International travelers looking for easier access to popular destinations across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East are set to benefit from a new airline partnership that expands  travel choices through Dubai. The latest agreement between flydubai and Cyprus Airways is expected to improve connectivity for both leisure and business travelers while creating more convenient travel opportunities between Cyprus and several fast-growing tourism markets.

The partnership allows passengers to book journeys on a single itinerary while enjoying smoother connections through Dubai, one of the world’s busiest international aviation hubs. The arrangement is designed to simplify travel planning and provide greater flexibility for visitors exploring multiple regions through one connecting point.

For travelers departing Cyprus, the new cooperation significantly expands destination options beyond the Mediterranean island, opening access to a variety of popular holiday destinations and emerging tourism hotspots.

Dubai Strengthens Its Role as a Global Travel Gateway

Dubai continues to play an increasingly important role in connecting travelers between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Gulf region. The city’s strategic location makes it one of the most convenient transit points for passengers seeking efficient travel routes across multiple continents.

The new partnership further strengthens Dubai’s position as a major international gateway, allowing travelers from Cyprus to reach destinations that previously required more complicated flight arrangements. Easier connections can encourage tourism growth by reducing travel complexity and improving overall convenience for passengers.

For many travelers, seamless airport transfers and simplified baggage handling remain important factors when choosing long-haul travel options. The agreement helps address these needs while supporting smoother journeys across an expanded network.

More Tourism Opportunities Across Asia and the Indian Ocean

The enhanced connectivity creates new travel opportunities for tourists interested in exploring some of Asia’s most popular destinations. Travelers from Cyprus will gain easier access to cultural, beach, and adventure destinations that continue attracting growing numbers of international visitors each year.

Destinations such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, and the Maldives remain highly sought after by travelers seeking unique experiences ranging from tropical beaches and island escapes to mountain adventures and cultural exploration. Improved air access often plays a major role in increasing visitor numbers to these destinations.

The partnership may also encourage multi-destination travel itineraries, allowing tourists to combine visits to several countries during a single trip. This trend has become increasingly popular among international travelers looking to maximize travel experiences while reducing journey times.

Cyprus Positioned to Welcome More International Visitors

The agreement is also expected to benefit Cyprus by improving access for travelers arriving from Asia, the Gulf region, and other international markets. Tourism remains one of the country’s most important economic sectors, and expanded air connectivity can help attract new visitor segments.

Known for its Mediterranean beaches, historic sites, coastal resorts, and year-round sunshine, Cyprus continues to appeal to leisure travelers seeking a mix of relaxation, culture, and outdoor activities. Better flight connections can help increase tourism arrivals while supporting hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and local businesses.

Improved accessibility often plays a crucial role in destination competitiveness, particularly as travelers seek convenient routes and flexible travel options when planning international holidays.

Growing Demand for Seamless Travel Experiences

Airline partnerships have become increasingly important as travelers look for simpler and more efficient ways to reach destinations across the world. Integrated ticketing, coordinated baggage services, and streamlined transfers help reduce travel stress while improving the overall passenger experience.

As international tourism continues to expand, airlines are focusing on collaborations that offer customers broader networks without requiring multiple separate bookings. These partnerships help connect regions, stimulate tourism growth, and support stronger business relationships between countries.

The latest cooperation reflects a wider trend within the aviation industry, where airlines are working together to improve global connectivity and respond to evolving traveler expectations.

Enhanced Connectivity Supports Future Tourism Growth

The growing demand for international travel continues to encourage airlines to expand networks and create new travel opportunities. Partnerships that improve connectivity can help destinations attract more visitors while making travel easier and more accessible.

With Dubai serving as a central connection point and Cyprus strengthening links to key tourism markets, the new arrangement is expected to support increased visitor movement across multiple regions. Travelers will benefit from greater destination choices, improved convenience, and easier access to some of the world’s most popular leisure and business travel destinations.

As global tourism continues to recover and evolve, expanded airline partnerships are likely to remain an important driver of future travel growth.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

The travel experiences sector is undergoing rapid digital transformation as tour operators, attraction providers, and activity businesses seek more efficient ways to manage customer inquiries and bookings. As traveler expectations continue to evolve, businesses are increasingly investing in technology solutions that simplify operations while delivering faster and more personalized service.

Across the global tourism industry, operators are handling growing volumes of inquiries from travelers planning group tours, adventure activities, sightseeing experiences, cultural excursions, and customized itineraries. Managing these requests efficiently has become essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and increasing booking conversions.

Modern booking technology is helping tourism businesses centralize customer communications, reduce administrative workloads, and improve response times. As competition increases across the experiences market, companies that adopt integrated digital solutions are gaining a significant advantage in attracting and retaining travelers.

Rising Demand for Personalized Travel Experiences

Today’s travelers are seeking more than standard vacation packages. Many visitors now prefer customized travel experiences that align with their interests, schedules, and budgets. Whether planning guided city tours, outdoor adventures, food experiences, wildlife excursions, or private group activities, travelers often require additional information before confirming a booking.

This shift has created new challenges for tourism businesses. Operators must respond quickly to inquiries, provide accurate information, coordinate availability, and manage booking requests across multiple communication channels.

As a result, travel companies are moving away from fragmented systems that rely on separate spreadsheets, emails, messaging platforms, and manual tracking methods. Instead, many are adopting unified digital platforms that bring customer communication and booking management together in a single environment.

Streamlining Customer Interactions Across Multiple Channels

One of the biggest challenges facing travel operators is managing inquiries from various sources. Potential customers may contact a business through websites, phone calls, social media, email, online chat, referrals, or walk-in visits.

Without centralized management, valuable booking opportunities can be missed due to delayed responses or incomplete communication records. Integrated technology platforms help solve this problem by organizing all traveler interactions within a single dashboard.

This approach allows tourism businesses to track inquiries more effectively, maintain consistent communication, and ensure potential guests receive timely responses. Faster engagement often increases the likelihood of converting inquiries into confirmed reservations.

For travelers, this means quicker answers, smoother planning processes, and a more seamless booking experience from initial inquiry through final confirmation.

Improving Group Travel and Custom Tour Planning

Group travel continues to represent a significant segment of the tourism industry. School trips, corporate retreats, family reunions, destination celebrations, and special-interest tours often require detailed coordination before bookings are finalized.

Digital management systems help operators organize complex requests involving group sizes, special requirements, availability checks, pricing adjustments, and itinerary customization. Automated workflows can reduce administrative tasks while ensuring important details are not overlooked.

These improvements allow travel businesses to focus more on delivering memorable experiences rather than managing paperwork and manual processes. Travelers benefit from clearer communication and faster planning support throughout the booking journey.

Technology Enhances Business Efficiency and Guest Satisfaction

The tourism industry increasingly recognizes that operational efficiency directly impacts the customer experience. When businesses can respond quickly, manage inquiries effectively, and simplify booking procedures, travelers are more likely to complete reservations and leave positive reviews.

Integrated technology platforms provide valuable insights into customer behavior, booking trends, and sales performance. This information helps tourism operators identify opportunities, improve marketing efforts, and better understand traveler preferences.

Automation also reduces repetitive administrative tasks, allowing staff to dedicate more time to customer service and experience delivery. As labor shortages continue to affect parts of the tourism sector, these efficiencies are becoming increasingly important.

For travelers, the result is a smoother, more convenient booking process supported by faster communication and improved service quality.

Digital Innovation Shapes the Future of Travel Experiences

The global experiences market continues to expand as travelers prioritize unique activities and immersive local experiences. From guided excursions and cultural tours to outdoor adventures and specialty attractions, demand for organized travel experiences remains strong.

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in helping tourism businesses meet these expectations. Integrated booking platforms, customer management tools, and automation solutions are enabling operators to deliver better service while managing growing demand.

As digital transformation continues across the tourism industry, businesses that embrace modern technology are likely to remain more competitive in an evolving travel marketplace. Enhanced efficiency, stronger customer relationships, and streamlined operations will continue shaping the future of travel experiences worldwide.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

Traditionally, the travel buyer has been responsible for building and maintaining a corporate travel program: negotiating supplier agreements, setting policy, driving compliance, and measuring performance through reporting cycles.

But AI is beginning to shift where many of those responsibilities sit. As booking decisions become increasingly influenced—and in some cases executed—by AI systems, the buyer is no longer simply managing outcomes. The role is evolving towards shaping the logic that determines those outcomes in the first place.

That evolution matters not only for travel managers, but also for suppliers. Airlines, hotel groups, rail operators and travel technology providers have spent years optimising for human decision-making: sales relationships, negotiated discounts, loyalty benefits and traveller preferences. Increasingly, however, supplier visibility and selection will depend on how effectively products, policies and value propositions can be interpreted by AI-driven systems.

Most travel policies today were written for human interpretation. They allow for nuance, discretion, and ambiguity. AI systems do not operate comfortably with ambiguity. For automation to function consistently, policies must become structured, explicit, and machine-readable. Traveler entitlements, approval hierarchies, supplier preferences, and policy exceptions all need to be defined in ways a system can interpret and apply in real time.

That creates both a challenge and an opportunity for travel managers. Those who can translate policy into clear operational logic are likely to see stronger compliance, faster decision-making, and more consistent traveller experiences. Those who cannot may find that automation simply exposes inconsistencies that already existed within the program.

But it also creates new pressures for suppliers. As AI systems become increasingly responsible for recommending or executing bookings, suppliers need to rethink how their products are distributed and described. Those that aren’t are already falling behind. Corporate travel programs built around AI-driven decisioning will favour suppliers whose content is structured, accessible, and easy for systems to evaluate dynamically.

In practice, that means suppliers being assessed not only on price, but also on the completeness and usability of their data. Room attributes, ancillary products, disruption policies, sustainability metrics, traveller servicing capabilities, and fulfilment reliability will all become increasingly important inputs into automated booking decisions.

Historically, many supplier negotiations have revolved around volume commitments and negotiated discounts. AI changes the context. Instead of evaluating suppliers through periodic reviews and quarterly reporting cycles, buyers can begin assessing supplier performance continuously and in real time.

Traveler satisfaction, booking behaviour, policy adherence, disruption response and actual usage of negotiated benefits can all become measurable performance indicators. AI systems can identify patterns immediately: whether travellers routinely reject a preferred supplier, whether disruption handling is driving dissatisfaction or whether negotiated amenities are rarely being delivered or used.

For buyers and suppliers alike, this drives a shift from static negotiations at certain intervals to a continuous review model. Suppliers, in particular, will experience a shift in commercial strategies, because winning will depend less on securing a place in the program once a year and more on consistently performing well within the live operating environment of that program every day.

It also raises the importance of interoperability and integration. Suppliers whose systems can easily connect with booking tools, expense platforms and AI-enabled servicing environments hold an advantage over those still reliant on fragmented or limited distribution models. In an AI-driven ecosystem, friction itself becomes a competitive weakness.

AI also speeds up decision-making and enables decisions to be influenced in real time. This does not remove the need for the travel buyer. Instead, it changes the focus of the role from analysing what has already happened to governing how the program behaves while it is being used by the people it is designed for.

Travel managers move closer to overseeing systems, adjusting parameters and ensuring AI-driven decisions remain aligned with program goals, traveller expectations and corporate governance requirements. That shift will require closer collaboration with suppliers as programs become more dynamic and responsive.

At the same time, accountability becomes more important, not less. If a system recommends an out-of-policy booking, misapplies a negotiated rate or fails to meet duty-of-care expectations, responsibility still sits within the program. Systems relying on generalized AI models may produce recommendations that sound credible but are not necessarily accurate. In a corporate travel environment, that creates risk across compliance, cost control and governance.

Suppliers, therefore, face a dual challenge. They must not only participate in AI-enabled ecosystems, but also help build trust within them. Reliable data, transparent rules, consistent fulfilment and clear servicing processes will become just as commercially important as price competitiveness.

AI changes the focus of the [travel manager’s] role from analysing what has already happened to governing how the program behaves while it is being used by the people it is designed for.”

The net effect is not the removal of the travel buyer. It is an elevation of the role. Negotiation, stakeholder management, supplier strategy and market knowledge remain essential, but they are now complemented by a new set of responsibilities: designing programs that can be executed by systems as well as people, ensuring that data is accurate and accessible, and overseeing how AI-driven decisions are made and refined over time.

In many organizations, the travel buyer is evolving from program manager to decision architect. Suppliers and buyers alike must recognize that the next competitive battle in managed travel will not be fought in the RFP alone, but inside the algorithms increasingly shaping traveller choices behind the scenes.

Source: businesstravelnewseurope.com

Kenya Airways has unveiled plans to more than double its aircraft fleet to over 50 planes by 2035 as the national carrier pushes an aggressive expansion strategy.

Acting KQ CEO George Kamal has announced that KQ, which turns 50 next year, plans to raise its fleet to over 50 planes over the next four years and nearly triple its current fleet by 2035.

Speaking at the Aviation Media Lab on Friday, May 29, in Mombasa, Kamal said the expansion plan is part of the national carrier’s growth strategy. 

“So we are looking at over 50 aircraft by 2035. But for this, we require an investor to be in place,” Kamal said.

Adding, “In the first stage, we are looking at about 59 to 60 aircraft, and that’s as a group, not just Kenya Airways.”

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), passenger numbers in Africa are expected to nearly double by 2035, requiring corresponding investments in fleet size and route networks.

Kamal said KQ is eyeing a mix of long-range and medium- and short-haul planes, but the expansion is contingent on the airline securing an agreement with a pool of strategic investors.

Under the strategy, the airline will mix buying planes, leasing, and leasing-to-buy. At the moment, Kenya Airways operates 34 aircraft, with 4 dedicated to cargo.

Speaking during the same forum on Thursday, KQ Board Chairman Kiprono Kittony revealed its search for investors is still ongoing. 

In March, the national carrier revealed it is seeking between $1.2 and $2 billion (about Ksh154.8 billion to Ksh258 billion) to stabilise the airline’s finances and recapitalise its balance sheet.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has indicated that the search involves floating an international expression of interest (EOI).  

To make the airline more attractive, the government is considering converting its own loans to the airline, specifically the Ksh63.1 billion under the Tsavo facility, into equity once a partner is onboarded. 

This is intended to ‘clean up’ the balance sheet before the new investor enters. 

With a fleet of over 50 aircraft, Kenya Airways would significantly strengthen its position among Africa’s leading carriers, although it would still trail one of its biggest competitors, which aims to expand its fleet to 271 aircraft by 2035.

Source: kenyans.co.ke

“Let me tell you a story”.

If you’ve spent enough time around the KATA boardroom, you’ve probably heard some version of it before.

Not the exact words. Those change depending on the meeting, the challenge at hand, or the opportunity sitting on the table.

But the message remains remarkably consistent.

Think long-term. Build relationships. Protect the industry. Create opportunities for those coming after us.

The KATA boardroom has heard these conversations more times than most people can imagine. They don’t come from textbooks or motivational quotes. They come from experience. From navigating industry disruptions. From managing crises. From understanding that the future of travel isn’t something that happens to us. It’s something we help shape.

And if there is one person who has consistently championed that mindset, it is Nicanor Sabula.

So when news emerged that the KATA CEO had been named among the MIPAD Global Top 100 Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Leaders – Class of 2026, it felt less like a surprise and more like a moment of recognition, a culmination of years of work.

The truth is, most industry leadership happens far away from cameras.

It happens in boardrooms. In strategy sessions. In difficult conversations. In competing interests that need to find common ground. In meetings that start with one problem and end with three new ideas.

For nearly two decades, Sabula has been part of those conversations.

As CEO of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents and a Director at the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA), he has helped guide discussions that influence not only travel agents but the wider tourism ecosystem.

The industry often celebrates visible achievements. New routes. Visitor arrival numbers. Tourism campaigns. Major investments. But behind every milestone is a network of people working to create the conditions that enable growth. That work rarely attracts headlines. Yet it matters.

Perhaps that’s why this recognition feels significant.

The MIPAD Global Top 100 list places Sabula alongside tourism ministers, airline CEOs, hospitality executives, tourism board leaders, investors, and destination developers from across Africa and the global diaspora.

These are individuals helping shape how the world experiences destinations, builds tourism economies, and connects people across borders.

To see a Kenyan travel trade leader included in that company is not just recognition of an individual. It is recognition of an entire profession.

Travel agents have long been among the industry’s quiet enablers. They connect travellers to destinations, businesses to opportunities, and dreams to itineraries. They solve problems before customers know they exist and continue to adapt as technology reshapes how travel is bought and sold.

Sabula has spent much of his leadership journey advocating for that value.

Those who have sat across the boardroom table from him know his approach. Ask questions. Challenge assumptions. Look beyond immediate wins. Think about what today’s decisions mean for the industry’s future.

Sometimes those conversations are comfortable. Sometimes they are not. But they are always rooted in one belief: that the industry must continue evolving if it hopes to remain relevant.

That philosophy feels particularly important today.

Travel has become an industry defined by uncertainty. Economic shifts, technological disruption, changing traveller expectations, and global events have turned adaptability into a core business strategy.

The leaders who succeed are often those willing to prepare for challenges before they arrive. Perhaps that is why the KATA boardroom has heard those stories so many times. Because leadership is not simply about responding to the future. It is about helping create it.

And sometimes, years later, the world notices.

The MIPAD recognition may carry Nic Sabula’s name. But for many within Kenya’s travel industry, it also reflects something bigger. The growing influence of Kenyan travel professionals, the importance of industry advocacy, and the value of leaders willing to invest their time, energy, and experience into building something that lasts.

Not every story starts with an award.

Most start with a conversation.

And in this case, the conversation has been happening in the KATA boardroom for years.

The award is simply the latest chapter.

Travel is no longer just about moving from one destination to another. Around the world, travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that are personal, meaningful, immersive, and memorable. From cultural encounters and wellness retreats to adventure tourism, culinary journeys, eco-tourism, and community-based travel, experiential travel is rapidly redefining how people explore the world.

Today’s traveler wants more than a hotel room and a flight ticket. They want stories. They want connection. They want authenticity.

This global shift is creating new opportunities for travel agents to reposition themselves not simply as booking professionals, but as experience curators capable of designing journeys that reflect the interests, lifestyles, and aspirations of their clients.

Unlike traditional travel packages that focused heavily on transportation and accommodation, experiential travel centers around emotional value. Travelers now want to participate in local traditions, explore hidden gems, interact with communities, learn new skills, and create moments that cannot easily be replicated online.

For travel agents, this changing behavior presents a major opportunity to move beyond price competition and focus on value creation.

A traveler looking for a beach holiday may now want a Swahili cooking experience in Mombasa, a conservation-focused safari in Maasai Mara, a wellness retreat in Diani, or a cultural immersion tour within local communities. These are experiences that require local knowledge, partnerships, planning expertise, and personalization — areas where professional travel agents have a strong advantage.

In Kenya and across Africa, experiential travel is also contributing to the growth of domestic and regional tourism. Younger travelers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are showing increased interest in adventure travel, sustainable tourism, wellness escapes, solo travel, and digital nomad experiences. Social media platforms have further accelerated this trend by inspiring travelers to seek unique and shareable experiences.

At the same time, travelers are becoming more conscious about sustainability and responsible tourism. Many now prefer businesses and destinations that support environmental conservation, local communities, and ethical tourism practices. This shift is pushing travel professionals to rethink product development and align with global sustainability goals.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) continues to encourage innovation and adaptability within the travel sector as agents respond to changing traveler expectations and market trends.

As preparations continue for the 2026 KATA AGM & Convention 2026, industry stakeholders are expected to engage in important conversations around sustainability, resilience, Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and the future of customer experience within the travel ecosystem.

The convention, themed “The Journey: Build to Last,” comes at a time when travel businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of building long-term customer relationships through personalized experiences rather than transactional services alone.

For travel agents, experiential travel also offers an opportunity to strengthen client loyalty. Travelers are more likely to return to an agent who delivers memorable, seamless, and highly personalized experiences that go beyond standard bookings.

Technology and AI may continue to transform the industry, but the ability to understand human emotion, anticipate client needs, and create unforgettable experiences remains one of the greatest strengths of professional travel advisors.

The future of travel is becoming less about simply visiting destinations and more about how those destinations make people feel.

For travel agents willing to innovate, collaborate, and embrace evolving traveler preferences, experiential travel may well become one of the strongest drivers of growth in the years ahead.

NO REMOVE AGM

The Rise of Experiential Travel and What It Means for Travel Agents

Travel is no longer just about moving from one destination to another. Around the world, travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that are personal, meaningful, immersive, and memorable. From cultural encounters and wellness retreats to adventure tourism, culinary journeys, eco-tourism, and community-based travel, experiential travel is rapidly redefining how people explore the world.

Today’s traveler wants more than a hotel room and a flight ticket. They want stories. They want connection. They want authenticity.

This global shift is creating new opportunities for travel agents to reposition themselves not simply as booking professionals, but as experience curators capable of designing journeys that reflect the interests, lifestyles, and aspirations of their clients.

Unlike traditional travel packages that focused heavily on transportation and accommodation, experiential travel centers around emotional value. Travelers now want to participate in local traditions, explore hidden gems, interact with communities, learn new skills, and create moments that cannot easily be replicated online.

For travel agents, this changing behavior presents a major opportunity to move beyond price competition and focus on value creation.

A traveler looking for a beach holiday may now want a Swahili cooking experience in Mombasa, a conservation-focused safari in Maasai Mara, a wellness retreat in Diani, or a cultural immersion tour within local communities. These are experiences that require local knowledge, partnerships, planning expertise, and personalization — areas where professional travel agents have a strong advantage.

In Kenya and across Africa, experiential travel is also contributing to the growth of domestic and regional tourism. Younger travelers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are showing increased interest in adventure travel, sustainable tourism, wellness escapes, solo travel, and digital nomad experiences. Social media platforms have further accelerated this trend by inspiring travelers to seek unique and shareable experiences.

At the same time, travelers are becoming more conscious about sustainability and responsible tourism. Many now prefer businesses and destinations that support environmental conservation, local communities, and ethical tourism practices. This shift is pushing travel professionals to rethink product development and align with global sustainability goals.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) continues to encourage innovation and adaptability within the travel sector as agents respond to changing traveler expectations and market trends.

Across the industry, conversations around sustainability, resilience, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digital transformation are becoming increasingly important as travel businesses seek new ways to remain competitive while enhancing customer experiences.

For travel agents, experiential travel also offers an opportunity to strengthen client loyalty. Travelers are more likely to return to an agent who delivers memorable, seamless, and highly personalized experiences that go beyond standard bookings.

Technology and AI may continue to transform the industry, but the ability to understand human emotion, anticipate client needs, and create unforgettable experiences remains one of the greatest strengths of professional travel advisors.

The future of travel is becoming less about simply visiting destinations and more about how those destinations make people feel.

For travel agents willing to innovate, collaborate, and embrace evolving traveler preferences, experiential travel may well become one of the strongest drivers of growth in the years ahead.

For years, the rise of online booking platforms and mobile applications sparked conversations about the possible decline of travel agents. Many believed that technology would completely replace the need for professional travel advisors. Yet today, despite rapid digital transformation and the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), travel agents remain more relevant than ever.

In fact, the modern traveler is increasingly seeking something technology alone cannot fully provide: human expertise, reassurance, personalized experiences, and trusted guidance.

Across the globe, travelers are navigating a more complex environment than ever before. Visa requirements change frequently, airline schedules shift unexpectedly, geopolitical tensions affect destinations, and travelers now demand highly customized experiences rather than generic packages. In such an environment, travel agents have evolved from simple ticketing professionals into trusted travel consultants and strategic advisors.

The COVID-19 pandemic further reinforced the importance of professional travel agents. During one of the most difficult periods in aviation and tourism history, travelers who had booked through agents often found themselves receiving faster assistance with cancellations, refunds, rebookings, and emergency support compared to those who booked independently online. The crisis reminded the world that behind every successful journey is often a knowledgeable professional ready to step in when plans change unexpectedly.

Today’s travel agents are no longer operating the way they did a decade ago. The industry has embraced digital transformation, automation, and AI-powered tools to improve efficiency and customer experience. Rather than replacing agents, technology is helping them work smarter.

Artificial Intelligence is now being used to analyze traveler behavior, recommend destinations, personalize itineraries, automate customer communication, and improve operational efficiency. However, AI still lacks emotional intelligence, human intuition, relationship-building, and the personal touch that clients value when making important travel decisions.

A traveler planning a honeymoon, family vacation, pilgrimage, luxury safari, corporate retreat, or educational trip often seeks more than just prices on a screen. They want reassurance. They want someone who understands their preferences, budget, concerns, and expectations. They want someone who can advise them honestly and remain available when things go wrong.

This is where professional travel agents continue to stand out.

In Kenya and across East Africa, travel agents are also playing a critical role in supporting tourism growth, regional connectivity, and destination promotion. Beyond selling tickets and packages, agents contribute significantly to hotel occupancy, airline bookings, conference tourism, and inbound travel experiences that support thousands of jobs within the tourism value chain.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has consistently championed professionalism, innovation, and capacity building within the sector, helping agents adapt to changing industry trends while positioning themselves competitively in the digital era.

As the industry prepares for the 2026 KATA AGM & Convention 2026 under the theme “The Journey: Build to Last,” one of the central conversations expected to dominate discussions is how travel businesses can build resilience and sustainability in an increasingly technology-driven world.

The convention is expected to bring together travel agents, airlines, hotels, tourism boards, travel technology providers, and other stakeholders to explore the future of travel and the opportunities emerging from digital transformation and AI integration.

For travel agents, the message is becoming clearer every year: the future does not belong to those resisting technology, but to those learning how to combine technology with authentic human connection.

Clients may use AI to search destinations or compare prices, but when they need trusted guidance, crisis support, insider knowledge, personalized service, and peace of mind, they still turn to professional travel advisors.

The role of the travel agent is therefore not disappearing; it is evolving.

And as the global travel industry continues to rebuild, innovate, and adapt, travel agents remain at the center of making journeys smoother, safer, and more meaningful for travelers across the world.

Across the globe, travel expos have become cornerstone events for networking, product showcasing, and destination marketing. From globally recognized platforms such as ITB Berlin, World Travel Market, and Arabian Travel Market to Africa’s flagship tourism showcases like Africa’s Travel Indaba, Sanganai/Hlanganani, and Magical Kenya Travel Expo, exhibitions continue to shape the future of the global travel ecosystem by bringing industry stakeholders together under one roof.

In Kenya, travel expos and conventions have steadily evolved into impactful business platforms that go beyond ordinary exhibitions. What was once viewed as rows of booths promoting different businesses has transformed into carefully curated spaces that foster meaningful conversations, strategic partnerships, product discovery, and long-term customer loyalty. Modern travel exhibitions are now designed around industry needs, ensuring that exhibitors align their offerings with emerging market demands and trends.

The primary purpose of exhibitions across industries remains brand positioning, market visibility, and sales generation. More importantly, they provide organizations with an opportunity to interact directly with clients, receive real-time feedback, understand consumer expectations, and tailor products or services to suit changing market dynamics.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) is among the organizations that have embraced this growing culture of impactful exhibitions within the travel and tourism sector. Through partnerships with like-minded organizations and by integrating exhibition experiences into its signature events, KATA has continued to create platforms that support business growth, collaboration, and innovation within the industry.

This was clearly evident during the successful 2025 KATA AGM & Convention held at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa, where exhibition booths became a major attraction for delegates and partners alike. Airlines, hotels, tourism boards, travel technology companies, insurance providers, destination marketers, and other industry stakeholders used the opportunity to showcase products, engage travel agents, and strengthen business relationships.

However, having an exhibition booth is one thing; attracting visitors is another. In travel expos, motivations for visiting stands often range from searching for product information and special deals to networking opportunities, curiosity about a booth’s design, familiarity with a brand, or simply the desire to connect with industry players.

To enhance engagement during the 2025 AGM & Convention, KATA introduced an interactive delegate participation strategy where exhibitors signed special visitation cards after engaging with delegates. Completed cards were then entered into a raffle draw for exciting prizes. While simple, the initiative significantly increased traffic to exhibition booths and ensured exhibitors enjoyed greater visibility and interaction throughout the convention.

Building on this momentum, the 2026 KATA Annual General Meeting & Convention is expected to take the exhibition experience to an even higher level.

Scheduled for June 4–6, 2026, at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa, the event will be held under the theme “The Journey: Build to Last.” The convention is expected to attract between 300 and 400 delegates drawn from across the travel ecosystem, including travel agents, airlines, hotel groups, destination management companies, tourism boards, insurance firms, travel technology providers, logistics companies, and hospitality brands.

One of the major highlights of the 2026 convention will be the expanded exhibitor showcase, which is expected to provide partners with a strategic platform to market products, launch services, generate leads, and strengthen brand visibility among key decision-makers in the travel industry.

The exhibition area is expected to feature a diverse mix of stakeholders from across the travel and tourism value chain, creating a vibrant marketplace for innovation, collaboration, and business development. From airlines unveiling new routes and offers to technology companies showcasing Artificial Intelligence-powered travel solutions, exhibitors will have the opportunity to position themselves at the center of conversations shaping the future of travel in East Africa.

In line with the convention’s theme, discussions and exhibition showcases will revolve around sustainability, resilience, digital transformation, and the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in reshaping customer expectations and operational efficiency within the travel industry. Delegates will also benefit from networking sessions, business-to-business engagements, training opportunities, and a dedicated Masterclass session designed to equip participants with practical industry insights.

As global travel continues to evolve rapidly, events such as the KATA AGM & Convention are becoming increasingly important in fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and creating lasting business relationships. With an enhanced focus on exhibitions and partner engagement, the 2026 KATA AGM is shaping up to be more than just a convention. It is positioning itself as one of the region’s most important travel industry gatherings where businesses can connect, showcase, and truly build to last.

A joint venture known as the interline agreement has been signed by the companies flydubai and Cyprus Airways with the aim of increasing international connections and improving the overall travel experience within Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the GCC region. Passengers will be able to book a single ticket with efficient baggage services and transfer services within DXB, one of the most prominent airports in the world.

This interline agreement offers a hassle-free travel experience to the passengers of Cyprus Airways traveling to flydubai with their origins from Larnaca to Almaty, Astana, Colombo, Dhaka, Jeddah, Kathmandu, Krabi, Kuwait, Langkawi, Malé, Medina, Muscat, Penang, and Riyadh. Conversely, the passengers of flydubai can now enjoy the services of Cyprus Airways with improved accessibility.

Enhancing Passenger Convenience and Travel Experience

Passengers will enjoy streamlined travel experiences, including coordinated baggage transfers, shorter layovers, and unified ticketing. Business and leisure travellers alike benefit from this seamless connectivity, reducing travel stress and making long-haul or multi-destination journeys more attractive.

flydubai’s modern fleet of 97 Boeing 737 aircraft offers lie-flat Business Class seats, personalised service, and international menus, while Economy Class provides enhanced comfort and immersive entertainment. Passengers travelling with Cyprus Airways similarly enjoy reliable services, adding to the overall appeal of cross-network travel.

Strengthening Tourism and Travel Flows

This agreement is expected to have a direct impact on tourism growth in both regions. For Cyprus, the partnership increases international accessibility, making the island more attractive to tourists from Asia, the GCC, and Africa. For Dubai and flydubai’s network, the agreement channels more travellers through the hub, increasing passenger volumes and demand for airport services, hotels, and local attractions.

Tourism operators, hotels, and retail establishments in both Cyprus and Dubai stand to benefit from increased footfall, higher occupancy rates, and expanded visitor spending. The agreement also facilitates business travel and meetings, supporting corporate tourism and conferences, which are critical segments for regional economic development.

Expanding Regional Aviation Networks and Market Reach

Since 2009, flydubai has launched over 100 previously unserved routes to Dubai, building a strong reputation for network expansion. Partnering with Cyprus Airways strengthens Dubai’s position as a global transit hub and allows Cyprus to integrate into this network, creating more competitive travel routes.

This interline arrangement also demonstrates how airline collaboration can drive broader sector growth, enabling carriers to optimise fleet utilisation, improve load factors, and support emerging tourism markets. The partnership encourages additional flight frequency and new route planning, further expanding accessibility for international travellers.

Economic Impact on the Travel and Tourism Sector

The interline agreement extends its benefits beyond aviation. Increased passenger flows stimulate ancillary tourism services, including ground transportation, excursion providers, hotels, and F&B establishments. Local tourism ecosystems in Cyprus, Dubai, and flydubai destinations will experience increased demand, creating employment opportunities and supporting sustainable economic development.

For regional and international travel agencies, the partnership provides a stronger selling proposition. Agencies can market combined itineraries, attract more clients, and promote multi-destination packages, boosting overall tourism revenue. This is especially important in the context of post-pandemic recovery, where seamless connections and expanded networks drive consumer confidence and travel uptake.

Promoting Long-Term Tourism Cooperation

Beyond immediate passenger benefits, the agreement encourages strategic tourism cooperation between Cyprus, the UAE, and other flydubai markets. Joint promotions, collaborative marketing campaigns, and cross-border packages can further increase tourist arrivals, support cultural exchange, and strengthen regional economic ties.

By improving connectivity to multiple continents, the partnership enhances travel and tourism infrastructure, encouraging investment in hospitality, airport facilities, and tourism-related businesses. It also positions Cyprus as a gateway for GCC and Asian travellers exploring Europe, while Dubai reinforces its role as a transcontinental hub, bridging tourism flows between regions.

Outlook for Travel and Tourism Sector Growth

This agreement between flydubai and Cyprus Airways is not just an agreement on route access; rather, it serves as a platform to spur development across the aviation and tourism industries. Connectivity will improve, markets will be broadened, and there will be economic benefits as well.

With more ticket availability through both airlines as well as travel agents authorized by them, it is expected that travel will become easier for consumers, while new routes and destinations may open up as well. In this way, tourism industries of Cyprus, Dubai, and other countries will gain as well.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

Expansion of the network of routes into Africa is taking place by Qatar Airways through the reopening and adding more flight frequencies commencing on 16 June 2026. This expansion will entail the reopening of the services between Qatar and Seychelles and Kigali, together with a new frequency to Marrakesh.

Through the improvement of air transport connections, the airliner will be able to bring about high volumes of travelers and tourism, in addition to economic activity in general. Such a move will positively impact the hospitality industry, cruise lines, excursion providers, and other travel companies.

Resumed and Increased Flights Across Africa

From 16 June 2026, Qatar Airways will:

• Restart four weekly flights to Seychelles (SEZ)
• Restart two weekly flights to Kigali (KGL)

Starting 1 July, a daily flight to Marrakesh (RAK) will also commence.

In addition, the airline is increasing frequencies to several major African cities:

• Alexandria (HBE): from three to seven weekly flights
• Cairo (CAI): from 28 to 35 weekly flights
• Cape Town (CPT): from seven to ten weekly flights
• Dar es Salaam (DAR): from three to seven weekly flights
• Lusaka (LUN) – Harare (HRE): from five to seven weekly flights
• Maputo (MPM) – Durban (DUR): from four to seven weekly flights

This enhanced connectivity facilitates seamless travel for business and leisure passengers, boosts tourism receipts, and enables cruise and packaged holiday operators to integrate air and sea itineraries, maximizing economic impact for regional destinations.

Launch of Port Sudan Service

In addition to existing routes, Qatar Airways will launch three weekly flights to Port Sudan (PZU) from Doha starting 2 July 2026. Flights operate every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday:

• DOH to PZU – Flight QR1319: Departure 09:00, Arrival 11:00
• PZU to DOH – Flight QR1320: Departure 12:25, Arrival 16:20

This new route enhances connectivity from key Middle East and Southeast Asia markets such as Oman and Pakistan, opening new opportunities for tourism development, business travel, and trade in Sudan. The service also strengthens Port Sudan’s role as an emerging gateway for leisure, eco-tourism, and expedition cruises, supporting broader sector growth in the region.

Tourism Sector Impact Across Destinations

The expansion of Qatar Airways African network has multiple positive implications for the travel and tourism sector:

• Increased Tourism Inflows – More frequent flights to destinations such as Seychelles, Marrakesh, and Cape Town facilitate higher international visitor arrivals, benefiting hotels, resorts, and local attractions.
• Cruise and Holiday Integration – Improved air connectivity supports expedition and leisure cruises, allowing travelers to combine flights with multi-day cruises, boosting port revenues, excursion services, and local hospitality sectors.
• Economic Multiplier Effects – Higher tourist volumes contribute to employment in hotels, transport, restaurants, and tourism services, increasing regional economic output and enhancing the sustainability of tourism infrastructure.
• Market Competitiveness – Expanded flights strengthen African cities’ competitiveness in the global leisure and business tourism markets, attracting high-value travelers seeking integrated itineraries and luxury experiences.

Strategic Connectivity for Tourism Growth

By linking major African destinations to Doha, a global hub, Qatar Airways enables seamless connections to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This level of connectivity:

• Reduces travel barriers for tourists and cruise passengers.
• Facilitates multi-destination holiday packages.
• Encourages repeat travel and longer stays, supporting sustained tourism growth.

For emerging destinations like Port Sudan, direct air links attract international leisure travelers, adventure tourists, and small cruise operations, generating new revenue streams and employment opportunities for local communities.

Cruise Tourism Growth and Sector Synergies

The network expansion directly supports the cruise tourism sector by improving access to African ports of call. Increased flights to Cape Town, Maputo, and Durban allow cruise lines to schedule more seamless embarkation and disembarkation points, boosting occupancy, passenger spending, and regional tourism receipts.

Integrated air-cruise packages also enhance the overall travel experience, encouraging travelers to combine city, cultural, and coastal leisure trips, driving cross-sector growth in the tourism economy.

Sustainable Tourism and Travel Sector Development

 

Qatar Airways’ expansion emphasizes sustainable growth, balancing increasing passenger demand with operational efficiency and environmental considerations. By facilitating high-value tourism, including business, leisure, and cruise travel, the airline contributes to long-term sector development, supports regional employment, and promotes sustainable infrastructure investment in airports, ports, and hospitality facilities.

 

Looking Ahead: Africa’s Travel and Tourism Potential

With the network expansion, Africa’s tourism sector is poised for significant growth, supported by:

• Enhanced connectivity to key cities and destinations.
• Improved accessibility for leisure and business travelers.
• Integration with cruise tourism and holiday packages, generating additional revenue streams.
• Market diversification, attracting travelers from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

This approach not only strengthens Qatar Airways’ strategic position in African markets but also stimulates regional tourism growth, helping cities like Cape Town, Marrakesh, and Port Sudan become high-demand leisure and cruise destinations.

 

Air Connectivity Driving Tourism Sector Growth

A review of the expansion of the Qatar Airways network into Africa further confirms the vital relationship between aviation connectivity and the growth of the tourism industry. With increased frequency and availability of air links, tourism flows to the region would increase significantly.

With its efforts geared towards providing enhanced air transport connectivity to popular destinations, new gateway cities, and cruise port locations, Qatar Airways plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Africa continues to remain competitive and appealing in the global tourism landscape. From the 16th of June, 2026, tourists will enjoy more frequent flights and thus boost tourism activity and economic development in the region.

Source: travelandtourworld.com