Tanzania has announced that, beginning in the 2025/26 financial year, all foreign visitors to Mainland Tanzania, excluding citizens from East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries,will be required to purchase a travel insurance policy upon entry. The policy, which will cost USD 44 (approximately TSh 115,000), is designed to enhance visitor safety and reduce the burden on public healthcare systems.
The insurance will cover emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation, personal accidents, rescue operations, and compensation for lost or delayed baggage. It will be valid for a maximum stay of 92 days. The directive was announced in a public notice issued by the Ministry of Finance on July 4, 2025, as part of wider reforms to the country’s Insurance Act.
Although the policy is officially part of the current fiscal year’s agenda, implementation has been delayed until January 2026 to allow time for consultations with stakeholders and to finalize regulatory frameworks.
The move mirrors a similar requirement introduced in Zanzibar in October 2024. However, concerns have been raised by tourism stakeholders regarding the possibility of double charges for travelers who visit both Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania. With both jurisdictions operating separate insurance systems, some fear the policy could result in confusion or added costs for visitors, potentially dampening Tanzania’s competitiveness in the regional tourism market.
Travel Agents and hospitality industry players have welcomed the government’s intention to prioritize visitor health and safety, but have urged for clearer guidelines, especially for tourists who already hold valid international travel insurance. Several industry representatives have suggested that the insurance be made available for purchase online before arrival, to streamline the entry process and avoid long queues at airports or border crossings.
As the country positions itself as a leading destination for tourism in Africa, the government is expected to provide further clarity on the operational aspects of the new insurance requirement in the coming months.
Sources: The Citizen Tanzania, Additional context from Travel and Tour World and Eastleigh Voice reporting on regional tourism policy trends.
Dubai-based Emirates has launched daily flights between Dubai in the UAE and Shenzhen in China, making the city the first in mainland China to receive Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER.
This move sees Shenzhen become Emirates’ fourth destination in mainland China, joining Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou on the airline’s expanding network.
China’s fourth largest city and a renowned tech hub, Shenzhen also offers visitors a vibrant tourism scene, with attractions such as culture-rich theme park Window of the World tourism resort OCT East, home to hiking trails, hotels and golf courses.
The new route will operate daily, departing Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 10:05am and arriving in Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) at 10:00pm. The return flight leaves SZX at 11:55pm, landing in Dubai at 3:40am the following day.
The retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER on this route offers 332 seats, including 8 private First Class suites, 40 lie-flat Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 260 Economy seats, providing passengers with enhanced comfort and choice.
Commenting on the launch, Adnan Kazim, COO at Emirates, said: “Our expansion into Shenzhen opens new doors for business and economic exchange between this technological powerhouse and global markets.”
Emirates’ retrofit programme is progressing at pace, with one aircraft receiving a comprehensive refresh every three weeks. Since the programme began in late 2022, 60 aircraft have been retrofitted, and the airline plans to serve 44 cities with its upgraded Boeing 777 and A380 aircraft by September 2025, expanding to more than 70 cities by the end of 2026.
Alongside Shenzhen, Emirates operates double daily services to both Beijing and Shanghai, and daily flights to Guangzhou.
Dubai-based Emirates Group, which comprises Emirates and Dnata, has seen profits soar in the last year, reaching record highs to become the world’s most profitable airline.
This upward trend indicates Kenya’s increasing appeal to both international tourists and business travelers, driven by improving connectivity and rising regional integration.
The significant growth in inbound data usage reflects Kenya’s strategic position in East Africa. Nairobi continues to attract a growing number of visitors thanks to its role as a commercial capital, and gateway to some of the continent’s most iconic travel destinations.
Roaming Trends: Inbound vs. Outbound
While inbound roaming data grew by over 10%, outbound roaming, referring to Kenyans using mobile data while traveling abroad, has remained relatively unchanged.
This contrast suggests that Kenya continues to receive more international mobile users than it sends out, further affirming its role as a magnet for visitors and investors in the region.
Connectivity and Infrastructure Improvements
Another major contributor to the rise is improved mobile infrastructure. Kenya’s telcos, led by Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom, have heavily invested in expanding 4G coverage and rolling out 5G services in urban areas.
As a result, visitors can now enjoy fast and reliable internet, encouraging higher mobile data consumption while roaming.
Roaming Costs and Regional Integration Efforts
Despite the high cost of roaming across many African countries, initiatives such as the East African One Network Area (ONA) are working to reduce these charges.
Kenya’s participation in such frameworks allows for more affordable cross-border communication within the region, making it easier and cheaper for travelers to stay connected.
A Win for Telcos and the Economy
This growth in roaming data usage also presents opportunities for telecom operators. Increased usage translates to more revenue from roaming partnerships and international agreements.
For the Kenyan economy, it signals growth in key sectors like tourism, hospitality, and ICT.
The 10.6% increase in inbound roaming data usage is a strong indicator of Kenya’s rising global and regional profile.
As tourism rebounds and regional travel deepens, Kenya is well-positioned to benefit from increased mobile connectivity and a growing influx of data-driven visitors.
Nairobi emerged as Africa’s top business travel destination at the World Travel Awards for Africa held in Tanzania last week.
The city won over other contenders, including Kigali, Rwanda; Accra, Ghana; and Lagos, Nigeria. South Africa had four cities competing for the award, namely, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria.
Nairobi was the city to beat, having won the award for more than five years in a row.
Other Kenyan winners in different categories included Kenya Airways, Jambojet, Chale Island, Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort, Fairmont Mt Kenya Safari Club and JW Marriott Masai Mara, which was named Africa’s Leading Tented Safari Camp.
The World Travel Awards edition in Dar es Salaam was the opening leg of World Travel Awards 2025, and was officially the World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2025.
“It has been a privilege to welcome our winners from across Africa and the Indian Ocean to this extraordinary celebration in Tanzania and its thriving capital, Dar es Salaam, “ said Graham Cooke, President & Founder, World Travel Awards.
“Our winners represent the very best of our industry, and we salute their achievements in helping shape the future of travel across the region,” he said
“Hosting the World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2025 has been a milestone moment for Tanzania’s travel and tourism sector, and a unique opportunity to showcase our country’s breath-taking landscapes, vibrant cultures and world-class hospitality to key figures in the travel and tourism sector,” said Ephraim Mafuru, Director General, Tanzania Tourist Board, in a statement released by the organisers.
Nairobi has in recent years seen significant growth in top hotel brands setting up shop. One of the latest high-profile entrants was the JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi which opened in March last year. The property is now Nairobi’s tallest hotel with 35 stories.
Marriott International has announced plans to open two luxury tented safari camps in Kenya.
Renegade Air has officially launched its new ATR 42-500 aircraft service, introducing scheduled flights between Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and Kisumu, alongside flights to Wajir and on-demand charters. The move marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s domestic aviation space, bringing with it enhanced convenience, efficiency, and comfort for both business and leisure travelers.
Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) CEO, Mr. Nicanor Sabula, attended the launch event in support of the airline’s expansion efforts. KATA welcomed the development as a strong step forward in improving regional air connectivity, which is crucial for boosting domestic tourism, trade, and the overall travel ecosystem.
“This is a significant milestone for us and the aviation industry at large,” said Mr. Patrick Oketch of Renegade Air. “We are proud to be at the forefront of domestic aviation innovation, offering a comfortable, reliable, and efficient travel experience aboard this new-generation aircraft.”
The ATR 42-500 is a 48-seater turboprop aircraft designed for maximum comfort and performance. Key features include:
Enhanced legroom with 48 extra-comfortable seats
A 35-minute flight time from Nairobi to Kisumu
A quiet, soundproofed cabin
Fuel-efficient and sustainable operations
Advanced avionics for improved safety and reliability
A spacious cabin layout ensuring a relaxing travel experience
The new Nairobi–Kisumu route will operate twice daily, with the morning flight departing Wilson at 0700hrs and arriving in Kisumu at 0735hrs. The return leg departs at 0800hrs and lands back in Nairobi at 0835hrs. The afternoon flight leaves Wilson at 1645hrs, arrives in Kisumu at 1715hrs, and returns at 1800hrs, arriving in Nairobi at 1835hrs.
With operations set to commence midweek, Renegade Air’s entry into these key routes reflects its commitment to supporting Kenya’s domestic travel infrastructure while maintaining a high standard of service, safety, and sustainability.
KATA continues to champion such advancements in domestic aviation, recognizing that improved accessibility across the country is vital to inclusive growth within Kenya’s travel and tourism industry.
Booking is now open through your KATA-certified travel agenthere, ensuring a smooth and professional reservation experience.
For more information or booking assistance: 📧 res@flyrenegadeair.com 📞 0111 038 900
Kenya Airways has officially started flying directly to London Gatwick, marking a new chapter for the national airline. This new route from Nairobi adds to their growing network and is expected to perform well financially.
According to Kenya Airways’ top managers, they believe this Nairobi–Gatwick route could start making profits in less than a year. With the addition of this new service, Kenya Airways now operates 10 flights to London each week.
Passengers boarding the Boeing 787-8 for the first Gatwick flight may not have realized how important this journey was. Kenya Airways says the new route adds around 700 extra seats for travellers, boosting their overall passenger capacity.
So why was Gatwick chosen? Julius Thairu, the airline’s Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, explained during the 2025 KATA AGM & Convention that London is already one of their biggest revenue sources, contributing over 10% of the airline’s total earnings. But beyond revenue, he emphasized the importance of making that income profitable.
Julius Thairu, Kenya Airways’ Chief Commercial and Customer Officer at the 2025 KATA AGM & Convention
Speaking at the launch event, Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka said the Gatwick route would help move more cargo, increasing their freight capacity by nearly 40%. This means goods can travel faster between Kenya and the UK, opening more doors for Kenyan exporters.
PS Mbaika (2nd left), CS Miano (3rd left), KQ CEO Allan Kilavuka (Centered)
Government leaders also welcomed the move. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said he was hopeful the route could soon grow into a daily service, up from the current three flights per week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
“This is the kind of strategic growth we want to see from Kenya Airways, adding strong routes that support expansion and bring profits,” said Chirchir.
Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, added that aviation plays a key role in the country’s economy, contributing 3.1% of Kenya’s GDP and supporting 46,000 jobs. She said creating more flight opportunities like this one is essential for the industry’s and the country’s growth.
The first flight took off in Nairobi and, after about eight and a half hours, landed at London Gatwick. It carried 171 passengers, marking the beginning of what the airline hopes will be a successful and long-running service between the two cities.
Across the globe, travel expos have become cornerstone events for networking, product showcasing, and destination marketing. From renowned global showcases like ITB Berlin, World Travel Market (WTM) London, and Arabian Travel Market, to Africa’s own Africa’s Travel Indaba, Sanganai/Hlanganani in Zimbabwe, and Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE), these platforms bring together industry stakeholders under one roof. In Kenya, such expos continue to grow in impact, offering a vibrant space for local and international brands to engage meaningfully with trade partners and consumers alike.
The idea of having exhibition booths in an open space or even a hall, each promoting their business, seems like another market day. Over the years, travel expos have morphed into intimate spaces that allow for conversations, stronger connections with the brand, and ultimately, loyal clientele. They are themed to serve a certain need, and all exhibitors align their products to meet that need. It has become almost impossible to attend an expo with a specific need and leave without a solution, as they have become more targeted.
The primary purpose of an exhibition in every industry is brand positioning and boosting sales. It is a marketing strategy that seeks to engage directly with potential clients while collecting one-on-one feedback from them to curate personalized products or solutions, or to make existing products better serve their needs.
The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) is among the organizations that have embraced the idea of impactful exhibitions in the travel and tourism space. In addition to partnering with like-minded organizations such as Houston Marketing, which recently held the Nairobi Spotlight Expo, and Sarit Expo Centre, a key player in hosting sector-focused events, the association has found a way of blending its signature events with a touch of exhibition. The just-concluded 2025 AGM & Convention held at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort in Mombasa brought this out perfectly.
Exhibition Booths at 2025 KATA AGM & Convention
Having a stand or an exhibition booth is one thing, but getting visitors is another. In travel exhibitions, motivations to visit a stand vary from acquiring information about a product to buy, fishing for special or discounted deals, being attracted by the booth’s aesthetic design, being familiar with the brand, or simply wanting to connect with the exhibitors.
Exhibition Booths at 2025 KATA AGM & Convention
As a sales promotion opportunity for exhibiting partners, KATA made an effort to ensure that at least 75% of the delegates at the 2025 KATA AGM & Convention visited the booths. The association designed a special card to be signed by exhibitors after a visit. Delegates then dropped the completed card into a raffle bowl to win special prizes. While there are obvious gaps in this strategy, it ensured that the booths did not remain empty.
Exhibition Booths at 2025 KATA AGM & Convention
Exhibitors included Sarova Hotels, Delta Airlines, Swift Response, Tbo.com, Triply.co, Sapphire Hotels, Telvoip, Vipingo Development, WebBeds, Kenya Airways, TAAG Angola Airlines, Visa, Jambojet, Skyward Airlines, Amadeus, Flightlink, The Route Stop, White Star Cruise & Travels, Nucore, The Tour Designers, Tengesi Collection, NBCAIG Insurance, and Mira Heights. They appreciated the forum as a well-curated space for direct engagement, lead generation, and brand exposure. With increasing specialization and targeted experiences, travel expos are fast emerging as the next big thing in tourism marketing.
The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), through its Coast Region Liaison, Mr. Patrick Maina Kamanga, participated in a high-level consultative meeting led by the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Hon. Rebecca Miano, EGH, and the CEO of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). Held at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort, Convention and Spa in Mombasa, the meeting convened key stakeholders from across the tourism ecosystem to discuss Kenya’s strategic positioning in the regional Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) space.
The engagement provided a platform for tourism associations to receive critical updates on government strategies aimed at making Kenya a top-tier MICE destination in Africa. Representing the interests of travel agents and tour operators at the Coast, KATA tabled several priority issues geared toward revitalizing the region’s tourism economy.
Among the key recommendations presented by KATA were the urgent need to:
Improve air accessibility to Mombasa through increased flight frequencies and connections.
Establish a ring-fenced marketing budget dedicated to promoting the Kenya Coast, with implementation guided by a joint KATA-Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) committee.
Accelerate infrastructural improvements, including the expansion of the Malindi Airport runway and completion of major roadworks crucial for tourism logistics and accessibility.
Through sustained policy engagement and public-private sector collaboration, KATA continues to champion transformative investments and regulatory support that elevate Kenya’s global tourism competitiveness, particularly for the under-leveraged coastal belt.
Unlocking Coastal Opportunities: KATA Hosts Mnarani Club Familiarization Trip
As part of its commitment to equipping members with actionable market insights and strengthening supplier networks, KATA recently facilitated a familiarization trip to Mnarani Club & Spa. This hands-on excursion enabled members to conduct on-site inspections, evaluate product offerings, and explore new experiential travel opportunities along the Coast.
From engaging in in-depth property tours to networking over curated beachside barbeques, the trip allowed travel professionals to gather critical knowledge on the region’s hospitality infrastructure and its potential for bespoke travel packages.
Participants praised the initiative for providing not just a discovery platform but also business-to-business engagement opportunities essential for travel packaging, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
By curating immersive, experience-driven interactions, KATA reaffirmed its commitment to helping members diversify their offerings and respond proactively to evolving travel trends. These efforts underscore the association’s broader vision of catalysing innovation, knowledge-sharing, and growth within Kenya’s travel industry.
Upcoming Event: Inter-Regional Agriculture Symposium – Mombasa, 23–26 September 2025
KATA, in partnership with Lamp Serge Group – Botswana, will co-host the Inter-Regional Agriculture Symposium in Mombasa, bringing together 50 delegates from seven African countries. A special excursion day on 25th September will feature curated coastal tours, including city, marine, and dolphin experiences.
As Kenya’s tourism industry continues its post-pandemic rebound, boosted by a 15% increase in international arrivals and policy reforms, including visa liberalization, the 2025 KATA AGM & Convention convened in Mombasa to chart a unified path forward. Held at the PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort, the three-day conference gathered regional travel agents, policymakers, and aviation giants under the unifying theme “Going Further, together.” The Event convened over 350 attendees, charting a coordinated strategy to propel Kenya’s tourism and travel industry into a sustainable future.
The 2025 Convention launched with a commanding start- a high-impact Masterclass on Selling Cruise Travel, led by industry visionaries Irshaad Yasseen of Whitestar Cruise and Travel and Ruhan Shah of Holiday Bazaar. Far from a routine breakout session, this experience served as a strategic ignition point, pulling back the curtain on one of travel’s most untapped frontiers.
With cruise travel rapidly gaining traction among African travelers, delegates were immersed in the art and science of selling maritime experiences, from segment profiling and itinerary customization to demystifying the complexities of cruise pricing, product packaging, and customer education. By the end of the session, travel sellers left not only better equipped but genuinely inspired to champion cruise products as a new revenue stream.
Policy & Government Collaboration: Laying the Foundations of Regional Growth
Friday’s plenary took a definitive stance: sustainable travel growth cannot happen in silos. Dr. Joseph Kithitu (KATA Chairman), Nicanor Sabula (CEO, KATA), Patrick Kamanga (KATA Coast Chair), and Julius Thairu (Kenya Airways) opened with a resounding message—partnership is policy, and policy must be co-authored by both sectors.
Delivering the keynote address, Sunil Kumar, President of the Universal Federation of Travel Agents’ Associations (UFTAA), urged local players to step onto the global advocacy stage. He advised travel agents to mobilize as a region, not just as a market.
The day’s heavyweight policy panel brought together four key institutions: Francis Gichaba (Kenya Tourism Board), Norbert Talam (Tourism Regulatory Authority), Mark Rachuonyo (Kenya Utalii College), and David Gitonga (Tourism Research Institute). Discussions spanned regulatory streamlining, talent pipeline investments, research-backed marketing, and institutional collaboration. It became clear that Kenya’s sectoral momentum would be measured not just by arrivals, but by alignment.
Saturday morning picked up that baton, with Hon. Teresia Mbaika, Principal Secretary for Aviation & Aerospace, unveiling infrastructural reforms and government-led modernization plans. She was followed by H.E. Mário Constantino, Angola’s Ambassador to Kenya, whose remarks reframed trade diplomacy as a tool for air access and regional mobility.
Market Infrastructure: Retail, Aviation & Distribution
At the intersection of seamless travel and scalable business, this session stream tackled the infrastructure that powers industry momentum, from payment rails to airspace.
Mary Kangethe of Visa Kenya opened with an incisive perspective on how frictionless payment systems are no longer a luxury but a necessity. In an age of digital-first travelers, she underscored the importance of aligning financial technology with consumer expectations, particularly in bookings, cancellations, and cross-border spending. Her case study on Visa’s regional integration efforts highlighted how fintech is quietly becoming the connective tissue between travel and trust.
From there, the stage shifted to partner showcases that unraveled the complex web of travel distribution. Louis Arnaud of Amadeus East Africa explored retail transformation through smart content and API-based ecosystems, emphasizing how travel agents must adapt to a modular, omnichannel future. Nadaa Ghozzi of WebBeds offered insights into B2B accommodation aggregation, calling attention to how digital wholesalers are bridging price, availability, and regional reach. George Mawadri, TAAG Angola Airlines’ Regional Sales Director, weighed in on network strategy, product packaging, and destination differentiation, particularly Angola’s re-emergence as a multi-sector tourism player.
The Airlines Round Table, masterfully moderated by Maureen Kahonge of AFRAA, brought together four operational leaders navigating the region’s post-pandemic airscape. Julius Thairu (Kenya Airways), Diana Nyambura (Skyward Airlines), Karanja Ndegwa (Jambojet), and Betty Ingabire (RwandAir) offered honest reflections on regulatory strain, infrastructure deficits, fleet modernization, and load factor economics. The tone was collegial yet candid, with panelists collectively calling for policy streamlining, fairer levies, and competitive open skies frameworks to spur growth and sustainability.
Agent Power & Regional Identity: The Core of Collaborative Travel
Few sessions captured the heartbeat of pan-African travel collaboration like the Travel Agents Round Table. Convened under the stewardship of Hamisi Hassan (Vice Chairman, KATA), the discussion brought together formidable trade leaders: Folami Yinka (President, NANTA – Nigeria), Hamida Malik (Chairperson, TAAZ – Zambia), Pearl Hoareau (Vice Chair, TUGATA – Uganda), and Dr. Joseph Kithitu (Chairman, KATA – Kenya).
Framed by a rapidly shifting travel landscape, where global distribution systems evolve, digital customer engagement intensifies, and booking behaviors diversify, this session explored how national associations can move from passive participation to active co-creation of regional travel policy and opportunity pipelines. From cross-border training programs to unified advocacy on airline incentives and taxation structures, the dialogue emphasized that travel agents are not just intermediaries; they are architects of regional economic development.
Capping this theme of collective resilience was a bold departure from boardroom jargon: Olympic medalist Janeth Jepkosgei took the floor with a keynote unlike any other. Her talk, “What the Track Taught Me About Partnerships and Progress,” drew parallels between team relays and industry strategy, underscoring that a seamless baton pass, shared cadence, and trust in the next runner are what ultimately win races and markets.
This convergence of trade wisdom and athletic metaphor breathed fresh urgency into the Convention’s core message: no single market, agent, or nation can scale alone; collaboration is the continent’s competitive edge.
Tech Frontiers & Compliance: Reimagining Travel Through Innovation
As the travel landscape continues to digitize at pace, the convention’s final panel provided a fitting close: a sharp, future-forward session that examined how technology, regulation, and human capital must evolve in sync.
Moderated by Geoffrey Kobia (Managing Director, Greattimes Tours & Travel), the panel featured Ronald Okumu (AI Connect Ltd), Mutua Mutuku (Data Privacy and Governance Society of Kenya), and Wycliffe Ndege (Mugweru & Ndege Advocates). Together, they tackled emerging tensions between personalization and privacy, automation and employment, innovation and legislation. With travel agencies increasingly adopting AI tools for dynamic pricing, itinerary planning, and client engagement, the need for clear ethical boundaries and legal frameworks came into sharp focus.
Ronald Okumu spoke to the rise of generative AI in customer service and travel design, while flagging the importance of algorithmic transparency. Mutua Mutuku brought a regulatory lens, urging agents and tour operators to build data-responsible cultures in compliance with Kenya’s data protection laws. Wycliffe Ndege added the legal perspective, highlighting where contract law, consumer protection, and employment policy will need to adapt as digitalization reshapes operational norms.
Crucially, the discussion did not isolate technology from people. Instead, it emphasized that training, trust-building, and transparent systems are foundational if travel is to remain human-centered in a tech-led era.
Leadership Continuity & Cultural Closure: A Fitting Finale
Beyond strategy and sessions, the Convention culminated in both governance renewal and an unforgettable celebration. At the Annual General Meeting (AGM), KATA members unanimously re-elected the entire board for another two-year term, a show of unity that reaffirmed confidence in the Association’s leadership and strategic path. The Board pledged to build on progress made, with renewed focus on industry advocacy, capacity building, and member growth in the years ahead.
A Celebration of Culture, Cuisine & Coastal Magic
Closing the Convention with flair and festivity, delegates were treated to two signature dinners that transcended hospitality; they told a story.
On Friday, the “Back to the Roots” Gala Dinner, co-hosted with Kenya Tourism Board, transported guests into an immersive cultural showcase celebrating Kenya’s heritage. Set under the stars at PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort, the evening featured live music, traditional dances, and culinary storytelling. Coastal flavors reigned supreme, from spiced seafood to slow-roasted delicacies, crafted as a tribute to the region’s gastronomic legacy.
Saturday’s “Swahili Kanga Wear Dinner,” sponsored by the Tourism Promotion Fund and hosted at the PrideInn Paradise Expo Centre, guests were to dress in vibrant Swahili prints and indulge in a journey through East African cuisineand a dazzling firework display that lit up the Mombasa skyline. Food stalls and plated service offered tastes from all over the world, while curated entertainment included acrobatic troupes, music, and rhythmic drumming sessions that had delegates on their feet.
Both evenings were not just meals, they were experiential expressions of identity, unity, and joy, perfectly aligning with the Convention’s overarching theme: Going Further, Together.
The event drew strength from its sponsors: Kenya Airways as Platinum Sponsor, and TAAG Angola Airlines, Visa, Jambojet, Skyward Airlines, Amadeus, and WebBeds as Silver Sponsors. Exhibitors, including Sarova , Delta Airlines, Swift Response, Tbo.com, Triplycos, MIRA Heights ,S aphire Hotels, Telvoip, and Vipingo Development, activated interactive booths, making product knowledge a part of the delegate journey.
We’ve all been there – you think you’ve found a decently priced budget flight to a European destination, only to be hit with a huge fee for your hand luggage. Well, it looks like those days are numbered, as lawmakers have just voted to scrap hand luggage fees on airlines across the European Union.
The proposal will allow holidaymakers to travel with carry-on luggage up to 7 kilograms with no extra fee – and that’s on top of your under-the-seat backpack, too.
According to the European Parliament’s press release, vice-president of the EU Committee on Transport and Tourism Matteo Ricci said the move ‘marks an important step toward fairer and more transparent travel’ and will ‘introduce concrete measures such as the clear definition of free hand luggage up to a maximum size of 100cm, a fundamental right to avoid unjustified extra costs.’
Obviously, this is a massive win for travellers, but not everyone’s happy about it. It’s expected to hit low-cost airlines particularly hard – Ryanair, for example, made €4.7 billion last year from charging extra fees like seat selection and baggage costs.
While airline lobbies have warned that the ruling could mean carriers will end up increasing their ticket prices to make up for the costs, the ruling is part of wider reforms proposed by the European Parliament on passenger rights.
Further measures include allowing children under 12 to sit with their accompanying passenger free of charge, granting free seats to carers of people with reduced mobility, and forcing airlines to disclose the full cost of flights upfront.
All in all, this is very good news for passengers. It’s not clear when the ruling will kick in, as the proposals still need to get the final green light in a parliamentary vote. Keep an eye on this page for further details.
