Travelport Launches New Ai-Powered Search Feature

Travelport launched on Wednesday an artificial intelligence-powered search feature that the global travel retail platform said will help agencies find “the perfect” trip match for travelers from among billions of options.

The Content Curation Layer (CCL) will use both AI and machine learning to provide a range of retail ready results by sorting through multi-source content that’s been aggregated. In turn, it provides search results at a faster rate than the average response time of an airline search, the company said.

“Travelport’s role in the increasingly complex travel industry is to take millions of pieces of disparate information and make it simple for both travel agencies and providers to understand, search, sell and service,” Travelport CEO Greg Webb said. “We believe AI and machine learning are powerful tools to do just that.”

The new tool will be on the Travelport Plus platform, which launched in 2021 as a unified platform to replace the company’s three legacy global distribution systems.

“The [CCL] will allow travel agencies to provide travelers the right range of normalized, enriched, bookable content at speed, via a singular search screen,” Webb added. “Used for all content sources … the CCL allows agents to compare apples to oranges in an apples-to-apples way.”

A key feature of the new tool, the company said, is the Content Optimizer, a Travelport Plus product that gives clients more control over content including NDC and traditional content. Agents can also use the Content Optimizer to refine search results, boost revenue optimization and fine tune content choice to prevent overload.

“Our travel agency partners know their travelers well, and Content Optimizer gives agencies the ability to set their own rules and customize the type of results that are prioritized,” Webb said. “This innovative product offers agencies more control of their content, with the support of AI to save agencies more time and money.”

Travelport made headlines in March for layoffs for agility purposes.

“Travelport is focused on driving revenue growth while operating as efficiently and effectively as possible,” Katie Cline, global head of external communications for Travelport, said in an email at the time.

The company’s move came after funding news in December, which bolstered its position with a $570 million investment.

Source: PhocusWire.  

Over 300 African BASAs compromised – IATA

Africa’s aspiration for a unified air transport market is facing significant obstacles as a recent analysis carried out by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reveals a major roadblock: the poor implementation of the existing Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs).

The study examined 607 BASAs across Africa and found that more than half are not being fully implemented by governments across the continent causing African Airlines to continue struggling with fragmented skies. BASAs are agreements that govern international air travel between countries, and they establish rules for designated airlines, including access to major airports. These BASAs are meant to regulate air traffic between countries, but their weak enforcement has continued to hinder the development of a strong internal air transport network.

The lack of compliance thwarts the plans for the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), an initiative designed to remove restrictions on airline traffic rights across the continent by simplifying air travel regulations. The initiative has the potential to unlock economic growth through increased trade and tourism but the current situation with BASAs paints a worrying picture.

IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi, recently raised serious questions about the commitment of African governments to SAATM, saying in a recent statement that existing agreements aren’t being properly implemented.

“The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) seeks to liberalise civil aviation across the continent by removing restrictions on traffic rights for African airlines. SAATM provides Africa with a ready-made mechanism to drive economic growth, but few governments have taken the steps needed for its implementation. Moreover, an IATA analysis of 607 bilateral air service agreements (BASA’s) in Africa revealed limitations on the development of intra-Africa connectivity because the implementation of over half of these agreements was being compromised.

“Non-compliance of by African governments BASA’s is a major obstacle to achieving seamless regional connectivity and growth in the African aviation sector. To develop economy-boosting intra-Africa connectivity, Africa’s governments must back SAATM with actions,” Alawadhi said.

Domestic operators push for BASA renegotiations

In Nigeria, the situation is peculiar. Domestic airlines say that the BASAs signed by the country in the past have been unfair to them and unfavorable to industry. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had earlier visited the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, where they presented a detailed proposal on steps the current administration should take to reengineer the sector.

The AON in its presentation to the minister argued that domestic airlines have not been well-represented in past negotiations, leading to huge revenue loss to the nation.

They said it was totally wrong to sideline domestic airlines when signing BASAs, saying the development has favoured the foreign operators who dominate the market.

“Bilateral (BASA) and Multilateral (MASA) Air Services Agreements are premised on the principle of Reciprocity. It typically provides for applicable conditions to designated airlines, typically include provisions for operations out of host country’s primary airport(s). Domestic airlines have not had major contributions in previous negotiations and the lack of domestic representation has resulted in huge capital flight and side-lining of the AON membership,” AON said.

The airlines advocated for a reversal to the air service agreements to create a more balanced environment that benefits domestic airlines and better reflect the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) principles, particularly reciprocity, which means airlines from each country get similar benefits. It also said that agreements should encourage investment in domestic airlines and their expansion into international markets.

The AON further proposed a restriction of foreign rights, which is the cancelation of extra freedoms (like carrying passengers beyond their destination) granted to foreign airlines and encourage them to codeshare with domestic airlines instead.

It said: “Renegotiate existing BASA’s & MASAs in line with the provisions of SAATM, with emphasis on the principle of reciprocity to encourage increased investments in the sector. There should be immediate cancellation of all existing 8th & 9th freedom rights allocated to foreign airlines operating within the country and encourage such carriers to codeshare with domestic airlines.

“We call for the immediate renegotiation of all existing BASA’s & MASAs in line with the provisions of SAATM, with emphasis on the principle of reciprocity in favour of domestic airlines aspiring to expand operations into the international and sub-regional markets. Constitute a committee with membership drawn from key industry stakeholders, headed by IATA to review and update the industry civil aviation policy document in line with global standards and trends, and develop an industry 15-year strategic development plan for Implementation.”

Source:The Sun.

Food Tourism is Dubai’s Next Sector to Watch, Here’s Why

Dubai is more than just big malls and shiny hotels, and its maturing restaurant sector proves that.

Earlier this month, the third edition of Dubai’s Michelin Guide was announced, a lavish, government-sponsored affair constructed to show the world Dubai means business when it comes to food. It was held at the One&Only One Za’abeel — a government-owned five-star hotel.

In fact, the entirety of Michelin in Dubai is effectively a government project. Dubai Tourism brought the Michelin Guide to the city in 2022 as the emirate sought to tap into gastronomic tourism for the first time.

For this year’s Guide, 106 restaurants made the list, with 15 having one-star distinctions and four restaurants given two stars. Dubai is yet to have its first three Michelin-star restaurant.

These 106 restaurants now serve as neat marketing tools for Dubai Tourism as it looks for new ways to pull travelers into the city.

In the UNWTO’s Second Global Report on Gastronomy Tourism, it suggested that food tourism should be placed “as a horizontal layer of … destination marketing and product development strategies instead of a vertical one.” Ideally, the report suggests that food experiences should be integrated within other experiences, and not “treat[ed] as a standalone product.”

Globally, Skift data In 2019 showed 98% of US respondents traveled for food, 42% of those did so for food as the main purpose of their trips.

Gastronomic tourism is one of Dubai’s newest branches of travel, and one the city is immensely focused on nailing. For years, luxury hotels and high-end shopping got all the attention of travelers. Dubai restaurants have recently been featured on Netflix as well.

Dubai boasts around 13,000 restaurants, and this year was declared by Time Out as the ninth-best city in the world for eating. Dubai Tourism’s own Gastronomy Report puts Dubai as the global capital of food (obviously) but the data set was 2,000 people already living in Dubai.

A Different Marketing Approach

Importantly, while Michelin itself tends to shine a light on high-end venues, Dubai’s focus on gastronomic tourism as a whole shows the city maturing and moving away from its reliance on promoting only luxury hotels and malls to tourists.

In the words of tourism CEO Issam Kazim, “Dubai is a victim of its own success.” The emirate pushed hard in the 2000s and early 2010s to build some of the most spectacular modern monuments in the world: The Burj Al Arab, the Burj Khalifa, and the Atlantis to name a few.

At Skift India Summit 2024, Kazim said: “We are a victim of our own success to a degree. The Burj Al Arab made us a sought-after destination, but people thought they couldn’t afford it. Yes, Dubai caters to high-end, but that doesn’t mean we don’t cater to all budgets.”

However, these locations led many to label Dubai as an unaffordable, overly-luxurious destination. In 2024, a wave of hip, new restaurants are changing the face of the city, showing tourists and locals the culture without breaking the bank.

Local restaurant company EATX is one such firm looking to showcase Dubai through its food spots. EATX Chief Operating Officer Nick Comaty told Skift: “I used to work in Miami, in New York and in Europe for a bit, but I think Dubai is the most competitive in terms of restaurants.”

“A lot of people who aren’t familiar with Dubai or moving here for the first time or visiting for the first time just have a surface-level idea but restaurants now are a lot more nuanced. Dubai itself is a multi-ethnic city. A few years ago, many people would just go to the malls in Dubai and think they’ve done everything. Now, restaurants are adding in so many new experiences into the city.”

A “Vegas Flair” in Dubai

According to Comaty, Dubai is a mixture of many major US cities when it comes to its food scene, including the “Vegas flair” you may find on the Strip.

He said: “Food is a driver for Dubai nowadays, people come here for the restaurants. It’s a mix of New York, Miami, and Vegas. Dubai has that fast pace, it has things happening all the time like New York; then it has the beaches of Miami; and then there’s that Vegas flair in terms of entertainment.”

A New Image

Comaty reflected: “In many ways, Dubai is already a gastronomic tourism destination. Dubai is in the top ten globally when it comes to dining. Hopefully one day it will be top three.”

“Dubai has multiple layers and that’s what people need to know. It’s not only the bling bling city. The rapid maturing of restaurants is helping change that image.”

Source: Skift.

Tourism boom as wildebeest migration roars.

It is all systems go for this year’s wildebeest migration at the Maasai Mara National Reserve as hotels experience up to 95 percent bookings.

A spot check by The Standard has revealed that investors are hopeful of reaping big from the phenomenon after devastating floods that wreaked havoc on some camps and lodges along rivers.

The peak season runs from July to September every year when millions of wildebeests spectacularly cross from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya.

The spectacle attracts thousands of international and local tourists who book hotels and camps around the game reserve for the golden chance to watch the world’s eighth wonder.

The animals have to crisscross the Mara River several times in different spots where crocodiles prey on them.

This forms one of the highlights of the migration as the animals fight to cross the river in one piece.

Women selling beads at the Sekenani gate – the main entrance to the Mara- and artists are also reaping huge from foreign and local tourists.

“We are already reaping the fruits of the high season, as tourists have increased in number.

‘‘I now sell beads worth between Sh7,000 and Sh15,000 a day,” said Nayiarei Noonkipa.

The management of the reserve said they are expecting more than 100,000 tourists to witness the migration this year, which is to start by mid-July.

Mara Chief Park Warden Stephen Minis, on Saturday, said the number of tourists had increased tremendously in the past few weeks, and according to hotels inside and outside the reserve they are recording booming business.

Sarova Mara Camp General Manager Jane Kiragu is upbeat that the bookings were impressive despite challenges the tourism industry was facing locally following heavy rains that swept some tented camps and persistent demonstrations against the government.

Speaking to The Standard over the weekend, Kiragu said the hotel has 75 tents entry-level tents, 20 deluxe tents, 20 club tents and family tents, which are two-bedroomed, all fully booked for the next three months.

Kiragu said the experience in the hotel for their clients will be different as they are upscaling their tourism products and improving their tents to give their clients the experience of a lifetime.

“In Sarova, we are 95 per cent fully booked, and we are expecting more visitors.

‘‘We are currently trying to improve club tents, which are the hotel’s high-end tents, and the experience is quite different,” said Kiragu.

She said the difference is in the high-end tents since the hotel has introduced a private dining area dubbed ‘Olchani’ with a great experience in a woody area overlooking a little lake beside it, an open fireplace, a private heated swimming pool and a Jacuzzi.

According to their bookings, they have clients from all over Europe, with citizens of Spain, Britain, Germany, Dubai, India, and domestic market travellers.

Source: Standard Media.

Ethiopian Airlines Claims Skytrax’s Best Airline in Africa Title for Seven Years in a Row

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline group in Africa, keeps its top spot as the Best Airline in Africa and three other categories at the 2024 SKYTRAX World Airlines Award held in the UK. Ethiopian took the crown for multiple other prestigious accolades with the Best Airline in Africa title for seven consecutive years. 

Ethiopian has been honored with the titles for:

  • Best Airline in Africa for seven years in a row,
  • Best Business Class in Africa for six years in a row,
  • Best Economy Class in Africa for six years in a row,
  • Best Economy Class Onboard Catering in Africa.

Sending his congratulatory message on the award, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO said: “We are pleased to have proudly received the prestigious Skytrax World Airlines 2024 award for the seventh consecutive year. At Ethiopian Airlines, our unwavering dedication to customer-centric innovation has been pivotal to our success. We remain at the forefront of the aviation industry by continually adopting cutting-edge technology to elevate our passengers’ experience.”

Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said, “We congratulate Ethiopian Airlines on winning this top award as Africa’s Best Airline for a seventh successive year and this level of consistency is a fabulous achievement that the Ethiopian Airlines management and staff should be very proud of.”

The World Airline Awards are wholly independent and impartial, introduced in 1999 to provide a customer satisfaction study that is truly global. Travelers across the world vote in the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey to determine the award winners. The awards are referred to by media around the world as “the Oscars of the aviation industry”.

These accolades, from the reputable SKYTRAX World Airlines Award, showcase our commitment to sustainability in our business and the services we provide. They are dear prizes from our esteemed customers through their vote of confidence and an achievement realized through the hard work of all employees throughout the Ethiopian network.

                                  Together, We Can Achieve More!

Read more https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/aa/shebaSkyConnect

With 14 Weekly Flights to Choose From, You Can Fly To Dubai At Your Convenience With Kenya Airways

Shopping. Beaches. Food. Dessert drives. Water Adventures. Culture. Architecture. Business…the allure of Dubai is unending, and Kenya Airways has made travel to Dubai convenient for customers by providing 14 weekly flights.

Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, the Kenya Airways flight schedule is conveniently crafted to get you there on time. If you prefer a night flight to get you there on time to start your activities early morning or if you prefer a morning flight to ensure you settle and catch up with your appointments in the afternoon, KQ has a wide variety of flights for you to choose at competitive fares.

In response to demand from guests, Kenya Airways has flights to Dubai from two cities in Kenya i.e. Nairobi and Mombasa providing guests with the option to depart from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi or Moi International Airport, Mombasa. With 11 weekly flights from Nairobi to Dubai and 3 weekly flights from Mombasa to Dubai, Kenya Airways offers direct flights to ensure guests' needs are catered to.

That’s not it. KQ ensures an elevated customer experience and satisfaction by using the Airbus A332 & Boeing B737 on this route which are renowned for space and increased passenger comfort. The choice of aircraft also ensures that guests traveling for business or trade have enough baggage capacity.

Why choose Kenya Airways as your travel partner of choice? Kenya Airways promises unmatched professional hospitality with an African touch from friendly crew and gives guests a chance to earn redeemable Asante Reward points every time they choose Kenya Airways.

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IATA Wings of Change Focus Africa: Speakers highlight role of aviation in improving connectivity, economic growth

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), on the first day of its Wings of Change Focus Africa conference, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, emphasized the need for African governments to take advantage of a strengthening aviation sector to maximize its benefits for economic and social development across Africa.

During a media briefing at the event, IATA senior VP for sustainability and chief economist Dr Marie Owens Thomsen described Africa as “hitting below its weight in terms of the global economy”.

She pointed out that, despite being home to about 18% of the world’s population, Africa contributes only about 3% of global GDP.

She added that improved connectivity, including through aviation, could go a long way in driving higher growth on the continent.

“Poor connectivity definitely equals poor economic outcomes.

“If we adopt aviation, and all forms of connectivity as a proper growth strategy, then we have a completely different picture of radical collaboration on this continent,” she said.

IATA Africa and the Middle East regional VP Kamil Al-Awadhi added that the Single African Air Transport Market, which is aimed at liberalising civil aviation across Africa, provides the continent with a “ready-made” mechanism to drive economic growth.

He noted, however, that few governments have taken the steps needed for its implementation.

“Non-compliance of bilateral air service agreements by African governments is a major obstacle to achieving seamless regional connectivity and growth in Africa’s aviation sector,” he said.

Meanwhile, Al-Awadhi also pointed out that African airlines were likely to earn a collective net profit this year for the second consecutive year.

He noted, however, that the anticipated $100-million profit translates into just $0.90 per passenger, pointing out that was below the global average of $6.14 per passenger.

IATA’s Focus Africa initiative seeks to provide a strategic framework to address the continent’s most pressing issues, paving the way for a robust aviation sector that can significantly contribute to Africa’s economic and social development.

“The path ahead is quite clear . . . We have to work together in a collaborative manner. We can overcome the obstacles before us and realize the full potential of Africa’s aviation.

“This is not just about transport. It’s about unlocking the future of the continent. Let us commit to this vision for the benefit of Africa’s nations, economies and people,” said Al-Awadhi.

Source: Engineering News.  

Air Seychelles, Air Austral launch interline agreement for Seychelles-Reunion travel

Air Seychelles and Air Austral have established an interline agreement, specifically a Special Prorate Agreement (SPA), allowing customers to travel between Seychelles and Reunion via Mauritius on a single ticket. This agreement follows Air Austral’s decision to cancel their nonstop route between the two islands, prompting discussions with Air Seychelles to maintain service continuity.

Air Seychelles currently operates between Seychelles and Mauritius three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays offering passengers a range of dates to plan their holidays and connections.

Example of a one-way trip from Seychelles to Reunion via Mauritius

• Departure from Seychelles at 9.30am hrs arriving into Mauritius at 12.05pm

• Departure from Mauritius at 2.45pm hrs arriving into Reunion at 3.30pm

Example of a one-way trip from Reunion to Seychelles via Mauritius

• Departure from Reunion at 1.15pm hrs arriving into Mauritius at 2pm

• Departure from Mauritius at 5.05pm hrs arriving into Seychelles at 7.40pm

“Air Austral is pleased with this partnership with Air Seychelles. It was important for us to be able to offer an alternative travel to the Seychelles to our passengers. It’s a destination we know is particularly appreciated by the Reunion islanders and which we hope to be able to resume, as soon as the financial and operational situation will allow it, in agreement with our authorities.” Said Joseph Brema, Chairman of the Management Board of Air Austral.

“It is a pleasure for Air Seychelles to be able to intervene and offer an alternative bridge between Seychelles and Reunion at a time when it was most needed. We look forward to a long and fruitful cooperation,” shares Sandy Benoiton, chief executive of Air Seychelles.

Customers’ baggage will also be checked in to their final destination.

Source: Zawya.  

AirAsia X expands with new route to Nairobi, Kenya

AirAsia X (AAX) has announced a new route to Africa, connecting Singaporean travellers to Nairobi, Kenya, via Kuala Lumpur. The inaugural flight is scheduled for 15 November 2024, making AAX the only low-cost carrier in Malaysia to offer direct flights to Nairobi. This expansion follows a strong start to the year for AAX, with impressive financial results, high load factors, and regained market leadership.

Earlier in March, AAX also launched new flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, marking its first entry into Central Asia.

Connecting Asia to Africa

The Nairobi route is a crucial link in connecting Asia to Africa, fostering stronger trade, tourism and business ties within the region. AAX will also offer a seamless Fly-Thru connection, creating a vital link between Kenya and 130 destinations across Southeast Asia, Northern and Central Asia, and Australia providing affordable and convenient travel options for all while reinforcing its commitment to global connectivity.

Nairobi, Kenya, is renowned for its lush greenery, expansive grass plains, and abundant wildlife, attracting tourists eager to see the near-extinct Northern White Rhino and the Great Migration in Masai Mara. The city offers breathtaking skylines, thrilling safari experiences, vibrant nightlife, rich cultural heritage, and diverse culinary delights, making it a captivating destination for travellers.

Strategic vision for global connectivity

Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A says: “We are thrilled to announce a direct new route, bridging Asia and Africa. This milestone, coming on the heels of our 15th consecutive win as Skytrax’s World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, embodies our mission to connect the world affordably. This new route not only opens up Asia to Africa but also has the potential to strengthen ties in tourism, business and trade between the two continents.

“It marks the beginning of a new journey into Africa, and while our roots are in Asia and Asean, our dream has always been to make Kuala Lumpur a global low-cost carrier hub. This expansion brings us closer to that vision, giving us a solid footing to build global connections and opportunities.”

Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X adds: “Embarking on this new adventure into Africa is truly exhilarating, particularly in light of our significant growth trajectory earlier this year. This route presents excellent connectivity opportunities to other key markets we serve, especially in the Asean region.

“Travellers from Singapore can now journey more affordably to Kenya, with a convenient and smooth stopover in Kuala Lumpur. Kenya is a vibrant nation, home to millions of people and a rich tapestry of beautiful heritages and extraordinary sceneries. We look forward to further enriching the cultural and economic exchanges between these dynamic regions.”

Source:   Biz Community.

Jambojet Starts 4 Weekly Flights Between Zanzibar And Mombasa

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 2 – Jambojet yesterday began its first of four weekly flights between Zanzibar and Mombasa with an eye on tourists flying into the Tanzanian island.

The flights will depart from Mombasa to Zanzibar on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

“Our new route starts at 24,420 Kenyan shillings, (495,000 Tanzanian shillings) for a round trip,” Jambojet CEO Karanja Ndegwa said yesterday during the inaugural flight from Moi International Airport in Mombasa to Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA).

“As a leader in low-cost aviation, we pride ourselves on our competitive fares and extensive network, enabling more people to travel across East Africa This route  reflects our goal of making air travel accessible to everyone,” Ndegwa added.

The route will be served by a De Havilland Dash 8 400 aircraft capable of carrying 78 to 82 passengers.

The subsidiary added that the route also offers connections to Nairobi, Dubai, Frankfurt, Milan, and other destinations.

“On behalf of the Kenyan government, I am delighted to be part of today’s launch of this new route operated by our airline, Jambojet, from Zanzibar to Mombasa,” said Issac Njenga, Kenya’s Ambassador to Tanzania.

“This step is crucial not only in facilitating quick and affordable air travel but also in strengthening commercial, tourist, and cultural ties between Tanzania and Kenya,” Njenga added.

“By enhancing connectivity, we are fostering development along the East African coast.”

 Since it was started in 2014, Jambojet has served over 7.5 million passengers, accounting for more than 54 percent of the domestic air travel market share in Kenya.

The airline also flies to Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Lamu, Malindi, Diani, and Goma in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

“Mombasa is a key city for tourism in Kenya. “Jambojet is opening up many socio-economic opportunities for Zanzibar and Mombasa. We expect more tourists and traders to benefit from this affordable and fast direct flight,” said Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, Mombasa Governor.

 Source: Capital Fm