Global travel agents’ bodies – the United Federation of Travel Agents’ Associations (UFTAA) and the World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) -have mounted a strong challenge to a decision by International Air Transport Association (IATA) member airlines to impose globally standardised remittance periods under the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP), warning that the move could drive up ticket prices, weaken competition, and expose the global airline settlement system to competition-law risks. The opposition has garnered early support from national associations, including the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), which has cautioned that the decision overlooks critical local market realities.

The objections follow a recently concluded mail vote by the IATA conference adopting amendments to Resolution 812, Section 6.5.3.7, mandating uniform BSP remittance timelines across all countries. The change dismantles long-standing arrangements under which credit terms were determined locally through joint governance, reflecting domestic banking systems, payment habits, and established commercial practices.

Industry players, including KATA, note that the move to impose uniform remittance terms across all markets fails to adequately take into account local market realities, financial systems, and long-established commercial practices that have enabled the travel trade to operate sustainably within national economies such as Kenya’s. KATA has said the current BSP remittance framework in Kenya has, over time, provided a balanced mechanism that supports both airline settlement security and the viability of travel agencies serving the domestic and international market.

UFTAA said the decision goes far beyond a procedural update. “By centrally dictating credit and remittance terms worldwide, airlines acting collectively through IATA are exercising structural monopoly power over the global airline clearing system,” the federation said in a press release issued last week. It added that the BSP is a “mandatory and indispensable settlement infrastructure” and that unilateral changes to its credit conditions “meet established definitions of abuse of collective dominance.”

Describing the move as a market-wide intervention, UFTAA said, “This decision is not a technical adjustment but a fundamental market intervention,” warning that its effects would ripple across the aviation value chain. According to the federation, shortened and rigid remittance periods would force travel agents to pre-finance airline revenues, significantly increasing liquidity and working-capital costs. “These costs inevitably translate into higher prices, reduced choice, and diminished service resilience for passengers,” it said.

UFTAA also framed the issue as one of economic sovereignty. “Credit terms are a core element of economic policy. Imposing uniform conditions across diverse markets effectively overrides local commercial practices, financial systems, and payment cultures, intervening in national economies without regulatory mandate or democratic legitimacy,” the statement said. The federation noted that “no evidence-based economic justification has been presented to support a one-size-fits-all approach,” adding that there is “no precedent in any other global industry where suppliers collectively dictate credit terms to intermediaries across all markets through a private association.”

Concerns were also raised over governance. “Binding resolutions are adopted exclusively by airlines, while agents—who bear the financial consequences—have no voting rights. Combined with monopoly control over settlement infrastructure, this creates a systemic competition-law risk,” UFTAA said, calling the conduct exceptional and damaging to market fairness and competitive balance.

On their part, WTAAA stated that the decision undermines collaborative governance and exposes a long-standing structural imbalance within the Passenger Agency Programme, where binding resolutions are adopted exclusively by airlines, while agents retain only consultative status. “By depriving national markets of their ability to tailor remittance schedules to local needs, the global alignment decision disregards long-standing local relationships between airlines and agents and ignores the operational realities of diverse business models, including high-volume corporate and tour operator accounts,” said WTAAA Executive Director Otto de Vries.

Commenting on the decision, KATA Chairman Dr. Joseph Kithitu said, “We are disappointed by IATA’s unilateral decision to change a system that has worked well and served the Kenyan market effectively for many years. Any global intervention that overlooks local market conditions risks destabilizing the travel distribution ecosystem, particularly in markets where agencies play a critical role in supporting air travel demand.”

UFTAA has called for the immediate reconsideration of the global remittance decision and urged a return to locally governed payment arrangements that are economically justified and proportionate. It said such a step is necessary to protect competition, market integrity, and the long-term interests of passengers, warning that the consequences of the current approach will be felt far beyond the travel trade.

Kenya Airways has stopped operating flights between Nairobi and Eldoret, ending its return to the route less than two years after relaunching the service.

The national carrier quietly exited the route in late December 2025, with flights no longer available for booking. While Kenya Airways has not issued a formal public statement, industry sources say the decision is part of an ongoing effort to streamline operations and cut costs.

The Nairobi–Eldoret route is one of Kenya’s busiest domestic corridors, linking the capital to the agriculturally rich North Rift region. Kenya Airways resumed flights to Eldoret in March 2024 after nearly a decade away, a move that was widely seen as an attempt to strengthen domestic connectivity following the pandemic.

However, the return has proved short-lived.

Shift to Low-Cost Operations

Sources familiar with the airline’s strategy say Kenya Airways has opted to leave the route to its low-cost subsidiary, Jambojet, which continues to operate flights to Eldoret alongside Skyward Express.

The shift reflects a broader trend in the airline industry, where full-service carriers increasingly rely on budget subsidiaries to serve domestic and price-sensitive routes. Operating such routes under a lower-cost model allows airlines to remain competitive while managing expenses more tightly.

Pressure from Capacity and Costs

Kenya Airways has faced ongoing operational challenges, including aircraft shortages linked to global supply chain disruptions and rising maintenance costs. These pressures have forced the airline to review its route network and focus resources on services that offer stronger returns.

Domestic aviation in Kenya has also been affected by rising fares, driven by strong demand and limited aircraft availability. With fewer operators on some routes, passengers may face higher ticket prices in the short term.

What It Means for Travelers

For travelers to Eldoret, flights remain available through Jambojet and Skyward Express, though reduced competition could affect pricing and scheduling flexibility.

Kenya Airways’ exit highlights the continuing difficulties facing full-service airlines in balancing national connectivity with commercial sustainability. It also underscores the growing role of low-cost carriers in shaping the future of domestic air travel in Kenya.

As the airline continues to restructure, industry watchers say further network adjustments should be expected as Kenya Airways works to stabilise its finances and focus on long-term viability.

Source: businessdailyafrica.com

Dubai is slowly changing the way it hosts music and cultural events. Instead of only late-night concerts in closed venues, the city is seeing more festivals that start in the afternoon and continue into the night, mixing music with food, wellness, and family-friendly activities.

That shift is visible at Barasti Beach, where the Beach Vibe Festival is being held on January 10. The event runs for 12 hours, from 3pm to 3am, and is designed as a relaxed beach experience rather than a typical nightclub-style concert.

Industry professionals said that this reflects a change in how people in Dubai want to spend their time. Many residents and visitors are looking for events that offer more than just music, but a place where families, friends and different age groups can come together.

The festival is organised by Zenith SoundRoom and is headlined by Dutch DJ and producer Maddix, who is performing in the UAE. Along with music, the program includes beach activities, yoga sessions, markets, food stalls and areas for children.

Malik Raihan, founder of Zenith SoundRoom, said the aim was to move away from the usual nightlife model. “Most events in Dubai start very late and are meant only for adults,” he said. “We wanted something that starts during the day and grows into the night, where music, families, food and culture can exist together.”

He said people now prefer events they can attend for a few hours or spend the whole day at. “You can come in the afternoon, enjoy the beach and activities, and stay on as the music builds later in the night,” he said.

Ozman Rahman, a freelance event organiser said Dubai’s music scene has changed over the past decade. “Earlier, most big events were large concerts or luxury club shows. Now, beach-style music and lifestyle events are more popular because they suit Dubai’s tourism and outdoor culture.”

Rahman said crowds have also become more mixed. “You see people who grew up in the 1990s attending because of the music they know, but younger people and families are coming too,” he said. “Many venues are more open now, and concerts are no longer limited to adults only.”

Tour operators also said that music festivals are also driving travel into the UAE. Subair Thekepurathvalappil from Wisefox Tourism said many people are flying to Dubai just to attend concerts. “We see visitors coming from India, China, Pakistan, Russia, and countries in the Caucasus. For many fans, travelling to Europe or the US to watch their favourite artists is difficult or expensive. The UAE is easier because of visa access and good flight connections.”

He added that many visitors stay only a few days. “People come for the concert and combine it with a short holiday,” he said.

Organisers said that the beach venues play a big role in this shift. Raihan said open locations like Barasti Beach feel more natural and social. “Music on the beach changes how people experience events,” he said.

With more international artists choosing Dubai and organisers trying new formats, the city is building a stronger festival culture. Instead of being known only for nightlife or one-off concerts, Dubai is becoming a place where music, culture and lifestyle come together throughout the year.

Source: khaleejtimes

West Africa has taken a major step toward cheaper and more accessible air travel — and the rest of the continent, and beyond, is being urged to take note.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved a region-wide policy to reduce air ticket taxes, removing several charges linked to air transport and cutting passenger and security fees by 25 percent. The move is aimed at lowering the cost of flying in a region long considered one of the most expensive in the world for air travel.

Studies cited by ECOWAS show that passengers in West Africa can face as many as 66 different charges on a single ticket, while airlines pay more than 100 separate fees. As a result, flight costs in the region are up to 85 percent higher than global averages for regional routes and 82 percent higher for international flights.

With the new policy — known as the Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees — ECOWAS estimates that air ticket prices could fall by nearly 40 percent if the savings are passed on to passengers.

Why This Matters Beyond West Africa

The decision has significance far beyond ECOWAS. Across Africa and in other parts of the world, regional air travel remains expensive, fragmented, and underdeveloped — often because of heavy taxation and uncoordinated national policies.

Many regional blocs, including those in East Africa, Southern Africa, and parts of Asia and Latin America, face similar challenges:

• High airport taxes
• Multiple security and passenger charges
• Different rules from one country to another
• Limited coordination between governments

These factors make short regional flights more expensive than long international ones, discouraging travel, trade, and tourism.

What Other Regional Groups Can Learn

ECOWAS’ approach offers a practical roadmap for other regional groupings that have not yet acted.

First, agree at regional level.
One of ECOWAS’ strengths is collective action. By agreeing on a common policy, member states avoid undercutting or contradicting one another. Other blocs, such as the East African Community (EAC), Southern African Development Community (SADC), or COMESA, could follow the same path by adopting binding regional frameworks on aviation charges.

Second, reduce the number of charges.
The ECOWAS study revealed that the sheer number of fees — not just their size — drives up ticket prices. Other regions should conduct similar audits to identify unnecessary or duplicated charges and eliminate them.

Third, ensure laws are aligned nationally.
Although ECOWAS rules are legally binding, member states still need to adjust their national laws. This step is critical. Regional agreements only work if countries follow through at home.

Fourth, protect passengers, not just airlines.
ECOWAS has made it clear that airlines are expected to pass savings on to travelers. Other regions should adopt the same principle, supported by strong oversight to ensure lower taxes actually mean cheaper tickets.

Fifth, monitor implementation.
The creation of a Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism is key. Without monitoring, reforms risk staying on paper. Other regional blocs should establish similar bodies to track compliance and impact.

The Bigger Picture

Affordable air travel is not just about tourism. Cheaper flights improve business links, regional integration, job creation, and emergency connectivity. In Africa, where distances are long and road and rail networks are limited, aviation is often the fastest way to move people and goods.

By cutting air taxes, ECOWAS is betting that increased passenger numbers will compensate for reduced charges — a model that has worked in other parts of the world.

A Moment for Regional Action

As West Africa moves ahead with implementation, pressure is likely to grow on other regions to act. Travelers, airlines, and tourism bodies are watching closely.

If similar reforms are adopted elsewhere, regional travel could finally become affordable for ordinary citizens — not just business elites.

West Africa has shown that lowering the cost of flying is possible. The question now is whether other regional groups are willing to follow.

Source: Travelnews

For decades, Africa has been described as a destination at the edge of global air travel. That story is now changing — and fast. With a bold move to develop Bishoftu International Airport, set to become Africa’s largest airport, Ethiopian Airlines is placing the continent firmly at the centre of the world’s aviation map.

Located near Bishoftu, southeast of Addis Ababa, the new airport is designed to ease pressure on the busy Addis Ababa Bole International Airport while dramatically expanding Ethiopia’s role as a global air transport hub. For Ethiopian Airlines, already the continent’s largest carrier, the project represents both confidence and long-term vision.

A New Gateway Between Continents

When completed, Bishoftu International Airport is expected to handle tens of millions of passengers annually, offering modern terminals, expanded runways, and advanced cargo facilities. More importantly, it will strengthen Ethiopia’s position as a key link between Africa, the United States, Europe, and Asia.

For travelers, this could mean shorter transit times, more direct connections, and greater choice. Instead of relying on traditional hubs in Europe or the Middle East, passengers flying across continents may increasingly pass through Ethiopia — often with smoother connections and competitive fares.

What Travelers Can Expect

Ethiopian Airlines has built its growth on reliability and strategic connectivity. The new airport will give the airline room to add more long-haul routes and increase flight frequencies, particularly to North America, Europe, and Asia.

For travelers heading into Africa, the benefits are even clearer. Improved connections through Bishoftu could open easier access to cities across East, West, and Southern Africa that have long been underserved by direct international flights.

A Shift in Global Aviation Power

Major airports shape global travel patterns. By investing in Bishoftu International Airport, Ethiopia is signaling its intention to join the ranks of the world’s leading aviation hubs.

Aviation analysts say the project could alter established travel flows, challenging long-dominant hubs in Europe and the Gulf region. As global passenger growth increasingly comes from Africa and Asia, such infrastructure investments are seen as critical to staying competitive.

Beyond Runways and Terminals

The impact of Bishoftu International Airport extends beyond aviation. The project is expected to support tourism growth, create thousands of jobs, and strengthen Ethiopia’s role in global trade through expanded cargo handling capacity.

Tourism stakeholders believe easier access will encourage more international visitors to explore Ethiopia and the wider African continent, turning the country into both a destination and a gateway.

A Clear Message to the World

At a time when some countries are raising barriers to travel, Ethiopia’s move sends a different message — one of openness, ambition, and connectivity.

For travelers in the United States, Europe, and Asia, the changes may appear gradual: a new route, a smoother transfer, a shorter journey. But taken together, they mark a deeper shift in global aviation.

Africa is not just opening its doors to the world. Through Bishoftu International Airport, it is helping redraw the world’s travel map.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

How U.S. travel restrictions are sending a warning to the world—and redefining the role of travel agents

The global tourism industry is once again being tested, this time not by a pandemic or economic crisis, but by policy. In 2025, the United States introduced higher visa fees and tighter travel restrictions aimed at strengthening border security and reducing visa overstays. While the measures were designed with domestic priorities in mind, their ripple effects are now being felt far beyond U.S. borders.

International arrivals to the United States have slowed, particularly from Africa, Latin America, Asia, and parts of Europe. For many potential visitors, the cost of a U.S. visa—now among the most expensive globally—combined with longer processing times and additional requirements, has turned travel plans into financial and logistical hurdles. As a result, tourists are increasingly choosing alternative destinations perceived as more affordable and welcoming.

Economic Consequences for the U.S.

Tourism has long been a pillar of the U.S. economy, supporting millions of jobs across airlines, hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, and local transport services. A decline in international visitors not only affects major cities such as New York, Miami, and Los Angeles; it also impacts smaller destinations that rely heavily on foreign tourists.

Industry analysts warn that reduced international travel spending could cost the U.S. tens of billions of dollars in lost revenue over time. While domestic tourism remains strong, it cannot fully replace the economic value of international visitors, who typically stay longer and spend more.

A Global Wake-Up Call

The U.S. experience offers a cautionary lesson for other countries. In a highly competitive global travel market, policy decisions can quickly influence traveler behavior. When visa fees rise sharply or entry rules become complex, tourists tend to redirect their spending to destinations with smoother, more predictable processes.

Countries seeking to grow or protect their tourism sectors must strike a careful balance between security and accessibility. Competitive visa pricing, transparent requirements, and efficient processing systems are increasingly becoming as important as natural attractions or cultural appeal.

The Growing Role of Travel Agents

Amid this complexity, travel agents have emerged as critical intermediaries in the global travel ecosystem.

As visa rules change and costs increase, travelers are turning to professional agents for guidance. Travel agents help clients understand evolving requirements, assess the true cost of travel, prepare accurate documentation, and avoid costly application errors that could result in visa denial.

For destinations affected by restrictive policies, agents also play a strategic role by redirecting travelers toward alternative markets and countries with easier entry conditions. In doing so, they help stabilize demand and protect tourism flows.

At the same time, travel agents serve as a feedback channel between governments and travelers. Through industry associations and tourism boards, agents provide real-time insights into traveler concerns, enabling policymakers to understand how regulations impact demand on the ground.

However, higher visa costs and restrictions also place pressure on agents themselves. Increased uncertainty leads to more cancellations, delayed bookings, and dissatisfied clients—challenges that directly affect agency revenues and trust.

What Countries Can Do Better

To avoid the downturn now facing U.S. inbound tourism, experts recommend several measures for governments worldwide:

• Maintain affordable and competitive visa fees, especially for key tourism markets
• Simplify and digitize visa processes to reduce delays and uncertainty
• Engage travel agents and tour operators when designing or revising travel policies
• Ensure policy transparency, allowing travelers and agents to plan with confidence
• Balance enforcement with economic realities, recognizing tourism’s contribution to national development

As global travel continues its recovery, the message is clear: tourism thrives on openness, clarity, and affordability. Policies that unintentionally discourage visitors risk pushing travelers—and their spending—elsewhere.

For travel agents, the current landscape reinforces their importance as navigators of an increasingly complex travel world. For governments, it is a reminder that in tourism, perception matters as much as policy—and that the cost of closing doors may be higher than anticipated.

If you’ve been working in travel buying over the past 12 months, you know it’s been anything but business as usual! 2025 threw surprises at everyone, shaking up routines and forcing people to adapt fast. Whether you’re navigating new tech, keeping up with company changes, or trying to make sense of mergers & acquisitions, one thing’s for sure: You’re not alone. As we step into 2026, let’s talk about what’s changed and how you can stay focused, no matter what comes next.

2025: Change, Change and More Change

What industry are we even in? Travel, Expense, Payment, Hospitality? The travel players are extended into expense and the expense player strategies to own more of the travel come to life. Instead of T vs E, we’re truly in the T&E world now.

Tech overload: Automation has been around for years but in 2025 after a few years gracing conference agendas, AI exploded onto the scene, popping up in booking, expense tracking, and traveler support. It’s a learning curve, but getting comfortable with these tools can really help you and your travelers.

Supplier shuffle: With alliances, mergers, buyouts, and plenty of big changes among vendors, you’ve probably had to navigate new supplier relationships, renegotiate deals or hunt for new partners.

Consumer demand intensifies: The much lauded “consumer grade experience” is now table stakes. Travelers now expect the whole travel industry to up its game, not just business travel.

Follow the money: Travel buyers are saying “enough” to a broken commercial model and many started moving their viewpoint beyond individual suppliers into the investor landscape, where is the money being invested and what are TMCS, tech players and suppliers investing in?

“Value” and “Trust” heard on repeat. If I had a dollar for every time I heard these two words, either individually or together I’d be retiring onto a Caribbean island by now! We have a trust gap and a value gap in the T&E world.

And that’s just scratching the surface. There’s been new rules, global uncertainty, and economic ups and downs. Standing still? Not an option.

2026: Say “No” to Say “Yes”

With so much happening, it’s easy to get stuck in reactive mode—just putting out fires instead of steering the ship. But travel buyers who managed to keep their focus found ways to thrive. If you’re wondering how to stay steady for 2026, here are some tips:

1. Relentlessly prioritize. Take a breather and look at your T&E program’s big picture. Are your goals still right for the company? Are your daily tasks linked to these goals? If not strike it off from your to do list.
   
   
2. Let Data Guide You. When things are unpredictable, data really helps. Use analytics to track spending, emissions, and traveler satisfaction. The facts can help with business cases for investment, to enable better decisions and guide adjustments to plans.
   
   
3. Governance is your friend. Ensure your supplier relationships are well managed. Once you have great alignment across buyer/supplier relationships, this naturally frees up time previously used to solve disputes and operational issues.

The T&E buying community is a resilient bunch. Global financial crisis, volcanic ash clouds, pandemics … you’ve faced it all. Change isn’t slowing down, but if you focus on what matters, and look after your own wellbeing, you’ll be ready for whatever 2026 brings. Remember, you don’t have to do it all alone—reach out, share ideas, and support each other. The road ahead might be twisty, but together, you’ll get where you want to go.

Here’s to a new year filled with T&E buyers leading the way!

Source: businesstravelnews.com

Dubai International Airport (DXB), long known as one of the world’s busiest and most dynamic aviation hubs, reached a remarkable milestone, processing 324,000 passengers in a single 24-hour period — a figure that underscores its growing prominence in global air travel.

The record-setting day reflects the strategic importance of Dubai as a major international connector, linking the East and West and serving as a transit point for travelers from every continent. The surge in passenger movement highlights a robust rebound in global travel demand, with more people than ever choosing to fly for business, leisure, and connecting journeys through the emirate.

An Unprecedented Volume

To put the achievement in perspective, handling 324,000 passengers in one day is equivalent to filling multiple large sports stadiums with departing and arriving travelers. The airport’s terminals, runways, and support infrastructure were tested to their limits — and exceeded expectations — as flights flowed in a steady stream throughout the day and night.

Airport officials reported that both international and transfer passengers contributed to the record figure, with peak times showing intense activity across arrival halls, departure gates, and transit lounges. Despite the high volume, operations remained fluid, a testament to meticulous planning and coordination among ground staff, airline partners, and security personnel.

Dubai International’s success is rooted in decades of strategic investment in infrastructure and airline services. Its geographical location makes it a natural crossroads for travelers between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. With thousands of weekly flights to hundreds of destinations, the airport’s network offers unmatched connectivity.

The performance also reflects the strength of Emirates Airline and other carriers that use DXB as a central hub, enabling efficient passenger transfers and a wide range of route options. This network has become especially important as global travel patterns continue to evolve, with passengers seeking flexible itineraries and seamless connections.

Passenger Experience and Operational Efficiency

Even with record numbers, airport management emphasized that passenger experience remained a top priority. Efforts to streamline check-in, security screening, baggage handling, and wayfinding helped minimize delays and congestion during the busiest hours. Enhanced digital services, automated processes, and staff deployment were key factors in maintaining efficiency across terminals.

Travelers themselves noted the energy and scale of the operations, describing a vibrant atmosphere shaped by international visitors, diverse languages, and the ceaseless movement of flights. For many, the experience underscored Dubai’s reputation as a world-class aviation center.

Looking Ahead

As Dubai International continues to grow, industry observers see the one-day passenger figure not just as a record, but as a benchmark for what major global hubs can achieve in a post-pandemic era of renewed travel demand. Airport authorities have indicated plans for further capacity expansion, technology upgrades, and sustainability initiatives to support future growth.

For now, the 324,000-passenger milestone stands as a symbol of ambition and resilience — a snapshot of an airport operating at the forefront of global aviation.

The conventional function of travel agents is being completely redefined, which is causing a major shift in the travel business. The boundaries between travel distribution are becoming less distinct as consumers look more closely at alternative booking channels. Today, around 40% of travellers book outside traditional networks, while nearly 70% of those who still use agents already know their preferred destinations or services before approaching them.

This changing landscape has forced travel agents to rethink their place in the ecosystem. Rather than being the primary “gateway” to travel, many now find themselves as just one of many “gates” in a diversified network where banks, influencers, lifestyle brands, and even food delivery platforms are stepping into the travel space.

Industry experts believe this is not a threat but an opportunity for reinvention. It is recommended that travel advisers shift from transactional to marketing-driven practices, such as establishing online communities, producing genuine travel content, and serving as independent influencers. In order to present their companies as reliable lifestyle partners rather than just service providers, this move also requires employees to become brand storytellers.

Today’s travel agency must choose between two distinct strategies: creating cutting-edge goods for specialized markets and broadening their distribution network by forming new alliances outside of the conventional travel industry. Working together with banks, event coordinators, and lifestyle websites might revolutionize the way that travel is marketed and enjoyed.

As travellers seek more personalised and passion-driven journeys, the future of travel agencies lies not in discounting but in influencing, turning expertise, data, and creativity into long-term loyalty and relevance.

Source: travel.economictimes.indiatimes.com