First-ever cruise vessel from Asia docks in Mombasa with 717 tourists

Kenya’s cruise tourism has reached a momentous milestone with the arrival of MS Viking Yi Dun, the first-ever cruise vessel to sail directly from  Asia to the Port of Mombasa. 

The vessel brought with it 717 tourists and 450 crew members in a breakthrough voyage that signals the country’s growing prominence as a global cruise destination.

The vessel’s arrival raises the total number of cruise ships that have docked at the Port of Mombasa’s modern cruise terminal to nine during the October-to-June cruise season, bringing 4,889 tourists, an increase of 684 visitors compared to the previous cruise circuit.

During the last cruise season, five vessels called at the port carrying 4,205 tourists. Before the end of 2026, Kenya is projected to receive a total of 20 cruise vessels.

The nine-year-old Norway-flagged luxury liner arrived at the Port of Mombasa early Tuesday morning carrying excited tourists, the majority from the People’s Republic of China, alongside visitors from 16 other nationalities.

Stretching 228 metres in length and towering 10 decks above the waterline, the magnificent cruise ship cut an impressive silhouette against the Port of Mombasa skyline as it gracefully sailed into the modern cruise terminal. The vessel has a passenger capacity of 930.

The tourists received a colourful welcome from Mijikenda cultural performers, whose traditional music and dances showcased Kenya’s rich coastal heritage before the visitors embarked on excursions to some of the country’s iconic tourist attractions.

The vessel’s Captain, Alex Sehlstedt, said the cruise began in Shanghai, China, and is sailing around Africa to South Africa before concluding its voyage in Tarragona, Spain.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director (MD) Capt. William Ruto described the maiden arrival of the cruise vessel from Asia as a testament to Kenya’s growing appeal as a global cruise tourism destination and increasing confidence in the Port of Mombasa as a strategic gateway to East Africa. 

“This is something that we have been looking forward to for a long time. You are all aware that most of our cruise ships have been coming from Europe, but today this one is the first one coming from Asia,” said Capt. Ruto.

He assured visitors that the Port of Mombasa remains safe and reaffirmed KPA’s commitment to guaranteeing the security and comfort of all cruise tourists. He noted that the authority is leveraging the modern cruise terminal to attract more international cruise liners.

“I think this year we are really blessed. This is the ninth cruise ship visiting the Port of Mombasa, and we are just halfway there. Our purpose of making the Port of Mombasa a cruise destination is now becoming a reality,” stated Capt. Ruto.

“At the Port of Mombasa, we continue investing in cruise tourism by ensuring that visitors and the vessels bringing them to our port are well taken care of,” said the MD.

Capt Ruto also appealed to the vessel’s management to consider extending future stopovers from one day to at least a week to allow tourists ample time to explore Kenya’s diverse attractions.

“One day is not enough for visitors to experience the beautiful scenery of Mombasa and the many wonderful attractions our country has to offer,” he explained.

Pollman’s Tours and Safaris Group Director of Operations Mohamed Hersi commended the government’s continued efforts in marketing Kenya as a premier tourism destination, saying the campaigns have contributed significantly to the increasing number of cruise visitors.

“I wish you were staying longer so that you could enjoy more of what Kenya has to offer,” said Hersi.

One of the tourists, Wu Haijeng from Beijing, China, said although it was his fourth visit to Kenya, it was his first time arriving as a cruise tourist. He said he was looking forward to experiencing the country’s unique attractions.

“I want to see the beautiful views, animals, culture and history here. I want to have a good experience,” said Haijeng.

Source: the-star.co.ke

KATA Chairman Dr. Joseph Kithitu Elected AESATA President

Every leader has a signature. Some inspire through speeches. Others through bold declarations.

Dr. Joseph Kithitu has built his reputation asking questions.

“Take these numbers. Relate them to your business.”It has become one of the defining lines of his leadership.

When addressing travel agents at industry forums, the Chairman of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has developed a habit of turning statistics into strategy sessions. BSP sales. Profit. Loss. Passenger trends. Industry performance.

Many leaders stop there. The numbers speak for themselves.

Dr. Kithitu is rarely interested in applause. Instead, he challenges the room. “Take these numbers. Relate them to your business. Are you keeping pace or are you being left behind?”

Suddenly, the presentation is no longer about Kenya’s travel industry. It becomes about every business owner in the room.

It is a deceptively simple leadership style. One that refuses to allow success to become complacency. Statistics are never the destination. They are the starting point for asking harder questions, challenging assumptions, and encouraging businesses to evolve.

Many view figures as a representation of growth. Dr. Kithitu sees something else.
A responsibility. To him, Industry growth means very little if individual businesses are not growing alongside it.

This week, his philosophy received regional recognition.

Meeting during the 2026 AESATA Travel Agents’ Conference in Livingstone, Zambia, the Board of the Association of Eastern and Southern Africa Travel Agents (AESATA) elected Dr. Joseph Kithitu as its new President, succeeding Tanzania’s Moustafa Khataw.

For many, the announcement was a moment of celebration. For those who have watched KATA’s transformation over the past few years, it felt more like the next logical chapter.

Strong industries are built on strong institutions.

Few people understand that better than Dr. Kithitu.

Long before assuming regional leadership, he had already begun reshaping KATA from a traditional membership organisation into an institution whose influence increasingly extends beyond its membership.

The results are difficult to ignore.

Over the past four years, KATA’s membership has grown by more than 70 per cent, transforming it into one of the country’s most representative travel industry associations. Growth on that scale reflects more than recruitment. It reflects confidence. Confidence that the Association is advocating effectively, creating opportunities for members and ensuring that travel agents have a seat at the tables where critical decisions are made.

And that is perhaps where Dr. Kithitu’s greatest impact has been felt.

Influence.

Under his stewardship, KATA has steadily positioned itself where the industry’s most important conversations happen.

The Association secured representation on the National Air Transport Facilitation Committee (NATFC), giving travel agents a voice in discussions shaping Kenya’s aviation sector. Through CEO Nicanor Sabula’s appointment to the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) Board, KATA strengthened its contribution to tourism policy and regulation.

Regionally, the Association has remained actively engaged in the IATA Agency Programme Joint Council (APJC), working alongside counterpart associations in Uganda and Tanzania to ensure East African travel agents remain represented as airline distribution undergoes its biggest transformation in decades.

Internationally, Dr. Kithitu serves on the Board of the United Federation of Travel Agents’ Associations (UFTAA), one of the world’s most influential bodies representing travel agents. His involvement at the global level has given him a front-row seat to the issues reshaping international travel – from airline distribution and technology adoption to advocacy and professional standards- an experience that now naturally feeds into his regional leadership at AESATA.

None of those milestones happened overnight.

Together, they tell the story of a chairman who has consistently believed that influence is earned by being present where decisions are made.

That influence has already translated into tangible results for the industry. KATA successfully petitioned the Government to withdraw a proposal to introduce a 16 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on air ticketing services. Had it been implemented, the tax would have significantly increased the cost of ticketing services, placing additional financial pressure on travellers and travel agencies alike. The reversal was widely viewed as one of KATA’s most significant advocacy victories, demonstrating the Association’s ability not only to participate in policy discussions but to influence their outcome.

But advocacy alone has never been enough.

Dr. Kithitu has repeatedly argued that the future competitiveness of travel businesses will depend on their willingness to evolve. As artificial intelligence, automation and New Distribution Capability (NDC) continue to reshape the global travel landscape, KATA has consistently encouraged members not to fear technology but to embrace it.

Under his leadership, Industry meetings have quietly become important strategy forums. They begin with numbers. They end with conversations. Travel agency owners openly debate market realities. They challenge one another. They discuss technology, profitability, changing traveller behaviour and the future of the profession. These conversations continue inside boardrooms across the country. Perhaps that explains why KATA today is increasingly viewed not merely as an association, but as an institution helping shape the future of Kenya’s travel industry.

Dr. Kithitu’s own journey reflects that same blend of financial discipline and industry leadership. A holder of a PhD in Finance, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Secretary, he spent more than two decades in senior finance before rising to become Managing Director of Hemingways Travel. Those who have worked with him often note that while his background is finance, his leadership has always been about people.

Numbers matter. Evidence matters. But only if they change behaviour.

That mindset now moves onto a much larger stage.

AESATA brings together 13 national travel agent associations from Botswana, Comoros, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Collectively, they represent thousands of travel professionals working to address many of the same challenges, including fragmented air connectivity, evolving airline distribution models, rapid technological disruption, changing consumer expectations and the need for stronger regional collaboration.

Africa’s travel industry stands at an important crossroads.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is creating new opportunities for commerce. Momentum behind the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) continues to grow. Governments are increasingly recognising tourism as a driver of economic development.

Yet barriers remain.

High airfares. Restrictive visa regimes. Limited connectivity. Uneven technology adoption.

No single country can solve those challenges alone. That is precisely why AESATA matters.

Its role is to bring countries together, build consensus, strengthen advocacy and ensure that travel agents remain central to shaping Africa’s tourism future.

For Kenya, Dr. Kithitu’s election represents far more than national pride. It places the country’s travel industry at the centre of regional conversations on aviation, tourism policy, technology adoption and professional standards. It strengthens Kenya’s voice in discussions that will determine how Eastern and Southern Africa travels, trades and grows over the coming years.

For AESATA, it brings a leader whose track record has been defined not by grand pronouncements, but by deliberate institution-building. By asking difficult questions. By challenging businesses to think differently. By measuring success not simply through industry performance, but through the progress of individual businesses.

Perhaps that is why one sentence continues to define his leadership.

“Take these numbers. Relate them to your business.”

It is a lesson that extends well beyond balance sheets.  It is about refusing to confuse industry growth with personal progress. It is about turning opportunity into action.

And as Dr. Joseph Kithitu assumes the presidency of AESATA, it is a philosophy that now has the opportunity to shape not only Kenya’s travel industry, but the future of travel across Eastern and Southern Africa.

Why the 2026 AESATA Travel Agents’ Conference Could Change How Africa Travels

For decades, Africa has spoken about the promise of a single travel and tourism market. Yet travellers still face expensive airfares, fragmented airline networks, restrictive visa regimes and disconnected booking systems that often make it easier and cheaper to travel outside the continent than within it.

Bridging those gaps has become the mission of the Association of Eastern and Southern Africa Travel Agents (AESATA), a regional body that brings together 13 national travel agent associations from Botswana, Comoros, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Together, the member associations work to tackle shared challenges ranging from changing aviation regulations and rapid technological disruption to the need for harmonised service standards and stronger intra-African tourism networks.

It is against this backdrop that more than 200 delegates from 22 African countries converged in Livingstone, Zambia, for the 4th Annual AESATA Travel Agents’ Conference, the association’s flagship regional gathering. Under the theme “Africa in Motion,” the conference brought together an unusually broad cross-section of the travel ecosystem, including travel agencies, airlines, tourism boards, hospitality brands, policymakers, financial institutions and travel technology providers to examine one fundamental question: What will it take to move Africa together?

Over three days of keynote addresses, executive roundtables and industry discussions, one message emerged with remarkable consistency.

No single airline. No single government. No single travel agency.

Only collaboration.

A Meeting of the Entire Travel Ecosystem

Unlike many industry conferences where discussions remain within one sector, AESATA deliberately placed every player in the travel value chain in the same room.

Government officials shared the stage with airline executives. Tourism boards exchanged ideas with travel agents. Technology companies demonstrated digital solutions alongside payment providers, while hospitality brands showcased how destinations themselves can become stronger partners in regional tourism.

The diversity of delegates reflected a growing understanding that Africa’s travel challenges cannot be solved in isolation.

Regional connectivity depends as much on government policy as it does airline strategy. Travel agents remain the bridge between suppliers and travellers. Technology is becoming the infrastructure that ties the ecosystem together.

It was this interconnected approach that gave this year’s conference its significance.

Connectivity Dominated Every Conversation

If there was one word that echoed through nearly every keynote, panel discussion and networking session, it was connectivity.

Not simply the availability of flights, but the broader idea of making Africa easier to move around.

Industry leaders examined how fragmented air networks continue to suppress demand, increase travel costs and limit tourism growth despite the continent’s enormous potential.

Panel discussions explored how stronger airline partnerships, smarter distribution systems and improved regional cooperation could stimulate business travel, leisure tourism and intra-African trade simultaneously.

One of the conference’s flagship discussions, Air Travel in Africa: Unlocking Growth, Connectivity and Commerce, brought together leaders from IATA, the Airline Association of Southern Africa (AASA), Visa and travel technology provider Triply to examine aviation’s role as an economic catalyst rather than simply a transport service.

The message was clear.

Every additional route, every simplified payment process and every digital innovation has the potential to unlock entirely new travel markets across Africa.

Beyond Flights: Removing Africa’s Invisible Borders

Air connectivity was only part of the discussion.

Equally important was the recognition that many of Africa’s barriers remain administrative rather than physical.

The conference dedicated one of its headline sessions to what many delegates described as one of the continent’s biggest untapped opportunities: removing unnecessary friction from travel.

The aptly named Unblock Africa: Breaking Visa Walls, Aviation Taxes & Unlocking Africa’s Trillion-Dollar Travel Economy examined how visa restrictions, taxation and inconsistent policy frameworks continue to discourage movement between African countries.

For many delegates, improving mobility is no longer simply a tourism issue.

It is increasingly viewed as an economic imperative capable of stimulating investment, trade and regional integration.

Technology Is Becoming the Industry’s New Infrastructure

While aviation and policy dominated many conversations, technology quietly emerged as one of the conference’s strongest underlying themes.

Across presentations and exhibitions, travel technology providers demonstrated how automation, digital booking systems, payment solutions and modern distribution platforms are reshaping how African travel businesses operate.

For agencies facing rapidly changing customer expectations, digital transformation is no longer a competitive advantage.

It is becoming the cost of remaining relevant.

Rather than replacing travel agents, speakers repeatedly argued that technology should empower them—reducing manual processes, expanding product access and allowing agencies to focus on advisory services and customer relationships.

It was a reminder that the future of African travel will depend as much on digital connectivity as physical connectivity.

Redefining the Role of the Travel Agent

Perhaps one of the most thought-provoking conversations centred on the evolution of the travel agency itself.

Industry leaders challenged agencies to rethink their role in an era where travellers increasingly book online.

The future, delegates heard, lies not in competing with booking engines, but in delivering expertise, personalised service, destination knowledge and end-to-end travel solutions that technology alone cannot replicate.

Several sessions reinforced that agencies remain critical partners within the travel ecosystem—connecting airlines, hotels, destinations and travellers while supporting the growth of regional tourism.

Building Relationships Beyond the Boardroom

The conference was intentionally designed to extend beyond formal presentations.

Networking lunches, exhibitions, business meetings, a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and the Tree of Life Gala Dinner created opportunities for conversations that often prove just as valuable as those held on stage.

For many delegates, these informal engagements are where partnerships begin—new routes are discussed, supplier relationships strengthened and cross-border collaborations initiated.

That, ultimately, is the value of gatherings like AESATA Travel Agents’ Conference.

Not simply the exchange of ideas, but the creation of relationships capable of turning those ideas into commercial opportunities.

More Than a Conference

By the time delegates gathered for the closing ceremony and the adoption of the Livingstone Declaration, one thing had become increasingly evident.

Africa’s travel industry is no longer asking whether integration is possible.

It is asking how quickly it can happen.

For three days, Livingstone became a meeting point for the continent’s travel decision-makers.

But perhaps the most important outcome was not a keynote speech, a panel discussion or even a declaration.

It was the growing consensus that Africa’s travel future will not be built by individual markets acting alone.

It will be built by governments, airlines, travel agents, tourism boards and technology providers moving in the same direction.

Because if this year’s AESATA Conference demonstrated anything, it is that Africa in Motion is no longer just a conference theme.

It is becoming the strategy shaping the continent’s next era of travel.

South Africa’s New Digital Travel Permit Won’t Change Entry Rules for Kenyans

Visa Applications

South Africa’s launch of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system has generated considerable interest across the travel industry, but for Kenyan travellers, the new digital platform changes very little.

The reason is straightforward: Kenyans already enjoy visa-free entry into South Africa for short stays of up to 90 days under a bilateral agreement that came into effect in January 2023. As a result, they are not required to obtain a visitor visa—and consequently do not need the new Electronic Travel Authorisation that is designed to replace the traditional visa application process.

The ETA forms part of South Africa’s broader efforts to modernise its immigration system by digitising travel authorisations for eligible foreign nationals. Instead of submitting paper applications or visiting embassies and consulates, travellers from visa-required countries will be able to apply online, upload supporting documents, receive electronic approval and have the authorisation digitally linked to their passports before departure.

The Department of Home Affairs says the system is intended to simplify visa procedures, reduce processing times, improve traveller convenience and strengthen border security through advanced digital verification.

Unlike conventional visas that often require physical documentation and manual processing, the ETA will offer a fully online application process, allowing applicants to track the progress of their requests and receive decisions electronically.

However, the system is being introduced in phases and will initially be available only to travellers from selected visa-required countries. The Department of Home Affairs has indicated that additional nationalities will be added over time.

For Kenya, however, the phased rollout is largely academic. Since Kenyan passport holders travelling for tourism or business do not currently require visas for short visits, they fall outside the primary target group for the ETA.

Travel agents have therefore been advised not to confuse the new system with a new travel requirement for Kenyans.

Instead, Kenyan travellers should continue travelling under the existing visa-free arrangement, ensuring they hold a valid passport and comply with normal immigration requirements. As with all international travel, South African immigration officials retain the final authority to admit travellers at the port of entry, even where a visitor is visa-exempt.

While the ETA does not immediately affect Kenyan travellers, it is expected to significantly improve travel for visitors from countries that currently require South African visas. By eliminating embassy visits and paper-based applications, the digital platform is expected to reduce administrative burdens, improve booking confidence for travel agents and airlines, and make South Africa a more competitive destination.

For the Kenyan travel trade, the development is nonetheless worth monitoring. The digital transformation of South Africa’s immigration system is likely to streamline travel across key source markets, potentially boosting visitor numbers to one of Africa’s leading tourism and business destinations.

For now, however, the message for Kenyan travellers is clear: South Africa’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation is not a replacement for the visa-free access they already enjoy. Until the two governments announce any changes to the existing bilateral visa waiver agreement, Kenyans can continue travelling to South Africa for eligible short visits without applying for either a traditional visa or the new ETA.

“If We Don’t Allow Other People In, We Cannot Build to Last”: Juanita Vorster at the 2026 KATA AGM & Convention

If there was one myth Juanita Vorster wanted the room to leave behind, it was this: that the future of work can be explained by generational labels.

Addressing more than 350 delegates at the 2026 Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) AGM & Convention in Mombasa, the renowned strategist and international speaker challenged travel industry leaders to rethink how they attract, manage, and retain talent in an increasingly diverse workplace.

Her session, “The Future Workforce: Managing Gen Z and Preparing for Gen Alpha,” was not a lesson about generations. It was a lesson about people.

“The common misconception is that Gen Z are not patient,” she observed. “Every generation has characteristics we can complain about. Let’s not focus on that. When we talk about generations, we get annoyed.”

For Juanita, that annoyance has become a distraction.

“If we continue getting annoyed, we cannot have a winning industry.” Instead of asking whether Gen Z behaves differently, leaders should be asking a more meaningful question. “It is not how we experience behaviour but what drives behaviour.”

That shift in thinking formed the foundation of her message throughout the session. Labels, she argued, rarely solve workplace challenges. Understanding people does.

“Remove the labels of generational tags. Knowing a generational label is not going to help you.” As organizations prepare for Generation Alpha while continuing to manage multigenerational teams, she encouraged delegates to stop trying to minimize differences. “The differences in the industry will remain. The focus should never be on minimizing them. We need to work with them.”

Her message resonated strongly with the convention’s theme, “The Journey: Build to Last.” Sustainable organizations are not built by making everyone the same, but by creating environments where different perspectives strengthen the whole. For travel agents, she reminded delegates, understanding people is also central to serving customers. “The travel agent is there to reduce friction throughout the customer’s travel period.”

That same philosophy, she suggested, should extend to leadership—removing friction for employees through better communication, clearer expectations and stronger workplace experiences.

One of the biggest mistakes leaders make, according to Juanita, is believing that simply sharing information automatically changes behaviour. “More information does not equal more influence.” Leadership, she explained, is less about talking and more about understanding. “Acknowledgment is not understanding.” Instead, organizations need to communicate differently. “We need to ask differently; communication, understanding, and checking the obvious.”

She also warned against making assumptions. “The moment we assume, it becomes difficult. Don’t just help—be a helpful help.” As companies compete for talent, Juanita urged leaders to think beyond qualifications and focus on the experiences they create for employees. “The first question should be: what type of experience do I need?” And when technical skills are missing? “If you can’t find the skills, train for aptitude and model for attitude.” It was a reminder that great organizations invest not only in capability, but in potential.

At the same time, she emphasized that creating inclusive workplaces should never come at the expense of accountability. “No person in the business—young or old—should be allowed to get away without consequences.” Fairness, she argued, is one of the foundations of trust.

Returning to the convention’s central message of building for the future, Juanita delivered perhaps her most memorable quote of the session. “If we don’t allow other people in, we cannot Build To Last.” Those few words captured the essence of her presentation. Future-fit organizations are built by embracing new ideas, welcoming different generations, developing talent, and creating cultures where people feel they belong.

“We have to have a future-fit workforce. We can create because we allow each other in.” She concluded by reminding delegates that lasting organizations are sustained by connection. “Keeping people connected… if we let others in, we would have built to last.”

As travel and tourism continue to evolve, technology will change, customer expectations will shift, and new generations will enter the workforce. But Juanita Vorster left delegates with a simple truth that transcends every trend.

The future of work isn’t about Gen Z. It isn’t about Gen Alpha. It is about understanding people well enough to build workplaces where every generation can thrive together.

Because only then can organizations truly build to last.

Premier Airlines Opens Flights to 100,000 Global Travel Agents Through Amadeus and Travelport

Premier Airlines has significantly expanded its global sales reach after making its flight inventory available on the world’s leading Global Distribution Systems (GDS), a move that places the Nairobi-based regional carrier before more than 100,000 IATA-accredited travel agencies and major online travel platforms worldwide.

The airline’s inventory is now live on Amadeus and Travelport under the airline code W1, allowing travel agents across the globe to search, book and issue tickets seamlessly through the systems they use every day.

The development also extends Premier Airlines’ distribution to New Distribution Capability (NDC) channels and leading Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) including Expedia and Kayak, giving the carrier significantly broader visibility in international travel markets.

For airlines, distribution is often as critical as operating the aircraft itself.

While carriers may operate reliable schedules and attractive routes, growth depends heavily on how easily travel agents and corporate travel managers can access and sell those flights. Listing on the major GDS platforms removes a significant commercial barrier by placing Premier Airlines alongside global and regional carriers in the booking systems used by travel professionals worldwide.

The move is expected to strengthen the airline’s position across East Africa and the Horn of Africa, where demand for regional connectivity continues to grow.

Premier Airlines currently operates:

  • Daily Nairobi–Juba return flights.
  • Four weekly Nairobi–Mogadishu services.
  • Two weekly Juba–Entebbe–Juba flights.
  • Weekly flights to Hargeisa every Saturday.

The expanded distribution means travel agencies no longer need to rely solely on direct communication with the airline to make bookings, improving efficiency for both agents and customers while increasing the carrier’s accessibility in international markets.

In addition to the GDS rollout, Premier Airlines has also launched a dedicated booking portal for travel agents, providing another channel through which accredited agencies can access the airline’s inventory and manage reservations.

The milestone represents an important commercial step for the Nairobi-based airline as it continues to strengthen regional connectivity from its hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

A registered Silver Member of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), Premier Airlines serves destinations including Juba, Mogadishu, Entebbe, Hargeisa and Garowe, connecting key business and trade centres across East Africa and the Horn of Africa.

As competition among regional airlines increasingly shifts beyond route networks to technology and distribution, broader access through global booking platforms is expected to play a growing role in driving passenger volumes, supporting travel agency sales and improving market visibility.

For Premier Airlines, joining Amadeus and Travelport is more than a technology upgrade—it is an expansion of its commercial footprint, placing the airline within the global marketplace where most professional travel bookings begin.

The KATA Chairman’s Breakfast Meetings: Where Kenya’s Travel Industry Billions Are Put Into Perspective

Every industry has its boardroom.

For Kenya’s travel trade, it increasingly looks like a KATA Chairman’s Breakfast.

There are no breaking news announcements. No ribbon cuttings. No grand product launches.

Instead, there are numbers. Big numbers.

The kind that tells the story of an industry far better than opinion ever could.

At this week’s Chairman’s Breakfast Meeting, KATA Chairman Dr. Joseph Kithitu walked members through Kenya’s latest BSP performance, painting a picture of an industry that is not merely recovering but growing. The headline figure was impossible to ignore.

USD 241.8 million.

That is what Kenya recorded in BSP sales by May 2026, representing a 10 per cent increase over the same period in 2025. April emerged as the standout month with an impressive 24.7 per cent year-on-year growth, while cash sales accounted for 91.3 per cent of total transactions. Evidence of strong liquidity and sustained consumer demand.

Those figures alone translate into tens of billions of shillings moving through Kenya’s aviation and travel ecosystem. Yet even those numbers tell only part of the story.

BSP captures airline ticket sales processed through IATA’s settlement system. Today’s travel market extends well beyond that. Direct airline bookings, NDC transactions, online travel platforms, and other distribution channels continue to account for an increasing share of airline sales.

In other words, the actual value of Kenya’s travel economy is considerably larger than the figures presented on the screen. For many businesses, that would have been enough. Celebrate the growth. Applaud the numbers. Move on.

Instead, the Chairman asked a far more uncomfortable question.

“Take these numbers, relate them to your business. Are you keeping pace or are you being left behind?”

That changed the atmosphere in the room. The presentation stopped being about national performance. It became personal because industry growth means very little if individual businesses are not growing alongside it.

The numbers had done their job. Now came the conversation.

One by one, travel agency owners picked up the microphone and spoke passionately about the state of the market. Business is growing. Travel demand is returning with remarkable strength. Some of Kenya’s leading agencies are handling more enquiries than they can comfortably manage. The opportunity exists.

The challenge is ensuring more agencies are positioned to benefit from it.

Repeatedly, speakers returned to one simple idea. Growth is not accidental. It is a choice—a decision to invest. A decision to modernise.  A decision to rethink the way business is done. That naturally brought the discussion to the technologies redefining global travel.

Artificial Intelligence. New Distribution Capability (NDC). Automation. Digital booking ecosystems.

For years, much of the conversation around these technologies has centred on disruption and uncertainty.

This room viewed them differently. The consensus was strikingly clear.

Don’t fight technology. Don’t fight AI. Don’t fight NDC. Embrace them.

The agencies that will thrive over the next decade will not necessarily be the largest. They will be the ones quickest to adapt, quickest to learn, and quickest to use technology to create better experiences for travellers.

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the morning was not the data itself but the willingness of members to openly debate what it means. The conversations were candid. Experienced agency owners shared what they were seeing in the market. Others spoke honestly about the pressures facing smaller businesses. There was an acknowledgement that while the industry is growing, not everyone is growing at the same pace.

That is precisely why these meetings matter.

Markets do not transform because statistics improve. They transform when businesses respond to those statistics.

The Chairman’s Breakfast has quietly become one of the few spaces where the industry pauses long enough to analyse itself. Not through speculation, but through evidence.

The partnership with RateHawk, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, added another layer to the discussion. Insights shared by Ratehawk’s leadership reinforced how global distribution, technology, and changing traveller behaviour are reshaping opportunities for African travel businesses.

But perhaps the most valuable lesson from the morning was that data, on its own, changes nothing.

Numbers inform. People decide.

The USD 241.8 million was never the destination. It was the starting point.

It challenged every agency in the room to ask whether it was merely witnessing Kenya’s travel industry’s growth or actively participating in it.

That is what increasingly defines KATA Chairman Breakfast Meetings. They begin with statistics. They evolve into a strategy.

And long after the coffee cups are cleared away, the conversations continue inside boardrooms, across agency offices, and among industry leaders making decisions that will determine who captures the next wave of growth.

In an industry moving as quickly as travel, those conversations may be every bit as valuable as the numbers that spark them.

UAE introduces visa-on-arrival for eligible Kenyan passport holders

Kenyan ordinary passport holders with valid residence permits from select countries will now be eligible for a visa on arrival in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following a new policy that took effect on June 25, 2026.

In a statement, UAE authorities announced that the visa-on-arrival facility will be available to Kenyan citizens and their accompanying family members who hold valid residence permits issued by the United States, a member state of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Canada, or New Zealand.

The initiative is aimed at easing travel requirements for eligible visitors while strengthening ties between the UAE and Kenya.

According to the announcement, the move reflects the UAE’s commitment to facilitating international travel and enhancing its position as a leading global hub for tourism, business, and investment.

“Effective June 25, 2026, the United Arab Emirates will grant visas on arrival to ordinary passport holders from the Republic of Kenya and their accompanying family members who hold valid residence permits issued by the United States, a European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Canada, or New Zealand. This initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to facilitating travel and reinforcing its position as a global destination for tourism, business, and investment,” UAE embassy in Kenya said in a statement.

The new arrangement is expected to benefit Kenyan travellers who frequently visit the UAE for business, leisure, education, and transit purposes, reducing the need to obtain a visa before departure.

The UAE remains one of the most popular destinations for Kenyan travellers, attracting thousands of visitors annually due to its thriving business environment, tourism attractions, and strategic location connecting Africa, Asia, and Europe.

The move is set to improve travel accessibility and support economic and people-to-people connections between the UAE and countries around the world.

Eligible Kenyan travellers will no longer be required to apply for a UAE visa before travelling. Instead, they can board their flights and obtain a visa upon arrival at UAE airports, provided they meet the stipulated requirements.

However, the visa-on-arrival facility will not be available to all Kenyan passport holders.

Before the policy change, most Kenyans travelling to the UAE were required to secure visas in advance through sponsors, travel agencies, airlines or the UAE immigration system before departure.

The new arrangement allows eligible travellers to obtain either a 14-day visa on arrival, which can be extended once, or a 60-day visa on arrival that is non-extendable.

A Kenyan citizen living and working in the United Kingdom with a valid UK residence permit can now travel directly to Dubai and receive a visa at the airport upon arrival instead of undergoing the pre-travel visa application process.

The same applies to Kenyans residing in countries such as Canada, Australia, the United States and Germany, provided they hold valid qualifying residence permits.

Despite the relaxation of travel requirements, the policy does not amount to visa-free entry for all Kenyans. A Kenyan passport alone is not sufficient to qualify for the visa-on-arrival programme, as travellers must also hold a valid residence permit from one of the approved countries.

Source: the-star.co.ke

Kenya Airways brings back Boeing 777, launches 50% fare discounts ahead of 50th anniversary

Kenya Airways has brought back its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft into service and is giving passengers a rare chance to fly on one of its biggest planes on the Nairobi-Mombasa route, complete with fares discounted by up to 50 per cent.

The move marks a major milestone for the national carrier as it continues its recovery journey and gears up for its 50th anniversary celebrations.

Speaking during the aircraft’s return to service on Wednesday, Kenya Airways Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer George Kamal described the development as a symbol of the airline’s progress and ambitions.

“Today marks a proud milestone for Kenya Airways as we welcome back our Boeing 777-300ER into our service,” Kamal said.

“This is more than a return of an aircraft. It’s a symbol of our resilience, our ambition and the progress we continue to make as Kenya’s national carrier.”

In a deliberate move, the airline has deployed the wide-body aircraft on the Nairobi-Mombasa route before returning it to long-haul international operations.

The decision gives domestic travellers a chance to experience one of the most iconic aircraft in the Kenya Airways fleet.

“We have deliberately chosen to begin this journey on the Nairobi-Mombasa route, giving Kenyans the first opportunity to experience one of the most iconic aircraft in our fleet before it returns to international operations,” Kamal said.

To sweeten the experience, the airline has introduced promotional fares offering travellers discounts of up to 50 per cent as part of the countdown to its golden jubilee celebrations.

“And to make this more exciting and to celebrate even more, we decided to make a big promotion on our fares, giving you a 50 per cent discount as we begin the countdown to Kenya Airways’ 50th anniversary,” Kamal said.

He said the promotion is a gesture of appreciation to customers who have supported the airline over the past five decades.

“This is our way of thanking our customers for being part of our journey over the past five decades,” he added.

Kenya Airways also announced that the Boeing 777-300ER is scheduled to make its inaugural flight to London on July 17, 2026, marking its return to international service.

The airline said the move will strengthen connectivity between Kenya and key global destinations while supporting its broader growth strategy.

“The return of our Boeing 777 also marks the beginning of another exciting chapter as the aircraft prepares for its inaugural flight to London on the 17th of July 2026, further strengthening our global connectivity to our customers, partners and the entire Kenya Airways family,” Kamal said.

The Boeing 777-300ER is among the largest aircraft operated by Kenya Airways and is primarily used on long-haul routes because of its extended range and larger passenger capacity.

Kamal thanked customers for their continued loyalty and said the airline remains focused on connecting Africa to the rest of the world through safe, reliable services.

“Together we continue connecting Africa to the world and the world to Africa,” he said.

As it approaches its 50th anniversary, Kenya Airways says it will continue prioritising safety, reliability, and the African hospitality that has become synonymous with its brand.

Source: the-star.co.ke

The Sleeping Lion Roars, But Can Mombasa Sustain the Momentum?

For much of the past decade, Mombasa has struggled to maintain its position as East Africa’s premier tourism destination.

While the city remains Kenya’s historic gateway to the Indian Ocean, international visitor patterns have steadily shifted toward alternative coastal destinations such as Diani, Watamu, Malindi and Lamu. Challenges ranging from security concerns and urban decay to traffic congestion, sanitation issues and aging infrastructure gradually eroded the city’s competitiveness.

Yet recent developments suggest a significant shift may be underway.

Within the span of a few weeks, Mombasa hosted two major events that demonstrated the city’s growing potential as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination: the 2026 Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) AGM & Convention and the 11th Our Ocean Conference.

The latter was particularly significant. It marked the first time the globally influential conference was held in Africa, bringing more than 4,500 delegates from around the world to Kenya.

Beyond the symbolism, the conference offered a practical demonstration of tourism’s economic multiplier effect.

Hotels recorded high occupancy levels. Restaurants experienced increased demand. Transfer companies operated at near-full capacity. Tour operators, event service providers, photographers, caterers, security firms and informal traders all benefited from the influx of visitors.

The impact extended beyond the primary conference venues. Accommodation demand spilled into sister properties and nearby establishments, creating a broader economic benefit across the hospitality ecosystem.

For a city whose tourism fortunes have often been tied to seasonal beach arrivals, the events highlighted an alternative and potentially more resilient growth model.

Why MICE Tourism Matters

Globally, destinations are increasingly investing in conference tourism because of its higher economic yield.

Unlike leisure travellers, conference delegates often travel during off-peak periods, spend more per day, and influence future investment and business decisions. Many extend their stays, bringing additional revenue to local businesses.

More importantly, MICE tourism generates spending across multiple sectors simultaneously.

A single conference delegate creates demand for accommodation, transport, food and beverage services, technology support, event management, security, entertainment, shopping and excursions.

For destinations seeking year-round visitor traffic, few tourism segments offer greater economic value.

The events hosted in Mombasa provided clear evidence that the city possesses the core ingredients required to compete in this space.

The Private Sector Has Moved First

Perhaps the most notable aspect of Mombasa’s recent resurgence is that much of the momentum has been driven by private sector investment.

Among the standout contributors has been PrideInn Hotels, Resorts & Camps, whose sustained investment in conference facilities and hospitality infrastructure has helped reshape perceptions about what Mombasa can offer.

For years, one of the biggest limitations facing the Coast was the lack of venues capable of hosting large-scale international conferences.

PrideInn’s investments have begun addressing that gap.

Their confidence in the destination sends an important signal to the market: Mombasa can evolve beyond being solely a leisure destination and position itself as a serious conference hub for Africa.

Private capital has effectively placed a bet on Mombasa’s future.

The question now is whether public investment will keep pace.

The Conferences Exposed Critical Weaknesses

While the successful hosting of major events deserves celebration, it also exposed significant structural deficiencies that continue to undermine Mombasa’s competitiveness.

The first is airport infrastructure.

Moi International Airport remains one of Kenya’s most important gateways, yet its facilities increasingly struggle to meet the expectations of modern international travellers. Congestion during arrival periods, limited passenger handling capacity and aging infrastructure were evident throughout the conference period.

For a destination seeking to attract high-value global events, airport experience matters.

First impressions influence destination perception.

The second challenge is mobility.

Traffic congestion emerged as one of the most visible weaknesses during the conference week. Major roads experienced prolonged gridlock, disrupting movement for residents and visitors alike.

Conference destinations compete not only on venue quality but also on accessibility and efficiency. Delegates expect seamless movement between airports, hotels, meeting venues and attractions.

Without substantial improvements in transport planning, traffic management and urban mobility, Mombasa risks constraining future growth.

A Missed Tourism Conversion Opportunity

Perhaps the most overlooked lesson from the week concerns destination marketing.

Hosting more than 4,500 international delegates presented a unique opportunity to showcase Kenya beyond conference halls.

Yet there appeared to be limited effort to systematically convert delegates into repeat leisure visitors.

Organised familiarisation trips to destinations such as Tsavo, Diani, Watamu, Lamu and Shimba Hills could have encouraged longer stays and additional spending.

Equally important, stronger integration of cultural experiences into conference programmes could have created more memorable visitor experiences.

Delegates do not simply remember conference presentations. They remember destinations.

A well-curated evening celebrating Swahili culture, music, cuisine and heritage could have transformed thousands of visitors into long-term ambassadors for Kenya.

Destination marketing today is increasingly experiential. Conferences should be viewed not merely as events but as platforms for tourism conversion.

Government Must Match Private Sector Ambition

The recent success of Mombasa’s conference calendar raises an important policy question.

Is government prepared to support the scale of investment now being demonstrated by the private sector?

The tourism industry appears ready.

Hospitality investors are expanding capacity. Airlines are showing renewed interest in coastal routes. International organisations are increasingly considering Mombasa as a conference destination.

What remains uncertain is whether public infrastructure and urban management systems can keep pace.

If Mombasa is serious about reclaiming its position as a leading tourism and conference destination, several priorities require urgent attention.

These include airport modernisation, traffic management systems, road infrastructure, urban sanitation, public safety, destination beautification, waterfront development and integrated city planning.

None of these investments are optional.

They are the foundational requirements for competing with emerging conference destinations across Africa.

The Opportunity Is Bigger Than Tourism

Ultimately, Mombasa’s revival should not be viewed purely through a tourism lens.

This is an economic competitiveness issue.

A thriving conference industry attracts business travellers, investors, multinational organisations and decision-makers. It strengthens aviation connectivity, creates employment, stimulates local enterprise and enhances a country’s global profile.

The recent conferences demonstrated that demand exists.

They demonstrated that investors are willing to commit capital.

They demonstrated that international organisations are prepared to choose Mombasa.

What remains is the final and most important step: ensuring that public infrastructure and policy support keep pace with private sector confidence.

For years, Mombasa has been described as a sleeping Lion.

The events of recent weeks suggest the giant is beginning to roar.

Whether it fully awakens will depend on the decisions made today.

By Joan Wande