Kenya Airways Partners with London Metropolitan University to Drive Aviation Education Excellence and Workforce Growth.

Kenya Airways (KQ) and London Metropolitan University (London Met) have embarked on a transformative journey to reshape aviation education and workforce development through a landmark partnership. This collaboration was officially sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the prestigious KQ Pride Centre. The ceremony witnessed the presence of prominent stakeholders from both institutions, alongside government representatives and aviation industry regulators, underscoring the strategic importance of this alliance.

Pioneering Industry-Academic Collaboration for Aviation Excellence

This innovative partnership demonstrates Kenya Airways’ unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between industry and academia. By combining KQ’s industry expertise with London Met’s exceptional academic resources, the collaboration aims to nurture talent, enhance employee skills, and propel innovation in the aviation sector.

Through this initiative, KQ employees will gain access to exclusive training programs, advanced academic opportunities, and pioneering research tailored to the aviation industry. The partnership reflects a shared vision of cultivating a highly skilled workforce capable of driving growth and transformation within the sector.

Speaking at the event, Allan Kilavuka, Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership. “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to innovation, excellence, and the development of human capital. By investing in education and skills development, we are not only empowering our employees but also shaping the future of aviation in Kenya and beyond.”

Elevating Education Standards: Application for Tertiary Institution License

To guarantee world-class educational standards, Kenya Airways has applied for a tertiary institution license from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVET). While awaiting approval, the specialized aviation courses will be exclusively available to KQ employees, ensuring they benefit from top-tier training and career development. Once the government greenlights the program, these courses will be extended to the wider public, making aviation education more accessible and affordable across Kenya and the surrounding region.

Tom Shivo, Chief Human Resources Director at Kenya Airways, highlighted the partnership’s focus on employee growth and development. “Our people are the backbone of our success. This partnership will provide our employees with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their careers and contribute to the continued success of Kenya Airways. It’s an investment in our most valuable asset—our talent.”

Introducing Cutting-Edge Aviation Degree Programs

As part of this strategic collaboration, a comprehensive suite of aviation-focused degree programs will be introduced. These include:

  • Master’s in Airline & Airport Corporate Management – Equipping leaders with strategic skills for the evolving aviation landscape.
  • Master’s in Aviation Management in the Digital Age – Preparing professionals for digital transformation in aviation operations.
  • Bachelor’s in Airline, Airport & Aviation Management – Building foundational expertise for aspiring aviation professionals.

These programs are designed to meet the dynamic needs of the aviation industry, empowering students with the knowledge and skills required for leadership roles.

Unmatched Scholarship Opportunities for KQ Employees

London Metropolitan University is committed to supporting Kenya Airways’ workforce by offering an exceptional 70% scholarship for KQ employees pursuing aviation-related bachelor’s and master’s degrees. In addition to the financial aid, London Met will provide essential training resources, workshops, and certificates. There is also a possibility of extending scholarship benefits to the family members of KQ employees, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.

Driving Innovation and Workforce Development in Aviation

This strategic alliance aligns with Kenya Airways’ vision to enhance workforce capability, strengthen industry-academic relations, and stimulate innovation within the aviation sector. Simultaneously, it reflects London Met’s mission of fostering global collaboration and providing transformative educational experiences.

Celebrating a Milestone in Aviation Education

The MoU signing ceremony was a momentous occasion, bringing together influential figures from the Ministries of Education, Transport, and Foreign Affairs, as well as representatives from industry regulators and the British High Commission. Their participation highlighted the significance of this partnership in advancing aviation education and workforce development.

A New Era of Learning, Growth, and Innovation

Kenya Airways and London Metropolitan University are charting a new course for aviation education. This partnership is set to inspire a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and excellence, ensuring that the aviation industry is equipped to tackle future challenges with a highly skilled and capable workforce.

This collaboration is not just a milestone for Kenya Airways and London Met but also a significant step forward for the aviation industry in Africa and beyond, setting new benchmarks in education, training, and workforce development.

Source: Travel and Tour World  

Uganda Unveils Cultural Splendor during its Cultural Exhibition at Mamba Village Mombasa

In a magnificent display of East African unity, Uganda’s rich cultural heritage took center stage at Mamba Village Mombasa on February 22nd, 2025. The vibrant exhibition transformed the coastal venue into a mesmerizing showcase of Ugandan traditions, featuring an array of cultural performances, authentic crafts, and tourism opportunities that highlighted the Pearl of Africa’s diverse attractions.

The event, which drew prominent figures from the regional tourism sector, served as a dynamic platform for cross-border cooperation and cultural exchange. Attendees were treated to captivating demonstrations of traditional Ugandan dance, music, and artistry, while tourism stakeholders explored potential partnerships to enhance regional travel experiences. The exhibition successfully bridged cultural and commercial interests, showcasing Uganda’s commitment to expanding its tourism footprint in the East African region.

Distinguished members of Kenya’s travel industry actively participated in the cultural extravaganza, engaging in meaningful discussions about strengthening tourism ties between the two nations. The choice of Mombasa’s Mamba Village as the venue added a unique coastal charm to the Ugandan cultural showcase, emphasizing the growing importance of regional tourism cooperation and cultural preservation in East Africa’s tourism landscape.

Kenya Airways Expands its passenger fleet with the addition of a Boeing 737-800 Aircraft.

Nairobi, Kenya, 16th February 2025….Kenya Airways (KQ) has expanded its fleet with the addition of a Boeing
737-800, growing its fleet to 35 aircraft. This addition is part of KQ’s ongoing fleet expansion strategy. It underscores the airline’s commitment to increase capacity, enhance operational efficiency, and meet the growing demand for air travel across its network. The acquisition of the aircraft from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has a capacity of 170 seats, and will immediately boost KQ’s available seat inventory, thus offering guests more travel options and flexibility.


Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director & CEO, said that adding the aircraft is a testament to KQ’s proactive approach to securing resources that align with its long-term growth objectives and its commitment to its turnaround strategy, Project Kifaru 2.
“The addition of this B737-800 marks a pivotal moment in our fleet expansion journey. It will increase our seat
capacity and is a demonstration of our ability to adapt and grow in a challenging operating environment, even as the global aviation industry faces challenges in aircraft availability. These efforts are part of Kenya Airways’ broader strategy to enhance its network, improve connectivity, and deliver exceptional service to its guests.”
The additional aircraft comes at a critical time when Kenya Airways is actively pursuing opportunities to expand its fleet through strategic partnerships with leading aircraft manufacturers and lessors. The airline is engaged in advanced discussions to secure additional aircraft, focusing on narrow and wide-body models offering increased seat capacity and operational efficiency.


“We are committed to building a robust and modern fleet that supports our vision for growth,” added Mr Kilavuka. “The acquisition of the B737-800 aircraft from DAE is a great milestone in our long-term partnership and solidifies our relationship as we work together in the future. It is also a clear signal to the aviation industry that Kenya Airways is a reliable and forward-thinking partner. We invite other partners to join us on this journey as we expand our operations and strengthen our position in the global aviation market.”


Firoz Tarapore, Chief Executive Officer of DAE, also noted “We are pleased to announce the delivery of this aircraft to Kenya Airways, marking a significant milestone in our 20-year partnership and reaffirming our long-standing relationship. The addition of this Boeing 737-800 to Kenya Airways’ fleet will help meet the growing demand for regional travel and further expand their network. We congratulate the Kenya Airways team on their continued success and look forward to supporting this partnership for years to come.”
KQ’s proactive approach to fleet expansion and its ability to secure timely resources highlight the airline’s resilience and commitment to growth. The airline remains confident in attracting partnerships with global aviation lessors, leveraging its strong market position and reputation as a leading African carrier.

-Ends-
About Kenya Airways:

Kenya Airways (KQ), The Pride of Africa, is a leading African carrier on a mission to propel Africa’s prosperity by
connecting its people, cultures, and markets. We fly to 44 destinations worldwide, 36 of which are in Africa,
connecting over 5 million passengers and over 70,000 Tons of cargo annually through our Hub at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

As the sole African carrier in the SkyTeam Alliance, we open up a world of possibilities for our customers, connecting them to over 1,060 destinations in 173 countries. We take pride in offering a delightful flying experience with a caring African touch. Our exceptional African hospitality has consistently earned us global recognition, including the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards where we were honored with the Best Airline Staff and Best Airline Cabin Crew in Africa in 2024.
For more information, visit www.kenya-airways.com or call our 24-hour Customer Services Desk at +254 20 327

  1. We are also available on Twitter: @KenyaAirways & @KQSupport, Facebook: @OfficialKenyaAirways, and
    Instagram: @OfficialKenyaAirways.
    For media enquiries, please contact Kenya Airways Corporate Communications:
    Corporate.communications@kenya-airways.com

About Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE)
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise is a globally recognized aircraft leasing and services company, offering aircraft leasing and financing solutions, as well as provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul services across the world. DAE Capital is the aircraft leasing and finance arm of DAE (Dubai Aerospace Enterprise) with a fleet comprising of of turboprop regional aircraft, single-aisle and wide-body, passenger and freighter aircraft. With continued airline expansion accelerating developments in the global aerospace industry and with its headquarters in Dubai, DAE plans to meet the global demand for new aircraft, particularly in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Air France-KLM partners with Amadeus to accelerate modern airline retailing transformation

Air France-KLM and Amadeus have signed a landmark agreement to bring airline retailing into a new era through Nevio, Amadeus’ next-generation solution for” Offer and Order” native capabilities. At the heart of this transformation is the adoption of the IATA “ONE Order” standard, which will elevate the customer experience to meet the evolving needs of digitally savvy consumers. 
 

Today, customers typically need to juggle multiple documents such as the Passenger Name Record (PNR), the Electronic Ticket (ETK), and Electronic Miscellaneous Documents (EMDs) for each booking. The partnership with Amadeus, based on Modern Airline Retailing principles, will simplify operations and the customer experience by putting in place a single, streamlined source of truth – the Order – much like how e-commerce operates today.
 

This partnership advances Air France-KLM’s ambition to update its current systems and move to a modern,” Offer and Order” native system. This multi-year effort will be orchestrated by the Air France-KLM MOON (Moving to Offer and Order Native) program, in close collaboration with Amadeus. 
 

A seamless and personalized travel experience
 

With this transformation, Air France-KLM customers will benefit from:
 

  • A single unified travel record: Customers will have a single order that contains all their travel details, including services provided by third parties.
  • Enhanced servicing: Customers will be able to make modifications to their travel and ancillary services more easily.
  • More personalized offers: Customers will benefit from more tailored options that better match their preferences and needs.

“Our move to Modern Airline Retailing, is a key pillar in our commercial strategy, as reflected in our broad commitment to MOON program. By leveraging the power of next‑generation retailing systems, we will continue to elevate the customer experience. This partnership with Amadeus will allow our customers to track the entirety of their travel in one, accessible order, receive more personalized offers that reflect their diverse needs, and do more self‑servicing. I am confident that we will be able to deliver this vision in the years ahead in close collaboration with Amadeus, a long‑trusted technology partner.”

Angus ClarkeExecutive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Air France-KLM Group

“System transitions of this magnitude only happen so often, and I am excited to embark on this journey with Amadeus, the MOON team, and the entire Air France‑KLM IT organization. This transformation will not only bring us a best‑in‑class Order Management System, but also simplify our IT ecosystem through the phase out of several legacy applications. This will provide the Group with a modern, flexible technical foundation that will drive value for years to come.”

Pierre Olivier BandetExecutive Vice President , Air France-KLM Information Systems

“Amadeus Nevio has been specifically designed to offer exceptional flexibility, allowing Air France‑KLM to select the modules that align with its unique needs, creating a perfect fit for their operations. The partnership illustrates our ongoing commitment to supporting industry transformation and our dedication to actively driving this change. This is the future of customer‑centric retailing.”

Decius ValmorbidaPresident of Travel, Amadeus

“We are pleased to welcome Air France‑KLM as the latest customer to subscribe to Amadeus Nevio. This new generation of airline technology helps airlines deliver the best possible retailing experience to customers across all their operations, and at every touchpoint. We are dedicated to supporting Air France‑KLM in its retail transformation and, more generally, to accelerating the pace of the industry’s move to customer‑centric retailing.”

Maher KoubaaExecutive Vice President Travel Unit and Managing Director EMEA, Amadeus

Source: Amadeus

Kenya to introduce multiple-entry e-travel pass for cruise ships

The announcement was made by President William Ruto during the arrival of the MS Norwegian Dawn, the largest cruise liner to ever dock at the port, carrying over 3,000 passengers and crew.

The new system is expected to eliminate paperwork delays and allow tourists to freely explore Kenya’s cities and national parks during their stay, further positioning the country as a premier cruise destination.

“We will be changing our Visa and ETA to make it easier and seamless to enter the country so that there is no paperwork or unnecessary delays for visitors. We have agreed with the management of the port to ease the process so that tourists on cruises can visit our cities and parks with a lot more ease. Those on the cruises should be able to access the city for the duration that the cruise ship remains docked at the port” Said President Ruto.

The MS Norwegian Dawn which docked at the port of Mombasa Sunday morning is the largest vessel to ever dock at the port with over 3000 people onboard.

“This morning, 800 tourists have left the Norwegian Dawn to explore different destinations including, the Amboseli National Park and other destinations in the city of Mombasa and its environs. The Norwegian Dawn has docked at the port with 2,200 tourists and over 900 crew. We are working with the county of Mombasa and the Ministry of Tourism to deepen and expand our tourism product beyond beach tourism and safari going into ecotourism and cultural tourism to ensure we attract more people and create more job opportunities.” President Ruto added.

According to Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano Kenya is set to receive 8 cruise ships throughout the cruise ship season.

“Kenya is emerging as one of the favorite cruise ship destinations. Cruise tourism was one of the top-performing sub-sectors. The Norwegian Dawn is the biggest ship we have received in the last 10 years.” CS Miano added.

Kenya received 6,561 cruise tourists last year with the subsector growing by over 163.5%. The rollout of a multiple-entry Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) coupled with increased investment at the ports is expected to boost cruise tourism by attracting more vessels to the port of Mombasa.

The multiple-entry ETA will enable cruise tourists seeking to explore the city of Mombasa to move freely between cruise ships and the city without requiring authorization each time they leave the ship.

Source: KBC.

International tourism in Kenya, 15% growth in 2024

International tourism in Kenya is still growing. In 2024, the increase over the previous year was 15%, with the ‘wall’ of 2 million visitors broken through for the second consecutive season. This is an excellent result, considering that the United Nations, in their report, estimated a global growth in tourism of around 5%.
This was announced yesterday by the Kenyan Minister of Tourism, Rebecca Miano, during a press conference in Mombasa. The first data released, pending the annual report that will give us more specifics, speak of approximately 2.4 million tourists, compared to 2.9 million in 2023 and even 1.4 million in 2022, the first year of post-COVID recovery.
Income from the hospitality and travel sector is also increasing: from around 377 billion shillings in 2023 to 452 billion in 2024, an increase of around 20%.

The upward trend also concerns domestic tourism, which has increased by 12% in terms of overnight stays, from 4,618,094 in 2023 to 5,173,966 in 2024. This is also due to conferences, trade fairs and events, for which the numbers are no longer mainly those of the capital Nairobi, but also those of the coast, which with the construction of new conference rooms in hotels, has an increasing potential for attraction. The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) category accounts for almost a third of tourism and is growing by more than 10%.
From the first data transmitted, the United States is confirmed as the first nation from which tourists come, with safari, business, social and diplomacy as the main activities. But in the influx of foreign visitors we must also consider the two ‘neighbours’ who, with just under 10% each, represent the first African markets of origin. While we wait to find out the figures for Italy, where there is talk of a ‘significant increase’, we do know that the biggest increase in tourist arrivals compared to the previous year is from China, with almost 30 thousand more visitors than in 2023. 

While it is true that the USA is in first place, as a continent it is always Europe that represents the greatest external force, with 28% of intercontinental arrivals, while the African market always represents a higher percentage (around 40%), or almost one million entries per year.
Finally, this year’s projections are optimistic. It will be difficult to reach 3 million, the threshold expected by 2027 (with the dream of 5 million tourists in 2030), but the gradual increase is a given.
It will be essential to continue opening up to all airlines that wish to land or return to Kenya, in the so-called ‘open skies’ policy that creates competitiveness and lowers prices, as well as improving infrastructure and services.

Source: Malindi kenya

How Can Kenya’s Tourism Earnings, Reaching Ksh 452B, Boost Its Global Appeal and Shape the Future of Travel in East Africa?

Kenya’s tourism industry saw a remarkable growth in 2024, with the country earning a total of Ksh 452.2 billion, marking a significant 20% increase from the Ksh 377.5 billion recorded in the previous year. According to reports, the tourism sector has been thriving, driven by various factors, including strategic marketing efforts, diversification of tourism products, and the introduction of new scheduled flights, all of which have attracted more international visitors.

Tourism’s Impact on Kenya’s Economy

Tourism remains one of Kenya’s most vital economic sectors, ranking as the second-largest foreign exchange earner after agriculture. Agriculture, contributing around 70% to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), has long been the dominant industry in Kenya. However, tourism has consistently played a significant role in supporting the country’s economy. The impressive growth in earnings demonstrates the sector’s resilience and its potential to provide additional support to the national economy, helping it withstand fluctuations in other sectors.

In 2024, the number of international tourists visiting Kenya reached 2.4 million, which is a notable increase. The surge in arrivals is attributed to aggressive marketing campaigns, effective product diversification in the tourism sector, and the opening of new scheduled flights, all of which have made Kenya more accessible to global travelers.

Key International Markets for Kenya’s Tourism

Kenya’s top source of international tourists in 2024 was the United States, which accounted for 12.8% of the total arrivals. This market has consistently been a strong contributor to Kenya’s tourism industry. Following the U.S., neighboring countries Tanzania and Uganda ranked second and third, respectively, contributing significantly to the increase in regional tourism.

Moreover, there were 975,883 tourists from the African continent alone, which made up 40.8% of the total international arrivals to Kenya. This rise in African tourists highlights the growing interest within the region, with more African travelers discovering Kenya’s rich cultural heritage, wildlife, and scenic landscapes. The increased interest in Kenya from these regions suggests a rise in intra-African tourism, presenting opportunities for local tourism-related businesses to tap into this growing demand.

Bed Night Occupancy and Its Growing Impact

The rise in international visitors has also been reflected in the increase in bed night occupancy, which surged by 12% to reach 5.17 million nights in 2024. This growth is a clear indicator of the thriving hospitality sector and the expanding demand for accommodation options across Kenya. As international arrivals continue to rise, the number of overnight stays and the overall tourism expenditure is expected to grow, benefiting the local economy by supporting hotels, lodges, restaurants, and other tourism-related services.

Tourism Targets for the Future

Looking ahead, Kenya aims to continue building on the momentum gained in 2024. The tourism sector’s new targets for 2025 include attracting at least 3 million international tourists and increasing the earnings from tourism to Ksh 560 billion. These ambitious goals highlight the government’s commitment to furthering the growth of tourism in Kenya and establishing it as a leading destination for global travelers. The emphasis on expanding marketing efforts, developing new tourism products, and improving infrastructure will be crucial in achieving these targets.

Global Impact on Travel and Tourism

Kenya’s tourism growth has far-reaching implications, not only for the country but also for the global travel industry. With the increased number of international tourists and the sector’s growing contributions to Kenya’s GDP, more travel companies, international airlines, and hospitality providers are likely to focus on Kenya as a primary travel destination. This increased interest will help diversify the global tourism market, encouraging more travelers to explore the unique offerings that Kenya has.

This growth could also have a ripple effect on neighboring countries as they benefit from the rising number of tourists in East Africa. As Kenya becomes an even more significant player in the international tourism sector, travelers from different parts of the world may start exploring the wider region, thereby benefiting other East African countries with similar attractions.

The growing appeal of Kenya’s natural wonders, such as the world-famous Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park, and the beaches along the Indian Ocean, will likely continue to drive tourism interest. Additionally, Kenya’s expanding tourism infrastructure, such as improved transport connections and accommodations, will help support the increasing number of visitors, making the country more accessible and welcoming to global travelers.

A Bright Future for Kenya’s Tourism

Kenya’s tourism industry has demonstrated impressive growth in 2024, driven by increased international arrivals, strategic marketing efforts, and the development of new tourism products. With a strong economic contribution, tourism continues to be a key pillar of Kenya’s economy, second only to agriculture. The government’s ambitious plans for 2025 show a clear vision for sustained growth in the tourism sector. As Kenya’s appeal as a global travel destination continues to rise, the effects on the global travel industry will be significant, leading to greater regional collaboration and a stronger position for Kenya on the world stage.

Source: Travel and tour world

Advanced Distribution Capabilities: Transforming Business Travel Across Africa

The business travel industry is undergoing a major transformation, driven by the demand for more efficient, dynamic, and customer-focused distribution systems. At the forefront of this evolution is New Distribution Capability (NDC), which is reshaping how travel services are accessed and delivered. For African travel agents, hoteliers, and travel management companies (TMCs), these advancements provide an opportunity to address existing challenges, improve efficiency, and unlock new revenue streams.

Today’s corporate travelers expect a seamless booking experience, complete with diverse inventory, dynamic pricing, and personalized options. From loyalty-based promotions to tailored room preferences and flexible payment methods, the demand for intuitive and comprehensive platforms is growing rapidly. Yet, many TMCs struggle with “leakage”, where travelers book outside preferred channels due to limited inventory, poor user experiences, or insufficient payment solutions. In some programs, leakage rates reach as high as 50%, underscoring the need for better systems to retain traveler trust and enforce corporate compliance.

The Role of Advanced Distribution Capabilities

Advanced distribution systems are redefining how inventory is accessed and utilized, streamlining the business travel ecosystem. These systems allow TMCs to overcome traditional limitations by offering more comprehensive solutions to travelers.

Key Features of Advanced Distribution Systems:

  1. Expanded Inventory Access
    TMCs can now provide a full range of options, including corporate rates, loyalty-based discounts, and promotional offers, all within a single platform. By eliminating the need for external consumer channels, these tools increase traveler confidence in preferred booking paths.
  2. Enhanced Personalization
    Travelers increasingly expect booking options tailored to their preferences, such as room types, add-ons like breakfast, or loyalty perks. Attribute-based shopping empowers hoteliers to deliver these customized experiences, boosting satisfaction and driving additional revenue.
  3. Seamless Payment Solutions
    Payment challenges remain a pain point in business travel. Modern systems integrate virtual payment options and global transaction strategies, simplifying processes for travelers and reducing administrative burdens for TMCs.
  4. Centralized Multi-Sourcing
    By aggregating content from GDS, OTAs, and direct hotel connections, these platforms create a centralized hub for rates and availability. This reduces booking fragmentation, improves compliance, and simplifies reporting for corporate buyers.

Opportunities for Hoteliers

For African hoteliers, these advancements present opportunities to enhance revenue and competitiveness. By leveraging dynamic pricing for room attributes and bundled services, hotels can optimize revenue while creating more engaging booking experiences. Additionally, direct connections to intermediaries like DerbySoft reduce reliance on third-party platforms, cutting distribution costs and improving inventory control.

Loyalty integration also plays a critical role, as modern tools enable hotels to extend loyalty benefits at the point of booking, strengthening relationships with customers and boosting program enrollment.

Challenges and Collaboration

While these innovations offer immense potential, challenges persist. Many African hotels still operate on fragmented technology stacks, with outdated property management systems (PMS) and central reservation systems (CRS). Additionally, unlike the airline industry, where NDC adoption has been standardized, the hotel sector struggles with inconsistent implementation. Collaboration across TMCs, hoteliers, and technology providers is essential to overcome these barriers.

A Path Forward for Africa’s Travel Industry

For the African travel industry to thrive, stakeholders must prioritize traveler-centric experiences, invest in cutting-edge technology, and foster partnerships that align with operational goals. By embracing advanced distribution capabilities, they can not only improve efficiency and personalization but also integrate sustainability initiatives and duty of care for corporate clients.

These advancements are reshaping the future of business travel, offering unparalleled opportunities for innovation and revenue growth. African travel agents and hoteliers must adapt now to remain competitive in an evolving market, leveraging tools that enhance both traveler satisfaction and operational success.

Source: Travel news africa

TRAVEL TO KINSHASA WITH THE AIRBUS 330

Kenya Airways is bringing back its 5 weekly flights from Nairobi to Kinshasa on the Airbus
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Visits to Dubai up 9% YOY, with 18.72 million int’l visitors in 2024

DUBAI — Dubai welcomed 18.72 million international overnight visitors from January to December 2024, a 9% year-over-year increase that surpasses the previous record of 17.15 million in 2023, according to data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

Impactful local and international partnerships, creative and targeted global campaigns, and major events were among the key contributing factors that drove Dubai’s tourism sector to another record-breaking year in 2024.

Key infrastructure projects include the expansion of the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

“Dubai’s remarkable tourism performance in 2024 reflects the sustained commitment and strategic efforts of our extensive network of partners and stakeholders,” said His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai). “Our market strategy, built on bespoke and diversified campaigns, has been pivotal in showcasing Dubai’s diverse tourism offerings to the world, and we have leveraged strong partnerships with private and public sector organizations and individuals to enhance our global reach and promote Dubai as a leading hub for business, leisure, and innovation.”

He added: “As we aim to build on this momentum throughout 2025, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of service and continuously innovating to exceed expectations, whether for tourists visiting for the first time, or for loyal repeat guests and residents exploring the city and enjoying its lifestyle offerings.”

NEW OPENINGS SPUR HOTEL SECTOR PERFORMANCE

Dubai’s hotels contributed significantly to the city’s performance. Spurred by a series of high-profile new openings – including, but not limited to, One&Only One Za’abeel, SIRO One Za’abeel, and The Lana Dorchester Collection – Dubai’s hotel inventory at the end of December 2024 comprised 154,016 total available rooms across 832 establishments, compared to 150,291 rooms at 821 establishments in 2023.

The pipeline of new properties includes the upcoming Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab and the Mandarin Oriental Downtown.

Performance on key hotel metrics remained strong in 2024, with average occupancy for the hotel sector growing to 78.2%, up from 77.4% in 2023, and occupied room nights rising to a high of 43.03 million, representing 3% growth compared to 41.70 million in 2023.

PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGNS & EVENTS

Supported by key stakeholders and partners, DET’s creative global campaigns and in-market activities highlighted the city’s multi-faceted touristic appeal and kept Dubai top-of-mind for international tourists.

Global campaigns in 2024 included ‘Dubai, What’s Not To Love?’, which positioned the city as a destination of choice for winter. The latest campaign, ‘If You Go, You Know’, featured Dubai’s residents showcasing their favourite parts of the city.

Dubai’s unique gastronomy scene is a big driver for tourism, with thousands of establishments, from local hidden gems to internationally renowned brands.

Also of note, Dubai is among the top five safest cities in the world with a safety index of 83.7, according to findings revealed by Numbeo’s mid-2024 Safety Index by City rankings.

Some of the city’s biggest events in 2024 included the eighth edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, which attracted a best-ever 2.7 million participants, and the Dubai Shopping Festival, which celebrated its 30th edition.

Trade shows, industry exhibitions and MICE sector events attracting thousands of visitors and exhibitors in 2024 included GITEX Global, with 200,000 attendees, the highest in its 44-year history, as well as and Arabian Travel Market (46,000 attendees). Consolidating the city’s position as the world’s leading meetings destination, Dubai last year secured the hosting of 437 future events, driven by Dubai Business Events (DBE), part of DET and the city’s official convention bureau.

WHAT’S NEXT

Work has started on the new AED128 billion passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), which will be the largest in the world when fully operational and will ultimately enable the airport to handle a passenger capacity of 260 million annually.

Aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and supporting initiatives to transform Dubai into a ‘20-Minute City’, Dubai Metro’s Blue Line extension will stretch 30 kilometres, connect 14 stations and serve an expected population of about one million people.

DET is also actively engaging with investors and operators in the hospitality space, to explore opportunities to bring more brands and offerings into the city, further diversifying the range of options available to visitors and residents, and across new and developing districts, including Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai South.

Dubai will also continue to leverage innovation and new technologies like AI and VR to create personalized and immersive experiences for new and repeat visitors. The Visit Dubai mobile app uses AI to offer tailored recommendations, while virtual tours allow tourists to explore attractions before their trip. AI is also being used for biometric hotel check-ins and automated immigration processes at DXB.

Source: Travel week