Worldwide, the travel and tourism industry is empowered by tenacious, talented women at all levels. And Harvey World Travel (HWT) is the epitome of a women-dominated business.
Nearly 70% of the HWT franchises are owned or managed by female entrepreneurs, who are in turn supported by a dynamic female leadership team that is driving progress across the Southern African franchise network.
Leading the team is Executive Manager Kele Lekalake. Kele’s visionary ability and strategic leadership have revitalised the brand and brought exceptional value to the membership network through unique solutions designed to alleviate the challenges faced by SMEs.
“Empowering our franchisees is the cornerstone of our growth strategy. By investing in their development and equipping them with the tools and support they need to succeed, we create a dynamic network capable of capturing new opportunities and delivering exceptional value to our clients.” Kele Lekaleke
Mentorship remains a critical component of empowering women in the travel industry. Franchise manager Leasha Williams, provides ongoing training and support to enhance the franchise offering and help the members excel. She also provides a space for peer networking, where women share insights and practical advice, creating an inclusive environment that fosters innovation and growth.
Building a thriving franchise network is a priority, so marketing specialist Mmalethabo Kgomongwe empowers a community of franchise brand ambassadors with marketing tools, brand-aligned digital content, and strategic marketing support. This includes managing marketing campaigns and assisting franchise owners in navigating digital platforms.
“By providing our franchisees with the strategic tools, creative resources, and unwavering support, we empower them to not only represent our brand but to elevate it to new heights.” Mmalethabo Kgomongwe
Shaping the next generation
The ITC sector is the fastest growing part of the travel industry, and the inclusion of BID travelambassadors as a new Independent Travel Consultant (ITC) division in the business strategically supports this niche sector.
Operations manager Beaulah Bam is a seasoned professional with a deep-rooted commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success. As the custodian of the BidTravel Ambassadors brand, she is dedicated to empowering independent travel consultants, helping them transition to future HWT franchisees. For travel consultants, the BID travelambassadors offering provides an excellent opportunity to develop with the support of industry-leading solutions backed by a growing African brand.
In addition, as part of our forward-thinking business strategy and commitment to development, we are focused on nurturing the next generation of travel industry leaders. The Abazayo programme, managed by BidTravel Ambassadors, is our initiative to cultivate entrepreneurs.
In partnership with Tshwane University of Technology, the programme offers graduating students financial and educational support through our Abazayo incubator. For twelve months, our graduates immerse themselves in real-world experience, complemented by our industry knowledge and mentorship. This practical learning journey bridges the gap between academic theory and professional practice.
In a highly competitive and evolving industry, HWT remains committed to opening doors for women in travel, empowering them to navigate careers in a dynamic, women-dominated global industry. To become the next Harvey and benefit from our great support initiatives, click here.