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Mind the gap: Business Travel Risk in a Changing World

The geopolitical landscape has shifted seismically in recent years. With crises constantly erupting in various corners of the world, corporations are realising they need watertight plans to protect their travelling employees.

Business Travel – Rack up on reward programmes

Let’s face it – after the first few trips, the magic of business travel quickly loses its appeal. It’s hardly surprising it has earned a reputation for being stressful, exhausting, and unhealthy – the endless airport waits, fast food on the run, jet lag, and lack of sleep all combined end up leaving regular road warriors resembling zombies by the end of a trip.

Energy, resource and marine travel management

On a recent trip to the Mother City (that’s Cape Town for us in South Africa), we decided to take the scenic route as it were, and instead of rushing home, we stopped over for a night in Mossel Bay. What a wake-up call that was! Our hotel, the Diaz, can best be described as mammoth and our immediate reaction was one of surprise and awe.

Our top incentive destinations for 2024

Incentive trips should be more than just boardrooms and meetings — it’s an opportunity to explore, connect, and be inspired. In 2024, it’s time to set your sights on destinations that offer not only the perfect backdrop for your next meeting or event but also a blend of culture, history, and unique experiences. We’ve created this list of popular options for you to consider for your next incentive trip.

Hassle-Free Travel with Rennies BCD Travel’s e-SIM Solution

Convenient connections mean different things to different people. Ask any business traveller, and they’re likely to highlight the importance of well-timed interconnecting flights or critical flight updates while abroad

City trends – Europe edition

Travel is intricately linked to city trends, with each influencing and shaping the other in a dynamic relationship.

How to combat roadblocks to sustainable travel choices

We understand that balancing eco-conscious decisions with business needs can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. It’s not just about saving the planet; it’s also about saving those “greenbacks”

The history of travel tickets

As part of our 70th birthday celebrations, we thought it might be fun to look back at the evolution of airline tickets.

How to select a TMC

It may seem strange for us to be dishing out advice about what to look out for in a Travel Management Company (TMC), but there’s a good reason that we are. There have been several incidents of fraud involving local travel agents that have caused concern amongst clients recently.

The world’s most sustainable countries for remote workers

Sustainable Tourism is an attainable goal for business travellers in the know. Underscored by climate change, sustainability goals in travel are geared toward reducing carbon footprints and the corresponding negative impact on the environment.

Master events with “mojo”

Event planning is an art form, a symphony of details, and a stage for unforgettable moments. It’s not just about coordinating logistics; it’s about creating experiences that leave lasting impressions.

What’s trending in meetings and events in 2024

There’s a reason that events are evolving into platforms that provide opportunities for meaningful engagements where “Connection” is that magical and often elusive ingredient that is the secret sauce in the mix.

How to find the balance between tech and the human touch

In the corporate travel landscape, where speed and efficiency reign supreme, a hidden oasis awaits: the harmonious blend of technology and human touch. Forget the Holy Grail quest; at Rennies BCD Travel, we’ve built it.

M&E – 2024 What’s Trending report

Take a deep dive into key trends that are shaping the industry with our expert analysis and advice on what will matter most in 2024.

Do you have the right travel tech?

Just like online shopping is the answer to retail therapy, travel technology is the key to unlocking seamless and unforgettable travel experiences.

The Evolution of Travel Subscription Fee Models

For several decades, Travel Management Companies (TMCs) have built their business model on two income streams – the corporate customer and suppliers.

Need to know trends shaping business travel in 2024

Global business travel spending is expected to surpass pre-Covid levels in 2024, two years sooner than previously predicted, according to the GBTA.

A look back at travel in 2023 – Trends that took hold and those that didn’t

Last year, we at Rennies BCD Travel made some ambitious predictions about travel trends and what a rollercoaster it has been!

Bleisure travel is here to stay

The great merge of business and leisure travel has created a new trend that looks like it’s here to stay – bleisure travel.

Why companies are falling short on sustainable goals

We’ve all heard the phrase “Actions speak louder than words”. Well, at Rennies BCD Travel, we conducted a survey that really got us thinking about the gap between what companies

5 Top benefits of business travel for employees

In most companies, employees must travel at some point to meet business objectives, for example, to meet prospective clients, undertake training, or manage project work.

Travel Market Report 2024

Our BCD Global Travel Research and Intelligence team has published its 2024 outlook for economic prospects, key risks, projected prices for air, hotel, and car rental, sustainable travel trends, and more.

Lighten the travel load

One of the more interesting questions posed on a general knowledge show was “Why are planes painted white?” Needless to say, that piqued our interest. Not to say that we don’t spend countless hours contemplating all things travel

Let’s chat about making travel accessible for everyone

You know, travel can be an adventure, but let’s face it—it can be a hassle, too. And if you’ve got a disability, that hassle can multiply. Let’s talk about why that is and what we can do to change it.

How to stay cyber-secure while travelling

Hey there, jet-setters! The team at Rennies BCD Travel wants your trips to be awesome in every way — that includes keeping your digital life on lock whilst you’re in the boardroom or snapping selfies at the Eiffel Tower.

Tried and tested ways to get the most out of your travel budget

There are a few tried and tested guidelines to control business travel expenses while enhancing the employee travel experience. These tips will help travel managers or business owners to keep in budget and better manage the bottom line.

Navigating work-life balance: a fresh perspective from STATISTA’s latest report (2023 update)

In a fast-moving, interconnected world, business travellers often juggle between tight schedules, pressing deadlines, and the quest for work-life balance. The recent update on the STATISTA report, examining the preferred work-life balance support

The benefits of bleisure and enhancing your EVP: travel as a reward

In a dynamic corporate landscape where the pursuit of work-life balance is more crucial than ever, integrating Bleisure – a blend of business and leisure travel – has gained momentum. A recent survey by Expedia Group revealed that 60% of business trips were extended for leisure purposes, underscoring the growing appeal of bleisure among today’s workforce.

Rennies BCD Travel recognised as the top travel brand of 2023 at the World Travel Awards event in Dubai

Rennies BCD Travel is proud to announce its outstanding victory at the 2023 World Travel Awards. The company has been crowned with not one, but two prestigious titles: “Africa’s Leading Travel Management Company 2023” and “South Africa’s Leading Travel Management Company 2023”.

10 Tips to take the stress out of business travel

Any seasoned business traveller will attest it’s not all glam and gram. Beyond the polished LinkedIn posts lies the reality of disrupted sleep, packed schedules, and, often, solitude. While business travel incorporates work and routine, it doesn’t have to be stressful.

How to beat jetlag

In the fast-paced world of business, where time is money and every second counts, jetlag can be a formidable adversary for business travellers. Balancing packed schedules whilst traversing time zones can place undue stress on the traveller, hampering both well-being and productivity, especially for those flying east and losing precious hours.

Rookie mistakes for business travellers to avoid

There is a lot to remember when travelling. And at the heart of this planning lies the expertise and guidance from Rennies BCD Travel. Here are some vital rookie mistakes to avoid for a seamless trip.

Travel Risk Management – Travel Buyer Survey results

Our global partner, BCD Travel, in collaboration with Global Crisis Management, initiated a survey focused on travel risk management (TRM), exploring the experiences of travel buyers.

Revamping Travel Communication: An Actionable Guide for Travel Managers

Seamless communication has always been an important part of a travel manager’s job. But now, travellers expect the same level of professional communication strategies marketers use to influence consumers.

Top women-run hotels and accommodation

Several trailblazing women have risen in the dynamic world of hospitality, leaving an indelible impact. Their innate flair for curating comfort, combined with a pioneering spirit, has led them to redefine excellence in this sector. Join us as we spotlight these remarkable women and their thriving establishments in the realm of accommodations.

The business women’s guide to smart packing

Ever felt overwhelmed while packing for a business trip? Luckily you can make your next packing experience a breeze. Pack a punch on your next business outing with these nifty tips to help you power-dress on the go.

Safety first: Essential travel tips for women business travellers

With the increase in the number of women in businesses, so are the risks associated with them during business travel. Statistics reveal a stark reality: while striving to maintain a work-life balance during business trips, 31% of women refrain from venturing out alone at night

Celebrating Women’s Impact on the Travel Industry

The travel industry has undergone immense evolution and expansion over the decades, with women playing an indispensable role in this transformation. At Rennies BCD Travel, we cherish the profound influence of women in our field and within our company.

The economic impact of women in travel

Travel seems to be the domain of the ladies who account for the majority of the workforce and who bring something special to the table. It’s the perfect example of synergy arithmetic, the 1 + 1 = 3 phenomenon. The intangible contribution of women in travel is as much an asset to travel management companies as the distant and exotic locations they endorse to boost tourism.

Combatting period poverty

Our focus is squarely on social responsibility this month as we pay tribute to the spirit of Mandela Day and take action to inspire change in our communities. For us at Rennies BCD Travel, which is made possible through our work with Dignity Projects through the Modern Community Foundation that makes reusable sanitary towels for young ladies living in underprivileged areas.

Empowering communities through partnerships

Every year, Mandela Day serves as a poignant reminder of a man who honoured the power of reconciliation and exhibited extraordinary courage and remarkable vision. His generous spirit lives on throughout the world, and we celebrate the wisdom he shared through our ongoing initiatives to help others. It’s the finest example we know of paying it forward.

Empowering communities and our value chain

Creating sustainable opportunities by empowering small, start-up businesses in our industry, the tourism sector, and our country is a core focus for our business.

South Africa’s unique history has created an opportunity for a symbiotic relationship between emerging businesses and large corporations. The growth and support of Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment is crucial for all private and public sector enterprises.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

At Rennies BCD Travel, our leadership philosophy mirrors our perspective on travel – it has a global, future-oriented outlook. We see sustainability as a concept that transcends beyond the conventional. It’s not just about responsible travel and fuel efficiency, but it extends to envisioning the larger framework and strategising for what lies ahead.

Practical ways to care for the planet while travelling for business

Travelling for business doesn’t have to come at the expense of our planet. As responsible travellers, we can care for the environment in various ways while still fulfilling our professional obligations.

At Rennies BCD, we go beyond offering eco-friendly options for flights and accommodations. We collaborate with hotels and airlines that have established sustainable practices, ensuring that corporate travellers can make conscious choices that align with their sustainability goals.

Sustainability: Buzzword or the real world?

The travel industry is witnessing a shift from over-tourism to sustainable tourism, raising questions about sustainability’s real impact and benefits. According to Gregory Miller, executive director of the Center for Responsible Travel, sustainable tourism is about building a meaningful connection between visitors and locals, emphasising community and shared passions.

Take your events from good to great!

MICE Tourism has exploded in what can only be described as a tsunami of events in every conceivable form. In the travel space, groups travelling for meetings, exhibitions or conferences are governed by different policies and conditions and fall under the purview of events specialists who provide a unique service in this space.

24/7 Travel Support – Anytime, Anywhere

Welcome to the fast lane of corporate travel, a space dominated by Rennies BCD Travel, the Best Travel Management Company in Africa, and your passport to complete peace of mind. In a world seemingly spinning out of control, peace of mind is rare. Urgency and emergency dominate the landscape of corporate workspaces, and people are constantly on the move to maintain a presence in the global village.

Our program managers are an extension of your business

In today’s fast-paced, constantly evolving business environment, organisations need efficient and effective ways to manage their travel programs. That’s where Travel Management Companies (TMCs) come into the picture. TMCs are responsible for coordinating and managing corporate travel, ensuring businesses can focus on their core operations while employees travel smoothly and safely.

People, the power behind travel personalisation

The travel industry is no stranger to the transformative power of technology. From convenient online booking tools to digital check-ins and global tracking technology, it’s undeniable that tech is reshaping how we travel. However, ask any seasoned traveller, and they’ll agree – it’s the people who truly make a journey unforgettable. And when planning a trip, none more so than the dedicated professionals working behind the scenes to ensure a seamless experience.

The rise of MICE tourism

The MICE industry refers to the planning and execution of business-related events, consisting of meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. In the travel space, these groups are governed by different terms, conditions and cancellation policies for business or leisure travel, making the management of this type of travel a specialist field of expertise.

What does enablement mean for business travellers

History has its place in travel. Destinations exist because of their rich history – think of The Forbidden City, The Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge. Then consider the value of history to society. The wisdom and insight we gain from the past.

Taking care of life sciences travel

The highly regulated and demanding nature of travel for Life Sciences travel is exemplified by board meetings, training sessions, seminars and product launches and includes patient travel, which means travel cannot be managed as a ‘typical’ corporate program.

What you need to know about the new SA travel pass

The airport experience has morphed dramatically in the past decade with the introduction of biometric security, mobile check-in, and baggage tracking. That’s really just the tip of the iceberg. Passenger numbers are set to double in the next twenty years, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), but airport expansion won’t keep up.

How the digital nomad lifestyle is changing travel

With the flexibility to work remotely, it makes sense that digital nomadism is an increasingly enticing lifestyle, with an estimated 1 billion digital nomads expected to roam the globe by 2035. This is a trend that is changing the travel industry, compelling a shift in focus, and is one that cannot be overlooked.

Business travellers’ guide to handling strikes

Strikes are a swear word for most travellers. They cause mayhem and incite fear, but this need not be the case. Preparedness is the key to navigating “strike season”. It’s important to remember that both your Travel Management Company (TMC) and the airline will usually inform you of any potential strike action, so that strikes pose little threat and are little more than a nuisance.

What’s up with SA air travel

Despite an encouraging resurgence in air travel in 2022, the majority of the traffic is international and domestic carriers have only seen a slight uptake of around 7%. This is in part due to the fact that domestic travel was not as severely impacted by global lockdowns as international travel.

Joining the A-team

At the heart of tourism, the culture and heritage of each destination intrigues and inspires people to visit, explore and experience. It’s about engaging with locals who share their stories and history with others. Karabo Sepharatla certainly has an interesting story to tell, and he is sharing it with tourists from far and wide through his company, Camping Khapela.

Get your travellers to love your travel programme

Compliance is a minimum requirement; and buy-in is the gold standard when it comes to travel programmes. The reason is simple – the more your travellers support your programme, the more productive, happy and engaged employees are.

10 tips for Business traveller safety

We’ve compiled a list of travel safety tips to help make business travel as smooth as possible. While this isn’t a complete list, these tips are a great starting point to help you plan a safe and productive business trip.

3 ways your business can help keep travellers safe

It’s the month of love and in the corporate travel space that translates to demonstrating care for the wellbeing of business travellers to reduce avoidable risk. Companies have a legal and moral obligation to take care of their employees who engage in business travel.

What’s shaping global hotel trends in 2023

It’s all happening in 2023, and this is what’s in store for hotels around the globe.

The return of Corporate transient travel has increased hotel occupancy to 90% of pre-pandemic levels. As corporate travel stabilises, hotel demand will remain variable in 2023. High inflation globally and corporates curbing travel spending means hotels must adopt flexible pricing models to deal with current short-booking window trends and ongoing market crises.

The future of car rental – more choices on the road

Veteran car rental analyst Neil Abrams famously said, “We’re in a transformative stage in the car rental industry. A radical new transportation paradigm, where the lines between car ownership, rental, and lease are blurred beyond recognition. In that world, cars will drive themselves and Apple, General Motors, Hertz, and Google will be in the same business.”

The state of air travel in 2023

A seismic shift toward new and innovative thinking is revolutionising business models across the board and is a good reason for strategists to rethink the future. Tesla, Uber and Airbnb have all been major disruptors and proven that holding onto the tried and tested may prove to be an act of futility in these turbulent times.

Top 5 Business Travel Trends for 2023

Even in this world of instantaneous communication and social media connectivity, business travel is still as necessary as ever. As business travel returns after the shakeup of the pandemic, the main reason travellers are hitting the road is for ‘face-to=face’ client meetings to reinforce relationships , sales meetings and conferences. But how travellers undertake their journeys has changed..

Top tips for planning an international trip

As international travel starts to bounce back, it’s vital to make sure you’re prepared for your journey. Business trips are important, and planning your trip effectively will help you to arrive at your destination relaxed, making you more likely to create a good impression and concentrate on the purpose of your meeting.

How TMCs help to keep your travellers safe

As a Travel Management Company (TMC), we understand the importance of ensuring the safety of your business travellers. In today’s global climate, it is essential to be aware of and plan for potential risks to traveller safety. Fortunately, advances in travel technology can provide travel managers with robust solutions to evaluate these risks and provide instant support to those in need.

3 ways a TMC improves travel efficiency

Each company has its own challenges and nuances, making each travel program unique. Using a Travel Management Company (TMC) can provide significant benefits for businesses with a large number of employees who travel for work. A trusted travel partner can unlock the potential in your travel program, improve the efficiency of your staff and your business as a whole.

3 ways your TMC can save you money

When managing a business travel programme, the looming question remains how to cut business travel costs and improve efficiencies. As businesses balance growth and expenses, some may see cost savings as cost-cutting, but slashing travel budgets and other key spending can be short-sighted. The key is not to reduce spending but to increase travel effectiveness towards meeting the company’s goals.

Turning business travel into benefit – how to build a bleisure policy

While the key aspects of creating a well-balanced travel program might not have changed, the expectations of the average business traveller certainly have. Cost and traveller safety will always underpin your approach, but it’s worth noting that there is an increased need for flexible trip options that facilitate a more personal travel experience.

Creating a 21st-century workforce

For decades headlines have predicted the fall of the travel agent as the proliferation of online booking options has risen. But never before has the value of a Travel Management Company (TMC) and the expertise of its advisors been clearer.

Power up your sustainability goals

Remote and hybrid work is now the new normal, resulting in a wide range of alternatives to help us do business remotely instead of making the trip. Equally, every aspect of the travel experience is changing, leaving business travel at an interesting crossroads.

Domestic travel: expect to pay less from 2023

Local and international travel has been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride since Covid travel restrictions were lifted earlier this year. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), total traffic is now at 68.7% of pre-crisis levels. But as travel has increased, so have airfares.

Rennies BCD Travel named the 2022 leading travel management company in Africa.

Against strong competition, Rennies BCD Travel has scooped the title of Best Travel Management Company in Africa in the 2022 World Travel Awards.

This award acknowledges excellence across all travel sectors and is the most prestigious, comprehensive, and sought-after award programme in the global travel and tourism industry.

Rennies BCD Travel announces new CEO: Reece Oakes will take the reigns as CEO on 01 October 2022.

Rennies BCD Travel is pleased to announce that Reece Oakes has been appointed as the CEO and he will assume his position on 01 October 2022.

This comes at a time when the business is experiencing rapid growth as travel returns to pre-pandemic levels. The appointment of a new CEO reflects the confidence that the business has in the rebound of the tourism sector.

Rising travel costs are not all doom and gloom

Most industry pundits predict that business travel airfares will continue to rise through the rest of this year and even into 2023.

It is forecast that business travel prices are set to increase by almost 50% in 2022, according to a report from the Global Business Travel Association. Next year, fares are set to increase more than 8%, the organisations projected.

The power of a passport

Quite obviously, a passport is fundamental to travel, but according to the Henley Passport Index (HPI), not all passports are created equal. The HPI, compiled by Henley & Partners, is regarded as the authority on passport strength globally. Broadly speaking, the strongest passports are those that permit citizens to enter the most countries easily, without additional entry requirements.

Travel – more than just a business trip

September heralds Tourism Month, which is especially important in 2022 as we look to drive and support local travel and hospitality. These sectors remain key to boosting the economy and job creation, with tourism comprising 4.7% of the South African workforce pre-Covid and contributing 3,7% to South Africa’s GDP – more than agriculture, utilities, and construction.

How to manage rising business travel costs

Following on from pandemic-imposed travel hiatus, there is no doubt that people are making a point of travelling as often as they can afford. This is not mere conjecture: Consumer Price Inflation data published by Statistics South Africa in June indicates that passenger transport by air increased by a massive 49.5%.

UK visa application quick guide

With overseas visitor numbers to the United Kingdom projected to reach a massive 21 million people in 2022, it is heartening to see the travel sector rebounding strongly.

What’s the metaverse – and what does it have to do with business travel?

Imagine walking into your hotel room in a distant city before you’ve actually boarded your flight to take you there! It seems crazy, but it’s not. Through the application of online 3D technology across multiple platforms, our interaction in virtual spaces will connect us across physical boundaries and create a level of connectedness we can’t fully imagine.

Tips to navigating the current aviation chaos

Amid record cancellations and waiting times, Heathrow Airport’s CEO recently stated that it will take some time for things in the travel industry to return to order. He predicts the travel chaos could last until the end of 2023.

10 ways to hang on to your luggage

With flight cancellations and delays being the new normal, your luggage is more at risk of being mismanaged than ever before. In fact, the American Department of Transportation recently released an alarming statistic in April

3 benefits of using an online booking tool

If you’re weighing up the benefits and drawbacks of using an Online Booking Tool (OBT) for your business travel arrangements, we can make it simple for you. Whether you’re a travel manager or a traveller, the benefits of doing it this way are many.

Schengen Visas: your go-to guide

Europe remains an extremely popular destination for many South Africans, with Paris, London, Rome, Venice, and Prague featuring amongst the top five cities visited. As a case in point: in 2019, South Africa was rated within the top 15 countries whose citizens had applied for the most short-stay visa applications.

Writing a travel policy – what to consider

When your workers travel for business, their safety is paramount. Before they consider heading off on their trips, you and your travellers must be mindful of the risks.

For peacefulness and welfare of all involved and to uphold your duty of care policy, it helps to prioritise your risks in line with intensity and occurrence.

Travel policy – 4 ways to reduce traveller risk

The rise of the Digital Nomad

7 Tips for a relaxing business flight

When you travel for business your employer generally expects a lot from you . Hassle-free travel leads to happy travellers. Making the most of your onboard experience will help you arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to work. Here are some tips to maximise your comfort onboard.

Digital Health Pass update

With the outbreak of COVID, digital Health Passes (sometimes called a “vaccine passport”) were developed to aid safe cross-border travel by verifying a person’s negative coronavirus test result and if they are fully vaccinated.

While various options are being developed, they all do about the same thing – digitally store vaccination records.

The mask mandate is dropping

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) lifted the requirement to wear masks in airports and onboard planes.

6 Hacks to beat jetlag

It is a well-known fact that crossing time zones confuses the human body’s internal clock. Flying east is worse for travellers as they “lose” time

How AI is Changing the Travel Industry

In recent years, employees have been given greater freedom over the location of their daily work, and many have made good use of this liberty.

Spotlight firmly on climate change

When we consider the driving forces overseeing the strategy, execution and control of travel policies today, environmental sustainability is the primary and most prominent influence on most peoples’ lips.

Travelling with purpose as business travel resumes

In the past 20 months, a good share of day-to-day work communication moved online with little to no loss in employee productivity and company bottom lines. While business travel came almost to a complete halt, many businesses recorded high profits. Understandably, executives started wondering whether past travel volumes were needed.

Why is business travel necessary in the digital age?

In a fast expanding digital age, many are questioning the future of corporate travel.

Based on research by the London School of Economics, the more a group of people work virtually, the less effective it will be. One of the immediate objectives of business travel is to communicate knowledge and views.

Fintech’s role in the future of business travel

The business travel industry finally seems to recognise the advantages of adopting financial technologies (fintech). The rewards of embracing fintech for travel as a whole is enormous: One estimate proposes that the adoption of fintech by all channels could grow total consumer spending on travel by nearly $80 billion annually. It resonates most with business travel because of its prospect to save time and money.

Protect your business travellers from cybercrime

In addition to protecting your health when you travel, also remember to protect your devices. In recent years, cybercriminals and hackers have targeted several leading travel brands, including airlines, hotel companies, IT companies, travel companies, airports and fuel suppliers.

Duty of care extends beyond business trips

As companies continue to manage hybrid workforces, they must extend their responsibility of care outside business travellers to include all employees. The tendency of workers becoming digital nomads, working remotely and frequently changing their location further reinforces the need for risk management beyond business travel.

In person meetings still matter

The number of remote, screen-based interchanges has grown incrementally since the onset of the pandemic. Technology has perpetually altered the way we work. But online isn’t the most suitable solution for all meeting types. Video calls perform well for certain meeting types, but occasionally it’s more effective to conduct business in person.

Updated travel restrictions for South Africa

The International Air Transport Association is asking countries to re-assess the travel restrictions put in place to prevent the transmission of the Coronavirus across borders. With the virus now prevalent in most countries, testing rules have made travel safer around the world, and most travel restrictions have begun to ease.

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Rennies Travel and BCD Travel South Africa merge forces to create a leading corporate travel management company

Utrecht, the Netherlands, September 30, 2019 – BCD Travel today announced that their longtime joint-venture partner in South Africa, Connex Travel, is merging with Rennies Travel, South Africa’s leading corporate travel management company. The union of these companies will result in a total workforce of 737 employees, with offices in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, Stellenbosch and Richard’s Bay, as well as Namibia, posting significant annual sales.

The news follows BCD’s announcement in January of this year that Rennies Travel, owned by Bidvest, had joined BCD’s Global Network. Previously operating as BCD Travel South Africa, Connex Travel has been a BCD Global Network partner since 2009. The merged agency will operate as Rennies BCD Travel.

“I am very excited about this merger,” says Adrian Woodward, vice president of BCD Travel’s EMEA Global Network. “We’re joining forces in a competitive business travel market that’s growing fast. Our combined depth of experience and partnership will not only give us a stronger position in the African market, but also offers our mutual clients market-relevant solutions and services.”

Rennies BCD Travel will be led by CEO Bronwyn Philipps, who previously served as CEO of Rennies Travel. Former Connex Travel CEO Marco Cristofoli will remain a member of the senior leadership team. “While our keen focus on client service will continue ‘as usual,’ we look forward to putting the innovative technology and global data consolidation expertise of BCD Travel in the hands of our clients,” says Philipps. “This merger enables us to benefit from Rennies’ sizable presence in Southern Africa, allowing us to expand our footprint beyond the South African market,” added Cristofoli.

“This move reflects BCD Travel’s continuing focus on growing both organically and through expansions that support our strategy, benefit our clients and align with our corporate culture,” says Stewart Harvey, president of Europe, Middle East and Africa for BCD. With the sixth largest population in Africa, South Africa also has the continent’s second largest economy, with a gross domestic product of US$366 billion in 2018. The country’s economy is highly diversified, with key industries including mining, agriculture and fisheries, vehicle manufacturing and assembly, food processing, telecommunication, energy, financial and business services, tourism and transportation.

About BCD Travel

BCD Travel helps companies travel smart and achieve more. We drive program adoption, cost savings and talent retention through digital experiences that simplify business travel. Our 13,000 dedicated team members service clients in 170+ countries as we shape a sustainable future for business travel. For more information, visit www.bcdtravel.com .

BCD Travel launches Connect, a digital engagement platform for BCD corporate travel customers

November 1, 2021

BCD Travel named 2019 travel agency of the year by Airlines Reporting Corporation for company’s strong focus on innovation

Rennies Travel is joining the BCD Travel Global Network

According to Rennies Travel, the decision to join BCD’s network is a natural extension of a relationship based on mutual trust and shared values. Rennies and BCD shareholder, Bidvest Travel, has a history of success and partnership with BCD that stretches back almost 20 years.

It’s also a step into the future: Rennies Travel’s readiness to evolve has consistently enabled clients’ travel programmes to flourish. In today’s world, changing service delivery models, fragmenting distribution, data challenges and the changing demographics of “digital native” travellers represent foundational dimensions of change for corporate travel programmes.

Rennies will continue to operate under the Rennies Travel brand—with the addition of “A BCD Travel Partner” strapline—while BCD Travel’s current South Africa operation will continue as normal.

BCD’s global reach, consistent delivery of and roadmap for digital innovation, data consolidation expertise and service orientation will enable Rennies Travel to better support customers’ robust growth strategies as they seek to expand their travel programmes multinationally. It will also expand the range of products, services and solutions Rennies is able to offer to its domestic client base.

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Sports Events Packages

Experience the thrill of sports and the joy of exploration with our Sports Holiday specials! Tailored for enthusiasts of every persuasion, from Formula 1 aficionados to football fanatics, our packages promise unforgettable adventures.

The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel

Indulge in luxury and excitement with our exclusive Wimbledon experience – stay at the 5* The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, enjoy debenture seats and premium access to Court #1 matches!

School Holiday Deals

Keep the kids entertained! We offer a wide range of packages both locally and internationally that cater for travel with kids and family.

Spice of South East Asia Cruise

Embark on a journey of a lifetime with Royal Caribbean International’s Spectrum of the Seas, a dazzling cruise adventure through the captivating Far East, beginning in the vibrant city of Singapore.

Nominated for: Africa's Leading Travel Management Company 2024

Nominated for: South Africa's Leading Travel Management Company 2024

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Travel Inspiration

We celebrate the joys of traveling with the five senses.

Traveling is about more than just seeing the sights – it’s about immersing yourself in the local culture, experiencing new flavors, smells, sounds, and textures, and creating lasting memories that engage all of your senses.

Our team is dedicated to helping you plan and enjoy travel experiences that engage your senses and allow you to fully appreciate the destinations you visit. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a culinary adventure, enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, or simply relax and rejuvenate, we have travel ideas and inspiration to suit your interests.

Explore our articles and guides to discover destinations and experiences that engage your senses. From the vibrant colors and flavors of local markets to the soothing sounds of ocean waves and the invigorating feel of mountain air, we’ll help you create a sensory-rich travel experience that you’ll never forget.

Join us on a journey of discovery and exploration, as we celebrate the wonders of travel through the five senses. Let us inspire you to engage your senses and make the most of every travel experience.

Many destinations offer beautiful scenery that can be admired with the sense of sight. This can include natural wonders such as waterfalls, mountains, and beaches, as well as architectural marvels such as temples, palaces, and castles.

Travelers can immerse themselves in the local soundscape of their destination by attending cultural events, listening to live music, and enjoying nature sounds such as bird songs or ocean waves.

The sense of smell can be engaged through culinary experiences, such as trying local cuisine, visiting markets, and participating in cooking classes. Additionally, travelers can explore fragrant gardens and attend events such as flower festivals.

Culinary experiences are also a great way to engage the sense of taste, allowing travelers to sample the unique flavors and spices of a destination's cuisine. Wine tastings and other beverage tastings can also engage the sense of taste.

Many travel experiences engage the sense of touch, such as visiting hot springs, enjoying a massage or spa treatment, or taking part in adventure activities like rock climbing or zip-lining.

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Featured packages, travel with your senses, select your experience, choose your destination.

Travel Namibia with Rennies Travel

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Rennies BCD Travel nominated for top honours in World Travel Awards 2024

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The World Travel Awards are recognised globally as the hallmark of excellence within the travel and tourism industry. These nominations recognise Rennies BCD Travel's commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuous innovative solutions to clients.

"We are incredibly honoured to be nominated for these distinguished awards," said Reece Oakes, CEO of Rennies BCD Travel. "These nominations recognise the hard work and dedication of our team, who consistently go above and beyond to ensure seamless and efficient travel experiences for our clients."

Scooping these awards will mean that Rennies BCD Travel has been recognised as Africa's Leading Travel Management Company for three consecutive years and "South Africa's Leading Travel Management Company 2023" two years in a row, solidifying the company's position as a leading player in Africa's travel management landscape.

Voting power in client hands:

The World Travel Awards voting process is democratic, with travel professionals and the general public playing a crucial role in selecting the winners. Rennies BCD Travel encourages its clients, partners, and travel enthusiasts to cast their votes and recognise its dedication to travel excellence.

How to vote:

Individuals can vote for Rennies BCD Travel in both categories until 8 September 2024, by visiting the following links:

Africa’s Leading Travel Management Company: https://bit.ly/48SPt0n South Africa’s Leading Travel Management Company: https://bit.ly/3vzrDsn More information on the World Travel Awards can be found at http://www.worldtravelawards.com .

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• Rennies BCD Travel nominated for top honours in World Travel Awards 2024 07 May 15:32

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