The African Business Travel Association (ABTA) today announced its Nigerian Launch, planned for 14 July 2011.

Through ‘Education, Innovation and Collaboration’, the Association will provide a platform for African Business Travel professionals to work together towards elevating the standard of the Business Travel Industry across the Continent.

The Nigeria Launch, taking place at Protea Hotel Ikoyi, Lagos, will be attended by the region’s leading Corporate Travel Bookers, Buyers and Procurement professionals, as well as Industry Suppliers, Travel Agents and Travel Management Companies.

The event will feature 3 educational sessions focussing on how the local business travel industry is coping with an increased demand for service delivery, from both local and international clients as well as what obstacles corporations face when trying to mandate global practices locally.

“As Africa becomes an increasingly popular destination for many international corporations, there is a need for us to raise the bar in the way we manage, buy and supply business travel.  Nigeria is well known to be one of the fastest advancing countries in Africa, with amazing potential for growth and expansion.  Global corporations are opening their doors in this region at a rate unseen previously as companies recognise the potential that Nigeria has to offer, and ensuring we are able to deliver on expectations is pivotal in guaranteeing the success and continued growth of the industry.

ABTA aims to serve its Members by providing relevant and instantly useable benefits and an unlimited supply of opportunities for learning and professional development.  Amongst its benefits, ABTA will offer Members access to educational industry events, certified training, a wide array of resource materials and online expert advice pertaining to various Travel Management topics,” said ABTA Founder Monique Swart. 

“In addition, there is a dire need for a free flow of Business Travel benchmark information, best practice identification and the sharing of case studies across the African Continent.  Travel Managers, Buyers and Suppliers in both stable and developing African countries want to understand the issues, trends and opportunities available to them across their borders.  ABTA will play a pivotal role in providing the platform for the delivery of this information.”

The Association will not only provide opportunities for region-specific Travel Management education and peer-to-peer networking, but will also supply Members with cutting edge information on international industry trends via its Global Education Partner – The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE).

For more information about the African Business Travel Association, visit www.abta.co.za.