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Managing an international asset portfolio demands agility, expertise in rapid mobilisation, and seamless cross-border logistics. Nowhere is this more critical than in Africa, where intricate logistical and security challenges necessitate a specialised approach to travel management – one that ensures both employee well-being and operational efficiency.
Recognising the unique demands of businesses operating across the continent, ATPI, a leading global travel management company, developed the Africa Gateway – a fully integrated travel solution tailored specifically for the mining sector.
Operated from Durban, South Africa, within ATPI’s expansive global network, the Africa Gateway provides unparalleled access to expert consultants and on-the-ground support teams. These specialists deliver consistent, end-to-end travel management, mitigating risks and enhancing efficiency. A dedicated team continuously monitors potential threats to ensure traveller safety, while multi-lingual support facilitates compliance with regional cultural and statutory regulations. Additionally, expertise in withholding tax and multi-currency invoicing streamline financial operations, addressing the complexities of doing business across diverse economic landscapes. “With the economic climate constantly shifting and travel complexities increasing, it has never been more vital for businesses operating in Africa to partner with a travel management company that prioritises safety, efficiency, and compliance,” says Peter Muller, ATPI’s Regional Managing Director for Australia, New Zealand & Africa, and International Board Director.
In an exclusive interview with Paydirt Magazine, Peter Muller, Pam Kitching, Managing Director Africa, and Kathy Larkan, ATPI’s Global Head of Mining Travel, discuss the Africa Gateway’s strategic role in supporting the mining industry and the growing importance of specialist travel management in today’s increasingly complex global landscape.
PD: What do corporate clients seek in a travel provider? Is it reliability, expertise, knowledge, or adaptability?
ATPI: Corporate clients demand a travel provider that offers reliability, expertise, knowledge, and adaptability—all of which ATPI delivers. However, whether managing FIFO schedules or executive travel, duty of care remains the top priority for our mining clients. Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of miners is at the core of our service, which is why we provide comprehensive, round-the-clock support—24/7/365—to safeguard every traveller at every stage of their journey.
Our commitment extends beyond standard travel management. We seamlessly integrate with Workforce Management (WFM) systems and collaborate with leading Duty of Care providers, including International SOS (ISoS), Control Risks, Crisis24, and ANVIL, to deliver proactive risk mitigation and real-time traveller protection.
With deep expertise in the mining sector, we understand the industry’s unique operational challenges. Our rapid-response support system enables us to handle last-minute itinerary changes, urgent bookings, and unforeseen disruptions with efficiency—ensuring our clients can remain focused on their core business operations, confident that their travel needs are in expert hands.
PD: Miners, particularly those operating in Africa, often have complex travel requirements. How has ATPI adapted to meet the specific needs of Africa-focused mining companies?
ATPI: ATPI developed Africa Gateway to directly address the unique challenges faced by global mining and energy companies operating in Africa. By providing on-ground support, duty of care partnerships, and proprietary technology, we minimise risk and travel disruptions. Our solutions ensure seamless service, compliance, and real-time data access. With over a century of experience, ATPI delivers consultative expertise and tailored support, helping businesses navigate Africa’s complex operational landscape with confidence and efficiency. ATPI has expanded its partner network to provide clients with access to a wider team of local experts dedicated to supporting their travel and operations and the Africa Gateway now provides travel management and logistics in Angola, Burkina Faso, Congo Republic, DRC, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, South Sudan, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia. Continual partner collaboration will see the network grow based aligned with client requirements. With traveller tracking, risk mitigation, reporting and analytics, and up to the minute travel intel, ATPI now provides a market leading solution that meets the challenge of African travel.
PD: Productivity in mining is increasingly driven by the innovative use of data to predict and overcome challenges. Is this approach also relevant in travel management?
ATPI: Absolutely. Data and real-time monitoring are crucial in modern travel management. ATPI’s award-winning Traveller Tracking System™ (TTS) enables clients to track travellers’ locations and communicate instantly. In partnership with International SOS, TTS provides a graphical map displaying traveller locations, destinations, and risk levels. Our self-service travel restriction tool offers live updates on restrictions, quarantine rules, and health requirements, with alerts delivering real-time travel updates directly to mobile devices.
Always working in the background and available to our customers is the ATPI analytics system. Providing an interactive dashboard, visibility over company travel policies and 24/7 live travel data, organisations remain fully informed and in control of their travel programs.
PD: Many companies require quick solutions to their mobilisation needs. How does ATPI approach these situations?
ATPI understands the urgency of rapid mobilisation and has developed specialist solutions to ensure seamless deployment. Our 24/7 support teams work with clients to arrange fast, efficient travel logistics, leveraging global partnerships, local expertise, and proprietary technology. We integrate with Workforce Management (WFM) systems to align travel with operational needs and use real-time data and risk intelligence to mitigate disruptions. Whether for last-minute crew rotations, emergency evacuations, or complex itineraries, ATPI delivers agility, precision, and unwavering support to meet mobilisation demands.
PD: Can you provide an example of ATPI’s work in the mining industry?
ATPI: Of course! But don’t just take our word for it—hear from one of our clients. We recently spoke with Peter De Leo, Managing Director of Lycopodium Ltd, about their partnership with ATPI in Africa and beyond.
PDL: “At any given time, we have hundreds of people travelling around the world. We operate in 14 different countries in Africa and several in Southeast Asia. With such a global presence, it’s crucial that any provider understands our service needs and can meet them with the right people on the ground, the necessary systems in place, and a proven track record. ATPI has been exceptional for us during these periods, and we’re confident we made the right choice.”
“We often have very real-time travel needs, whether it’s on a Saturday afternoon or in the middle of the night when we need to mobilize people quickly. While we aim to plan ahead when possible, it’s just the reality of our business. Right now, we have over 400 people deployed in various locations around the world, so a robust travel management system is crucial for us. The ability for our global mobility team to seamlessly interface with ATPI’s platform has been vital in providing the real-time capabilities we require.”
