Africa’s action plan for adventure travel.

Adventure tourism has been a growing niche in the travel industry, with the global market valued at over $450 billion and projected to reach $2.6 trillion by 2033, according to a recent report by Allied Market Research. And although, as Wild Expeditions’ Chris Roche points out, people usually equate adventure travel with kayaking in a North American river or hiking to Machu Picchu, Africa is starting to position itself as a new and different type of adventure tourism destination.

“Adventure is in the eye of the beholder,” said Peter Allison, sales and marketing manager at Natural Selection. He explains that for many people merely touching ground on the African continent is a pulse-raiser. But he adds that Africa is no longer a “one-trick pony” promoting only wildlife experiences.

Kenya is embracing this shift wholeheartedly. The Kenya Tourism Board has established a National Adventure Tourism Products Club, bringing together public- and private-sector stakeholders to package and promote new adventure offerings. June Chepkemei, CEO of the tourism board, said the resilience and growth potential of adventure travel is key in supporting local economies.

In a recent webinar organized by the Africa Travel and Tourism Association, James Savage of Savage Wilderness said Kenya’s diverse adventure portfolio now includes things like paddleboarding with dolphins, camel safaris and even heli-biking on Mount Kenya. The country is also gaining traction as a destination for professional mountain bike racing, with events like the Safari Gravel Race in Naivasha’s Hell’s Gate National Park drawing international competitors.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Western Cape is also making its mark in the adventure space. According to South African Tourism, the province attracted 85% of all adventure tourists visiting the country in 2023. Wesgro, the region’s official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency, commented that the Western Cape is “ideally positioned in the adventure tourism market due to its growing emphasis on sustainability and the promotion of harmony between humans and nature.”

Low-impact thrills

Although the continent has long featured adventure activities such as bungee jumping and whitewater rafting in places like Victoria Falls, Africa is also developing activities “for those seeking a thrill but with fewer bruises,” according to Allison. He mentions activities like exploring the ancient dunes of the Skeleton Coast from Shipwreck Lodge in Namibia, snorkeling under a waterfall at the GweGwe Beach Lodge in South Africa and learning how to make fire with sticks, zebra dung and sand from the bushmen in places like Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Roche agrees, saying there has been a shift from pure adrenaline activities to “soft adventure.” This includes experiences like tracking lions on foot, sleeping out on an island in the Okavango Delta or spending a day immersed in local rural culture. “Travelers want to be able to immerse themselves in local culture and really understand what it’s like to be a rural person in Africa, living with the wildlife and the challenges that brings. We also see an increased demand in destinations like Madagascar and Ethiopia, which offer less typical safari adventures that are far more physically active, more remote, less scripted and just entirely different,” he said.

Spreading the tourism wealth

This reimagining of adventure tourism is having a positive impact on rural communities across Africa.

“The rise of adventure tourism across Southern Africa represents a significant opportunity for sustainable economic growth and regional cooperation,” said Natalia Rosa, project lead with the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance. “By diversifying our tourism offerings beyond traditional safaris, we’re not only attracting a new segment of travelers but also spreading the benefits of tourism to more communities across the SADC region. This shift towards adventure and experiential travel aligns perfectly with our goals of promoting responsible tourism and fostering deeper connections between visitors and our diverse cultures and landscapes.”

Allison said revenue from adventure tourism has enabled Natural Selection to undertake programs that help community development and conservation efforts, programs like the Ele Express in northern Botswana. In a joint effort with local organizations, Natural Selection was able to purchase minibuses to deliver children safely to school, easing the real risk of kids being trampled by elephants on their walk. It is a program that has since been expanded to help transport the elderly as well as pregnant women.

“The impact is not just job creation, it is locals also understanding the importance of tourism and why it has to be protected,” said Nomkhosi Tshabalala, marketing manager for the Kruger Lowveld tourism group in South Africa.

Adventure tourism is “low-hanging fruit” for communities, said Johan Radcliffe of Dirty Boots, a South African tour company. “There are many rural areas that are offering walking tours, kayaking trips and many more such activities. These operations are low in capital set-up fees, and rural areas are the perfect location for activities such as these.”

For Roche, it’s the right time for Africa to focus on diversifying safari product beyond its core construct (game drives with a guide). Why? “Because it provides a mitigation to overtourism in a couple of key locations. Because it will ensure the positive impacts of tourism are felt farther afield and have good outcomes for less well-known ecosystems and species. And because a one-dimensional approach is limited and has an inherent risk to market change,” he said.

Tips for travel advisors

For travel agents looking to tap into this evolving market, adventure specialists in Africa have the following advice:

1. Prioritize safety: Look for operators with a proven safety record, comprehensive insurance and a transparent approach to safety discussions. “Are they proud of their safety record? Are they happy to discuss their measures with you? No cavalier operator will be in business more than a few years,” Natural Selection’s Allison said.

2. Download the right apps: Jessi Sunkel, executive director of the South African Adventure Industry Association, said travel consultants should advise clients to download the Secura Traveller app which offers immediate help wherever they are in South Africa.

3. Verify credentials: Ensure guides have proper certifications and operators have necessary licenses and accreditations and ask for proof, said Sunkel. A great resource is 101 Adventures. This is a list of companies that are complying with high standard regulations created by industry experts. Radcliffe of Dirty Boots emphasizes the importance of checking for proper certifications and insurance. He also recommends agents familiarize themselves with the various adventure tourism associations and governing bodies in each country.

4. Check digital presence: Research an operator’s online presence and reviews for insights into their reputation and safety record, said Kruger Lowveld’s Tshabalala.

5. Stay informed: Use resources like government travel advisories, local news and official tourism websites for the latest information. “An easy start is your government travel advisory, but the problem with those is they throw a blanket over whole nations — saying don’t go to Namibia because there might be yellow fever in neighboring Zambia is akin to blacklisting Alaska because of violence in Mexico,” Allison said. “If you make the effort, local news coverage is a good source – if it’s not panicked you probably don’t need to be either.”

Source: Travel Weekly.  

Immigration Services announces changes in passport collection.

The Directorate of Immigration Services has announced the simplification of the passport collection process.

In a statement on Sunday, the Department said that applicants no longer need to book appointments to pick up their passports.

“Further, we have simplified the process of passport delivery: applicants are no longer required to book for appointment to collect passports,” The Directorate said in a statement on X.

Applicants will now receive a message from the Immigration Department, confirming that their application has been processed and passport printed.

Thereafter applicants will proceed to the collection desk, at the respective places where they applied and pick up their documents.

They added that the changes come in response to public feedback and are part of the Directorate’s commitment to enhancing efficiency and accessibility.

“The Directorate of Immigration Services is listening and open to all emerging issues.”

The Directorate encouraged the public to reach out to them in case of any concerns or suggestions.

Source: KBC.

How new routes to global hubs can elevate aviation.

A new study by European aircraft manufacturer Airbus indicates that West Africa holds the potential for an aviation revolution, leveraging its booming population, diverse economies and strategic geographical position to open new routes.

The study, ‘Exploring the horizons: A study of unserved air routes to, from and within Africa,’ highlights that nine out of the top 15 unserved routes start or end in West Africa.

These routes represent significant opportunities for airlines in the region. They include Lagos-New York, Abuja-Nairobi and Dakar-Libreville.

“It is surprising to observe that throughout the entirety of 2023 and up to the conclusion of the IATA-summer in 2024, merely two routes connected Nigeria with North America,” the Airbus study says.

“And both routes were operated by non-Nigerian operators: Lagos-Atlanta, operated by Delta Air Lines, and Lagos-Washington, operated by United Airlines.

“What is particularly remarkable is that during the same period, the whole region of West Africa only had three entry-points in North America: Atlanta, New York and Washington.”

Beyond West Africa, other cities across the continent considered “most appealing unserved routes” link cities such as Cape Town, Nairobi, Dakar and Douala.

At the top of the list of unserved routes in Africa are long-haul intercontinental flights connecting the continent to North America, Europe and the Indian subcontinent.

These routes highlight crucial gaps in air travel, driven by high demand for direct flights from major African cities to global hubs. Currently, passengers endure time-consuming connecting flights, adding unnecessary inconvenience to their journeys.

This is even as projections by the African Airlines Association show African airlines are likely to cross the 100 million passengers mark for the first time in 2025, a sign of the growing traffic volumes in the country’s aviation sector.

Afraa says passenger numbers will hit 98 million by the close of year, which is a 15 per cent increase from 2023, before hitting beyond the 100 million mark by 2025.

Airbus projects a 4.1 per cent annual growth in air traffic over the next 20 years, leading to a demand for 1,180 new aircraft in Africa by 2043.

Despite challenges, the study highlights the potential for greater air travel efficiency through improved connectivity and optimised flight paths, promising reduced travel times and costs.

Notable progress is already underway, with several airlines expanding to cover new routes within Africa and beyond. Ethiopian Airlines is leading the charge, aiming for a 30 per cent growth in passenger numbers by mid-2024.

More foreign airlines are also increasingly expanding into new African routes. For instance, AirAsia, a leading Asian carrier, has announced a direct route to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, starting in November.

This new intercontinental route eliminates the need for long layovers, offering travellers an effortless journey between East Africa and Asia.

The ongoing expansions are yielding results, with IATA projecting Africa’s airlines to earn a collective net profit in 2024 for the second consecutive year, showcasing the sector’s impressive post-pandemic resilience.

The Airbus report suggests creating direct long-haul routes between several other key destinations. These include routes from Harare to London, Johannesburg to Mumbai, Entebbe to London, Cape Town to Brussels, Durban to London, and Nairobi to Washington.

The report also proposes flights from Lagos to multiple North American cities, such as Manchester, New York, Toronto and Houston.

While the authors acknowledge that unserved city pairs within the continent rank relatively lower in terms of economic feasibility due to lower traffic numbers, there are promising prospects, such as between the Cape Town-Lagos route.

“Given the pivotal roles played by both Lagos (Nigeria) and Cape Town (South Africa) within their respective countries and across the African continent, the establishment of a non-stop service between these cities emerges as a sensible case,” the authors say.

“Despite the significance of both cities, there is currently no non-stop flight between them. Historical schedule data indicate that such a service has never existed. Moreover, there is no direct air service connecting Cape Town with the entire subregion of West Africa.”

Other high-potential intra-continental routes that the report identifies include Dakar-Libreville, Abidjan-Douala, Abuja-Nairobi and Dakar-Douala.

However, according to experts, efforts to ensure visa-free travel for Africans will create a real impact in easing travel, especially at the regional level.

New South Institute research fellow Alan Hirsch said by the end of 2022, only 27 per cent of African routes allowed visa-free travel for Africans.

“Regularising freer movement of people across African borders is one of the continent’s great developmental challenges. It is one of the flagship projects of the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” he said.

Hirsch is also an emeritus professor at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance at the University of Cape Town.

Source: The Star.

More tourists visiting Kenya but spending less.

In Summary

•The strong arrivals has been pegged on the visa openness which came with the introduction of the Electronic Tourist Authorization (eTA) at the beginning of the year.

•This, TRI acting chief executive David Gitonga yesterday said, has eased the visa application process, making it seamless for tourists.

Tourists at a beach hotel in Watamu /
Image: ALPHONCE GAR

Recovery in global tourism industry coupled with a strong marketing campaign saw Kenya record a 21.2 per cent jump in international arrivals in the year to June.

Foreign visitors in the half-year period totaled 1,027, 630, data by the Tourism Research Institute (TRI) shows, compared to the 847, 719 in the same period in 2023.

Even so, tourism sector earnings during the period dropped 7.1 per cent to Sh142.5 billion, compared to Sh153.4 billion recorded last year.

This reflects reduced spending by tourists in the wake of inflation which wiped out gains that came with the higher visitor numbers.

The strong arrivals has however been pegged on the visa openness following the introduction of the Electronic Tourist Authorization (eTA) at the beginning of the year.

This, TRI acting chief executive David Gitonga said has eased the visa application process, making it seamless.

“In addition, improvements in air connectivity through introduction of new routes and more frequencies by major airlines has led to growth,” Gitonga said.

June registered the highest number of visitors (192,343) or 19 per cent of the total arrivals . January and February also registered notable figures each at 18 per cent of the total visitors, or 181,527 and 183,645, respectively.

These numbers have surpassed pre-covid levels by 11 per cent where arrivals were 925,927 in January to June 2019.

The US continued to dominate as Kenya’s top international tourists source with 134,901 Americans visiting Kenya.

It was followed by Uganda (103,680), Tanzania (91,889), the UK (70,593), with India closing the top five list with 50,510 visitors to Kenya.

Holiday or leisure was the main purpose of visiting accounting for 44 per cent (454,639) of the total arrivals.

Those visiting friends and relatives totaled 246,437 (24%), while those that were in the country for business and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) totaled 247,684, which was 24 of the total arrivals.

A total of 48,121 were on transit, education (11,761), religion (7,355), medical (5,344) seeking employment (3,932), while 2,357 visited Kenya for sports.

The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was the main entry point, registering 693,046 arrivals, followed by Moi International Airport (Mombasa) with 87,041 arrivals.

Other entry points with significant numbers were Busia (81,067), Namanga (60,46) and Malaba (22,851).

The half-year performance puts the country on course of hitting its 2024 target of surpassing the two-million mark.

“We are projecting to hit 2.45million this year. The second half of the year yields more due to peak season of wildebeest migration July to September and high season of November, December,” Gitonga told the Star.

Earnings are expected to hit Sh359.1 billion this year and then Sh396.1 billion next year.

Last year, total arrivals were 2,086,600, the Economic Survey 2024 indicates, with earnings of Sh353 billion.

Source:   The Star  

ETHIOPIAN MRO SERVICES TO DEVELOP MAINTENANCE & REPAIR CAPABILITY ON ATR AIRCRAFT FOR AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Addis Ababa/Farnborough, 23 July 2024 – ATR, the world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer, and Ethiopian MRO Services, a world-class maintenance and training provider, part of the Ethiopian Airlines Group, announced the signature of a Letter of Intent aimed at developing Ethiopian MRO Services’s ATR aircraft
maintenance and training capabilities.

This strategic agreement marks a significant milestone in expanding ATR’s presence in Africa and the Middle East, enabling enhanced support to local operators and fostering market growth. The cooperation would cover the development of Ethiopian MRO Services’s maintenance capabilities for ATR aircraft types and the establishment of a local spares’ stock to reduce response time for ATR operators in the region. It would also explore collaborative ways to train new ATR pilots with the Ethiopian Aviation University, the
most modern aviation guru.
With its extensive aircraft maintenance and repair capability, an international network for seamless spare parts delivery, multiple hubs across the continent, and an aviation training university, Ethiopian MRO Services is a key player in the aftermarket and the ideal local partner to cater to the needs of the 36 airlines operating 131 ATR aircraft across Africa and the Middle East.
Regarding the strategic agreement, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “This partnership aligns with Ethiopian Airlines Group’s vision to become a leading aviation reference for the African continent and the Middle East. We aim to share our expertise and benefit the entire African and Middle Eastern aviation community.

This collaboration reinforces Ethiopia’s positioning as a key hub, and the fact that an established OEM such as ATR approaches us to leverage our capabilities for their fleet and operators is a testament to the recognition we have earned.” Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Ethiopian MRO’s
significant investments over the past years to expand their facilities combined with their dedication to developing their capabilities, present a timely opportunity for ATR to provide better support to our African and Middle Eastern operators.

We are confident this cooperation will help boost regional aviation locally and unlock further potential for
growth. Our operators will benefit from an improved quality of service, lower maintenance costs, reduced downtimes and lower emissions through the support of an experienced partner close to their needs.” While some parts of Africa and the Middle East have flourishing regional aviation networks, with turboprops playing a key role for local businesses, goods transport and tourism, the region remains widely under connected: 67% of the routes under 500NM are operated once daily or less, representing only 11% of seats. Most traffic is concentrated on a few well-served trunk routes, while connectivity from secondary cities is declining. Flying turboprops offers a reliable cost-effective solution for domestic and subregional connectivity, eliminating the need for expensive and environmentally disruptive ground infrastructure development.
With its unrivalled versatility, fuel efficiency and low operating costs, ATR aircraft are the ideal platform to serve the growing connectivity needs of the region’s communities. As part of its strategy to empower customer satisfaction and regional expertise, ATR also established at the end of 2023 a Regional Field Service Representative in Ethiopia as a key initiative to create more intimacy with its customers and enhance their satisfaction.

About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is one of the fastest-growing airlines brand globally and the
continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-eight years of successful operations, Ethiopian has
become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian
commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most
modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five
continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such
as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and De Havilland Q400.
Ethiopian is also pursuing multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi
with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Having achieved its strategic plan
(Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan Vision 2035 that
will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world. Ethiopian
has been champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for seven

consecutive years among others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has been
registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years.
For more at: www.ethiopianairlines.com
Email: CorporateCommunication@ethiopianairlines.com
Contact: (251-11)517-8913/8165/8907

Press Release- ETHIOPIAN MRO TO DEVELOP ATR MAINTENANCE REPAIR CAPABILITY FOR AFRICA, THE MIDDLE EASTDownload

INTRODUCING THE ASANTE LOUNGE, DESIGNED FOR RELAXATION AND COMFORT

Kenya Airways has reopened its lounge in Terminal 1C at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport offering travelers a perfect spot to relax while at the airport. The refurbished lounge dubbed Asante Lounge promises guests a comfortable, pristine and relaxed environment for all guests.


Travelers can expect the highest level of service with a wide variety of food available. From quick easy to go snacks, to live cooking of eggs and pasta dishes, and to a full buffet which includes soups, salads, main courses and desserts. There is something for everyone. Guests also have plenty of Beverage options to choose from, including hot beverages, soft drinks (Still and sparkling water, sodas, juices), Spirits (Whiskies, Vodka, Gin, cognac, Liqueur, rum), Wines (Red, white, Rose, Sparkling) and Beers (Local and International).


Asante Lounge has a capacity of 42 and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it a convenient relaxation spot for travelers. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for entertainment, the lounge is also fitted with showers for guests looking for a place to freshen up,with amenity kits and towels
provided..
Whether a guest has a long or a short layover at the airport, or simply needs to handle some business
before their flight, the lounge which is equipped with high speed Wi-Fi offers the perfect serene
environment at the airport.


The lounge is open for all business class guests, Asante Rewards Platinum and Gold members as well as
SkyTeam Frequent Flier eligible programs. Customers travelling in Economy Class Cabin can purchase
lounge access at USD 25 for 3 hours, or USD 40 for 5 hours. So if you are looking for a place to eat, relax, freshen up or even do business while at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Asante Lounge is the perfect spot for you.

Eritrea is Surging the Tourism Industry with New Visa free travel Policy for Kenya & Uganda.

Eritrea stands as a captivating country in the Horn of Africa, bordered by the vast expanses of the Red Sea. Its strategic geographical position and extensive coastline have historically made it a pivotal player in the trade and cultural exchanges between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. This unique location is reflected in the diverse cultural fabric and linguistic mosaic that characterizes the nation today.

Historical Overview

The roots of Eritrea are deeply entrenched in both its location and its complex colonial history. Having been a convergence point for various civilizations, the region has witnessed an array of influences, from South Arabian to Ottoman Turkish, and eventually the Italian colonization in the 19th century. These layers of history have left a rich cultural and architectural legacy that continues to attract scholars and tourists alike.

Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity

Eritrea is home to a vibrant mix of ethnic groups, each preserving its own language and traditions. The nine recognized ethnic groups contribute to a linguistic landscape that includes Tigrinya, Tigre, and a number of other Afroasiatic languages, with Arabic and English serving as important secondary languages.

Tourism in Eritrea

Despite its political challenges, Eritrea offers an array of attractions for the intrepid traveler. From the mesmerizing architecture of Asmara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the unspoiled islands and coral reefs of the Dahlak Archipelago, the country presents a tapestry of experiences. Eritrea’s tourism sector, though underdeveloped, provides a genuine adventure for those looking to explore one of Africa’s most secluded destinations.

Economic Landscape

Eritrea’s economy faces numerous challenges, reflected in its low ranking on the Index of Economic Freedom. However, it boasts significant potential in sectors like mining and tourism, which remain largely untapped due to geopolitical and internal issues.

Transportation Hubs

The country’s transportation infrastructure is centered around key airports like Asmara International, Massawa International, and Assab International. These facilitate both domestic and limited international travel, connecting Eritrea with neighboring countries and beyond.

Airline Services

The national carrier, Eritrean Airlines, along with other regional airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines and EgyptAir, connect Eritrea to the wider region, offering links despite the challenging economic conditions.

Countries that can visit to Eritrea without Visa:- Kenya, Uganda

Accommodations

Luxury and comfort can be found at Asmara Palace Hotel, the top choice for international visitors, alongside other reputable options like Crystal Hotel and Hotel Asmara Central. These establishments provide quality service and are central to the experience of visiting the capital.

Cultural Significance and Landmarks

Eritrea is renowned for its architectural wonders, like the futuristic Fiat Tagliero Building and the classic Cinema Roma in Asmara, reflecting the Italian modernist influence. The nation’s historical depth is further highlighted by its archaeological sites and over 400 historic churches and monasteries, testament to its rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

Eritrea remains a land of undiscovered beauty and rich history. Its complex past and diverse cultures make it a unique destination for those willing to venture off the beaten path. As the country slowly opens up to the world, its potential for tourism and economic growth continues to expand, promising a brighter future ahead.

Source:  Travel and Tour World.  

Evolution of alternative fuels for aviation.

While the aviation sector will have to overcome huge challenges to achieve its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the industry has made great strides in its decarbonization journey. The uptake of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is growing, with global SAF capacity expected to be nearly 6 billion gallons by 2030 from 1.3 billion gallons in 2023.1 However, today it is severely constrained by the limited availability of alternative aviation fuels that are low in lifecycle carbon, cost-effective, safe, and high-performance.

Although the aviation sector only accounts for just over 2 percent of global energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,2 air transportation is growing fast as global populations become wealthier. It means under a business-as-usual scenario, air travel could consume up to 10 percent of the planet’s remaining 1.5°C carbon budget by 2050.3

This report is tailored for leaders and stakeholders in the aviation industry, seeking to offer actionable insights on alternative fuels and a detailed analysis of readiness and adoption potential in the aviation sector.

By using the insights and recommendations provided, aviation organizations can better navigate the complexities of this transition, mitigate associated risks, and capitalize on emerging market opportunities.

alternate fuels readiness factors

Source:    KPMG analysis, “Fueling the energy transition,” 2024.

Paris Olympics: A Promising Future for Kenya’s Sports Tourism.

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), the official tourism marketing agency for Kenya, has set its sights on capitalizing on the upcoming Paris Olympics to propel the nation’s sports tourism industry.

This strategic move leverages the global spotlight on Kenya‘s powerhouse athletes and coincides perfectly with Kenya’s peak tourist season, creating a unique opportunity to showcase the country’s multifaceted offerings.

John Ololtuaa, Principal Secretary in the State Department of Tourism, underscored the significance of sports personalities in his statement released in Nairobi.

He highlighted their role as “national icons and global ambassadors” who can effectively project Kenya‘s potential as a premier sports tourism destination during the Olympics.

Aligning with Peak Season for Maximum Impact

The Paris Olympics conveniently overlap with Kenya’s peak tourist season, which stretches from June to October.

This period coincides with the awe-inspiring wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, a natural spectacle dubbed one of the “Twin Migrations” alongside the humpback whale migration in Watamu.

KTB aims to leverage this perfect timing to entice Olympic visitors to extend their stay and experience these iconic Kenyan wonders.

Kenya boasts a rich tapestry of tourism experiences beyond wildlife safaris.

From pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs to breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultural encounters, the country offers something for every traveler.

KTB’s strategic plan leverages the Olympics to showcase this full spectrum of attractions to the global audience expected at the Games.

Kenya: A Powerhouse in African Sports Tourism

Kenya arrives at the Paris Olympics with an impressive pedigree, holding the distinction of being Africa’s most decorated Olympic nation with over 100 medals to its credit.

This stellar track record, coupled with the presence of renowned Kenyan athletes like Brigid Kosgei and Eliud Kipchoge, is certain to generate significant international interest in the country’s sporting scene.

The influx of athletes, officials, and fans for the Olympics presents a lucrative opportunity for Kenya’s tourism sector.

KTB’s proactive approach capitalizes on this potential by promoting sports tourism experiences that cater to this specific audience.

Envisioning Kenya’s Sports Tourism Landscape

While details of KTB’s specific plans haven’t been unveiled yet, potential strategies could involve:

Package deals: Curated itineraries combining Olympic events with wildlife safaris, cultural excursions, or beach getaways.

Training camps: Offering world-class training facilities at high altitude locations like Iten and Kaptagat, renowned for nurturing Kenyan champions, to international athletes.

Experiences with sporting legends: Organizing exclusive opportunities for tourists to interact with or train alongside Kenyan sporting heroes.

A Win-Win Situation: Boosting Tourism and National Image

KTB’s focus on sports tourism is a strategic move with the potential to deliver significant benefits for Kenya. Here’s a breakdown of the potential gains:

Increased tourist arrivals: By effectively leveraging the Olympics, KTB can attract a broader range of tourists interested in sports, adventure, and cultural experiences.

Diversification of the tourism sector: Sports tourism presents a valuable avenue for diversification, lessening dependence on traditional wildlife safaris and creating a more resilient tourism industry.

Enhanced national image: The global spotlight on Kenyan athletes during the Olympics serves as a powerful platform to showcase the country’s beauty, hospitality, and sporting prowess, boosting Kenya’s international image.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for Kenyan Sports Tourism

The Kenya Tourism Board’s strategic focus on sports tourism holds immense promise for the nation’s tourism industry.

By capitalizing on the upcoming Paris Olympics and the country’s legacy of sporting excellence, KTB has the potential to attract a new wave of visitors eager to experience the magic of Kenya.

This strategic approach not only promises economic benefits but also contributes to strengthening Kenya’s position as a global sporting powerhouse and a world-class tourist destination.

Source: ATTA.   

Sabre Unveils Astonishing Travel Tech and Insights at Global Business Travel Association.

Sabre Corporation, a premier software and technology provider for the global travel industry, showcases its executives, products, and technologies at the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) meeting in Atlanta from July 22-24.

Sabre’s key speakers include Kathy Morgan, Vice President of Product Management and Distribution Experiences at Sabre Travel Solutions; Andy Finkelstein, Senior Vice President of Global Agency Sales and Delivery for Sabre Travel Solutions; Todd Arthur, Senior Vice President of Sabre’s North America Agency Business and Corporate Solutions; and Chinmai Sharma, Global Head of Lodging, Ground & Sea for Sabre Travel Solutions.

Events include:

Monday, July 22, 4:30-6:30 pm EST: Sabre hosts a Welcome Reception at Booth 3121

Tuesday, July 23, 8:00-8:45 am EST: Kathy Morgan moderates the NDC in Action Panel

Tuesday, July 23, 2:00–3:00 pm EST: Sabre presents a Spotlight and Happy Hour at Booth 3121

Wednesday, July 24, 9:15 am EST: Kathy Morgan participates in the C-suite Conversation on NDC Takes Flight

Sabre focuses on the following topics:

Corporate Booking Tools: Sabre powers NDC content for leading corporate travel management tools such as GetThere, Atriis, SAP Concur, Spotnana, Serko, and Wooba. Sabre prioritizes NDC to enable personalized, real-time retailing based on offers and orders. As both an NDC aggregator and IT provider, Sabre brings a comprehensive perspective and expertise to NDC discussions, advocating for the entire travel industry.

End-to-End Workflows: Sabre supports end-to-end workflows, including mid and back-office integrations and corporate policy considerations, to make NDC appealing to travel sellers and ensure efficient operations.

Multi-Source Content Aggregation: Sabre deploys scalable NDC capabilities by integrating and normalizing NDC content, ATPCO/EDIFACT options, and low-cost carrier (LCC) XML itineraries, simplifying the process for travel agencies to shop, compare, and book the best options for travelers.

Partnership with Google: Sabre leverages its relationship with Google to utilize advanced AI and machine learning, enhancing existing solutions and developing new AI-powered products. This partnership boosts productivity and customer service, transforming product development speed and improving service quality for travelers.

Source:   Travel and Tour World.