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.
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 100 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.
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.EPaul 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.
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.
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.
A coalition of 13 countries has announced plans to introduce new taxes on luxury air travel, marking one of the boldest attempts yet to raise climate financing from high-emitting sectors. The initiative targets private jets as well as first- and business-class tickets, and has quickly gathered support from African nations that say the world’s wealthiest travellers should contribute more significantly to global climate action.
Djibouti, Nigeria and South Sudan became the latest countries to join the coalition last week, expanding a group that already includes Kenya, Benin and Sierra Leone in Africa, along with France, Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda. Brazil, Fiji and Vanuatu have joined as observer states. Although the group spans several regions, most of its members come from the Global South — a point observers say underscores the urgent need for developing nations to secure new sources of climate finance as they continue to face disproportionate climate impacts.
The proposed taxes would apply to premium commercial travel and private aviation, a sector known for its exceptionally high emissions per passenger. Supporters argue that the levies would bring long-overdue fairness to climate funding by drawing revenue from travellers with the largest carbon footprints, rather than from ordinary passengers or struggling national economies.
The proposal stems from a broader global push under the Sevilla Platform for Action, launched earlier this year, and is receiving backing from the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force, co-chaired by Kenya, France and Barbados. The Task Force is also working closely with technical teams from the European Commission to shape the policy framework. Environmental groups have welcomed the development, with activists describing private jet users as “binge polluters” who have for too long escaped meaningful taxation.
However, not everyone is convinced. The International Air Transport Association has criticised the plan, arguing that airlines are already investing heavily in cleaner aircraft, sustainable fuels and carbon-offsetting programmes. France, despite being an early supporter of the broader coalition, has clarified that it does not intend to raise its own existing “solidarity tax” on air tickets, even as it encourages other countries to consider similar measures ahead of global climate negotiations.
Despite the criticism, momentum for the luxury air travel tax appears to be growing, particularly among nations most vulnerable to climate change and most in need of predictable financing. For them, the initiative represents not just an environmental intervention but a matter of economic fairness — a bid to ensure the world’s highest emitters finally pay a proportionate share of the costs of a warming planet.
Kenya’s travel sector is in the middle of a quiet but unmistakable evolution — and at the heart of that shift is the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA). What was once viewed as a modest administrator of industry standards has, over the past few years, grown into one of the most influential players shaping how the country buys, sells, regulates, and experiences travel.
With rising global travel regulations, escalating operational expenses, and online booking platforms eating into traditional market share, many agents say the timing couldn’t be better. A field that once felt fragmented now increasingly operates like a united front — and KATA is the thread stitching it together.
The Agents’ Secret Weapon
To understand KATA’s transformation, you only need to listen to the people on the ground.
A Nairobi-based agent still remembers the day she nearly closed shop in 2022. A major corporate client had abruptly shifted all travel bookings to an online portal. “We were staring at collapse,” she recalls. “KATA sat with us, helped us rethink our model, guided us through compliance, and even supported discussions with suppliers. They didn’t just advise — they fought for us.”
Hers is not an isolated tale. Across the country, many describe KATA as their “secret weapon” — not because it shields them from competition, but because it levels the playing field in an increasingly complex market.
Partnerships with IATA, AESATA, and tourism boards in Uganda, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai have given Kenya a louder voice in global aviation and travel conversations. Suddenly, decisions about commissions, airline policies, and distribution models, once made far from the continent, now include Kenyan input.
The growing trust is reflected in numbers. Since 2021, KATA’s membership has jumped by 76%. In practical terms, it means agents who once worked in silos now stand under a shared umbrella with access to advocacy, data, protection, and influence. A decade ago, that would have sounded almost far-fetched.
Building Skills and Strengthening the Next Generation
If advocacy is KATA’s shield, capacity building is its engine.
Walk into a KATA training session, and the energy is different. It’s not just about compliance anymore. It’s about preparing Kenyan agencies for a marketplace that moves as fast as its technology.
During a recent Student Symposium at Kenya Utalii College, more than 150 students squeezed into a hall, many perched at the edges of chairs or leaning against walls. As panelists unpacked everything from New Distribution Capability (NDC) to digital travel behaviour, pens flew across notebooks. You could almost see the next generation taking shape in real time.
KATA’s training menu keeps widening: GDS operations, tax matters, destination marketing, cybersecurity, modern retailing, data protection — the list grows with every new disruption in the global travel ecosystem. Agents say the sessions give them confidence in a world where customers now compare prices across five platforms before making a booking.
The association’s Future Leaders Programme is equally notable. Since 2019, more than 90% of its interns have landed roles in travel, tourism, or aviation. In an industry where “getting in” is half the battle, KATA is quietly building a pipeline of young professionals who are digitally native, globally aware, and prepared for a tougher, faster marketplace.
A Fuel Partnership That Redefines Value for Agents
In 2025, a year marked by rising costs, one partnership stood out for its simplicity and immediate value: KATA’s collaboration with Rubis Energy.
Through personalised fuel cards offering KES 4 per litre discounts, travel agencies — many of which spend heavily on transport for visa runs, corporate errands, and airport transfers — are seeing savings they can feel.
A mid-sized Mombasa agency says the programme trimmed its monthly fuel bill by more than 15%. “In this economy, that is not pocket change,” the owner notes.
What elevates the partnership is the extra layer: road safety and fuel-efficiency training. For businesses often operating on thin margins, these savings are not theoretical — they are the difference between breathing room and strain. It is a textbook example of KATA’s shift toward offering tangible, everyday value.
Advocacy Wins and Policy Influence
KATA’s growing assertiveness in policy circles is one of the clearest signs of its evolution.
When IATA proposed a Frequent Remittance Cycle — a move that would have placed immense pressure on agents’ cash flows — KATA rallied the region and blocked it. The association also pushed back against attempts to fragment the Agency Programme Joint Council (APJC), preserving East Africa’s bargaining power.
These may sound technical, but for travel agents, such decisions make the difference between profitability and vulnerability.
The appointment of KATA CEO Nicanor Sabula to the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) Board marked another milestone. For the first time in years, travel agents gained a formal, influential seat at the table where national tourism policies are shaped. The message was clear: travel agents are no longer spectators — they are stakeholders.
Growing Airline Partnerships
KATA’s influence now extends into the airline world, where consistency and relationship management matter.
Airlines, both legacy carriers and newer entrants, are engaging more openly with the association — a shift that agents say has improved everything from dispute resolution to commercial negotiations. The association has pushed for fairer commissions, better GDS access, and the removal of barriers that once left agents operating at a disadvantage.
As one travel manager put it, “If you walk into a negotiation alone, you’re a small business. If you walk in with KATA behind you, you represent an entire industry.”
Environmental Stewardship and Social Impact
In recent years, KATA has woven environmental and social responsibility into its identity.
Through the KATA Cares initiative, members planted over 1,000 mangrove seedlings along the coast — a small but symbolic gesture toward sustaining the ecosystems that make Kenya a global tourism magnet.
The association also continues to mentor students, support internships, and open doors for young graduates who would otherwise struggle to find their footing in the industry. Many credit these programmes with helping them earn their first paycheck in tourism.
A Powerhouse Reborn
Pull the threads together — the advocacy wins, the partnerships, the training initiatives, the airline engagements, the environmental commitments — and a new picture of KATA emerges.
Not just an association. Not just an industry voice.But a stabilising force at a time when travel, globally, feels unpredictable and fast-moving.
As Kenya navigates shifting traveller expectations and global market headwinds, KATA’s leadership is offering something rare: clarity in uncertainty. And as the industry enters a new era shaped by technology, consumer behaviour, and economic realities, one thing is increasingly evident:
KATA has stepped up — and the industry is stepping forward with it.
A quiet but significant shift is taking place in the corporate travel sector as companies increasingly merge traditional travel management with broader mobility management. The change reflects evolving workforce patterns, sustainability demands, and a growing need for organizations to take a unified view of how employees move for work.
For decades, travel management focused almost exclusively on flights, hotels, and scheduled ground transport, while mobility management addressed employee relocation, commuting, and long-term assignments. Now, those once-separate functions are blending into one, driven by new pressures in the post-pandemic business landscape. Companies are rethinking their internal structures as hybrid work, dispersed teams, and geopolitical uncertainties reshape mobility needs.
This convergence is being accelerated by shifting employee travel patterns. With hybrid and remote models now embedded in corporate culture, business trips are no longer limited to predictable point-to-point itineraries. Employees may combine business travel with remote work periods, or move temporarily across regions for project-based assignments. Organisations are turning to mobility budgets—rather than fixed travel categories—to manage this fluidity more effectively.
Cost efficiency is another force behind the shift. By bringing travel and mobility under a single umbrella, companies gain better visibility over total movement-related spending. Instead of managing travel, commuting, car hire, rideshares, and multimodal journeys separately, unified systems allow firms to track and control expenses in real time. This consolidation also simplifies vendor partnerships, policy design, and internal reporting.
Sustainability pressures are further driving the merger. As firms face rising expectations to reduce carbon emissions, integrated management enables them to steer employees toward greener alternatives—rail travel, electric vehicles, public transit, and shared mobility—while capturing emissions data more accurately. Companies increasingly see mobility strategy not as an operational necessity but as part of their environmental commitments.
Technology is also reshaping the landscape. Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platforms, which combine multiple transport modes into a single digital interface, are becoming powerful tools for travel teams. These platforms allow employees to book end-to-end journeys that may include flights, trains, micromobility, and local transit, while giving finance teams centralised oversight and data.
The evolution is reshaping the role of the travel manager. No longer responsible solely for booking oversight, travel leaders are becoming strategic mobility managers who must understand the full spectrum of employee movement—from corporate travel to commuting patterns and even short-term relocations. Policies, too, are being re-engineered. Traditional travel rules now need to coexist with mobility allowances, flexible work policies, and new categories of employee movement.
However, the transition is not without challenges. Many companies rely on legacy booking systems that were never designed for multimodal integration. Budget structures must be revisited, and departments such as finance, HR, and procurement must cooperate more closely. Adoption of new technology requires both training and cultural change, and data management remains a concern as mobility tracking expands.
Despite these complexities, industry analysts believe the merging of travel and mobility management is inevitable—and strategic. Companies that integrate the two functions gain clearer oversight, greater financial control, and a more seamless experience for employees navigating an increasingly complex world of work. As the boundaries between travel, work, and mobility continue to blur, the organisations that adapt early may be best positioned to thrive in the next era of corporate movement.
Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has signed a partnership with Kenya Airways (KQ), through its healthcare division KQ Health, to enhance medical travel for patients across Africa.
The collaboration brings together Kenya Airways’ regional flight network and AKUH’s advanced medical expertise to create a coordinated system for patients seeking treatment in Kenya. The goal is to position Kenya as a leading destination for quality healthcare within the continent.
Under the agreement, KQ Health will provide end-to-end logistical support for patients, including medical clearances before travel, in-flight medical assistance, and direct ambulance transfers from the airport to Aga Khan University Hospital. AKUH will receive and treat patients in key specialties such as oncology, cardiology, surgery, and critical care.
“This partnership makes it easier for patients from across Africa to access world-class healthcare without leaving the continent,” said Rashid Khalani, the CEO of Aga Khan University Hospital. “When patients get treatment closer home, it means more convenient travel for them and their families, familiar environment and culture to recover in and a sense of pride in the quality of care available at home.”
(L) Aga Khan University Hospital CEO, Mr. Rashid Khalani and (R) KQ Group MD & CEO, Mr. Allan Kilavuka sign the partnership plaque at KQ’s Pride Training Centre
Kenya Airways, CEO, Allan Kilavuka said, “This is an example of how aviation can directly support healthcare access. By working with Aga Khan University Hospital, we’re connecting people not just to destinations, but to essential services that can change lives.”
Medical travel has become a growing need across Africa, with many patients still relying on overseas care. By coordinating transport and treatment locally, Kenya Airways and Aga Khan University Hospital aim to offer a safer, more affordable, and dignified alternative closer to home.
The partnership supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 agenda to establish the country as a regional hub for healthcare excellence and innovation.
Saudi Arabia is making significant strides towards its Vision 2030 objectives by introducing electric air taxis, a move set to revolutionize the country’s tourism and transportation sectors. In partnership with Archer Aviation, the kingdom aims to connect key tourist destinations, such as the Red Sea resorts, with urban hubs through sustainable, high-tech air travel. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of modernizing its aviation infrastructure, enhancing tourist experiences, and reducing environmental impact, marking a bold step toward a future of advanced air mobility.
Saudi Arabia Partners with Archer Aviation for Electric Air Taxi Development as Part of Vision 2030 Plan
Saudi Arabia is stepping up its efforts to revolutionise air travel, with Archer Aviation joining forces with The Helicopter Company and Red Sea Global to develop and test air taxi services across the kingdom. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the Saudi government’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to modernise the country’s aviation, tourism, and infrastructure sectors. The collaboration focuses on introducing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to improve connectivity, particularly between airports, city centres, and resort destinations.
The initial phase of the project will see Archer’s eVTOL aircraft, named ‘Midnight’, flying between airports and high-profile tourist destinations along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. These services will aim to offer quicker, more sustainable travel options, supporting the kingdom’s ambition to position itself as a global leader in advanced air mobility (AAM). The partnership also emphasises the importance of integrating new technologies with the broader goals of the Saudi government to diversify transport systems and enhance the tourist experience.
A Visionary Project for Saudi Arabia’s Aviation and Tourism Sectors
The launch of air taxi services in Saudi Arabia is an ambitious initiative that aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 objectives to expand and modernise the tourism and aviation industries. This partnership between Archer, The Helicopter Company, and Red Sea Global will initially focus on connecting airports with the kingdom’s renowned resort destinations along the Red Sea. The air taxi services will be aimed at improving both local and international travel experiences by providing fast, efficient, and eco-friendly transportation options.
In order to ensure the smooth rollout of this transformative project, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is working closely with the involved companies to establish a controlled testing environment for these new aircraft operations. The initial phase will involve the deployment of a small fleet of eVTOL aircraft, and following successful trials, it is anticipated that these services will be expanded to other regions across Saudi Arabia. Regulatory approvals and pilot training programmes are already underway, setting the stage for a seamless integration of eVTOL services into the kingdom’s aviation landscape.
Strategic Partnerships and Global Collaboration
In addition to Archer’s collaboration with Saudi entities, the kingdom has also entered into partnerships with other leading players in the air taxi sector. Joby Aviation, a US-based eVTOL developer, has signed an agreement with Red Sea Global and The Helicopter Company to launch a similar air taxi pilot programme. This deal includes the potential deployment of up to 200 aircraft, with a valuation of approximately $1 billion, aiming to create a nationwide air taxi network.
Saudi Arabia has also established a major partnership with China’s Ehang, which plans to introduce its own electric air taxis to the kingdom. The collaboration with Ehang is scheduled to begin in late 2025, further diversifying the country’s efforts to innovate and modernise its transport systems.
These partnerships represent a concerted effort by Saudi Arabia to build a sustainable, efficient, and advanced air mobility system that will not only cater to tourists but also enhance the nation’s overall transport infrastructure. The kingdom’s commitment to these initiatives is further supported by the government’s extensive investment in mega-projects such as Neom, Qiddiya, Amaala, and the Red Sea Project. All these developments are designed to drive growth in the tourism sector and boost the nation’s global competitiveness.
Regulatory Framework and Infrastructure Development
A key component of Saudi Arabia’s air taxi initiative is the development of a robust regulatory framework to support the operations of eVTOL aircraft. GACA released its Advanced Air Mobility Roadmap in 2024, which outlines the regulatory guidelines and standards necessary for integrating new technologies like eVTOLs into the national airspace. This roadmap will provide the foundation for safe, efficient, and sustainable air taxi operations across the country.
To further support these services, Saudi authorities are also working on the construction of vertiports—dedicated facilities designed to handle the takeoff, landing, and maintenance of eVTOL aircraft. These vertiports will be strategically located near major airports, tourist destinations, and urban hubs to ensure smooth and effective air taxi operations.
Focus on High-End Tourism and Future Expansion
While the initial deployments of air taxis will target high-end tourism destinations, such as luxury resorts along the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision includes expanding the use of eVTOL aircraft for broader public transportation purposes. As part of this vision, the government plans to integrate eVTOL services with existing transport infrastructure, providing seamless connections between different modes of travel.
Saudi Arabia’s strategic focus on urban transport and tourism, combined with the introduction of air taxis, will not only enhance connectivity within the kingdom but also offer a unique and eco-friendly solution for tourists seeking more convenient ways to explore the country. These efforts are poised to position Saudi Arabia as a leader in the future of air mobility, with a strong emphasis on sustainable technologies and cutting-edge transportation solutions.
The Road to 2030 and Beyond
The partnerships with Archer Aviation, Joby Aviation, and Ehang are integral to Saudi Arabia’s ambition to be at the forefront of advanced air mobility. These initiatives are expected to play a pivotal role in the country’s tourism growth and its vision of becoming a global hub for innovation, technology, and sustainable development. By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to have fully integrated air taxis into its transportation network, contributing to its broader goals of improving urban mobility, enhancing tourism, and reducing environmental impact.
With ongoing pilot testing, regulatory developments, and infrastructure planning, Saudi Arabia is taking significant steps towards transforming its aviation landscape and paving the way for a new era of air travel. As the kingdom continues to invest in these cutting-edge technologies, the future of air taxis in Saudi Arabia looks increasingly promising, with the potential to revolutionise the way people travel both within the country and internationally.
