Investec Investec Focus Radio SA

Everything Counts | Episode 51: Managing global travel disruption

Loading player...
In this episode of Everything Counts, we unpack the real-world impact of geopolitical tension on global travel, from grounded flights and closed airspace to the human stories behind stranded passengers. What happens behind the scenes when airlines, advisors, and entire systems are forced to respond in real time?
Host Motheo Khoaripe is joined by Paolo Giuricich, Head of Investec Travel, and Otto de Vries, CEO of ASATA, to explore how the travel industry navigates air travel disruptions, and what it means for you as a traveller.
From operational chaos to extraordinary collaboration, and a powerful story of one family’s journey home, this conversation reveals a simple truth: travel works best when everything goes right, but its true value shows when everything goes wrong.
Topics covered:
● How global conflict disrupts air travel systems
● What happens when major travel hubs shut down
● The role of travel advisors during crises
● Why travel insurance matters more than you think
● A real-life story of resilience, uncertainty, and getting home

00:00 Introduction
01:10 How global conflict affects air travel
02:05 What did airspace closures in the Middle East mean for travellers?
06:03: Managing safety and expectations during airspace closures
07:15 How Investec helped customers stranded due to airspace closures
09:16 Behind-the-scenes crisis management during global travel disruption
10:50 The role of relationships within the travel industry
12:55 How travel insurance works during global travel disruption
16:37 A family stranded in Doha: How Investec helped
24:37 Benefits of using a travel advisor
26:37 Key takeaways from airline disruption management
28:17 Conclusion
14 Jul English South Africa Business · Investing

Other recent episodes

No Ordinary Wednesday: Inside Investec’s investment outlook

The global economy is proving resilient, and company earnings remain healthy. Even so, Investec’s Global Investment Strategy Group has maintained a risk score of zero, reflecting a measured approach to portfolio positioning. The findings are published in the quarterly Global Investment View. On No Ordinary Wednesday, Chris Holdsworth, Investec Investment…
13 Oct 17 min

Macro Monday Ep135: The two sides to the AI investment boom

The AI story has been great for investors so far, but it may be making the Fed feel uncomfortable. AI investment is helping to fuel growth and inflation, potentially forcing the Fed to maintain a tighter policy stance – even though, says Global Chief Investment Officer Chris Holdsworth, the sectors…
12 Oct 5 min

No Ordinary Wednesday | Mini-Budget 2026: More revenue, less borrowing?

Stronger revenue offers an opportunity to reduce borrowing. Will spending pressures limit the gains? Ahead of the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), Investec’s Annabel Bishop and Tertia Jacobs to examine the choices facing National Treasury. Higher precious metals prices offer the prospect of better-than-budgeted tax revenue. But weaker growth,…
11 Oct 26 min

Macro Monday Ep134: Fixed income investors are having a tough time

There’s been an almost universal rise in bond yields around the world over the past few months. According to Global Chief Investment Officer Chris Holdsworth, developed markets have seen the biggest rises, with France one of the hardest hit, as it grapples with a worsening fiscal situation.
5 Oct 9 min

Macro Monday ep 133 | US growth is running hot

The US economy is running hot, with the latest indicators pointing to 5% GDP growth, ahead of market forecasts for third-quarter growth of 2.8%. This comes despite high oil prices and rising inflation and has implications for the US dollar and the prospects of the US being able to grow…
28 Sep 8 min
All episodes