BCD Kenya emerged the winner during this year’s South African Airways (SAA) Travel Agents Awards. HRG Kenya took second position while Carlson Wagonlit Travel emerged third.
The prestigious awards are aimed at recognising travel agents in Kenya who have contributed towards SAA success in the year.
The awards dinner held at a Nairobi hotel, themed Forging partnerships for a sustainable future,
saw over 120 IATA and non-IATA travel agents celebrating with the airline. The keynote speaker, Vuyisa Onabulu, Second Secretary, Political at the South Africa High Commission, emphasised on the need
partnership between Kenya and South Africa in growing the respective tourism industries.
“Affordability and ease of movement of tourists are among the important issues that need to be addressed if the sector and industry has to grow, we are therefore excited with the signing of the
Single African Air Transport Market which is intended to drive down airfares by allowing airlines of different countries to freely access each other’s airports. In the spirit of growing together South Africa and Kenya are among the 23 countries that signed the agreement. We foresee this as a huge boost to the industry by increasing the number of tourists to our respective countries,” she said.
Speaking at the event, Austin Nyawara, SAA’s Regional Manager, East Africa & Middle East appreciated the travel agents for supporting SAA during the transition period it went through last year, “SAA has been going through various changes in management and consolidation of various offices but now we have a new CEO and the company is now focused on growth and progress.”
This year’s SAA awards recognised top performing travel agents towards revenue contribution for the
financial year 2016 – 2017.
SAA Kenya Country Manager Jane Ngaira said: “Recognising our stake holders is integral in forging lasting partnerships and ensuring a strong foot print in Kenya”.
SAA in partnership with star alliance partners’ flies to over 700 destinations across the world. From the first flight in February 1934, SAA has welcomed the world to South Africa by showing off the warm generous heart of the country. It has become a global airline whose excellence has been built a dedication to excellence and embracing innovation.
“With the Easter Holiday approaching, SAA has created various holiday bouquet offers in partnership with various 3-star and 4-star hotels in South Africa, tailored to add value to our customers. “added Ms Ngaira.
The packages offered include return economy-class flight, return airport transfers in SA, four nights accommodation among other things for as low as US$925 (terms and conditions apply). The packages are valid till 30th April 2018.
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With more than 80 years of excellence and innovation to draw on, SAA has become the best airline in
Africa. The airline continues to consolidate its position as a leading airline by investing significantly in its fleet and taking an innovative approach to its route network. It is, however, their motivated staff that have helped maintain its popularity amongst customers.
In 2017, SAA was awarded Best Airline to Africa for the 14th Consecutive year by global traveller, best staff service by World airline awards and maintained 4 star ranking for 15th consecutive year awarded by Skyrax.
