Tourism News Africa Magazine - Issue 3

TourismNews Africa Issue 003

November 2023

CRISIS MANAGEMENT

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SAFETY FOR TRAVELLERS

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & PRECAUTIONS

SAFETY AND SECURITY IN AFRICA

Content 4 6

Editors Letter

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Travel Advisories & Precautions

Safety for Travellers

Travel Insurance for African Adventures

Connect With Us

Editor’s Letter

W

elcome to another issue of Tourism News Africa Magazine!

This issue aims to look into travel safety and how you can work closely with your travel providers to ensure that you maximize on this.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to two exceptional individuals, Andre du Toit and Raylene Pienaar, who have generously shared their profound insights with us. Their expertise has illuminated the path to safer and more enriching travel experiences.

As a subject that should be at the forefront of every travellers mind to maximize experiences we know that safety starts with us. It is paramount to understand the dynamics of safety and how to forge close partnerships with your travel providers.

As you immerse yourself in the pages of this magazine, may you find valuable tips, stories, and resources that inspire your wanderlust and equip you with the knowledge to venture confidently into new horizons. Remember, in the world of tourism, the safety of every traveller is a priority.

We invite you to not only immerse yourself in our pages but also in an exciting new addition to Tourism News Africa. Subscribe and listen to our podcast on the go so you never miss an episode of Trending Travel Talks, Unearthed, and On The Horizon. We look forward to sharing many more adventures with you in the future!

Thank you for reading Tourism News Africa!

Safe travels and warm wishes,

Our dedicated team, fueled by a passion for responsible and secure tourism, has worked tirelessly to assemble a wealth of information to guide you on your adventures. We believe that safe travel enhances the joy of exploration, allowing you to savor the diverse landscapes, cultures, and experiences that Africa has to offer.

EDITOR Tourism News Africa Magazine

Tourism News Magazine

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Travel Advisories & Precautions Emergency Response and Communication Information local emergency phone numbers and have them saved in your Emergency Contacts Travel Apps Know phone. Also, keep contact information for your embassy or consulate.

Travel Apps

Download travel apps that provide safety information, local emergency contacts, and real-time alerts.

Communication Devices

Carry a mobile phone with international roaming and consider a satellite phone for remote areas.

Check-In System

Establish a regular check-in system with a trusted contact who knows your itinerary. Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.

Travel Insurance

Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.

Local Laws

Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs to avoid unintentional legal issues.

Travel Risk Levels and Data Disclaimer: Not all travel management companies’ risk maps are the same.

FCM’s 2023 Global Risk Map ratings are a compilation of several travel risk management sources.

The information does not, and is not, intended to constitute advice.

Instead, all information, content and ratings on this update are for general informational purposes only.

MINIMAL

LOW

HIGH

Risk Level

Health & Political

Minimal Risk Low Risk Medium Risk High Risk Critical Risk

Stable Stable Somewhat Stable Unstable Inadequate

Stability

MEDIUM CRITICAL

Crime Rates Low Low Moderate High Very High

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Travel Insurance for

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Common Misconceptions and Challenges with Travel Insurance Claims

frica, the land of boundless wonder and enchantment. Its landscapes paint portraits of rugged beauty, and its cultures dance to the rhythms of a thousand traditions. From the vibrant markets of Marrakech, Morocco, to the heart-pounding thunder of Victoria Falls, Africa beckons adventurers and wanderers with its irresistible allure.

But beneath this siren call, amidst the savannahs and the deserts, lurks a less glamorous but necessary aspect of exploration: the quest for security.

One of the common misconceptions travelers face is assuming that all travel insurance policies are created equal. While travel insurance is essential, understanding the policy’s intricacies is equally crucial. Policyholders often fail to read the fine print, leading to misunderstandings about coverage.

Additionally, travel insurance claims often require thorough documentation, such as police reports, invoices, and evidence of losses. This is essential due to the prevalence of fraud in claims across the industry. It’s imperative to be well-prepared to make legitimate claims when safety or security issues arise during your journey.

Travel is a gateway to exploration and discovery, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and uncertainties. These challenges can become even more pronounced when your journey leads you to the diverse and beautiful continent of Africa.

To embark on a truly remarkable adventure in Africa, one must prioritize safety and security, and a key component of this is securing the right travel insurance.

Understanding Travel Insurance Cancellation Triggers Travel insurance policies have specific triggers that allow for legitimate cancellations. These triggers encompass various scenarios, such as a traveler’s illness, traumatic events, and natural disasters.

Some triggers include a close relative or traveling companion falling ill, a major catastrophe at home, a traumatic event, retrenchment, or a political action or terrorist attack within 20 km of the traveler’s destination. Understanding these triggers is essential for travelers planning a trip to Africa.

We delve into the importance of travel insurance, especially in the context of African travel. A seasoned expert in the field, Andre du Toit, Executive Head of SATIB Insurance Brokers, the creator of South Africa’s Secure Traveler app, and a thought leader in risk mitigation and management guides us through African travel insurance.

Safety and Security Challenges in Exploring Africa Exploring Africa offers a multitude of unique and enriching experiences, but it also presents distinct challenges and risks. From political unrest to natural disasters and adventurous activities like game drives and white river rafting, travelers must be prepared for a wide range of scenarios. When venturing into the remote wilderness areas and uncharted territories that Africa has to offer, the need for travel insurance becomes not just a convenience but a necessity.

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r African Adventures Travel Insurance and Safety Tips for African Adventures The insights shared by Andre du Toit emphasize the importance of selecting the right insurance tailored for travel to Africa. He highlights the emerging trend of tour operators bundling travel insurance with their packages, providing travelers with a comprehensive safety net. Furthermore, travelers are showing interest in cancellation for any reason coverage, offering broader financial protection.

When planning your African adventure, partnering with African specialists and tour operators is essential. They can help create itineraries supported by reputable accommodations and transportation, enhancing the safety of your journey. Finally, the extensive network and relationships companies like Secure Traveler have across Africa enable unparalleled assistance in case of incidents, further ensuring your peace of mind.

Secure Traveler’s Andre du Toit offers valuable insights into the importance of bespoke travel insurance for African travel. By taking the time to select the right insurance, read policy wordings, and understand the nuances of travel insurance, you can ensure a secure and enjoyable journey through the wonders of Africa.

As we bring this to a close, we have unraveled that when embarking on an adventure in Africa, your safety and well-being should be your top priorities, and it starts with you. Taking responsibility of our own safety, collaborating, and communicating with companies is the first step in the right direction.

To listen to the full podcast discussion with Andre du Toit, click here .

Crisis

Management

What to do when things go wrong

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n a rapidly evolving world, where travel has become integral to business growth and Expansion, ensuring the safety and Well-being of travelers is paramount.

3. Communication Strategy: Implementing an efficient

and well-defined communication strategy within the company is crucial. It should outline how, when, and to whom information is disseminated in times of crisis.

4. Integration with Third-party Risk Providers:

To delve into the complex world of travel safety and crisis management, we sat down with Raylene Pienaar, the Global Travel Business Leader, Account Management, and Sales at FCM Travel South Africa.

With her extensive experience in the travel industry, she shared valuable insights on how travel management companies can prepare for and respond to unexpected crises, especially in diverse African destinations.

Collaborating with third-party risk providers ensures that companies have access to real-time information and support during critical events.

5. Company Procedures for Emergency Situations:

Travelers need to be aware of their company’s procedures during emergencies. When crisis strikes, it’s essential to know the decision-makers and follow established protocols.

Travel Safety Strategies for Diverse African Destinations

The Role of Technology in Travel Safety

Traveling to diverse African destinations can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its set of challenges. Pienaar emphasizes the importance of collaboration between travel management companies and their clients. Traveler safety is a collective effort, with both parties sharing the responsibility. Pienaar highlights the following key strategies:

Pienaar highlights how technology plays a significant role in enhancing travel safety. Artificial intelligence reporting offers a quick and easy way to access vital information about travel schedules and departure details, enabling travelers and companies to stay informed. Some key technological innovations include:

6. Real-time Travel Alerts: Technology allows for

real-time alerts related to flight disruptions, severe weather conditions, and political unrest. Travelers can receive these alerts via email or mobile applications.

1. Effective Profile Management: Before

embarking on any journey, it’s essential to know who the traveler is. Having an accurate traveler profile with essential contact information, emergency contacts, and relevant medical details is crucial for risk management.

7. Traveler Tracking and Dashboards: Travel

management companies offer dashboards that help travelers visualize the risk levels of their destinations.

It’s crucial for pre-trip planning, monitoring, and assessing travel risk. By sharing real-time locations with travelers, they can stay informed about potential risks in their vicinity and act accordingly.

2. Company Profile and Policy: Companies

must establish their risk management policies.

This includes identifying high-risk airlines, hotels, regions, and countries. Having clearly defined procedures for crisis management is equally important.

8. Security Across Multiple Booking Sites:

Browser extensions ensure that travelers adhere to their company’s travel policies and receive alerts during the booking process.

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9. ISO Standards:

The insights shared by Raylene Pienaar highlight the importance of proactive measures and risk management for both travel companies and travelers. In an era where crises can strike unexpectedly, being prepared and vigilant is the key to ensuring a safe and successful journey.

Significantly enhance your safety and well-being when exploring the diverse and beautiful landscapes of Africa.

International standards, such as ISO 31030, provide a common approach for organizations to manage travel risk. These standards help companies align their policies and procedures with globally recognized benchmarks.

10. Data Security:

Protecting sensitive travel information is a paramount concern. It’s important to consider whether travel companies implement robust data security measures to safeguard personal and financial data. Compliance with data protection standards like ISO 3130 is crucial.

Travel safety in diverse African destinations is a multifaceted task that requires collaboration, comprehensive profiles, effective communication strategies, and the utilization of technology and innovation.

Travelers Taking Responsibility Raylene Pienaar advises travelers to actively participate in ensuring their own safety. Key steps include maintaining accurate profiles, downloading mobile apps provided by travel management companies, and staying informed by leveraging technology. With the assistance of the platform and technology tools, travelers can remain vigilant throughout their journeys, helping them respond effectively in times of crisis.

Furthermore, she suggests that travelers familiarize themselves with the new international standards for managing travel risk, emphasizing the importance of aligning their company’s policies and procedures with these global standards.

Travel safety in diverse African destinations is a multifaceted task that requires collaboration, comprehensive profiles, effective communication strategies, and the utilization of technology and innovation.

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