Advanced Distribution Capabilities: Transforming Business Travel Across Africa

The business travel industry is undergoing a major transformation, driven by the demand for more efficient, dynamic, and customer-focused distribution systems. At the forefront of this evolution is New Distribution Capability (NDC), which is reshaping how travel services are accessed and delivered. For African travel agents, hoteliers, and travel management companies (TMCs), these advancements provide an opportunity to address existing challenges, improve efficiency, and unlock new revenue streams.

Today’s corporate travelers expect a seamless booking experience, complete with diverse inventory, dynamic pricing, and personalized options. From loyalty-based promotions to tailored room preferences and flexible payment methods, the demand for intuitive and comprehensive platforms is growing rapidly. Yet, many TMCs struggle with “leakage”, where travelers book outside preferred channels due to limited inventory, poor user experiences, or insufficient payment solutions. In some programs, leakage rates reach as high as 50%, underscoring the need for better systems to retain traveler trust and enforce corporate compliance.

The Role of Advanced Distribution Capabilities

Advanced distribution systems are redefining how inventory is accessed and utilized, streamlining the business travel ecosystem. These systems allow TMCs to overcome traditional limitations by offering more comprehensive solutions to travelers.

Key Features of Advanced Distribution Systems:

  1. Expanded Inventory Access
    TMCs can now provide a full range of options, including corporate rates, loyalty-based discounts, and promotional offers, all within a single platform. By eliminating the need for external consumer channels, these tools increase traveler confidence in preferred booking paths.
  2. Enhanced Personalization
    Travelers increasingly expect booking options tailored to their preferences, such as room types, add-ons like breakfast, or loyalty perks. Attribute-based shopping empowers hoteliers to deliver these customized experiences, boosting satisfaction and driving additional revenue.
  3. Seamless Payment Solutions
    Payment challenges remain a pain point in business travel. Modern systems integrate virtual payment options and global transaction strategies, simplifying processes for travelers and reducing administrative burdens for TMCs.
  4. Centralized Multi-Sourcing
    By aggregating content from GDS, OTAs, and direct hotel connections, these platforms create a centralized hub for rates and availability. This reduces booking fragmentation, improves compliance, and simplifies reporting for corporate buyers.

Opportunities for Hoteliers

For African hoteliers, these advancements present opportunities to enhance revenue and competitiveness. By leveraging dynamic pricing for room attributes and bundled services, hotels can optimize revenue while creating more engaging booking experiences. Additionally, direct connections to intermediaries like DerbySoft reduce reliance on third-party platforms, cutting distribution costs and improving inventory control.

Loyalty integration also plays a critical role, as modern tools enable hotels to extend loyalty benefits at the point of booking, strengthening relationships with customers and boosting program enrollment.

Challenges and Collaboration

While these innovations offer immense potential, challenges persist. Many African hotels still operate on fragmented technology stacks, with outdated property management systems (PMS) and central reservation systems (CRS). Additionally, unlike the airline industry, where NDC adoption has been standardized, the hotel sector struggles with inconsistent implementation. Collaboration across TMCs, hoteliers, and technology providers is essential to overcome these barriers.

A Path Forward for Africa’s Travel Industry

For the African travel industry to thrive, stakeholders must prioritize traveler-centric experiences, invest in cutting-edge technology, and foster partnerships that align with operational goals. By embracing advanced distribution capabilities, they can not only improve efficiency and personalization but also integrate sustainability initiatives and duty of care for corporate clients.

These advancements are reshaping the future of business travel, offering unparalleled opportunities for innovation and revenue growth. African travel agents and hoteliers must adapt now to remain competitive in an evolving market, leveraging tools that enhance both traveler satisfaction and operational success.

Source: Travel news africa

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Visits to Dubai up 9% YOY, with 18.72 million int’l visitors in 2024

DUBAI — Dubai welcomed 18.72 million international overnight visitors from January to December 2024, a 9% year-over-year increase that surpasses the previous record of 17.15 million in 2023, according to data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

Impactful local and international partnerships, creative and targeted global campaigns, and major events were among the key contributing factors that drove Dubai’s tourism sector to another record-breaking year in 2024.

Key infrastructure projects include the expansion of the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

“Dubai’s remarkable tourism performance in 2024 reflects the sustained commitment and strategic efforts of our extensive network of partners and stakeholders,” said His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai). “Our market strategy, built on bespoke and diversified campaigns, has been pivotal in showcasing Dubai’s diverse tourism offerings to the world, and we have leveraged strong partnerships with private and public sector organizations and individuals to enhance our global reach and promote Dubai as a leading hub for business, leisure, and innovation.”

He added: “As we aim to build on this momentum throughout 2025, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of service and continuously innovating to exceed expectations, whether for tourists visiting for the first time, or for loyal repeat guests and residents exploring the city and enjoying its lifestyle offerings.”

NEW OPENINGS SPUR HOTEL SECTOR PERFORMANCE

Dubai’s hotels contributed significantly to the city’s performance. Spurred by a series of high-profile new openings – including, but not limited to, One&Only One Za’abeel, SIRO One Za’abeel, and The Lana Dorchester Collection – Dubai’s hotel inventory at the end of December 2024 comprised 154,016 total available rooms across 832 establishments, compared to 150,291 rooms at 821 establishments in 2023.

The pipeline of new properties includes the upcoming Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab and the Mandarin Oriental Downtown.

Performance on key hotel metrics remained strong in 2024, with average occupancy for the hotel sector growing to 78.2%, up from 77.4% in 2023, and occupied room nights rising to a high of 43.03 million, representing 3% growth compared to 41.70 million in 2023.

PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGNS & EVENTS

Supported by key stakeholders and partners, DET’s creative global campaigns and in-market activities highlighted the city’s multi-faceted touristic appeal and kept Dubai top-of-mind for international tourists.

Global campaigns in 2024 included ‘Dubai, What’s Not To Love?’, which positioned the city as a destination of choice for winter. The latest campaign, ‘If You Go, You Know’, featured Dubai’s residents showcasing their favourite parts of the city.

Dubai’s unique gastronomy scene is a big driver for tourism, with thousands of establishments, from local hidden gems to internationally renowned brands.

Also of note, Dubai is among the top five safest cities in the world with a safety index of 83.7, according to findings revealed by Numbeo’s mid-2024 Safety Index by City rankings.

Some of the city’s biggest events in 2024 included the eighth edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, which attracted a best-ever 2.7 million participants, and the Dubai Shopping Festival, which celebrated its 30th edition.

Trade shows, industry exhibitions and MICE sector events attracting thousands of visitors and exhibitors in 2024 included GITEX Global, with 200,000 attendees, the highest in its 44-year history, as well as and Arabian Travel Market (46,000 attendees). Consolidating the city’s position as the world’s leading meetings destination, Dubai last year secured the hosting of 437 future events, driven by Dubai Business Events (DBE), part of DET and the city’s official convention bureau.

WHAT’S NEXT

Work has started on the new AED128 billion passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), which will be the largest in the world when fully operational and will ultimately enable the airport to handle a passenger capacity of 260 million annually.

Aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and supporting initiatives to transform Dubai into a ‘20-Minute City’, Dubai Metro’s Blue Line extension will stretch 30 kilometres, connect 14 stations and serve an expected population of about one million people.

DET is also actively engaging with investors and operators in the hospitality space, to explore opportunities to bring more brands and offerings into the city, further diversifying the range of options available to visitors and residents, and across new and developing districts, including Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai South.

Dubai will also continue to leverage innovation and new technologies like AI and VR to create personalized and immersive experiences for new and repeat visitors. The Visit Dubai mobile app uses AI to offer tailored recommendations, while virtual tours allow tourists to explore attractions before their trip. AI is also being used for biometric hotel check-ins and automated immigration processes at DXB.

Source: Travel week

South Africa Readies for Meetings Africa 2025

As the clock ticks down to the 19th edition of Meetings Africa (MA) 2025, South Africa is poised to host what promises to be a transformative gathering for the global business events sector.

Scheduled to take place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from February 25 to 26, this prestigious event, organised by South African Tourism in collaboration with Gauteng Tourism Authority, Johannesburg Tourism Company, and the Sandton Convention Centre, is set under the theme of “Africa’s success built on quality connections”.

At the recent media launch held at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille underscored the significance of this event in bolstering the African business events industry.Expand article logo  Continue reading

“The objective of shows like Meetings Africa is to ensure that Africa gets its fair share of this business events market.

“In the same spirit, Meetings Africa 2025 will highlight the economic benefits of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry, positioning the event as a driver of investment, innovation, and job creation throughout Africa,” De Lille stated.

Source: msn.

Zambia Launches Study to Harness MICE for Tourism Sector Growth

The Ministry of Tourism, in partnership with the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR), has launched a groundbreaking study titled “Harnessing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) for Zambia’s Tourism Sector Growth.” 

This research explores the vast potential of MICE tourism in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and positioning Zambia as a leading business tourism destination in Africa.

MICE tourism plays a crucial role in diversifying Zambia’s tourism beyond leisure travel. Its ability to attract high-value business travelers, stimulate infrastructure development, and enhance global visibility presents a strategic opportunity for Zambia’s economic advancement. 

The study highlights the potential for Zambia to tap into a sector that is projected to reach $1.44 trillion globally by 2025. In the past two years alone, Zambia has seen a 67.5% revenue increase from MICE activities.

At the study launch, Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, expressed the government’s commitment to unlocking the full potential of MICE tourism in Zambia. “Zambia has the capacity to become a preferred destination for international conferences and business events. 

This study provides a blueprint for improving infrastructure, streamlining policies, and attracting investment to strengthen our competitiveness in the global MICE market,” Sikumba said.

He urged stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector, and development partners, to collaborate in implementing the study’s recommendations. By harnessing MICE tourism, Zambia can achieve sustainable growth, boost foreign direct investment, and create a more resilient tourism sector.

Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) Interim Executive Director, Mr. Zali Chikumba, emphasized that the study serves as a roadmap for the nation’s tourism strategy. It offers clear guidelines for attracting more MICE activities and boosting economic growth. 

Chikumba noted the importance of aligning Zambia’s natural assets with global MICE trends to position the country as a premier business tourism destination in Africa.

Source: Efficacy News

African Union Pushes for Visa-Free Travel to Boost Regional Integration

The 38th African Union (AU) Summit has brought the call for a visa-free Africa to the forefront, with leaders, policymakers, and business stakeholders urging governments to dismantle travel barriers that hinder the continent’s economic growth and integration. The African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have jointly emphasized the need for accelerated action to remove visa restrictions, which continue to obstruct intra-African trade, labor mobility, and innovation.

Speaking at the High-Level Strategic Dialogue on Accelerating Visa-Free Movement for Africa’s Transformation on February 12, AU officials highlighted the contradiction between Africa’s vision of regional integration and the reality that many Africans still require visas to travel within the continent. Ambassador Albert Mudenda Muchanga, AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals, stated, “We cannot talk about a united Africa if Africans themselves cannot move freely within their own continent. It is time for our governments to evaluate what has worked and what has not worked”.

The Africa Visa Openness Index, a collaborative effort by the AfDB and AUC, has consistently revealed slow progress in easing travel restrictions. While countries like Rwanda, The Gambia, Seychelles, Benin, and Ghana have embraced visa-free policies, many others remain restrictive. Over 50% of African nations still require visas for most African travelers, creating significant barriers to labor migration, business, and trade.

Nnenna Nwabufo, Vice President for Regional Development at AfDB, stressed that achieving an integrated Africa requires “bold leadership and collective commitment to dismantle visa barriers.” Similarly, Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, underscored the importance of aligning free movement with trade facilitation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that “goods do not move themselves; people move them”.

To accelerate progress, the AU and AfDB have launched the 2025 Visa-Free Roadshow, a campaign aimed at engaging policymakers, businesses, and civil society to promote visa liberalization. The initiative will showcase success stories, highlight economic benefits, and push for political commitments to break down travel barriers. This effort aligns with the AU’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a borderless Africa.

As the AU Summit continues, the push for visa-free movement remains a critical topic. Leaders are being urged to translate policy commitments into concrete actions, with the overarching message being clear: free movement of people is essential for Africa’s prosperity. By removing visa restrictions, the continent can unlock its full potential, fostering economic growth, innovation, and unity.

Source: Travel News Africa

Kenya Targets Australian Market with New Tourism Campaign

Kenya is stepping up efforts to unlock the potential of the Australian travel market as part of a strategic push to boost international arrivals.

Speaking during a high-level engagement with tourism stakeholders and media in Melbourne, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Rebecca Miano, underscored the immense growth opportunities in the Australian market and highlighted the longstanding historical ties between the two nations.

“Australia has always been a valued tourism partner for Kenya, and we are eager to re-engage with Australian travellers, making up for lost time during the Covid-19 pandemic. With our unparalleled wildlife, breathtaking beaches, and rich cultural heritage, Kenya is ready to deliver the unforgettable and authentic experiences that Australian travellers seek,” CS Miano stated.

In 2024, Kenya welcomed 27,396 Australian visitors, a number the CS is optimistic will significantly increase as the country strengthens its tourism links with Australia.

As part of her visit to key Australian cities, CS Miano will hold discussions with leading tour operators, and interact with the Kenyan diaspora community. She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to showcasing Kenya’s diverse tourism offerings, tapping into Australia’s growing appetite for travel experiences that encompass culture, cuisine, wellness, wildlife, and adventure.

“We want to captivate the Australian market with the magic that is Kenya. Whether travelers seek adventure, relaxation, or meaningful cultural connections, Kenya has something special to offer. Our discussions with tour operators will focus on making travel to Kenya seamless and irresistible for Australians,” she added.

The Kenyan diaspora remains a crucial pillar of the country’s tourism agenda, and the CS’s engagements in Australia align with the “Ziara Kenya: One Diaspora, One Tourist” campaign. This initiative seeks to rally the diaspora community to serve as ambassadors for Kenyan tourism, encouraging more Australians to visit.

Australia ranks 6th globally in international tourism expenditure, with Australians spending over USD 41.4 billion annually on outbound trips — a market Kenya is keen to tap into.

CS Miano also took the opportunity to commend the Kenya 7s rugby team for their recent participation in the Perth 7s tournament, noting the event’s role in enhancing Kenya’s visibility on the global stage and boosting the country’s growing sports tourism sector.

“As we continue to market Kenya’s diverse tourism offerings, sports tourism will remain a key focus. The electrifying reception and appeal of our Kenya 7s team at the Perth 7s showcased our country’s sporting excellence while also serving as a powerful platform to drive interest in Kenya as a travel destination. Such impactful showcases by our sports ambassadors help place Kenya on the global map, inspiring tourism growth,” she remarked.

With renewed focus and strategic partnerships, Kenya is positioning itself as a top destination for Australian travellers, promising a vibrant mix of adventure, heritage, and world-class hospitality.

Source: Voyages Afriq

African executives urge policy shift to unleash coastal tourism potential

Realizing the full potential of Africa’s coastal tourism demands policy and legislative reforms to attract investments required to establish supportive infrastructure such as paved roads, electricity, clean water, and sanitation, executives said Thursday.

Convened by Africa’s Green Economy Summit and ESI Africa, an information dissemination firm, the virtual forum brought together policymakers, industry executives, and fund managers to explore innovative ways to unlock investments in the continent’s blue and green economies.

Coastal tourism in Africa is projected to surpass 100 billion U.S. dollars in value by 2030, creating 28 million jobs, noted Victor Shitakha, board chairman for Kenya Coast Tourism Association.

According to Shitakha, 80 percent of Africa’s tourism is concentrated in coastal towns, necessitating the urgency to conserve marine ecosystems, improve visa issuance to foreign visitors, revamp road networks, and ease access to critical services like health and banking.

“We need to fast-track implementation of open skies policy in the continent, harmonize travel, conserve beaches even as we engage key actors like divers, tour guides, and artifacts traders to make our coastal areas attractive to tourists,” Shitakha said.

In 2024, Africa received 92 million or 6 percent of the 1.5 billion tourists who traveled around the globe, Shitakha said, stressing the need for the continent to diversify tourist products to boost arrivals.

Africa’s coastal tourism holds the key to accelerating economic growth, creating new jobs for the youth, and enhancing the continent’s resilience in the face of climate change and geopolitical tensions, said Abel Sakhau, chief sustainability officer at Sanlam Group, a financial services group headquartered in South Africa.

Sakhau emphasized that fiscal incentives are key to unlocking foreign and domestic capital flow into Africa’s coastal tourism, stimulating the growth of start-ups aligned with the sector.

Judy Kepher-Gona, founder and executive director of Sustainable Travel and Tourism Africa, a consulting firm based in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, said the sector’s resilience hinges on investors’ willingness to adopt green ethos, upskill the workforce, and diversify to culture and heritage.

Investors should empower local custodians of scenic attractions while forging partnerships with regulators to improve governance in the tourism sector, Kepher-Gona said. 

Source: Standard Media

Cabinet endorses plan to raise duty free import limit

The increased duty-free import limit to Sh250,000 from Sh50,000 aims to enhance passenger experience at JKIA

  • Previously, travellers complained about having their goods seized for exceeding the Sh50,000 threshold.
  • Changes also include exempting all African citizens from Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements and easing intra-African travel.

The Cabinet has endorsed a plan to allow travelers entering Kenya to enjoy an increased duty-free import limit of up to Sh250,000 from Sh50,000.

Previously, travelers complained about having their goods seized for exceeding the Sh50,000 threshold.

Under the plan, passengers bringing goods for personal use valued at up to Sh250,000 will no longer be required to pay customs duties.

A dispatch said the Cabinet endorsed a comprehensive plan to enhance passenger experience at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by streamlining operations and bolstering security.

“Security screening at JKIA will be enhanced through risk-based profiling, ensuring only flagged bags undergo manual inspection in a dedicated screening room, reducing delays and improving efficiency,” the dispatch said.

It said changes also include exempting all African citizens from Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements and easing intra-African travel.

To further expedite travel, the Cabinet announced that the number of immigration booths and staff will be doubled, while E-Gates will be introduced to eliminate long queues and speed up clearance.

“Accountability measures will also be strengthened with new monitoring technology deployed to oversee airport staff and mandatory uniforms with visible name tags required for all agency employees and retail concessionaires,” the dispatch added.

The Cabinet further announced that JKIA infrastructure will also undergo major upgrades, including modernised baggage handling systems, improved stormwater drainage and access roads, the installation of covered walkways, enhanced air conditioning, and clearer signage.

“Meet-and-greet services will be strictly regulated, ensuring only licensed facilitators operate within the airport to enhance security and order. These measures take immediate effect, reinforcing JKIA’s position as a leading aviation hub by improving efficiency, security, and overall passenger experience,” the statement added.

Cabinet also approved several host country agreements, reinforcing Kenya’s role as a regional hub for international organisations.

These include agreements with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, Save the Children International, Shelter Afrique Development

Bank, Oxfam International, Norwegian Refugee Council, and Population Services International, among others.

Additionally, Cabinet approved the ratification of an agreement with Singapore to eliminate double taxation and prevent fiscal evasion, further strengthening Kenya’s global trade and investment ties.

Cabinet also endorsed Kenya’s hosting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), underscoring the country’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation and economic diplomacy.

Source: The star

Air France Resumes Flights to Tanzania After 28 Years

Air France.png

Air France has resumed operations to Tanzania after a 28-year hiatus, introducing three weekly flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) with a stopover in Zanzibar. The route, serviced by the Airbus A350-900, operates every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, offering 34 business class, 24 premium economy, and 266 economy seats. This strategic move aims to accommodate the rising number of French tourists and business travellers exploring Tanzania’s renowned attractions, such as Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, while also tapping into the growing tourism potential in Zanzibar.

The resumption of this route strengthens links between France and Tanzania, with France currently ranked as one of the top European markets for Tanzanian tourism. Kilimanjaro International Airport continues to serve as a vital gateway to the northern safari circuit, bolstering its role with ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including a parking expansion project. Additionally, French tourists have shown active engagement with local communities, including a recent donation of $4,000 from a French group to refurbish Bashay Primary School in Karatu. Air France’s return plays a key role in expanding connectivity to East Africa, fostering both tourism and local development.

Source: ATTA