FCM expands in Africa

GLOBAL travel management company FCM Travel Solutions is expanding its reach in Africa, inking deals to gain a presence in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Gabon, Republic of Congo (Congo) and Ethiopia.

The company said the move follows increased demand from new and existing clients for local servicing in these markets.

In Central Africa, FCM has partnered with Hariom Travel in DRC, Gabon and Congo, while in Ethopia, FCM has agreed to a partnership with Lalibela Travel & Tours in Addis Ababa.

This follows close collaboration between Lalibela and several FCM offices in the East Africa region.

Lalibela offers the full suite of travel management services, and has long-standing relationships with international organisations and NGO’s and is supported by an inbound tours and activities department.

FCM Travel Solutions Middle East & Africa Regional Leader Ciaran Kelly said the company had found new and existing clients over the last 12 to 24 months were increasingly asking if FCM had a presence in these markets.

“Thus, we started the process of evaluating these markets over a period of several months,” Kelly said.

“Each one has its own nuances and requirements and so we needed to ensure we found the most appropriate partners for our business and our customers if we were to expand into these new countries.”

Kelly said FCM saw “further growth opportunities in neighbouring markets in the coming months and beyond”.