Addis Ababa-based flight support, charter and aviation consultancy Krimson Aviation has launched a new high-end travel service. Krimson Koncierge specialises in creating escorted customised luxury excursions, tailored itineraries and bespoke destination management services for aviation crew, VIP and travellers. The division, headed up by Krimson chief commercial officer Helina Teshome, has been introduced following an increase in requests for on-the-ground travel recommendations from crew and executive visitors.

The Koncierge portfolio complements existing trip support services which until now have focused on managing hotel accommodation and ground transportation for business aviation crew. An airport meet and greet service designed for business class passengers arriving or departing on commercial airlines expedites transfer through the airport and reduces waiting times by more than an hour as it speeds customers through the immigration and customs queues at busy Bole International airport. For those concerned about security while travelling, close personal protection can be arranged to mitigate potential risk and ensure safe passage. This is complemented by a vendor validation audit which confirms suppliers have been assessed and approved for quality and authenticity ahead of the service provision. Meeting venue sourcing, personal shopping, restaurant booking, event planning and destination recommendations also feature.

The division has secured the necessary Tourism Investment Permit and Business Licence. “It was a complex application process but with the paperwork in place we are ready to develop high quality, informative and luxurious services for our clients,” says Teshome.

“Our customers will have access to un-Google-able customised experiences that can't be found on the web or through traditional tour operators,” adds Krimson founder and CEO Dawit Lemma. “Our goal is to enhance our customers' enjoyment and cultural understanding of Addis Ababa and beyond. Our business has grown organically in response to the genuine needs of our customers, and the launch of Krimson Koncierge represents a natural evolution that perfectly complements our high-quality trip planning and flight support services. We will continue to apply excellence originating in our Swiss culture, combined with our local knowledge, to deliver the very best in experiential travel at a time when Ethiopia's popularity as an exotic destination is flourishing.”

Ethiopia experienced the highest tourism growth in the world during 2018, and according to the World Travel & Tourism Council's annual review released in March, the country's travel and tourism economy grew by 48.6 per cent in 2018. Tourism development is one of the key pillars of the Ethiopian government's Grand Transformation Plan. “The launch of Krimson Koncierge not only grows our business but aligns with the country's ambitious development plans,” continues Teshome. “It is extremely exciting to be part of that wider economic development. We also recognise that the opportunities presented by superior tourism experiences are immense and we are proud to showcase Ethiopia.”