Agency Shifts Focus To Hidden Tourism Sites

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has shifted focus to marketing hidden treasures of the country, as it eyes to improve earnings.

The State Corporation is working with other stakeholders, including Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) and the county governments, in unlocking domestic tourism potential in the country’s cultural heritage, places of natural beauty, eco-tourism and places of historical importance.

According to KTB Marketing Executive, Ms. Margaret Kamau, there are 1,052 (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Unesco World Heritage Sites located in 165 Party States, out of which Kenya hosts six sites: Fort Jesus, Lamu Old Town, Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests, Great Rift Valley, Lake Turkana National Park and Mount Kenya National Park/Forest.

She said although, coastal beach holidays and wildlife safaris still remained attractive, the Board was also aggressively marketing alternative core tourism products that the country could offer from its diverse niches, including culture, cuisine, entertainment, sports, nature (beach and safari) and Meetings, Incentives, Exhibitions, and Conferences (Mice) tourism.

The KTB Marketing Executive said the country is blessed with many destinations that most Kenyans can visit, including little known physical features such as waterfalls, craters, gorges and lakes, prehistoric sites, national museums and wild animals, among others.

To harness domestic tourism potential, she added, more efforts are required to locally create more awareness about tourists’ attractions such as Thim Lich Ohinga stone fortress in Nyanza, the grave of explorer David Hannington in Mumias, the Kipteber meteorite historical mountain where the seven sub-tribes of the Kalenjin are said to have originated and Italian war memorial church, that housed over 600 prisoners of war in Mount Kenya region among others.

Ms. Kamau stated that most local and foreign tourists only know of the generic attractions  such as  the Maasai Mara and Mombasa. This she noted has not only put a strain on the facilities and capacity but has also left the tourism industry largely dependent on a few attractions.

“We have also been looking to grow domestic tourism using the “You deserve a holiday” campaign to get the residents excited about the various destinations that their country has to offer. There are many Kenyans who are interested in travel but lack sufficient information,” she continued.

The state body which aims to drive and support the effective marketing of Kenya’s tourism products, also runs the Magical Kenya website. It is on this website that in addition to showcasing Kenyan tourist destinations, also lists discounted packages for local residents.

She was speaking during the “You deserve a holiday” campaign sponsored by Magical Kenya in Nakuru that brought together officials from Baringo and Nakuru County Governments, domestic airlines, tour operators and hoteliers.

The Marketing Executive indicated that the “You deserve a holiday” campaign also covered all destinations in Kenya that offered rock climbing, bird watching, golf tourism, adventure sports, leisure tourism and wildlife tourism.

“We are committed to expanding areas that have previously not been showcased as well as those that require to be transformed into top travel experiences,” she said.

Ms. Kamau pointed out that conclusion of the exercise will give the board an edge in marketing the areas and help the country generate extra income.

As a way of creating awareness, the board has visited some of the historical, cultural and geographical sites in the parts of the country in a bid to identify their niche segments and offer advice on provision of affordable packages and experiences that meet the needs of potential local travelers.

“Despite Kenya’s reputation as a hub of rich tourism, the focus has been largely on wildlife tourism; ignoring the several forms of tourism that the country has to offer. We are working with industry players such as hoteliers, tour companies and guides in drawing attraction to the hidden gems that Kenya has in store,” she added.

Ms. Kamau observed that apart from bullfighting, Kakamega Forest and Mt Elgon, are among major tourist attractions in Western Kenya.

Nyanza region for instance the KTB marketing executive added, had rich cultural and archaeological diversity and is home to the famous Kit Mikayi (ancient rocks heaped on another, which does not disintegrate even when there is earthquake or inclement weather.

It is also home to legends Lwanda Magere, Okore Ogonda, and Gor Mahia, among others, famed for courage in protecting their communities against external aggression.

“You deserve a holiday” initiative was also encouraging the private sector and local communities to develop “out of park” tourism activities such as mountain biking. The promotion is further encouraging visits to cultural and spiritual sites, cultural performances and community walks.

Ms. Kamau challenged Kenyans to drop the notion that tourism is only a preserve for the wealthy or those with disposable income and firms in the tourism sector to also come up with reasonable packages affordable by most Kenyans.

“We have for a long time relied on too much on foreigners to build our tourism, it is now our time as locals to spur the growth of our domestic tourism to the next level by playing a major part in that growth,”

She said the “You deserve a holiday” initiative has led to the growth of domestic tourism in the country by breaking the reliance on seasonal tourism cycles that largely depends on foreigners.

“Domestic tourism is as important as international tourism and we want Kenyans to embrace and promote it. We have products that are tailored to the local tourists. There is enough to be seen in Kenya from Turkana to Naivasha. In Australia, for example, depends majorly on domestic tourists as facilities have been packaged to cater for every group right from the bottom of the pyramid,” noted the marketing executive.

Mr. William Kimosop, a trade and tourism officer in Baringo County Government, stated that colossal investments as well as political goodwill are needed to prepare the country for domestic tourism as the state continues marketing it.

“We are sitting on a goldmine as far as domestic tourism is concerned and the opportunities will become a reality if county governments and their leaderships take up the issue of infrastructure and marketing seriously,” he said.

Mr. Kimosop urged a shift from the “traditional” tourism that only promotes the coast at the expense of other equally rich areas around the country.

“We have depended so much on the coast but the feeling at the moment is for the government to turn attention to other markets, and tap into the cultures of other ethnic groups to boost tourism earnings,” argued Mr. Kimosop.

For long, Mr. Kimosop said, tourism in Kenya has been left in the hands of foreigners who understand little of the local culture and consequently do little to promote it beyond getting back returns from their investments.

Customer Relations Officer at Bonfire Adventures Tour Operators Mr. Joseph Mutua indicated that Kenya is a favourable destination for adventure, sports, game viewing as well as romantic expeditions.

“For years, the tourism board has focused on the beaches and safari but we have the second tallest mountain in Africa after Kilimanjaro which is more scenic,” he said.

“Agri-tourism is also a big opportunity especially in the tea and coffee sectors, being among the top exchange earners in the country,” he added.

Mr. Mutua said that it is important to realize that for domestic tourism to succeed, a greater part depends on the goodwill of the locals more than the other industries.

“The locals must be happy with the visitors and the security of the knowledge that the presence of the visitors around will not affect their operations either socially, economically or even politically and that they will not impose values that are not welcomed in their society. This can easily be achieved when the locals are engaged by involving them in dialogues relating to the influence of tourism in that particular area,” noted Mr. Mutua.

Source: KNA

Etihad Cargo, Astral Aviation sign MoU to boost Africa-UAE logistics

The cargo and logistics division of Etihad Airways, Etihad Cargo, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Astral Aviation to expand the partnership between the two parties and enhance the cooperation between the regions of Abu Dhabi and Nairobi, further growing Etihad Cargo’s reach into the African market.

This latest agreement builds on Astral Aviation’s expanding partnership with Abu Dhabi, which will see Astral Aviation operating more flights to the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE’s) capital, supported by Etihad Cargo.

Through the comprehensive MoU, Etihad Cargo’s customers will benefit from additional cargo capacity out of Nairobi through the introduction of additional services from Nairobi to Etihad Cargo’s hub in Abu Dhabi from April 1.

In 2021, Etihad signed a service level agreement (SLA) with Astral Aviation to provide reliable and cost-effective air freight solutions for the transport of pharmaceuticals across Africa.

The SLA was Etihad Cargo’s first pharmaceutical interline agreement and ensured the carrier’s partners’ full compliance with the latest International Air Transport Association pharmaceutical and gross domestic product regulations and standards.

Etihad Airways global sales and cargo senior VP Martin Drew says the signing of the MoU demonstrates Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation’s shared commitment to joint network development and providing a more comprehensive solution to international cargo transportation between Nairobi and Abu Dhabi.

“The partnership will enable Etihad Cargo to expand its African network and offer increased cargo capacity both into and out of Nairobi, strengthening the connection between the two cities via this key route and further developing this critical African gateway,” he says.

Astral Aviation CEO Sanjeev Gadhia says the MoU with Etihad Cargo will enhance accessibility and connectivity through Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub.

“We look forward to transporting perishables from Kenya into Abu Dhabi and beyond on Etihad’s network, and on the return with cargoes from Asia, [the] US and Europe to connect into Astral’s intra-African network in Nairobi. This cooperation will create new opportunities for our respective clients and will be a win-win partnership,” he says.

The agreement will see Astral Aviation and Etihad Cargo sharing up to 50% of all available capacity on the new Nairobi-Abu Dhabi-Nairobi flights, increasing the capacity Etihad Cargo offers air cargo and air mail customers.

Through Etihad Cargo’s Abu Dhabi hub, the carrier’s global network will offer connectivity to destinations around the world. Etihad Cargo will use its expansive road feeder service network to transport cargo arriving in Abu Dhabi from Nairobi to destinations throughout the UAE and other offline stations.

Source: Engineering News

Kenya starts unwinding support, cuts Sh10 billion from Kenya Airways bailout

The Kenyan government is moving forward with its plans to halt support for Nairobi-based Kenya Airways (KQ) by the end of 2023, having now trimmed KQ’s bailout package.    

The Kenyan National Treasury has cut Sh10 billion ($80 million) from the package, a 33% reduction from the original figure, according to a Business Daily report.  

The Kenyan government initially approved a Sh34.9 billion ($278 million) bailout package in December 2022 in a bid to help the airline repay its arrears to lessors.   

Kenya’s government is the majority shareholder in KQ, with a 48.9% stake. KQ has received a total of Sh98.2 billion ($784 million) in bailout loans from the Kenyan government. 

However, the East African state is keen to turn KQ’s misfortunes around, with the flag carrier having last turned a profit in 2012. 

Kenyan government keen to sell controlling stake in KQ to investors 

In mid-December 2022, the Kenyan government announced its intentions to pair the Kenyan flag carrier with a strategic investor, which would involve selling its entire stake in KQ (48.9%) to interested parties.   

In an interview with Bloomberg, Kenya’s newly elected President William Ruto revealed that Kenya was actively exploring options and potential partnerships to make KQ a “profitable entity”.   

Delta Air Lines was among the potential airline partners with which the government was interested in partnering, stating that discussions with the airline were at a ‘preliminary stage’.   

Source: Aerotime Hub

Ghost flights are a phantom problem

“Ghost flights” are among the most misunderstood phenomena in air transport.

A ghost flight has no formal definition but is generally considered to be a flight that operates on less than 10% passenger capacity.

With aviation’s environmental footprint under close scrutiny, it is understandable that the issue of such flights has been getting attention. But how bad is the problem?

One report in the UK’s Guardian newspaper in September 2022 said that 5,000 “empty”, and 35,000 flights with less than 10% occupancy, had flown in the United Kingdom since 2019.

The story had significant flaws, however. Firstly, this period covered the pandemic, which was completely unrepresentative of a normal air transport market. Secondly, no context was given around the numbers. 40,000 sounds a lot, but in the context of the 4,566,382 flights that took place in the United Kingdom over that period—even during the unprecedented COVID-19 collapse in traffic—that comprises less than 1% of all flights.

Of course, any flight that takes place almost empty is bad for the environment and bad for airline finances. But precisely for these reasons, airlines don’t operate ghost flights without cause. The analysis in the Guardian failed to explain that many of these flights were cargo flights, carrying vital supplies, including vaccines and personal protective equipment, during the pandemic. The cargo demand and humanitarian need justified the operation of certain flights, even with low passenger load factors.

Similarly, there were a number of repatriation flights, or flights where passenger numbers were deliberately restricted to comply with COVID regulations set by governments. Additionally, there are always some flights to move aircraft to maintenance facilities or, as was the case during the pandemic, fly a significant number into storage.

Flights to protect slots?

Were any of these flights simply slot blocking? The 80-20 ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ rule was obviously not designed to work during a 95% collapse in demand, and the slot rules were cited as a potential cause of some flights having to operate unnecessarily in Europe.

But this was not the case in the United Kingdom, where the slot rules were suspended. There was a risk that some unnecessary flights could happen in the EU because the European Commission was too quick to restore higher slot use rates. However, for the most part during the pandemic, the slot rules were just about flexible enough that ghost flights were not a major issue.

When asked, IATA Director General Willie Walsh was unequivocal: “I’m not aware of any airline company that I’ve worked with deliberately operating an empty flight simply to maintain a slot.”

The bigger picture

The ghost flights non-story has, however, raised important questions that need to be answered on slot allocation rules. The European Union is looking again at its Slot Regulation, with a consultation in place leading to a potential revision of the rules in 2023.

Although the revision is focusing on wider issues of competition, accessibility, and capacity, the role of slot rules in promoting greener flying is also in the mix. In addition to international efforts to reach net-zero carbon emissions, the European Union has instigated its own initiatives through the EU Green Deal.

Some politicians erroneously believe the slot system is creating ghost flights or that the slot process should be used as part of the Green Deal to prioritize the use of quieter or more fuel-efficient aircraft. Aviation is committed to exploring a multitude of options for reaching net-zero CO2, but airlines are united in their view that slot allocation decisions linked to the environment will not help the industry achieve its global sustainability objectives.

“The pandemic was an exceptional period and extrapolating lessons or making policy changes based on the industry’s activities during this time would be a huge category error,” says Lara Maughan, IATA’s Head of Worldwide Airport Slots. “Fiddling with the slot process to try to promote greener flying sounds positive in theory, but in practice it would make the slot process even more complicated while having minimal environmental gain. Trying to micro-manage slots may even have a detrimental environmental impact.”

Part of the reason for this is the globally coordinated nature of the slot system. Airlines operating between two slot-coordinated airports must be able to work to a harmonized system of rules to best match demand with their planned schedule. If one country’s rules insist on operating the slot with a certain aircraft (for example for environmental reasons), then the airline may have to prioritise a non-optimal plane for that route, regardless of volume of demand—for example a narrowbody plane over a widebody. This will affect consumer access and choice, and potentially impact another route that would have benefitted from that aircraft choice.

Any attempt to micro-manage the process at a handful of global, slot-constrained airports will only displace aircraft elsewhere, making no overall improvement to emissions and negatively affecting the benefits of aviation connectivity for travelers and the economy.

More flexibility, not less

By far the best way to ensure that slots are used as efficiently as possible is to give airlines more flexibility, not less. This is particularly true during periods of crisis or demand shocks. Coordinators should be able to react with alternative and more flexible approaches. The value of the Worldwide Airport Slot Board’s recommendations for managing slots during COVID was recognised by regulators and adopted worldwide by many governments. The answer in Europe is for the revision of the slot process to align more closely with the Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines and to increase the resilience of the system.

Prior to the pandemic, the slot system was delivering ever-more efficient use of capacity, while increasing consumer choice and ensuring reliable schedules. Far from ghost flights being an issue, the overall efficiency of air transport was improving year on year, with global passenger load factors reaching an all-time high of 83% (85% in Europe) in 2019. Moreover, after the pandemic lows, load factors have quickly rebounded, with Europe reaching 85% again in September 2022.

In terms of sustainability, the best way to tackle industry emissions is at source—from the engine. That is why the industry is focused on reducing CO2 through sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), radical new zero-emissions technologies, and reducing distance flown through more efficient air traffic management. Other out-of-sector solutions to reduce emissions, such as offsetting and carbon capture, are also important.

It is the industry’s hope and expectation that European politicians will focus on delivering the Single European Sky, which would generate up to 10% emissions savings, and promoting the Fit for 55 legislation to increase production of SAF.

“Regulators should ensure that the slot system sticks to what it does best—maximizing efficient use of scarce airport capacity and giving consumers and airlines the best balance of reliability and choice,” concludes Maughan. “Trying to use the slot system to deliver a theoretical marginal emissions gain threatens to upend the traditional purpose of the slots system and cause more harm than good.”

Source: Airlines

Dubai could get a 93-kilometer indoor cycling super highway

Dubai could become a new center for sustainability and wellness, if developer URB gets its way. The Dubai-based firm has proposed a series of ambitious, environmentally focused designs to transform the emirate – including an indoor climate controlled “sustainable urban highway” stretching over 93 kilometers (58 miles).

If built, “The Loop” would be the “smartest” cycling and running infrastructure anywhere in the world, according to URB’s CEO Baharash Bagherian. “The project aims to make Dubai the most connected city on Earth by foot or bike,” he added.

The massive structure is designed to wrap around Dubai, providing a car-free “green corridor” filled with trees and plants for residents to walk or cycle around the city.

URB has also devised a huge agritourism project for Dubai’s desert which it says could become a new benchmark for sustainable agriculture, environmental education and green tourism in the region, if it were built.

Separate from The Loop, the “Agri Hub” would cover roughly 40 hectares and host spaces for education and research, as well as eco-lodges, farm shops, and farm-to-table restaurants and cafes.

Bagherian says that a visit to the Agri Hub would help guests to understand and engage more in sustainable practices. “It will open people’s minds,” he says. “People may misunderstand agritourism. They think it’s looking at farm equipment, looking at farms, and going to pick fruit. With this project we’re trying to disrupt the agritourism model, so it benefits everyone. Whether you’re a retailer, whether you’re a farmer, especially if you’re the consumer – there’s something of a greener economy for everyone.”

“Moving towards a greener economy”

Bagherian has previously led the designs for Phase 2 of “The Sustainable City” in Dubai and worked on similar green communities currently under construction in Yiti, Oman, and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

“The whole world is moving towards a greener economy,” says Bagherian. “The strongest economies are going to be the ones who are able to transition towards sustainability at the earliest possible opportunity with projects like this.”

The Agri Hub’s snakelike structure would be formed of a huge steel canopy and paneled with pre-cast concrete, with the carbon cost offset by the operations of the site.

URB says the project aims to be zero-waste and on-site transport will be fossil-fuel-free. It would have its own biogas plant to generate energy from organic waste, while parts of the development would be partially underground, to keep buildings cool.

As fresh water is scarce in Dubai, the project is designed to feature bio-saline farming, where crops are grown in salty water, and use recycled gray water from the site to irrigate the public areas. These areas will feature drought-tolerant plants as well as rain gardens and bioretention areas that require no irrigation and create habitat for birds and insects.

Like The Loop, the Agri Hub is designed to use 100% recycled water for irrigation, and be entirely powered using kinetic energy.

URB says the projects will be funded by private investors and that it is currently undertaking feasibility studies to establish the best site for the development of the Agri Hub. Bagherian hopes construction of the Agri Hub will begin in 2024. The Loop, if commissioned, could be ready for Dubai’s cyclists and runners by 2040.

Source: CNN Travel

IATA cooperates to bring aviation benefits to Somalia

IATA and the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia agreed to deepen and formalize cooperation with the aim of strengthening the economic and social benefits of aviation in Somalia.

Under an agreement signed by Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President, Africa and the Middle East, and H.E. Fardowsa Osman Egal, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Federal Republic of Somalia, a new framework was established that will also see an expansion of IATA’s activities in the country.

“Aviation is a significant contributor to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), so the potential for a strengthened air transport sector to contribute to Somalia’s development is enormous. This agreement aims to realize that potential for social and economic development by focusing on global standards and best practices. H.E. Minister Fardowsa Osman Egal has a strong vision for a successful aviation sector to contribute to a more prosperous Somalia. And we are determined to support that by turning the words of our agreement into real actions,” said Alawadhi.

The agreement provides the framework to support IATA’s mission for aviation in Africa: the creation of a safe, efficient, sustainable, and economical air transport sector that generates growth, creates jobs, and facilitates international trade and tourism as well as playing an essential role in supporting the UN SDGs through generating connectivity between nations.

“Aviation is essential to the success of Somalia’s development plans.  The Government of Somalia is committed to developing its air transport sector to help promote long-term social and economic growth in the country. And we will ensure that global best practices are at the core of development. This agreement will pave the way for closer cooperation on the priorities for aviation in the country,” said Egal.

Source: Airlines

Kenya Cashes in On Growing Demand From Indian Travelers

Kenya is banking on the increasing appetite for leisure travel amongst Indian youths and professionals to increase its tourism arrivals from the market.

The country is seeking to grow its visitor numbers from India, the top five performing tourism source market to Kenya to surpass the 2019 figures of over 120,000.

In 2022, the arrivals into Kenya from the Indian source market recorded a growth of 93.2 per cent to 81,458 from 42,159 in 2021.

This is a recovery of 67 per cent compared to the 2019 performance of 120,893.

Kenya’s High Commissioner to India Ambassador Willy Bett says the Indian community has the potential to add to the international tourism visitation into Kenya.

He said the current travel trends shows that the segment has the disposable income and is ready to travel to tourism destinations.

“This segment has really exploded in India and is ready to spend for their travels. Kenya is in the right position to tap into this market and grow tourism business,” says the ambassador.

Ambassador Bett, who was speaking at this year’s Outbound Travel Mart (OTM), a tourism fair in Mumbai India, further observed that ease of access and close ties between Kenya and India were major ingredients for the tourism business and other investments into Kenya.

“Besides other airlines, the recent launch of Kenya Airways direct flight from Mombasa to Dubai has an impact on India’s travelers as those seeking beach leisure in the Kenyan coast can fly directly from Dubai”, said the ambassador.

Kenya is increasing its physical presence in India after the Covid-19 pandemic with 14-travel trade participants from the private sector attending a 3-day long tourism exhibition that ended over the weekend and attended by over 160 exhibitors from other destinations.

The Kenyan trade has also mounted roadshows for direct business-to-business meetings with the Indian travel agents in key cities of India including Ahmedabad Bangalore and New Delhi.

The High Commissioner, at the same time, challenged the travel trade to develop packages for golfers, a segment he pointed out was a game changer in revenue receipts to the country.

“Countries like Thailand are getting golfers from India, yet we as a country equally have better golf facilities spread across all regions of the republic. This is an area we need to explore to its maximum, “said the ambassador.

Kenya Tourism Federation Chairman Fred Odek said the exhibitions and other promotional programs by the trade in India are expected to bring tourism numbers from the country to about 130,000 by the close of the year.

He said Kenya was well placed and endowed with tourism resources to compete with other destinations in the world adding that Kenya’s hospitality sector has strived to keep pace with the changing needs of today’s traveler.

“As a tourism sector, we have not been left behind in the dynamic demands of the traveler, the diverse tourism offering to meet the different needs of the visitor and value for money is what has kept Kenya as a destination above others,” said the KTF chairman.

Source: Capital Business

International air travel to Africa is rebounding

Some African countries have surpassed pre-covid arrival numbers and revenue levels

The return of Chinese tourists to Africa and a full resumption of operations on international routes by African airlines are the latest indicators of a rebounding tourism industry, badly hit by the covid-19 pandemic two years ago.

China has picked three African countries—Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa—among 20 across the globe for piloting outbound group tours, nearly a month after lifting travel restrictions.

According to a ministerial notice published on Jan. 20, Chinese travel companies will be allowed to provide travelers with airline and hotel packages to selected countries starting Feb. 6.

“From now on, travel agencies and online travel companies can carry out preparations for product releases, publicity and promotion,” read the document.

Chinese tourists are coming back to Africa

A week before this, the Egyptian capital welcomed the first tourists from China since the outbreak of covid-19, following a visit by China’s Foreign Minister, Qin Gang.

United Nations World Travel Organisation’s latest World Tourism Barometer confirms the return of Chinese tourists will significantly boost Africa’s international arrival numbers and push them to 2019 levels.

“The removal of covid-19 related travel restrictions in China, the world’s largest outbound market in 2019, is a significant and much-welcomed step to the recovery of the tourism sector in Asia and the Pacific and worldwide” according to the report.

In a recent speech, China Tourism Academy President Dai Bin said destination Africa needed to optimize its promotion strategy and improve its hospitality system for the Chinese market to unlock its vast growth potential.

“In the next five years, the steady recovery of outbound tourism in China will provide new opportunities for the world tourism industry, including Africa,” said Bin.

In 2019, Chinese international outbound arrivals were recorded at 155 million – more than double Africa’s inbound arrivals, which totalled 68.8 million in that period.

Easing of covid restrictions is boosting tourism

Africa has recovered about 65% of its pre-pandemic visitor numbers following a more than doubling of international arrivals from 19.4 million in 2021 to 45 million in 2022.

UNWTO attributed the rebound ‘to a large pent-up demand and the easing of travel restrictions across 116 countries that saw a number of African countries exceed pre-covid arrivals and revenues.’

According to the barometer, Ethiopia’s arrivals had risen 3% above pre-pandemic levels, while Morocco’s tourism receipts grew 6% in the first ten to twelve months of 2022.

Another analysis by ForwardKeys, a US airline web traffic data firm, shows Africa’s (-19%) international inbound arrivals recovered faster than the global average (-30%) in the last quarter of 2022.

Countries in west (-6%) and central Africa (a 10% increase over 2019 levels) led the continent towards complete recovery.

“West and central Africa benefit from VFR [visiting friends and relatives] travel from Europe and North America, our data shows growing interest from Portugal and Spain for Cape Verde, while the improved seat capacity from the US to Ghana is attracting a more premium travel crowd,” said Vice President of Business Development at ForwardKeys, Gordon Clark.

Tourism in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Egypt

Other African countries that have recorded significant gains over the period with higher prospects in 2023 include Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Egypt.

The Kenya Tourism Board in December 2022 put total arrivals in Kenya between January and November 2022 at 1.32 million, a 74.5% annual growth over 2021.

Tanzania recorded annual tourism arrival growth of 64% to 1.17 million in the first ten months of 2022, according to the country’s National Bureau of statistics.

South Africa’s tourism ministry recorded the country’s arrivals from January to October 2022 at 4.5 million, which is 47% below 2019 levels.

“We are upbeat as all indications are that our tourism sector is on a fast highway to recovery,” said South Africa’s Tourism Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu.

A US-based data and research firm, Fitch Solutions, projected tourist arrivals to Egypt would jump by 46% to 11.6 million in 2023.

Resumption of airline flights to Africa

And the international tourism boom looks even brighter in 2023, with the resumption of entire operations and re-introduction of higher capacity aircraft on African routes also seen boosting recovery this year.

United Arabs Emirates carrier Emirates has announced it will re-introduce its higher capacity flagship aircraft, the Airbus A380, to Morroco’s capital, Casablanca, from Dubai starting in April.

Emirates said the service upgrade, which opens it up to two other destinations—Johannesburg and Cairo—is part of its efforts to ramp up Africa operations.

“The flagship A380’s deployment to Morocco is also a testament of the airline’s commitment to support inbound visitor arrivals as the country double downs its efforts to reinvigorate its tourism industry,” said the airline in a statement.

In 2021, Emirates enhanced its partnership with Royal Air Maroc to a codeshare agreement that gives its access to 17 Morrocan and 63 international destinations covering west and central African routes.

The African Airlines Association said local airlines had exceeded their 2019 pre-covid operation levels on international routes by 2.28%, meaning some have also opened new international routes.

The original version of this article was published by bird-Africa no filter.

Source: Quartz

ICAO upgrades Somalia airspace to Class A after 30 years

The aviation community has welcomed the restoration of air traffic control services over Somalia.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), said the reclassification of Mogadishu Flight Information Region to Class A airspace, will improve safety through improved situational awareness for pilots flying through the country’s upper airspace.

Coming 30 years since radio navigation went silent over Somalia, the development follows the installation of new navigation and other aeronautical infrastructure. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), officially restored Class A air traffic control services over Somalia on January 26.

Until now, pilots flying over Somali airspace depended on the IATA in-flight broadcast procedure where they announce — on a dedicated radio frequency — their aircraft’s position, altitude, heading and speed. It is then up to any airborne pilots of other aircraft to be tuned to the same frequency and listen out for such broadcasts.

There has been no one on the ground to coordinate the traffic and assign aircraft to flight levels or warn pilots if their aircraft were converging or in too close proximity to each other.

Busy air corridor

The IATA in-flight broadcast procedure is implemented in areas where air traffic control becomes unavailable.

“Air traffic control means there is someone with the full spatial picture who can guide the passage of aircraft through the airspace in a safe and coordinated manner,” an expert told The EastAfrican.

According to IATA, Somalia hosts some of the region’s busiest airways that link the African subcontinent south of Ethiopia with the Middle East and Indian subcontinent as well as Western Europe with the Indian subcontinent and Indian Ocean islands. All these cut across Somalian airspace, which is officially known as the Mogadishu Flight Information Region (FIR).

Enhance situational awareness

“The upgrade of air traffic management and improved navigation and communication infrastructure will enhance situational awareness along an increasingly busy air corridor and its intersections with routes linking many of the world’s regions,” said IATA’s Regional Vice President for the Middle East and Africa, Kamil Al-Awadhi.

The reclassification of the airspace and operational resumption of air traffic control in the Mogadishu FIR comes after successful trials that began in May 2022.

All flights operating in Class A airspace must be cleared by air traffic control which is also responsible for maintaining lateral and vertical separation between aircraft.

Source: The East African

US warns Türkiye over servicing Russian, Belarus carriers

Turkish airport ground handler Havaş has warned Russian and Belarusian airlines that it may no longer be able to serve around 180 Boeing and other aircraft due to United States sanctions, Russia’s RBK TV channel reported.

The ban would include refuelling, maintenance, and repair of any aircraft in which more than 25% of American parts and technologies have been used – a general de-minimis rule for what constitutes a US product.

The development follows the emergence of reports last week that Washington was leaning on Türkiye to stop Russian carriers from operating flights there with Boeing jets, as it tries to more comprehensively enforce sanctions imposed on Moscow after its invasion of Ukraine last February.

TAV Airports-owned Havaş, Türkiye’s largest ground handler, dispatched a letter to Russia dated January 31 saying: “We are running a due-diligence process to identify the risks and consequences to our business and stakeholders. As a result of this, we may find ourselves unable to serve some or all of your flights.”

The letter, which circulated on social media channels on February 1 with the recipient blacked out, was signed by Mete Erna, general manager of Havaş. It referred to “warning letters being sent to companies in the Turkish aviation industry” from the US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) highlighting the imposition of Temporary Denial Orders (TDOs) in connection with the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

“We shall inform you about future developments and actions planned,” it concluded.

Three sources at Russian airlines and one close to the country’s aviation authorities confirmed the authenticity of the letter to RBK.

Havaş “offers complete ground handling solutions at 32 stations in Türkiye, Latvia, and Croatia,” according to TAV Airports’ website. These include Istanbul Airport, Ankara Esenboga, and Antalya.

Airlines notified

A list attached to the letter elaborated that service may be denied to Boeing as well as some Airbus aircraft, in total listing more than 170 aircraft operated by Russian carriers, seven jets operated out of Belarus, and four in Iran. The biggest operator of these aircraft is Aeroflot, but the list also names AirBridgeCargo, Azur Air, iFly Airlines, Ikar (Russian Federation) (formerly Pegas Fly), Nordwind Airlines, Pobeda, Red Wings Airlines, Rossiya, S7 Airlines, Ural Airlines, UTair, and Yamal Airlines in Russia, as well as Belavia, IranAir, and Mahan Air.

It also throws in B787-8(BBJ) and Gulfstream Aerospace G650 business jets belonging to Roman Abramovich. A representative of the businessman told the news channel that he does not currently have any aircraft in Türkiye.

One of RBK’s airline sources said that Havaş would discuss the issue with Russian carriers within two weeks, adding: “Essentially, Havaş is asking Russian companies to come up with a way to solve the problem, as there are four other handling companies operating in Turkey. Handling could be switched to these other companies.” Flights to Türkiye will continue, the source insisted.

Alexander Neradko, head of the Russia’s civil aviation regulator (Rosaviatsiya), told RBK on February 1 that international cooperation would carry on despite the actions of a number of states to enforce sanctions. Aviation is “a global system of economic relations,” he said, and cooperation with “friendly states” continues.

Source: Ch-aviation