Dubai and  Las Vegas, two of the world’s most famous travel destinations, are increasingly finding themselves in competition, particularly in the realm of tourism. Both cities, known for their desert landscapes, large-scale events, and vibrant hospitality scenes, are evolving at a rapid pace. Recently, Dubai has made a move that could significantly alter the dynamics of global tourism—by launching its first casinos. Could this new venture help Dubai challenge Las Vegas’ long-standing dominance in the travel and entertainment industry?

Dubai’s Tourism Surge: More Than Just a Layover Hub

Historically, Dubai was known primarily as a transfer hub—a city travelers passed through on layovers without spending much time. However, the city has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, evolving into a thriving global destination in its own right. The introduction of luxury hotels, fine dining, shopping malls, and entertainment venues has created a compelling reason for visitors to extend their stays rather than simply transit through the city.

Over the past decade, Dubai has increased its hotel infrastructure significantly, doubling the number of available hotel rooms. As of now, Dubai ranks just behind London in terms of global hotel room capacity, with only a few Chinese cities, benefiting from massive domestic tourism, having more rooms. According to data from CoStar Group, Dubai now boasts more hotel rooms than Las Vegas, a notable achievement for the emirate.

This rapid expansion has been driven by a surge in both tourism and investment in the hospitality sector. Hotels across all price ranges—from budget accommodations to five-star luxury resorts—are now available to cater to a diverse international audience. Dubai’s ambitious plans don’t show signs of slowing down, with more than 50 hotels currently under construction, adding over 15,000 new rooms to the city’s inventory. The opening of the Ciel Tower, set to become the world’s tallest hotel, is just one example of the city’s commitment to maintaining its position as a major player in the global tourism market.

A New Era for Dubai: The Introduction of Casinos

Perhaps the most striking new development in Dubai’s tourism landscape is its decision to issue the first-ever casino licenses. This marks a significant shift for the city, which has traditionally been conservative in its approach to gambling. While Las Vegas is famous for its sprawling casinos and vibrant nightlife, Dubai’s entry into this arena could change the balance of power in the luxury tourism sector.

The decision to legalize casinos comes at a time when Dubai is already making major strides in entertainment and leisure offerings. The city’s burgeoning reputation as a luxury destination, combined with its favorable winter weather, positions it to attract a new wave of high-end tourists. As global travelers increasingly seek exotic, all-inclusive experiences, Dubai’s move to integrate casinos into its tourism offerings could give it a competitive edge, especially for those seeking a mix of luxury, culture, and entertainment.

Las Vegas Faces Challenges: Shifting Tourism Trends

While Dubai is making notable strides in the tourism sector, Las Vegas, the traditional leader in the global resort market, is facing some challenges. Over the past several months, Las Vegas has seen a decline in hotel occupancy rates, especially on the Strip. From February 2025 to May 2025, occupancy rates dipped between 1 and 5% when compared to the same period the previous year. This downturn can be attributed to several factors, including geopolitical tensions, changes in international travel behavior, and increased tariffs, which have negatively impacted tourism to the U.S.

Moreover, shifts in traveler behavior—particularly from neighboring countries such as Canada—have added to Las Vegas’ struggles. With the U.S. facing a broader decline in international visitors due to economic and political issues, Las Vegas is finding it increasingly difficult to maintain its standing as the world’s premier resort destination. While the city continues to focus on sports-related ventures, such as acquiring NFL, NHL, and WNBA teams, it may be too early to determine whether these moves can successfully counterbalance the broader challenges.

Dubai’s Appeal: A Riveting Alternative to  Las Vegas

Despite the difficulties faced by Las Vegas, Dubai has steadily been building its appeal as a tourist destination, drawing millions of international visitors every year. In 2025, Dubai has outpaced Las Vegas in hotel occupancy, reporting an average of 83% occupancy between January and May, up from 81% in the same period the previous year. This growth indicates that Dubai is not only attracting more visitors but is also succeeding in enticing them to stay longer and spend more.

Dubai’s strategic geographic location, ease of access, and cultural offerings have all contributed to the city’s increasing popularity. With attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and the Dubai Mall, as well as world-class dining and shopping, the city offers an eclectic mix of entertainment, relaxation, and luxury. Additionally, Dubai’s emphasis on large-scale events, such as Formula 1 races, NBA preseason games, and international concerts, has made it an even more attractive destination for tourists.

With the introduction of casinos, Dubai’s tourism offerings will likely expand even further, positioning it as a true competitor to Las Vegas in the global travel market. The emirate’s plans to attract high-end gamblers could draw a new wave of wealthy visitors who would typically flock to Las Vegas for its iconic casino experiences.

Dubai’s Resilience: Thriving Despite Regional Instability

One of the most remarkable aspects of Dubai’s tourism success is its ability to thrive despite regional instability and geopolitical challenges. For example, the 12-day closure of UAE airspace during the Israel-Iran conflict in June 2025 briefly disrupted international travel. However, Dubai’s resilience in the face of such setbacks is a testament to its growing status as a global tourism hub.

In contrast, Las Vegas has struggled with issues stemming from the broader challenges of international tourism to the United States, including tariffs and tensions with neighboring countries like Canada. While these factors have contributed to a decline in Las Vegas’ hotel occupancy rates, Dubai has continued to show growth, attracting tourists with its diverse offerings, luxurious infrastructure, and forward-thinking approach to hospitality.

The Future of Luxury Travel

Although both locations are vying to be the dominant city in the world regarding luxury tourism, due to Dubai’s recent growth and innovations mixed with the recent casino licenses, it can be seen as a competitor to Las Vegas. Dubai is able to broaden its appeal and tourism options and more than likely compete with Las Vegas for the title of the world’s luxury entertainment capital. Dubai’s unparalleled selection of attractions coupled with the addition of casinos will offer tourists a unique combination of luxury, relaxation, and leisure all in a rich cultural setting, significantly increasing its ability to compete with Las Vegas.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

Kenya Airways’ Pride Lounge at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has been recognised among the top 10 percent of airport lounges worldwide in the 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. The recognition places the facility among the world’s leading airport lounges, highlighting the airline’s commitment to world-class service, design, and comfort.

The Pride Lounge serves as Kenya Airways’ flagship facility at JKIA, offering travellers a refined environment that blends Kenyan heritage with contemporary elegance. Its expansive, circular layout provides panoramic views of the airside, where guests can watch aircraft taxi, land, and take off — from the Airbus fleet to the Maasai Mara Dreamliner.

Inside, the lounge takes guests on a visual journey through Kenya’s diverse landscapes. The experience begins with a rainforest-inspired setting drawn from Kakamega Forest in Western Kenya, featuring lush green and earthy tones. The Business Experience Centre offers a balance of aesthetics and functionality, with modern fittings, workspaces equipped with tablets, universal sockets, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

The design then transitions into a coastal theme expressed through blue and purple tones, coral-textured walls, and Italian-designed seating. The dining area combines formal and relaxed arrangements beneath a striking honeycomb ceiling. A live cooking station, introduced in October, adds an interactive element to the dining experience, serving freshly prepared dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

Further inside, the lounge adopts a savannah-inspired ambiance for quiet relaxation, leading to a napping area with dune-patterned carpets and earthy hues reminiscent of Kenya’s desert landscapes. The smoking room, furnished with the iconic Mvule bench, provides an elegant retreat for travellers seeking calm before departure.

Kenya Airways operates three other lounges at JKIA alongside the Pride Lounge, each tailored to a distinct traveller profile. The Simba Lounge, named after the Swahili word for lion, offers a regal yet relaxed atmosphere with buffet dining, bar service, and private work areas suited to business travellers. The Asante Lounge, whose name means “thank you,” provides a warm and intimate space designed for regional and short-haul passengers, combining comfort with understated sophistication. The Msafiri Lounge, open to all passengers at a fee, extends similar hospitality to economy travellers, offering refreshments, comfortable seating, and a quiet environment for rest or work.

Together, the four lounges showcase Kenya Airways’ effort to redefine the pre-flight experience by combining design, comfort, and a sense of place rooted in Kenyan identity. The TripAdvisor recognition affirms the airline’s continued focus on providing travellers with an experience that reflects both global standards and the warmth of African hospitality.

An imagined town in Peru, an Eiffel tower in Beijing: travellers are increasingly using tools like ChatGPT for itinerary ideas – and being sent to destinations that don’t exist.

Miguel Angel Gongora Meza, founder and director of Evolution Treks Peru, was in a rural Peruvian town preparing for a trek through the Andes when he overheard a curious conversation. Two unaccompanied tourists were chatting amicably about their plans to hike alone in the mountains to the “Sacred Canyon of Humantay”.  

“They [showed] me the screenshot, confidently written and full of vivid adjectives, [but] it was not true. There is no Sacred Canyon of Humantay!” said Gongora Meza. “The name is a combination of two places that have no relation to the description. The tourist paid nearly $160 (£118) in order to get to a rural road in the environs of Mollepata without a guide or [a destination].”

What’s more, Gongora Meza insisted that this seemingly innocent mistake could have cost these travellers their lives. “This sort of misinformation is perilous in Peru,” he explained. “The elevation, the climatic changes and accessibility [of the] paths have to be planned. When you [use] a program [like ChatGPT], which combines pictures and names to create a fantasy, then you can find yourself at an altitude of 4,000m without oxygen and [phone] signal.”

In just a few years, artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini have gone from a mere novelty to an integral part of trip planning for millions of people. According to one survey, 30% of international travellers are now using generative AI tools and dedicated travel AI sites such as Wonderplan and Layla to help organise their trips.

While these programs can offer valuable travel tips when they’re working properly, they can also lead people into some frustrating or even dangerous situations when they’re not. This is a lesson some travellers are learning when they arrive at their would-be destination, only to find they’ve been fed incorrect information or steered to a place that only exists in the hard-wired imagination of a robot.

Dana Yao and her husband recently experienced this first-hand. The couple used ChatGPT to plan a romantic hike to the top of Mount Misen on the Japanese island of Itsukushima earlier this year. After exploring the town of Miyajima with no issues, they set off at 15:00 to hike to the montain’s summit in time for sunset, exactly as ChatGPT had instructed them.

“That’s when the problem showed up,” said Yao, a creator who runs a blog about traveling in Japan, “[when] we were ready to descend [the mountain via] the ropeway station. ChatGPT said the last ropeway down was at 17:30, but in reality, the ropeway had already closed. So, we were stuck at the mountain top.”

A 2024 BBC article reported that Layla briefly told users that there was an Eiffel Tower in Beijing and suggested a marathon route across northern Italy to a British traveller that was entirely unfeasible. “The itineraries didn’t make a lot of logical sense,” the traveller said. “We’d have spent more time on transport than anything else.”

According to a 2024 survey, 37% of those surveyed who used AI to help plan their travels reported that it could not provide enough information, while around 33% said their AI-generated recommendations included false information.

These issues stem from how AI generates its answers. According to Rayid Ghani, a distinguished professor in machine learning at Carnegie Melon University, while programs like ChatGPT may seem to be giving you rational, useful advice, the way it gets this information means you can never be completely sure whether it’s telling you the truth.

“It doesn’t know the difference between travel advice, directions or recipes,” Ghani said. “It just knows words. So, it keeps spitting out words that make whatever it’s telling you sound realistic, and that’s where lot of the underlying issues come from.”

Large language models like ChatGPT work by analysing massive collections of text and putting together words and phrases that, statistically, feel like appropriate responses. Sometimes this provides perfectly accurate information. Other times, you get what AI experts call a “hallucination”, as these tools just make things up. But since AI programs present their hallucinations and factual responses the same way, it’s often difficult for users to distinguish what’s real from what’s not.

In the case of the “Sacred Canyon of Humantay”, Ghani believes the AI program likely just put together a few words that seemed approriate to the region. Similarly, analysing all that data doesn’t necessarily give a tool like ChatGPT a useful understanding of the physical world. It could easily mistake a leisurely 4,000m walk through a city for an 4,000m climb up the side of a mountain – and that’s before the issue of actual misinformation comes into play.

A recent Fast Company article recounted an incident where a couple made the trek to a scenic cable car in Malaysia that they had seen on TikTok, only to find that no such structure existed. The video they’d watched had been entirely AI generated, either to drum up engagement or for some other strange purpose.

Incidents like this are part of a larger trend of AI implementations that may subtly – or not so subtly – alter our sense of the world. A recent example came in August, when content creators realised YouTube had been using AI to alter their videos without permission by subtly “editing” things like the clothing, hair and faces of real people in the videos. Netflix landed in hot water for its own use of AI in early 2025, after efforts to “remaster” old sitcoms left surreal distortions in the faces of beloved 1980s and ’90s television stars. As AI is increasingly used to make these kinds of small changes without our knowledge, the lines between reality and a polished AI dreamworld may be starting to blur for travellers too.

Javier Labourt, a licensed clinical psychotherapist and advocate for the way travel can help boost our overall mental health and sense of connection, worries the proliferation of these issues could counteract the very benefits travel can offer in the first place. He feels that travel offers a unique opportunity for people to interact with those they might not otherwise meet and learn about different cultures firsthand – all of which can lead to greater empathy and understanding. But when AI hallucinations feed users misinformation, it offers a false narrative about a place before travellers even leave home.

There are currently attempts to regulate how AI presents information to users, including several proposals from the EU and US to include watermarks or other distinguishing features so viewers know when something has been altered or generated by AI. But according to Ghani, it’s an uphill battle: “There is a lot of work going on around misinformation: How do you detect it? How do you help people [identify] it? [But] mitigation is a more reliable solution today than prevention.”

If these kinds of regulations do pass, they could make it easier for travellers to detect AI-generated images or videos. But new rules aren’t likely to help you when an AI chatbot makes something up in the middle of a conversation. Experts, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai, have said hallucinations may be an “inherent feature” of large language models like ChatGPT, or Google’s Gemini. If you’re going to use AI, that means the only way to protect yourself is to stay vigilant.

One thing Ghani suggests is to be specific as possible in your queries and verify absolutely everything. However, he acknowledges the unique problem travel poses to this method, as travellers are often asking about destinations that they’re unfamiliar with. But if an AI tool gives you a travel suggestion that sounds a little too perfect, double check it. In the end, Ghani says the time spent verifying AI information can in some cases make the process just as laborious as planning the old-fashioned way.

For Labourt, the key to travelling well – with or without AI – is keeping an open mind and being adaptable when things go wrong. “Try to shift the disappointment [away from] being cheated by someone,” he suggested. “If you are there, how will you turn this [around]? You’re already on a cool trip, you know?”

Source: BBC.com

Lufthansa Group’s NDC fares are now available through APG’s NDC platform without any surcharges.

Airline distribution specialist APG said that full content from Lufthansa Group’s airlines, including Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, Discover Airlines and Air Dolomiti, was now available through its portal.

More than 3,000 travel agencies globally use APG’s platform, according to the company, and the arrangement with Lufthansa also includes fares such as Economy Light and Business Saver, which are no longer available through traditional EDIFACT-based GDS channels.

In a statement, APG added that the NDC connection also included interline ticketing with Lufthansa’s transatlantic joint venture partners United Airlines and Air Canada.

Heinrich Lange, Lufthansa Group’s vice president of digital retailing, said: “It is great to welcome APG to our NDC Partner Programme as we share the common goal to develop comprehensive NDC-powered solutions to modernise travel retailing.

“NDC enables us to improve our service delivery, creating a smooth and tailored customer experience while ensuring access to competitive pricing and special offers.”

The NDC connection allows those using the APG platform to manage post-booking administration, including cancellations and refunds, as well as adding ancillary products such as seat reservation and baggage.

APG added that 44 airlines were now accessible through its platform, as well as offering hotels, car rental and other add-on services.

Source: BTNeurope

Sleep tourism is an emerging segment of wellness travel to address the global challenge of sleep deprivation. Faced with the stresses of everyday life, many people not only need a vacation; they need an experience centered around recuperation. Responding to this demand, sleep tourism offers new and unique hotel experiences created to alleviate the negative effects of insomnia, restore equilibrium, and enhance a person’s quality of life. These specially designed getaways are changing travel with customized responses to the growing problem of inadequate sleep, including AI-driven beds and complete sleep solutions. In doing so, they are establishing new benchmarks in the wellness travel industry.

In today’s fast-paced world, where the pressures of work and daily life leave little room for rest, sleep has become increasingly elusive. The constant influx of notifications, the stress of demanding workloads, and the ever-present noise of urban life have turned quality rest into a rare luxury. Recent studies show that nearly half of young adults report experiencing poor sleep quality, with sleep deprivation now emerging as a global health crisis. However, an innovative trend in travel is offering a potential solution: sleep tourism.

A New Era of Restful Travel

Sleep tourism, at its core, involves traveling specifically for the purpose of improving sleep. Unlike traditional vacations that focus on adventure and exploration, sleep tourism offers a much-needed escape from the chaos of daily life. The aim is simple—help travelers reset, relax, and recharge by prioritizing rest and rejuvenation.

Over the past few years, sleep tourism has gained traction, turning into more than just a luxury for the well-off. It is quickly becoming a mainstream wellness movement. Across the globe, hotels and resorts are recognizing the demand for sleep-focused travel and offering specialized packages designed to help travelers improve their rest.

The Rise of Sleep-Centered Hotels and Resorts

From luxurious suites to holistic sleep programs, various hotels have embraced this concept by curating environments that promote deep, restorative sleep. The Bryte Restorative Sleep Suite in New York, for instance, features AI-powered beds that adjust to individual sleep patterns, offering guests a tailored sleep experience. These innovations are designed to optimize sleep, with technology supporting the natural process of rest.

Some hotels have integrated broader wellness practices to improve sleep. One notable example is a renowned chain that offers a comprehensive “Alchemy of Sleep” program. This holistic approach combines mindfulness, nutrition, and sleep therapy, ensuring that guests not only rest but also adopt habits to improve their sleep quality over the long term.

In Portugal, a sleep-focused hotel offers soundproof rooms and premium mattresses, ensuring that guests experience uninterrupted slumber. For those visiting London, a sleep-only hotel offers quiet, tech-free rooms specifically designed to provide guests with an ideal environment for deep sleep.

The Impact of Sleep Deprivation: A Global Health Crisis

Sleep tourism, while a luxury in some respects, also highlights a deeper, more widespread issue: the global sleep crisis. Sleep problems, especially among younger generations, have been steadily increasing. Between 2010 and 2021, reports showed that sleep difficulties in people aged 15 to 45 rose from 34% to nearly 50%. Alongside this rise, the use of sleep aids and melatonin prescriptions has skyrocketed, reflecting a growing reliance on artificial solutions to address a natural problem.

The causes of this crisis are multi-faceted. Increased screen time, stress from work, urban noise pollution, and even the effects of climate change all contribute to the modern-day struggle to achieve quality sleep. In countries like India, where a significant portion of the population feels sleep-deprived, the issue is being referred to as a “sleep pandemic.” A recent survey revealed that 93% of Indians report feeling constantly fatigued—a statistic that mirrors global trends.

Sleep tourism seeks to address these issues by offering a retreat from the stress of daily life. It encourages a shift in perspective, viewing sleep as an essential part of self-care, rather than an indulgence or sign of laziness.

India: A Rising Hub for Sleep Tourism

India, with its increasing work pressures and the growing effects of digital exposure, is beginning to recognize the value of sleep tourism. As more people look for ways to unwind and restore balance in their lives, hotels and retreats across the country are offering sleep-centric experiences that blend modern wellness techniques with ancient traditions.

In cities like Bhopal, a unique hotel provides guests with a “pillow menu,” offering five different types of pillows, including memory foam and buckwheat hull options, to ensure each guest can select their ideal sleep comfort. Another hotel in Odisha combines Ayurvedic practices, yoga, and meditation to enhance sleep quality, offering guests a holistic approach to rest. Similarly, in Gurgaon, specialized lighting and sleep-enhancing amenities are used to create the perfect environment for restful slumber.

These sleep-focused experiences are more than just luxurious offerings—they represent a shift in how people view sleep. The combination of traditional healing methods and modern wellness innovations demonstrates that quality rest is not merely a luxury, but a key to restoring health, focus, and overall well-being.

A Growing Trend in Wellness Travel

As wellness travel continues to evolve, sleep tourism is gaining significant attention as a major part of this movement. Studies have shown that travelers who participate in sleep-centric retreats experience measurable improvements in their sleep quality and emotional well-being. This trend is not limited to the rich and famous but is increasingly accessible to a wider audience looking for ways to manage stress and improve their quality of life.

One of the key benefits of sleep tourism is its focus on environments that promote natural sleep cycles. Many of these retreats emphasize dark, quiet rooms, circadian lighting, and other sleep-friendly features. These efforts go beyond simply providing a comfortable bed—they create spaces that allow guests to rest, relax, and recover from the physical and mental toll of everyday life.

Moreover, travelers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for these experiences, signaling a major shift in travel priorities. Hotels and resorts around the world are investing heavily in sleep-friendly amenities such as soundproof rooms, aromatherapy, and AI-powered bedding. This growing demand for sleep-centric services is helping to reshape the travel industry, placing rest and recovery at the forefront of wellness tourism.

The Future of Sleep Tourism: A Global Movement

Looking ahead, sleep tourism is poised to become a mainstay in the travel industry. Just as wellness retreats, adventure travel, and eco-tourism have grown in popularity, sleep vacations are expected to gain mainstream acceptance. These vacations represent more than just a break from routine—they symbolize a conscious rejection of burnout culture and a call to prioritize mental and physical well-being.

As urbanization continues to increase, and the pressures of modern life mount, the need for restorative travel experiences will only grow. Sleep tourism offers an opportunity to escape the constant hustle, recharge the body and mind, and return to life with renewed energy and focus. In a world that often glorifies busyness and productivity, sleep tourism provides a counter-narrative: health begins with sleep.

In the years to come, sleep tourism may be as common as visiting a spa or wellness retreat, becoming a popular choice for travelers looking to reset and restore. With growing awareness of its benefits, this trend is reshaping how people view rest—and ultimately, how they prioritize their own health.

Focused on restoring balance and addressing sleep deprivation, innovative hotel experiences within sleep tourism provide tailored retreats aimed at restorative sleep and rejuvenation. Effectively combating the rest issue, travel retreats provide effective remedies for declining sleep health.

An innovative and fresh way of thinking about wellness travel, sleep tourism accentuates the importance of rest and affords the opportunity for travelers to experience sleep as an act of self-care. In light of the ongoing global sleep deprivation crisis, sleep tourism delivers more than relaxation. The future of sleep tourism is promising, restoring the perception of sleep as a vital necessity and improving overall health and wellness. Offering a wonderful combination of relaxation and sleep healing, sleep tourism is restorative, catering to travelers worldwide.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

On July 26, 2023, Kenya and Senegal signed a significant agreement that allows citizens of both countries to travel visa-free for up to 90 days. This historic move, finalized by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye during his official visit to Kenya, is set to enhance tourism, trade, and regional cooperation between East and West Africa. The agreement, which was formally announced on October 21, 2025, promises to unlock vast opportunities for both nations by simplifying travel and fostering cultural, business, and tourism ties.

This collaboration marks a new chapter in African regional integration, aiming to improve connectivity across the continent and remove long-standing barriers to movement. As two key players in their respective regions, Kenya and Senegal are now positioned to strengthen their economic and diplomatic relations while encouraging more people-to-people connections.

A Boost for Tourism in Kenya and Senegal

With the new visa exemption in place, Kenyan citizens can explore Senegal’s cultural and historical treasures, such as Gorée Island, Dakar, and Saint-Louis, while Senegalese travelers will now have easy access to Kenya’s renowned wildlife destinations, including the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo National Parks. This visa policy is expected to stimulate both inbound and outbound tourism, with a focus on multi-destination travel across East and West Africa.

The move also aligns with efforts to promote intra-African travel, which has traditionally faced significant obstacles due to complex visa processes. By removing these barriers, Kenya and Senegal are leading the way in making travel easier within the continent, setting an example for other African nations to follow.

Economic and Trade Benefits Beyond Tourism

Beyond tourism, the visa-free travel agreement is anticipated to have far-reaching benefits for the economies of both countries. Kenya and Senegal have already seen growth in trade, particularly in sectors like agriculture, energy, and education. The new agreement will further facilitate business exchanges, creating new avenues for collaboration and investment between the two nations.

The Joint Cooperation Commission (JCC), set to convene in early 2026, will focus on fostering stronger economic ties, improving transportation links, and advancing key sectors such as infrastructure and technology. This meeting will also work towards enhancing bilateral trade and facilitating investment opportunities, benefiting both countries’ economies in the long run.

Promoting Cross-Cultural and Sports Initiatives

Cultural exchange between Kenya and Senegal is set to flourish under this new arrangement, with tourism agencies and tour operators now able to offer joint packages that combine the rich cultural heritage of both countries. This collaboration will also benefit the hospitality sector, with new business opportunities for airlines, hotels, and tour guides, enhancing the overall travel experience for visitors.

Another area of growth will be sports diplomacy. In anticipation of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Kenya and Senegal are working on joint initiatives in sports, including coaching exchanges, athlete training camps, and co-hosting events. These efforts aim to strengthen cultural ties and promote cooperation in athletics and football, sports in which both countries excel.

Regional Integration and the Future of African Tourism

This agreement is part of a larger vision for African regional integration, aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which promotes the free movement of people, goods, and services across the continent. By easing travel restrictions, Kenya and Senegal are not only enhancing bilateral relations but also contributing to the broader goal of a more integrated Africa, where economic growth and cultural exchange can thrive.

The visa exemption is expected to inspire other African nations to pursue similar agreements, paving the way for a more connected and prosperous continent. It also provides an opportunity for African countries to collectively improve their tourism offerings, ensuring that the continent remains a top destination for international travelers.

Conclusion: A New Era for Tourism and Trade in Africa

The removal of visa barriers between Kenya and Senegal is a transformative step for Africa’s tourism and trade sectors. It promises to increase tourism flows, strengthen business relations, and foster deeper cultural ties between East and West Africa. This agreement is a testament to the growing desire for African nations to work together, removing obstacles to travel and encouraging mutual prosperity. As other African countries follow suit, the continent’s global tourism position will only continue to rise, making Africa an increasingly attractive destination for travelers and investors alike.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

There is solo travel, and there is solitary travel. Solo travel means setting off alone, but often, that’s where the solitude ends. We join a group trip at the airport, or book into a hostel or hotel where we meet other travellers, or we travel alone to a place where we have friends.

I fully support all the above, particularly when I think about women, people of colour, LGBT+ travellers, people with disabilities and other travellers who historically haven’t had the same freedom and privileges as majority travellers.

Today, solo travel is for everyone. Google searches for “solo travel” have risen by 223 per cent over the past decade, with a 60 per cent post-pandemic increase since 2022 – and women make up a large majority of solo travellers. From affordable, Gen Z and Millennial-oriented group travel outfits like Intrepid and Flash Pack (tagline: “Arrive solo, leave as friends”) to new high-end travel clubs geared towards discerning mid-lifers, such as Club Avandra, it’s never been easier to set off solo, and have an adventure.

However, the rapid normalisation of “solo travel” and proliferation of group trip providers has obscured one niche strand of solo travel: solitary travel, a trip where I remain willingly, obstinately alone. Eating alone, exploring alone, sleeping in a single room, remaining blissfully alone. Solitary travel can be magical, and it takes a completely different set of skills to solo travel.

Like many other solitary travellers, it was business travel that gave me the bug … and proved that I had the skills to travel completely alone. As an international reporter and travel writer, I’m accustomed to parachuting into an unfamiliar city, and running around getting to know the place, interviewing people, visiting sites, trying to get under the skin of the place (or the subject matter) in a few short days.

I became addicted to the rapid pace, the freedom, the balance between time running around, and flopping gratefully into a luxurious bed just for me. Eating breakfast when I feel like it, not needing to tell anyone else my gym plans, or my abandoning-the-gym-plans. More generally, changing my plans at the last minute depending on my mood or energy levels, with no concern for someone else’s mood or energy levels. Booking a trip at short notice, so it actually happens; we can probably all think of holiday plans that never made it out of the WhatsApp group chat, thanks to clashing schedules and budgets and desires.

Solitary travellers come in all ages, genders, shapes and sizes – and we have different tastes. I’m very much an urban solitary traveller. In cities, I never feel lonely. I want to squeeze in as many museums and galleries as humanly possible, and I make much speedier progress alone. I enjoy walking the streets with my headphones on, marvelling at the architecture, clocking up 26,000 steps without having to listen to someone else whinge about their poor choice of footwear.

I love eating at food markets, or at bar counters in restaurants and tapas bars, where a solo diner fits in perfectly fine. In fact, being able to squeeze onto a lone empty barstool often works to my advantage at a bar setting, where there’s a queue for couples or larger parties.

Similarly, it’s often easier to book a last-minute ticket for one at the theatre, or opera, or a concert hall. This year I’ve caught (alone) Gypsy on Broadway in NYC, Tosca at the Vienna State Opera and the London Symphony Orchestra at the Auditorio Nacional in Madrid – all by purchasing an “orphan” seat for one. We’re not going to chat to our companions throughout Tosca’s wails anyway, so really, how social is the opera?

I might have felt differently about socialising, and safety, when I was a younger traveller. But at the age of 40, I’m happy to drink a cocktail or glass of wine on my own, and I don’t care about clubbing, and I don’t need to worry quite so much about getting myself home safely.

Nobody who knows me would ever call me a loner. My job demands extrovert traits, and I can muster this behaviour up, working well in a team of photographers and videographers on the road. In my home life, too, I’m part of a close-knit family and have a wide circle of friends; my people are my greatest asset. I take my retired mum and dad on a holiday every summer, I travel with friends and my boyfriend, and most of my disposable income vanishes on visits to family and friends around the world – in California, France, England and Ireland, where I’m from.

People are often surprised when I mention I’ve booked myself a city trip: to Seville, Madrid, Rome, Bilbao, Naples, Marseille. “For work?” Nope, purely pleasure. “Alone?” Yes, what bliss.

I know some solitary travellers who’d never dream of visiting a city alone, but are comfortable wandering the Camino de Santiago, Menorca’s Camí de Cavalls or the Ulster Way loop in Ireland. Personally, I get lonely in a rural or wilderness setting. And I’ve learned the hard way that lone luxury doesn’t suit me; being surrounded by honeymooners and large families makes me sad and awkward.

And yes, there are downsides. On every trip, there is something that makes me long for a companion for a few hours – perhaps a late night bar or some arty avant-garde event that I can’t quite face alone. Inevitably, dining or drinking alone, a man will often assume I want company; sometimes I carry a book to deflect unwanted attention, but I can say “thanks but I want to be alone,” in Spanish, Italian, French and German. And being unable to split the cost of a hotel room always stings a bit. But then I remember what I’ve gained, and it all feels worth it.

Anna’s top destinations to visit solo:

1. Madrid

Dazzling museums and galleries, fantastic food markets and opera/ballet/flamenco performances by night. Just be warned that Madrid is a convivial and nocturnal city, so you might feel a pang walking past riotous bars at midnight.

2. New York

The most iconic bar-dining scene on the planet, electric streetlife, endless (if expensive) cultural treats, and reassuringly familiar surroundings, because you’ve seen it all before in a Meg Ryan movie.

3. Singapore

Safe, smiley and stress-free, with spectacular no-fuss solo dining at hawker centres, and a variety of rainforest/beach/city-based activities. English is the national language, so there’s no barrier for English speakers.

4. Cape Town

Ravishing natural scenery, world-class food and wine, and so much to learn from the local people. You’ll need to book some private guides and tours, and Ubers after dark are essential, but these simple precautions apply to everyone, not just lone travellers.

5. Edinburgh

It’s a tough one, because Glasgow is eternally hipper and friendlier, but there is no arguing with Edinburgh’s staggering scenery, array of museums, walkable historic centre, and cosy pubs to curl up in.

6. Taipei

Friendly, walkable and green, with night markets, historic temples and city hikes, Taipei makes it easy for lone travellers to immerse themselves in Chinese culture and cuisine. And who wouldn’t want to do that?

7. Mexico City

Proof that you don’t need to be part of a crowd to feel cool, CDMX is an education in creativity, from the streetfood to the indie galleries to the tiny fashion and homeware boutiques.

8. Sydney

With some of the world’s best city beaches – and spectacular surfing and sailing – plus an equally superlative dining and shopping scene, Sydney particularly rewards active solo travellers who like to pack a lot in before 9pm and then flop into bed, ready to do it all again at 8am.

9. Vienna

Centuries as the seat of imperial power has bequeathed the Austrian capital some of the most impressive museums, galleries and palaces in Europe, not to mention the city’s excellent infrastructure. Solitary travellers will feel right at home lingering in a grand cafe with a book and a glass of Grüner Veltliner.

10. Seattle

Still deservedly famed for being laidback, warm-hearted, hip and cultured, solo travellers adore Seattle for its OG coffeehouse culture, rich brewery/distillery/craft cocktail scene, fantastic farmers markets and museums/galleries that sit squarely left of mainstream.

Source : nz.news.yahoo.com