World Tourism Day: How Travel Management Companies Can Promote Justice and Peace in Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 18 – As we approach World Tourism Day, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the role Travel Management Companies (TMCs) play in fostering justice and peace.

TMCs Roundtable at KATA Offices: Industry leaders tackle travel sector challenges, brainstorm innovative solutions/ Photo Credits: Bryan Obala

This year’s theme encourages a deep and thoughtful examination of tourism’s impact on various global issues.

For Kenya, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, this reflection is especially pertinent. As the Managing Director of Hemingways Travel, I am excited to explore how these organizations can drive positive change by addressing migration, social equity, climate justice, diplomacy, and cultural preservation.

Kenya’s tourism sector is a significant economic driver, but it also brings complex challenges.

The influx of visitors can impact local communities in various ways, necessitating a focus on equitable benefit distribution.

Travel agencies should prioritize supporting local businesses, fostering fair employment opportunities, and advocating for policies that safeguard vulnerable populations.

By promoting local engagement and ensuring that tourism revenues are channeled back into the communities that host travelers, they can help bridge the gap between tourists and residents, fostering a more inclusive and equitable tourism model.

Hemingways has been at the forefront of supporting rugby in Kenya and has partnered with some institutions in assisting less privileged members of the society in Kenya with food and basic commodities.

As a TMC we have been championing carbon emission reduction by ensuring our clients have adequate information of the carbon generated on all of their travel activities together with possible offset mechanisms.

Furthermore, addressing migration issues is critical. In Kenya, migration from rural to urban areas can strain infrastructure and resources.

TMCs can contribute to easing these pressures by developing tourism initiatives in less-visited regions, thereby distributing economic benefits more evenly and supporting rural development.

Encouraging travel to diverse destinations helps balance the influx of visitors and stimulates growth in underrepresented areas.

Climate change poses a significant threat to Kenya, with its impacts felt through extreme weather events and environmental degradation.

We play a crucial role in promoting sustainability within the tourism industry.

By advocating for and implementing eco-friendly practices, supporting conservation projects, and educating travelers about responsible behaviors, these entities can contribute to climate justice.

We must lead by example, incorporating green practices into our operations, such as reducing carbon footprints and supporting sustainable transportation options.

Collaborating with local conservation organizations to create eco-tourism experiences allows travelers to directly contribute to environmental protection.

By making sustainability a core aspect of our business, travel services can help set a benchmark for the industry and drive meaningful progress toward climate justice.

Furthermore, addressing migration issues is critical. In Kenya, migration from rural to urban areas can strain infrastructure and resources.

TMCs can contribute to easing these pressures by developing tourism initiatives in less-visited regions, thereby distributing economic benefits more evenly and supporting rural development.

Encouraging travel to diverse destinations helps balance the influx of visitors and stimulates growth in underrepresented areas.

Climate change poses a significant threat to Kenya, with its impacts felt through extreme weather events and environmental degradation.

We play a crucial role in promoting sustainability within the tourism industry.

By advocating for and implementing eco-friendly practices, supporting conservation projects, and educating travelers about responsible behaviors, these entities can contribute to climate justice.

We must lead by example, incorporating green practices into our operations, such as reducing carbon footprints and supporting sustainable transportation options.

Collaborating with local conservation organizations to create eco-tourism experiences allows travelers to directly contribute to environmental protection.

By making sustainability a core aspect of our business, travel services can help set a benchmark for the industry and drive meaningful progress toward climate justice.

Travel businesses have a key role in developing tourism that celebrates and preserves local traditions rather than commodifying them.

We should work closely with local communities to create tourism initiatives that highlight and protect their cultural heritage.

This includes supporting traditional festivals, crafts, and indigenous practices.

By promoting authentic experiences and educating travelers about the importance of cultural preservation, we can contribute positively to the safeguarding of Kenya’s cultural richness.

In anticipation of World Tourism Day, it is crucial for TMCs to reaffirm our commitment to justice and peace through the following actions:

Promote Inclusive Tourism: Ensure that tourism benefits are shared fairly among local communities. Support local enterprises, create equitable job opportunities, and advocate for inclusive policies.

Champion Sustainability: Adopt and promote eco-friendly practices across our operations. Encourage clients to choose sustainable travel options and engage in conservation efforts.

Foster Diplomacy: Use tourism as a platform for cultural exchange and international understanding.

Facilitate respectful and meaningful interactions between travelers and local communities.

Preserve Cultural Heritage: Collaborate with local communities to develop tourism that respects and celebrates their cultural heritage.

Educate travelers on the importance of cultural preservation.

As World Tourism Day approaches, let us embrace this opportunity to reflect on and enhance our role in promoting justice and peace.

By addressing migration, social equity, climate justice, diplomacy, and cultural preservation, travel management companies can lead the way in creating a tourism industry that benefits all stakeholders and contributes positively to Kenya and the broader global community.

Together, we can harness the power of tourism to foster a more just and peaceful world.

Hemingways Travel Managing Director, Joseph Kithitu

Source:   Capital Fm.  

Fly in Style and Comfort to Dubai and Kinshasa on the Airbus A330-300 with Kenya Airways

Experience a new level of luxury when you fly to Dubai or Democratic Republic of Congo on the Airbus A330. Synonymous with comfort, relaxation and class, the Airbus A 330-300 is perfect for anyone looking for enhanced comfort as they travel. Guests can also enjoy our newly upgraded In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) selection featuring movies, shows and games.
Kenya Airways has deployed this luxurious aircraft on the daily flights to and from Dubai as well as to
Kinshasa, five times a week. It has a capacity of 46 business class flatbed seats for those who prefer tranquility and luxury and 203 economy class seats. The wide body provides ample space for belly cargo as well as overhead space.



Enjoy elevated comfort on your next flight to Dubai or Kinshasa with the Airbus A330-300.

Private sector’s role in developing Kenya’s niche tourism

Though better known for her iconic safaris and exquisite beach experiences, Kenya has huge untapped niche tourism potential awaiting exploration. Niche tourism—a preserve of adventure seekers looking for distinct experiences and enthusiasts of a range of thrills and penchants—presents an opportunity that Kenya’s tourism should consider veering into more intentionally. But which are Kenya’s most viable niche tourism offerings? Let’s consider six of the many.

Tembea Kenya

Cultural tourism can draw from Kenya’s vast traditional heritage with her close to 50 people groups. This form of tourism feeds off the curiosity of visitors desirous of immersions built around unique time-garlanded antiquity of such people as Waswahili or the Maa communities. That is not to say each community does not have its distinctive allures tenable for cultural tourism. Far from it! The best way of embellishing this particular niche of tourism is to include homestays and cultural tours. 

On eco-cum-conservation tourism, Kenya’s noteworthy biodiversity and keen commitment to conservation offer a reasonable foundation for eco-tourism. This niche enchants eco-conscious travellers who have a lot to sample in Kenya.

Adventure and sports tourism offers a low-hanging option for Kenya. Beyond our famed world-class athletes, marathoners and long-distance runners especially, Kenya is ripe for mountaineering, scuba diving, bird-watching, rock climbing, kite surfing and water rafting and more.

Kenya’s culinary diversity is excellent fodder for gastronomy tourism with her wide variety of flavourful dishes. Tourists can explore local food markets, take cooking classes and enjoy food tours that showcase Kenyan cuisine, from traditional delights to modern fusion dishes.

Kenya’s credentials as a travel hub with relatively good weather all year round makes for a perfect wellness and relaxation haven. From relaxation retreats to medical tourism, Kenya has what it takes to grow the wellness tourism niche.

Bird-watching tourism, is a rich niche tourism option for Kenya, courtesy of our diverse ecosystems that include wetlands, forests and grasslands where a wide variety of bird species dwell. Developing bird-watching trails, offering guided tours and promoting bird festivals can easily attract bird enthusiasts from around the world.

For niche tourism to thrive and attract good numbers, we need a strategic partnership with the private sector and feasible business models.

Private sector players are well placed to invest in accommodation facilities that are in sync with specific adventures tourists attracted by different niches would appreciate. For instance, hikers and bird-watchers are more likely to embrace camping sites with tented accommodation as opposed to tourists seeking medical tourism. This reality calls for thoughtfully designed facilities and experiences that offer entrepreneurs opportunities for investments. Transport is yet another area that the private sector can invest in to offer appropriate modes of moving tourists to their destination, be it in luxury vehicles of rugged carriages. Besides, for certain niche tourism experiences we need investors to set up such facilities as yoga studios, spas, botanical gardens, nature trails and so on.

It is one thing setting up niche tourism products but quite another telling the world what Kenya has on offer. Therefore, the private sector has its work cut out in marketing and branding so that tourists in all corners of the earth get the necessary information packaged captivatingly for uptake.

Ms Miano is the CS for Tourism and Wildlife

HOME

Source: Standard Media  

MALAYSIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER COURTESY VISIT TO KATA

We were honored to welcome the Malaysian High Commissioner, Amb. Ruzami Mohamad, for a recent courtesy visit, where we discussed some thrilling developments in the world of travel. As part of this meeting, the High Commissioner confirmed the exciting news that AirAsia is expanding its wings to Nairobi, with the introduction of a new direct flight from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur. This new route is a game-changer for Kenyan travelers and our member agents, offering numerous opportunities for expanding travel options and services.

From left to right: KATA Board Director Said Tahir, CEO Nicanor Sabula, Honorary Secretary Margaret Gitonga presenting the KATA Travel Agents Directory to Malaysian High Commissioner to Kenya Ruzami Mohamad, KATA Vice Chairman Hamisi Hassan, and AirAsia representatives from Kenya.
Photo credits: Bryan Obala.

Gateway to Asia Pacific

The launch of this direct flight doesn’t just reduce travel time and cost—it opens a door to a world of possibilities. Kuala Lumpur, a vibrant city known for its rich culture, towering skyscrapers, and world-class shopping, is now just a short journey away from Nairobi. But that’s not all. Kuala Lumpur serves as a key hub in Asia, connecting travelers to over 23 countries through AirAsia’s extensive network. This means that your clients can explore destinations like Thailand, Japan, South Korea, China, and beyond with ease, all from a single gateway.

Why This Matters to Our Members

The new route means more than just a new destination—it’s an opportunity to offer more diverse travel packages at competitive prices. With Kuala Lumpur as a starting point, your clients can now enjoy multi-destinations itineraries that are cost-effective and time-efficient. A flight that took over 19 hours is now going to be 9 hours, saving most of the travelers valuable time to maximize their leisure and business travel.

With Kuala Lumpur emerging as a financial and technological hub, your clients can now take advantage of more convenient travel for business meetings, conferences, and collaborations across Asia Pacific. This opens doors to new markets, expanding business travel services that our members can offer to corporate clients.

As always, KATA remains dedicated to ensuring that our members can capitalize on new opportunities and deliver exceptional experiences to travelers. We’re excited to see how this new direct route will help foster deeper connections between Kenya and Asia, and ultimately, drive growth in the travel industry.

Together with the Malaysian High Commission and AirAsia, we are excited to bring this new chapter in travel to life for all Kenyans. Get ready to help your clients explore Asia’s hidden gems, and let’s create unforgettable travel experiences!

Trips to Africa gain increasing popularity among Chinese tourists.

By virtue of its unique natural landscapes, cultural charm, and diverse tourism experiences, Africa has become a hot tourist destination for Chinese tourists. In recent years, there has been a continuous increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting the continent.

Surging bookings for African trips

Data from Chinese online travel service platform Ctrip show that from February to August this year, the number of Chinese tourists traveling to Africa has increased by about 1.2 times compared to the same period last year.

Statistics from Fliggy, another major online travel service platform in China, indicate that the booking volume for flights to Africa this year has nearly doubled compared to the same period last year, with flights to Egypt and Kenya experiencing the fastest growth rates of 236 percent and 167 percent, respectively.

An executive from Chinese online travel agency LY.com said that the average number of tourists traveling to Egypt per month between January and August this year increased by 200 percent compared to the same period last year.

In the past decade, the African tourism market has gradually become familiar to Chinese tourists, said Li Peng, an executive in charge of outbound long-haul business at Tuniu.com, also an online travel service provider in China.

The Chinese Lunar New Year holiday as well as winter and summer vacations are peak seasons for outbound travel, with a significant increase in demand for small-group and customized tours, according to Li Peng.

Li Mengran, the media and public relations manager of Beijing-based travel agency U-tour, said that the company’s services for tours of African destinations have seen a year-on-year increase of 30 percent to 35 percent in reservations. The summer vacation and September-October period have specifically seen increases, as they are the best times to witness the great animal migration in Africa.

The most visited African countries by Chinese tourists currently include Egypt, South Africa, Morocco, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Mauritius, and Ghana, according to statistics from Ctrip.

Unique, diverse tourism experiences

“The allure of African tourism lies mainly in the experiences of returning to nature and seeking adventure,” said Li Peng.

According to Li Peng, the main attractions in the Northern African region are cultural and historical sites and desert landscapes. Eastern Africa is characterized by its wild natural environment and natural wonders. The highlight of Southern Africa tourism experiences is high-quality leisure travel.

Tourists can explore ancient sites or enjoy their vacations at beach resorts in Egypt, immerse themselves in the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Morocco, visit the Sahara Desert, and feast their eyes on the South African’s rich and varied natural beauty, Li Peng said.

Watching the awe-inspiring animal migration in Kenya and Tanzania is one of the most popular activities among Chinese tourists, Li Peng noted.

Chinese tourists’ tourism experiences in Africa have become more diverse and immersive, said Li Mengran, pointing out in addition to the traditional destinations of South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt, tourists are traveling to more countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Seychelles, and Mauritius.

The average duration of Chinese tourists’ visits to Africa has extended from 8-10 days to 14-18 days, allowing them to not only explore deep into national parks but also try activities like wild camping, yacht trips, and dune bashing, Li Mengran said.

During this summer, China Tourism Group (CTG), a large travel company in the country, organized a trip to Tanzania for Chinese tourists, who witnessed the great migration of animals in the Serengeti Plain, admired the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, visited the clove flower sea of Zanzibar Island, and also learned about the culture of local tribes.

Promising prospects

Although the cost of African tourism is relatively high, Africa is increasingly becoming a must-visit destination for more Chinese tourists, said Yang Jingsong, director of the international research institute of the China Tourism Academy.

Travel agencies are introducing a variety of themed travel products and convenient services, which are gaining favor among Chinese tourists, Yang said. It is believed that tourism exchanges and cooperation between China and Africa will yield more fruitful results, he added.

The deepening tourism exchanges and cooperation between China and Africa will foster the development of diverse, personalized, and high-quality tourism products and services catering to travelers eager to explore Africa, said Li Peng.

With the steady development of China-Africa cooperation, Africa will attract the attention of more Chinese tourists, said Han Jie, president of China Youth Travel Service (CYTS) Aoyou Technology Development Co., Ltd.

Qin Jing, vice president of Ctrip, said that China and Africa are highly complementary in tourism, with Africa holding strong appeal for Chinese tourists.

She believes that tourism cooperation between China and Africa will reach new heights, contributing to economic and trade exchanges, people-to-people and cultural exchanges and development for both sides.

Source:   ATTA.

EAC boss Veronica Nduva pushes bloc to open skies to ease travel costs

The push to reduce the cost of air transport within East Africa has gained momentum with the East African Community submitting regulations to support liberalization of air transport.

The regulations highlighting how to leverage airfare, packing fees and other levies charged by airlines are to be submitted to the 19th Meeting of the Sectoral Council on Transport, Communication and Meteorology (TCM) for adoption next month.

East African airlines, Kenya Airways, Ugandan Airlines, Air Tanzania and RwandAir, sometimes charge fares as high as $800 dollar for a return ticket between Kigali and Zanzibar. This should be far less.

This month, a ticket between Kigali and Zanzibar was $380 for one-way flight, and $562 for a round trip.

The proposed guidelines are meant to reduce airfares, save time on connecting flights and ease movement of people and cargo within the region.

Veronica Nduva, EAC Secretary-General, told The EastAfrican that once approved air transport services in the region will be liberalized and the partner states will subsequently be negotiating under multilateral air service agreements.”

Without an open airspace regime in place, African countries have been relying on bilateral air services agreements, presenting the challenges of multiple negotiations with several countries.

“The liberalization of the air transport operations in the region is expected to lower fares, improve connectivity, stimulate demand for air travel and cargo and eventually support the expansion of air transport capacities in the region,” Ms. Nduva said.

The private sector in East Africa has raised concerns that it takes more than 24 hours to connect between capitals of EAC partner states, the same duration one would take to fly to Australia.

“I have once taken 24 hours to fly from Kigali to Zanzibar when, in 24 hours, I’d have moved from Arusha to Australia,” said Dennis Karera, vice-chairperson of the East African Business Council.

“In 2015, we were requested by the heads of state to present a study on the opening of the skies but, 10 years later, we are still discussing. This is one item we need to take back to the summit level and try to resolve.”

Liberalization could open new routes and more frequencies that would eventually shorten the flying time between cities.

Part of the reason air travel is expensive and cumbersome within the EAC, and the rest of Africa is the failure by countries to ratify and implement the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

SAATM, which is a flagship project of the AU Agenda 2063, is meant to create a single air transport market in Africa to advance the liberalization of civil aviation on the continent.

The SAATM was created to expedite the full implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision, which provides for the liberalization of scheduled and non-scheduled air transport services within Africa and aims at removing restrictions on traffic rights, capacity and frequency between city pairs.

It has precedence over any multilateral or bilateral agreements on air services between state parties and focuses on internal market liberalization and fair competition as key development strategies while also addressing safety, security and environment challenges.

Ms. Nduva said that EAC partner states have committed to fully implement the SAATM as part of the Common Market Protocol and in line with the ongoing efforts by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) to operationalize the SAATM on the continent.

“Three EAC partner states, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and Rwanda, have joined the SAATM. The remaining partner states have committed to finalize national consultations to join by December 2024,” the EAC boss said.

Tanzania has had the ratification on ice and has asked for more than five years to do so.

Uganda’s reluctance to join has been informed by a need to shield its national carrier from competition. But, early this year, Kampala changed its stance and is now keen to sign the SAATM “later in the year.” Authorities indicated that Uganda would join the open skies regime in the next financial year.

“We are left with approval by the Cabinet. Once that is done, we will be good to go,” said Fred Bamwesigye, director-general of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCCA) at a meeting in Kampala early this year.

To date, 34 countries have signed up to the SAATM, representing over 80 percent of the aviation market in Africa.

Uganda plans to improve the Entebbe Airport as well as build infrastructure such as the Kabalega International Airport, to support traffic numbers resulting from the liberalization.

Tanzania, on its part, has been expanding its fleet.

Liberalization would lead to increased air service levels and lower fares, which in turn would stimulate additional traffic volumes, facilitates tourism, trade, investment and other sectors of the economy.

Ethiopia’s pursuit of liberalization on reciprocal basis has contributed to Ethiopian Airlines becoming the largest and most profitable carrier in Africa.

Research has found that on liberal intra-African routes Ethiopians benefit from 10-21 percent lower fares and 35-38 percent higher frequencies, compared to restricted routes.

Source:The East African

Uganda Airlines launches new Zimbabwe route this month

Uganda Airlines is set to launch flights between Entebbe and Harare on 25 September, aiming to boost bilateral trade and tourism between Uganda and Zimbabwe. Chief Commercial Officer Adedayo Olawuyi highlighted the potential for increased trade and tourism, citing the lack of direct air links between the two countries. The airline will initially operate four flights covering Entebbe, Lusaka, and Harare.

The airline plans to expand its services to include Lusaka, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls, tapping into the high-traffic routes between Zimbabwe and Zambia. This move is part of Uganda Airlines’ broader strategy to grow its regional network.

Uganda Airlines also intends to transport cargo, capitalising on the volume of goods traded between the destinations. The carrier hopes to break even within 18 months of launching the new routes.

This expansion comes as Zimbabwe attracts over 20 foreign airlines, thanks to its growing economy, tourism sector, and open skies policy. Uganda Airlines plans to extend its reach to China and London by year-end.

Source: ATTA.     

Aviation workers’ strike impacts travel costing millions.

The brief strike at major airports in Kenya which disrupted international and domestic flights on Tuesday night, September 9, and Wednesday, September 10, left passengers stranded and cost agents and airlines millions.

The strike was triggered by objections to the government’s proposal to lease Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to an Indian company. Workers felt that jobs would be lost, and that control of a Kenyan asset would be lost by Kenya.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has commended both the Government and the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) for quickly resolving the impasse and agreeing on a return-to-work formula.

However, KATA emphasized that such industrial action, with its far-reaching consequences, should never have been allowed to occur in the first place. The strike’s impact has been devastating, with the travel industry facing significant financial and operational losses.

Preliminary estimates suggest that members of KATA lost over KES200 million (R27,9m) in air ticket sales alone, excluding rebooking fees and the costs incurred by airlines in accommodating passengers who missed their flights.

“When accounting for related services such as accommodation, ground transfers, and travel insurance, the total losses could easily exceed KES500 million (R69,8m). Some international airlines flew back empty, while others have indefinitely cancelled or rescheduled flights, further disrupting operations,” KATA said.

KATA highlighted that the frustration, anxiety, and distress caused to passengers have tarnished the reputation of Nairobi as a regional aviation hub.

“The strike’s impact on Kenya’s already fragile economy cannot be overstated. KATA calls on the Government to take decisive action to ensure that the underlying issues with the workers’ union are permanently resolved, preventing any future disruptions to airport operations. Kenya simply cannot afford another crisis of this magnitude.”

Source:   Travel News

Ethiopian Airlines Expands African Reach with a New Port Sudan Service

Ethiopian Airlines is delighted to announce the launch of a daily flight service to Port Sudan, Sudan, commencing on October 15, 2024. This strategic expansion further strengthens Ethiopian’s commitment to enhancing connectivity across the African continent and beyond, fostering regional socio-economic growth and facilitating trade and tourism.

The new route will provide seamless travel options for passengers traveling between Ethiopia and Sudan, as well as connecting travelers from across the vast Ethiopian Airlines network to this significant Red Sea port city. The introduction of this service underscores Ethiopian’s dedication to serving the evolving needs of the African market and contributing to the continent’s economic development. By connecting Port Sudan to its extensive global network, Ethiopian Airlines aims to unlock new opportunities for businesses, travelers, and communities, promoting cross-border collaboration and cultural exchange.

The inaugural flight, ET350, will depart from Addis Ababa at 11:00 and arrive in Port Sudan at 12:15. The return flight, ET 351, will leave Port Sudan at 14:15, arriving back in Addis Ababa at 17:30. Both flights will be operated by the state-of-the-art Boeing 737 Max aircraft, ensuring a comfortable and reliable journey.

“We are pleased to connect our Sudanese brothers and sisters from Port Sudan to Addis Ababa, and to the rest of the world using our extensive global network,” says Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “By introducing daily flights to Port Sudan, we are bridging cultures and economies. This expansion is a testament to our unwavering dedication to serve our continent and its people, driving progress and prosperity through the skies.”

With the inclusion of Port Sudan, Ethiopian Airlines expands its network to 66 destinations within Africa. The inauguration of this new route emphasizes Ethiopian Airlines’ dedication to broadening its presence throughout Africa, while simultaneously enhancing connectivity for both business and leisure travelers. Port Sudan, a city strategically situated along the Red Sea, acts as an essential center for commerce and economics in the region. This development offers a gateway to the diverse cultural history and burgeoning economic prospects of Sudan.

Ethiopian Airlines invites passengers to experience the warmth and hospitality of its newest destination, Port Sudan. Book your journey today and be part of the growth story that is Ethiopian Airlines – the New Spirit of Africa.

For detailed flight schedules and bookings, please visit our website.

(https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/et) or contact your local Ethiopian Airlines office.

About Ethiopian

Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is one of the fastest-growing airlines brand globally and the continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-eight years of successful operations, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and De Havilland Q400.

Ethiopian is also pursuing multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world. Ethiopian has been champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for seven consecutive years among others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has been registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years.

For more at: www.ethiopianairlines.com

https://corporate.ethiopianairlines.com/media/Press-Release

Contact us on: nbores@ethiopianairlines.com or nbocto@ethiopianairlines.com

Source: https://corporate.ethiopianairlines.com/media/Press-Release

CityBlue Hotels partners with National Museums of Kenya to launch night tours

The night tours will offer visitors an exclusive, after-hours experience, allowing them to explore NMK’s cultural treasures in an intimate and immersive way. The launch marks a significant milestone in enhancing the country’s cultural tourism offerings.

Speaking at the event, Jameel Verjee, Founder & CEO of CityBlue Hotels, emphasised the unique role NMK plays in preserving Kenya’s living cultural and natural heritage. “As CityBlue, we are proud to be part of NMK’s journey in heritage preservation. NMK manages a vast collection of regional museums, monuments, and sites of both national and international importance, and we are honoured to support the mission of contributing to the conservation and development of our nation’s rich cultural heritage,” he said.

Edwin Abonyo, Chair of NMK’s Board of Directors, expressed gratitude to CityBlue Hotels for their commitment to supporting heritage tourism. “CityBlue Hotels has been a steadfast supporter of NMK’s cultural initiatives. Their partnership reflects their dedication to enhancing the visitor experience, expanding NMK’s reach, and offering new opportunities for guests to delve deeper into Kenya’s heritage in a more engaging and intimate setting,” said Abonyo.

Abonyo also highlighted that this partnership will help reshape the perception of museums as places only for students.“Through this collaboration, we aim to reach a broader audience and offer dynamic cultural experiences. The partnership will focus on several areas, including the preservation and conservation of heritage, cultural exchange, educational opportunities, joint exhibitions, and revenue generation,” he added.

Prof. Mary Gikungu, Director General of NMK, also spoke at the launch, lauding the collaboration as a transformative step in NMK’s engagement with the private sector. “This partnership with CityBlue Hotels aligns with NMK’s mission to conserve Kenya’s cultural heritage and biodiversity. Together, we will create a unique experience for our visitors, and this collaboration will undoubtedly enhance NMK’s story,” she said.

Prof. Gikungu emphasised the exclusivity of the Museum Night Tours, designed to offer an uninterrupted exploration of NMK’s galleries, which include the Hall of Kenya, Great Hall of Mammals, Human Origins, Birds of East Africa, and the Contemporary Art Galleries, among others. Visitors will also experience the Cradle of Humankind gallery in an intimate setting.

Complementing the night tours will be refreshments and live entertainment featuring traditional cultural dancers, creating a vibrant Nairobi nightlife atmosphere at the museum. The tours will be available through advance bookings for groups of ten or more, providing a personalized experience.

In addition to the Museum Night Tours, NMK will continue to offer a variety of other services such as venues for hire for concerts, conferences, corporate product launches, weddings, photo sessions, and staff parties.

 Source:  Pulse