American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has confirmed Tourvest Travel Services as its partner in South Africa after Rennies Travel announced it would join forces with BCD Travel.
The TMC says it implemented a ‘best-of-both’ strategy following last year’s acquisition of HRG, selecting the best partners in each country from the existing Amex GBT and HRG networks.
Tourvest has been an Amex GBT partner for more than 20 years and was chosen for its “highly skilled people and its commitment to integrating the advanced GBT technology platforms”.
Rennies Travel had been HRG’s partner in South Africa, but BCD Travel announced last month that it would turn to the corporate specialist for its clients in the region.
HRG clients currently serviced by Rennies Travel will be supported in moving their programmes over to Tourvest, according to Amex GBT, and Rennies is no longer part of the network.
Tourvest CEO Sean Joubert commented: “Building on existing relationships and enhancing our product offering to ensure best-in-class customer experiences is core to Tourvest’s philosophy. This exciting customer migration announced by GBT is testament to our long-standing partnership. The HRG clients will be made very welcome by the GBT South Africa family.”
Holger Luikenga, Amex GBT vice president and head of the global travel partner network, said: “Tourvest is a perfect fit for our global network. The company has been part of the GBT network for more than two decades. We share the same culture and the same commitment to serving clients and their travellers, with great people and advanced travel technology platforms. During this transition phase, we will, as always, be laser-focused on client and traveller care.”
amexglobalbusinesstravel.com; tourvesttravelservices.co.za