KATA Coast Forges Stronger Security Partnerships as Kisumu Agents Engage Safarilink on New Route Developments

KATA Coast Secretariat recently hosted a high-level courtesy visit by the Tourism Police Unit (TPU), reinforcing the association’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of tourists and industry operators along Kenya’s coast. The delegation, led by TPU Sector Commander Madam Patricia Buore and Inspector David Kibet Ruto, was warmly received by Mr. Patrick Kamanga, KATA’s Coast Liaison Officer, and Ms. Joan Wande, the Coast Executive Officer, at the KATA Coast offices in Mombasa.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between travel stakeholders and the TPU, particularly in anticipation of heightened tourist activity during peak seasons and cruise ship arrivals at the Mombasa Port. KATA emphasized the importance of early engagement with the TPU during the planning stages of major events and tours, especially those involving large groups. The Secretariat also encouraged tour operators and travel agents to submit formal requests for security escorts in advance, to enable smooth coordination and preparedness.

Additionally, KATA appealed to both the private sector and government at national and county levels to support TPU operations by ensuring officers are equipped with sufficient mobility and resources to manage security demands during key tourism activities.

This engagement reflects KATA’s broader approach to advocacy one that goes beyond policy and commercial interest to focus on strengthening the full tourism ecosystem. By fostering a culture of collaboration between the private sector and security agencies, KATA continues to play a key role in building a safer, more resilient tourism environment at the Coast and beyond.

Meanwhile, in Kisumu, KATA agents led by Western Liason Ms. Grace Ogwa participated in a productive and interactive workshop hosted in partnership with Safarilink. The airline, which has steadily increased its presence across key domestic routes, announced the introduction of an additional flight to Kisumu, a move welcomed by the local travel trade. Even more significant was the announcement of a new route set to launch in October 2025 linking Kisumu directly to Entebbe, Uganda.

The Kisumu–Entebbe route is expected to enhance cross-border travel between Kenya and Uganda, boosting both tourism and business connectivity in the region. Kisumu-based KATA agents expressed enthusiasm about the new opportunities this route will offer, particularly in attracting regional travelers seeking direct and efficient flight options within East Africa.

Through these strategic engagements from coastal security planning to regional airline collaboration KATA continues to demonstrate its dedication to advancing Kenya’s travel sector through practical, people-centered partnerships. The association remains committed to championing safe travel, seamless connections, and sustainable growth for the entire industry.

Asky joins Kenya national chamber of commerce and industry (KNCCI) as silver member.

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KNCCI) Welcomes ASKY Kenya as Silver Members – Strengthening Regional Ties.

ASKY Airline – Kenya had a collaborative meeting with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KNCCI) to explore areas of partnership in the transportation of passengers and cargo especially during KNCCI’s trade missions across Africa.

As we continue to take full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), we see tremendous potential in working closely with KNCCI to support the movement of both people and goods across key regions, contributing to the growth of trade and business across the continent.

We also discussed about the possibility of establishing an affinity program between KNCCI and ASKY. Such a program would drive traffic to the airline, benefiting both KNCCI members and ASKY Airlines through special offers, loyalty rewards, and other mutually beneficial initiatives.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) proudly welcomed ASKY as a Silver Member – a move set to boost intra-African trade, tourism, and connectivity!

Key Highlights:

✅ Improved air connectivity between Kenya & West/Central Africa

✅ Joint tourism promotion with regional carriers

✅ Exclusive business travel benefits for KNCCI members through affinity program

✅ Enhanced mobility for trade missions, expos, and regional events.

This partnership is a powerful step toward economic growth through aviation, and a shining example of what regional collaboration can achieve.

This comes at a time when ASKY Airline is increasing its weekly flight frequency from Lomé to Nairobi, Kenya, starting July 11, 2025 until 1st Aug 2025 followed by a flight schedule change effective 2nd Aug 2025. The increase will see the airline offer 4 weekly flights to/from Nairobi.

This is part of ASKY’s broader African expansion strategy to be an international airline with a touch of Africa, serving and connecting African countries and Africa to the world with excellent quality service.

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) seeks to raise park entry fees

The Kenya Wildlife Service is seeking to raise park entry fees for the first time in 18 years to address a Sh12 billion annual budget deficit. Under the proposed 2025 regulations, entry into premium parks like Amboseli and Lake Nakuru will rise to Sh1,500 for locals and Sh11,660 for foreigners.

Nairobi National Park fees will more than double to Sh1,000 for locals and Sh10,360 for tourists. Charges for minors and access to other parks like Tsavo, Meru, and scenic reserves will also increase significantly.

KWS says over 90 percent of its revenue comes from tourism, yet 78% of its budget goes to security. A pricing study shows most visitors would accept higher fees if tied to better services. Despite fears of reduced appeal, KWS projects that revenue will rise to Sh16.58 billion by year four.

Proposed park entry fee hike

NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
Locals: Sh430 → Sh1,000
Foreigners: $43 (Sh5,570) → $80 (Sh10,360)

TSAVO EAST & WEST
Locals: Sh515 → Sh1,000
Foreigners: $52 (Sh6,700) → $80 (Sh10,360)

MERU, KORA, ABERDARE PARKS
Locals: Sh300 → Sh800
Foreigners: $52 (Sh6,724) → $70 (Sh9,070)

SCENIC PARKS (HELL’S GATE, LONGONOT, ETC.)
Locals: Sh300 → Sh500

Source : Nation Media

Kampala to Host the 2025 Africa Travel Content Creator Conference

The third annual Africa Travel Content Creator Conference (AFTCOC) will be hosted in Kampala, the Ugandan capital city, come October. The flagship event brings the continent’s finest digital storytellers in one place for one purpose only: to present pure and powerful African tourism. The conference will be held at the Protea Skys Hotel and expects over 200 content creators in attendance, specifically bloggers, vloggers, tourism boards, and brands.

Organized by Taste of Africa Vibes, one of the prominent Facebook communities with over 67,000 international members, the AFTCOC is focused on bringing influential African travel influencers to the forefront. The conference wants to connect the local and global tourism experts with the influencers to learn from each other, refine storytelling skills, and showcase the continent’s unseen to the world.

Online Marketplace for African Travel Content Creators

This year’s tagline, “Unveiling Africa Through Creative Content,” highlights the urgency to explore and promote the off-the-beaten-path places in Africa. With its intriguing cultural existence, vibrant arts scene, and natural appeal, Uganda presents the perfect backdrop for these proceedings. “It’s a wonderful achievement for Uganda to have this conference here,” says Precious Gumisiriza, who refers to herself as The Mukiga Traveller. “We will learn how to tell the best story about ourselves by listening to the masters of the digital storytelling craft.”

Kampala, being one of the fastest-rising cities in Africa, offers more than the venue for the event. The city in itself is the cultural centre, providing the perfect ambience for the content producers to feel and capture the culture, music, arts, and history of Africa. Through hosting the conference, the country will also promote itself as the next upcoming world tourism destination, aimed at tourists as well as business investors.

Ticketing and Accommodation Details

The three-day festival will be laden with seminars, conferences, and panel meetings discussing the subjects of content creation, digital marketing, and the role of the influencer in tourism. The organizers of the festival have various grades of tickets to make sure they accommodate everybody because the early punter tickets come at UGX 150,000 and regular tickets at UGX 180,000. The funds will enable the attendee to participate in all the activities at the conference including the performances as well as the question-and-answer sessions with the professionals in the field.

Protea Skys Hotel has assured of its preparedness to receive the conference, providing special rates for accommodation at single occupancy at USD 130 for visiting guests. David Omondi Onyango, on behalf of the hotel, indicated the hotel’s enthusiasm for hosting the conference guests, stating, “As a hotel, we stand prepared to offer our guests the best experience alongside the promotion of the hospitality in Uganda.”

A Focus on Sponsorship and Collaboration Opportunities

Ajena Jafar, one of the main partners of the festival, mentioned the tremendous value of the partnership with the Taste of Africa Vibes and the sponsorship opportunities available. The local tourism boards, the businesses, and the stakeholders in general will be able to promote the brands to the entire global community, forming significant relationships that would most assuredly reap future opportunities for collaboration and additional publicity.

“Small- and medium-scale enterprises within the local community will be able to present their services to content producers and tourism experts from around the world,” explained Jafar. “The partnership has the potential to benefit the Ugandan economy and promote the country’s image in global tourism arenas.”

Elevating Kampala’s Profile as the Top Travel Destination

The ultimate goal of the Africa Travel Content Creator Conference is to highlight the beauty and wealth of Uganda and the other African countries. Kampala’s budding tourism industry offers the city the chance to not just showcase its culture but to advance responsible tourism practices as well. Through the addition of digital storytelling events, seminars on content creation, and networking events for local enterprises, the AFTCOC is building the foundation for future partnerships in ensuring responsible travel.

The conference will also discuss how content creators can advocate for awareness regarding off-the-beaten-path sites in Africa and showcase them as competitive tourist sites. Considering local businesses, tourism boards, and international creators, the conference will advocate for the popularity of Kampala and Uganda as leading 2025 and beyond trip destinations.

Conclusion: An African Tourism Transformation Event

As the AFTCOC approaches, the tourism circles in Uganda grow more and more excited in anticipation of the encounter of the wave of innovativeness and creativeness bound to emanate from the conference. The event shall not only be where the content creators shall learn the most but shall also offer insightful understanding on how the tourism brand of Africa shall be great in the world. Kampala being the destination, the city shall consolidate its role as the driving force behind the initiative to showcase the tourism of Africa by digital means and creative storytelling.

Source : Travel and Tour world

Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways Ink Strategic Partnership

Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), confirming the intention to enter a strategic partnership which will include a comprehensive codeshare agreement and increased flights between the East African state and Qatar Airways’ award-winning Doha hub, Hamad International Airport.


The MoU signing took place in Doha between Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer and Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Mr.  Allan Kilavuka.

The partnership will see Qatar Airways introducing a third daily frequency between Doha and Nairobi in codeshare with Kenya Airways, with flights due to be available for booking over the coming days. The new offering will be complemented by the launch of Kenya Airways operated, and Qatar Airways marketed, flights between Mombasa and Doha during the coming winter season. The two airlines will also codeshare on both networks to offer seamless connections and greater choice for travellers from around the world.

Additionally, both Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways will look to develop collaboration in other parts of the business, including cargo, airport and ground services, product development, loyalty programmes, procurement as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul.

 Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “This partnership is yet another demonstration of our deepening ties with the African region. Today’s agreement – which comes as we celebrate 20 years of flying to Kenya – is coupled with our recognisable record of partnerships across the continent, most recently through our investment in Airlink. Our growing collaboration with our African counterparts ensures that Qatar Airways continues to contribute to the continent’s rapidly evolving aviation and economic ecosystem.”

 Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, said: “This partnership perfectly aligns with our airline’s robust turnaround strategy, which saw Kenya Airways’ return to profit for the first time in more than a decade earlier this year. The collaboration will also help expedite Kenya Airways’ efforts to boost tourism and air cargo activities, turning these and others into pivotal economic growth propellers for Kenya and the East Africa region.”

 The partnership highlights two leading airlines collaborating to bring excellence to their global community of travellers. Kenya Airways, for the fourth consecutive year, has been recognised as Africa’s Leading Airline and Business Class by the World Travel Awards 2025.

 Qatar Airways – the only five-star global airline based in the Middle East and the reigning World’s Best Airline as voted by Skytrax in 2025 – offers over 170 weekly flights to 30 cities across Africa.

Over the past year, Qatar Airways has also optimised its schedule in most African destinations to improve connectivity to key destinations, including Brussels, Guangzhou, London, New York, and Washington through its award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport.

Source : Breaking Travel News

Kenya Officially Drops ETA Requirement for South African and Southern African Travellers

Move signals deeper regional integration and support for intra-African travel

In a major development for regional mobility, Kenya has officially scrapped the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for South African passport holders, along with nationals from several other Southern African countries. The change, now reflected on the official ETA website, marks the implementation of a government directive aimed at easing travel across the continent.

The exemption extends beyond South Africa to include passport holders from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi, Lesotho, and Botswana. Travellers from these countries no longer need to apply for an ETA prior to entering Kenya, a move expected to significantly boost tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange.

At the beginning of 2025, Kenya had announced plans to ease travel restrictions for African nations in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which promotes free movement of people across the continent. However, the timeline for implementation had remained unclear—until now.

The latest update reflects Kenya’s growing commitment to regional integration and its recognition of the importance of intra-African travel as a driver of economic growth. The move is particularly timely as Kenya continues to position itself as a central hub for East and Southern Africa.

Tourism stakeholders across the region have welcomed the decision, noting that it not only enhances ease of travel but also signals a broader political will to reduce travel barriers among African nations.

Travellers from the newly exempt countries are still advised to carry valid passports and check any health or customs requirements prior to travel. All other nationalities are encouraged to verify entry rules via Kenya’s official ETA platform at www.etakenya.go.ke.

This policy shift is expected to contribute positively to Kenya’s tourism numbers and foster deeper people-to-people connections within the continent.

Source : Travel News

Tanzania rolls out mandatory travel insurance for foreign nationals

Tanzania has announced that, beginning in the 2025/26 financial year, all foreign visitors to Mainland Tanzania, excluding citizens from East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries,will be required to purchase a travel insurance policy upon entry. The policy, which will cost USD 44 (approximately TSh 115,000), is designed to enhance visitor safety and reduce the burden on public healthcare systems.

The insurance will cover emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation, personal accidents, rescue operations, and compensation for lost or delayed baggage. It will be valid for a maximum stay of 92 days. The directive was announced in a public notice issued by the Ministry of Finance on July 4, 2025, as part of wider reforms to the country’s Insurance Act.

Although the policy is officially part of the current fiscal year’s agenda, implementation has been delayed until January 2026 to allow time for consultations with stakeholders and to finalize regulatory frameworks.

The move mirrors a similar requirement introduced in Zanzibar in October 2024. However, concerns have been raised by tourism stakeholders regarding the possibility of double charges for travelers who visit both Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania. With both jurisdictions operating separate insurance systems, some fear the policy could result in confusion or added costs for visitors, potentially dampening Tanzania’s competitiveness in the regional tourism market.

Travel Agents and hospitality industry players have welcomed the government’s intention to prioritize visitor health and safety, but have urged for clearer guidelines, especially for tourists who already hold valid international travel insurance. Several industry representatives have suggested that the insurance be made available for purchase online before arrival, to streamline the entry process and avoid long queues at airports or border crossings.

As the country positions itself as a leading destination for tourism in Africa, the government is expected to provide further clarity on the operational aspects of the new insurance requirement in the coming months.

Sources:
The Citizen Tanzania, Additional context from Travel and Tour World and Eastleigh Voice reporting on regional tourism policy trends.

Emirates launches daily Dubai–Shenzhen flights

Dubai-based Emirates has launched daily flights between Dubai in the UAE and Shenzhen in China, making the city the first in mainland China to receive Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER.

This move sees Shenzhen become Emirates’ fourth destination in mainland China, joining Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou on the airline’s expanding network. 

China’s fourth largest city and a renowned tech hub, Shenzhen also offers visitors a vibrant tourism scene, with attractions such as culture-rich theme park Window of the World tourism resort OCT East, home to hiking trails, hotels and golf courses.

The new route will operate daily, departing Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 10:05am and arriving in Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) at 10:00pm. The return flight leaves SZX at 11:55pm, landing in Dubai at 3:40am the following day. 

The retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER on this route offers 332 seats, including 8 private First Class suites, 40 lie-flat Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 260 Economy seats, providing passengers with enhanced comfort and choice.

Commenting on the launch, Adnan Kazim, COO at Emirates, said: “Our expansion into Shenzhen opens new doors for business and economic exchange between this technological powerhouse and global markets.”

Emirates’ retrofit programme is progressing at pace, with one aircraft receiving a comprehensive refresh every three weeks. Since the programme began in late 2022, 60 aircraft have been retrofitted, and the airline plans to serve 44 cities with its upgraded Boeing 777 and A380 aircraft by September 2025, expanding to more than 70 cities by the end of 2026. 

Alongside Shenzhen, Emirates operates double daily services to both Beijing and Shanghai, and daily flights to Guangzhou. 

Dubai-based Emirates Group, which comprises Emirates and Dnata, has seen profits soar in the last year, reaching record highs to become the world’s most profitable airline.

Source : ConnectingTravel.com

Kenya Draws More Tourists as Mobile Data Roaming Soars

Kenya is quickly building its name as a top travel and tech hub, with more visitors using mobile data while roaming in the country.

According to the latest data from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), inbound roaming data grew by 10.6%, reaching 564.83 million megabytes over the past year.

This upward trend indicates Kenya’s increasing appeal to both international tourists and business travelers, driven by improving connectivity and rising regional integration.

The significant growth in inbound data usage reflects Kenya’s strategic position in East Africa. Nairobi continues to attract a growing number of visitors thanks to its role as a commercial capital, and gateway to some of the continent’s most iconic travel destinations.

While inbound roaming data grew by over 10%, outbound roaming, referring to Kenyans using mobile data while traveling abroad, has remained relatively unchanged.

This contrast suggests that Kenya continues to receive more international mobile users than it sends out, further affirming its role as a magnet for visitors and investors in the region.

Connectivity and Infrastructure Improvements

Another major contributor to the rise is improved mobile infrastructure. Kenya’s telcos, led by Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom, have heavily invested in expanding 4G coverage and rolling out 5G services in urban areas.

As a result, visitors can now enjoy fast and reliable internet, encouraging higher mobile data consumption while roaming.

Roaming Costs and Regional Integration Efforts

Despite the high cost of roaming across many African countries, initiatives such as the East African One Network Area (ONA) are working to reduce these charges.

Kenya’s participation in such frameworks allows for more affordable cross-border communication within the region, making it easier and cheaper for travelers to stay connected.

A Win for Telcos and the Economy

This growth in roaming data usage also presents opportunities for telecom operators. Increased usage translates to more revenue from roaming partnerships and international agreements.

For the Kenyan economy, it signals growth in key sectors like tourism, hospitality, and ICT.

The 10.6% increase in inbound roaming data usage is a strong indicator of Kenya’s rising global and regional profile.

As tourism rebounds and regional travel deepens, Kenya is well-positioned to benefit from increased mobile connectivity and a growing influx of data-driven visitors.

Source: Techweez.com

Nairobi is Africa’s top business travel destination

Nairobi emerged as Africa’s top business travel destination at the World Travel Awards for Africa held in Tanzania last week.

The city won over other contenders, including Kigali, Rwanda; Accra, Ghana; and Lagos, Nigeria. South Africa had four cities competing for the award, namely, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria.

Nairobi was the city to beat, having won the award for more than five years in a row.

Other Kenyan winners in different categories included Kenya Airways, Jambojet, Chale Island, Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort, Fairmont Mt Kenya Safari Club and JW Marriott Masai Mara, which was named Africa’s Leading Tented Safari Camp.

The World Travel Awards edition in Dar es Salaam was the opening leg of World Travel Awards 2025, and was officially the World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2025.

“It has been a privilege to welcome our winners from across Africa and the Indian Ocean to this extraordinary celebration in Tanzania and its thriving capital, Dar es Salaam, “ said Graham Cooke, President & Founder, World Travel Awards.

“Our winners represent the very best of our industry, and we salute their achievements in helping shape the future of travel across the region,” he said

“Hosting the World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2025 has been a milestone moment for Tanzania’s travel and tourism sector, and a unique opportunity to showcase our country’s breath-taking landscapes, vibrant cultures and world-class hospitality to key figures in the travel and tourism sector,” said Ephraim Mafuru, Director General, Tanzania Tourist Board, in a statement released by the organisers.

Nairobi has in recent years seen significant growth in top hotel brands setting up shop. One of the latest high-profile entrants was the JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi which opened in March last year. The property is now Nairobi’s tallest hotel with 35 stories.

Marriott International has announced plans to open two luxury tented safari camps in Kenya.

Source: Standardmedia.co.ke