Kenya rolls out reforms to boost passenger traffic at JKIA

NAIROBI, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) — The Kenyan government on Monday rolled out reforms at the main airport Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), located in the capital city of Nairobi, to enhance passenger traffic.

John Mbadi, cabinet secretary in the Ministry of National Treasury and Economic Planning, said in a statement issued in Nairobi that the reforms will deliver seamless, efficient, and respectful services to customers departing and arriving in the country through the facility.

“The goal is to reduce waiting time, minimize any inconveniences, and strengthen Kenya’s reputation as a welcoming destination,” Mbadi said.

He said the government has prioritized advanced technological solutions in the reforms to streamline customs and immigration processes to minimize paperwork.

He added that the initiative will provide travelers with clear information on customs duties and taxes, therefore, promoting transparency.

Mbadi noted that the measures would help position JKIA as a world-class gateway to Kenya and a leading aviation hub.

JKIA is one of Kenya’s three main entry points, with the other two being Moi International Airport located in the coastal city of Mombasa and another in the lakeside city of Kisumu in western Kenya.

Most of Kenya’s tourists arrived through JKIA, while the rest entered the country via the Moi airport.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, in the first quarter of 2024, Kenya received 409,164 tourists through the two airports, with 343,555 using JKIA.

Source: Capital Fm

Uganda hosts Kenya Coast Tourism Conference, boosting regional tourism

After two years talking and discussing, Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the country’s Consulate in Mombasa have this year decided to give their Kenyan counterparts, real life experience of what The Pearl of Africa offers.

“At the beginning of the partnership with Kenya Coast tourism stakeholders, we observed that very few of them, and Kenyans generally, knew about Uganda’s tourism products.  For mountain gorillas, many of them confessed that they used to sell Rwanda.  This is despite the fact that Kenya is the number one source market for tourists to Uganda,” a Ugandan official said.

The real life experience has already started, but officially, November 20 will be the historic date when Uganda for the first time hosts the Uganda- Kenya Coast Tourism Conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo. The first two conferences were held in Kenya – in November 2022 in Mombasa and the second one in November 2023 in Diani, Kwale County.

The third conference will be held on 20th– 21st November 2024 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, under the theme “The Uganda- Kenya Coast partnership: Promoting job creation, inclusivity and sustainability”.

The Conference will be attended by over 500 public and private tourism stakeholders from Uganda, Kenya and beyond who will work out a strategy for joint promotion of tourism between Uganda and Kenya Coast.

The conference will equip the key tourism players from Uganda and the Kenya coastal region with first-hand experiences of the key tourism attractions so that they are in better position to market these attractions.

Another key objective will be to promote regional tourism, and popularize the Entebbe – Mombasa route operated by the Uganda Airlines.  Previously, the only available air connection to Uganda from the Kenya Coast was by Kenya Airways, through Nairobi.

Ahead of the Conference, seventy (70) tourism stakeholders from Kenya have started a familiarization trip to Uganda from 8th – 18th November 2024 where they will visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semliki Hot Springs, Source of the Nile and Namugongo Martyrs Museum A golf tournament between Uganda and Kenya will be held on 9th November 2024 at Kampala Golf Club.

Souce:  ATTA  

Skyward Express launches Nairobi to Dar es Salaam flight

Skyward Express has launched its Inaugural flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The 109-seater capacity Fokker 100 jet will offer passengers a luxurious experience as they visit one of East Africa’s premium destinations that offer business opportunities, a rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife and historical heritage.


Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir echoed the commitment by Skyward as a premium airline by a local Investor with regional flight in a space that was previously thought to be dominated by international investors as it serves remote flight routes in the Eastern African Region.

Source: Standard Media  

Emirates ramps up operations in Africa to serve growing demand

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has further bolstered its presence across Africa, with the introduction of additional flights to Entebbe, Uganda; Addis Abba in Ethiopia; and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Since the inaugural flight into Africa with Cairo as its first destination in 1986, Emirates has progressively grown its presence on the continent and now serves 20 passenger and cargo gateways, boosting Africa’s connectivity and air transport market development. 

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said, “Africa has long been a priority region for Emirates, and we will deepen our strategic focus of expansion and continued investment on the continent, as an important anchor for our future network. The introduction of frequencies to our existing points in Uganda, South Africa and Ethiopia help support the region’s growth and provide critical links using Dubai as a key gateway to emerging economies across Asia and the Middle East.

“Over the last 30 years Emirates has played a pivotal role in the development of the region’s aviation and tourism sectors, not just through scaling our operations but by establishing strategic partnerships with local governments, tourism boards and likeminded airline partners across the travel ecosystem, to nurture the industry and realise its untapped potential.”

Increasing frequencies to maximize connectivity From 27 October, Emirates ramped up operations between Dubai and Uganda from five weekly flights to a daily service. Operated via a Boeing 777-300ER the additional flight will add 718 seats to and from Dubai-Entebbe every week, connecting to popular onwards destinations from Dubai such as Canada, the US, India and the UK, to name a few. As the only airline offering First Class in and out of Entebbe, the additional flights will enable more passengers to experience Emirates’ unrivalled experience with luxurious touches, a premium gastronomic selection of dishes and fine beverages, and one of the biggest screens in the sky, all in midst of comfort and privacy.

The move builds on Emirates two-decade long commitment to Uganda, a vibrant gem on the airline’s vast global network and up and coming tourism destination. At the 2024 Arabian Travel Market, Emirates signed an MoU with the Uganda Tourism Board, aiming to encourage a diverse range of international travellers to experience the destination’s abundance of natural, cultural and adventure attractions. The additional frequency will further support this, as Uganda continues to invest in building its tourism proposition.

Ringing in the new year, Emirates will also increase frequency in Ethiopia, with a daily flight connecting Dubai and Addis Abba from 1 January 2025. Visitor numbers to Ethiopia continue to grow, guided by the vision to make Ethiopia one of the top five tourist destinations in Africa by 2025. By boosting its flight frequencies, Emirates will provide more convenient access, particularly for travellers from the Middle East and Far East.

This will be swiftly followed by the fourth daily flight to Johannesburg, which, from 1 March 2025, will introduce a morning slot to and from South Africa’s largest and busiest international airport. The additional flight brings Emirates’ operations back to pre-pandemic levels, with 49 weekly flights into South Africa, one of the airline’s most in-demand destinations in Africa.

Once the additional frequencies are activated, Emirates will provide 161 weekly flights between African destinations and Dubai.

Tickets can be booked now on emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents.

Expanding the network to serve more of Africa With 17 countries in Africa and a further 63 countries and territories globally, Emirates offers near-unrivalled connectivity, further amplified by its extensive partnership network. In Africa, the airline’s footprint expands to over 210 regional points through 5 codeshare and 18 interline partners, providing access to more regional points via frictionless, one-ticket travel and simplified baggage throughput.

As an example, in 2023 Emirates signed an interline agreement with Royal Air Maroc, providing travellers with 18 additional domestic points in Morocco, such as Fez, Tangiers, Marrakech and many others, as well as an additional 17 routes beyond Dubai on an interline basis.

In addition to offering access to smaller regional points across the continent, Emirates’ partnerships unlock access to unique and exclusive destinations too. Through its interline agreement with South African carrier Cemair, Emirates enables customers to visit stunning leisure points such as Margate and Plettenberg Bay, while Pro Flight Zambia unlocks once-in-a-lifetime safari experience in Lower Zambezi National Park.

Earlier this month, Emirates made its much-awaited return to Lagos, connecting Nigeria’s economic hub to its global network with a direct, daily flight. Enhancing premium travel options, Emirates is one of only two airlines offering First Class in and out of Lagos.

The airline’s cargo arm, Emirates SkyCargo, will also benefit from the additional passenger flights, which complement its eight weekly scheduled freighters enabling the swift, efficient and reliable movement of goods from Africa to the world. Providing unmatched flexibility to meet demand, Emirates SkyCargo deploys its freighters between six African destinations, to boost the cargo capacity as required. Likewise, to better manage capacity, Emirates SkyCargo moves general cargo from Johannesburg to Cape Town and Durban via trucks, to ensure goods move on customer’s timelines; the additional passenger flights will address these capacity constraints in each market, as the airline prepares for future growth, with the delivery of new freighters up until the end of 2026.

Source: Breaking Travel News

Air travel survey: Flight times and length drive booking choices

October 29, 2024

A recent BCD survey found that business travelers prioritize flight departure time, arrival time, and length when it comes to booking air travel. Convenience, flexibility and price also rank as top priorities. The survey, from August 2024, gathered insights from over 1,300 business travelers who took to the skies in the past 12 months.

Convenience is key

When it comes to air travel, convenience is a top priority. From seat selection to checked baggage, many travelers are willing to pay for extra comfort and flexibility. In fact, nearly half of those surveyed are opting for fully or partially refundable tickets, allowing them to manage unpredictable travel plans without stress. Priority boarding, fast-tracked security, and extra legroom also rank high among add-ons that business travelers are happy to splurge on. Negotiate for these amenities in your supplier conversations.

What influences flight choices?

No surprise here. Price is a major influence on flight selection, with 51% of travelers agreeing it affects their decisions. Four out of 10 travelers prioritize finding the cheapest flight available, even if it comes at the cost of fewer flexible options. The balancing act between comfort and cost continues to challenge corporate travelers, something to keep in mind when shaping travel policies.

But what stands out even more is how the time of departure, flight duration, and employer policy impact decisions. In fact, 71% of respondents cite scheduling as the most important factor, highlighting the need for policies that align with both traveler preferences and corporate goals. While some situations are unavoidable or out of anyone’s control, employers can improve the employee experience by making adjustments to their travel policy.

“A travel policy has the potential to drastically influence employee wellbeing and satisfaction,” said Teri Miller, executive vice president, Global Client Team at BCD. “Adding ancillaries covered by the company like priority boarding or lounge access can make traveling for work more enjoyable and less stressful for employees. Allowing a flexible schedule, work from home or time off after a business trip can also help your employees adjust after returning home.”

Class and duration: A snapshot of business travel

The majority of travelers use air travel for trips between two and six days. For short-haul flights under six hours, 88% of travelers opt for economy class. Business class, while more luxurious, is typically reserved for long-haul flights, with three out of 10 travelers choosing this option for extended trips. The survey’s data around service classes can offer valuable insights for organizations seeking to optimize both traveler comfort and cost-efficiency.

A sustainable approach?

Sustainability is a growing concern in the travel industry, but may not always be top-of-mind for business travelers. While 66% of respondents opt for direct flights (which are both convenient and eco-friendly), few actively choose flights based on carbon emissions, and only 16% are trying to fly less. With two-thirds of respondents admitting they rarely or never consider sustainability if it raises costs, there’s clearly room for improvement.

Olivia Ruggles Brise Vice President of Sustainability BCD

“From our last buyer survey on travel policy, we saw that nearly a quarter of buyers rank making their policy more sustainable as a top priority,” said Olivia Ruggles-Brise, vice president of Sustainability at BCD. “However, this research shows that travelers themselves are not prioritizing sustainability in the same way. Travel managers can influence their travelers’ behavior through encouraging or mandating sustainable measures, which often go hand in hand with traveler wellness. Direct flights, for instance, are more sustainable and less stressful for travelers. Though they may come at a higher cost, direct flights result in less emissions than indirect or stopover flights. On the other hand, while business class is better for traveler comfort, it may not be the most sustainable option. Prioritizing only trips that are vital and choosing business class for those trips can strike a balance, benefiting both traveler wellness and sustainability.”

Addressing traveler challenges and wellbeing

Nearly 70% of travelers report being satisfied with their company’s travel policy and preferred suppliers. However, challenges remain. From booking user-unfriendly tools to low-cost airlines that impact comfort, corporate travelers face frustrations that can hinder productivity. Travelers also experience physical discomfort, especially with overnight flights and long-haul drives immediately after landing. Employers have an opportunity to enhance traveler wellbeing by addressing these pain points.

Offering benefits like priority boarding, lounge access, and flexible post-trip schedules can improve the overall travel experience, boosting morale and productivity.

By understanding travelers’ needs and preferences, businesses can adapt their travel programs, ensuring a balance between cost control, traveler care and sustainable practices for the future. BCD’s Program Managers can help customers review their current travel policy, and our consulting division Advito also specializes in assessing, benchmarking and rewriting policies. Once updates are in place, it’s crucial to have a communications strategy that engages and educates travelers. Advito’s Engage experts can help craft a communication strategy that uses cutting-edge marketing tactics to ensure travelers are getting the message.

Source:

Navigating Currency Exchange and Payment Challenges: A Guide for Travel Agents Handling Global Client

The travel industry has become increasingly global, with travelers booking flights, accommodations, and tours across borders. For travel agents, this growth means handling a wide array of currencies, payment systems, and financial regulations. Whether booking a vacation package for a family in Maasai Mara or arranging a business trip for a client in Nairobi, travel agents must navigate complex currency exchange and cross-border payment issues.

These challenges can impact profitability, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency. In this piece, we’ll explore how travel agents can effectively manage currency exchange fluctuations, reduce payment-related headaches, and leverage modern payment solutions to offer seamless service to their global clients.

1. The Challenge of Currency Exchange in the Travel Sector

One of the primary obstacles for travel agents dealing with international clients is currency exchange. When your business deals with multiple currencies, you face several challenges:

  • Fluctuating Exchange Rates: Currency exchange rates can change rapidly, leading to unexpected costs or lost profits. For example, if the exchange rate shifts between the time of booking and payment, you might end up receiving less than anticipated for a booking, or you may need to pass on the higher cost to your clients.
  • Hidden Fees: Traditional banks and payment processors often charge high fees for currency conversion, cutting into your margins. These fees can be particularly damaging when travel agents are processing high volumes of small transactions or payments from clients in various currencies.
  • Inaccurate Payment Calculations: Ensuring your quotes match the final payment amounts is a common issue, especially when working with fluctuating exchange rates. Clients might expect to pay a specific amount, but unexpected changes in the exchange rate can lead to discrepancies, resulting in client dissatisfaction or even disputes.

To mitigate these challenges, travel agents need to adopt solutions that minimize the impact of currency exchange fluctuations and reduce conversion costs.

2. Choosing the Right Cross-Border Payment Solution

The key to handling international transactions efficiently lies in selecting the right cross-border payment platform. Traditional banks or payment processors may not provide the flexibility or cost efficiency needed for managing global payments. Here’s how modern payment solutions can help:

a. Multi-Currency Accounts

One of the most effective ways for travel agents to manage currency exchange is by using multi-currency accounts. These accounts allow you to hold funds in different currencies, meaning you don’t always have to convert currencies when making or receiving payments.

  • Hold and pay in local currencies: With a multi-currency account, you can hold payments in the currencies that match your suppliers’ and clients’ preferences (e.g., USD, EUR, GBP, TZS, etc.). This eliminates the need for constant currency conversion, saving you on exchange rates and fees.
  • Minimize exchange rate risk: By holding funds in different currencies, you reduce the risk of currency fluctuations impacting the final amount. If the exchange rate moves unfavorably between the time of booking and payment, holding the local currency can protect you from additional losses.

b. Transparent Exchange Rates

A major issue with traditional cross-border payments is the lack of transparency in exchange rates and additional hidden fees. Many payment providers charge a margin on top of the mid-market rate, which can add up quickly.

  • Competitive exchange rates: Partnering with a cross-border payment provider like Verto, which offers competitive exchange rates, can help you manage this issue. By locking in better rates upfront, travel agents can offer more accurate pricing to their clients and avoid surprises in final payment amounts.
  • No hidden fees: Modern payment platforms are often more transparent with their fee structures. Instead of dealing with multiple hidden charges and intermediary fees, you can know exactly how much you’ll pay and how much your client will owe, making it easier to provide consistent pricing and reduce friction in the payment process.

c. Faster Payment Processing

Cross-border payments can take several days to process when using traditional banking systems. For travel agents, this delay can disrupt the cash flow, especially when paying suppliers or reconciling funds across different currencies.

  • Instant or near-instant payments: With digital payment solutions, international payments can be processed within hours or even in real-time, depending on the currencies and countries involved. This speed ensures that your transactions, whether between clients or suppliers, are completed on time, preventing delays in bookings and supplier payments.
  • Cash flow management: Faster payments mean improved cash flow for your business, allowing you to meet your financial obligations promptly and continue to grow without worrying about payment bottlenecks.

3. Reducing Payment Friction for Global Clients

The experience your clients have when paying for their travel bookings is just as important as the services you provide. Handling payments smoothly and offering flexible options can greatly enhance customer satisfaction.

a. Multiple Payment Methods

Global clients have different preferences for how they want to pay for travel bookings, whether by credit card, digital wallet, or bank transfer. Offering a variety of payment options makes it easier for clients to complete their bookings, regardless of where they’re located. 

5. Benefits of Efficient Cross-Border Payments for Travel Agents

Implementing a seamless, cost-effective cross-border payment system provides several benefits for travel agents:

  • Improved cash flow: Faster and more efficient payments help travel agents maintain a healthy cash flow by reducing delays in receiving payments from clients or paying suppliers.
  • Enhanced client trust and satisfaction: Transparent pricing, flexible payment options, and competitive exchange rates improve the overall client experience, leading to higher satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Operational efficiency: Automated currency conversion, reporting, and payment tracking help streamline operations, freeing up time to focus on growing your travel business.

For travel agents handling cross-border payments, Verto provides an efficient way to collect payments from clients globally. With its global accounts and low-cost cross-border payment solutions, travel agents can easily collect payments in the preferred currencies of their clients, without the hassle of manual conversions or delays.

By adopting a platform like Verto for cross border payments, travel agents can provide clients with an easy and secure way to pay from anywhere in the world, reducing friction during the booking process. This enhances the customer experience and ensures that travel agents can focus more on providing exceptional services rather than worrying about payment delays or fees.

In conclusion, navigating the complexities of currency exchange and cross-border payments is a necessary part of doing business in today’s globalized market. By leveraging advanced payment solutions like Verto, which provide multi-currency global accounts, competitive exchange rates, and seamless collections, travel agents can ensure smoother transactions for themselves and their clients.

Managing payments efficiently not only reduces operational costs but also enhances the overall customer experience. Whether you’re booking a luxury vacation package for a client in Europe or managing group tours for clients from within Africa, having a streamlined payment process is essential for staying competitive and building lasting relationships with your global clients.

By adopting modern cross-border payment solutions, travel agents can position themselves for success in an increasingly interconnected world, enabling them to grow their business while providing exceptional service to travelers worldwide.

AirAsia X makes maiden flight to Kenya, opens gateway to Asia-Pacific

Kenya has taken a major step in enhancing its connectivity to the Asia-Pacific region with the arrival of AirAsia X’s maiden flight from Kuala Lumpur to Nairobi. 

The historic flight, which landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), marks the first direct connection between Malaysia and Kenya and positions Nairobi as a gateway to Africa for travellers from East and Southeast Asia.
The inaugural flight carried 377 passengers, including tourists, businesspeople, and students, and was welcomed with fanfare by top government and industry officials.

 

Kenya has taken a major step in enhancing its connectivity to the Asia-Pacific region with the arrival of AirAsia X’s maiden flight from Kuala Lumpur to Nairobi. 

The historic flight, which landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), marks the first direct connection between Malaysia and Kenya and positions Nairobi as a gateway to Africa for travellers from East and Southeast Asia.
The inaugural flight carried 377 passengers, including tourists, businesspeople, and students, and was welcomed with fanfare by top government and industry officials. 

This is a significant achievement for Kenya. We are opening our skies to the Asia-Pacific region, bringing more tourists and boosting our economy. With over 360 passengers on this maiden flight, we are well on track to achieving our tourism targets,” Miano said.
The route is expected to enhance trade, tourism, and investment opportunities between Kenya and Asia-Pacific countries. Passengers on the inaugural flight included travellers from China, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Australia, underscoring the route’s potential to attract a diverse range of visitors.

 “This is our first flight into Africa, and it’s a momentous occasion. We aim to bring new travellers to Kenya, many of whom are flying for the first time. Our low-cost model ensures affordability and accessibility,” said AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail
The direct eight-and-a-half-hour flight significantly reduces travel time, which previously required connecting flights taking up to 19 hours. AirAsia X will operate the route four times weekly, with plans to increase frequency based on demand.

This direct connection will enhance tourism, trade, and education exchanges, benefiting both countries,” said Malaysian Ambassador to Kenya, Ruzaini Mohamad.
The route is expected to attract delegations from Malaysia to Kenya. In the coming week, 12 Malaysian tech companies and 17 coffee distributors are set to visit Kenya, exploring opportunities in technology and coffee value chains.
Tourism industry stakeholders welcomed the development, citing its potential to boost the sector. Felix Musa, CEO of Viutravel, noted that direct flights not only enhance convenience but also bring competitive pricing.
 “This is a game-changer for the industry. We are working with AirAsia X to offer attractive packages for both inbound and outbound travelers,” Musa said.

Kenya’s Push for Lower Tourism Taxes and New Increased Marketing

As the festive season approaches, Kenya’s tourism stakeholders are urging the government to consider tax reductions to make the country more competitive in the regional tourism landscape. This call for action comes as Kenya aims to capture more international tourist interest and position itself as an attractive destination among its East African neighbors, particularly Tanzania and South Africa.

At a recent event hosted by Tamarind Tree Hotel, General Manager John Musau advocated for a reduction in levies on tourism services, notably game drives, which are central to Kenya’s safari appeal. Musau highlighted that by reducing taxes on these services, Kenya could enhance its appeal to international visitors and offer more affordable travel experiences. This could help Kenya compete more effectively with neighboring countries known for their strong tourism offerings, such as Tanzania and South Africa.

The Need for a Competitive Edge in the Tourism Market

In today’s competitive travel landscape, where destinations are vying to attract more international tourists, the cost of travel services plays a critical role. For Kenya, lowering taxes on experiences like safaris and game drives can help position the country as a more budget-friendly choice without compromising the quality of its offerings. According to Musau, this tax reduction is vital to helping Kenya achieve its target of 3 million tourist arrivals by the end of 2024 and 5 million in the coming years.

Kenya’s tourism industry saw remarkable growth in 2023, welcoming 2 million arrivals. To maintain and increase this momentum, the tourism sector needs to remain accessible and attractive. Musau believes that a well-considered tax policy would support this objective, creating a favorable climate for tourists who may be deterred by high service costs.

Increased Marketing Budget: A Strategy for Greater Visibility

Besides tax reductions, Musau also stressed the importance of increased marketing funds for the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB). With a larger budget, KTB could implement more robust and far-reaching campaigns to promote Kenya on a global scale. This would allow the country to reach a wider audience of potential travelers, showcasing the variety and richness of Kenya’s attractions, from the famous Maasai Mara and coastal beaches to lesser-known gems.

An increased marketing budget would enable KTB to participate in more international tourism events, advertise Kenya’s tourism offerings, and launch digital campaigns to reach younger audiences who rely heavily on social media when choosing travel destinations. This is particularly important as the global tourism industry grows increasingly digital, with social media playing a significant role in inspiring travel decisions.

Aiming for 3 Million Tourists by 2024: Kenya’s Ambitious Target

Kenya has set an ambitious target to increase its tourist arrivals to 3 million by the end of 2024. The country’s tourism growth in 2023, with a recorded 2 million arrivals, indicates a strong upward trend. However, reaching the 2024 goal will require strategic adjustments, including making Kenya’s offerings more accessible and appealing through price reductions and improved visibility.

The goal to welcome 5 million visitors within the next few years further underscores the urgency to address these competitive challenges. Musau’s call for lower taxes and increased marketing investment reflects the determination within Kenya’s tourism sector to keep pace with regional competitors and meet the demands of today’s global travelers.

How a Competitive Tourism Sector Benefits Travelers

For travelers, lower taxes on services like safaris and game drives translate into more affordable and appealing travel options. Kenya’s famed wildlife tours, known for offering some of the world’s most iconic safari experiences, would become more accessible to a broader audience, from budget-conscious backpackers to families looking for meaningful travel experiences. Reduced travel costs also provide travelers with more flexibility to explore other activities, such as beach resorts along Kenya’s coast, cultural visits to Maasai communities, and hiking in the country’s scenic highlands.

Additionally, the increase in KTB’s marketing budget would enable Kenya to showcase these diverse experiences on a global scale. Enhanced promotional efforts could attract travelers from various backgrounds and demographics, expanding the country’s reach beyond traditional markets. This visibility not only makes Kenya a recognizable name in global tourism but also invites travelers to discover the country’s full range of attractions, from adventure tourism to eco-travel and cultural heritage sites.

The Global Impact of Kenya’s Tourism Strategy

Kenya’s call for lower tourism taxes and increased marketing funding has broader implications for the global travel industry. As more countries compete to attract international tourists, affordability and effective promotion have become key factors in decision-making for travelers. By investing in these areas, Kenya could influence other destinations to consider similar strategies, potentially creating a ripple effect within the East African region and beyond.

For instance, Tanzania and South Africa, Kenya’s closest competitors in the safari market, may also consider revising their pricing structures to retain their market shares. This regional competition could ultimately benefit travelers, as countries strive to provide better and more affordable experiences. The international travel industry may also witness a trend toward cost-efficient travel experiences that cater to the budget needs of today’s travelers without compromising on quality.

Kenya’s Positioning within East African Tourism

Lower taxes and a stronger marketing presence could reinforce Kenya’s position as a top choice in East African tourism, particularly for safari-goers. The country’s diverse offerings, from world-renowned wildlife reserves like the Maasai Mara to luxury beach resorts, make it uniquely suited to benefit from increased tourist interest. By establishing a competitive edge, Kenya can attract travelers who may otherwise choose other safari destinations in East Africa, supporting its goal to reach and surpass the 3 million tourist mark by 2024.

Challenges Ahead for Kenya’s Tourism Sector

Despite the potential benefits, Kenya’s tourism industry faces challenges that must be addressed to ensure the success of this strategy. The call for lower taxes, while favorable for tourists, may raise concerns over revenue for local governments and the national treasury. Balancing affordable travel experiences with sustainable revenue generation will be essential in implementing these changes effectively. Additionally, coordination among tourism stakeholders, local governments, and national policymakers will be crucial to ensure that this strategy benefits both the economy and the local communities involved in tourism.

Final Thoughts: A Win-Win for Travelers and Kenya’s Tourism Industry

As Kenya works toward its 2024 and long-term tourism goals, stakeholders in the industry hope that a combination of lower taxes and more prominent marketing will make the country a highly competitive destination for travelers worldwide. With this strategic approach, travelers will have more affordable access to Kenya’s stunning wildlife, rich culture, and iconic landscapes, while Kenya stands to gain increased international visibility and a robust economic boost from tourism.

Kenya’s push for competitive tax policies and enhanced marketing illustrates how countries can adapt to meet the evolving preferences of global travelers. For tourists looking to explore Africa, this initiative may open doors to more accessible and memorable experiences, from game drives to coastal escapes. Kenya’s approach could very well inspire other destinations to evaluate their strategies, setting a new benchmark for travel affordability and appeal in the tourism sector.

Source: Travel and Tour World

Dubai ‘now year-round destination’

By Lisa James

08/11/2024

Home » Dubai ‘now year-round destination’

Dubai has now firmly established itself as a year-round destination, with demand for the summer months increasing over the past two years, according to the destination’s tourism department.

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism Senior Vice-President of International Operations Hoor Al Khaja said the UK is the largest source market for Dubai within western Europe. Between January and September this year, 922,000 Brits visited Dubai, an increase of 12% year-on-year.

Speaking at World Travel Market in London, Hoor said: “We’re seeing very healthy demand for Dubai, in growing numbers and we’re increasingly seeing that it’s becoming a year-round destination.”

She said demand for the summer months has increased since COVID – and particularly since around 2022.

“There is a lot more awareness about what there is to do in the summer. It’s very family friendly, very safe with air-conditioned spaces. It is an interesting mix of people coming in for the summer. Historically we were targeting our messaging towards families, but it is a very popular summer destination for couples as well,” she said.

“Demand is increasing, but unlike mature tourism cities, our supply keeps increasing too.”

New developments include the Real Madrid World theme park, which opened in April, while the new Jumeirah property, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, is due to open by February 2025.

Hoor said 25% of visitors to Dubai are repeat visitors to Dubai, and the Department is running a stopover campaign in the second quarter of 2025, in collaboration with Emirates. The campaign will feature a ‘global celebrity who resonates in the UK’, she added.

Recent figures from flight data analysts Cirium showed a record number of seats on flights departing the UK in the third quarter of this year, with Dubai the most popular destination.

Source: Travel Gossip

Tourists exempted from declaring IMEI numbers upon arrival

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 8 – The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has exempted tourists from declaring the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of their gadgets upon arrival, aiming to maintain seamless entry for visitors while enhancing tax compliance.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano emphasized Kenya’s role as a gateway to East Africa and its positioning as a regional hub for tourism and business, underscoring the need for easy accessibility.

“KRA has announced that tourists will NOT be required to declare their gadgets’ IMEI numbers upon arrival. Kenya’s strategic location as the gateway to East Africa positions it as a regional hub for tourism and business and must therefore remain easily accessible,” said Miano in a Friday statement.

Miano noted her collaboration with relevant authorities to prioritize a smooth, welcoming experience for visitors to Magical Kenya.

This exemption comes after KRA’s November 6 directive, which requires passengers entering Kenya to declare their mobile phones, including IMEI numbers, as a new tax compliance measure starting January 1, 2025.

The regulation aims to strengthen tax compliance and reinforce Kenya’s mobile device market integrity.

The directive will require all importers and assemblers to submit detailed entries—such as model descriptions, quantities, and IMEI numbers of mobile devices—through KRA’s Customs portal. Compliance will also include obtaining permits from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).

KRA has advised importers and stakeholders to familiarize themselves with these requirements to ensure compliance and a smooth importation process.

Source: Capital FM