Business News of Wednesday, 1 March 2006

Source: The Statesman

AMEX, Journeymax deal to boost tourism

An agreement between Journeymax Executive Travel Services, Ghana?s leading executive destination management company, and American Express Travel Services, the world?s travel service leader, will further enhance the country?s growing reputation as the number one destination of choice for international business, conference, cultural and eco-tourism, says Gifty Lomo-Mainoo, Director of Tour Operations at JETS.

?It is beneficial for the country?s travel industry since AMEX?s excellent corporate brand is popularly recognized worldwide, and will attract business and tourists here. It enhances Ghana?s image as a good tourist destination,? Mrs Lomo-Mainoo told The Statesman in JETS?s Ring Road Central Office, near Pyramid House in Accra.

The sealed representation agreement between AMEX and JETS will be officially launched at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra Thursday, March 2. Officials of the Ministry of Tourism and Modernisation of the Capital City, and AMEX will attend the launch, which will witness raffle prizes to reward JETS?s corporate loyal customers, and a general raffle draw for the invited guests. According to Mrs Lomo-Mainoo, JETS obtained the AMEX franchise from TourVest, South Africa ? a household name in the tour and travel industry there. AMEX, founded in 1850 with sales over $19 billion worldwide annually, operates with these guiding principles as its corporate mission and identity: brand integrity, excellent customer service, timeliness, responsiveness, efficiency, and knowledge of product and market.

Mrs Lomo-Mainoo said JETS was attracted to these qualities as well as the professionalism and exceptional customer service, which, she stated, are the hallmark of AMEX. Established in 1991, JETS has since seen a phenomenal expansion in operations, client base and profitability. JETS hopes to utilize the power and presence of the AMEX brand in the local market to compete effectively and efficiently in the travel industry.

JETS will rely on AMEX?s global networks and partners, which create an opportunity to build business relations and exchange strategies for success. ?With this agreement, JETS can have access to a wide range of preferred and negotiated rates in terms of airline fares, hotels and travel financial services from AMEX,? she stressed.