MICE Africa: Your Specialized Partner for Event Planning & Management Across Africa

In today’s read;

1. ASKY breaks ground on Boeing 737 simulator in Lomé
2. SAGS Tours CEO recounts NPTR licence hurdles
3. South Africa earns 50 Blue Flag beaches

ASKY launches Boeing 737 flight simulator construction in Lomé.

ASKY, the Pan-African airline, recently embarked on a significant venture.
They have officially begun the construction of a state-of-the-art flight simulator for Boeing 737 aircraft in Lomé.
This initiative marks a pivotal moment in ASKY’s long-term vision.
It aims to firmly establish Lomé as a central air transport hub for West and Central Africa.
This development is more than just an infrastructure project.
It represents a strategic investment in the continent’s aviation future.
The airline is entirely funding this substantial undertaking from its own resources.
This commitment underscores its belief in fostering sustainable growth across African skies.
Such an investment in aviation infrastructure directly correlates with enhanced connectivity.
Improved air links are fundamental to the success and expansion of the meetings industry across the region.

The implications of this project extend far beyond ASKY’s immediate operational needs.
Once completed, the facility will serve as a crucial training ground for its own pilots.
More broadly, it will address a significant regional challenge.
Currently, many African airlines must send their crews abroad for essential flight simulator training.
This often incurs considerable costs and logistical complexities.
The new simulator in Lomé will change this landscape dramatically.
It is poised to become the first of its kind in West Africa.
This local capability will retain valuable talent and resources within the continent.
It fosters a stronger, self-reliant aviation ecosystem.
For the MICE sector, a robust and skilled aviation workforce ensures reliable air services.
These services are the backbone of international and regional event attendance.

The planning and execution of this ambitious project have been meticulous.
ASKY has worked closely with the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC Togo).
This collaborative approach ensures adherence to the highest standards and regulatory frameworks.
The simulator is expected to be fully operational by June 2026.
This timeline suggests a steady and well-managed progression.
This project is not an isolated effort by ASKY.
It is part of a broader, ongoing growth and investment strategy.
The airline also has plans for a new Company Headquarters in Lomé.
Additionally, an Aeronautical Maintenance Center is on the horizon for the city.
These combined investments paint a picture of Lomé as an emerging aviation powerhouse.
Such comprehensive development strengthens the city’s appeal as a destination for business and events.

For those in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions industry, this news holds particular resonance.
Increased air transport capacity and efficiency are direct enablers of MICE growth.
A well-connected hub like Lomé, with advanced aviation infrastructure, simplifies travel logistics.
It reduces the barriers for delegates and exhibitors attending events in the region.
The establishment of a local training facility also signifies a maturing industry.
This maturity leads to greater reliability and professional standards across the board.
ASKY’s commitment to self-sufficiency and regional development aligns with the vision for a vibrant Africa.
It fosters an environment where business events can thrive and expand their reach.
This initiative truly sets a new standard for aviation infrastructure development on the continent.
It paves the way for a more accessible and dynamic future for African MICE.

SAGS Tours Details NPTR Licence Application Process Challenges

Many within the transport sector face significant hurdles.
Renewing and applying for operating licences can be a complex affair.
Shane Sampson, CEO of SAGS Tours, recently offered a candid account of his experience.
He visited the National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR) to submit applications for new and renewed tourist operator transport licences.
What unfolded was a full day marked by unexpected and frustrating complications.
His story resonates with ongoing frustrations expressed by many operators.

Shane arrived thoroughly prepared for his second visit, bringing an abundance of required documents.
Yet, new requirements emerged while he was on site.
Certified copies of his licence disc and vehicle eNaTIS documents were demanded.
Crucially, these certifications needed to originate from the bank financing the vehicles.
Standard certified stamps from other sources were deemed unacceptable.
He was ultimately forced to seek certification from a police station, adding an unexpected detour.
His proof of insurance cover also faced initial rejection.
It was refused because the document lacked an explicit expiry date.
This required an urgent call to his insurer for an immediate draft letter.
Another hurried trip to the police station for certification followed, all within the same day.

The application process itself proved to be excessively redundant.
Documents were subjected to duplicated checks by different officials.
One officer meticulously reviewed all papers and tax compliance.
Immediately afterwards, a supervisor proceeded to repeat the exact same detailed scrutiny.
Shane spent the entire working day at the NPTR office.
He was the first person in line and remained until closing time.
Despite his persistence and the extensive checks, he left without a receipt for his submission.
The reason provided was an ongoing ‘system down’ issue.

A follow-up query the next day confirmed the persistent system issues.
It also clarified the standard processing time, stating 60 to 90 days.
However, it noted that delays and backlogs would further extend this timeframe.
The deciding committee, he was told, operates on a ‘first-in-first-out’ basis.
Adding to the day’s challenges, application fees had also increased unexpectedly.
He was required to pay the additional amount and email proof of payment on the spot.
These obstacles highlight systemic challenges faced by tourist transport operators.
Such difficulties inevitably impact efficiency and the smooth running of business operations across the industry.
They underscore a critical need for streamlined and predictable regulatory processes in Africa’s MICE landscape.

South Africa increases Blue Flag beaches to 50.

South Africa has significantly elevated its coastal appeal.
The nation now proudly lists fifty Blue Flag beaches.
This achievement underscores a commitment to international standards of excellence.
For the MICE industry, this translates directly into enhanced destination attractiveness.
It offers event planners and delegates pristine, safe environments.
These settings are ideal for both business and leisure components of any gathering.
Such recognition reinforces South Africa’s standing.
It positions the country as a premier destination for global events, blending natural beauty with high quality.

The increase from forty-eight to fifty accredited beaches marks notable progress.
Three new entrants from KwaZulu-Natal, including Willard Beach and Salt Rock, earned this prestigious status.
This rigorous accreditation process ensures stringent environmental management.
Water quality, safety, and public education are key assessment areas.
Both a South African National Jury and a Blue Flag International Jury meticulously evaluate each site.
Long-standing champions like Kelly’s Beach in the Eastern Cape celebrate two decades of consistent excellence.
Lappiesbaai in the Western Cape also shares this remarkable twenty-year milestone.
These continuous achievements speak volumes about sustained dedication to maintaining world-class standards.

The Blue Flag distinction extends beyond sandy shores, encompassing vital coastal infrastructure.
Five marinas across the Western and Eastern Cape now hold this esteemed status.
Thesen Harbour Town Marina and the V&A Waterfront are notable examples of accredited facilities.
Furthermore, seven tourism boats in the Western Cape received this important environmental recognition.
These vessels offer unique, responsible experiences for delegates.
They provide safe, environmentally conscious options for MICE activities and excursions.
This broad recognition highlights a comprehensive approach to quality across the entire coastal tourism sector.
It showcases diverse, high-standard offerings for event planners seeking memorable experiences.

This collective success reflects a deep-seated commitment to stewardship.
Mike Denison of WESSA emphasized the vital role of environmental care.
He highlighted the importance of community partnership and dedication in maintaining these standards.
These efforts ensure South Africa’s coastlines remain clean, safe, and sustainable for all.
The doubling of WESSA Green Coast sites further underscores this overarching vision.
These less-developed areas balance biodiversity protection with responsible nature-based tourism.
South Africa is undeniably strengthening its appeal as a responsible tourism destination.
It is building a compelling narrative for impactful congress stories, rooted in quality and sustainability.

That’s it for today, thank you for reading.