Kata_kenya – Page 22 – Kenya Association of Travel Agents

Airlines Oppose UK ETA Price Hike

Geneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) opposes the UK Home Office proposal to increase the costs of UK Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) by 60% to GBP 16. Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, commented as follows:

“Proposing to increase ETA costs just a week after the system was introduced is bewildering. If implemented it would be a self-inflicted blow to the UK’s tourism competitiveness. In November the government laid out plans to increase tourist arrivals by 30% to reach 50 million annually by 2030 in pursuit of tourism’s economic benefits. Gouging these travelers with a 60% increase in the ETA is a very bad start. The added cost would come on top of the Air Passenger Duty (APD)—the biggest travel tax in the world—which itself will increase again in April. And let’s not forget that travelers have choice and the EU’s ETIAS will be far better value—costing about a third as much as this proposed pricing and lasting a year longer.

It’s time for the UK government to see the big picture. It has everything to gain by making the UK a more cost-competitive travel destination—including the substantial tax revenues that travelers generate. It makes no sense to discourage visitors with high costs even before they set foot in the country.”

UK aviation and tourism supports 1.6 million jobs currently, providing USD 160.7 billion to the UK’s GDP. Please see the IATA Value of Air Transport to the United Kingdom study for further details.

Source: IATA

African airlines mark 4th consecutive year of no fatal accidents

The content has benefited from initiatives such as the Focus Africa initiative, under which the International Air Transport Association (IATA) improved aviation safety.

African airlines have recorded no fatal air travel accidents for the fourth consecutive year, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported, noting aviation remains the safest mode of transport.

IATA’s 2023 report Annual Safety Report says African airlines have not suffered a single passenger jet aircraft loss or fatal accident since 2020, and that the majority of the continent’s carriers did not suffer any fatal accidents in 2023, whether jet or turboprop.

Dubai secures 437 bids for global business events in 2024, up 20 percent annually

Dubai has continued to consolidate its standing as a top choice for prominent international business conferences, events, congresses, corporate meetings and incentives in 2024, with the city securing the opportunity to host a record 437 events from a range of sectors and professions.

Driven by Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau and part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, this marked a 20 percent year-on-year increase in the number of successful bids, further elevating Dubai’s status as a globally competitive hub for events, powered by innovation, infrastructure development and rising global economic influence.

“The healthy increase in successful bids in 2024 is further proof of Dubai’s rising prominence as a destination that delivers not only world-class business events infrastructure and capabilities but also provides unrivaled, memorable experiences for all organizers and delegates,” stated Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment.

Events to attract over 200,000 delegates

The events captured in 2024 are set to attract around 210,731 delegates to Dubai over the coming years, making a direct impact on the city’s economy and travel and tourism ecosystems, and bringing talent and expertise from around the world to enjoy the platform Dubai provides for knowledge sharing, professional development and networking.

The city’s success, driven by collaborative efforts across the public and private sectors, underlines Dubai’s unrelenting draw as a go-to, accessible, safe and welcoming global MICE destination. This growth feeds into Dubai’s wider economic growth by attracting more visitors, positioning Dubai in the global business events arena, and shedding light on its thriving knowledge economy.

Furthermore, it cements the important role business events are playing in achieving the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure.

“To build on this momentum, we are engaging with all stakeholders, trusted partners and service providers, to elevate Dubai’s position as a leader in the competitive business events landscape – aiming for sustainable economic growth, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. We look forward to harnessing the power of opportunity to create further impact for the benefit of everyone, and demonstrate what sets Dubai apart to a global audience,” added Al Khaja.

Key wins propelling growth

Among the most noteworthy wins last year were the 2025 WFNS World Congress of Neurosurgery, with 4,000 delegates; the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit & Mayor Summit, with 1,200 delegates; the 2025 Pan Arab Radiology Conference, with 1,500 delegates; and the 2026 Global Symposium on Health System Research, with 3,000 delegates.

Dubai also secured the 2026 FIP World Stamp Exhibition, with 1,000 delegates, and the 2028 Scientific Assembly and Associated Events of the Committee on Space Research, with 3,000 delegates.

In addition, Dubai won bids for several prestigious corporate and incentive events in 2024, including the 2025 Oppo Guangdong Incentive, with 4,000 delegates; the 2025 Loyal Connect Global, with 3,000 delegates; the 2025 GLA Global Logistics Conference, with 1,500 Delegates; the 2026 Forever Living Global Rally, with 12,000 delegates; the 2026 Emerson Exchange, with 2,500 delegates; and the 2026 Herbalife China Incentive, with 1,200 delegates.

Further supporting Dubai’s growing business events landscape, DBE engaged with industry professionals around the world at trade shows including IMEX Frankfurt, The Meetings Show, IBTM World, and IMEX America, as well as through a year-round calendar of sales missions, study missions and site inspections.

Read: Sharjah Shopping Promotions continue to boost retail sales, economic growth

Programs and partnerships

Other key initiatives included the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Program, which engaged its locally-based subject matter experts and members from various professional fields to secure more events and welcome more delegates to Dubai in the coming years. Partnerships with key industry bodies including the BestCities Global Alliance, the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) further boosted growth.

This performance follows key milestones achieved in 2024, including ICCA ranking Dubai the top city in the Middle East for the number of association meetings hosted, and events crowning it number one in its ‘Top Meeting Destinations in the Middle East and Africa’.

Source: Economy Middle East

Kenya Takes Center Stage as Kuriftu Resort & Spa Unveils African Union-Themed Resort in Addis Ababa

Kuriftu Resort & Spa, a pioneer in Ethiopia’s luxury hospitality industry for over two decades, continues to redefine excellence with the launch of the Kuriftu Resort & Spa African Village. Located in Ashewa Meda on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, this new resort is a celebration of Africa’s rich cultural heritage and its modern aspirations. With a design inspired by the continent’s diversity, the African Village pays homage to all 54 African nations, offering a unique blend of tradition and luxury.

Marking a significant milestone, Kenya will be the first nation celebrated in the resort’s themes, with its vibrant culture and heritage featured prominently in the design and offerings. The resort’s dedication to showcasing Africa’s unity and diversity begins with Kenya in the months of February and March 2025, setting the tone for a truly pan-African experience.

The African Village offers 54 luxury villas, each inspired by a different African nation, immersing guests in the art, cuisine, and traditions of the continent. Situated near Addis Ababa’s key diplomatic landmarks, the resort provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city while serving as a hub for business, leisure, and cultural exchange.

The resort features a range of state-of-the-art facilities. Its nine modern conference halls, including a multi-purpose venue with a capacity for 932 guests, are equipped with cutting-edge technology and panoramic views, making them ideal for high-profile gatherings and celebrations. Dining experiences at the resort include the 1963 Restaurant, named in honor of the founding year of the Organization of African Unity. This restaurant offers rotating menus showcasing dishes from across the continent, alongside a core menu inspired by Ethiopian cuisine. The Summit Grill, located at the highest point of the resort, combines international dining with spectacular views of Addis Ababa, accommodating up to 1,000 guests for events or weekend brunches.

Wellness and relaxation are integral to the resort’s offerings. Its indoor swimming pool, illuminated by natural light through a skylight roof and adorned with vibrant African artwork, provides guests with a serene retreat. The spa features African-inspired treatments, Moroccan baths, steam rooms, and a range of wellness services, including reflexology and a fully equipped gym.

At the heart of the African Village is a mission to promote inter-African tourism and cultural exchange. By bringing together all 54 African nations under one roof, the resort creates a space for collaboration, learning, and celebration of the continent’s shared heritage. It is designed to be a hub for diplomatic gatherings, cultural conferences, weddings, and social events, encouraging cross-border connections.

Tadiwos Getachew Belete, CEO and Founder of Kuriftu Resorts & Spa, described the African Village as “a living tribute to Africa’s culture, community, and craftsmanship.” He emphasized that this addition to Kuriftu’s portfolio – which includes Bishoftu, Entoto, Lake Tana, and Awash Falls – reflects the brand’s commitment to celebrating African heritage through world-class hospitality.

“Kuriftu Resort & Spa African Village is more than just a retreat,” Belete said. “It is a space designed to immerse guests in the vibrant traditions, artistry, and natural beauty of Africa. From its uniquely designed architecture to curated cultural experiences, we aim to create an environment where guests can connect deeply with the essence of this great continent.”

With Kenya leading the way in its celebration of African culture, the African Village is poised to become a beacon of unity, luxury, and innovation in African hospitality.

Press Release: ASKY Celebrates 15 Years of Excellence in the African Sky

Lomé, Togo – ASKY La Compagnie Aérienne Panafricaine is pleased to announce the celebration of its 15th anniversary, an important milestone in its commitment to air transport in West, Central, South and East Africa and beyond.

Since its launch in 2010, ASKY has been committed to providing quality, safe and reliable services to its passengers, while promoting the region’s economic development.

Over the years, ASKY has expanded its network, now serving 29 destinations across 26 countries. Through its strategic partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, ASKY has not only strengthened its fleet, but also improved its operational efficiency and reliability.

“As we celebrate 15 years of success, we would like to thank all the Authorities, our passengers, partners, and all the employees who have contributed to our success story,” said Mr. Esayas Woldemariam Hailu, Managing Director of ASKY. “We are proud of results we have achieved and motivated to continue offering exceptional services that meet the growing expectations of our customers.”

To commemorate this significant event, ASKY is planning a series of activities throughout the year, including passenger promotions, community events and social responsibility initiatives. The company also wishes to emphasize the importance of safety, quality of service, innovation and sustainable development, which have always guided its operations. ASKY continues to invest in staff training and service improvements to ensure an unforgettable travel experience.

About ASKY

ASKY, The Pan-African Airline, is a 100% privately owned airline created by regional banking institutions in Africa that includes The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), The West African Development Bank (BOAD) and ECOBANK Group (ETI) in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines.

ASKY is a commercial company under private law and is managed by experienced African aviation professionals, with Ethiopian airlines as its strategic partner.

ASKY currently operates a fleet of thirteen (13) aircraft: nine (09) Boeing 737-800s and four (04) Boeing 737 MAX 8, serving twenty-nine (29) cities in twenty-six (26) countries within Africa.

ASKY’s focus is to develop a strong intra-Africa network that foster regional development, tourism, economic growth and regional integration as a major economic catalyst within the continent with its long-term goal of a sustainable business focused on profitability.

For more information, contact communication@flyasky.com, visit our website www.flyasky.com or our LinkedIn; Twitter Facebook and Instagram pages, @ASKY

ASKY Management

ASKY, The Pan African Airline

ASKY Célèbre 15 Ans d’Excellence dans le Ciel Africain Download

KQ resumes London flights

National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) is set to resume flights to London on June 26 after a new two months hiatus.

The restart of the direct flights to Heathrow Airport follows the lifting of the suspension of flights to and from the United Kingdom by the government of Kenya.

“The resumption of flights to London, United Kingdom is in line with our plans to grow and expand our routes as restrictions lift which will positively impact the flow of trade and tourism across the region by offering our customers convenient travel across the world. This route offers our customers convenient connections to key destinations,” said Julius Thairu, KQ’s Acting Chief Commercial and Customer Officer.

“We remain fully committed to offer our customers an onboard travel experience that has their health and safety in mind.”

Kenya and UK governments have developed new protocols anchoring the return of flights between the pair of countries.

For instance, passengers travelling to the UK must be of British or Irish nationality or have official residency in the UK.

Further, the travelers must have a negative COVID-19 certificate three days before travelling, book a quarantine hotel package within 14-days before arrival in addition to taking two-COVID-19 tests if they have been in a country or region in UK’s red list in the last 10 days.

On the flip-side, passengers travelling to Kenya from the UK are required to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted 96 hours before arrival excluding children below the age of five.

Further, the new arrivals must isolate for seven days upon arrival and take a subsequent PCR test after for days.

At the same time, the passengers will be obligated to submit daily health information including the results of the second PCR test on the Ministry of Health Jitenge platform for 14 consecutive days.

Source: Citizen Digital

Kenya, another month and a half of big numbers

At least another month and a half of top tourism, hotel occupancy over 70 per cent and all the induced activity that the arrival of foreign guests can bring to Kenya. This is the scenario that lies ahead from mid-January to the end of February, especially for the coast and its holiday resorts.

With the reopening of schools and the resumption of work for most Kenyans in the city, the influx of local tourism, which in the very high season, the one coinciding with the Christmas holidays, was added to the more ‘pre-paid’ tourism, i.e. those who did not mind paying much more for air tickets and accommodation. The large numbers were also supported by those who had already arrived in Kenya before Christmas and opted for a longer holiday period.

Now, however, on a daily basis, those who had already planned their holidays after the binge period are entering Kenya and finding a few more opportunities and slightly less overcrowding.
According to the regional hospitality associations, occupancy remains high, especially in Watamu, Diani and the satellite towns of Mombasa, and the grace period of tented camps and lodges in the savannah also continues, with excellent results especially for Maasai Mara and Amboseli.

The Ministry of Tourism is confident of surpassing the sector’s growth from 2022 to 2023, with 34% more presences and a recovery rate of 88% compared to the pre-pandemic period.
‘We will do even better this year,’ said Deputy Minister, John Lekakeny Ololtuaa, ’we are on track to return to contributing 10% to the Gross Domestic Product.

Tourism in Kenya is also the second largest source of foreign exchange earnings, behind only the agriculture sector which earns Kenya about 70 per cent of its GDP.
While we are waiting for the final figures for 2024, which should confirm the increase in presences and provide other interesting data, the Kenyan government expects to exceed 3 million presences in 2025, after this promising start to the year and the projections for the following months, also due to the ‘High Easter’, scheduled for 20 April.

Source: Malindi Kenya

How travel brands stay ahead on social media

Travel is all over social media — and it’s continuing to play a big role in travelers’ decisions while planning and booking their trips, according to research from Phocuswright.

But misconceptions around how travel brands should be using social media remain, according to experts.

“Travel brands are seeing social media as a category of the internet still when it’s increasingly becoming the way millennials and Gen Z access the internet altogether,” said Konrad Waliszewski, co-founder and CEO of @Hotel.

“Even Google admits now that most millennials and Gen Z search on Instagram and Tiktok before going to Google search for just about everything … I think it really has become the new search engine. People want to see videos. People want to see social proof,” he said.

David Armstrong, co-founder and CEO of HolidayPirates, discussed why it’s hard for brands to understand the value.

“I think the comparison to traditional search … paid search and the immediate return on investment [ROI], that’s a mistake that many brands do [make] comparing the performance of social media with,” Armstrong said.

ROI in social media marketing is a longer term play, he said.

Some key performance indicators such as clicks, traffic, engagement and shares can be measured more immediately, but when revenue and conversion take more time.

“It’s not so comparable with traditional ways of performance marketing. It’s actually not really performance marketing that you do on social,” Armstrong said. “You have to have a more hybrid mindset of it.”

And while it’s a lot of work to keep up with ever-changing algorithms and trends, the space has continued to expand and there is more opportunity for brands to benefit.

“The growth, it hasn’t stopped,” Armstrong said. “Essentially, if you really dedicate yourself to the channel and understand how to play it, it keeps growing.”

It’s important to stay agile and to keep an eye on emerging platforms, too.

“If a new platform comes out, we immediately jump in, and we’re just curious students of what’s happening,” Waliszewski said. “What we’ve found is … a lot of things have come, had a little moment of attention and then phased out. So we don’t over invest until the data shows that it’s working.”

While there’s a lot of room for success on social, it’s not as black and white in terms of how to have marketing success, Armstrong said. Instead, social media marketing involves some trial and error. But that’s not a bad thing, Waliszewski said.

“Let’s be honest, anyone in consumer travel cannot compete with Booking and Expedia on Google ads,” he said.

“What they can compete on is being first to these platforms, experimenting [with] these platforms. A lot of large incumbents won’t realize what’s happening on these new platforms, and then they’ll take so much time to allocate a team to start creating a strategy, and often will miss that wave.”

Organic social is the place to compete for newer companies, Waliszewski said, underscoring the importance of making an effort in that space.

The executives also touched on the most effective platforms, what has come and gone and how to navigate platform changes in an interview with senior reporter Morgan Hines in the PhocusWire studio at The Phocuswright Conference in November.

Source: Phocus wire

Tourism sector rides on aviation recovery path to bounce back

The tourism sector recorded an improved performance last year as a result of growth in the aviation sector and hosting of prominent conferences.

Data from the Economic Survey 2024 shows the number of international visitor arrivals grew by 35.4 percent to 2.086 million in 2023, from 1.5 million in 2022.

Further, the surge in the growth of tourist arrivals saw the sector reach a recovery rate of 102.5 percent compared to 2019, surpassing the global pre-pandemic recovery rate of 88 per cent.

The hotel bed-night occupancy rose by 23.2 per cent to 8.63 million in 2023 of which 53.5 percent were occupied by Kenyans. The trend shows a growing domestic tourism.

The improved performance indicates that the sector is likely to achieve the 2.5 million international visitor arrivals and 6.5 million bed nights’ occupancy by Kenyans as contained in the Third Medium Term Plan, 2018-2022.

The Tourism Research Institute, earlier this year released a report that showed that the tourism sector performance had rebounded strongly by Sh56.34 billion, surpassing the pre-pandemic earnings of Sh296.2 billion recorded in 2019.

The immense recovery has been attributed to the weakening of the Kenya shilling against major global currencies and the effects of inflation locally and internationally also the rebound indicates higher per capita spending by arriving tourists.

Following the impressive sector performance, the tourism report projects that the sector performance will grow to Sh430 billion in 2024.

It also projects hitting up to 1.024 trillion by 2028 indicating a possibility of the country achieving the government’s vision of attracting five million tourists by 2028.

On visitor arrivals, the tourism sector projects receiving 2.4 million tourists in 2024, and up to 5.7 billion visitors by 2028.

Visitor arrivals by point of entry increased by 36.4 per cent through JKIA and Moi International Airport when compared to the rise of 31.9 percent recorded through other border points in 2023.

The economic survey shows that most visitors came for holiday. 934,400 visitors came for holiday, 493,800 came for business, and 101,700 were on transit.

In the same period, the number of departing visitors increased by 36,4 per cent to 1,952,400 in 2023 to 1,431,800 in 2022. The hotel bed nights’ occupancy by residents of Europe more than doubled to 1,970,000 in 2023. This was attributed to notable growth in bed-night occupancy by residents of Germany, Italy and UK in 2023.

Kenyan residents accounted for more than half of total bed-night occupancy in 2023, highlighting the significance of domestic tourism.

Further, the hotel bed-night capacity grew by 8.4 percent in 2023, partly attributed to new hotels and the expansion of some of the existing ones.

Source: Standard Media

Seychelles leads African nations in 2025 global passport rankings

The Henley Passport Index, a global authority on passport rankings, has revealed its 2025 list of the most powerful passports worldwide.

Drawing on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and extensive research, the index ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.
While African nations like Seychelles and Mauritius perform exceptionally well, a stark contrast remains between the continent’s most and least powerful passports.
For example, war-torn nations such as Somalia and Sudan rank near the bottom, highlighting the impact of geopolitical instability on mobility.

Here’s a look at the top-performing African passports on the Index this year:

In this article

1. Seychelles – Rank 25 (156 Visa-Free Destinations)

Seychelles retains its crown as Africa’s most powerful passport with access to 156 visa-free destinations.

2. Mauritius – Rank 29 (151 Visa-Free Destinations)

Mauritius secures second place among African countries with its 151 visa-free destinations making it a standout performer.

3. South Africa – Rank 48 (106 Visa-Free Destinations)

South Africa is ranked 48th globally. Its passport holders can access 106 destinations without a visa.

4. Botswana – Rank 57 (88 Visa-Free Destinations)

Botswana’s passport grants its holders access to 88 destinations.

5. Namibia – Rank 62 (81 Visa-Free Destinations)

Namibia ranks among the top five African countries, offering access to 81 destinations.

Other Notable Mentions:

Kenya – Rank 68 (74 Visa-Free Destinations): East Africa’s leading passport.
Ghana – Rank 74 (68 Visa-Free Destinations): Ghana maintains its reputation as a gateway to West Africa with improved access.
Nigeria – Rank 94 (46 Visa-Free Destinations): Despite challenges, Nigeria’s passport holds significance due to its strategic importance in the region.

African Rank	Country	Global Ranking	Visa-Free Destinations
1	Seychelles	25	156
2	Mauritius	29	151
3	South Africa	48	106
4	Botswana	57	88
5	Namibia	62	81
6	Lesotho	64	79
7	Malawi	67	75
8	Kenya	68	74
9	Morocco	69	73
10	Tanzania	69	73
11	The Gambia	71	71
12 (tie)	Uganda	72	70
12 (tie)	Zambia	72	70
14	Tunisia	73	69
15	Ghana	74	68
16 (tie)	Rwanda	76	66
16 (tie)	Sierra Leone	76	66
18 (tie)	Mozambique	77	65
18 (tie)	Zimbabwe	77	65
20	Madagascar	82	60
21	Côte d’Ivoire	83	59
22	Senegal	84	58
23	Algeria	86	56
24 (tie)	Nigeria	94	46
24 (tie)	Ethiopia	94	46
26	Angola	91	51
27	Burundi	92	50
28	Congo (Dem. Rep.)	94	46

Source:Kenyan wallstreet