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Small businesses play an important role in the economy of South Africa and are considered vital growth engines, job creators and innovation hubs. However, the travel industry has not been spared from the numerous challenges that the industry has faced in the recent past, despite the numerous opportunities that are available for entrepreneurs. This is where the Bid Travelmbassadors Independent Travel Consultant (ITC) program comes in – a unique program that is specifically created to support and strengthen small businesses in the travel industry in South Africa.
The South African Small Business Context
SMMEs are the largest contributors to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and account for 50-60% of the workforce in South Africa. However, these businesses are also faced with numerous challenges that include poor access to resources, limited physical and social infrastructure and stiff market competition.
The travel industry is no exception; it has its own set of difficulties that make it challenging for small business owners to manage. From technology needs to supplier interactions, regulatory compliance to competition, starting and expanding a travel business is no easy feat and requires a lot of knowledge and resources.
Bid Travelmbassadors: A Catalyst for Travel Entrepreneurship
The Bid Travelmbassadors ITC programme is a programme that provides specific services to successful travel agents who wish to open their own independent travel business. Unlike other business models that may choose to compete with the company, Bid Travelmbassadors acts as a cooperative partner to nurture the growth of the travel industry in various segments, including wholesale, leisure, corporate, groups, and incentives.
The growth of the South African economy is heavily reliant on creating business leaders who have the necessary tools and resources. “The travel industry is highly competitive. Making the decision to venture out on your own requires finding the right partner to show you the way. What sets Bid Travelmbassadors apart is that you are not only becoming part of a community of like-minded people who love travel and business, but also people who love entrepreneurship. With our extensive experience, we can guarantee you a more enjoyable and stress-free experience.” – Kele Lekalake, General Manager.
Solving Some of the Common Problems Facing Travel Entrepreneurs
The Bid Travelmbassadors programme has been developed to specifically tackle the major issues that face small business owners in the travel industry in South Africa:
Infrastructure and Technological Barriers
Many a travel enthusiast has been deterred from pursuing their dreams due to the high initial costs of setting up the necessary technology for their business. With the support of Bidvest Travel Holding Pty Ltd, Bid Travelmbassadors is able to offer the necessary technology and systems that are required to run a successful business. This is particularly important for qualified individuals who want to start their own business but are limited by the high entry costs.
Administrative Burden and Operational Support
Running a business can be a real challenge, and many business owners often get bogged down with paperwork and other administrative tasks that take their attention away from the core business. The programme’s 24/7 support team eliminates these administrative tasks, which means that travel consultants can concentrate on what really matters – business growth, revenue increase, and customer satisfaction.
Market Access and Competitive Positioning
Enters the problem of entering the market and competing with well-established companies. Bid Travelmbassadors uses the Bidvest Travel Holding reputation and market presence to give small travel businesses a chance to get into markets that would otherwise be off-limits to new entrants.
A step-by-step approach to building the business of travel professionals in South Africa
Recognising that travel agents differ in their level of experience and business requirements, Bid Travelmbassadors offers different ITC packages to suit the needs of agents at various levels of their entrepreneurial journey:
The tier system starts supporting consultants with as little as 1 year’s experience.
The taLite program is designed for consultants who have less than five years of experience in the industry. This option includes all the systems required to create a viable business, as well as guidance to help the entrepreneurs focus on growing the business, profitability and customer satisfaction.
This path is especially useful for the younger generation of travel professionals in South Africa who have the technical skills but may not have the business acumen or the financial means to start on their own. Through its structure, taLite assists in the creation of a new class of travel entrepreneurs in South Africa.
taPremium offers veterans with more than five years of experience the ability to issue tickets on their own and offers credit facilities for corporate customers. This pathway is for professionals with experience, understanding of the needs of professionals already in the business, who are looking to expand their operations and offer more services to their clientele.
This solution is meant to help existing travel agencies grow and develop, and, thus, contribute to employment and the stability of the economy of local communities in South Africa.
The Bid Travelmbassadors programme differs from other business support services in that it is based on partnership. The programme does not require the payment of joining fees or the subscription that may be a burden to the young businesses’ cash flow. The programme has flexible solutions that are related to the growth of the entrepreneur’s business.
As Lekelake puts it, “We have designed our model to be consistent with the life cycle of small travel agencies.” Our success is intrinsically linked to the success of our travel consultants. This is a real partnership where both sides have a stake in the sustainable development of the business.”
The most crucial assets in the travel industry are the professional’s experience, entrepreneurial spirit and the relationship with the clients. The programme is meant for those with a desire to work as independent contractors – all they need is an entrepreneurial spirit, industry experience and a loyal client base.
This approach is in line with the African concept of Ubuntu and self-determination, for the professionals who have nurtured relationships with clients who will follow you to the end of the world because you have already been sending them there for years!
A Network of Like-Minded Professionals
In addition to the actual business support, Bid Travelmbassadors builds a community of travel professionals who can support each other and develop together. This community aspect offers very important opportunities for networking, mentorship and cooperation that the usual entrepreneur does not have.
For South African travel professionals, this community is a great asset in an industry where relationships and knowledge sharing can make a big difference in the success of the business. The programme creates an environment where challenges are well articulated, innovations are encouraged and appreciated, and growth is ensured for all the members.
A Pathway to Entrepreneurial Success in Travel
South Africa needs small business success to grow the national economy, and Bid Travelmbassadors is an exemplary example of how industry leaders can effectively boost small business development to strengthen South Africa’s tourism sector and national economy.
Contact our team now to discover how the Bid Travelmbassadors ITC programme will support your South African travel industry startup through its comprehensive entrepreneurial support system.
Harvey World Travel is a proud Partner of the NSBC
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