The South African Airways (SAA) Power Conference held in Abuja last week sparked a real shift in the mindset of attendees with regards to their approach to doing business in the 21st century, according to Amb Adeshole Kayode, Director of Capstone Travels and Vice President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA-Abuja Zone).
Kayode urged other airlines to also take note and realise the importance of the travel trade in Africa. Speaking with Inside Travel, he said: “This is a good development as African Airlines such as Kenya Airways and South African Airways are now beginning to realise and acknowledge the impact of Nigerian travel agents in their success stories. This is a wake-up call for other Airlines to jump on the bandwagon.”
According to Kayode, through this conference, SAA has demonstrated its continued commitment to adding value to the businesses of travel partners in the country and to create a win-win solution for all.
Abuja sales Manager of SAA Karho Atumu speaking agreed that this mutual understanding between the airline and the trade in Abuja will go a long way in putting SAA ahead other Airlines in the Country.
Over 140 Abuja travel professionals attended the conference as well as key representatives from NANTA, including Susan Akporiaye, First National Deputy President of NANTA, Zachazry Abdullhi, NANTA National Treasurer and the Executive members of the NANTA Abuja Zone led by a proactive Vice President Amb. Kayode Adeshola.
Motivational speaker, Olakunle Soriyan, who consults for both private businesses and government parastatals in Nigeria and beyond, delivered a thought-provoking presentation, while a number of SAA representatives liaised with the Nigerian travel trade. In attendance were Ohis Ehimiaghe, SAA Regional Manager North, Central and West Africa, Kemileke Bamtefa, SAA National Sales Manager for Nigeria and Karho Atumu, SAA Sales Manager for Abuja.
During the Conference, Susan Akporiaye, First National Deputy President of NANTA, thanked SAA for the giant strides the airline has taken in shaping the travel industry in Nigeria. She encouraged her members to make judicious use of the information shared at the conference to ensure the future of their businesses and to stay abreast of the transformations in the travel Industry.
The Conference was previously held in Lagos, Ibadan and Port Harcourt for recognised and certified travel professionals who are members of the umbrella body NANTA.
