The Global Business Travel Association announced plans for GBTA Africa.

According to GBTA, the new regional association will be supported by the Institute of Travel & Meetings Southern Africa. GBTA Africa and ITMSA jointly will create a conference planned for September 2012, to be followed in 2013 by a symposium focused on the energy and resources sector. Education and training programs for the region will be developed by GBTA Academy. "With a strong, local, buyer-led partner and Africa predicted to boom in 2020, the creation of GBTA Africa makes perfect sense," according to GBTA executive director Michael McCormick. "The successful development of our networks and activity into the energy and resources sector in other parts of the world also means we are well placed to bring value to travel professionals in the region."