Kata_kenya – Page 3 – Kenya Association of Travel Agents

Rising Numbers, Rising Stakes for Kenya’s Travel Sector Ahead of KATA 2026 AGM

Kenya’s tourism and travel industry is entering a critical phase where strong recovery is no longer the central challenge. Sustaining that growth is. After a period of rebound marked by rising visitor numbers and revenues, the sector is now grappling with deeper structural questions around resilience, digital transformation, shifting airline distribution models, and the need for stronger industry coordination.

According to the Kenya Tourism Sector Performance Report 2025, the industry generated approximately KSh0.5 trillion in earnings while recording an estimated 7.9 million tourists, including 2.7 million international visitors and 5.2 million domestic travellers. While these figures underscore a robust recovery, they also highlight the scale and complexity of managing continued growth in an increasingly competitive global environment.

Globally, travel demand is also expanding, but at a more moderate pace. Industry data shows international tourist arrivals grew by about 4 per cent in 2025, reinforcing the reality that destinations are competing more aggressively for market share. At the same time, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has pointed to rising operational pressures, including fuel costs and capacity constraints, which continue to shape airline pricing and route decisions, factors that directly affect travel agents and the broader tourism value chain.

Within this evolving landscape, Kenya’s travel trade is confronting a convergence of issues. The shift toward direct airline distribution and digital booking platforms is redefining the role of traditional travel agents, forcing many to adapt their business models. At the same time, increasing demand for seamless travel experiences is accelerating the need for investment in technology, skills, and service delivery.

Sustainability has also moved to the forefront of industry priorities. As global travellers become more conscious of environmental and social impact, destinations and service providers are under growing pressure to embed responsible tourism practices into their operations. For Kenya, this presents both an opportunity to differentiate its offering and a challenge in ensuring standards are consistently applied across the sector.

Equally pressing is the need for stronger collaboration across the tourism ecosystem. Despite growth, the industry remains fragmented, with gaps in coordination between travel agents, airlines, hotels, technology providers, and policymakers. Stakeholders say aligning these players is essential to unlocking new opportunities, improving efficiency, and ensuring that growth is both inclusive and sustainable.

It is against this backdrop that the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) is convening its 2026 Annual General Meeting and Convention, positioning it not just as a routine industry gathering but as a necessary forum to address these emerging challenges.

Scheduled for June 4–6, 2026, in Mombasa, the convention is expected to bring together a broad cross-section of stakeholders to engage on the issues shaping the future of travel and tourism. The choice of venue, the PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa, provides the setting, but the focus is firmly on substance. Creating space for dialogue, alignment, and practical solutions.

Under the theme “The Journey: Built to Last,” the event reflects a shift in industry thinking, from short-term recovery to long-term resilience. Discussions are expected to centre on how to adapt to changing distribution models, leverage digital innovation, strengthen partnerships, and build a more sustainable tourism ecosystem.

For many in the industry, the need for such engagement has become increasingly urgent. As Kenya positions itself within a competitive global market, stakeholders say that platforms like the KATA convention are essential, not only for sharing insights but for shaping a coordinated response to the challenges ahead.

In that sense, the 2026 gathering represents more than an annual meeting. It is a reflection of an industry at a turning point, one that must now move beyond growth figures and confront the structural shifts that will define its future.

748 Air to resume scheduled flights in Kenya next month

Passenger and cargo airline—748 Air Services is set to resume scheduled flight operations in Kenya this May, signaling a strong return to the domestic aviation market.

This comes amid renewed commitment by the airline to enhancing connectivity across the country.

The re-launch will see the airline’s scheduled services, known as Fly 748.com, reconnect Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) with key regional destinations.

It follows a period of strategic operational restructuring aimed at strengthening service delivery, reinforcing safety standards, and improving the overall passenger experience.

The return to the skies is part of the airline’s broader strategy to support tourism, trade, and regional mobility, management said yesterday, particularly in destinations that rely heavily on air transport for economic activity.

“Our re-launch marks a new chapter for Fly 748.com and for domestic aviation in Kenya. We are committed to providing dependable air services that connect communities, support businesses, and contribute to the growth of tourism and regional economies,” Head of Fly 748.com, George Oduor, said.

The airline will operate a fleet of Dash 8-Q400 aircraft, widely recognised for their reliability and efficiency on short-haul regional routes.

Initial routes will include Nairobi, Mombasa, and Ukunda, with fares starting from Sh6,500 one way.

The airline plans to progressively expand to additional destinations based on market demand.

Fly 748.com emphasised that safety remains its top priority, noting that the airline has worked closely with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to ensure all regulatory and operational requirements are fully met ahead of the re-launch.

The airline is also accredited under the Basic Aviation Risk Standard (BARS) Gold Status, a globally recognised certification that underscores its commitment to the highest safety standards.

“The safety management system we have in place is robust and predictive, not reactive. Achieving BARS Gold Status, an accreditation by the Flight Safety Foundation, demonstrates our unwavering focus on safety, quality, and reliability,” Fly 748.com Chairman, Ahmed Jibril, said.

The airline is also advancing its environmental sustainability agenda.

Since 2022, 748 Air Services has been implementing an Environmental Management System aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and promoting responsible aviation practices.

This includes adopting technologies and operational measures to minimise emissions, prevent pollution, and exceed regulatory environmental standards.

“We conduct thorough assessments of our carbon emissions and are implementing targeted strategies to reduce our environmental impact, contributing to global climate action efforts,” said Oduor.

748 Air Services will have operations at JKIA’s Terminal 2, with Mombasa and Ukunda (Diani) as key routes, amid expansion.

Source: the-star.co.ke

Why birdwatching is quietly reshaping travel in Africa

There is a kind of silence that is never empty.

It is the silence of dawn in the African wild—before engines, before footsteps, before even the confidence of the sun. And in that silence, something extraordinary happens: wings cut through air like whispered secrets, and entire economies begin to move quietly with them.

Across Africa, birdwatching is no longer just a hobby for binocular-wielding enthusiasts. It is becoming a serious pillar of ecotourism—one that blends conservation, community empowerment, and travel in a way few industries manage to achieve.

Sustainable birding tourism, as it is increasingly called, is built on a simple but powerful idea: that birds are not just scenery. They are indicators of healthy ecosystems, guardians of wetlands, forests, and grasslands—and now, unexpectedly, drivers of rural livelihoods.

In countries across the continent, from wetlands to highland forests, birders are travelling farther, staying longer, and spending more, often guided by local experts who know not just where to find rare species, but how to read the land itself. The experience is intimate, deliberate, and slow-paced—because birding does not reward haste. It rewards patience.

And patience, it turns out, is profitable.

Studies and tourism operators increasingly point to birdwatchers as some of the most committed travellers in the ecotourism sector. They do not come in crowds. They come in focused groups, often returning repeatedly, each visit driven by the pursuit of a single “lifer”—a bird they have never seen before.

This behaviour creates a unique tourism model: one that disperses visitors into remote areas, supports small community guides, and incentivises conservation rather than exploitation.

But the real shift is philosophical.

At the heart of sustainable birding is a recognition that birds only thrive where ecosystems are intact. No forest, no wetland, no grassland—no birds. And without birds, there is no birding tourism. In this way, conservation is not a slogan; it is the business model itself.

Organizations working in this space increasingly emphasize carbon awareness, community partnerships, and habitat protection as core elements of tour design. The logic is simple: protect the habitat, and the tourism follows naturally.

In practice, this means carefully curated itineraries that take travellers through protected reserves, community conservancies, and lesser-known biodiversity hotspots. It means training local bird guides who can identify species by call alone. And it means ensuring that tourism revenue flows back into the landscapes that sustain it.

In East Africa and beyond, this approach is reshaping how travel is experienced. A birding trip is no longer just about ticking species off a list. It is about listening—to ecosystems, to communities, and to the quiet negotiations between humans and nature.

There is also something deeply cultural about it. Birding routes often pass through rural landscapes where livelihoods depend on the same ecosystems that attract visitors. A wetland is not just a habitat; it is fishing ground, grazing land, and now, a tourism asset. The overlap is delicate, but increasingly, it is being managed with intention.

What emerges is a form of travel that feels less like consumption and more like participation.

At sunrise, when the first calls echo across a marsh or forest edge, birders stand still, binoculars raised, waiting for a flash of colour or movement. But what they are really witnessing is something larger: a model of tourism where the value is not extracted from nature, but sustained by it.

And in that exchange—between wings and watchers, silence and sound, economy and ecology—a new story of African tourism is being written.

A story where the smallest creatures carry some of the biggest economic and environmental weight.

And where, sometimes, the future of travel begins with nothing more than a bird in flight.

Source: getaway.co.za

A New Era in Travel Distribution as NDC Reshapes Airline–Agent Relations

Travel distribution is undergoing a profound shift. The field is no longer defined solely by legacy systems and traditional agency structures; instead, it now features a growing cohort of younger, more tech-savvy agents operating alongside established players. At the same time, the adoption of New Distribution Capability (NDC) technologies is reshaping the relationship between airlines and travel intermediaries, introducing both opportunity and disruption across the value chain.

These developments have created a period of transition marked by uncertainty. Older business models are coming under pressure, even as customer expectations evolve toward more personalized, flexible, and digitally enabled travel experiences. The result is an industry in motion—one that is being redefined not only by technology, but by changing notions of value and service delivery.

Within this context, Sabre Corporation has been deepening its engagement with partners across the region, including TNS Global, in a bid to strengthen its position in East Africa’s travel distribution ecosystem. Sabre Corporation has, in recent years, advanced its multi-source content strategy by integrating traditional and NDC-enabled airline offers into its global marketplace, enabling travel agencies to access richer and more dynamic content.

According to industry communications, the company’s broader strategy reflects an intent to work more closely with travel trade partners as the sector evolves. The focus, increasingly, is on engaging emerging segments of the travel trade—particularly newer entrants to the agency space—and addressing their concerns and ambitions through collaborative approaches.

This includes working alongside industry associations such as the Kenya Association of Travel Agents, where capacity building and dialogue are becoming central to navigating the shift toward modern retailing. The underlying emphasis is on co-creation: building solutions jointly with agencies, rather than simply delivering systems to them.

As NDC adoption expands and distribution models continue to evolve, the implications for East Africa are significant. Agencies are being pushed to rethink how they package and sell travel, while airlines are redefining how offers are constructed and delivered across channels. In this emerging environment, collaboration is increasingly being framed not as optional, but as essential.

The direction of travel is clear: distribution is becoming more fragmented, more digital, and more responsive to end-user demand. And within that transformation, East Africa’s travel trade is positioning itself not merely as a participant, but as an active contributor to the next phase of global travel retailing.

Source: sabre.com

Beyond Fish: Western Kenya’s Lakeside Redefines Luxury Tourism

Kisumu is synonymous with fish.

The lakeside is home to rich culture, remarkable scenery, and quiet wonders. And for a long time, that was all it meant to me, until recently.

I joined the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) members on a familiarization trip in Kisumu to explore what the larger lake region has to offer.

When you touch down at Kisumu International Airport and step onto the tarmac just above the soil of the land of Lwanda Magere the Great, there is an immediate shift. The air feels different, soft, humid, carrying a faint promise of water, movement, and life. It is the kind of arrival that straightens your posture before you even notice it. I carried that feeling with me into the city.

After the day’s engagements, I checked into Le Souverain Hotel, Kisumu. The property sits with quiet confidence, overlooking Milimani Estate, its reception elevated as though it was designed to remind visitors that comfort can also have altitude. Walkways blend antique charm with modern restraint. Muted colours, polished surfaces, and a deliberate sense of calm that feels curated rather than accidental.

The reception greeted me with efficiency and warmth. There was a welcome drink, smooth check-in, and then a guided tour that unfolded like a carefully written narrative: the restaurant, the bar area, manicured corridors, the spa, conference rooms, and finally the pool area, where still water reflected the structure like a second building suspended in blue.

The rooms continue the same language of understated luxury. Spacious interiors, a large bed positioned as the centrepiece, a balcony opening into Milimani estate, and bathrooms with hot showers that feel almost therapeutic after travel. Everything is designed to slow you down.

The cuisine is a deliberate blend of local and international flavours. Balanced, thoughtful, and reflective of Kisumu’s evolving hospitality identity.

At night, Kisumu reveals another personality. The nightlife is vibrant without being chaotic, animated without losing its lakeside calm. For those who prefer stillness, the hotel pool remains open under soft lighting, offering a quieter kind of indulgence.

In the morning, a full buffet awaits. Fresh, generous, and complemented by a live cooking station that adds theatre to breakfast. From the dining area, faint roars drift in from the nearby Kisumu Impala Sanctuary. In Kisumu, urban life and wildlife exist in close conversation.

A visit to the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, established in 1992, brings that coexistence into full view. Within its boundaries, nature moves freely and confidently. Monkeys swing through trees with unbothered ease. Buffalo stand still as if posing for a memory. Lions rest in patient silence, while antelopes, baboons, hyenas, and ostriches share the same space in an unspoken rhythm of balance.

From there, the experience extends to Dunga Beach, where the lake meets the shore with an unhurried rhythm. Boats sit loosely against the waterline, and life moves at the pace of conversation rather than urgency. Afterwards, it is a return to the hotel. Lunch by the pool, a swim, or a session at the spa that feels less like luxury and more like restoration.

The next morning begins early, with breakfast followed by departure in an executive van towards Luanda K’otieno to catch the ferry. The journey stretches for roughly an hour and a half, but it never feels empty. It is a corridor of landscape. Rock formations rising unexpectedly, green vegetation thick and unguarded, homesteads scattered with quiet intention, and cultural landmarks make the journey bearable. Among them is Kit Mikayi, a site deeply rooted in cultural memory.

There is one peculiar phenomenon that you could not ignore. Homesteads along the road are marked by “simba” structures. Simba’s are houses built by sons after initiation into adulthood among the Luo community. The number of simbas becomes, in itself, a subtle record of lineage, responsibility, and continuity.

Then, suddenly, there is Lake Victoria. Vast, open, and almost disarming in its scale. At Mbita Ferry Terminal at Luanda K’otieno, passengers board the 11 A.M. ferry to Mbita. The crossing is not merely transport; it is an experience suspended between water and sky. Fishermen’s boats scatter across the lake like fragments of daily survival, each one anchored in hope and repetition.

Mbita town greets visitors with activity shaped by the lake. It is known for omena fishing, and along the shore, children swim with the ease of those who have grown up in water’s presence. “Water buses” wait at the dock, ferrying people to islands that function as both home and livelihood.

Lunch at Mbita Tourist Hotel features fresh tilapia, served with an uninterrupted view of the lake. The setting does not compete with the meal; instead, it completes it.

From Mbita, the journey continues across the bridge into Rusinga Island, destination Rusinga Island Lodge. The lodge sits across acres of carefully arranged cottages, with an airstrip at its entrance that signals a different level of arrival entirely. It is luxury expressed not through excess, but through space, silence, and setting.

Activities here range from swimming and kayaking to visits to the fossil site, excursions to Tom Mboya Mausoleum, and guided bird watching. Each activity adds another layer to the island’s quiet complexity.

Later, boat excursions take guests across nearby islands. Fishing villages on Rusinga, the coastal-like charm of Takawiri Island, and the distinct landscape of Mfangano Island form a circuit of water-bound discovery. The lake is not still. It breathes, ripples, and pushes gently against every journey.

Jet skis cut across the water with sharp energy, while fishing lines settle into the evening calm. Even the simplest act, casting a fishing line, feels elevated by the setting. For some reason, I just caught small fish, yet strangely satisfying in its simplicity.

Dinner is served near a jacuzzi, under an evening sky that softens everything it touches.

Night falls quietly.

A lakeside cottage becomes the final stage of the day: a large bed, a resting couch, and a view of the lake that does not disappear even in darkness. The water remains present, silent, reflective, endless.

For travel agents and tour operators, the opportunity is clear. Western Kenya is not an add-on destination. It is a full experience waiting to be structured into luxury circuits. Tourists heading to Maasai Mara or Amboseli can just as easily begin, or end, their journey here, in the lake region, where water, culture, wildlife, and hospitality converge.

Henceforth, the lakeside is not just synonymous with fish.
It is synonymous with luxury tourism.

^{By Felix Wakiuru}

Skyward Airlines, KATA hold Kisumu training as Western Kenya travel agents’ chapter expands amid rising travel demand

Western Kenya’s tourism circuit, spanning Kisumu, the Rift Valley, and the wider lake region, has long been regarded as one of the country’s most underexploited travel frontiers, despite its strong cultural identity, diverse attractions, and rising appeal among domestic and regional travellers. As Kenya continues to diversify its tourism portfolio beyond the traditional coastal and safari circuits, the western region is increasingly emerging as a strategic growth zone within a rapidly expanding industry.

This growth is unfolding against a backdrop of strong sector performance both locally and globally. The International Air Transport Association reports that global passenger demand rose by 6.1 per cent in February, while African airlines recorded the fastest growth worldwide at 11.9 per cent, underscoring the continent’s accelerating aviation recovery.

Kenya’s tourism sector has also posted robust results. According to the Kenya Tourism Sector Performance Report 2025, the country generated approximately KSh0.5 trillion in tourism earnings, while total tourist arrivals reached an estimated 7.9 million, comprising 2.7 million international visitors and 5.2 million domestic travellers. International arrivals grew by about 9 per cent year-on-year, rising from 2.47 million in 2024 to 2.7 million in 2025—more than double the global average growth rate. Domestic tourism remained a stabilising force, sustaining demand and cushioning seasonal fluctuations.

It is within this environment of expansion that the Western Kenya chapter of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) is recording steady growth. Industry stakeholders note that the number of travel agents in the region has been increasing, driven by rising travel demand, improved awareness of industry opportunities, and stronger engagement between airlines and agents.

The growing chapter is also being reinforced through targeted capacity-building initiatives. KATA, in partnership with Skyward Airlines, recently convened a travel masterclass and training session at the Sarova Imperial Hotel in Kisumu, bringing together a significantly larger pool of agents than in previous engagements. The turnout reflected a clear upward trend in participation, with more agents entering the market and existing operators expanding their reach across western Kenya’s growing travel economy.

The session introduced a new airline booking system aimed at improving efficiency and simplifying the reservation process, equipping agents with tools to operate more competitively in a digital-first environment. Participants underwent hands-on training, reinforcing the shift toward technology-driven service delivery within the sector.

KATA Chief Executive Officer Nicanor Sabula and Western Region Liaison Grace Ogwa commended the agents for their dedication and enthusiasm, praising the strong turnout and active participation as a clear sign of the chapter’s growth and rising professionalism.

According to industry players, the increasing number of agents in the Western chapter is being driven by the region’s untapped tourism potential, improved air connectivity, and the gradual decentralisation of Kenya’s travel industry beyond Nairobi. Kisumu, in particular, is emerging as a key hub for travel activity in the lake region, with ripple effects extending into surrounding counties.

The expansion of KATA’s western chapter is seen not only as an organisational milestone, but also as a reflection of a broader shift in Kenya’s tourism landscape, one that is increasingly inclusive, decentralised, and driven by rising local enterprise.

With continued training, stronger airline partnerships, and growing agent participation, western Kenya is positioning itself as a rising force in the country’s travel ecosystem, with the KATA chapter playing a central role in shaping that trajectory.

Global Air Travel Demand Rises in February Amid Emerging Cost Pressures

Global air passenger demand recorded a strong increase in February, reflecting continued recovery and resilience in the aviation sector, even as geopolitical tensions begin to weigh on costs and capacity.

Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that global passenger demand rose by 6.1% year-on-year in February, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK). Airline capacity also expanded by 5.6%, while the average load factor reached a record 81.4% for the month.

International and Domestic Growth

International travel demand increased by 5.9%, supported by improved connectivity and seasonal travel patterns, while domestic markets grew slightly faster at 6.3% compared to the same period last year.

Growth was particularly strong in regions benefiting from seasonal travel demand, including Asia-Pacific, where traffic rose significantly due to Lunar New Year travel. Latin America also posted robust gains, emerging as one of the fastest-growing regions globally.

Africa Leads Regional Growth

African airlines recorded the strongest global growth rate in February at 11.9% year-on-year, highlighting the continent’s accelerating recovery and rising demand for air connectivity.

This builds on earlier trends showing Africa as one of the fastest-expanding aviation markets, supported by increasing regional travel and improving load factors.

However, despite strong demand, the region continues to face structural challenges, including limited capacity and high operational costs.

Uneven Regional Performance

While most regions posted steady growth, the Middle East lagged behind with minimal expansion, reflecting disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions and airspace restrictions.

European and North American carriers reported moderate increases of around 5%, indicating stable but slower growth compared to emerging markets.

Rising Costs and Uncertainty

Despite positive demand trends, the aviation sector faces mounting uncertainty. Rising fuel costs—driven in part by conflict in the Middle East—are beginning to impact airline operations and ticket prices.

Capacity growth projections have already been revised downward, with airlines adjusting schedules and routes, particularly on services linked to affected regions.

In Africa, the situation is particularly acute. Many countries rely heavily on imported jet fuel, and recent supply disruptions have pushed fuel costs significantly higher, placing additional pressure on airlines and potentially leading to higher fares and reduced capacity.

Industry data suggests that demand fundamentals remain strong, with passenger numbers expected to continue growing through 2026. However, ongoing geopolitical risks and cost pressures could moderate growth in the months ahead.

Airlines are expected to balance strong demand with cautious capacity expansion as they navigate an increasingly uncertain operating environment.

Source ; businesstravelnewseurope.com

Travel Industry Faces Turbulence as Luxury Demand Explodes Amid Global Aviation Chaos and Security Strains

The global travel and tourism sector has entered one of its most contradictory phases in modern history, where instability and unprecedented demand are unfolding side by side. As of April 2026, the industry is grappling with mounting aviation disruptions, rising safety concerns, and infrastructure strain, yet it is also witnessing a dramatic surge in high-value, purpose-driven travel experiences. This unusual balance is redefining how destinations are marketed, how airlines operate, and how travelers perceive value.

At the core of this transformation is a striking reality: while operational systems are under pressure, travelers—especially in the premium segment—are spending more, traveling further, and seeking deeper meaning in their journeys.

Aviation Disruptions Create a Fragmented Global Sky

The aviation sector is currently under intense strain, navigating what experts describe as a fragmented and unpredictable global airspace. Airlines are increasingly forced to redesign flight paths due to geopolitical tensions, resulting in longer travel times and higher fuel consumption. These adjustments are not just logistical challenges but also major cost drivers that ripple across the entire travel ecosystem.

Adding to the complexity is a sharp rise in GNSS interference incidents, where navigation systems face signal disruption or spoofing attempts. Verified aviation safety authorities have acknowledged that such incidents are becoming a routine operational concern, particularly across corridors connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This has placed additional pressure on pilots and air traffic systems, intensifying the need for enhanced monitoring and resilience measures.

Meanwhile, airport infrastructure is showing signs of stress. Delays across major Asian hubs and emergency incidents at tourism properties have raised questions about preparedness, safety compliance, and crisis response capabilities. Government aviation bodies continue to emphasize stricter adherence to safety protocols and improved coordination among stakeholders to mitigate risks.

Luxury Travel Becomes the Industry’s Driving Force

In stark contrast to operational challenges, the luxury travel segment is experiencing a powerful boom. Travelers are increasingly embracing intentional journeys, often referred to as “whycations,” where the purpose of travel outweighs the destination itself. These trips revolve around personal milestones, cultural exploration, and meaningful experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing.

Government-backed tourism boards across multiple countries have highlighted a clear shift toward experience-led tourism models, aligning with broader economic strategies that prioritize high-value visitors over mass tourism. This shift is also reflected in spending patterns, with travelers allocating significantly higher budgets for personalized itineraries, private tours, and exclusive accommodations.

Another emerging trend reshaping the sector is soft expedition travel, where adventure meets comfort. Instead of extreme conditions, travelers are opting for remote yet accessible environments such as tropical rainforests, island ecosystems, and culturally rich regions. Destinations like Indonesia and the Seychelles are benefiting from this trend, offering immersive experiences without the physical intensity of traditional expeditions.

Safety Perception Redefines Global Destination Choices

One of the most influential factors shaping travel decisions in 2026 is perceived safety rather than geographic proximity. Travelers are prioritizing destinations that project stability, security, and efficient governance, even if they are located farther away.

Tourism authorities in regions considered stable are actively positioning themselves as safe cultural hubs, leveraging government-backed safety certifications and infrastructure investments. This has led to increased interest in destinations that combine cultural richness with a strong sense of security.

At the same time, travelers are exploring alternatives to overcrowded hotspots. Government tourism strategies are increasingly promoting lesser-known regions to distribute visitor traffic more evenly, reduce environmental impact, and enhance visitor experiences. Countries like Japan, Portugal, and Croatia continue to lead as preferred destinations, supported by consistent government initiatives in tourism development, infrastructure, and cultural preservation.

Africa Emerges as a Strategic Growth Frontier

A significant development in the global tourism landscape is the growing focus on Africa as a key player in future travel growth. Strategic collaborations within the industry are highlighting the continent’s potential to attract international travelers through sustainable tourism initiatives and technological innovation.

Government tourism agencies across Africa are working to integrate digital tools, artificial intelligence, and sustainability frameworks into their tourism strategies. These efforts are aimed at improving visitor experiences, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring long-term environmental balance.

With major global events and partnerships on the horizon, Africa is positioning itself as a dynamic and emerging hub that combines cultural diversity, natural beauty, and forward-thinking tourism policies.

A Market Defined by Resilient High-End Demand

The defining theme of the 2026 travel landscape is what industry observers describe as resilient high-end demand. Despite economic pressures such as rising fuel costs and inflation, affluent travelers are treating travel as a non-negotiable investment in time and experience.

This trend is creating a noticeable divide within the market. While budget-conscious segments may adjust their travel frequency or spending, the luxury segment continues to expand, driving innovation and shaping the future of the industry. Governments and tourism boards are increasingly aligning their strategies to attract this segment, focusing on quality over quantity.

Travel Sector Balances Risk and Reinvention

The global travel industry is now operating at a critical intersection of risk and reinvention. Aviation challenges, safety concerns, and geopolitical tensions are testing the resilience of the sector, while at the same time, a powerful wave of experiential and luxury demand is pushing it forward.

This dual reality is forcing stakeholders—from airlines to governments—to rethink traditional models and embrace adaptive strategies. The future of travel will likely depend on how effectively the industry can balance operational stability with evolving traveler expectations, ensuring safety without compromising on experience.

As 2026 unfolds, one thing is clear: travel is no longer just about movement. It has become a deeply personal, high-value pursuit, reshaping the global tourism narrative in ways that are both dramatic and transformative.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

Dubai and Middle East flight disruption: the latest airline updates as US and Iran agree temporary ceasefire

A two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran – announced on Tuesday, 7 April – means changes to the flight disruption to the Middle East. Bahrain and Iraq’s airspace were reopened as of Wednesday, 8 April and their carrier airlines – Gulf Air and Iraqi Airways – are resuming operations via phased plans starting this week.

The region’s major airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Qatar, have been slowly increasing their flight schedules over the past few weeks, with networks expected to grow in the coming weeks.

Airspace in many parts of the region, including Kuwait and Iran, remains closed or restricted, while in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, flights are operating through controlled aviation corridors. Partial airspace closures for commercial aircraft will likely continue throughout the ceasefire.

As a result of the ongoing disruption, several international airlines have adjusted their schedules, suspending routes to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and parts of the Middle East for months to come.

Here’s what travellers with Middle East flights booked need to know right now.

Which airlines are operating in the Middle East?

All airlines with flights into airports in closed or restricted airspace are currently operating with reduced and limited schedules, including routes headed for Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, Bahrain International Airport, Doha’s Hamad International Airport, Kuwait International Airport, Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.

Emirates: Emirates is currently running a reduced flight schedule “due to the regional situation”. The government-owned carrier advises passengers to “check your flight status, even after you have checked in”. Customers who are booked to travel until Thursday, 30 April can request a refund or rebook on another flight until Monday, 15 June. “We’ll do our best to rebook you on the next available Emirates flight,” the airline says. “This applies to most disrupted tickets, including journeys connecting beyond Dubai.” According to Flightradar24, Emirates is operating at 70 per cent of its usual schedule.

Etihad Airways: Etihad is operating a limited schedule to 80 destinations. As per Flightradar24, this equates to 65 per cent of its pre-war schedule. Tickets are now on sale via the Etihad website to several destinations across the globe, with additional destinations set to be added as “conditions permit”. Passengers with previous bookings will be accommodated on these flights as soon as possible. Passengers with Etihad flight tickets issued on or after Friday, 6 March, for travel scheduled up to 31 March 2027, may change their booking once without a rebooking fee.

Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways has updated its flight schedule, “reflecting the gradual increase in flights to and from Doha.” Valid until Wednesday, 15 April, routes cover a range of international departures and destinations, including Cairo, Casablanca, Miami, New York, Toronto, Frankfurt, Madrid, London, Bangkok, Beijing and Mumbai. For the full list of routes, see the Qatar Airways website. Flightradar24 estimates the government carrier are running at 40 per cent of its pre-February 28 schedule.

Flydubai: Flydubai has “resumed its operations with a reduced schedule”. Customers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they have received confirmation that their flight is operating. Customers who were booked to travel between Saturday, 28 February and Tuesday, 31 March are being given the option to rebook up to 30 days from their original travel date or to cancel their booking and receive a full refund.

Gulf Air: Gulf Air has confirmed that its services to and from Bahrain International Airport “will gradually resume” after Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs confirmed the reopening of airspace. Starting from Friday, 10 April, there will be two weekly flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Jeddah, Riyadh, Thiruvananthapuram, Dhaka, Kochi, Hyderabad, Nairobi, Lahore and Islamabad. While there will be three weekly flights between Bahrain and London and one route per week between the Kingdom and Dubai. Running alongside it, the airline’s temporary operations using King Fahd International Airport in Dammam will continue until April 30. Transport between Bahrain and Dammam will be arranged for passengers with confirmed tickets.

Air Arabia: Air Arabia has started operating scheduled flights between Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and a number of international destinations – including Vienna, Athens, Cairo, Kathmandu, Muscat, Islamabad, Jeddah and Bangkok. The full list can be viewed and booked on the Air Arabia website. Passengers whose flights were previously cancelled may also rebook if they have not yet used their modification or refund option.

Air India: Air India and Air India Express are operating a range of non-scheduled flights to and from the Middle East which you can view on their website. The airline is not following scheduled operations and is instead running a limited number of flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi on an ad-hoc basis. Flights to Jeddah and Muscat are running as scheduled.

Iraqi Airways: Iraqi Airways started running domestic and international flights, as the country reopened its airspace for the first time since the conflict began. The first international routes include Cairo, Istanbul and Amman, alongside domestic routes to Basra, Sulaymaniyah and Erbil.

Which airlines have suspended and cancelled Middle East flights?

Cathay Pacific: Hong Kong-based carrier Cathay Pacific has cancelled all flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh until at least 31 May. Customers booked to travel up until 31 May may rebook, reroute or refund their tickets as per the airline’s ticket waiver policy. “We’re continuing to monitor the situation closely. Further changes to our flight schedule may be needed in the coming days with the safety of our customers and people being our first priority,” the airline said in a statement.

British Airways: British Airways has cancelled all flights between London Heathrow and Amman, Bahrain, Dubai and Tel Aviv up to and including 31 May. Its Doha route will be reinstated at the end of April. Its daily flight between London and Abu Dhabi has been suspended until later this year. “We’re keeping the situation under constant review and are in touch with our customers to offer them a range of options,” the airline said in a statement on Monday, 16 March.

Oman Air: Oman’s state-owned flag carrier has cancelled flights to and from Amman, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Copenhagen, Baghdad and Khasab until Thursday, 30 April, when another update will be provided.

SalamAir: Oman’s SalamAir is putting on flights between Fujairah International Airport and Muscat, with connecting journeys to Lucknow, Calicut, Hyderabad, Istanbul, Karachi and Cairo. Tickets should be purchased directly from the airline’s website or an authorised travel agency. Flights to Iraq, Lebanon, Sharjah, Doha, Kuwait and Iran are suspended until Thursday, 30 April, while to Dammam have now resumed.

IndiGo: Indian carrier IndiGo are “almost back to operating its regular schedule with 126 weekly flights to/from Saudia Arabia and 28 weekly flights to/from Oman. Additionally, IndiGo’s will operate 98 weekly flights to/from UAE.” This comes after the temporary suspension of flights to Doha, Kuwait City, Sharjah, Bahrain, Dammam, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah “due to the evolving situation in the Middle East”.

Lufthansa: German carrier Lufthansa is ⁠suspending ⁠all flights to Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Dammam, Riyadh, Erbil, Muscat and Tehran, until Saturday, 24 October. With its Dubai and Tel Aviv routes on pause until Sunday, 31 May, “due to ongoing airspace risks over Iran and Iraq”. The airline added, “the suspensions force Europe-to-Asia flights onto longer detours via Egypt or Central Asia, adding one to two hours to flight times and pushing fuel costs into fares”.

Virgin Atlantic: British carrier Virgin Atlantic has suspended its service from London to Dubai for the rest of the winter. With the seasonal route meant to be running until Saturday, March 28, the airline put out a statement on Sunday, 8 March saying: “The recent escalation in the Middle East has brought forward the end of our operation for this season.” Those with tickets for Virgin flights are advised to contact the airline as their teams are “actively working to support those who still need to travel, including exploring and securing arrangements with other airlines wherever possible”.

Norwegian: In a statement on its website, budget carrier Norwegian has cancelled all flights to and from Dubai up to and including Wednesday, 8 April, though no flights are currently bookable until later in the year. “This is a provisional decision, and further changes may be made,” it said in a statement on its website. “Affected passengers will be informed directly using the contact details provided in their booking”. Stranded passengers in Dubai should contact customer service as “there are very limited alternative flight options available”.

KLM: Dutch airline KLM has cancelled all flights to and from Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam up until and including Sunday, 17 May. In a statement issued on Thursday, 19 March, the airline said: “Due to ongoing geopolitical unrest in the Middle East, KLM has decided to cancel all flights to Dubai up to and including May 17. The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority. We understand that this decision has a significant impact on our travellers and are doing everything possible to keep them well informed. Passengers whose flights have been cancelled will be notified personally. They can change their flight or request a refund on the KLM website.”

Kuwait Airways: Commercial arrivals and departures at Kuwait International Airport (KWI) are currently on hold. Kuwaiti citizens with existing bookings with the airline are being flown to Jeddah as part of an emergency repatriation plan. From Saudi Arabia, passengers are required to complete the final leg of their journey to Kuwait by land.

Air Canada: On Friday, 13 March, Air Canada announced it will cease operating flights to Dubai until Tuesday, 30 April, and to Tel Aviv until Saturday, 2 May “due to the military situation in the Middle East”.

Singapore Airlines: Singapore Airlines has extended its suspension of flights between Singapore and Dubai until Thursday, 30 April, due to the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East. The carrier has cancelled services on the route since Saturday, 28 February. “Customers affected by the flight cancellations will be reaccommodated on alternative flights or can seek a full refund of the unused portion of their ticket,” the airline said in its latest website update. Passengers who booked directly can request refunds online, while those who booked through travel agents or partner airlines are advised to contact them directly for assistance.

Middle East airspace closures

The United Arab Emirates has partially reopened its airspace. Dubai Airports, the authority that oversees both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), is operating a limited number of flights. Passengers are urged not to go to the airport unless they have been directly contacted by their airline about rebooking.

Qatar has partially reopened its airspace to allow a limited number of repatriation flights to take place.

Bahrain and Iraq have reopened their airspace in light of the ceasefire, announced on Tuesday, 7 April.

Iran and Israel have closed their airspace.

Kuwait has also closed its airspace and has reported a drone attack on its airport. In a statement published by the Public Authority for Civil Aviation, it was confirmed that the attack caused “minor injuries to several employees and limited material damage to Terminal 1”.

Saudi Arabia‘s airspace is also impacted, although not all flights have been grounded. “Passengers travelling to destinations impacted by ongoing events are urged to check directly with their airlines for the latest flight updates before leaving for the airport,” King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Jeddah Airports, and Dammam Airports advised.

Which destinations are affected?

The impact has widened to include major regional hubs and key transit corridors:

Dubai and Abu Dhabi: UAE airspace has partially reopened, with a limited number of flights operating from Dubai International (DXB), Dubai World Central (DWC) and Zayed International Airport (AUH). Services remain selective and passengers are being contacted directly by airlines if booked on operating flights.
Iraq: Iraqi airspace has reopened for commercial aircraft as of Wednesday, 8 April.
Iran: Airspace remains closed or largely avoided by international airlines, with most carriers continuing to reroute around both countries.
Kuwait: Airspace remains closed and commercial operations at Kuwait International Airport are suspended following a drone strike that damaged Terminal 1.
Doha: Qatari airspace remains partially open, with Qatar Airways operating a reduced flight schedule to and from Doha.
Bahrain: Bahraini airspace has been reopened as a result of the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the US.
Tel Aviv: Israeli airspace remains heavily restricted, with many international carriers continuing to suspend services or pause routes.

What are aviation authorities advising?

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has issued an advisory to European carriers, advising against operating in affected airspaces at “all flight levels and altitudes”.

In a statement, it advised carriers to “closely monitor airspace developments in the region and follow all available aeronautical publications concerning the region, including information shared through the European Information Sharing and Cooperation Platform on Conflict Zones, alongside available guidance or direction from their national authorities”.

What does this mean for travellers?

Travellers should expect a range of practical disruptions, including:

Technical stops: particularly on low-cost carriers, with unscheduled fuel stops in southern Europe
Cancellations: while airspace is closed, airlines have no choice but to ground flights
Schedule shifts: if and when flights resume, expect there to be a knock-on impact on flight schedules as airlines scramble to get passengers back in the air
Rerouting delays: longer flight durations even on services that remain operational

Airlines are offering refunds and flexible rebooking options, though policies vary by carrier.

Source: cntravellerme.com

This article was updated with the latest information on Sunday, 12 April 2026

KATA AGM 2026 Set to Bring the Travel Industry Together Under the Theme “The Journey: Built to Last”

The annual convention of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) is once again set to become one of the most influential gatherings on Kenya’s tourism and aviation calendar as industry leaders prepare for the 2026 KATA Annual General Meeting and Convention.

Scheduled to take place from June 4–6, 2026, the three-day event will be hosted at the PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa under the theme “The Journey: Built to Last.”

Over the years, the KATA AGM has evolved far beyond its original purpose as a statutory meeting for members. Today, it stands as one of the most important platforms where travel agents, airline executives, hoteliers, tour operators, technology providers, and policymakers come together to shape the future of the travel trade in Kenya and across the region.

The convention has become a strategic industry forum where major discussions around policy, partnerships, innovation, and market trends take place. Delegates use the platform to exchange ideas, build new business relationships, and align strategies for the continued growth of Kenya’s tourism and travel sector.

The 2026 edition is expected to continue this tradition, with conversations focusing on resilience, sustainability, innovation, and collaboration—areas increasingly viewed as essential for the long-term success of the travel industry as it adapts to digital transformation and changing global travel patterns.

Past conventions have demonstrated the scale and influence of the event. For example, the 2025 KATA AGM and Convention, also held in Mombasa, attracted more than 350 delegates from over 13 countries, bringing together policymakers, airlines, and travel professionals to map out strategies for the sector’s future growth.

These gatherings have increasingly become a hub for industry dialogue—covering everything from emerging travel trends and airline distribution strategies to digital transformation and new revenue opportunities for travel agents. They also provide a unique opportunity for stakeholders across the tourism value chain to engage directly with government and regulatory bodies.

For travel agents, the AGM represents more than just networking—it is a chance to gain insight into market developments, explore partnerships with airlines and suppliers, and position their businesses for the next phase of industry growth.

With Kenya’s tourism sector continuing its strong recovery and travel demand rising across the region, the 2026 KATA AGM and Convention is expected to draw strong participation from across the travel ecosystem.

By convening key voices from across aviation, tourism, and travel distribution, the event aims to reinforce a central message embedded in this year’s theme: the future of the industry will depend on building partnerships and strategies that are truly “built to last.”