Press Release

For Immediate Release
2 July 2007

ACTE Delegates Debate Critical Travel Issues in Johannesburg

Johannesburg, South Africa -- The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) hosted an event addressing two critical issues currently facing the South African Travel industry on 21 June 2007 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The half-day Johannesburg Executive Forum was attended by over 140 delegates from 58 organizations including corporate travel buyers, academic institutions, travel management companies, hoteliers, car rental companies and the airline industry.

After attending the event, Anna Hattingh, Travel Manager for Spescom said “The BAR subject is gaining more importance as corporates start to feel the bite of changing pricing structures. The discussions on concerns about skill levels in corporate travel convinced me that this is the one issue on which TMC’s and corporates simply must start working together in true partnership. We need more frank debate on both issues.”

The forums opening session featured a panel discussion regarding Best Available Rate and the impact on the Corporate buyer. The panel consisted of the countries leading hoteliers presenting their case in favour of Best Available Rate and also had a corporate buyer and TMC panellist providing their perspectives. Based on feedback from several delegates in attendance and evaluations, ACTE has taken the decision that this topic requires further clarification and debate and will thus be exploring this issue in more detail at future Executive Forums.

The second session of the day addressed the issue of an emergent Skills-Gap which is also being experienced on a wider scale globally. The international travel community is expressing a concern regarding the lack of effectively trained staff coming into the industry. With the continuous evolution within the travel environment, the need to attract young workers with effective education and skills is fast becoming a difficult task to fulfil. This session addressed the issue from the Industry, Academic and Corporate perspectives and gained a lot of interest from event delegates.

ACTE Executive Director, Susan Gurley said “we are pleased to continue with ACTE’s partnership theme that was developed at ACTE’s global education conference.”

For more information, contact:
Monique Swart
Regional Manager, Middle East & Africa
[email protected]


For more information, contact:
Debbie Flynn
CEO
Brighter Group
The Pod, London's Vertical Gateway
Bridges Wharf, Battersea
London SW11 3BE England
T: 020 7326 9880
F: 020 7326 9890
E: [email protected]
W: www.brightergroup.com