ABTA and ACTE forge new alliance

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA - The African Business Travel Association and the Association of Corporate Travel Executives have announced an alliance to collaborate on educational programs and other events commencing with the Johannesburg executive forum on 15 August 2013. According to a joint statement issued by ABTA Founder Monique Swart and ACTE President Suzanne Neufang, the two associations will collaborate on a number of future events emphasizing the role of Africa as a crossroads of global travel.

“Having  a 13-year history with ACTE, I am delighted our two associations have forged a closer partnership to deliver quality travel management education across the African continent. ACTE’s membership will benefit from ABTA’s expertise in the African business travel industry, while ABTA and its members will gain access to international trends and opportunities through ACTE’s global footprint” said Swart.

“ACTE and ABTA have similar priorities in addressing travel management issues and in fulfilling membership needs. Common objectives, shared vision, and realistic expectations  guarantee joint educational endeavors with potent content,” said Neufang. “ACTE has an outstanding reputation for working in concert with other international and regional associations, with full respect for local business cultures and customs. We look forward to working closer with ABTA.”

The alliance will include development and collaboration on 18 annual educational events to be hosted by ABTA and ACTE within the region and African travel topics to be included at ACTE’s global education conferences.

ABTA has maintained a strong presence since launching in South Africa three years ago, holding events throughout South Africa. Through ABTA’s alliance with ACTE, partnering on more events in RSA, and extending into Namibia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Angola, overall education, networking and business opportunities throughout the region can only grow, added Neufang. ABTA is promoting higher levels of travel management professionalism throughout the region, while becoming the voice of the industry in Africa. That voice will be heard around the world through ACTE, added Swart