Tourists visiting Kenya to be charged Sh20 for tree planting.

Every tourist visiting Kenya will soon be charged Sh20 for buying tree seedlings.

Dr Alfred Mutua, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, made the revelation on May 9.

Speaking during a reception hosted by the Australian High Commissioner to Kenya, Jenny Da Rin, to announce plans by an Australian tourism company, Intrepid, to expand in East Africa, Dr Mutua said his ministry was working on a framework that would see each tourist charged Sh20 for tree seedlings.

“Our plan as a government is that every tourist from any part of the world who visits Kenya will plant a tree. We are currently working on a plan through our ministry – the Tourism Board – where every tourist who comes into the country will be given a tree seedling to plant.

And we are saying that there will be a small fee of Sh20 charged to the tourist for the seedling. I think that’s a small fee for any tourist to part with. We want them to plant a tree and they can monitor it every time they visit Kenya. We want at least one tree per tourist,” Dr Mutua revealed.

Intrepid co-founder and chairman Darrell Wade unveiled the company’s plans to spread its tentacles in Kenya and East Africa.

Last year, Intrepid helped 5,000 travellers explore East Africa, and Wade says the company aims to increase that number through several strategies that will include deepening its vertical integration to expand into areas such as accommodation to increase its presence in key countries in the region – Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.

“East Africa is home to rich biodiversity and cultures. Through sustainable travel practices, visitors can engage responsibly with East Africa’s natural wonders and leave a positive footprint for generations to come.

Tourism activities must emphasise responsible practices that protect habitats and wildlife while supporting culture and promoting sustainable livelihoods within communities. Balancing economic growth with environmental and social concerns is critical, as is educating travellers about responsible behaviour and promoting community involvement in tourism planning and management,” said Wade.

Speaking at the reception, the new Australian High Commissioner, Jenny Da Rin, noted that more than 22,000 Australians visited Kenya in 2023.

“Our tourism-dependent communities here and in Australia rely on visitors for jobs and economic activity. It’s in our interest that Kenya and countries in Africa provide a safe and secure destination for Australians who want to come here. They have a good experience, and that helps them understand Africa and the links between our countries,” Da Rin said.

Since arriving in December, Da Rin says she has held talks with the Kenyan government about how the two countries can strengthen ties in mining, services, education, agriculture, health and tourism.

“To support these efforts, the Australian government has moved the Africa headquarters of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, Austrade, to Nairobi and Australia’s Trade Commissioner for Africa – Scott Morriss – is now based here.

Source: NTV Kenya.

Intrepid Travel marks Kenya as part of its expansion plan

Australian adventure travel company­– Intrepid has Kenya on its cards in its ambitious expansion plan, as it targets to go into accommodation.

The firm, which prides itself as a responsible tourism company,  has announced plans to expand its operations in East Africa as part of its global ambition to double its global customers, with  target of achieving revenues of over $1 billion (Sh131.5 billion).

Intrepid, the world’s largest adventure travel company and leader in responsible tourism, currently employs 30 office staff and 120 local trip leaders in the region, and each year operates 450 trips supporting almost 5,000 travellers to explore East Africa.

Intrepid Co-Founder and Chair, Darrell Wade was in Kenya on a special visit last week, to meet with key stakeholders and to highlight the importance of sustainable and responsible tourism.

 Intrepid plans to deepen its vertical integration to expand into areas including accommodation and to grow its presence in key countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.

Plans are in place to opportunities in lodges, camps and beach property, Darrell said.

This, as Kenya’s international tourist arrivals are projected to grow to 2.2 million this year from the 1.95 million recorded last year, as the picks from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Earnings from the sector are expected to hit Sh359.1 billion this year and further increase to Sh396.1 billion next year.

Over the next 10 years, Africa’ tourism sector is set to grow by over five per cent annually, with Kenya and her East African neighbours expected  to tap a significant number in arrivals and revenue.

“We plan to invest in East Africa’s accommodation space in the next one to two years, as we target to have multitude accommodation investments by 2030,” Intrepid Co-Founder and Chair, Darrell Wade said.

 “East Africa is home to a rich biodiversity and culture. Through sustainable travel practices, visitors engage with East Africa’s natural wonders responsibly, leaving a positive footprint for generations to come.”

According to Wade, tourism activities must emphasise responsible practices that safeguard habitats and wildlife while supporting culture and promotion of sustainable livelihoods within communities.

Key challenges include overdevelopment leading to habitat destruction, strain on local resources, cultural commodification, and carbon emissions from transportation.

The firm plans to cut carbon emissions by half in the medium-term.

“Balancing economic growth with environmental and social concerns is crucial, alongside educating travellers about responsible behaviours and fostering community involvement in tourism planning and management, ”said Wade.

During a media briefing by the firm, Tourism CS Alfred Mutua said Kenya is keen to tap Australian tourists.

“We have not really marketed Kenya in Australia. We have a lot of marketing to do but the plans are in place,” he said.

Australian High Commissioner to Kenya Jenny Da Rin challenged Kenya to tap the huge potential in the Australian market, where travellers made nearly 10 million international trips last year, all over the world.

According to Deloitte’s Tourism Market Outlook, Australia’s outbound travel is expected to increase to 11.6 million this year, and grow to 13.1 million by 2026.

Australian travellers spent $60 billion(Sh7.9 trillion) on trips overseas in 2022-23.

“ We are spending more and staying longer than travellers from Europe, Canada and the US. Over 22,000 Australians visited Kenya last year making Australia one of the most improved source markets. Kenya needs to tap more this market,” Da Rin said.

Meanwhile, Intrepid plans to continue with its support for the local communities the Intrepid Foundation, which has raised more than $15 million (Sh1.9 billion)for communities around the world since 2002.

 In Kenya, the Intrepid Foundation works with Patinaai Osim to create sustainable livelihoods in Kajiado County for communities ravaged by impact of climate change.

They also support the East Africa Wildlife Society, which focuses on anti-poaching initiatives in various conservancies within the larger Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Source:  The Star

Tracing the ascendancy of African aviation and air cargo

Africa’s aviation and air freight sectors are experiencing a remarkable upswing, propelled by the continent’s economic expansion, urbanisation trends, and increasing global trade links. Projections indicate the African air transport market will see 5.7% annual growth over the next 20 years, surpassing worldwide averages. While challenges like insufficient infrastructure, connectivity gaps, and regulatory disparities exist, initiatives to enhance air cargo capabilities and catalyse regional integration are gaining momentum to harness Africa’s immense prospects.

The African aviation and air cargo industry is undergoing a remarkable renaissance, fueled by rapid economic growth, urbanisation, and the continent’s increased integration into global trade networks. As more Africans embrace air travel and businesses look for efficient logistics solutions, the sector is on track for unprecedented growth, resulting in a new era of connectivity and opportunity across the continent.

According to a projection by the World Bank, African economies are expected to grow by 3.4 in 2024. While a data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the African air transport market is projected to grow by 5.7% annually over the next two decades, outpacing the global average growth rate of 4.6%. This growth is fueled by a burgeoning middle class, robust economic development, and the continent’s vast untapped potential.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has recently announced that global air cargo demand continued its robust growth for the fourth consecutive month, with Africa experiencing significant expansion in March 2024, The IATA figures show that African airlines saw a 14 % year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in March 2024.

The growth in air cargo demand, particularly in Africa, has been influenced by various factors. According to IATA, the moderate increase in global cross-border trade and industrial production has contributed to the growth in air cargo demand. The rise in e-commerce activity has also played a significant role in boosting air cargo demand globally, including in Africa.

Furthermore, a notable shift from sea freight to air freight has been observed, especially for cargo moving from the Middle East to West Africa, as shippers opt for air freight to avoid the longer sea route. This longer sea voyage has become necessary due to the ongoing crisis in the Red Sea region, forcing ocean carriers to reroute their ships around the Cape of Good Hope instead of transiting through the Suez Canal. As a result, shippers are turning to air freight as a more timely alternative for cargo bound to West African ports from the Middle East.

Source: Logistics Update Africa.

Industry Makes Progress to Reduce Baggage Mishandling, New Survey Reveals

Reykjavík – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today released a global progress report on the implementation of baggage tracking. Focused on IATA Resolution 753, which requires tracking baggage at acceptance, loading, transfer and arrival, the survey of 155 airlines and 94 airports reveals that:

44% of airlines have fully implemented Resolution 753 and a further 41% are in progress.

Regional variation in airline full adoption rates vary from 88% in China and North Asia, to 60% in the Americas, 40% in Europe and Asia-Pacific, and 27% in Africa.

75% of airports surveyed have the capability for Resolution 753 baggage tracking.

Airport preparedness for Resolution 753 varies by size*: 75% of mega airports are capable, 85% of major airports, 82% of large airports and 61% of medium airports.

Optical barcode scanning is the dominant tracking technology implemented by the majority of airports (73%) surveyed. Tracking using RFID, which is more efficient, is implemented in 27% of surveyed airports. Notably, RFID technology has seen higher adoption rates at mega airports, with 54% already implementing this advanced tracking system.

“Between 2007 and 2022 baggage mishandling reduced by nearly 60%. That is good news. But travelers expect better; and the industry is determined to make further improvements. Tracking bags at acceptance, loading, transfer and delivery will give the industry the data it needs to improve. Tracking reduces overall mishandlings and helps airlines reunite mishandled bags with their owners even faster. With 44% of airlines already fully implementing Resolution 753 tracking and a further 41% in progress, travelers can have even more confidence that their bags will be at the carousel on arrival,” said Monika Mejstrikova, IATA Director Ground Operations.

In 2022, the global rate of mishandled bags was 7.6 per 1,000 passengers, according to SITA. The majority of these were returned within 48 hours.

Accelerating Modern Baggage Messaging

Resolution 753 requires airlines to exchange baggage tracking messages with interline partners and their agents. The current baggage messaging infrastructure depends on legacy technologies using costly Type B messaging. This high cost adversely affects the implementation of Resolution 753 and contributes to issues with message quality, leading to an increase in baggage mishandling.

IATA is leading the industry’s transition from Type B to modern baggage messaging based on XML standards. The first pilot to test modern baggage messaging between airport and airlines is planned for launch in 2024.

“Adopting modern messaging is the equivalent of implementing a new standard, intelligible language for use by airlines, airports, and ground handling staff so they can effectively communicate about passenger luggage. In addition to helping reduce the number of mishandled bags implementation also sets the stage for ongoing innovations in baggage management systems,” said Mejstrikova.

Background

IATA resolution 753 was adopted by June in 2018. In 2024, IATA launched a campaign to assist airlines with the implementation. The campaign focuses on collecting data on the implementation status of airlines and providing support to member airlines to develop and execute their implementation plans. This initiative underscores IATA’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiencies and standards across the industry.

*Airport size classification:

Medium: 5-15 million

Large: 15–25 million

Major: 25–40 million

Mega: >40 million

Source:  Tourism News Africa.  

Kenya unveils platform to woo more tourists from China.

Kenya is looking to grow the number of tourists from China while building more interactions between Africa and the Asian country.

This is through the newly launched Kenya-China tourism service platform that seeks to directly link Chinese travelers to the Kenyan tourism market.

The platform was announced on Friday during the China-Africa culture and tourism promotion and cooperation fair in Nairobi.

The summit also sought to deepen industry cooperation and enhance people-to-people exchanges.

Speaking at the event, deputy director general of Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism Shang Bin, reiterated that China seeks to organize further cultural and tourism enterprises to conduct  matchmaking negotiations and sign agreements on project cooperation.

“We want to also build a bridge of friendship between China, Kenya and Africa at large to boost the tourism sector figures,” Bin said.

China is Kenya’s sixth biggest tourism source market internationally,  contributing 5.5 per cent of total international tourist.

Last year’s annual tourism sector performance report shows arrivals rose from 1.5 million in 2022 to 1.9 million in 2023, a 31.5 per cent increase.

From January to August this year, visitor arrivals from China grew by 154 per cent, translating to 34,638 visitors, up from 13,601 recorded in the same period last year.

Kenya Tourism Board chairman Francis Gichaba commended the new strategy saying the country is keen in growing the partnership between Kenya and the Asian market to develop on what Kenya has already established.

“Kenya’s safari experience, rich cultural heritage like the Maa, Turkana derby and the camel derby, unique landscapes and snow caped mountain, beaches around the coast  line, whale migration and the fact that it is the origin of humans are some of the  tourist attractions that we have to leverage on in attracting the Chinese travelers,” Gichaba said.

“We are bringing in the media, tour operators to come and experience the  destinations, we are also in a digital world and we are using social media to expand the visibility and awareness of the market.”

He added that the country is in a continued recovery journey, coming from the Covid-19 pandemic, and is looking into the future in positive prospect.

The fair was part of the inaugural China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE).

Source: The star

KQ resumes flights to Kinshasa after detained staffer released.

Kenya Airways Monday announced the resumption of flights to Kinshasa after an employee who had been detained there was released.

KQ Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka reiterated their staff are innocent in the saga that led to the suspension of flights to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“We want to reiterate that our employees are innocent and were only carrying out their duties in strict adherence to the laid-out procedures. We stand by their innocence and will continue to support them.”

“With the necessary ground support in place, we are pleased to announce that Kenya Airways will resume flights to Kinshasa on 8 May 2024. We look forward to serving our valued customers once again,” he said.

The suspension of the flights to DRC had badly affected many operations in the country.

The Kenya Airways employee who had been detained by the Democratic Republic of Congo Military Intelligence Unit was finally freed on Monday after a two-week detention.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei made the announcement Monday evening after negotiations.

According to the PS, Lydia Mbotela, a KQ manager working in the DRC, was released after negotiations facilitated by Kenya’s Military Attaché and Charge d’affaires.

“Deeply grateful to inform that Lydia Mbotela, KQ Manager in DRC, has just been released by the authorities in Kinshasa,” Sing’oei wrote on social platform X on Monday.

“I commend the team at our Mission: our Military Attaché, the FRO and the Charge d’affaires, for this incredible work of negotiating our compatriot’s release.”

Kilavuka said the two were apprehended by the Military Intelligence Unit in Kinshasa for “missing customs documentation on valuable cargo.”

Kilavuka, on the other hand, faulted Kinshasa authorities for arresting the duo, claiming that they were being held in violation of a court order and that the cargo in question had not been uplifted or accepted by KQ.

As the situation deteriorated, KQ suspended its flights to Kinshasha, stating in a statement that it was unable to provide its services effectively without its employees.

The KQ boss thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi for the release.

It has emerged the borne of contention was about USD8 million that was to be flown to Kenya from DRC, according to investigators.

The money belonged to a bank.

But the money allegedly went missing from the airport before it could be admitted into the airline as cargo and before the military officials arrived.

This prompted the move to detain the two workers.

Kinshasa gave in to the demands to release the workers before the flights were resumed even as the investigations into the claims went on.

The security officials there suspected the money was being used to fund resurgence there.

Source:  The Star.   

Africa’s Travel Trailblazers To Converge at KATA’s “Make the Connection” Catalytic Convention

By – Bryan Obala.

The stage is set, and the anticipation is palpable as the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) – Africa’s most vibrant and influential travel association – prepares to host its highly anticipated Annual Convention and AGM. With the theme “Make the Connection,” this year’s event promises to be a game-changer, solidifying KATA’s position as a trailblazer in shaping the continent’s travel landscape.

As the countdown begins, the industry is abuzz eagerly awaiting an opportunity to connect, innovate, and unlock new frontiers in the ever-evolving travel sector. KATA’s unwavering commitment to championing critical issues, such as Open Skies policies and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), has cemented its reputation as a force to be reckoned with, driving progress, and fostering collaboration among like-minded stakeholders.

Fresh from the success of last year’s “New Normal, New Thinking” convention, which guided the industry through the turbulent waters of the COVID-19 pandemic, KATA once again stands at the forefront, leading the charge towards a more resilient and future-proof travel ecosystem. This year’s “Make the Connection” theme encapsulates the association’s vision of forging alliances, bridging gaps, and connecting people, businesses, technologies, and ideas to unlock unprecedented growth opportunities.

The anticipation surrounding this landmark event is palpable, as industry players eagerly await the chance to engage with thought leaders, experts, and peers, exchanging insights and best practices on topics that will shape the industry’s trajectory. From exploring post-pandemic economic strategies to harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and prioritizing mental health in the workplace, the convention promises a rich tapestry of knowledge and inspiration.

As the countdown continues, corporate institutions and partners are lining up, recognizing the immense value of aligning with KATA’s vision and leveraging the convention’s platform to upscale their presence, forge meaningful connections, and tap into the burgeoning travel trade market.

With its finger on the pulse of the industry, KATA’s “Make the Connection” convention is poised to be a resounding success, igniting excitement, and sparking a wave of innovation that will reverberate across Africa’s travel landscape. Brace yourselves for an unforgettable experience, where connections are forged, ideas are ignited, and the future of travel takes flight.

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DET to bring together Dubai’s tourism ecosystem at Arabian Travel Market 2024

Dubai [UAE], May 1(ANI/WAM): Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) will showcase the emirate’s innovative and diverse destination offering by bringing together 129 key partners and stakeholders to demonstrate the city’s collaborative spirit at the 31st edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), taking place from 6-9 May 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

With this year’s ATM taking place under the forward-looking theme of ‘Empowering Innovation Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’, DET will highlight how Dubai’s tourism industry has cultivated innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability to create new pathways for growth beyond traditional tourism.

This strategic approach is inspired by the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to further consolidate Dubai’s position as one of the top three global cities for business and leisure, and the best city to visit, live and work in.

At the event, DET will be joined on the Dubai stand by partners and representatives from government entities, hotels, destination management companies and tour operators. Key partners include the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai), Dubai Culture, Dubai Holding, Dubai Health Authority, and more.

Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “As a longstanding destination partner of the Arabian Travel Market, Dubai is privileged to host the 31st edition of one of global tourism’s most anticipated events.

The industry gathering is a testament to our city’s position as a world-leading travel destination, achieved under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, through innovative strategies and robust public-private partnerships.

In keeping with the transformative theme of this year’s show, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and our partners will highlight the pivotal role that entrepreneurship and innovation have played in driving tourism growth, aligned seamlessly with our D33 Agenda, the city’s 10-year roadmap for economic development.

“As we showcase the diverse and compelling destination proposition of Dubai at ATM, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to engage with top industry experts and executives to share our blueprint for success, as well as explore the emerging themes and trends that will contribute towards industry sustainability.

We remain committed to navigating the future of tourism with foresight and collaboration with our stakeholders and the international travel community, ensuring Dubai remains a beacon of innovation and excellence in the global tourism landscape.”

Dubai welcomed a record 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023 a 19.4 per cent YoY growth over the 14.36 million tourist arrivals in 2022 and continues to build on this momentum, with 3.67 million international tourists having already visited the city in January and February this year.

The stellar performance further validates Dubai’s recognition as the No.1 global destination for an unprecedented third successive year in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, the first city to achieve this.

The milestone is also a testament to the emirate’s vibrant and diverse offerings, supported by world-class infrastructure, exceptional service at all touchpoints, and continuous collaboration between the government and private sectors. Dubai is expanding its range of experiences for visitors, captivating them with its unparalleled blend of modernity and culture including heritage sites and immersive attractions that highlight the city’s history and vibrant culture.

Committed to investing in human capital and developing a skilled workforce to support the growth of the city’s tourism and hospitality sectors, the Dubai College of Tourism, part of DET, will use ATM as an opportunity to drive awareness of its full-time programmes and ‘Dubai Way’, an innovative training and engagement platform for government and private sector staff engaged in tourist-facing roles.

Dubai also recognises the importance of prioritising sustainability initiatives to preserve its natural resources and further improve the overall visitor experience. With the UAE’s Year of Sustainability extending into 2024, DET will release the inaugural ‘Dubai Sustainability Report’ during ATM, and highlight the city’s ongoing initiatives such as the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, and the citywide Dubai Can movement, which has contributed to the reduction of over 18 million 500ml single-use plastic water bottles in just two years since the launch of its ‘Refill for Life’ campaign.

A new Dubai Can initiative, Dubai Reef, was inaugurated in April with the launch of pilot reef modules for the world’s largest marine reef development project. Dubai’s position as the cruise hub of the region will also be showcased following the recent formalisation of the Cruise Arabia alliance – a strategic regional partnership that promotes the Arabian Gulf as a cruise ship destination globally.

This year, DET will again organise the ATM Hosted Buyers Programme across Expo City Dubai, Real Madrid World, and Dubai Creek Harbour, promoting Dubai’s unparalleled hospitality and offerings to 600 buyers from 46 different markets and countries.

Among the attractions for visitors at the Dubai stand will be ‘Dubai Pinball’, an interactive and engaging gaming experience promoting Dubai’s iconic landmarks, where players can win prizes and contests to get their names on the leaderboard.

DET will also put the spotlight on the city’s diverse gastronomy scene and its year-round calendar of events, including the ongoing Dubai Food Festival held alongside ATM, which will continue until 12 May, as well as the family summer extravaganza, Dubai Summer Surprises, which is set to launch in June. (ANI/WAM)

Source:The Print

Africa’s Travel Indaba cements its Pan-African status.

With a fully sold-out floor space, Africa’s Travel Indaba has reached a ground-breaking achievement as it will see an unprecedented participation of 26 African countries exhibiting this year. This is testament to the pivotal role the trade show plays in advancing the continent’s growth.

This year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba will take place from the 14th to the 16th of May 2024 and will be preceded by Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONday) on the 13th of May. This is an important gathering of the global tourism sector and other related industry stakeholders.

The 26 countries exhibiting this year include Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zanzibar, and Zimbabwe. These countries represent a total of 344 products that will be showcased, an increase of 14 % compared to last year’s 301 products.

Burkina Faso, Eritrea, and Guinea are the three new entrants.

Overall, a total of 55 countries are participating in this year’s event including all newcomers.

In total, this year’s event will see more than 1 030 exhibitors showcasing their products and tourism offerings and more than 890 buyers attending the event from all over the world.

The buyers include inbound tour operators, foreign travel agents, destination marketing companies, online booking agents and airlines.

As usual, the Department of Tourism will be funding the participation of 120 South African small to medium enterprises to exhibit their tourism offerings at this year’s Africa Travel indaba and gain exposure to wide ranging network of tourism trade industry players from all over Africa and the world.

“Africa’s Travel Indaba’s ongoing mission and commitment to driving the continent’s economic development and fostering collaboration and growth is clear. I am particularly pleased to welcome the new countries that are joining us exhibiting at the trade show for the first time. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership,” says South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille.

The increase in the number of countries can be attributed to several key factors including the fact that in the past few years, tourism has also emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable development strategies across the continent.

“Africa’s Travel Indaba provides a platform for African tourism product owners to meet with global buyers. With a record number of participating countries this year, buyers will have a wide variety of products and experiences to engage with. I am confident that Africa’s Travel Indaba will continue to be a fertile environment for closing business deals that nurture partnership and drive growth,” adds Minister de Lille.

The number of countries opting to exhibit at Africa’s Travel Indaba also reflects a collective commitment to showcasing the diverse and unique tourism offerings that each country has to offer. By coming together on a unified platform, these African nations amplify their voices and strengthen their position in the global tourism market, thereby driving demand for African tourism products and experiences.

The rest of the African continent remains a key source market for South Africa. According to the latest statistics, in the first two months of 2024, South Africa welcomed 1.3 million tourists from the rest of the African continent, marking a significant 76.0% of all arrivals.

Minister de Lille continues to be pleased with the impressive numbers from the African continent once again highlighting that South Africa welcomed 6.4 million visitors from the rest of the African continent between January and December 2023, marking a significant 75.6% of all arrivals.

Source: Pondoland Times.