Agnes Rwegasira: Pioneering Air Travel and Transforming Connectivity in Tanzania

By Adonis Byemelwa

The Pan African Visions Bureau Chief had a compelling Q&A session with Agnes Rwegasira, founder of Vera International Travel and Tours Limited in Tanzania. Agnes shared her journey from earning a degree in Commercial and Business Administration from the University of Clermont-Ferrand in France to early roles at Euro-control, UN-Intech, and Medtronic. She discussed overcoming challenges, embracing technology, and her vision for enhancing Tanzania's connectivity and economic growth through sustainable travel solutions. Partnering with IATA, Agnes ensures top-quality service, leveraging her extensive experience to establish a thriving aviation company back home.

Can you share with us your background and what inspired you to venture into the aviation industry?

Absolutely! My journey into the aviation industry began way back in 1995 when I worked with Euro Central Company in the Netherlands. That experience ignited my passion for air travel. After spending over 15 years in France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, where I honed my skills in banking and finance and became fluent in Dutch and French, I returned to Tanzania in 2006.

By 2008, with the support of my family, particularly my sister who had extensive experience as an air hostess, we founded Vera International Travel and Tours Limited. Our slogan, "Inter Travel Made Easy," reflects our commitment to providing seamless travel experiences. Starting from scratch with just two employees was challenging. However, my background in finance and my multilingual skills were invaluable. Our family pooled resources, thanks to my son who is a banker, which helped us avoid the pitfalls of securing loans under a patriarchal system.

The training we received from the International Travel Association in Geneva kept us ahead in the rapidly evolving travel industry. Moreover, my previous roles in various international companies equipped me with the resilience and leadership needed to navigate these challenges. Overcoming initial obstacles through hard work and innovative solutions, like leveraging New Distribution Capacity (NDC) and Global Distribution System (GDS) networks, allowed us to grow steadily and expand our reach across Tanzania.

As the founder of Vera, what motivated you to establish the company, and what sets it apart in Tanzania's aviation landscape?

My motivation to establish Vera International Travel and Tours Limited stemmed from a deep passion for the aviation industry, sparked by my early career with Euro Central Company in the Netherlands. After years of gaining invaluable experience in France and the Netherlands, I saw a tremendous opportunity to bring a high standard of air travel services to Tanzania. The idea was also inspired by my sister, who had a wealth of experience as an air hostess with East African Airways, Swaziland, and South Africa. Together, we wanted to create a company that would make air travel accessible and convenient, hence our slogan "Inter Travel Made Easy."

What challenges did you encounter in the early stages of building Travel Made Easy company, and how did you overcome them?

In the early days of Travel Made Easy, we faced quite a few hurdles. Starting with almost no resources and only two employees was tough. Getting the necessary capital was a big challenge too, especially since the system back then made it difficult for women to secure loans. Thankfully, my son, who’s a banker, stepped in to help financially. We also had to keep up with the fast-paced changes in travel technology, which was daunting at first. But we overcame this by investing in training with the International Travel Association in Geneva and adopting modern systems like NDC and GDS. This shift from paper to electronic ticketing helped us streamline our operations and offer top-notch customer service.

With the rapid advancement of technology, particularly in the travel sector, how do you integrate innovation into your business model to enhance customer experience?

Embracing technology has been key for us at Travel Made Easy. We’ve integrated innovations like the New Distribution Capacity (NDC) and Global Distribution System (GDS) to streamline bookings and ticketing, making the process seamless for our customers. Our staff undergoes continuous training to stay updated with the latest tech trends, ensuring they can offer the best service. We’ve also adopted digital platforms for easy communication, allowing clients to book through emails, SMS, and even WhatsApp. These steps have significantly enhanced the customer experience, making travel smoother and more convenient.

In a competitive market, how do you ensure that Travel Made Easy company remains at the forefront of customer service and satisfaction?

Staying ahead in customer service at Vera International is all about going the extra mile. We make sure our staff is always on top of their game with regular training, so they’re ready to handle anything with a smile. We’ve added special touches like helping elderly passengers and unaccompanied minors, which makes a difference. Plus, we listen to our customers and tweak our services based on their feedback. We also love surprising our corporate clients with discounts and special offers, which keeps them coming back and spreading the word. It's this dedication to making every travel experience memorable that keeps us at the top of the game.

As a female entrepreneur in the aviation industry, what unique perspectives or advantages do you bring to the table, and how do you navigate any gender-related challenges?

Being a female entrepreneur in aviation brings unique strengths. I leverage empathy and attention to detail for personalized experiences. Navigating gender challenges fuels resilience and innovation, turning obstacles into strengths. A diverse team fosters inclusive solutions, breaking barriers to showcase women's leadership in any industry.

How do you envision the company contributing to the country's connectivity and economic growth in the future?

Absolutely! our mission is clear: to enhance connectivity and foster economic growth across Tanzania. We're already making significant strides by linking major cities and remote areas, and our vision for the future is even more ambitious. We're committed to expanding our reach, opening new branches, and making air travel accessible to a broader audience. By bridging different parts of the country and beyond, we're not just facilitating convenience but also driving tourism, a vital component of Tanzania's economy. More tourists mean more opportunities for local businesses and job creation. Moreover, as we grow, we prioritize hiring and training locals, further boosting the economy. Our goal is to contribute to Tanzania's emergence as a thriving hub for both business and leisure travel, and we're incredibly excited about the journey ahead!

With sustainability becoming increasingly important in the aviation sector, what measures has Vera International Travel and Tour Company implemented to minimize its environmental impact?

Oh, sustainability is a big deal for us at Vera International Travel and Tour Company! We’ve taken proactive steps to minimize our environmental impact. For starters, we’ve partnered with airlines using fuel-efficient aircraft to cut carbon emissions. We’re also big on electronic ticketing to slash paper waste – it’s incredible how much that helps! Plus, we encourage our staff and customers to adopt eco-friendly habits. From promoting digital communications over printed materials to supporting carbon offset programs, every little bit counts. We're always hunting for new green technologies and practices. It’s an ongoing effort, but we’re committed to protecting the environment while delivering top-notch travel services. After all, "Inter Travel Made Easy" is more than just our slogan.

Looking ahead, what emerging trends do you foresee shaping the future of air travel in Tanzania, and how are you preparing to adapt to these changes?

Looking ahead, there are some really exciting trends shaping the future of air travel in Tanzania. I mean, technology is evolving at lightning speed, right? So, we’re keeping an eye on things like AI and biometrics, which have the potential to make travel even smoother and more seamless. And then there’s the whole sustainability angle – that’s going to be huge. We’re already seeing more demand for eco-friendly travel options, so we’re exploring ways to further reduce our carbon footprint and support sustainable practices across the board. But it’s not just about technology and sustainability. We’re also seeing changes in consumer behavior, with more people looking for unique and personalized travel experiences. So, we’re focusing on offering tailored services and going the extra mile to make every journey special.

Finally, what are your long-term goals and aspirations for Travel Made Easy company, and what legacy do you hope to leave in Tanzania's aviation industry?

Vera International Travel and Tour Company, thrives on agility and innovation, always striving to deliver top-notch travel experiences for our customers, no matter what the future holds. Our ambitious long-term goals center around growth, expansion, and becoming the go-to travel company in Tanzania. We aim to leave a lasting legacy as pioneers in the aviation industry, known for our commitment to excellence, dedication to customers, and passion for making travel easy and accessible for all. That's the legacy we're building, and we're excited to see it unfold.