Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism hails transformative 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has celebrated a successful week at the 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which took place from 6-9 May 2024 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). DET was joined on the Dubai stand by 129 key partners and stakeholders from the public and private sectors, who held business meetings with delegates from around the world, showcasing the emirate’s diverse and innovative tourism offering to thousands of industry leaders attending the global travel trade exhibition.

This year’s ATM was held under the forward-looking theme ‘Empowering Innovation – Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’. During the four-day event, DET highlighted the pivotal role played by entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the city, and how Dubai’s travel and hospitality sectors have nurtured innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability to create new pathways for growth beyond traditional tourism. This strategic approach is inspired by the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure.

ATM 2024 provided a platform to build and consolidate relationships across the travel industry, and DET signed several strategic partnership agreements, including one with Emirates which will see the two entities work together to intensify international efforts and bolster Dubai’s mindshare as a hub for trade, tourism and investment. During an action-packed show at DWTC, DET made a number of major announcements, including the launch of the inaugural ‘Dubai Sustainability Industry Report’. Contributing to the ATM Conference Programme, DET spokespeople also delivered keynote addresses and took part in a range of panel discussions, including ‘The Potential of Cruise: Creating Swell in the Middle East’ and ‘Educating Young Entrepreneurs: Building a Career in Travel’.

Dubai’s successful participation at ATM 2024 follows a record-breaking year for its tourism sector, after welcoming 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023. As announced by DET at the show, this momentum continued in the first quarter of 2024, with 5.18 million international overnight visitors from January to March, an 11% rise over the same period in 2023.

His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “The 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market was the most successful yet for Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, yielding strong outcomes as we connected with industry leaders to discuss the future of travel and the latest trends transforming our sector. Guided by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the goals of the D33 Agenda, we have a clear objective to further advance tourism’s economic impact, including by leveraging innovation and entrepreneurship. At ATM we had the opportunity to develop a number of new partnerships, which are an important part of the strategy to make Dubai the best city to visit, live and work in. These partners, as well as all our travel and tourism stakeholders, play a critical role in achieving these goals, and we thank them for their support as we build on the knowledge shared at ATM.”

DET organised the largest ever ATM Hosted Buyers Programme, promoting Dubai’s unparalleled hospitality and offerings to a record participation of more than 540 buyers from 47 different markets and countries. With the support of stakeholders including DMCs, hotels, venues and attractions, the hosted buyers were able to enjoy a range of experiences and iconic locations in the city, including evenings hosted by Expo City Dubai, Real Madrid World, and Dubai Creek Harbour.

In addition to meeting DET and stakeholder representatives, visitors to the stand also had the opportunity to play ‘Dubai Pinball’, an interactive and engaging gaming experience that enhanced players’ familiarity with attractions and landmarks around the city, offering prizes for the highest scores.

Strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for business and MICE events, ATM 2024 was the biggest edition to date, welcoming over 46,000 attendees and more than 2,600 exhibitors from over 160 countries across four days at DWTC. Growth was recorded across all event verticals with exhibitor participation increasing by 26% YoY.

Source:  Hotel News

Chinese market a pillar of KQs’ global business.

A top Kenya Airways executive has described Chinese market as a pillar of the airline’s global business given its competitive nature and a promising future.

“We see a good fiscal year ahead since China’s aviation performance is robust, which has given us confidence in the Chinese market,” Julius Thairu, chief commercial and customer officer with the airline, said during an interview with Xinhua.

After entering the Chinese market in 2005, the Kenyan carrier flies weekly routes from Nairobi to South China’s Guangzhou city. Thairu said that next year, the 20th anniversary of the company’s entering the Chinese market, a new direct flight from Nairobi to Beijing will be launched.

“From capital to capital, and from Kenya to other African countries, easier transportation will bring us closer,” he said, adding that China remains Africa’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years.

Kenya is China’s largest trading partner in East Africa, while China is Kenya’s largest trading partner and source of imports.

Tourism resources

With its rich tourism resources and eased visa policy for foreign visitors, Kenya has become a popular destination for Chinese tourists. Thairu said KQ is partnering with several Chinese airlines on interline agreements, ground operations, and code sharing. It has been recruiting Chinese-speaking cabin crews to better serve the expanding market.

After visiting Beijing to attend the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2006, Thairu has been to cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou and Changsha, and was amazed at how modern those cities are.      

Source:  PD.  

Tourists visiting Kenya to be charged Sh20 for tree planting.

Every tourist visiting Kenya will soon be charged Sh20 for buying tree seedlings.

Dr Alfred Mutua, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, made the revelation on May 9.

Speaking during a reception hosted by the Australian High Commissioner to Kenya, Jenny Da Rin, to announce plans by an Australian tourism company, Intrepid, to expand in East Africa, Dr Mutua said his ministry was working on a framework that would see each tourist charged Sh20 for tree seedlings.

“Our plan as a government is that every tourist from any part of the world who visits Kenya will plant a tree. We are currently working on a plan through our ministry – the Tourism Board – where every tourist who comes into the country will be given a tree seedling to plant.

And we are saying that there will be a small fee of Sh20 charged to the tourist for the seedling. I think that’s a small fee for any tourist to part with. We want them to plant a tree and they can monitor it every time they visit Kenya. We want at least one tree per tourist,” Dr Mutua revealed.

Intrepid co-founder and chairman Darrell Wade unveiled the company’s plans to spread its tentacles in Kenya and East Africa.

Last year, Intrepid helped 5,000 travellers explore East Africa, and Wade says the company aims to increase that number through several strategies that will include deepening its vertical integration to expand into areas such as accommodation to increase its presence in key countries in the region – Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.

“East Africa is home to rich biodiversity and cultures. Through sustainable travel practices, visitors can engage responsibly with East Africa’s natural wonders and leave a positive footprint for generations to come.

Tourism activities must emphasise responsible practices that protect habitats and wildlife while supporting culture and promoting sustainable livelihoods within communities. Balancing economic growth with environmental and social concerns is critical, as is educating travellers about responsible behaviour and promoting community involvement in tourism planning and management,” said Wade.

Speaking at the reception, the new Australian High Commissioner, Jenny Da Rin, noted that more than 22,000 Australians visited Kenya in 2023.

“Our tourism-dependent communities here and in Australia rely on visitors for jobs and economic activity. It’s in our interest that Kenya and countries in Africa provide a safe and secure destination for Australians who want to come here. They have a good experience, and that helps them understand Africa and the links between our countries,” Da Rin said.

Since arriving in December, Da Rin says she has held talks with the Kenyan government about how the two countries can strengthen ties in mining, services, education, agriculture, health and tourism.

“To support these efforts, the Australian government has moved the Africa headquarters of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, Austrade, to Nairobi and Australia’s Trade Commissioner for Africa – Scott Morriss – is now based here.

Source: NTV Kenya.

Intrepid Travel marks Kenya as part of its expansion plan

Australian adventure travel company­– Intrepid has Kenya on its cards in its ambitious expansion plan, as it targets to go into accommodation.

The firm, which prides itself as a responsible tourism company,  has announced plans to expand its operations in East Africa as part of its global ambition to double its global customers, with  target of achieving revenues of over $1 billion (Sh131.5 billion).

Intrepid, the world’s largest adventure travel company and leader in responsible tourism, currently employs 30 office staff and 120 local trip leaders in the region, and each year operates 450 trips supporting almost 5,000 travellers to explore East Africa.

Intrepid Co-Founder and Chair, Darrell Wade was in Kenya on a special visit last week, to meet with key stakeholders and to highlight the importance of sustainable and responsible tourism.

 Intrepid plans to deepen its vertical integration to expand into areas including accommodation and to grow its presence in key countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.

Plans are in place to opportunities in lodges, camps and beach property, Darrell said.

This, as Kenya’s international tourist arrivals are projected to grow to 2.2 million this year from the 1.95 million recorded last year, as the picks from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Earnings from the sector are expected to hit Sh359.1 billion this year and further increase to Sh396.1 billion next year.

Over the next 10 years, Africa’ tourism sector is set to grow by over five per cent annually, with Kenya and her East African neighbours expected  to tap a significant number in arrivals and revenue.

“We plan to invest in East Africa’s accommodation space in the next one to two years, as we target to have multitude accommodation investments by 2030,” Intrepid Co-Founder and Chair, Darrell Wade said.

 “East Africa is home to a rich biodiversity and culture. Through sustainable travel practices, visitors engage with East Africa’s natural wonders responsibly, leaving a positive footprint for generations to come.”

According to Wade, tourism activities must emphasise responsible practices that safeguard habitats and wildlife while supporting culture and promotion of sustainable livelihoods within communities.

Key challenges include overdevelopment leading to habitat destruction, strain on local resources, cultural commodification, and carbon emissions from transportation.

The firm plans to cut carbon emissions by half in the medium-term.

“Balancing economic growth with environmental and social concerns is crucial, alongside educating travellers about responsible behaviours and fostering community involvement in tourism planning and management, ”said Wade.

During a media briefing by the firm, Tourism CS Alfred Mutua said Kenya is keen to tap Australian tourists.

“We have not really marketed Kenya in Australia. We have a lot of marketing to do but the plans are in place,” he said.

Australian High Commissioner to Kenya Jenny Da Rin challenged Kenya to tap the huge potential in the Australian market, where travellers made nearly 10 million international trips last year, all over the world.

According to Deloitte’s Tourism Market Outlook, Australia’s outbound travel is expected to increase to 11.6 million this year, and grow to 13.1 million by 2026.

Australian travellers spent $60 billion(Sh7.9 trillion) on trips overseas in 2022-23.

“ We are spending more and staying longer than travellers from Europe, Canada and the US. Over 22,000 Australians visited Kenya last year making Australia one of the most improved source markets. Kenya needs to tap more this market,” Da Rin said.

Meanwhile, Intrepid plans to continue with its support for the local communities the Intrepid Foundation, which has raised more than $15 million (Sh1.9 billion)for communities around the world since 2002.

 In Kenya, the Intrepid Foundation works with Patinaai Osim to create sustainable livelihoods in Kajiado County for communities ravaged by impact of climate change.

They also support the East Africa Wildlife Society, which focuses on anti-poaching initiatives in various conservancies within the larger Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Source:  The Star

Tracing the ascendancy of African aviation and air cargo

Africa’s aviation and air freight sectors are experiencing a remarkable upswing, propelled by the continent’s economic expansion, urbanisation trends, and increasing global trade links. Projections indicate the African air transport market will see 5.7% annual growth over the next 20 years, surpassing worldwide averages. While challenges like insufficient infrastructure, connectivity gaps, and regulatory disparities exist, initiatives to enhance air cargo capabilities and catalyse regional integration are gaining momentum to harness Africa’s immense prospects.

The African aviation and air cargo industry is undergoing a remarkable renaissance, fueled by rapid economic growth, urbanisation, and the continent’s increased integration into global trade networks. As more Africans embrace air travel and businesses look for efficient logistics solutions, the sector is on track for unprecedented growth, resulting in a new era of connectivity and opportunity across the continent.

According to a projection by the World Bank, African economies are expected to grow by 3.4 in 2024. While a data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the African air transport market is projected to grow by 5.7% annually over the next two decades, outpacing the global average growth rate of 4.6%. This growth is fueled by a burgeoning middle class, robust economic development, and the continent’s vast untapped potential.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has recently announced that global air cargo demand continued its robust growth for the fourth consecutive month, with Africa experiencing significant expansion in March 2024, The IATA figures show that African airlines saw a 14 % year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in March 2024.

The growth in air cargo demand, particularly in Africa, has been influenced by various factors. According to IATA, the moderate increase in global cross-border trade and industrial production has contributed to the growth in air cargo demand. The rise in e-commerce activity has also played a significant role in boosting air cargo demand globally, including in Africa.

Furthermore, a notable shift from sea freight to air freight has been observed, especially for cargo moving from the Middle East to West Africa, as shippers opt for air freight to avoid the longer sea route. This longer sea voyage has become necessary due to the ongoing crisis in the Red Sea region, forcing ocean carriers to reroute their ships around the Cape of Good Hope instead of transiting through the Suez Canal. As a result, shippers are turning to air freight as a more timely alternative for cargo bound to West African ports from the Middle East.

Source: Logistics Update Africa.

Industry Makes Progress to Reduce Baggage Mishandling, New Survey Reveals

Reykjavík – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today released a global progress report on the implementation of baggage tracking. Focused on IATA Resolution 753, which requires tracking baggage at acceptance, loading, transfer and arrival, the survey of 155 airlines and 94 airports reveals that:

44% of airlines have fully implemented Resolution 753 and a further 41% are in progress.

Regional variation in airline full adoption rates vary from 88% in China and North Asia, to 60% in the Americas, 40% in Europe and Asia-Pacific, and 27% in Africa.

75% of airports surveyed have the capability for Resolution 753 baggage tracking.

Airport preparedness for Resolution 753 varies by size*: 75% of mega airports are capable, 85% of major airports, 82% of large airports and 61% of medium airports.

Optical barcode scanning is the dominant tracking technology implemented by the majority of airports (73%) surveyed. Tracking using RFID, which is more efficient, is implemented in 27% of surveyed airports. Notably, RFID technology has seen higher adoption rates at mega airports, with 54% already implementing this advanced tracking system.

“Between 2007 and 2022 baggage mishandling reduced by nearly 60%. That is good news. But travelers expect better; and the industry is determined to make further improvements. Tracking bags at acceptance, loading, transfer and delivery will give the industry the data it needs to improve. Tracking reduces overall mishandlings and helps airlines reunite mishandled bags with their owners even faster. With 44% of airlines already fully implementing Resolution 753 tracking and a further 41% in progress, travelers can have even more confidence that their bags will be at the carousel on arrival,” said Monika Mejstrikova, IATA Director Ground Operations.

In 2022, the global rate of mishandled bags was 7.6 per 1,000 passengers, according to SITA. The majority of these were returned within 48 hours.

Accelerating Modern Baggage Messaging

Resolution 753 requires airlines to exchange baggage tracking messages with interline partners and their agents. The current baggage messaging infrastructure depends on legacy technologies using costly Type B messaging. This high cost adversely affects the implementation of Resolution 753 and contributes to issues with message quality, leading to an increase in baggage mishandling.

IATA is leading the industry’s transition from Type B to modern baggage messaging based on XML standards. The first pilot to test modern baggage messaging between airport and airlines is planned for launch in 2024.

“Adopting modern messaging is the equivalent of implementing a new standard, intelligible language for use by airlines, airports, and ground handling staff so they can effectively communicate about passenger luggage. In addition to helping reduce the number of mishandled bags implementation also sets the stage for ongoing innovations in baggage management systems,” said Mejstrikova.

Background

IATA resolution 753 was adopted by June in 2018. In 2024, IATA launched a campaign to assist airlines with the implementation. The campaign focuses on collecting data on the implementation status of airlines and providing support to member airlines to develop and execute their implementation plans. This initiative underscores IATA’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiencies and standards across the industry.

*Airport size classification:

Medium: 5-15 million

Large: 15–25 million

Major: 25–40 million

Mega: >40 million

Source:  Tourism News Africa.  

Kenya unveils platform to woo more tourists from China.

Kenya is looking to grow the number of tourists from China while building more interactions between Africa and the Asian country.

This is through the newly launched Kenya-China tourism service platform that seeks to directly link Chinese travelers to the Kenyan tourism market.

The platform was announced on Friday during the China-Africa culture and tourism promotion and cooperation fair in Nairobi.

The summit also sought to deepen industry cooperation and enhance people-to-people exchanges.

Speaking at the event, deputy director general of Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism Shang Bin, reiterated that China seeks to organize further cultural and tourism enterprises to conduct  matchmaking negotiations and sign agreements on project cooperation.

“We want to also build a bridge of friendship between China, Kenya and Africa at large to boost the tourism sector figures,” Bin said.

China is Kenya’s sixth biggest tourism source market internationally,  contributing 5.5 per cent of total international tourist.

Last year’s annual tourism sector performance report shows arrivals rose from 1.5 million in 2022 to 1.9 million in 2023, a 31.5 per cent increase.

From January to August this year, visitor arrivals from China grew by 154 per cent, translating to 34,638 visitors, up from 13,601 recorded in the same period last year.

Kenya Tourism Board chairman Francis Gichaba commended the new strategy saying the country is keen in growing the partnership between Kenya and the Asian market to develop on what Kenya has already established.

“Kenya’s safari experience, rich cultural heritage like the Maa, Turkana derby and the camel derby, unique landscapes and snow caped mountain, beaches around the coast  line, whale migration and the fact that it is the origin of humans are some of the  tourist attractions that we have to leverage on in attracting the Chinese travelers,” Gichaba said.

“We are bringing in the media, tour operators to come and experience the  destinations, we are also in a digital world and we are using social media to expand the visibility and awareness of the market.”

He added that the country is in a continued recovery journey, coming from the Covid-19 pandemic, and is looking into the future in positive prospect.

The fair was part of the inaugural China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE).

Source: The star

KQ resumes flights to Kinshasa after detained staffer released.

Kenya Airways Monday announced the resumption of flights to Kinshasa after an employee who had been detained there was released.

KQ Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka reiterated their staff are innocent in the saga that led to the suspension of flights to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“We want to reiterate that our employees are innocent and were only carrying out their duties in strict adherence to the laid-out procedures. We stand by their innocence and will continue to support them.”

“With the necessary ground support in place, we are pleased to announce that Kenya Airways will resume flights to Kinshasa on 8 May 2024. We look forward to serving our valued customers once again,” he said.

The suspension of the flights to DRC had badly affected many operations in the country.

The Kenya Airways employee who had been detained by the Democratic Republic of Congo Military Intelligence Unit was finally freed on Monday after a two-week detention.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei made the announcement Monday evening after negotiations.

According to the PS, Lydia Mbotela, a KQ manager working in the DRC, was released after negotiations facilitated by Kenya’s Military Attaché and Charge d’affaires.

“Deeply grateful to inform that Lydia Mbotela, KQ Manager in DRC, has just been released by the authorities in Kinshasa,” Sing’oei wrote on social platform X on Monday.

“I commend the team at our Mission: our Military Attaché, the FRO and the Charge d’affaires, for this incredible work of negotiating our compatriot’s release.”

Kilavuka said the two were apprehended by the Military Intelligence Unit in Kinshasa for “missing customs documentation on valuable cargo.”

Kilavuka, on the other hand, faulted Kinshasa authorities for arresting the duo, claiming that they were being held in violation of a court order and that the cargo in question had not been uplifted or accepted by KQ.

As the situation deteriorated, KQ suspended its flights to Kinshasha, stating in a statement that it was unable to provide its services effectively without its employees.

The KQ boss thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi for the release.

It has emerged the borne of contention was about USD8 million that was to be flown to Kenya from DRC, according to investigators.

The money belonged to a bank.

But the money allegedly went missing from the airport before it could be admitted into the airline as cargo and before the military officials arrived.

This prompted the move to detain the two workers.

Kinshasa gave in to the demands to release the workers before the flights were resumed even as the investigations into the claims went on.

The security officials there suspected the money was being used to fund resurgence there.

Source:  The Star.   

Africa’s Travel Trailblazers To Converge at KATA’s “Make the Connection” Catalytic Convention

By – Bryan Obala.

The stage is set, and the anticipation is palpable as the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) – Africa’s most vibrant and influential travel association – prepares to host its highly anticipated Annual Convention and AGM. With the theme “Make the Connection,” this year’s event promises to be a game-changer, solidifying KATA’s position as a trailblazer in shaping the continent’s travel landscape.

As the countdown begins, the industry is abuzz eagerly awaiting an opportunity to connect, innovate, and unlock new frontiers in the ever-evolving travel sector. KATA’s unwavering commitment to championing critical issues, such as Open Skies policies and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), has cemented its reputation as a force to be reckoned with, driving progress, and fostering collaboration among like-minded stakeholders.

Fresh from the success of last year’s “New Normal, New Thinking” convention, which guided the industry through the turbulent waters of the COVID-19 pandemic, KATA once again stands at the forefront, leading the charge towards a more resilient and future-proof travel ecosystem. This year’s “Make the Connection” theme encapsulates the association’s vision of forging alliances, bridging gaps, and connecting people, businesses, technologies, and ideas to unlock unprecedented growth opportunities.

The anticipation surrounding this landmark event is palpable, as industry players eagerly await the chance to engage with thought leaders, experts, and peers, exchanging insights and best practices on topics that will shape the industry’s trajectory. From exploring post-pandemic economic strategies to harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and prioritizing mental health in the workplace, the convention promises a rich tapestry of knowledge and inspiration.

As the countdown continues, corporate institutions and partners are lining up, recognizing the immense value of aligning with KATA’s vision and leveraging the convention’s platform to upscale their presence, forge meaningful connections, and tap into the burgeoning travel trade market.

With its finger on the pulse of the industry, KATA’s “Make the Connection” convention is poised to be a resounding success, igniting excitement, and sparking a wave of innovation that will reverberate across Africa’s travel landscape. Brace yourselves for an unforgettable experience, where connections are forged, ideas are ignited, and the future of travel takes flight.

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