Kenya Airways continues to enhance inclusive air travel through its KQ Ezesha program, a dedicated initiative designed to make flying more accessible, affordable, and seamless for persons with disabilities (PWDs). The program underscores the airline’s commitment to ensuring that all passengers, regardless of ability, can travel safely and comfortably.
KQ Ezesha, which translates to “to validate and empower,” addresses longstanding barriers that have limited PWD participation in air travel. Studies indicate that roughly 70% of PWDs avoid flying due to cost, limited accessibility, and insufficient support services. The program responds by offering discounted fares, tailored assistance, and accessible travel solutions across the passenger journey.
Travelers under the program benefit from up to 18% off international flights and 10% off domestic flights, along with dedicated support from booking through boarding. Beyond air travel, KQ Ezesha partners with accessible transport providers, hotels, and tour operators to ensure safe and convenient transfers, accommodations, and sightseeing experiences.
The initiative also promotes global inclusion, supporting international conferences that champion accessibility and inclusivity, such as the Inclusive Africa Conference and the World Deaf Federation Conference, with special travel benefits for participants.
By integrating these measures, Kenya Airways reinforces its position as a regional leader in inclusive air travel, providing a model for both airlines and tourism stakeholders in Africa. The program is available at Kenya Airways CTO and ATO offices across East Africa, offering travelers and agents alike an opportunity to engage in a more accessible and dignified travel experience.
KQ Ezesha demonstrates how airlines can combine operational accessibility, affordability, and advocacy to expand opportunities for all travelers, highlighting the airline’s ongoing commitment to inclusive tourism across the continent.
Flydubai, the Middle East’s prominent low-cost carrier, has completed a major transformation into a full-service airline, upgrading its offerings to include meals, in-flight entertainment, and enhanced cabin services. The move marks a new era for passengers and positions the airline as a stronger competitor in the global aviation market.
For years, Flydubai operated on a low-cost, à-la-carte model where meals, baggage, and in-flight entertainment were purchased separately. As of 2026, the airline now provides these amenities as part of the standard fare, both in economy and business class. Economy passengers can now enjoy hot meals, complimentary drinks, and a wide range of entertainment options, including movies, music, and interactive features. Business class travellers benefit from spacious seating, lie-flat options on select aircraft, lounge access, and priority services, aligning the airline with traditional full-service carriers.
Flydubai’s service transformation is supported by a modern fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and A321neo aircraft, allowing the airline to operate longer routes with greater comfort and efficiency. The quieter, climate-controlled cabins of the Dreamliner enhance passenger experience on long-haul flights. The airline continues to expand its network, connecting destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, while strengthening its presence in Kenya with routes to Nairobi and Mombasa. Dubai remains the central hub, providing seamless connections for international travellers.
The airline’s upgrade has broader implications for global tourism. By including amenities that were previously optional, Flydubai simplifies travel planning, making transit through Dubai more attractive to both leisure and business travellers. The enhancement reinforces Dubai’s status as a key aviation hub, providing greater connectivity for travellers from Africa, Europe, and Asia. In Kenya, improved services on Flydubai’s Nairobi and Mombasa routes are expected to encourage higher volumes of inbound tourism, while offering residents more comfortable, all-inclusive travel options to Dubai and beyond. The airline’s expanded network and enhanced service are likely to benefit travel agents, tour operators, and hospitality providers who rely on regional connectivity.
Flydubai’s transition reflects a growing global trend in aviation: airlines are moving away from strictly low-cost models toward hybrid operations that blend affordability with full-service amenities. This approach gives passengers more value for money and allows carriers to compete not just on price, but on overall experience. For travellers, the shift signals more choices, greater transparency in fares, and a higher standard of comfort. For airlines and tourism stakeholders, it underlines the importance of service innovation and strategic route expansion to capture market growth.
Flydubai’s full-service transformation illustrates how the airline industry is adapting to changing passenger expectations and rising demand for comfort and convenience. As the airline continues to expand its network and refine its product, passengers in Africa, including Kenya, can expect enhanced travel experiences, improved connectivity, and more seamless international journeys. The move sets a benchmark for other regional carriers, emphasizing that modern passengers increasingly value an inclusive, well-rounded travel experience over a purely low-cost option.
Africa’s aviation market experienced significant growth in 2025, recording some of the strongest passenger and cargo increases globally. The trend presents both opportunities and challenges for Kenyan travel agents and the wider tourism sector.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Africa saw a 7.8% year-on-year rise in passenger traffic in 2025, with an average load factor of 74.9%, indicating that nearly three-quarters of available seats were filled. December 2025 alone registered a 10.3% increase in passengers compared to December 2024, highlighting strong seasonal demand and growing confidence in regional air travel.
Air cargo also grew robustly, with a 6% increase across the year and a December surge of over 10%, reflecting strong trade activity and the movement of goods within the continent.
Opportunities for Travel Agents
The surge in passenger numbers has prompted airlines to expand route networks, increase flight frequencies, and introduce new short-haul destinations. Travel agents now have access to more flight options, enabling them to offer multi-city itineraries, regional travel packages, and tailored seasonal promotions.
Higher load factors suggest strong market confidence, creating opportunities for early bookings, premium travel packages, and enhanced customer service offerings. The growth in air cargo also opens avenues for agents to diversify into corporate travel and logistics-related services, linking freight and passenger itineraries for business clients.
Impact on Kenya’s Travel and Tourism Sector
Kenya, with Nairobi as a major aviation hub, is well-positioned to benefit from rising intra-African connectivity. Expanded air traffic supports both leisure and business tourism, providing smoother access to key destinations such as Mombasa, Diani, Maasai Mara, and Lake Victoria.
The aviation sector is already a major economic contributor in Kenya, generating approximately KSh 425 billion (~USD 3.3 billion) in activity and supporting around 460,000 jobs in tourism, hospitality, transport, and related services. Rising passenger volumes are expected to increase these contributions, benefiting travel agencies, tour operators, and other tourism-dependent enterprises.
Digital Transformation and Market Readiness
The 2025 surge coincides with airlines increasingly adopting cloud-based booking systems, real-time APIs, and NDC-enabled platforms. These systems allow travel agents to access richer, more flexible content, including dynamic pricing, bundled fares, and ancillary services, strengthening their ability to curate travel experiences for clients.
As a result, travel agents are transitioning from ticket sales to becoming consultants, itinerary planners, and key intermediaries in the growing African travel ecosystem. Those who integrate modern distribution technologies into their operations are better positioned to compete and capture a larger share of the expanding market.
Outlook for the Next Decade
Industry projections suggest that Africa’s aviation market could grow at approximately 6% annually into the 2040s, with the regional fleet expected to be more than double. For Kenya, this structural growth presents long-term opportunities to enhance air connectivity, expand tourism offerings, and support the travel trade in delivering efficient, high-quality services.
As passenger and cargo volumes continue to rise, Kenya’s travel industry is poised for sustained growth, with travel agents playing an increasingly central role in connecting travellers, facilitating experiences, and ensuring the country maximizes its position as a regional tourism hub.
The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has reinforced its presence in coastal tourism leadership following the appointment of Falmina Firoz, Director at Blueways Travels and Tours Limited, to represent the association at the Mombasa Tourism Council (MTC) — a move industry stakeholders view as strengthening private-sector participation in tourism planning and destination management at the Coast.
In her capacity at the Council, Firoz has also been appointed by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir to the Beach Management Committee, further deepening private-sector involvement in operational destination oversight. The role positions her at both policy discussion and implementation levels — an increasingly common approach in Kenya’s evolving tourism governance model.
Ms.Falmina Firoz, Director at Blueways Travels and Tours Limited
Industry observers note that having a travel trade representative involved in both advisory and operational forums allows issues affecting tour operators and travel agencies — such as beach standards, visitor safety, vendor organisation and environmental management — to be addressed with direct input from those interacting daily with travellers.
Firoz recently attended her first Council meeting alongside Mombasa County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for Tourism and Trade, Mohamed Osman Ali, signalling the beginning of her formal engagement within the county’s tourism governance framework. Her appointment comes at a time when coastal tourism remains one of Kenya’s most significant economic drivers, with sustained efforts underway to enhance product quality, visitor experience, and environmental sustainability.
Continuity in Representation, Not Replacement
In her remarks following the appointment, Firoz emphasised continuity and collaboration rather than a change in direction, acknowledging the groundwork laid by Patrick Kamanga in advancing the Coast tourism agenda.
“It is indeed heart-warming. I would like to sincerely appreciate the support and the strong foundation laid by our Coast head, Patrick, at the Council, particularly in advancing the tourism agenda. Patrick’s leadership contributed greatly to strengthening stakeholder engagement and positioning KATA for tourism growth,” she said.
She added that the focus would remain on expanding industry value rather than altering established priorities.
“As KATA, in the Mombasa Tourism Council, we look forward to building on that progress, growing our contribution, and ensuring our members and the wider tourism sector benefit through sustainable and inclusive tourism development and products. We shall build on that momentum, continue growing our role and working collaboratively with all stakeholders to enhance sustainable beach management along the Mombasa coastline.”
Mr Patrick Kamanga, who remains KATA’s Coast Region Liaison, confirmed that while Firoz has assumed representation at the Mombasa Tourism Council, his broader regional coordination responsibilities within the association remain unchanged, ensuring institutional continuity while allowing for expanded representation in county tourism structures.
Kamanga, confirming the transition, noted the significance of Firoz’s additional county appointment:
“Falmina has taken over my role at Mombasa Tourism Council. Above that, the Governor last week appointed her to the Beach Management Committee to enable the private sector to come up with ways of managing the beach on the Mombasa coastline,” he said, while congratulating her on the new responsibilities.
What It Means for KATA and the Wider Industry
For KATA, the development enhances the association’s ability to advocate for its members across two complementary platforms: strategic tourism dialogue through the Mombasa Tourism Council and hands-on destination management through the Beach Management Committee.
The Coast region accounts for a substantial share of Kenya’s leisure tourism, and decisions made at county and council levels frequently influence travel flows, marketing initiatives, and visitor satisfaction metrics. Strengthened representation, therefore, carries implications not only for travel agents but also for hoteliers, transport providers, and local tourism enterprises whose operations depend on coordinated destination management.
Aligning County and Industry Objectives
Firoz’s participation reflects the county government’s continued push for closer cooperation between public administration and private tourism stakeholders. County tourism strategies increasingly emphasise structured stakeholder engagement, product diversification, and professionalised beach management frameworks to maintain competitiveness against regional coastal destinations.
Her professional background in travel agency operations introduces a distribution-side perspective into conversations that have historically leaned toward hospitality and infrastructure concerns, broadening policy dialogue to include booking trends, traveller behaviour, and market accessibility.
A Sign of Collaborative Tourism Governance
The appointment highlights a broader shift toward multi-stakeholder tourism governance, where professional associations, private enterprises, and county administrations share responsibility for shaping destination standards, environmental stewardship, and promotional strategies.
For the Coast tourism ecosystem, the move signals both continuity and expanded collaboration — continuity through Kamanga’s ongoing role as KATA Coast Region Liaison, and expanded collaboration through Firoz’s presence in forums that influence both policy direction and day-to-day destination management.
As Kenya’s coastal tourism sector continues to evolve, strengthened representation and cooperative leadership models are increasingly viewed as essential to sustaining growth, protecting environmental assets, and ensuring that tourism benefits are shared across communities and industry players alike.
Safarilink Aviation has expanded its regional schedule with the introduction of new afternoon flights between Nairobi and Entebbe, strengthening air links between Kenya and Uganda, and increasing frequency on one of East Africa’s steadily growing business and leisure corridors.
The additional service, which took effect on 6 February 2026, operates four times weekly and complements the airline’s existing morning rotations. Both the morning and afternoon flights route through Kisumu International Airport, positioning the western Kenyan city as a key transit point for cross-border air travel between the two countries.
Dual Daily Connectivity Between Nairobi and Entebbe
Under the revised schedule, travellers now have access to two daily connection windows — a morning and an afternoon option — allowing greater flexibility for same-day business travel, tourism itineraries, and regional trade movements.
The morning schedule, which continues to operate daily, follows a circular routing from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Kisumu, onward to Entebbe, and back through Kisumu to Nairobi. Departures from Nairobi begin at 08:00, arriving in Kisumu at 08:45, before continuing to Entebbe at 09:45 and landing at 10:30. The return leg departs Entebbe at 11:15, arriving in Kisumu at 12:00, and proceeds to Nairobi at 12:45, touching down at 13:30.
The newly introduced afternoon rotation mirrors the same routing but operates four times a week — Friday through Monday. Afternoon departures leave Nairobi at 15:30, reach Kisumu at 16:15, and continue to Entebbe at 17:15, arriving at 18:00. The return sector departs Entebbe at 18:45, lands in Kisumu at 19:30, and concludes the journey in Nairobi at 21:00.
Kisumu’s Growing Role as a Regional Transit Node
By structuring the Entebbe service through Kisumu rather than operating a nonstop route, Safarilink reinforces the western Kenyan city’s importance within the regional aviation network. Kisumu has increasingly served as a secondary hub for domestic and cross-border connectivity, particularly for travellers linking western Kenya, northern Tanzania, and eastern Uganda.
The routing also provides added convenience for passengers travelling between Kisumu and Entebbe directly, a segment that has historically relied on longer overland journeys or indirect air connections through Nairobi.
Terminal Operations and Passenger Advisory
Safarilink confirmed that both Entebbe services will operate from JKIA Terminal 2 until further notice, an operational detail relevant for passengers accustomed to the airline’s Wilson Airport departures for many domestic routes. The use of JKIA aligns the service with international transit facilities, customs processes, and broader interline connectivity for passengers arriving from or connecting to other international flights.
Regional Aviation Demand and Market Context
Air travel between Kenya and Uganda has shown consistent growth over the past decade, driven by increased cross-border trade within the East African Community (EAC), conference and business travel, diaspora movement, and tourism flows to destinations such as Nairobi, the Maasai Mara, Kampala, and Lake Victoria’s surrounding regions.
While larger carriers have traditionally dominated the Nairobi–Entebbe trunk route with jet operations, regional airlines such as Safarilink have increasingly carved a niche through smaller aircraft operations, secondary routing strategies, and schedule flexibility that appeal to corporate travellers and regional commuters seeking shorter airport processing times and more personalised service.
The addition of afternoon flights effectively raises Safarilink’s weekly Entebbe frequency and places it among regional operators expanding capacity in response to recovering intra-African travel demand and growing regional business mobility.
Implications for Business and Leisure Travel
For business travellers, the dual-schedule structure enables same-day return options and improved meeting flexibility across Nairobi, Kisumu, and Entebbe. For leisure passengers, particularly those connecting to safari circuits or lake-region tourism destinations, the additional frequency reduces layover times and broadens itinerary planning choices.
Industry observers note that incremental schedule expansions such as this often signal airlines’ confidence in route performance and passenger demand stability rather than rapid capacity surges, reflecting a measured growth strategy aligned with regional economic trends.
With morning and afternoon windows now available, Safarilink’s Entebbe service becomes one of the more flexible regional offerings linking Kenya and Uganda, further embedding Kisumu’s role in cross-border aviation and strengthening East Africa’s interconnected air network.
Ethiopian Airlines has entered into a strategic partnership with Nucore Technologies LLC, the developer of the TRAACS / nuTraacs travel agency automation platform, in a move aimed at strengthening its agency distribution network and accelerating back-office digitalisation across its global markets.
The collaboration forms part of the airline’s broader digital transformation and modern retailing strategy, with a specific focus on improving business-to-business (B2B) distribution efficiency for travel agencies and Travel Management Companies (TMCs) operating across Africa, including East Africa, and other regions served by the carrier.
Through the partnership, Nucore’s TRAACS / nuTraacs Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution will be integrated with Ethiopian Airlines’ Agency Portal and its NDC-enabled B2B booking platform, creating a direct link between airline reservations and agencies’ financial and operational systems.
What the Integration Means for Travel Agents
The system integration connects airline bookings to mid- and back-office workflows, automating functions that previously required manual handling. These include instant billing, automated accounting entries, electronic invoicing, tax compliance calculations, and financial reconciliations across IATA Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP), Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), and non-IATA agency models.
For travel agencies, the shift is expected to deliver greater operational efficiency and financial visibility. Automated accounting and settlement processes reduce administrative workloads, shorten billing cycles, and minimise the risk of manual errors. For corporate travel managers and high-volume agencies, the technology also provides clearer oversight of commissions, refunds, and transaction reporting — areas that increasingly influence profitability and compliance.
A Structural Shift in Airline Distribution
The Ethiopian–Nucore partnership arrives at a time when the airline industry is undergoing a structural transformation in distribution technology. Over the past decade, airlines worldwide have been gradually moving away from legacy Global Distribution System (GDS)-centric models toward hybrid ecosystems that incorporate direct channels, APIs, and New Distribution Capability (NDC) platforms.
NDC, an International Air Transport Association (IATA) standard, enables airlines to distribute richer, more personalised content — including bundled fares, ancillary services, and dynamic pricing — while giving travel sellers greater flexibility in how products are displayed and sold. However, the shift toward NDC has also exposed a critical gap: while front-end booking technology has advanced rapidly, many agencies continue to rely on fragmented or manual back-office systems.
Technology integrations such as TRAACS / nuTraacs aim to close that gap by ensuring that booking innovation is matched by financial and operational automation, creating a continuous digital chain from reservation to reconciliation. This end-to-end alignment is increasingly viewed as essential for agencies adapting to complex fare structures, multi-currency transactions, and evolving tax regimes.
Part of a Broader Industry Practice
Industry analysts note that Ethiopian Airlines’ move reflects a wider trend rather than an isolated initiative. Airlines globally are investing in interoperable digital ecosystems that preserve the relevance of agency distribution while embracing direct retail capabilities.
While NDC and API-based platforms enable airlines to present customised offers directly to consumers, travel agencies continue to play a central role in complex itinerary management, corporate travel planning, and regional market penetration. Strengthening technological compatibility with the trade is therefore seen as both a commercial and strategic necessity.
Technology as Competitive Infrastructure
Across Africa and other emerging aviation markets, the demand for scalable, agent-friendly digital infrastructure is growing alongside increased internet penetration, mobile payment adoption, and cross-border business travel. Automated mid- and back-office systems are increasingly viewed not merely as efficiency tools but as competitive infrastructure — assets that enhance data accuracy, strengthen airline-agency partnerships, and support regulatory compliance.
In this environment, partnerships such as the one between Ethiopian Airlines and Nucore illustrate how distribution technology is evolving beyond simple booking interfaces into integrated operational frameworks that blend commerce, compliance, and customer data management. As airlines and agencies continue to modernise their systems, the quiet transformation of back-office automation is becoming one of the defining forces shaping the future of air travel distribution.
Kenya’s ambitious tourism and travel expansion received another boost with the announcement that Skyward Airlines will start scheduled flights to Vipingo Ridge from 13 February 2026, forging a new aerial link between the capital and the North Coast. The service, operating twice weekly from Wilson Airport via Ukunda, marks a strategic shift in how travellers access coastal destinations, at a time when Kenya’s tourism sector is breaking records and expanding its global footprint.
The flights, scheduled every Friday and Sunday, will utilize Skyward’s Dash 8‑200 aircraft, a turboprop seating 37 passengers and suited to short regional hops. While coastal flights historically centred on larger hubs like Moi International Airport in Mombasa, the Vipingo Ridge service brings travellers closer to inland coastal communities, golf estates, and resort facilities that have typically been reachable only by road or charter.
Skyward Airlines GM Diana Nyambura and Vipingo Ridge CEO Alex Horsey
Skyward Airlines General Manager Diana Nyambura framed the new route as transformational for both business and leisure travel. “Vipingo Ridge is more than a destination for the chosen few. This new route connects people, businesses, and places along the North Coast and strengthens links between Nairobi and the region,” she said, echoing the airline’s long-standing “Fly Easy” philosophy that emphasises simplicity, reliability, and customer comfort.
Nyambura’s comment resonates with a broader shift in Kenya’s aviation and travel landscape. Skyward’s newer booking platform, Zenith, launched on 1 February 2026, aims to streamline reservations with real-time availability, integrated seat selection, baggage management, and mobile‑desktop parity — features designed to reduce friction for travel agents and consumers alike. Industry analysts suggest that improved digital booking ecosystems are becoming a competitive necessity as tourists increasingly plan and purchase trips online.
Tourism Growth and Regional Economic Impact
The launch of the Vipingo Ridge route comes at a period of remarkable tourism growth for Kenya. Latest official figures show that Kenya recorded around 2.4 million international arrivals in 2024, a roughly 15 percent increase over the previous year, accompanied by a near KSh 452 billion increase in tourism foreign exchange earnings.
Experts link this rebound to several strategic factors, including aggressive international marketing, product diversification beyond traditional wildlife safaris, and enhancements in digital access, such as e-visa and online booking systems that have lowered barriers to entry.
The North Coast is a pivotal part of these growth dynamics. With pristine beaches, emerging golf and leisure estates such as Vipingo Ridge, and proximity to cultural routes through Kilifi and Malindi, enhancing air access is seen as a way to drive longer stays and higher yields from visitor spending. According to Kenyan tourism economists, every incremental increase in flight connectivity correlates with greater hotel occupancy and spending in peripheral coastal economies, generating jobs across hospitality, transport, and retail.
Faster Travel, Wider Access
Beyond macroeconomic significance, the new flights fundamentally alter travel times for visitors and residents. Road travel from Nairobi to the North Coast can take up to eight hours depending on traffic and conditions, while the direct Skyward service cuts that journey dramatically, bringing travellers into the region in under 90 minutes. The closer proximity to golf facilities, resorts, and regional tourism nodes means that short weekend getaways and business meetings become far more viable for a broader spectrum of travellers.
Vipingo Ridge itself, positioned just 35 kilometres north of Mombasa, has invested in a 1.5-kilometre private airstrip and private terminal, which already accommodates charter operations and selected flights, positioning the community as a gateway to the wider North Coast.
Vipingo Ridge CEO Alex Horsey highlighted the inclusive intent of the initiative: “Air connectivity is a powerful enabler of growth. This partnership opens up the North Coast not just for our residents but for the wider community… Our facilities are designed for everyone — this service truly makes the North Coast accessible.”
A Broader Aviation Ecosystem
Skyward’s expansion fits into a wider evolution within Kenya’s domestic aviation sector, where digital platforms and niche services are becoming more prominent. Carriers are increasingly looking beyond traditional point-to-point routes, experimenting with regional and lifestyle destinations that tap into growing demand for experiential travel.
Locally, airlines have been stepping up digital integration not only to serve passengers but to reduce operational frictions for travel agents, an often overlooked but critical component of distribution. As travel companies evolve into advisory and itinerary‑planning hubs, platforms that blend booking capabilities with agent-centric tools are gaining traction, reinforcing the idea that technology can enhance — not replace — human expertise.
The Skyward‑Vipingo Ridge link may be among the first in a wave of scheduled regional services aimed at decentralising access beyond major airports and enabling travellers to connect more directly with Kenya’s cultural and leisure offerings. With careful integration of flight scheduling, digital booking technology, and collaborative marketing, officials and private sector stakeholders say Kenya is gaining ground on its goal to be a global tourism and business destination — one flight and one itinerary at a time.
The Nairobi Spotlight Travel Expo concluded on Thursday at the PrideInn Azure Conference Centre in Westlands, drawing over 400 travel professionals, more than 50 exhibitors, and dozens of destination and airline representatives for two days of intensive business networking, knowledge sharing, and partnership building. The two-day forum featured back-to-back business-to-business meetings, product showcases, and prize draws, with participation from travel agents across Kenya, including delegations from Kisumu and Eldoret.
The event, held on February 4 and 5, 2026, marked the return of one of Africa’s longest-running travel trade platforms and signalled renewed confidence in the region’s tourism and aviation sectors. Founded in 2005, the Spotlight series has grown into a recognised fixture on the African tourism calendar, having staged over 150 editions in more than 15 African cities and connecting thousands of travel professionals annually over the past two decades.
New Venue, Strong Turnout
This year’s Nairobi edition debuted at PrideInn Azure, a move widely viewed by participants as a reflection of the city’s expanding hospitality and conferencing capacity. Organisers reported strong attendance, with more than 50 exhibitors and over 400 trade visitors participating across the two-day programme.
Exhibitors began setting up from early morning on the opening day before trade registration commenced at 8:30 a.m., followed by continuous business-to-business sessions, destination showcases, and product briefings running through the afternoon. Prize draws and networking lunches added an informal touch to the otherwise intensive commercial engagements.
KATA Members from Kisumu and Eldoret Alongside KATA CEO Nicanor Sabula and Spotlight founder Derek Houston
Notably, members of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) travelled from across the country to attend the Expo, with delegations arriving from cities including Kisumu and Eldoret. Their presence underscored the national significance of the event and highlighted the growing interest among regional travel agencies in accessing international suppliers and new market opportunities.
Participants from outside Nairobi cited the Expo as a rare opportunity to engage directly with global travel brands, airlines, and hospitality groups without leaving the country.
Building Business Linkages
The Expo brought together a wide cross-section of the travel value chain, including travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, hotel groups, destination marketing organisations, and travel technology firms. Structured networking sessions enabled delegates to hold one-on-one meetings aimed at forming new partnerships and strengthening existing commercial ties.
Industry participants noted that the Spotlight platform remains particularly valuable for small and medium-sized agencies seeking direct access to international suppliers and emerging travel solutions.
KATA Reaffirms Partnership
The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) maintained a visible presence throughout the Expo, reaffirming its long-standing collaboration with the Spotlight platform and formally renewing its partnership agreement with the event organisers. KATA used the forum to engage members, partners, and prospective stakeholders while highlighting ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening the travel agency sector and expanding professional development opportunities for agents across the country.
The association commended Spotlight founder Derek Houston and his team for sustaining the series for more than two decades, noting its consistent role in creating practical business linkages for Kenyan travel professionals. KATA Chief Executive Officer Nicanor Sabula described Spotlight as an essential bridge between international travel brands and the Kenyan travel trade, providing agencies with broader access to global suppliers, fresh industry insights, and new commercial opportunities. He added that the renewed partnership is expected to further enhance agent participation, deepen collaboration with international exhibitors, and enrich the knowledge-sharing components of future Expo editions.
Timely Boost for Recovery
The Expo’s return comes as Kenya’s travel industry continues to experience steady recovery momentum, supported by rising outbound and regional travel demand. Travel agents attending the event reported growing interest in leisure, corporate, and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) bookings — trends industry observers expect to accelerate through the year.
With a second Nairobi Spotlight edition already scheduled for September, stakeholders expressed optimism that the series will further cement the capital’s status as a regional hub for tourism commerce and professional exchange, reinforcing Kenya’s position in the evolving African tourism landscape.
Dubai has taken a significant leap in redefining the travel experience with the rollout of a citywide contactless hotel check-in system that promises to streamline arrivals and eliminate traditional front desk procedures for visitors. The initiative, launched by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), positions the emirate at the forefront of global travel innovation and hospitality convenience.
The new platform allows international travellers to complete all check‑in formalities remotely — including uploading identification documents, submitting biometric data, and digitally signing required forms — using a smartphone before they even land in the city. Once a guest’s identity is registered and verified, their encrypted data remains valid until their government-issued ID expires, enabling future stays to be completed with a quick facial recognition scan on arrival.
A Unified, Seamless Digital Experience
Unlike hotel-specific apps or isolated digital check-in features, Dubai’s contactless system is designed to operate across all licensed hotels and holiday homes in the emirate. Properties can integrate the technology into their existing apps and booking portals without major infrastructure upgrades. The result is a unified experience that benefits both travellers and the hospitality sector alike.
DET officials say the initiative is a cornerstone of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, a broader strategy to embed digital services throughout urban life and enhance the city’s appeal as a global destination for business and leisure travel. By enabling visitors to bypass reception counters entirely, the system aims to significantly reduce wait times, enhance operational efficiency, and elevate overall satisfaction for the millions of guests the city welcomes annually.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, has underscored the importance of such innovations in reinforcing the emirate’s competitive edge in the global travel and tourism space. The technology reflects the government’s vision of a smart, connected city where digital solutions simplify traditional processes and set new benchmarks for service delivery.
How It Works and What It Means for Visitors
The contactless check-in tool is built around biometric authentication, allowing guests to pre-register their details through their mobile device. Upon landing, travellers can proceed directly to their hotel room after a brief facial recognition step, sidestepping lengthy reception procedures. For repeat guests — who constitute a meaningful share of Dubai’s tourism — the process becomes even faster with stored biometric verification.
Although the technology currently focuses on hotel stays, planners envision a future in which the digital identity system could extend to other tourism and travel touchpoints, such as car rentals, attractions, and even city‑wide services. This broader integration would further embed seamless digital interactions into the fabric of the visitor experience.
Industry observers note that innovations like Dubai’s contactless check‑in tool illustrate how technology can be harnessed to reduce friction while enhancing security and convenience — a vital consideration as global tourism continues to rebound from pandemic‑era disruptions and travellers increasingly seek smooth, end‑to‑end experiences.
A New Chapter in Smart Tourism
Dubai’s hospitality sector remains one of the emirate’s key economic pillars, with hundreds of hotels and holiday homes hosting millions of visitors annually. As the city doubles down on digital transformation, the contactless hotel check-in initiative not only elevates guest comfort but also strategically reinforces Dubai’s status as a leading global hub for tourism and business travel.
In an era where traveller expectations are rapidly evolving, the deployment of this innovative tool signals a broader shift toward frictionless, tech-enabled travel — one that could influence hospitality standards well beyond the Middle East.
Kenya Airways has strengthened its position as a leader in sustainable aviation after winning three awards at The Aviation Challenge 2025. This is the fourth time the airline has been recognised at the global competition for practical solutions that reduce environmental impact across its operations.
At this year’s challenge, Kenya Airways received the following awards: • Most Impactful Solution – Catering • Game Changer of the Year • Special Recognition for Collaboration with KLM.
Additionally Jambojet, a subsidiary of Kenya Airways, was also recognised at the challenge, winning the Most Compelling Story award. The recognition highlights Jambojet’s storytelling approach in showcasing sustainability efforts and impact.
The awards highlight Kenya Airways’ strong focus on sustainability and show how environmental responsibility is part of everyday operations. The Most Impactful Solution Catering and Game Changer of the Year awards recognise initiatives that are used on all Kenya Airways flights. These include recyclable aluminium food packaging, bamboo cutlery instead of single use plastic, paper cups replacing plastic cups, and canned drinks instead of plastic bottles.
Together, these actions have helped Kenya Airways avoid more than 337 tonnes of single use plastic every year and save over KES 50 million annually. This reflects the airline’s progress in making sustainable aviation part of normal operations.
Kenya Airways also received Special Recognition for Collaboration for its continued partnership with KLM. Over four editions of The Aviation Challenge, the two airlines have worked together to share ideas, develop practical solutions, and speed up their use across operations. This collaboration shows the value of airlines working together to drive sustainability.
George Kamal, Acting Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways, said: “This recognition shows our commitment to expanding sustainable practices through innovation and focused action. It reflects the hard work of our people and partners as we continue to embed sustainability into our operations and create real change across the industry. We are proud to play our part in building a stronger future for aviation.”
The awards were presented at a global aviation sustainability event held in Copenhagen, Denmark. The event brought together SkyTeam member airlines to develop practical and scalable solutions for a greener aviation industry.
