Further expansion for FCM's African network

FCM Travel Solutions’ footprint across Middle East and Africa has almost doubled in the past 18 months with the global travel management company recently announcing a new partner agreement in Algeria.

FCM has partnered with leading Algerian travel company XL Travel.

FCM’s focus on strategic growth in the Middle East and Africa during the past few years has seen a further seven countries added to the TMC’s regional network, taking the company’s global presence to 84 countries.

Based in the Algerian capital city of Algiers, FCM Algeria offers end-to-end corporate travel and expense management and specialised MICE (meetings, incentives, conference and event management). The business also operates a dedicated leisure travel division.

General Manager of FCM’s Middle East and Africa network Ciaran Kelly said the Algerian corporate travel market had experienced steady growth over the past few years with key market trends hinging on the country’s oil and gas sector.

“There has also been increased investment in the country from industries such as the hotel sector where several global hotel chains now have a strong presence in the region,” Ciaran said.

“The Algerian government is focusing on industry diversification to ensure there is also growth and development in other key sectors. We expect this will drive further domestic and international investment with the flow-on effects being an increase in demand for corporate travel services.

“FCM views Algeria as an important country to have on-the-ground local services in for corporates and we’re pleased to be working with XL Travel to strengthen business travel services locally.”

Ciaran said XL Travel was a good fit with FCM in terms of its travel management capabilities, business synergies and its approach to client servicing.

XL Travel Director, Alex Fezouine, said they were delighted to have joined FCM’s global network.

“We see our relationship with FCM part of our long-term growth strategy. Our existing clients now have access to a global pool of resources, supplier relationships and travel product to ensure they’re travelling cost effectively,” Alex said.

“FCM has a growing reputation in this region on account of its expanding network. We’re looking forward to developing a close relationship with FCM’s teams and eager to extend our services with the regional and global backing of FCM’s network.”