Safarilink, Kenya’s leading regional airline, has announced a limited-time promotional offer that is set to excite travelers across East Africa. From now until August 25, passengers can enjoy 10% off flights to twelve of the region’s most sought-after destinations, ranging from sun-drenched coastal retreats to world-renowned safari parks.

The campaign, aptly named AUGUST25, is designed to encourage both domestic and international tourism by making travel more accessible during the peak holiday season. With destinations spanning Kenya and Tanzania, Safarilink is offering discounted fares to Diani, Lamu, Malindi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Tsavo West, Lewa Downs, Samburu, Amboseli, and Zanzibar.

“This promotion is about celebrating the diversity of East Africa’s landscapes and cultures,” said a spokesperson from Safarilink. “Whether you are looking to unwind on the beaches of Diani, explore the spice markets of Zanzibar, or witness the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, we are making it easier and more affordable for travelers to experience it all.”

Each destination offers a distinct experience. Diani, Malindi, Lamu, Mombasa, and Zanzibar promise idyllic coastal escapes with white sands, coral reefs, and rich Swahili heritage. Maasai Mara, Tsavo West, Amboseli, Lewa Downs, and Samburu cater to wildlife enthusiasts and safari lovers, showcasing Kenya’s iconic big game and dramatic landscapes. Kisumu and Nairobi offer vibrant urban experiences, cultural attractions, and serve as key hubs for business and leisure travel.

Safarilink’s fleet of modern aircraft and its commitment to safety and service have made it a preferred choice for regional travel. The airline operates scheduled flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to all featured destinations, with flexible booking options available online and through its call centers.

To take advantage of the offer, travelers must book by August 25 using the promo code AUGUST25. Bookings can be made through www.flysafarilink.com or by calling the airline’s customer service lines.

As East Africa continues to position itself as a leading tourism destination, Safarilink’s promotion provides a timely boost for local economies, hospitality providers, and adventure seekers alike.

Harare, Zimbabwe, is set to host the 2025 AESATA Travel Agents’ Conference from October 2 to 3, 2025, at the Rainbow Towers Hotel and Conference Centre. The event, themed “Connect, Collaborate, Co-create,” will bring together around 250 delegates, including travel agents, industry leaders, and tourism stakeholders from across Eastern and Southern Africa.

Organised by the Association of Eastern and Southern Africa Travel Agents (AESATA), the conference serves as a premier platform for regional engagement, providing an opportunity to address shared challenges and build stronger intra-African tourism networks. AESATA unites national associations from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mauritius, and Botswana. Collectively, these member states work to address pressing issues such as regulatory changes, technology disruptions, and the need for harmonised service standards across borders.

The two-day program will feature panel discussions and interactive sessions focused on innovation, regional collaboration, and the evolving role of travel agents in shaping Africa’s tourism industry. Delegates will exchange insights on building resilient travel businesses, adapting to digital transformation, and unlocking opportunities for cross-border partnerships.

In addition to the formal discussions, delegates will enjoy a variety of cultural and networking activities. Packages include a welcoming cocktail, a two-day B2B-focused conference, and a Black Tie Gala Dinner. For those seeking an extended experience, a Victoria Falls excursion package will be offered, including return flights from Harare, airport transfers, accommodation at the Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel, a guided excursion of the iconic falls, and a cultural dinner at the Boma.

AESATA leaders note that the conference is more than just a gathering, it is a space for building trust and creating practical solutions for the future of travel in Africa. By promoting regional collaboration, the association hopes to strengthen intra-Africa travel, develop co-created tourism products, and enhance the global competitiveness of member states.

The 2025 edition in Harare promises to blend business with leisure, ensuring delegates leave not only with valuable industry connections but also memorable cultural experiences. With its focus on collaboration and co-creation, the conference is expected to further solidify AESATA’s role as a unifying voice for travel agents in Eastern and Southern Africa.

The debate over Africa’s aviation future is heating up as calls for an Open Skies Policy gain momentum. Advocates of liberalised air access argue that opening the continent’s skies to more foreign carriers would lower ticket prices, boost tourism, and make Africa more competitive globally. Yet industry experts caution that without proper safeguards, such policies risk undermining local airlines and deepening Africa’s dependence on international operators.

Africa’s aviation industry already struggles with structural inefficiencies. High operating costs, driven by expensive fuel, leasing charges and financing rates, make it difficult for local carriers to compete with international counterparts. Unlike airlines in Europe, the Middle East or Asia, African operators function in fragmented markets where protectionism and underinvestment restrict growth. Opening the skies without first strengthening local carriers would leave them exposed to stronger foreign airlines capable of dominating the market.

One solution under discussion is the consolidation of African airlines. By pooling resources, harmonising operations and building joint route networks, African carriers could achieve the economies of scale required to expand direct intra-regional services. This would make flights more affordable and reliable for African travellers while also reducing the revenue outflow currently captured by international airlines.

Africa has attempted airline unity before. Air Afrique, established in 1961 by eleven West African nations, once symbolised pan-African cooperation. Based in Abidjan, it carried hundreds of thousands of passengers annually and served as a tool of economic development. However, Air Afrique collapsed in 2002 following financial mismanagement and conflicting shareholder interests. Its routes were subsequently taken over by foreign carriers, underscoring both the potential and the risks of multinational airline ventures.

Recent efforts demonstrate a renewed willingness to explore collaboration. The Strategic Partnership Framework signed between Kenya Airways and South African Airways in 2021 offered a promising model for pan-African consolidation. Supported by both governments, the partnership sought to share services, coordinate fleet deployment and integrate route networks to achieve cost savings. While progress has been slow, the framework remains a viable example of how African carriers could build strength through partnership.

Consolidation should therefore be prioritised before full-scale liberalisation. Open Skies can only deliver lasting benefits if African airlines are empowered to compete on equal terms. Aviation is both an economic driver and a strategic sector tied to national pride, connectivity and trade. Over-reliance on foreign carriers for intra-African connectivity could erode sovereignty and limit the continent’s ability to control its own development path.

With Africa’s population projected to double by 2050, demand for affordable and efficient air travel is expected to grow rapidly. The critical question is whether African airlines will be strong enough to meet this demand, or whether liberalisation without safeguards will leave the skies dominated by foreign operators.

The future of Open Skies in Africa lies in balance. Protecting African airlines while encouraging partnerships that build capacity is essential. Consolidation, innovation and stronger governance will determine whether the policy becomes a tool for shared growth or a missed opportunity that benefits external players more than Africa itself.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has emphasized that regional collaboration is essential for Africa’s tourism and travel sector to thrive. This came during the Media Launch of the 4th Uganda–Kenya Coast Conference and Exhibition, held at Malindi Ocean Beach Resort & Spa, where KATA was represented by Board Member Grace Wairimu Ndung’u and the Coast Executive Officer.

The launch brought together key leaders including H.E. Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa, and H.E. Gideon Mung’aro, OGW, Governor of Kilifi County. The discussions underscored the importance of partnerships between Kenya and Uganda in strengthening cultural exchange, trade, and tourism across East Africa.

Speaking at the event, KATA Board Member Grace Ndung’u highlighted the role of travel agents in advancing regional tourism. “Africa’s competitiveness in tourism will depend on how well we collaborate as neighbors. Kenya and Uganda have unique offerings, and by working together, we can create joint tourism products that attract global travelers and deliver shared prosperity,” she said.

She added that the conference offers an opportunity to move from dialogue to action. “This is not just about promotion; it is about building sustainable linkages and co-creating experiences that reflect the diversity of East Africa. Our members are ready to play their part in making this vision a reality,” she affirmed.

Ambassador Mukumbya commended the collaboration, noting Uganda’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. “Tourism is a bridge between our countries, and it is through such partnerships that we can expand opportunities for investment, trade, and cultural exchange,” he remarked.

Governor Mung’aro reiterated Kilifi’s readiness to welcome both regional and international visitors. “We are committed to rebuilding our tourism numbers and positioning Kilifi and the Kenyan Coast as globally competitive destinations. Collaboration with Uganda and our East African partners is the path forward,” he said.

The main conference, scheduled for 27th to 28th October 2025, will showcase the combined strengths of the two countries, ranging from Kilifi’s white sandy beaches, marine parks, and cultural heritage to Uganda’s gorilla trekking, adventure safaris, and rich national parks. Together, these offerings will form competitive tourism packages with global appeal.

As a regional voice for travel agents, KATA reaffirmed its role in supporting initiatives that foster cross-border cooperation, innovation, and sustainable growth in the tourism sector. “Tourism is not about competition, but about collaboration. If Africa is to thrive, we must move forward together,” Ms. Ndung’u concluded.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has welcomed Etihad Airways’ announcement of a major capacity boost on the Abu Dhabi–Nairobi route, reaffirming the strong and growing ties between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates.

During a stakeholder engagement in Nairobi on 21st August 2025, attended by Etihad Airways senior management, KATA Chairman Dr. Joseph Kithitu joined industry leaders in celebrating the airline’s plan to increase frequencies from the current four weekly flights to a full double-daily service by December 2025. This expansion represents a more than threefold increase in capacity and reflects rising travel demand since the route’s launch in December 2024.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Kithitu highlighted the significance of the development for Kenya’s travel and tourism sector. “KATA is committed to supporting partnerships that enhance connectivity and open up greater opportunities for both leisure and business travelers. Etihad’s investment in the Nairobi route is a strong vote of confidence in our market, and we stand ready to work alongside the airline to ensure our members can deliver even more value to their clients,” he said.

Etihad Airways’ Vice President of Global Sales and Distribution, Javier Alija, reaffirmed the airline’s confidence in Kenya as one of Africa’s most dynamic aviation markets, underscoring the importance of the expansion in improving connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.

For KATA, the enhanced service strengthens the travel ecosystem and supports agents in meeting the evolving needs of customers. “This development aligns perfectly with our mission to connect Kenyan travelers with the world while promoting Kenya as a destination of choice,” Dr. Kithitu added.

The expanded schedule will see Etihad operating 14 weekly flights to Nairobi by 15th December 2025, offering travelers improved access to more than 80 global destinations across the airline’s network while providing UAE residents with greater opportunities to experience Kenya’s wildlife, coastal attractions, and mountain landscapes.

KATA’s presence at the event demonstrated the association’s continued commitment to advocacy and collaboration in positioning Kenya as a competitive global travel hub.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) joined other industry players at the Tourism Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting convened by the County Government of Mombasa in collaboration with the Mombasa Tourism Council (MTC) on Thursday, 21st August 2025, at the KSLH Mombasa Beach Hotel.

KATA was well represented by the KATA Coast Executive Officer and the Coast Region Chairman, Patrick Kamanga, who attended alongside a number of KATA members from the region. Their presence highlighted the association’s commitment to ensuring that the voices of travel agents are heard in shaping the future of Mombasa’s tourism industry.

The meeting provided a platform to introduce stakeholders to the mandate of the Mombasa Tourism Council, present and discuss the MTC Workplan for the financial year 2025/2026, and invite feedback on proposed programs. Participants also examined the challenges and opportunities facing the tourism ecosystem, with the aim of building collaborative strategies for growth and sustainability.

Speaking during the session, Patrick Kamanga emphasized the importance of collective dialogue in strengthening Mombasa’s tourism competitiveness. “As travel agents, we are on the frontline of connecting visitors to this destination. It is therefore vital that we engage in these discussions to ensure that the policies and programs being developed reflect the real needs of both the industry and the traveler,” he noted.

Joan Wande – KATA Coast Executive Officer echoed these sentiments, highlighting the association’s ongoing role in bridging the gap between policymakers and tourism operators. “KATA’s involvement in these forums is not just about representation; it is about advocacy, problem-solving, and building a resilient tourism ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders,” she remarked.

The County Government of Mombasa, through the Directorate of Trade, Tourism and Culture, reaffirmed its commitment to fostering collaboration. Officials underlined that stakeholder input would directly shape the council’s priorities and actions for the coming year, ensuring that strategies remain responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities.

For KATA, participation in the meeting was another step in its broader mission of supporting the growth of Kenya’s travel and tourism sector. By contributing to policy dialogue and industry planning, the association continues to position its members at the center of efforts to enhance Mombasa’s appeal as a destination of choice.

Kenya Airways is set to launch direct flights between Nairobi and Beijing Daxing International Airport in 2026, opening exciting new avenues for travel professionals across Africa. This strategic move positions the airline to capitalize on the burgeoning travel market between Kenya and China, offering seamless connectivity and unlocking significant business potential for agents.

This landmark development comes as China-Kenya relations continue to strengthen, reflected in a surge in both tourism and business travel. In 2024 alone, Kenya welcomed 80,000 Chinese tourists, a notable jump from the previous year’s 51,000. This upward trend is expected to persist, with projections aiming for over 150,000 Chinese visitors in the near future. The direct Nairobi-Beijing route will be instrumental in facilitating this growth, providing a convenient and efficient travel option for both leisure and business travelers.

For African travel agents, this new route presents a golden opportunity. By partnering with Kenya Airways, agents can curate attractive travel packages that cater to the specific needs of Chinese travelers, incorporating popular Kenyan destinations, cultural experiences, and business-focused itineraries. The convenience of a direct flight, coupled with Kenya’s vibrant tourism offerings, creates a compelling proposition for the Chinese market.

The choice of Beijing Daxing International Airport as the destination hub further amplifies the route’s strategic importance. Daxing is one of the world’s most modern airports, boasting state-of-the-art facilities and a rapidly expanding international network. Its high capacity and efficient operations will ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for passengers.

Kenya Airways’ investment in this new route aligns with its broader fleet expansion and modernization strategy. The airline is actively growing its fleet, with plans to acquire a mix of Boeing 737-8 MAX, 737-800NG, 777, and 787 aircraft. This commitment to modern technology will not only enhance passenger comfort and fuel efficiency but also provide the necessary capacity to support the anticipated surge in demand on the Nairobi-Beijing route.

Beyond tourism, the direct flight will also bolster business travel and trade between Kenya and China. Bilateral trade between the two nations has been steadily increasing, reaching RMB 16.13 billion (approximately USD 2.23 billion) in the first quarter of 2025. The enhanced connectivity will further facilitate business exchanges, conferences, and investments, creating new opportunities for African businesses and entrepreneurs.

The growing economic ties between China and Africa underscore the strategic significance of this new route. As China continues to invest in infrastructure projects and trade partnerships across the continent, the demand for efficient air travel is set to rise. Kenya Airways’ direct Nairobi-Beijing flight will play a crucial role in meeting this demand, serving as a key gateway for business and tourism between Africa and China.

African travel agents are encouraged to leverage this strategic development to expand their businesses and cater to the growing Chinese travel market. By partnering with Kenya Airways and capitalizing on the convenience and efficiency of the direct Nairobi-Beijing route, agents can unlock significant business potential and contribute to the growth of the African tourism industry.

Source: travelnews.africa