Get booked in now and experience the best in African hospitality!

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Mali – Travel Guide

Cassidy Dauberman — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 09:37:50 +0000

Facts to assist you when travelling to Mali

Mali population

23.3 million

Capital and Largest City

Bamako.

Official Language(s)

French.

Currency

West African CFA franc.

Office Hours

07:30 – 16:00.

Weekend

Saturday – Sunday.

Time Zone

UTC.

Calling Code

+223.

Tipping

If a service charge is not included in the bill a tip of 10% is acceptable.

Embassies

Most countries are represented by embassies or consulates located in the capital city.

Government

Colonel Assimi Goïta has been interim President of Mali as of 28 May 2021.

Climate

Mali is known to be one of the hottest countries in the world! The thermal equator, which matches the hottest spots year-round on the planet based on the mean daily annual temperature, crosses the country. Most of Mali receives negligible rainfall, and droughts are very frequent. Late June to early December is the rainy season in the southernmost area. During this time, flooding of the Niger River is common, creating the Inner Niger Delta. During the hottest season of the year, temperatures are high throughout the country. Timbuktu, Taoudenni, Araouane, Gao, Kidal, Tessalit are some of the hottest spots on Earth during their warmest months.

Transport

The main airport in Mali is the Lilongwe International Airport, located in Lilongwe. Mali’s transportation infrastructure is regarded as poor, even by regional standards, and deficiencies have limited economic growth and development. Mali has one railroad, including 729 kilometres in Mali, which runs from the port of Koulikoro via Bamako to the border with Senegal and continues on to Dakar. Mali’s main economic link to the coast is a paved road between Bamako and Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire. Because rate of automobile ownership is low, and formal government run public transit is sparse, informal buses and taxis abound in Malian urban centres.

Economy

Mali’s main industries include mining, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Hospitality

A common gesture in Mali that foreigners might not be familiar with, and might confuse them, is pursing your lips and making a buzzing sound, which means “nothing.” Unlike in western societies where burping is considered rude, in Mali, burping is considered a sign that one has enjoyed their meal. Often times, the cook or host will even consider burping a compliment. It is also impolite to shake hands or to eat with the left hand.

Greetings

Men shake hands when greeting one another. It is common to put your right hand to your chest, and this is a sign of respect. When meeting with longtime friends a hug is the common form of greeting. Women also shake hands with other female strangers and acquaintances. A verbal hello is appropriate as well. Close female friends will hug one another. It is not appropriate for people of the opposite sex to shake hands or hug. In such a case, a verbal greeting will suffice.

Money

The currency of Mali is the West African franc (XOF). The XOF is also the currency of six other independent states in Western Africa, such as Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

Transportation

Foreign visitors who want to drive in Mali must have valid drivers license issued by the country of their residence. Driving in Mali is on the right-hand side of the road, and the minimum age for driving is 21. It is not permitted to use a handheld mobile phone whistle driving, and drivers caught doing this will face consequences accordingly. Driving under the influence of alcohol is also prohibited.

Safety

Mali is a developing African country and is one of the poorest countries in the world. Due to its high levels of poverty, Mali also has high crime rates and is therefore not a particularly safe country. Transport isn’t safe in Mali as Malian roads and vehicles are often unsafe and unreliable. Some drivers can be reckless and ignore traffic signs, and at random times there can also be cattle roaming on the roads. Visitors should be careful about displaying wealth or any belongings in public. Avoid walking unaccompanied in Mali altogether, be it during day or night.

Culture

Mali is home to many different tribes and ethnic groups. The largest of these groups is the Bambara, which accounts for 31% of the population. Other smaller ethnic groups include the Fula Macina, Soninke, Sanghai, and the Dogon (5%). Mali is a Muslim country. Approximately 90% of the country’s population ascribe to the Sunni Muslim faith. Minority religions in Mali include Christianity, most of which identify with the Catholic or Protestant denominations.

Shops

Due to it being a poor nation, Mali unfortunately does not have many grand modern shopping malls and amenities like that of which can be found in western countries. However, the country does have a number of supermarkets and shops where locals and visitors can get everything they need.

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Business Travel – René Stegmann from My Residence.Africa

Cassidy Dauberman — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 07:52:39 +0000

In my line of work, I travel a fair amount for business. Recently, I have been experiencing some things that remind me of the importance of considering the business traveler and the duty of care related to their experience.

According to the insights shared at the ITM conference I recently attended in Brighton, travel buyers feel that the current travel programmes we have now haven’t improved much in the last 5 years.

Although I can confidently testify that we are all moving as fast as we can to ensure our businesses operate more effectively through digitisation and automation, some legacy systems like the GDS are not easily adaptable. This is especially a problem as it is a resource that Travel Management Companies (TMC’s) and other bookers rely heavily on. This limits the ability to have innovation of other systems available and consequently, one could argue that progress is somewhat hindered by legacy booking systems.

This claim is supported by a statistic indicating that only 52% of travel buyers believe there will be satisfactory solutions to the content challenges with airlines, OBTs (Online Booking Tool), and TMCs in the next few years. The reliance of airlines on complex and deeply entrenched legacy systems makes it difficult to transition to new protocols like NDC (New Distribution Capability). Such shifts require significant investments of time and resources over a 10-year period, as well as technical expertise to navigate the complexities of integrating NDC with existing systems.

On the one hand it is true that our industry sector works closely with various airlines, including Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic, Air France, Emirates, British Airways and KLM. On the other hand, as a business traveler myself, I recently grew frustrated at how these airlines have brilliant booking tools but fall short with regards to getting things done on the ground.

My area of frustration involved connecting flights that are booked separately to get baggage booked all the way to my final destination, which proved to be impossible. In this respect, I am afraid their digitisation and automation fail the airline industry and causes the traveler undue stress and frustration when traveling.

I simply needed my British Airways flights to be connected so they could tag my bags from Faro to Cape Town via London. The result was that they simply could not do it, and when flights were delayed, I had no choice but to leave my bag behind in London, with no tag to Cape Town, this was so I would not miss my connecting flight.

I imagine that this must have cost the airline much more than would have been necessary, had their system been able to support them and me better.

Fortunately, my bag arrived safely to my door the day after my flight home had landed. While I must admit that I was quite impressed by how quickly my baggage arrived back home, my concern is how differently this situation could have ended if I wasn’t returning home but was set for another business meeting instead.

Digitisation and automation in business travel still have a long way to go. The issue I encountered could have been easily resolved with minor digital solutions.

The conference also highlighted the importance of relying on TMCs as essential partners for buyers. Based on my understanding, I wholeheartedly agree. However, it is crucial for TMCs to act as the eyes and ears for their buyers, ensuring they offer products and services that benefit the buyers rather than focusing solely on commission structures.

I have come to learn that TMCs are compensated through commissions and other incentive mechanisms, which introduces a level of bias into the system. If this bias is transparent and fair to all parties, it is a structure that can work effectively.

Another interesting and topical statistic that was discussed at the ITM conference is related to carbon emissions. As we know, sustainable aviation fuel is currently not widely available and is expensive. Consequently, 79% of respondents believe we should consider traveling less to achieve carbon reductions. While this is true in simple terms, global travel facilitates global trade of services and products, a reality that is unlikely to change in today’s world. In-person relationships are more valuable than electronic ones, which are less relational in nature. Therefore, we need to find other ways to manage and reduce our carbon footprint.

Here are some additional suggestions on how we can manage our carbon footprint and ensure we are containing carbon emissions:

Get Employees Involved: Encourage employees to find creative ways to reduce travel emissions.
Review Travel Policies: Update travel policies to promote direct routing.
Allow Flexible Scheduling: Implement flexible scheduling policies that allow employees to combine business trips with personal trips or extend stays to reduce the frequency of trips.
Consider Various Accommodation Types: Evaluate different accommodation options, such as serviced apartments versus hotels for longer stays over 7 days.
Use Remote/Virtual Meetings: Utilise remote or virtual calls to ensure in-person meetings are necessary and will achieve meaningful results.
Ongoing Discussions: Foster ongoing discussions on carbon reduction topics. The more we refine and discuss carbon costs, the better we can reduce them while maintaining effective business operations.

Top two priorities from the ITM research were evident:

Bookers prioritise comfort and quality.
Bookers also want value for money.

This is true for both transportation and accommodation solutions.

The ITM conference also provided insights into the time management of travel managers, revealing that their roles are so fragmented that prioritising amidst the noise is nearly impossible. Consequently, making sustainable choices or finding the best solutions for corporate buyers can be challenging. Understanding this complexity is crucial for those of us trying to cut through the noise and reach travel buyers effectively. I had an example of talking to a TMC in Africa recently about a new product offering and they responded that they are no longer (in May) accepting any more suppliers for 2024. So even if you think your TMC knows all the wonderful solutions and products out in the market – well they probably don’t as they are not even wanting to look at new suppliers 4 months into a new year.

Another significant thing I learned was around payment tools and options. These include:

Corporate Cards: Business payment cards for regular travelers with ad-hoc and on-the-go expense needs.

Lodge Cards: A centralised payment solution used by an organisation’s TMC to pay for the business travel they book for their clients.
Virtual Cards: Digital payment solutions for travelers, suitable for various spending needs wherever they are.

Understanding what works best for your travel buyer and travel program is crucial, as it simplifies the booking process and makes reporting more manageable. It is worth exploring the different options to determine what will work best for each travel situation.

During the ITM conference there was a fun session in which some travel buyers were asked what they would most like from their travel managers. One buyer humorously described their ideal travel manager as having a superpower called “Captain Transparency,” enabling them to navigate through hidden agendas, bribery, and corruption. Although this highlights a negative perception of travel managers, it underscores the importance of transparency. As the industry evolves, these issues will become more evident, guiding us in choosing the right partners. Moving forward on important agendas such as sustainable development and cost rationalisation will require appropriate and trustworthy partnerships.

Of course, the topic of AI could not be left out of the discussion. While some are apprehensive about this advancement, I believe, as highlighted in the talks, that AI can be an effective tool in fully understanding the expenses of business travelers, providing businesses with a better and more comprehensive view of their data. This is truly exciting for the industry. If we all embrace AI and invest in training, we can empower ourselves, our teams, our businesses, and our clients with effective solutions for the future.

I regularly attend conferences due to my involvement in multiple businesses, each of them offering unique insights. The ITM conference was particularly enriching, providing a wealth of content, engaging activities, and opportunities for community building. One of my businesses is myresidence.africa, which offers serviced accommodation across Africa, is a growing business in Africa and these insights from a global view are valuable.

Given the scarcity of relevant content in our region, traveling for learning purposes is crucial for our business. Hence, I find that attending these conferences are most rewarding. At the end of every conference, I leave with beneficial knowledge that I take home with me and attempt to implement in various aspects of my business, as well as my life as a business traveler. Of course, it is my duty to share this knowledge with those around me as well, and I am immensely pleased to do so.

Click here to learn more about us, and how you can benefit from choosing us as your trusted serviced apartment provider in Africa.

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Sierra Leone – Travel Guide

content — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 12:21:47 +0000

Facts to assist you while travelling to Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone population

4 million people.

Capital and Largest City

Freetown.

Official Language(s)

English.

Currency

Leone.

Office Hours

08:00 – 16:00.

Weekend

Saturday – Sunday.

Time Zone

UTC.

Calling Code

+232.

Tipping

If a service charge is not included in the bill a tip of 10% is acceptable.

Embassies

Most countries are represented by embassies or consulates located in the capital city.

Government

Julius Maada Wonie Bio is a Sierra Leonean politician, and the current president of Sierra Leone since 4 April 2018.

Climate

The climate of Sierra Leone is tropical. Although it could technically be classified as a tropical monsoon climate, it could also be described as a climate that is transitional between a continually wet tropical rainforest climate and a tropical savanna climate. There are two seasons. The dry season lasts from November to May, and the rainy season lasts from June to October. Average rainfall is highest at the coast, 3000–5000 mm per year, but precipitation decreases as you move further inland.

Transport

The main airport in Sierra Leone is the Lungi International Airport, located in Lungi. The country does not share rail links with adjacent countries. Because of widespread poverty, high petroleum prices and a large portion of the population residing in small communities, walking is often the preferred method of transportation in Sierra Leone. Major ports of Sierra Leone include Bonthe, Freetown, Pepel, and Queen Elizabeth II Quay.

Economy

Sierra Leone’s main industries include diamonds mining, small-scale manufacturing (cigarettes, beverages, textiles, footwear), petroleum refining, and commercial ship repair.

Hospitality

Sierra Leoneans are extremely polite and manner conscious. Locals give lots of attention to one’s neatness of dress and style of presentation, especially in urban areas. Courteous and eloquent greetings are important in their society. Elders are always respected.. People in Sierra Leone are also generous, especially towards their guests. A “good” host is always a generous host. It is polite for guests to leave some food on the plate, thanking the host profusely for his or her generosity.

Greetings

Greetings in Sierra Leone vary according to ethnic group. In Krio, Hello is ”Kushe”. In Mende, it is ”Bua”, and in Temne it is ”Seke”.

Money

The Leone is the official currency of Sierra Leone. It is subdivided into 100 cents. The Leone is abbreviated as ‘’Le’’ placed before the amount.

Transportation

People in Sierra Leone drive on the right side of the road. The minimum age for citizens to drive a car is 18. Driving under influence in Sierra Leone is taken seriously, so make sure to abide by the local rules of the road. The maximum allowed speed limit is 70 km/h on urban roads. Children who are younger than 5 years are prohibited to be in the front seat of a moving vehicle.

Safety

Due to the high levels of poverty in Sierra Leone, it is not the safest country to travel to. Visitors face a high risk of pick pocketing and theft. It is best to treat crowded places with caution, and avoid other places entirely, if possible. Nightclubs and bars are typically hotspots for criminals, muggers, pickpockets, and prostitutes. Sierra Leone is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa. Although the seas close to the beach are generally safe for experienced swimmers, there has been a number of reported cases of drowning due to strong currents.

Culture

The two largest ethnic groups residing in the country are the Temne and Mende. Other ethnic communities in the country include the Limba, Kono, Loko, Fullah, Mandingo, and other smaller groups. While English is the country’s official language, the Mende and the Temne are the principal vernacular languages spoken in the south and north of the country. Krio is an English-based Creole language is a first language for only 10% of the population. However, this unique language is understood by nearly the entire population. Most of Sierra Leone’s population is Muslim, with the approximate percentage nearing a whopping 78.6%. They coexist with a smaller group of Christians, who account for about 20.8% of the population.

Shops

Sierra Leone has numerous stores, shopping centres, and malls that are modern like that of those in western countries, especially in its capital city. Therefore, shopping and entertainment should be no hassle. Sierra Leone also has some online shopping options.

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Gambia – Travel Guide

content — Mon, 06 May 2024 10:50:33 +0000

Facts to assist you while travelling to Gambia.

Gambian population

7 million.

Capital and Largest City

Banjul.

Official Language(s)

English.

Currency

Dalasi.

Office Hours

09:00 – 17:00.

Weekend

Saturday – Sunday.

Time Zone

UTC.

Calling Code

+220.

Tipping

If a service charge is not included in the bill a tip of 10% is acceptable.

Embassies

Most countries are represented by embassies or consulates located in the capital city.

Government

Adama Barrow is a Gambian politician and real estate developer who has served as President of the Gambia since 2017.

Climate

Gambia has a tropical climate. The hot and rainy season normally lasts from June until November. Thereafter, from December until May, cooler temperatures predominate, and precipitation decreases. The climate in The Gambia closely resembles that of neighbouring Senegal, of southern Mali, and of the northern part of Benin.

Transport

The main airport in Gambia is the Banjul International Airport, located in its capital city. The system of transportation in Gambia mixes both public and private operations and consists of a system of roads that are both paved and unpaved, water and air transportation. There are no railways in the country.

Economy

Gambia’s main industries that contribute towards its GDP include mining, processing peanuts, fish, tourism, beverages, agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, and clothing.

Hospitality

The ethnic groups that reside in Gambia prioritise tranquility of life, and their manners and actions tend to ease the attainment of that goal. Regardless of ethnicity, Gambians are often soft-spoken and gentle in demeanor. They avoid unnecessary conflicts and strive toward quiet settlement of disputes.

Greetings

A common handshake between two men occurs with the right hand and tends to linger for a bit. Handshakes may also be accompanied by an intimate and polite touching of the forearm or upper arm. Older people are greeted first, typically by saying ‘’Asalaamalekum’’. With women, a verbal greeting tends to suffice. It may be accompanied by a handshake, and this is acceptable, but not expected. The elder woman usually leads the greeting. Due to most of the population practicing Islam, refrain from greeting the opposite sex. Verbal greetings are sufficient but try to avoid direct eye contact. It is taboo for religiously observant Muslim men to touch women and vice-versa.

Money

The official currency of Gambia is the Gambian Dalasi (GMD), which is subdivided into 100 bututs. The country has a cash-based economy, so while you may find a number of hotels and restaurants that accept visa debit cards, not many will take credit card payments.

Transportation

One of the major challenges faced by people travelling to Gambia is getting around the country by road and crossing the river safely by boat. Most roads in the country are in a poor condition that often worsens during the rainy season. There is no existing public transport system and Gambian drivers have varying levels of skill and respect for basic road rules. Many of them do not make use of the vehicle’s headlights at night, especially in areas that actually have streetlights, like the capital city. Drunk driving is also a frequent occurrence amongst citizens and traffic laws and regulations are not properly implemented.

Safety

Gambia is known as the Smiling Coast of Africa due to its reputation for positivity and good vibes. While the country is reported to be safe, crimes do occur. Most crimes that take place are petty crimes such as pickpocketing, scams and theft. However, it is not common that visitors are targeted, and most people who visited Gambia have not experienced any crime whatsoever. It is important that you practice vigilance and take precautions.

Culture

Gambia is a multiethnic country. The country’s most prominent ethnic groups include the Fula, Jola, Mandinka, Serahule, and Wolof. These groups coexist in the same regions, and there is no part of The Gambia that is inhabited by one single ethnic group. This has led to the sharing and mixing of cultural traits among the groups, which has in turn led to a movement toward a Gambian national culture. Islam is the biggest religion in Gambia, with Muslims making up 90 percent of the country’s population. There is also a small group of Christian followers, as well as an even smaller group of locals who still practice traditional and indigenous religions.

Shops

There are many supermarkets in and towards the city spaces that are well-stocked with imported food, as well as malls and shopping centres. Shops are open from 9am and usually close only after 7pm, from Monday to Saturday.

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Niger – Travel Guide

content — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 10:44:57 +0000

Facts to Assist You While Traveling to Niger

Niger population

2 million people.

Capital and Largest City

Niamey.

Official Language(s)

French.

Currency

West African CFA franc.

Office Hours

08:00 – 12:30 and 14:30 to 17:00.

Weekend

Saturday – Sunday.

Time Zone

UTC +1.

Calling Code

+227.

Tipping

If a service charge is not included in the bill a tip of 10% is acceptable.

Embassies

Most countries are represented by embassies or consulates located in the capital city.

Government

Mohamed Bazoum is a Nigerien politician who served as the 10th president of Niger from 2021 to 2023.

Climate

Niger’s subtropical climate is mainly very hot and very dry, with much desert area. In the extreme south there is a tropical climate on the edges of the Niger River basin. The terrain is predominantly desert plains and sand dunes, with flat to rolling savanna in the south and hills in the north.

Transport

Niger’s main airport is the Diori Hamani International Airport, located in Niamey. The Niger River is unsuitable for large-scale river transport, as it lacks depth for most of the year and is broken by rapids at many spots. Only a small percentage of Niger’s roads are paved. Nigeriens in both urban and rural areas rely on a combination of motor vehicles and animals for transport of themselves and commercial goods. Niger is a user of the Benin and Togo railway lines which carry goods from seaports to the Niger border.

Economy

The main industries in Niger that contributes towards its GDP include mining, agriculture, forestry, fishing, and manufacturing.

Hospitality

The most important attribute of the Niger people is their generosity. The people of Niger are known to be friendly, generous, and love goodness for each other. There are good people doing amazing work everywhere, especially in the month of Ramadan, when people will set up many food tables for breakfast of the poor. There is a huge giving culture in Niger. Charitable institutions compete in providing aid to the poor and the rich are interested in looking at those who are less fortunate than them and working to help them in all ways.

Greetings

A handshake with the right hand is the most common form of greeting amongst. Handshakes tend to be warm and linger quite a bit. Handshakes are often accompanied by a gesture in which the individuals touch their right hands over their heart. Women, on the other hand, will raise both hands on each side of the face during handshakes with other women. In some areas a kiss on each cheek may accompany the greeting as well. Due to its large Muslim population, people of the opposite sex often do not shake one another’s hands. Instead, a verbal greeting or nod of acknowledgment is the norm in most situations.

Money

The currency in Niger is the West African CFA franc. The West African CFA franc is officially recognised by the Nigerien government and can be used to settle all financial obligations in the country.

Transportation

Transport infrastructure in Niger is underdeveloped. The main mode of transport in Niger is via automobile, as there is no existing railway network. Fortunately, most roads within and between the major cities are paved, but as you travel towards the more rural areas, unpaved roads and gravel roads become a more frequent sight.

Safety

There are a number of risks that expats may face when travelling to Niger as the country experience trouble with petty crimes, violent crimes, and drug smuggling. Poverty in the capital cities perpetuates these cycles of crime, and it is therefore not considered safe to walk around at night. Additionally, there are health risks that are present such as a deficiency in sanitation. This means that the chances of contracting water-borne diseases such as diarrhea and cholera are relatively high. Malaria is another easily contactable disease that possess a threat to the health of Nigerien citizens. It is advisable that you get all necessary vaccinations ahead of time.

Culture

Niger strictly adheres to a group of customs and traditions. Visitors should be mindful of this as locals might deem it to be disrespectful to violate or be ignorant of these customs. Islam is the most widespread religion in Niger, where approximately 90% of the population is Muslim. The prevalence of Islam is influential on the country’s customs and traditions. Adherence to the teachings of the Islamic religion is important and necessary in Niger. Locals place emphasis on preserving the teachings of the Islamic religion, establishing religious rituals, exchanging gifts between relatives and friends, kindness to the poor, and providing all their needs throughout the year.

Shops

Niger has numerous stores, shopping centres, and malls that are modern like that of those in western countries, especially in its capital city. Therefore, shopping and entertainment should be no hassle. Niger also has online shopping options.

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