ASKY Airlines has announced significant enhancements to its ASKYCLUB frequent flyer programme, introducing a more flexible system that allows members to earn elite status based on either miles travelled or the number of flights completed.

The changes, aimed at rewarding a broader range of frequent travellers, mark a shift from the programme’s previous structure, where status upgrades were determined solely by accumulated miles.

Under the revised framework, members can now qualify for status upgrades by meeting whichever threshold they achieve first—either mileage accumulation or flight frequency.

To attain SILVER status, members must now either accumulate 25,000 miles or complete 20 flights within a 12-month period. This means travellers who fly frequently on shorter regional routes can earn elite status even if they do not reach the mileage requirement.

The airline says the move reflects its commitment to enhancing customer experience while ensuring loyalty benefits are more accessible and equitable across its diverse route network.

“The objective is to offer greater fairness and better recognition to all frequent travellers,” the airline noted in announcing the changes.

The revised structure also introduces a more personalised validity period. Status validity will now begin from the date a member achieves a new tier rather than following a fixed calendar cycle.

Once members attain SILVER status, which remains valid for 12 months, they must earn 25,000 miles or complete 20 flights to retain the tier. To advance to GOLD status, members must accumulate 50,000 miles or complete 48 flights within the qualification period.

GOLD members, whose status is also valid for 12 months, can maintain their tier through the same thresholds of 50,000 miles or 48 flights. Advancement to the highest level, BLACK status, requires either 100,000 miles or 90 flights.

BLACK status, valid for 24 months, can be maintained through the same qualification requirements. Members who fail to meet the renewal criteria will be downgraded to the next lower tier.

The airline further explained that qualification counters reset each time a member reaches a new status level, creating a fresh earning period for future upgrades or renewals.

In addition to status recognition, ASKYCLUB members continue to enjoy bonus mileage rewards. SILVER members receive a 25 per cent mileage bonus on eligible flights, GOLD members earn a 50 per cent bonus, while BLACK members benefit from a 100 per cent mileage bonus on every qualifying journey.

The airline said the programme enhancements align ASKYCLUB with international loyalty programme standards while taking into account the realities of both regional and long-haul travel across its network.

ASKY also reminded members of the importance of ensuring their loyalty details are correctly captured during booking and check-in to receive mileage credit. The airline noted that members must be enrolled in the programme, provide their membership number when travelling, and ensure the name on their loyalty account matches the reservation exactly.

Miles remain valid for four years if unused.

Members can redeem accumulated miles for award tickets, cabin upgrades, and excess baggage allowances. Additional options include transferring miles to other programme members, purchasing extra miles, reinstating expired miles within three months, and extending the validity of miles for up to one year.

With the latest changes, ASKYCLUB aims to provide greater flexibility, stronger recognition, and enhanced rewards for travellers across its growing African network.

Kenya Airways, the national carrier of Kenya, together with ALL Accor, the powerful booking platform and loyalty programme of global hospitality leader Accor, is proud to announce a strategic partnership. This collaboration makes Kenya Airways the first African airline to partner with the globally renowned programme.

Through this partnership, members of Asante Rewards and ALL Accor can seamlessly earn and redeem points across both platforms, unlocking greater flexibility, enhanced value, and a more rewarding experience both in the air and on the ground. Members can exchange their rewards effortlessly through seamless two-way conversions, 3,000 Asante Rewards points can be converted into 1,000 ALL Accor Reward points, and 3,000 ALL Accor points can be converted into 1000 Asante reward points redeemable across Accor’s 5,800+ hotels and over 45 brands worldwide, from complimentary nights and in-hotel privileges to exclusive lifestyle experiences. Likewise, ALL Accor members will enjoy access to Kenya Airways rewards, including flights and travel-related benefits.

“Our partnership with Kenya Airways marks a pivotal moment, responding to the demand for connected, experience-driven travel across Africa and the Middle East where loyalty is key. By bringing hospitality and aviation together, we’re significantly enhancing the ALL Accor ecosystem by providing members with seamless access across our 45+ brands, from luxury to economy, including stays, dining, and exclusive events. This collaboration empowers our members with greater flexibility, stronger recognition, and more avenues to transform points into truly meaningful travel experiences,” said Kerry Healy, Chief Commercial Officer for Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy brands in the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.

Raki Phillips, Regional President, Premium, Midscale and Economy, Middle East, Africa & Türkiye, at Accor added: “This partnership reflects the growing momentum of Africa and the Middle East as increasingly connected travel markets. For our guests, this makes travel feel easier and more connected. Kenya is a key market for us, and through this partnership their journey flows seamlessly from flight to stay, earning and redeeming along the way. It’s about simple, intuitive experiences that feel genuinely rewarding, wherever they go.”

Speaking on the partnership, Julius Thairu, Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer officer said: “This collaboration represents a significant milestone not only for Kenya Airways, but for African aviation. As the first airline on the continent to partner with ALL Accor, we are proud to give our loyal customers even more ways to earn, convert, and redeem their rewards across a world of travel and hospitality experiences.”

This strategic partnership combines the strength of Kenya Airways’ growing global network with Accor’s global footprint of 5,800+ properties across more than 110 countries, spanning all segments including well-known brands such as ibis, Novotel, Pullman, Swissôtel, Sofitel, Fairmont and Raffles.

Members can now enjoy a seamless travel and lifestyle experience by redeeming their points for flights across Kenya Airways and its SkyTeam partners’ regional and international destinations, as well as lounge access and additional baggage as well as across Accor’s network for stays dining, wellness, and lifestyle experiences, delivering greater travel flexibility and enhanced loyalty rewards value.

With more than 100 million members worldwide, ALL Accor continues to grow rapidly and plays a central role in enhancing guest engagement across the Accor ecosystem. Members of both programmes can begin enjoying the new benefits through their respective loyalty platforms.

Source: breakingtravelnews.com

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Google announced today the launch of Map Your Dubai: Insider Edition, an initiative to support the local F&B sector.

Local guides, a global community of volunteers who write reviews on Google Maps, will be sharing their favorite lists of restaurants and cafes, followed by public voting to drive more visits and growth to local businesses.

The initiative was launched during an exclusive Breakfast Club experience at the historic Etihad Museum, attended by Ahmad Almheiri, CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of DET, and other senior officials, homegrown culinary entrepreneurs, and influential content creators from the regional food community.

Developed as part of From Dubai, For Dubai, DET’s community-led movement to support the people, businesses, and ideas that shape everyday life in the city, Map Your Dubai encourages residents, visitors, creators, and digital communities to discover and recommend Dubai-based businesses.

By bringing existing initiatives and acts of support under one shared narrative, the campaign invites people to choose local, share the stories behind the businesses they love, and contribute to a more connected local economy.

The Map Your Dubai initiative empowers Dubai’s passionate Local Guide community to build highly curated, thematic lists directly on Google Maps, spotlighting the city’s best-kept culinary secrets and neighbourhood hidden gems.

The Local Guides are active users on Google Maps who shape the platform by leaving reviews, uploading photos, answering questions, and editing location details.

The public is invited to explore the 11 insider-curated lists consolidated on the official campaign portal (MapYourDubai,com), exploring and visiting them directly through their personal Google Maps accounts, and casting their votes for their favourite culinary lists.

Voting will open on June 22, 2026 and will remain open until July 6, 2026, with the winning Local Guides celebrated across official social channels.

Commenting on this initiative, Anthony Nakache, Managing Director at Google MENA, said, “Map Your Dubai: Insider Edition empowers Google Local Guides to transform their authentic city knowledge into a powerful community movement. We are driven to enable, support small and homegrown F&B businesses by equipping them with tools they need to stay competitive and reach new audiences. We are deeply committed alongside the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism to support the region’s F&B business sector.”

Almheiri said: “The Map Your Dubai initiative reflects what makes Dubai distinctive: a city shaped by the diversity of its people, cultures, businesses, and experiences, and strengthened by the partnerships that bring them together. Through From Dubai, For Dubai, and in collaboration with Google, we are building on Dubai’s long-standing approach to community-led storytelling, from #MyDubai to MyDubai Communities, where residents, creators, and visitors play an active role in shaping the narrative of the city. This initiative also builds on previous collaborations with Google to highlight Dubai’s offering through digital discovery and community participation. It is a strong example of how public-private collaboration, digital platforms, and local voices can translate discovery into real economic value for Dubai-based businesses. By increasing visibility for local F&B concepts and homegrown brands, Map Your Dubai reinforces Dubai’s position as a global gastronomy hub and the best city to visit, live, and work in, while supporting long-term resilience and sustainable growth aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.” 

Source: ttnworldwide.com

Etihad Airways and Emirates airline are planning to offer insurance for international passengers to reassure travellers flying into the UAE amid the Iran war.

Etihad announced on Friday that it is partnering with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi to provide free medical travel insurance. This will be offered with insurer Daman to all international visitors arriving in Abu Dhabi on Etihad-operated flights.

In a statement, Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways chief executive, said: “Abu Dhabi is one of the most captivating destinations in the world, and our job is to make both getting here and being here as seamless as possible.

 “Giving comprehensive medical insurance with every eligible Etihad ticket means our guests can focus entirely on experiencing the extraordinary Emirati hospitality Abu Dhabi has to offer. This is what it looks like when an airline and a destination truly invest in their visitors.”

Emirates airline is yet to announce its full insurance offering. However, its president Tim Clark told Reuters on Tuesday that the company plans to offer “incentives other than price”.

“That could be a new means of ensuring their safety of operation, for instance,” Clark said. “We’ll take care of all of that, including flying them on other carriers, if necessary, to bring them home or get the kids into school.”

In an interview with the Financial Times, Clark elaborated on the plans to help stranded passengers, saying the airline would guarantee “we would get you back irrespective [of whether it is] on Emirates or not”.

Air travel in the Gulf is ramping up amid a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran. The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority announced the full resumption of air traffic operations in the country on May 2.

On June 9, Emirates and Etihad operated 435 and 247 flights, respectively, compared to 531 and 334 flights operated on February 27, the day before the war broke out.

Insurance provided with Etihad tickets

The insurance offered by Etihad will be valid from July to December.

It will cover eligible visitors for up to 15 days in the UAE and no formal application is required. Instead, coverage is automatically given with every qualifying Etihad ticket.

Any guest flying to Abu Dhabi on an Etihad-operated service, with point of origin and point of sale outside the UAE, is eligible. This will also include travellers using Etihad’s complimentary stopover programme, who will be covered for the duration of their stay.

Source: thenationalnews.com

Rwanda Joins Republic of Congo, Togo, Ghana, Benin, Seychelles, The Gambia, Kenya, Senegal, Mauritius, South Africa, Morocco and Others in Accelerating Borderless African Travel, What Is Driving the Visa-Free Revolution.

Rwanda is now joining with the Republic of Congo, Togo, Ghana, Benin, Seychelles, The Gambia, Kenya, Senegal, Mauritius, South Africa, Morocco and Others in Accelerating Borderless African Travel, What Is Driving the Visa-Free Revolution. Rwanda is once again drawing international attention after its landmark decision to grant visa-free access to all African passport holders, a move that has inspired a growing number of countries to open their borders across the continent. The latest nations to join this trend are the Republic of Congo and Togo, both of which have introduced visa-free entry policies for African travelers, further strengthening efforts to improve tourism, business  travel, and regional mobility throughout Africa.

The developments represent one of the most significant shifts in African travel policy in recent years. As more governments remove visa barriers, travelers are gaining easier access to destinations that were previously subject to complex entry procedures and advance approvals.

Republic of Congo and Togo Become the Newest Members of Africa’s Visa-Free Movement

The Republic of Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, has officially waived visa requirements for African travelers, becoming one of the newest supporters of unrestricted continental movement. The decision is expected to support tourism development, regional commerce, and economic cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Togo has also opened its borders to African nationals by removing pre-arrival visa requirements. The move is designed to encourage greater regional mobility, facilitate business travel, and strengthen tourism flows between West African nations and the broader continent.

Together, these decisions expand the growing network of destinations embracing easier travel access for African citizens.

Rwanda’s Decision Became a Turning Point for African Tourism

Among all recent developments, Rwanda’s policy attracted global attention due to its continent-wide scope. By removing visa restrictions for African citizens, Rwanda positioned itself as one of Africa’s most open destinations for regional travel.

The policy aligns with broader objectives focused on African integration, tourism expansion, and economic cooperation. Rwanda’s tourism sector has increasingly benefited from its reputation as an accessible destination offering wildlife experiences, conference tourism, cultural attractions, and business opportunities.

The country’s approach has encouraged discussions among governments seeking to increase visitor arrivals and strengthen regional connectivity.

Seychelles Remains Africa’s Longstanding Open-Door Pioneer

Long before visa-free travel became a widespread discussion across Africa, Seychelles established itself as one of the world’s most accessible destinations. The island nation has historically welcomed visitors from around the globe without requiring traditional visas.

Travelers are generally required to complete an Electronic Travel Authorization process before arrival, but the country’s broader philosophy has centered on encouraging international tourism rather than restricting access.

This openness has contributed significantly to Seychelles’ position as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations, attracting visitors seeking luxury resorts, beaches, marine experiences, and nature-based tourism.

Benin and the Gambia Helped Shape the Modern Movement

Benin became one of Africa’s early reformers when it removed visa requirements for all African citizens in 2017. The decision was aimed at encouraging tourism, trade, investment, and people-to-people connections across the continent.

The Gambia followed with its own continent-wide visa-free policy in 2020. The country’s decision reinforced growing momentum behind the concept of unrestricted African travel and demonstrated increasing political support for greater mobility.

Both countries are frequently recognised for helping lay the foundation for the broader visa liberalisation movement now spreading across Africa.

Ghana’s Africa Day Announcement Strengthened Regional Momentum

Ghana’s recent implementation of visa-free access for all African citizens marked another important milestone. Timed to coincide with Africa Day celebrations, the policy reflected growing support for stronger continental integration.

Ghana has long been one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations, attracting visitors through heritage tourism, cultural festivals, business opportunities, and diaspora travel programs.

The introduction of unrestricted access is expected to strengthen the country’s appeal as a regional tourism and investment hub.

Visa-Free Travel Could Transform African Tourism Flows

Tourism experts have frequently identified visa requirements as one of the barriers limiting travel within Africa. Despite the continent’s vast tourism potential, many travelers have historically faced administrative requirements when visiting neighbouring countries.

The expansion of visa-free policies may help unlock new travel patterns by encouraging multi-country itineraries, regional tourism circuits, and increased cross-border exploration.

Travelers who once focused primarily on long-haul international destinations may increasingly consider neighboring African countries as accessible tourism options.

AfCFTA Adds Momentum to Cross-Border Mobility

The African Continental Free Trade Area has become one of the most important drivers of discussions surrounding regional mobility. While primarily focused on trade and economic integration, easier movement of people supports many of the agreement’s broader objectives.

Business travelers, entrepreneurs, investors, conference delegates, and tourists all benefit from simplified border procedures. As more countries embrace visa-free  travel, the practical benefits of continental integration become increasingly visible.

Improved mobility also supports airline connectivity, hospitality development, and tourism investment throughout the region.

Travelers Still Need Essential Documents before Departure

Although these destinations are adopting visa-free policies, travelers should not assume entry is completely documentation-free. Most countries continue to require valid passports, often with at least six months of remaining validity.

Visitors may also be asked to provide proof of onward or return travel, accommodation details, and health documentation where applicable. Yellow Fever vaccination certificates remain particularly important for travel between several African countries.

Preparing these documents in advance remains an important part of international travel planning.

Africa’s Tourism Future Is Becoming More Connected

The expansion of visa-free access across Rwanda, the Republic of Congo, Togo, Ghana, Benin, Seychelles, and The Gambia highlights a growing commitment to making African travel easier and more accessible. As governments continue reducing barriers to movement, the continent’s tourism industry could benefit from stronger regional demand, increased visitor flows, and deeper economic connections.

Conclusion

Rwanda Joins Republic of Congo, Togo, Ghana, Benin, Seychelles, The Gambia, Kenya, Senegal, Mauritius, South Africa, Morocco and Others in Accelerating Borderless African Travel, What Is Driving the Visa-Free Revolution. Rwanda’s landmark visa-free policy has helped accelerate a wider movement that is reshaping travel across Africa. With the Republic of Congo and Togo becoming the latest nations to open their borders to African travelers, the continent is moving toward greater mobility and connectivity. As more countries embrace unrestricted access and support the goals of continental integration, Africa’s tourism sector is positioning itself for a future defined by easier travel, stronger regional exploration, and expanding cross-border opportunities.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

The ballroom at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa fell into thoughtful silence on Friday 5^th June 2026, as Dr. Julius Kipng’etich took the stage. Speaking to more than 350 delegates gathered for the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) AGM & Convention in Mombasa, the Group CEO of Jubilee Holdings delivered a keynote that was less about tourism statistics and more about the kind of leadership required to build institutions that outlive their founders.

Under the convention theme, “The Journey: Build to Last,” his message was clear: Kenya’s tourism industry has immense potential, but potential alone is not a strategy.

“We’re not ready. We have modest ambitions,” he observed. “Firm. True. Factual. But reassuring. Let’s be more ambitious.”

It was a challenge directed not only at travel agents, but at the entire tourism ecosystem. Great industries, like great institutions, are built on clear ambitions, through collaboration, shared purpose and collective ambition.

He urged delegates to rethink Kenya’s place in the global tourism marketplace. While destinations around the world have successfully defined and communicated a clear identity, Kenya’s proposition remains blurred.

“What’s the selling point for France tourism? Romance. Architecture. Good food and wine,” he said. “Kenya can sell romance.”

The room responded with curiosity, but the point was deeper than the example itself. Countries that succeed in tourism understand exactly who they are and what they stand for. Kenya, he argued, must do the same.

“We need to define ourselves much more clearly. Our travellers don’t understand us. They don’t know if Kenya is a high-end or low-end destination.”

At a time when Kenya welcomes approximately 2.7 million visitors annually, Dr. Kipng’etich believes the country is thinking far too small.

“We need to redefine ourselves as an industry. We are receiving 2.7 million tourists. We have to define who we want and where. 2.7 million tourists is too little for Kenya.”

His vision is bold.

“If we don’t do 10 million tourists by 2035, we would have let Kenyans down.”

The challenge was not merely about increasing arrivals. It was about transforming tourism into a force capable of creating jobs, driving investment and providing opportunities for Kenya’s young population.

“Tourism is a solution to many of the vices affecting young people,” he noted.

That future, he insisted, belongs to Africa.

“I want you to be a bit bolder, scared. The future of tourism is here in Africa.”

He questioned whether the industry is keeping pace with the demographic realities shaping tomorrow’s traveller.

“How can the industry be thinking old yet the average traveller in Kenya is 19 years old?”

His call was for a sector that embraces innovation, technology and new consumer expectations instead of relying on models that worked decades ago.

The answer, according to Dr. Kipng’etich, lies in reimagining the tourism product itself.

While Kenya’s beaches and wildlife remain world-class assets, he challenged stakeholders to think beyond traditional offerings.

“In Mombasa we can sell the beach and Tsavo. What is lacking is ambition.”

He advocated for diversification into adjacent sectors such as agritourism.

“We need to build tourism around agriculture. This connects ecosystems that are disconnected.”

The proposal reflected a broader belief that tourism should be integrated into the wider economy, creating value chains that benefit communities, farmers, entrepreneurs and destinations alike.

Yet perhaps the most powerful section of his keynote focused on leadership itself.

“Great institutions are not built by charisma alone. They are built by values, systems, people and disciplined leadership.”

For delegates gathered under the banner of Build to Last, the statement became a guiding principle for what followed.

Drawing from his own leadership experience, Dr. Kipng’etich outlined four pillars for building lasting businesses and institutions.

The first was purpose before profit.

“Purpose before profit,” he emphasized, urging leaders to be courageous and relentlessly focused on customer experience.

The second was values.

“Values are the foundation,” he said, explaining that businesses strengthen the character of their products and services by anchoring them in principles that customers can trust.

The third pillar was systems.

“Building strong systems,” he noted, is what separates organisations that survive from those that endure.

For him, systems are the procedures, structures and seamless connections that create consistency for customers and continuity for future generations.

“Systems become a legacy.”

The fourth pillar was governance and accountability.

“Entire systems must be accountable,” he said. “If you have a good character, a good reputation will come. That’s how we will have 10 million tourists.”

He described accountability not as a compliance exercise, but as a culture that reinforces trust across the tourism ecosystem.

Equally important were people.

“People and culture are the cornerstone of the tourism industry.”

In an industry built on service, experiences and human interaction, investing in people remains one of the most enduring competitive advantages.

Throughout his address, Dr. Kipng’etich drew inspiration from notable African voices.

Quoting the late Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai, he reminded delegates that transformational change often begins with individual action.

“It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees.”

He also referenced Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o’s famous words:

“No matter where you are from, your dreams are valid.”

The message resonated with the broader conversation about Kenya’s tourism future. Ambitious goals are only impossible until a sector collectively decides they are achievable.

As he brought his keynote to a close, Dr. Kipng’etich returned to the essence of leadership and legacy.

“The true measure of leadership is not what we achieve during our tenure, but what continues to flourish long after we are gone.”

It was a fitting conclusion for a convention dedicated to building institutions that endure.

For the more than 350 travel professionals gathered in Mombasa, the keynote served as both a challenge and an invitation: to think bigger, collaborate more intentionally, redefine Kenya’s value proposition, diversify tourism products, and build businesses rooted in purpose, values, systems, people and accountability.

Because if Kenya is to realise the vision of 10 million visitors by 2035, it will require more than optimism.

It will require ambition.

And, as Dr. Kipng’etich reminded the industry, ambition is ultimately a choice.