FOLLOWING THE FOOTBALL WORLD CUP in 2010, travel bosses are reporting an upturn in business travel in Africa.
Bronwyn Philipps, regional managing partner at HRG Rennies Travel in South Africa, said the travel management company's (TMC) portfolio was growing in the region.
The TMC has won new clients in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, including Hoffmann-La Roche in Cameroon and UNAIDS in Senegal.
A rising demand from clients is pushing improvements in technology in particular, said Philipps.
"E-auctions are increasingly being used by corporates, and online bookings tools are becoming commonplace," she said.
As well as winning new clients, the TMC has extended or retained contracts with a number of existing clients, including Ericsson South Africa, Diageo Nigeria and IBM Mauritius.
South Africa-based Wings Travel Management has also recorded a rise in business travel. Chief commercial officer, Paul East, said the oil and gas sectors are particularly strong in Africa, as well as other commercial ventures.
"During the past six months we have seen clients increase their presence into areas such as Angola, Congo and Nigeria, and therefore wanting support and representation on the ground," he said.