Countdown: 10 Days to 2025 KETIBA Gala with over 300 Delegates

With only fourteen days to go, Kenya’s travel industry is counting down to one of the most anticipated events of the year — the Kenya Travel Industry Business Awards (KeTIBA) 2025. Hosted by the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), KeTIBA has grown into far more than an awards night. It has become a celebration of excellence, innovation, and the strong partnerships that continue to fuel the growth and resilience of Kenya’s travel ecosystem.

This year, the awards ceremony will take place on 5th December 2025, at Emara Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi. The 2025 edition builds on the remarkable momentum of last year’s event, where over 250 delegates attended and more than 32 organisations were recognised in various categories. KeTIBA 2024 recorded an unprecedented number of nominations, reflecting the sector’s growing confidence in a peer-reviewed platform that is seen as credible, transparent, and unifying.

Industry feedback highlighted the strengthened auditing processes, inclusivity, and visibility that the awards brought to top performers. Organisers say the positive reception of the 2024 awards, coupled with renewed industry enthusiasm, has laid the groundwork for an even bigger, bolder celebration this year, with over 350 delegates expected to grace the gala.

KeTIBA’s significance lies in its unique structure as Kenya’s first peer-reviewed travel industry award. It combines peer recognition, public participation, and independent auditing by Ronalds LLP to ensure credibility and transparency. Travel agents nominate and vote for suppliers, suppliers do the same for agents, and the public participates in select categories. This blended approach makes KeTIBA not just an awards ceremony, but a true reflection of the values, standards, and aspirations that shape Kenya’s travel and tourism industry. For businesses and professionals, winning a KeTIBA award enhances credibility, strengthens brand visibility, and positions them as leaders shaping the future of the sector.

The 2025 KeTIBA Gala Dinner, will unfold in an atmosphere of elegance befitting its stature, with delegates attending in Elegant Black Tie. Guests will enjoy a red-carpet reception, fine dining, live entertainment, and the formal unveiling of this year’s winners across a wide range of categories covering travel agencies, domestic and international airlines, hotels, travel technology platforms, payment and insurance solutions, and emerging innovators.

The awards maintain their rigorous three-tier process of self-nominations, industry voting, and public voting — which remains open until 30 November — ensuring that the honourees represent a broad, inclusive, and credible cross-section of the industry.

According to KATA, the projected attendance of more than 300 delegates marks a new milestone in the evolution of KeTIBA and reflects the sector’s renewed optimism as it continues to innovate, digitise, and rebuild following global disruptions. The 2025 edition promises more award categories, stronger participation, and deeper engagement from industry leaders, global partners, and changemakers. As the countdown continues, excitement is mounting for an evening that will bring together decision-makers, thought leaders, and rising professionals to celebrate collective achievement while charting a shared vision for the future of Kenya’s travel industry.

With just fourteen days left before the red carpet is rolled out, the 2025 KeTIBA Gala Dinner is set to be the largest and most memorable celebration yet — a night where Kenya’s travel story will be written, celebrated, and remembered.

African Nations Join Forces to Tax Luxury Air Travel in Climate-Financing Push

A coalition of 13 countries has announced plans to introduce new taxes on luxury air travel, marking one of the boldest attempts yet to raise climate financing from high-emitting sectors. The initiative targets private jets as well as first- and business-class tickets, and has quickly gathered support from African nations that say the world’s wealthiest travellers should contribute more significantly to global climate action.

Djibouti, Nigeria and South Sudan became the latest countries to join the coalition last week, expanding a group that already includes Kenya, Benin and Sierra Leone in Africa, along with France, Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda. Brazil, Fiji and Vanuatu have joined as observer states. Although the group spans several regions, most of its members come from the Global South — a point observers say underscores the urgent need for developing nations to secure new sources of climate finance as they continue to face disproportionate climate impacts.

The proposed taxes would apply to premium commercial travel and private aviation, a sector known for its exceptionally high emissions per passenger. Supporters argue that the levies would bring long-overdue fairness to climate funding by drawing revenue from travellers with the largest carbon footprints, rather than from ordinary passengers or struggling national economies.

The proposal stems from a broader global push under the Sevilla Platform for Action, launched earlier this year, and is receiving backing from the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force, co-chaired by Kenya, France and Barbados. The Task Force is also working closely with technical teams from the European Commission to shape the policy framework. Environmental groups have welcomed the development, with activists describing private jet users as “binge polluters” who have for too long escaped meaningful taxation.

However, not everyone is convinced. The International Air Transport Association has criticised the plan, arguing that airlines are already investing heavily in cleaner aircraft, sustainable fuels and carbon-offsetting programmes. France, despite being an early supporter of the broader coalition, has clarified that it does not intend to raise its own existing “solidarity tax” on air tickets, even as it encourages other countries to consider similar measures ahead of global climate negotiations.

Despite the criticism, momentum for the luxury air travel tax appears to be growing, particularly among nations most vulnerable to climate change and most in need of predictable financing. For them, the initiative represents not just an environmental intervention but a matter of economic fairness — a bid to ensure the world’s highest emitters finally pay a proportionate share of the costs of a warming planet.

Source: Africanews.com

KATA Steps Up as Kenya’s Travel Industry Powerhouse

Kenya’s travel sector is in the middle of a quiet but unmistakable evolution — and at the heart of that shift is the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA). What was once viewed as a modest administrator of industry standards has, over the past few years, grown into one of the most influential players shaping how the country buys, sells, regulates, and experiences travel.

With rising global travel regulations, escalating operational expenses, and online booking platforms eating into traditional market share, many agents say the timing couldn’t be better. A field that once felt fragmented now increasingly operates like a united front — and KATA is the thread stitching it together.

The Agents’ Secret Weapon

To understand KATA’s transformation, you only need to listen to the people on the ground.

A Nairobi-based agent still remembers the day she nearly closed shop in 2022. A major corporate client had abruptly shifted all travel bookings to an online portal. “We were staring at collapse,” she recalls. “KATA sat with us, helped us rethink our model, guided us through compliance, and even supported discussions with suppliers. They didn’t just advise — they fought for us.”

Hers is not an isolated tale. Across the country, many describe KATA as their “secret weapon” — not because it shields them from competition, but because it levels the playing field in an increasingly complex market.

Partnerships with IATA, AESATA, and tourism boards in Uganda, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai have given Kenya a louder voice in global aviation and travel conversations. Suddenly, decisions about commissions, airline policies, and distribution models, once made far from the continent, now include Kenyan input.

The growing trust is reflected in numbers. Since 2021, KATA’s membership has jumped by 76%. In practical terms, it means agents who once worked in silos now stand under a shared umbrella with access to advocacy, data, protection, and influence. A decade ago, that would have sounded almost far-fetched.

Building Skills and Strengthening the Next Generation

If advocacy is KATA’s shield, capacity building is its engine.

Walk into a KATA training session, and the energy is different. It’s not just about compliance anymore. It’s about preparing Kenyan agencies for a marketplace that moves as fast as its technology.

During a recent Student Symposium at Kenya Utalii College, more than 150 students squeezed into a hall, many perched at the edges of chairs or leaning against walls. As panelists unpacked everything from New Distribution Capability (NDC) to digital travel behaviour, pens flew across notebooks. You could almost see the next generation taking shape in real time.

KATA’s training menu keeps widening: GDS operations, tax matters, destination marketing, cybersecurity, modern retailing, data protection — the list grows with every new disruption in the global travel ecosystem. Agents say the sessions give them confidence in a world where customers now compare prices across five platforms before making a booking.

The association’s Future Leaders Programme is equally notable. Since 2019, more than 90% of its interns have landed roles in travel, tourism, or aviation. In an industry where “getting in” is half the battle, KATA is quietly building a pipeline of young professionals who are digitally native, globally aware, and prepared for a tougher, faster marketplace.

A Fuel Partnership That Redefines Value for Agents

In 2025, a year marked by rising costs, one partnership stood out for its simplicity and immediate value: KATA’s collaboration with Rubis Energy.

Through personalised fuel cards offering KES 4 per litre discounts, travel agencies — many of which spend heavily on transport for visa runs, corporate errands, and airport transfers — are seeing savings they can feel.

A mid-sized Mombasa agency says the programme trimmed its monthly fuel bill by more than 15%. “In this economy, that is not pocket change,” the owner notes.

What elevates the partnership is the extra layer: road safety and fuel-efficiency training. For businesses often operating on thin margins, these savings are not theoretical — they are the difference between breathing room and strain. It is a textbook example of KATA’s shift toward offering tangible, everyday value.

Advocacy Wins and Policy Influence

KATA’s growing assertiveness in policy circles is one of the clearest signs of its evolution.

When IATA proposed a Frequent Remittance Cycle — a move that would have placed immense pressure on agents’ cash flows — KATA rallied the region and blocked it. The association also pushed back against attempts to fragment the Agency Programme Joint Council (APJC), preserving East Africa’s bargaining power.

These may sound technical, but for travel agents, such decisions make the difference between profitability and vulnerability.

The appointment of KATA CEO Nicanor Sabula to the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) Board marked another milestone. For the first time in years, travel agents gained a formal, influential seat at the table where national tourism policies are shaped. The message was clear: travel agents are no longer spectators — they are stakeholders.

Growing Airline Partnerships

KATA’s influence now extends into the airline world, where consistency and relationship management matter.

Airlines, both legacy carriers and newer entrants, are engaging more openly with the association — a shift that agents say has improved everything from dispute resolution to commercial negotiations. The association has pushed for fairer commissions, better GDS access, and the removal of barriers that once left agents operating at a disadvantage.

As one travel manager put it, “If you walk into a negotiation alone, you’re a small business. If you walk in with KATA behind you, you represent an entire industry.”

Environmental Stewardship and Social Impact

In recent years, KATA has woven environmental and social responsibility into its identity.

Through the KATA Cares initiative, members planted over 1,000 mangrove seedlings along the coast — a small but symbolic gesture toward sustaining the ecosystems that make Kenya a global tourism magnet.

The association also continues to mentor students, support internships, and open doors for young graduates who would otherwise struggle to find their footing in the industry. Many credit these programmes with helping them earn their first paycheck in tourism.

A Powerhouse Reborn

Pull the threads together — the advocacy wins, the partnerships, the training initiatives, the airline engagements, the environmental commitments — and a new picture of KATA emerges.

Not just an association. Not just an industry voice.But a stabilising force at a time when travel, globally, feels unpredictable and fast-moving.

As Kenya navigates shifting traveller expectations and global market headwinds, KATA’s leadership is offering something rare: clarity in uncertainty. And as the industry enters a new era shaped by technology, consumer behaviour, and economic realities, one thing is increasingly evident:

KATA has stepped up — and the industry is stepping forward with it.

Travel Managers Take Center Stage as Corporate Travel and Mobility Converge

A quiet but significant shift is taking place in the corporate travel sector as companies increasingly merge traditional travel management with broader mobility management. The change reflects evolving workforce patterns, sustainability demands, and a growing need for organizations to take a unified view of how employees move for work.

For decades, travel management focused almost exclusively on flights, hotels, and scheduled ground transport, while mobility management addressed employee relocation, commuting, and long-term assignments. Now, those once-separate functions are blending into one, driven by new pressures in the post-pandemic business landscape. Companies are rethinking their internal structures as hybrid work, dispersed teams, and geopolitical uncertainties reshape mobility needs.

Also Read: KATA Announces Finalists for the 2025 Kenya Travel Industry Business Awards (KeTIBA)

This convergence is being accelerated by shifting employee travel patterns. With hybrid and remote models now embedded in corporate culture, business trips are no longer limited to predictable point-to-point itineraries. Employees may combine business travel with remote work periods, or move temporarily across regions for project-based assignments. Organisations are turning to mobility budgets—rather than fixed travel categories—to manage this fluidity more effectively.

Cost efficiency is another force behind the shift. By bringing travel and mobility under a single umbrella, companies gain better visibility over total movement-related spending. Instead of managing travel, commuting, car hire, rideshares, and multimodal journeys separately, unified systems allow firms to track and control expenses in real time. This consolidation also simplifies vendor partnerships, policy design, and internal reporting.

Sustainability pressures are further driving the merger. As firms face rising expectations to reduce carbon emissions, integrated management enables them to steer employees toward greener alternatives—rail travel, electric vehicles, public transit, and shared mobility—while capturing emissions data more accurately. Companies increasingly see mobility strategy not as an operational necessity but as part of their environmental commitments.

Technology is also reshaping the landscape. Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platforms, which combine multiple transport modes into a single digital interface, are becoming powerful tools for travel teams. These platforms allow employees to book end-to-end journeys that may include flights, trains, micromobility, and local transit, while giving finance teams centralised oversight and data.

The evolution is reshaping the role of the travel manager. No longer responsible solely for booking oversight, travel leaders are becoming strategic mobility managers who must understand the full spectrum of employee movement—from corporate travel to commuting patterns and even short-term relocations. Policies, too, are being re-engineered. Traditional travel rules now need to coexist with mobility allowances, flexible work policies, and new categories of employee movement.

Also Read: KATA Announces Finalists for the 2025 Kenya Travel Industry Business Awards (KeTIBA)

However, the transition is not without challenges. Many companies rely on legacy booking systems that were never designed for multimodal integration. Budget structures must be revisited, and departments such as finance, HR, and procurement must cooperate more closely. Adoption of new technology requires both training and cultural change, and data management remains a concern as mobility tracking expands.

Despite these complexities, industry analysts believe the merging of travel and mobility management is inevitable—and strategic. Companies that integrate the two functions gain clearer oversight, greater financial control, and a more seamless experience for employees navigating an increasingly complex world of work. As the boundaries between travel, work, and mobility continue to blur, the organisations that adapt early may be best positioned to thrive in the next era of corporate movement.

Source: BTNEurope.com

Kenya Airways, Aga Khan University Hospital Partner to Strengthen Medical Travel In Africa

Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has signed a partnership with Kenya Airways (KQ), through its healthcare division KQ Health, to enhance medical travel for patients across Africa.

The collaboration brings together Kenya Airways’ regional flight network and AKUH’s advanced medical expertise to create a coordinated system for patients seeking treatment in Kenya. The goal is to position Kenya as a leading destination for quality healthcare within the continent.

Under the agreement, KQ Health will provide end-to-end logistical support for patients, including medical clearances before travel, in-flight medical assistance, and direct ambulance transfers from the airport to Aga Khan University Hospital. AKUH will receive and treat patients in key specialties such as oncology, cardiology, surgery, and critical care.

Also Read: KATA Announces Finalists for the 2025 Kenya Travel Industry Business Awards (KeTIBA)

“This partnership makes it easier for patients from across Africa to access world-class healthcare without leaving the continent,” said Rashid Khalani, the CEO of Aga Khan University Hospital. “When patients get treatment closer home, it means more convenient travel for them and their families, familiar environment and culture to recover in and a sense of pride in the quality of care available at home.”

(L) Aga Khan University Hospital CEO, Mr. Rashid Khalani and (R) KQ Group MD & CEO, Mr. Allan Kilavuka sign the partnership plaque at KQ’s Pride Training Centre

Kenya Airways, CEO, Allan Kilavuka said, “This is an example of how aviation can directly support healthcare access. By working with Aga Khan University Hospital, we’re connecting people not just to destinations, but to essential services that can change lives.”

Medical travel has become a growing need across Africa, with many patients still relying on overseas care. By coordinating transport and treatment locally, Kenya Airways and Aga Khan University Hospital aim to offer a safer, more affordable, and dignified alternative closer to home.

The partnership supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 agenda to establish the country as a regional hub for healthcare excellence and innovation.

Also Read: KATA Announces Finalists for the 2025 Kenya Travel Industry Business Awards (KeTIBA)

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Soars As Electric Air Taxis Set To Revolutionize Travel, Connecting Airports, City Centres, And Luxury Resorts Across The Kingdom

Saudi Arabia is making significant strides towards its Vision 2030 objectives by introducing electric air taxis, a move set to revolutionize the country’s tourism and transportation sectors. In partnership with Archer Aviation, the kingdom aims to connect key tourist destinations, such as the Red Sea resorts, with urban hubs through sustainable, high-tech air travel. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of modernizing its aviation infrastructure, enhancing tourist experiences, and reducing environmental impact, marking a bold step toward a future of advanced air mobility.

Saudi Arabia Partners with Archer Aviation for Electric Air Taxi Development as Part of Vision 2030 Plan

Saudi Arabia is stepping up its efforts to revolutionise air travel, with Archer Aviation joining forces with The Helicopter Company and Red Sea Global to develop and test air taxi services across the kingdom. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the Saudi government’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to modernise the country’s aviation, tourism, and infrastructure sectors. The collaboration focuses on introducing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to improve connectivity, particularly between airports, city centres, and resort destinations.

Also Read: KATA Announces Finalists for the 2025 Kenya Travel Industry Business Awards (KeTIBA)

The initial phase of the project will see Archer’s eVTOL aircraft, named ‘Midnight’, flying between airports and high-profile tourist destinations along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. These services will aim to offer quicker, more sustainable travel options, supporting the kingdom’s ambition to position itself as a global leader in advanced air mobility (AAM). The partnership also emphasises the importance of integrating new technologies with the broader goals of the Saudi government to diversify transport systems and enhance the tourist experience.

A Visionary Project for Saudi Arabia’s Aviation and Tourism Sectors

The launch of air taxi services in Saudi Arabia is an ambitious initiative that aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 objectives to expand and modernise the tourism and aviation industries. This partnership between Archer, The Helicopter Company, and Red Sea Global will initially focus on connecting airports with the kingdom’s renowned resort destinations along the Red Sea. The air taxi services will be aimed at improving both local and international travel experiences by providing fast, efficient, and eco-friendly transportation options.

In order to ensure the smooth rollout of this transformative project, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is working closely with the involved companies to establish a controlled testing environment for these new aircraft operations. The initial phase will involve the deployment of a small fleet of eVTOL aircraft, and following successful trials, it is anticipated that these services will be expanded to other regions across Saudi Arabia. Regulatory approvals and pilot training programmes are already underway, setting the stage for a seamless integration of eVTOL services into the kingdom’s aviation landscape.

Strategic Partnerships and Global Collaboration

In addition to Archer’s collaboration with Saudi entities, the kingdom has also entered into partnerships with other leading players in the air taxi sector. Joby Aviation, a US-based eVTOL developer, has signed an agreement with Red Sea Global and The Helicopter Company to launch a similar air taxi pilot programme. This deal includes the potential deployment of up to 200 aircraft, with a valuation of approximately $1 billion, aiming to create a nationwide air taxi network.

Saudi Arabia has also established a major partnership with China’s Ehang, which plans to introduce its own electric air taxis to the kingdom. The collaboration with Ehang is scheduled to begin in late 2025, further diversifying the country’s efforts to innovate and modernise its transport systems.

These partnerships represent a concerted effort by Saudi Arabia to build a sustainable, efficient, and advanced air mobility system that will not only cater to tourists but also enhance the nation’s overall transport infrastructure. The kingdom’s commitment to these initiatives is further supported by the government’s extensive investment in mega-projects such as Neom, Qiddiya, Amaala, and the Red Sea Project. All these developments are designed to drive growth in the tourism sector and boost the nation’s global competitiveness.

Regulatory Framework and Infrastructure Development

A key component of Saudi Arabia’s air taxi initiative is the development of a robust regulatory framework to support the operations of eVTOL aircraft. GACA released its Advanced Air Mobility Roadmap in 2024, which outlines the regulatory guidelines and standards necessary for integrating new technologies like eVTOLs into the national airspace. This roadmap will provide the foundation for safe, efficient, and sustainable air taxi operations across the country.

To further support these services, Saudi authorities are also working on the construction of vertiports—dedicated facilities designed to handle the takeoff, landing, and maintenance of eVTOL aircraft. These vertiports will be strategically located near major airports, tourist destinations, and urban hubs to ensure smooth and effective air taxi operations.

Focus on High-End Tourism and Future Expansion

While the initial deployments of air taxis will target high-end tourism destinations, such as luxury resorts along the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision includes expanding the use of eVTOL aircraft for broader public transportation purposes. As part of this vision, the government plans to integrate eVTOL services with existing transport infrastructure, providing seamless connections between different modes of travel.

Saudi Arabia’s strategic focus on urban transport and tourism, combined with the introduction of air taxis, will not only enhance connectivity within the kingdom but also offer a unique and eco-friendly solution for tourists seeking more convenient ways to explore the country. These efforts are poised to position Saudi Arabia as a leader in the future of air mobility, with a strong emphasis on sustainable technologies and cutting-edge transportation solutions.

The Road to 2030 and Beyond

The partnerships with Archer Aviation, Joby Aviation, and Ehang are integral to Saudi Arabia’s ambition to be at the forefront of advanced air mobility. These initiatives are expected to play a pivotal role in the country’s tourism growth and its vision of becoming a global hub for innovation, technology, and sustainable development. By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to have fully integrated air taxis into its transportation network, contributing to its broader goals of improving urban mobility, enhancing tourism, and reducing environmental impact.

With ongoing pilot testing, regulatory developments, and infrastructure planning, Saudi Arabia is taking significant steps towards transforming its aviation landscape and paving the way for a new era of air travel. As the kingdom continues to invest in these cutting-edge technologies, the future of air taxis in Saudi Arabia looks increasingly promising, with the potential to revolutionise the way people travel both within the country and internationally.

Source: Travelandtourworld.com

Also Read: KATA Announces Finalists for the 2025 Kenya Travel Industry Business Awards (KeTIBA)

ASKY Begins Construction of West Africa’s First Boeing 737 Flight Simulator in Lomé

ASKY Airlines has officially launched the construction of a state-of-the-art Boeing 737 flight simulator in Lomé, reinforcing its ambition to transform the Togolese capital into a premier aviation hub for West and Central Africa.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Thursday, November 6, marks a major milestone for the Pan-African carrier. The simulator project—fully financed through ASKY’s own funds—is expected to be completed by June 2026.

Also Read: KATA Announces Finalists for the 2025 Kenya Travel Industry Business Awards (KeTIBA)

According to the airline, the investment reflects its long-term commitment to strengthening Africa’s aviation training capabilities and reducing reliance on overseas facilities. Currently, many pilots in the region must travel thousands of kilometers abroad for mandatory simulator training.

“This is a major project for ASKY,” said Mr. Esayas Woldemariam Hailu, CEO of ASKY, during a site visit. “The simulator will be essential not only for training our own pilots but also for regional airlines whose crews currently have to travel long distances for simulator training. It will be the first of its kind in West Africa.”

ASKY also highlighted the close collaboration with Togo’s Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC-Togo), whose guidance has shaped the design and construction plan. The airline extended its appreciation to ANAC-Togo for its continued support in advancing aviation infrastructure.

The simulator is only the first step in a broader expansion strategy. ASKY revealed plans to invest further in key aviation assets, including a new headquarters and an Aircraft Maintenance Center in Lomé.

Founded by leading African financial institutions—including EBID, BOAD, the Ecobank Group, and the State of Togo—in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, ASKY operates as a private Pan-African carrier managed by seasoned aviation professionals. Its current fleet consists of 14 aircraft (nine Boeing 737-800s and five Boeing 737 MAX 8), serving 30 cities across 28 African countries.

Through its expanding network and infrastructure investments, ASKY aims to bolster regional connectivity, promote economic growth, and advance Africa’s aviation independence.

Source: wttc.org

Also Read: KATA Announces Finalists for the 2025 Kenya Travel Industry Business Awards (KeTIBA)

Travel & Tourism in Egypt Reaches Historic Milestones

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed record-breaking data for Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector, with 2024 marking the highest-ever contribution to the national economy, and 2025 forecast to surpass that record once again.

According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), developed in collaboration with Oxford Economics, the sector contributed EGP 1.4TN to Egypt’s GDP in 2024, accounting for 8.5% of the national economy. 

Looking ahead, 2025 is projected to set a new all-time high with a forecast annual growth of 4.9% and an increase in the sector’s share to 8.6% of national GDP. This underlines the central role of Travel & Tourism in Egypt’s continued economic development.

Also Read: KATA Announces Finalists for the 2025 Kenya Travel Industry Business Awards (KeTIBA)

 Visitor Spending Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Records

2024 also marked the strongest year on record for visitor spending. International visitor expenditure reached EGP 726.9BN, up 36.1% compared to 2019, while domestic visitor spending rose to EGP 449.9BN, 31.8% above pre-pandemic levels.

This upward trend is set to continue. In 2025, international visitor spending is projected to increase to EGP 768.2BN, and domestic spending is expected to reach EGP 460.6BN, maintaining the country’s strong recovery and sustained demand across both international and local travel.

 Employment Growth Exceeds 2019 Levels

In addition to record-breaking economic contribution and visitor spending, in 2024, the sector supported 2.7 million jobs, exceeding the 2019 peak. 

This growth is set to continue, with 2025 employment forecast to rise to 2.9 million, marking a 22.3% increase compared to 2019.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector is experiencing a powerful resurgence, with record-breaking economic contribution and a sustained surge in visitor spending. These numbers reflect a sector on the rise: dynamic, resilient, and vital to the country’s growth.

“With its rich cultural heritage, world-class attractions, and growing connectivity, Egypt continues to captivate travellers from around the globe. The government’s focus on investment, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism is clearly paying off.”

 A Decade of Growth

WTTC forecasts a decade of sustained expansion for Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector.

By 2035, the sector is expected to contribute EGP 2.1TN to the national economy, accounting for 8.4% of GDP. Employment is projected to reach 3.8 million jobs, representing 10.5% of total employment, and highlighting the sector’s critical role in job creation.

Over the same period, international visitor spending is expected to rise to EGP 1.1TN, while domestic spending is forecast to reach EGP 627BN, reflecting Egypt’s potential to become one of the region’s most vibrant and sustainable tourism economies.

Source: wttc.org

Also Read: KATA Announces Finalists for the 2025 Kenya Travel Industry Business Awards (KeTIBA)

Dubai Airport Hits Major Milestone After Handling Over 70 Million Passengers This Year So Far

Dubai airport’s record-breaking performance signals booming travel demand and cements the airport’s standing as a global giant.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has just crossed a major travel milestone, recording 70.1 million passengers from January to September this year and setting a new benchmark for global aviation. The surge reflects Dubai’s continued rise as both a destination and one of the world’s busiest transit hubs. For Indian travellers, this is especially significant: India has consistently been DXB’s largest source market, and the airport remains a familiar gateway for holidays, business trips, and long-haul connections. As travel demand climbs and DXB pushes close to peak capacity, its record-breaking numbers reveal not only how vital the airport is to global mobility but also what passengers can expect in the months ahead.

Why This Milestone Matters

DXB’s soaring footfall shows just how central the airport has become in post-pandemic travel recovery. It handled over 92 million passengers last year, and with 70 million already logged this year, the airport appears on track for another record-breaking run. The growth also underscores Dubai’s strong tourism pull: its hotels, events, beaches, shopping districts, and mega-developments continue to draw steady global interest.

Dubai’s record traffic at DXB is also tied to the push to expand its second airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, commonly known as DWC (Dubai World Central). With DXB already operating close to capacity, Dubai is developing DWC into a much larger, next-generation hub that will eventually handle far more passengers than DXB. The long-term plan includes multiple runways, hundreds of gates, and enough space to support future growth in global travel. The recent surge at DXB highlights why this expansion is necessary.

 A Key Hub for Indian Travellers

India remains DXB’s biggest market, with millions flying from Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and beyond. The airport serves as a primary gateway for onward travel to Europe, the US, Africa, and the Middle East. With demand rising, Indian travellers can expect more full flights, busier terminals, and potentially higher fares during peak periods. Booking early, especially for holiday seasons, can make a noticeable difference.

Why DXB Stands Out

DXB’s popularity is also related to what it offers travellers:

  • Seamless transit experience, with some of the fastest immigration queues globally.
  • A shopping destination in itself, featuring luxury brands, Middle Eastern perfumes, electronics, and duty-free deals.
  • World-class lounges, including Emirates’ massive flagship lounge for its premium flyers.
  • Relaxation options such as spas, family zones, quiet areas, and even in-terminal hotels.
  • A foodie hub, with everything from grab-and-go counters to international restaurants.

The airport’s facilities make long layovers not just bearable but enjoyable.

Dubai As A Destination In Its Own Right

Many Indian travellers treat Dubai as a standalone holiday spot. With visa-on-arrival options for certain categories and frequent flights, it’s easily accessible for quick trips. From Burj Khalifa and Desert Safaris to Dubai Mall, Old Dubai, and new theme parks, the city’s offerings keep expanding, which adds to the demand funnelled through DXB.

DXB’s record-breaking performance signals booming travel demand and cements the airport’s standing as a global giant. For Indian travellers, it means better connectivity, more choices, and continued convenience, but also busier terminals and the need to plan ahead. Whether flying through or staying in Dubai, the gateway is set for another strong travel year.

Source: ndtv.com

Dubai International Soars to World’s Busiest Airport as DXB Overtakes Atlanta

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has officially become the busiest airport in the world in 2025, overtaking Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) for the first time. The achievement marks a defining moment in global aviation and reflects Dubai’s long-term investment in innovation, connectivity, and passenger experience.

Speaking at the TOURISE Summit in Riyadh, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said the future of aviation is no longer defined solely by size or scale but by emotion and experience. “The future of travel isn’t just about moving people faster, it’s about how they feel along the way,” he noted. “From biometric boarding to frictionless terminals, we’re creating airports where speed, culture, and comfort converge.”

Record-Breaking Passenger Capacity

In November 2025, DXB offered approximately 5.29 million available seats, a five percent increase year-on-year, compared to Atlanta’s 5.12 million seats, giving Dubai a two percent lead. This is especially remarkable given that DXB operates no domestic flights. The milestone reflects Dubai’s continued investment in expanding its aviation infrastructure and global route networks. Emirates and flydubai, its flagship carriers, have both grown their fleets significantly, including the addition of thirteen Airbus A350 aircraft this year.

The Factors Behind Dubai’s Rise

Dubai’s strategic position between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas continues to make it the ideal global connector. With its streamlined operations, open skies policy, and integrated airport-airline ecosystem, DXB serves as a natural hub for the world’s major air routes. By contrast, Atlanta has faced operational challenges in recent months, including staff shortages and air traffic constraints linked to the US government shutdown, limiting its overall capacity.

A Vision Beyond the Horizon

Dubai Airports’ growth is far from over. Plans are already in motion for the gradual transfer of operations to Dubai World Central (DWC), the emirate’s next-generation mega-airport. With five runways and capacity for 260 million passengers a year, DWC will take Dubai’s connectivity to new heights.

As Griffiths explained, the goal is not merely expansion but transformation. “We’re in the hospitality business, not just the infrastructure business,” he said. “We want airports that people actually enjoy being in.”

Boosting Global Tourism

Dubai’s ascension to the top slot sends a strong signal to the global tourism industry. Increased seat capacity means more routes, greater connectivity, and stronger flows of international visitors. For travellers, it offers a richer range of destinations and smoother journeys. For the wider region, it reinforces the Gulf’s growing role as the centre of gravity for global aviation and tourism.

A Defining Moment for Global Travel

Beyond Dubai and Atlanta, other major hubs such as Istanbul, Delhi, and London Heathrow are also expanding rapidly, reflecting a broader reshaping of global air networks. Yet Dubai’s rise captures a unique combination of ambition, vision, and delivery.

In 2025, the world’s busiest airport is not just a place of transit but a statement of intent. DXB’s success embodies the future of travel, where technology, design, and emotion combine to make every journey memorable.

Source: breakingtravelnews.com