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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source : ConnectingTravel.com

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

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

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

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

Roaming Trends: Inbound vs. Outbound

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

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

Connectivity and Infrastructure Improvements

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

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

Roaming Costs and Regional Integration Efforts

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

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

A Win for Telcos and the Economy

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

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

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

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

Source: Techweez.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Standardmedia.co.ke

Renegade Air has officially launched its new ATR 42-500 aircraft service, introducing scheduled flights between Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and Kisumu, alongside flights to Wajir and on-demand charters. The move marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s domestic aviation space, bringing with it enhanced convenience, efficiency, and comfort for both business and leisure travelers.

Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) CEO, Mr. Nicanor Sabula, attended the launch event in support of the airline’s expansion efforts. KATA welcomed the development as a strong step forward in improving regional air connectivity, which is crucial for boosting domestic tourism, trade, and the overall travel ecosystem.

“This is a significant milestone for us and the aviation industry at large,” said Mr. Patrick Oketch of Renegade Air. “We are proud to be at the forefront of domestic aviation innovation, offering a comfortable, reliable, and efficient travel experience aboard this new-generation aircraft.”

The ATR 42-500 is a 48-seater turboprop aircraft designed for maximum comfort and performance. Key features include:

• Enhanced legroom with 48 extra-comfortable seats
• A 35-minute flight time from Nairobi to Kisumu
• A quiet, soundproofed cabin
• Fuel-efficient and sustainable operations
• Advanced avionics for improved safety and reliability
• A spacious cabin layout ensuring a relaxing travel experience

The new Nairobi–Kisumu route will operate twice daily, with the morning flight departing Wilson at 0700hrs and arriving in Kisumu at 0735hrs. The return leg departs at 0800hrs and lands back in Nairobi at 0835hrs. The afternoon flight leaves Wilson at 1645hrs, arrives in Kisumu at 1715hrs, and returns at 1800hrs, arriving in Nairobi at 1835hrs.

With operations set to commence midweek, Renegade Air’s entry into these key routes reflects its commitment to supporting Kenya’s domestic travel infrastructure while maintaining a high standard of service, safety, and sustainability.

KATA continues to champion such advancements in domestic aviation, recognizing that improved accessibility across the country is vital to inclusive growth within Kenya’s travel and tourism industry.

Booking is now open through your KATA-certified travel agent here, ensuring a smooth and professional reservation experience.

For more information or booking assistance:
📧 res@flyrenegadeair.com
📞 0111 038 900

Kenya Airways has officially started flying directly to London Gatwick, marking a new chapter for the national airline. This new route from Nairobi adds to their growing network and is expected to perform well financially.

According to Kenya Airways’ top managers, they believe this Nairobi–Gatwick route could start making profits in less than a year. With the addition of this new service, Kenya Airways now operates 10 flights to London each week.

Passengers boarding the Boeing 787-8 for the first Gatwick flight may not have realized how important this journey was. Kenya Airways says the new route adds around 700 extra seats for travellers, boosting their overall passenger capacity.

So why was Gatwick chosen? Julius Thairu, the airline’s Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, explained during the 2025 KATA AGM & Convention that London is already one of their biggest revenue sources, contributing over 10% of the airline’s total earnings. But beyond revenue, he emphasized the importance of making that income profitable.

Speaking at the launch event, Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka said the Gatwick route would help move more cargo, increasing their freight capacity by nearly 40%. This means goods can travel faster between Kenya and the UK, opening more doors for Kenyan exporters.

Government leaders also welcomed the move. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said he was hopeful the route could soon grow into a daily service, up from the current three flights per week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

“This is the kind of strategic growth we want to see from Kenya Airways, adding strong routes that support expansion and bring profits,” said Chirchir.

Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, added that aviation plays a key role in the country’s economy, contributing 3.1% of Kenya’s GDP and supporting 46,000 jobs. She said creating more flight opportunities like this one is essential for the industry’s and the country’s growth.

The first flight took off in Nairobi and, after about eight and a half hours, landed at London Gatwick. It carried 171 passengers, marking the beginning of what the airline hopes will be a successful and long-running service between the two cities.

Source: Kenya Airways

Across the globe, travel expos have become cornerstone events for networking, product showcasing, and destination marketing. From renowned global showcases like ITB Berlin, World Travel Market (WTM) London, and Arabian Travel Market, to Africa’s own Africa’s Travel Indaba, Sanganai/Hlanganani in Zimbabwe, and Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE), these platforms bring together industry stakeholders under one roof. In Kenya, such expos continue to grow in impact, offering a vibrant space for local and international brands to engage meaningfully with trade partners and consumers alike.

The idea of having exhibition booths in an open space or even a hall, each promoting their business, seems like another market day. Over the years, travel expos have morphed into intimate spaces that allow for conversations, stronger connections with the brand, and ultimately, loyal clientele. They are themed to serve a certain need, and all exhibitors align their products to meet that need. It has become almost impossible to attend an expo with a specific need and leave without a solution, as they have become more targeted.

The primary purpose of an exhibition in every industry is brand positioning and boosting sales. It is a marketing strategy that seeks to engage directly with potential clients while collecting one-on-one feedback from them to curate personalized products or solutions, or to make existing products better serve their needs.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) is among the organizations that have embraced the idea of impactful exhibitions in the travel and tourism space. In addition to partnering with like-minded organizations such as Houston Marketing, which recently held the Nairobi Spotlight Expo, and Sarit Expo Centre, a key player in hosting sector-focused events, the association has found a way of blending its signature events with a touch of exhibition. The just-concluded 2025 AGM & Convention held at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort in Mombasa brought this out perfectly.

Having a stand or an exhibition booth is one thing, but getting visitors is another. In travel exhibitions, motivations to visit a stand vary from acquiring information about a product to buy, fishing for special or discounted deals, being attracted by the booth’s aesthetic design, being familiar with the brand, or simply wanting to connect with the exhibitors.

As a sales promotion opportunity for exhibiting partners, KATA made an effort to ensure that at least 75% of the delegates at the 2025 KATA AGM & Convention visited the booths. The association designed a special card to be signed by exhibitors after a visit. Delegates then dropped the completed card into a raffle bowl to win special prizes. While there are obvious gaps in this strategy, it ensured that the booths did not remain empty.

Exhibitors included Sarova, Delta Airlines, Swift Response, Tbo.com, Triply.co, Mira Heights, Sapphire Hotels, Telvoip, Vipingo Development, WebBeds, Kenya Airways, TAAG Angola Airlines, Visa, Jambojet, Skyward Airlines, Amadeus, Flightlink, The Route Stop, White Star Cruise & Travels, Nucore, The Tour Designers, Tengesi Collection, NBCAIG Insurance, and Mira Heights. They appreciated the forum as a well-curated space for direct engagement, lead generation, and brand exposure. With increasing specialization and targeted experiences, travel expos are fast emerging as the next big thing in tourism marketing.

_{By Felix Wakiuru}