RwandAir Resumes New Direct Flights to Mombasa After Five Years, Boosting its East African Travel, Tourism Growth, and Strengthening Regional Business Connectivity

RwandAir has officially restarted its direct flights to Mombasa, marking a milestone for East African aviation and boosting regional travel growth. The service resumed on 1 December, returning after a five-year break following its last operation in 2019. Celebrations for the relaunch took place at Moi International Airport and marked the renewed air connectivity as important for both Rwanda and Kenya’s coastal region.

The reopened route will fly four times a week, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, to help meet the growing demand from business travelers, holidaymakers, and regional traders looking for dependable access to Kenya’s dynamic coastline.

Strengthening Kenya’s Coast as a Regional Tourism Hub

The resumption of flights serves as a strong endorsement for Mombasa as a leading coastal tourism destination, especially as the region enters a busy festive season. With its beaches, marine attractions, and cultural heritage sites, Mombasa remains one of East Africa’s most visited holiday locations. By restoring direct flights, RwandAir enhances Mombasa’s visibility and accessibility, allowing more travellers from Rwanda and neighbouring regions to reach the city without transiting through Nairobi.

This improvement encourages longer stays, higher tourist spending, and greater interest in coastal experiences such as water sports, cultural tours, and marine safaris. The Kenya Airports Authority welcomed the return of the airline as a reflection of confidence in the country’s airport infrastructure, coastal tourism potential, and the broader aviation environment.

 

Boosting East African Connectivity and Regional Integration

With Mombasa now added back onto its network, the city becomes RwandAir’s second destination in Kenya, joining the capital, Nairobi. This expansion strengthens the East African travel corridor, enabling smoother movement of people and goods between two key economies in the region.

Improved air connectivity supports the shared goals of enhancing intra-African travel, deepening economic integration, and promoting seamless business operations between partner states. The resumed flights also allow travellers from Rwanda to connect easily to major sea-port logistics in Mombasa, further supporting cross-border commerce.

Improving Opportunities for Business and Trade

The renewed route is expected to play an important role in improving business travel and intra-regional trade, especially for sectors linked to hospitality, manufacturing, wholesale distribution and maritime operations. Mombasa serves as the main gateway port for East Africa, attracting professionals and investors heading to the coastal city for trade, shipping services, tourism development, and conference activities.

By providing regular and reliable flights, RwandAir positions itself as a key facilitator of commercial exchange, enabling executives, entrepreneurs and government delegations to travel more efficiently between Kigali and Mombasa.

Supporting Local Economies and Community-Based Tourism

The return of RwandAir flights is expected to generate substantial benefits for small businesses and communities that rely heavily on coastal tourism. Increased visitors boost demand for hotels, restaurants, transport services, local markets, and tour guides, creating income opportunities for many residents.

From beach resorts to heritage sites, the extended flow of travellers supports sustainable growth in the local tourism supply chain. It also stimulates job creation for youth and women working in tourism-dependent sectors across the coastal corridor.

Festive Season Demand Signals Strong Tourism Recovery

The timing of the reinstated service aligns with one of the busiest holiday travel periods in Kenya. The airline expects strong passenger numbers as leisure travellers head to the coast for end-of-year vacations. With increased flights, visitors can conveniently explore the region’s beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, culinary offerings, and cultural landmarks.

This surge in arrivals contributes significantly to Kenya’s coastal tourism revenue, helping the region rebound amid global recovery in the tourism industry.

Enhancing Intra-Regional Tourism Experiences

The renewed route opens opportunities for travellers to combine Rwanda’s natural attractions—including mountains, national parks, and unique wildlife experiences—with Kenya’s coastal beauty, creating multi-destination holiday itineraries. Such combinations are increasingly popular among international visitors seeking diverse experiences within a single trip.

This enhanced connectivity encourages travellers to extend their stays across multiple East African countries, supporting the broader vision of promoting a more integrated and cooperative regional tourism market.

A Strategic Step for East African Aviation Growth

RwandAir’s decision to reinstate the Mombasa service underlines the growing role of air transport in driving economic expansion across East Africa. More flight options mean improved mobility, greater ease of doing business and stronger partnerships between neighbouring nations. The frequent schedule and expanded network reflect the airline’s confidence in regional market growth and the long-term potential of East African tourism.

Renewed Flights Bring New Momentum to East Africa’s Tourism and Trade

The resumption of RwandAir’s direct flights to Mombasa represents more than a reinstated route that was in abeyance but symbolizes a serious thrust aimed at substantially shoring up regional travel, tourism development, and economic cooperation in greater East Africa. With Kenya’s coastline now more accessible to travellers and businessmen, the renewed service offers real benefits for the two countries.

With consistent operations, festive-season demand, and a growing regional tourism corridor, RwandAir’s reinstated route is set to play an essential role in energizing coastal tourism and fostering stronger intra-African connectivity over the coming years.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

Global Travel & Tourism Surges in 2025 — Africa and Europe Lead the Recovery

Global travel & tourism is experiencing a strong resurgence in 2025, with international tourist arrivals rising by 5 percent in the first nine months of the year. According to the UN World Tourism Organization, more than 1.1 billion people travelled internationally between January and September, surpassing both 2024 figures and pre-pandemic levels from 2019. This growth has come despite persistent economic uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and geopolitical tensions. The third quarter alone recorded a 4 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024, boosted by a vibrant summer travel season in the Northern Hemisphere.

Africa and Europe are leading this global upswing. Africa recorded an impressive 10 percent rise in international arrivals, with both North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa achieving double-digit growth. Destinations such as Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Africa have been at the forefront of the recovery. Europe also performed strongly, welcoming about 625 million international visitors in the January–September period. This marks a 4 percent increase compared to 2024, with Southern and Western Europe showing particularly robust results. Central and Eastern Europe posted an 8 percent rebound, while Northern Europe experienced a slight decline.

Other regions are showing promising signs as well. The Asia-Pacific region saw an 8 percent rise in arrivals, reaching close to pre-pandemic levels. North-East Asia performed especially well with a 17 percent increase, although total numbers remain just below those of 2019. The Americas experienced moderate growth overall. South America led the region with a 9 percent increase in arrivals, while North America saw a small decline and the Caribbean and Central America posted modest gains. The Middle East grew by 2 percent and now enjoys roughly one-third more visitors than it did before the pandemic, making it the region with the strongest relative recovery.

Beyond visitor numbers, tourism spending is also rising. Countries such as Japan, Egypt, Brazil, and Morocco have recorded significant increases in tourism receipts. Spending in Japan rose by 21 percent, while Egypt and Morocco saw increases of 18 and 14 percent respectively. These trends indicate that travellers are not only returning in greater numbers but are also spending more, contributing positively to local economies.

Looking ahead, the global tourism outlook for the remainder of 2025 remains positive. The UNWTO’s projection of a 3 to 5 percent increase in international arrivals is well within reach, although factors such as rising travel costs and geopolitical uncertainty could influence final outcomes. Even so, optimism prevails across the industry, supported by strong demand from diverse source markets and growing interest in emerging destinations. As tourism enters this new phase of recovery, opportunities continue to expand for destinations, investors, and travellers around the world.

ASKY Named Best Regional Airline for Facilitation and Connectivity at WCAF IV

ASKY Airlines has strengthened its position as one of Africa’s leading regional carriers after being named Best Regional Airline for Facilitation and Connectivity at the UK–West & Central Africa Francophone Trade & Investment Forum (WCAF IV). The event, held from November 12–13 at Hotel 2 Février in Lomé, brought together government officials, investors, and aviation stakeholders to highlight key drivers of regional integration and economic cooperation.

The award recognizes ASKY’s growing influence in improving mobility across West and Central Africa, and its contribution to expanding trade, tourism, and cultural exchange within the continent. With a network that connects 30 cities in 28 African countries, the airline has become an essential bridge between markets that have historically lacked reliable air links. Its partnerships with regional financial institutions and Ethiopian Airlines have also played a key role in strengthening its operational footprint and service delivery.

Accepting the award on behalf of the airline, ASKY’s HR Director Mr. Francis Attiogbe said the recognition affirms the company’s mission to provide seamless connections across Africa. He noted that ASKY remains committed to supporting the continent’s long-term goals for deeper regional integration and sustainable development. Innovation, service excellence, and a focus on passenger expectations, he said, will continue to guide the airline’s growth.

ASKY’s steady expansion is supported by its modern fleet of 15 aircraft—ten Boeing 737-800s and five Boeing 737 MAX 8—which enables it to maintain frequent schedules and reach underserved destinations. Its operations have opened new pathways for cross-border tourism, supported business travel, and created an efficient air transport network that helps fuel economic growth in the region.

The airline expressed gratitude to its staff, passengers, and partners for their role in sustaining its success. As ASKY continues to grow its route network and strengthen its operations, it remains focused on enhancing connectivity that supports Africa’s economic ambitions and brings communities across the continent closer together.

Jambojet Expands Fleet and Opens New African Routes to Strengthen Regional Travel and Tourism

Jambojet, the low-cost subsidiary of Kenya Airways, has announced an ambitious plan to triple its fleet and open new routes to West and Southern Africa over the next five years. This expansion is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, boost passenger numbers, and stimulate tourism growth across the continent.

The airline’s strategy is driven by the rising demand for affordable regional travel. After establishing strong performance on domestic routes such as Nairobi–Mombasa and Nairobi–Kisumu, Jambojet is now looking beyond Kenya’s borders. By adding more aircraft—growing its fleet to 11 planes by 2026 and 16 by 2029—the airline aims to serve more destinations and increase flight frequencies, making air travel more convenient and budget-friendly for both local and international travellers.

This expansion will play an important role in supporting tourism across East, West, and Southern Africa. More affordable flights will encourage cross-border travel, allowing visitors to explore destinations that have previously been underserved by air links. As connectivity improves, tourists will be able to access a wider range of cultural sites, natural attractions, and emerging markets across the continent. This increased movement of travellers is expected to benefit local economies, supporting businesses, hotels, transport providers, and tourism services that rely on visitor spending.

Jambojet’s growth will also support sustainable tourism. By leasing aircraft, the airline is able to scale responsibly while keeping costs low, offering travellers an environmentally friendlier alternative to long road trips—the most common option in many African regions. Affordable flights make tourism more accessible, allowing more people to explore the continent without the financial burden of high airfares.

Improved air links between East, West, and Southern Africa will bring wider benefits beyond tourism. Stronger regional connectivity encourages cultural exchange, business travel, and economic cooperation. With new direct routes and seamless connections, travellers will find it easier to explore multiple African destinations in a single trip, contributing to a more integrated continental travel network.

As Jambojet expands its footprint, it will also open opportunities in smaller towns and emerging tourism regions that have long been overlooked. Affordable access to these areas will help diversify tourism offerings and support regional development, especially in countries where tourism plays a central role in the economy.

Over the next five years, Jambojet expects its expansion to drive passenger growth of around 12% annually. With a larger fleet and longer routes, the airline is positioned to become a key player in Africa’s aviation market, helping to make travel more accessible and spreading the economic benefits of tourism more widely across the continent. Through its focus on affordability, sustainability, and regional connectivity, Jambojet is set to play a major role in shaping the future of African travel and tourism.

Source : Travelandtourworld.com

Kenya Embraces AI and Digital Tools to Boost Travel, Tourism and the Creative Economy

Kenya is increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and digital platforms to strengthen its tourism sector and elevate its growing creative industries. These technologies are reshaping how destinations are marketed, how cultural content is produced, and how audiences engage with Kenya’s stories.

AI and VR: Transforming the Tourism Experience

AI is opening up new ways to personalize travel—helping visitors discover tailored itineraries, hidden gems, and curated cultural experiences based on their interests. VR is also becoming a powerful tool for tourism marketing, allowing travellers to virtually explore safari destinations, heritage sites, or local experiences before they arrive.

For Kenya, these innovations offer a fresh opportunity to showcase the country’s diversity—from the Maasai Mara to Nairobi’s cultural districts—in more interactive and immersive ways. With global travellers now expecting digital-first convenience, AI-powered platforms can help the tourism sector deliver seamless, customized journeys.

A Creative Sector Ready for Global Reach

Kenya’s fashion, film, and music industries continue to attract regional and global attention. These creative sectors naturally complement tourism by exporting Kenyan culture and inviting audiences to experience it in person.

  • Film can inspire destination travel, drawing visitors to locations showcased on screen.
  • Music—from Gengetone to Afro-fusion—offers a cultural gateway that sparks interest in Kenya’s lifestyle and heritage.
  • Fashion and design spotlight Kenyan identity and craftsmanship, strengthening the country’s global cultural footprint.

Industry leaders also emphasized the importance of building strong local platforms for streaming, licensing, and content distribution. Keeping more of the economic value within Kenya helps fuel growth across both the creative and tourism sectors.

Digital Access and Regional Collaboration

Regional integration and easier access to other African markets were highlighted as major opportunities for Kenyan creatives. Simplified movement for artists, filmmakers, and cultural entrepreneurs would support collaborations, events, and cross-border tourism—strengthening Kenya’s position as a regional creative hub.

Removing travel barriers and improving digital trade systems would make it easier for Kenyan talent to expand across the continent and bring more cultural traffic back into the country.

Empowering Kenya’s Young Creatives

The next generation of Kenyan creatives stand to benefit the most. Understanding AI tools, digital distribution, and intellectual property protection will be key to reaching larger audiences and building sustainable careers.

With better access to technology and regional platforms, young creators can distribute their work more widely and participate in a larger African and global market.

A Growing Cultural and Tourism Powerhouse

Kenya’s combination of cultural richness, strong creative talent, and fast adoption of digital tools puts the country on a promising path. As film, music, fashion, and tourism continue to intersect, Kenya is well-positioned to attract new investment, new audiences, and more visitors seeking authentic African experiences.

The future of Kenya’s tourism and creative industries is increasingly digital, collaborative, and global—and the country is gearing up to take full advantage of it.

Source : Travelandtourworld.com

Safari Tourism in Masai Mara: A Dream Come True for Nature Lovers

For many travellers, the Masai Mara is the place where the idea of Africa truly comes alive — vast open plains, dramatic sunsets, and wildlife encounters so real that no documentary can compete. Kenya’s iconic reserve remains one of the world’s most cherished safari destinations, attracting adventurers, photographers, families, and nature lovers year after year.

Getting to the Mara is an adventure in itself. Travellers can choose the classic road safari from Nairobi, a scenic 5–6 hour drive through the Great Rift Valley aboard 4×4 vehicles fitted with pop-up roofs for perfect game-viewing. For those short on time, daily flights whisk visitors from Nairobi to airstrips located near major lodges, reducing travel time but keeping the thrill intact.

Once inside the reserve, guests are greeted by an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. The Mara is home to the famed Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos — along with giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. Morning, afternoon, and evening game drives offer countless opportunities to witness predator chases, leisurely grazers, or intimate moments of animal life on the savannah.

The Great Migration — Nature’s Greatest Show

The annual Great Migration remains the Mara’s shining crown. Between July and October, more than a million wildebeest — accompanied by zebras and antelopes — thunder into the region as they cross the treacherous Mara River. This dramatic movement, marked by perilous leaps, crocodile ambushes, and intense predator action, is widely regarded as one of the greatest natural spectacles on Earth.

The sheer scale of the migration transforms the landscape into a moving tapestry of survival and instinct. For safari-goers, witnessing this event is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one that delivers raw drama and unforgettable photographic moments.

More Than a Safari — Culture, Comfort, and Conservation

The Masai Mara is not just a wildlife haven; it is also a cultural and conservation treasure. Many safari itineraries include visits to Maasai villages, where travellers learn about traditional customs, pastoralist lifestyles, and vibrant crafts. These cultural engagements add depth to the safari experience and support local livelihoods.

Lodges and camps in the Mara range from classic bush camps to high-end luxury tents, many offering spa treatments, wellness experiences, and open-air dining under the stars. This perfect blend of wilderness and comfort allows visitors to explore rugged terrain by day and unwind in serene surroundings by night.

Why the Mara Continues to Matter

At a time when untouched wilderness is becoming increasingly rare, the Masai Mara stands out as a sanctuary of biodiversity and natural wonder. Its accessibility, consistent wildlife sightings, and globally renowned migration make it a magnet for travellers seeking authentic experiences.

For nature lovers, it remains a place where lions roar into the dawn, herds stretch endlessly across golden plains, and the rhythm of the wild sets the pace of each day. For the tourism industry, the Mara is a model of how safari destinations can support conservation, empower communities, and sustain global interest in Africa’s natural heritage.

The Masai Mara continues to prove that safari tourism is not just a journey — it is a profound encounter with nature at its most breathtaking.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

KQ and Travelport Partnership Strengthens Kenya’s Aviation Workforce Through Industry-Focused Training

Kenya Airways (KQ) and Travelport have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership with the graduation of a new cohort of industry-ready trainees from the Pride Centre, marking another milestone in efforts to build a skilled, globally competitive aviation workforce.

More than 40 trainees completed IATA-aligned programmes delivered through the KQ Pride Centre, benefiting from access to Travelport’s modern distribution and retailing tools. The partnership ensures learners gain hands-on experience with the same technology used by leading travel agencies, ground handlers, and airline operations teams worldwide.

The importance of such training cannot be overstated. According to the latest IATA Value of Air Transport study, the aviation sector contributes approximately Ksh 425 billion (USD 3.3 billion) to Kenya’s economy, supporting 460,000 jobs — 5,700 of which are directly employed by airlines. With Kenya positioning itself as a regional aviation hub, the demand for well-trained professionals continues to rise.

Training programmes covered key skill areas including digital ticketing systems, customer service excellence, ground operations, sustainability, cargo and logistics management, and the use of modern distribution platforms. Through the KQ–Travelport collaboration, learners gained exposure to tools that enhance booking efficiency, real-time data use, and airline–agency connectivity.

During the graduation, the KATA CEO emphasized the significance of such industry-aligned training, noting that the combination of IATA-certified instruction, Kenya Airways’ operational experience, and Travelport’s cutting-edge technology creates a strong talent pipeline that will shape Kenya’s aviation future.

Industry stakeholders note that such standardized, technology-driven training gives Kenyan graduates a competitive advantage in both the regional and global aviation market. As the sector grows, the expertise of these newly certified professionals will play a crucial role in improving service quality, operational efficiency, and industry innovation.

Kenya Airways and Travelport reaffirmed their commitment to expanding access to high-impact, future-focused training, ensuring that Kenya continues to produce world-class aviation talent capable of supporting the country’s long-term industry growth.

Ambassador Paul Mukumbya Bids Farewell After Transforming Kenya–Uganda Tourism Links

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) on Thursday hosted a warm, laughter-filled farewell for Consul General of the Republic of Uganda – Mombasa, H.E Paul Mukumbya, marking the end of a four-year tour that has quietly and sometimes humorously reshaped how Kenya’s coastal tourism engages with its neighbour to the west.

A Diplomat with an East African Passport in Spirit

KATA CEO Nicanor Sabula spared no praise as he described Mukumbya as “a true citizen of East Africa”. The kind of diplomat who sees borders as suggestions and collaboration as a sport. Under his leadership, Sabula noted, the synergy between Uganda and the Kenya Coast grew with a momentum rarely seen in official processes.

From promoting joint initiatives to knocking on industry doors with the persistence of a seasoned marketer, Mukumbya earned admiration across Kenya’s travel and tourism sector.
Sabula pointed to the Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference as one of the greatest milestones achieved during his tenure: an event that showed the region what cross-border collaboration can look like when driven by enthusiasm instead of protocol.

Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism Conference

This conference not only brought together industry leaders from both countries but also delivered measurable outcomes, including new tourism packages, revived destination interest, and strengthened private-sector partnerships.

Ambassador Paul emphasized that these gatherings were intentionally different. “We do not organize talk shows,” he noted—an unmistakable nod to the industry’s habit of hosting endless panel discussions that yield little beyond good photo opportunities.

He championed sessions that were practical, real, and relevant, tackling issues such as immersive tourism, cultural heritage, and smart tourism. The result was a forum known more for action than rhetoric, where ideas translated into pilot projects, marketing collaborations, and genuine market growth across both sides of the border.

“You Can’t Promote Tourism from the Boardroom”

In his characteristically candid and good-humoured style, Mukumbya thanked KATA for its support, while offering a reminder that could easily double as a tourism industry proverb.
“You can’t promote tourism from the boardroom,” he said, laughing. “If you’ve never felt the ocean breeze in Watamu or bargained for tilapia at the Coast, what are you promoting?”

He emphasised his belief that Kenya’s travel and tourism private sector must take greater charge of driving collaboration and opening up regional travel routes. During his four-year tenure, he made a habit of engaging businesses directly, sometimes showing up unannounced, other times armed with data, and always with the promise that “East Africa is bigger than our comfort zones.”

Opening Uganda’s Eyes to the Kenyan Coast

When he first arrived, many Ugandans only knew Mombasa as the place where their goods passed through the port. Places like Malindi, Kilifi, and Watamu were virtually unknown.
Today, those destinations are among the most searched coastal holiday spots for Ugandan travellers, clear evidence of the consulate’s hands-on marketing.

Mukumbya attributes this success to a simple philosophy: avoid the traditional tourism “talk shows” where panellists repeat what everyone already knows.
Instead, he championed practical, real, and relevant discussions on topics like immersive tourism, cultural heritage, and smart tourism, ideas that resonated with both travellers and industry professionals.

Trust Earned, Not Declared

Perhaps Mukumbya’s most lasting legacy is the trust he built with Kenyan travel and tourism stakeholders.In an era where cross-border cooperation can be lost in paperwork, the Uganda Consulate under his leadership became a reliable partner. Responsive, accessible, and unafraid to push for regional solutions.

As he prepares to leave his post, both countries stand better connected, with growing intra-Africa travel numbers and stronger private-sector partnerships to show for it.

The farewell may have marked the end of Mukumbya’s coastal chapter, but judging from the warm applause and the jokes he effortlessly delivered, his impact will ripple through the region’s tourism corridors for years to come.

Nairobi Spotlight Travel Expo Returns to Kenya in 2026 with Strong Momentum

The Nairobi Spotlight Travel Expo returns to Kenya on February 4 and 5, 2026, bringing renewed momentum to one of East Africa’s most established travel trade events. Founded in 2005, the Spotlight series has grown into a cornerstone of regional tourism networking, having hosted more than 150 editions across Africa and connected thousands of travel professionals over the past two decades. The platform has consistently drawn influential players from across the global travel ecosystem, shaping commercial relationships that continue to strengthen the region’s travel industry.

A New Venue Marks a New Phase of Growth
This year’s edition marks a notable shift as the event moves to a new venue, PrideInn Azure, signalling confidence in Nairobi’s expanding hospitality infrastructure. More than 400 visitors and over 50 exhibitors are expected to gather at the hotel for two days of intensive business engagement. Early registration figures indicate strong interest from regional destinations, airline partners, and hotel groups seeking greater visibility as travel demand climbs.

For the first time, PrideInn Azure will host the Nairobi edition, offering a refreshed setting as the event expands its footprint. The 2026 calendar will feature two Nairobi Spotlight editions, with the second scheduled for early September. Organisers note that the decision reflects increased exhibitor demand and Nairobi’s rising prominence as a strategic hub for travel and tourism commerce across East and Central Africa.

Building Bridges Across the Global Travel Supply Chain
The Spotlight Expo is widely recognised for its emphasis on forging meaningful commercial linkages. It continues to connect a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including travel agencies, tour operators, airline representatives, hotel groups, destination boards, and emerging travel technology providers. Delegates attending the Nairobi event will take part in structured business-to-business sessions, product briefings, and networking forums designed to strengthen partnerships and explore new opportunities within a constantly evolving global travel landscape. Previous editions have generated an average of 35 new business leads per exhibitor; a figure organiser expect to surpass this year due to expanded participation.

KATA Reaffirms Support for a Longstanding Industry Partner


The Kenya Association of Travel Agents has reaffirmed its long-standing support for the Spotlight platform by signing a renewed partnership agreement that formalizes its continued collaboration with the event. The association commends founder Derek Houston and his team for sustaining the Spotlight series for more than two decades and acknowledges the platform’s critical role in creating business linkages for Kenyan travel professionals. KATA CEO, Nicanor Sabula, describes Spotlight as an essential bridge between international travel brands and the Kenyan travel trade, providing agencies with broader access to global suppliers, fresh industry insights and new commercial opportunities. The renewed partnership is expected to further enhance agent participation and enrich the knowledge-sharing components of the Expo.

KATA CEO Nicanor Sabula with Derek Houston, Spotlight’s Founder, at KATA Offices.

Part of a Growing Pan-African Tourism Network
The Nairobi Expo forms part of a broader regional initiative that stages Spotlight events in various African cities, including Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Gaborone, Cape Town and Lusaka. The goal is to strengthen commercial ties between African travel professionals and global tourism suppliers. Participants at the 2026 Nairobi edition will meet representatives from major international hotel groups, leading airline partners, global destination boards and companies introducing innovative travel solutions aligned with emerging consumer trends.

A Timely Boost for a Rebounding Tourism Sector
The return of Spotlight to Kenya comes at a pivotal moment as the travel industry continues to recover and adapt to shifting demand patterns. Recent data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows a steady rebound in outbound travel, with regional trips increasing by more than 18 percent over the past year and long-haul leisure bookings registering consistent growth. Kenyan travel agents have reported increased inquiries for leisure, corporate, and MICE travel. Stakeholders acknowledge that platforms like Spotlight help sustain this recovery by encouraging collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing.

Strengthening Nairobi’s Place in the Future of African Tourism
With preparations underway for the second Nairobi Spotlight edition in September, the 2026 series is poised to reinforce Kenya’s position as a central hub for regional and global tourism engagement. Exhibitors and delegates are optimistic that this year’s events will set new participation and business-generation records. The successful return of the Expo to Kenya, and its debut at PrideInn Azure, affirms the enduring value of the Spotlight series as a catalyst for industry progress and a key contributor to shaping the future of tourism in the region.

Countdown: 10 Days to 2025 KETIBA Gala with over 300 Delegates

With only fourteen days to go, Kenya’s travel industry is counting down to one of the most anticipated events of the year — the Kenya Travel Industry Business Awards (KeTIBA) 2025. Hosted by the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), KeTIBA has grown into far more than an awards night. It has become a celebration of excellence, innovation, and the strong partnerships that continue to fuel the growth and resilience of Kenya’s travel ecosystem.

This year, the awards ceremony will take place on 5th December 2025, at Emara Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi. The 2025 edition builds on the remarkable momentum of last year’s event, where over 250 delegates attended and more than 32 organisations were recognised in various categories. KeTIBA 2024 recorded an unprecedented number of nominations, reflecting the sector’s growing confidence in a peer-reviewed platform that is seen as credible, transparent, and unifying.

Industry feedback highlighted the strengthened auditing processes, inclusivity, and visibility that the awards brought to top performers. Organisers say the positive reception of the 2024 awards, coupled with renewed industry enthusiasm, has laid the groundwork for an even bigger, bolder celebration this year, with over 350 delegates expected to grace the gala.

KeTIBA’s significance lies in its unique structure as Kenya’s first peer-reviewed travel industry award. It combines peer recognition, public participation, and independent auditing by Ronalds LLP to ensure credibility and transparency. Travel agents nominate and vote for suppliers, suppliers do the same for agents, and the public participates in select categories. This blended approach makes KeTIBA not just an awards ceremony, but a true reflection of the values, standards, and aspirations that shape Kenya’s travel and tourism industry. For businesses and professionals, winning a KeTIBA award enhances credibility, strengthens brand visibility, and positions them as leaders shaping the future of the sector.

The 2025 KeTIBA Gala Dinner, will unfold in an atmosphere of elegance befitting its stature, with delegates attending in Elegant Black Tie. Guests will enjoy a red-carpet reception, fine dining, live entertainment, and the formal unveiling of this year’s winners across a wide range of categories covering travel agencies, domestic and international airlines, hotels, travel technology platforms, payment and insurance solutions, and emerging innovators.

The awards maintain their rigorous three-tier process of self-nominations, industry voting, and public voting — which remains open until 30 November — ensuring that the honourees represent a broad, inclusive, and credible cross-section of the industry.

According to KATA, the projected attendance of more than 300 delegates marks a new milestone in the evolution of KeTIBA and reflects the sector’s renewed optimism as it continues to innovate, digitise, and rebuild following global disruptions. The 2025 edition promises more award categories, stronger participation, and deeper engagement from industry leaders, global partners, and changemakers. As the countdown continues, excitement is mounting for an evening that will bring together decision-makers, thought leaders, and rising professionals to celebrate collective achievement while charting a shared vision for the future of Kenya’s travel industry.

With just fourteen days left before the red carpet is rolled out, the 2025 KeTIBA Gala Dinner is set to be the largest and most memorable celebration yet — a night where Kenya’s travel story will be written, celebrated, and remembered.