The next time you board a flight you might not need a boarding pass, a printed ticket or even your passport. Airports and governments around the world are quietly testing a new way to move, where a face, fingerprint or secure digital identity replaces paper documents. The aim is simple: make travel faster, safer and more seamless.

Digital identity is no longer a futuristic concept. It is already changing how passengers move through airports, clear immigration and check into hotels. At the centre of this shift is the idea of a trusted, verifiable identity that can be shared securely between travellers, airlines and border agencies.

The Singapore example: when your face is your passport

Singapore has become a test bed for travel innovation. At Changi Airport travellers can use facial and fingerprint recognition rather than traditional passport stamping. The system works with a digital arrival card that is completed before landing, so once a passenger disembarks the process from immigration to customs is almost frictionless. Short queues and minimal paperwork are the visible benefits; behind the scenes it is a tightly integrated system of biometrics and secure data exchange.

Europe’s unified vision: the EU digital identity wallet

In Europe the European Union is rolling out the Digital Identity Wallet, an app that allows citizens to store and share verified credentials such as passports and driver’s licences across borders. The intent is to make check-ins, hotel bookings and visa procedures simpler within the bloc. Trials are underway and several airports and airlines are adapting systems to accept the new credentials.

Africa’s digital leap

Across Africa governments and airports are exploring how digital identity can ease travel and boost efficiency. Rwanda is moving toward biometric e-gates at Kigali International Airport to speed passenger clearance. South Africa has expanded biometric systems at major entry points, helping to smooth processing for regional travellers. Airports in Kenya, Ethiopia and Ghana have signalled interest in digital border management and advanced passenger information systems. These initiatives sit alongside continental efforts to modernise travel and support intra-Africa connectivity.

The global trend: trust through technology

The International Air Transport Association has promoted a One ID model, where a passenger’s biometric credential can be used across every stage of travel from check-in to boarding. Several airlines are already using facial recognition in parts of their networks. The benefits go beyond convenience. Digital identity systems can reduce fraud, shorten processing times and give passengers greater control over who sees their information.

The road ahead

The promise of seamless travel is compelling, but concerns remain. Data privacy, cybersecurity and the need for robust legal frameworks are significant challenges. Public trust will determine how fast these systems are adopted. Governments and airlines must ensure safeguards are in place so that convenience does not come at the cost of privacy or security.

Paper is giving way to pixels and queues are giving way to cameras. The airport of the future may look much the same, but the way travellers move through it will change. For millions of passengers, the journey from check-in to take-off is set to become a lot smoother, powered by a single secure digital identity.

Across Africa this year, something quiet and practical has been happening. Travel agents are learning to build trips that cross borders, not just sell single flights. They are swapping tips, testing hotels, and taking training that gives them real power to put together multi-country holidays.

Take a moment at any trade stand at a recent expo and you’ll see it: travel agents from different countries leaning over brochures, on their phones arranging meet-ups, or laughing about a shared connection in another capital. It’s low-key, but it works. Those conversations turn into itineraries.

In Nairobi, the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) used its June AGM to push a new agenda. Over 350 delegates came away talking about distribution, data and partnerships. Earlier, KATA ran familiarisation trips to South Africa and Dubai and continues to roll out hands-on training with GDS providers and airline partners. The aim is simple: when an agent knows a place and can access fares quickly, they can sell it with confidence.

In Dar es Salaam, the Tanzania Society of Travel Agents (TASOTA) ran its AGM and, like others, pushed the same message — better distribution, clearer standards, closer ties with carriers and tourism boards. TASOTA says these are not abstract targets. They are practical steps toward fewer booking headaches, faster confirmations, and packages that actually connect places rather than strand travellers in transit.

On the regional level, the Association of Eastern and Southern Africa Travel Agents (AESATA) is becoming a meeting ground for those ideas. With more than 13 member states under its umbrella, the network is starting to speak with one voice on training needs and policy issues. Those conversations matter. When agents from three different countries agree on a product, it’s easier to sell it to customers across the region.

Trade fairs such as the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) and the Africa Tourism Fair (ATF) are doing the heavy lifting. They compress months of outreach into a few days. Suppliers meet buyers, hotels find new agent partners, and tour operators discover routes they never considered. The results include more multi-destination packages on offer and more agents able to book them.

What’s changed on the ground? Familiarisation trips, for one. When agents walk a hotel, test a transfer and meet a local guide, their pitch is sharper. Training is another. Workshops with GDS vendors, airline sales teams and marketing experts are giving smaller agencies tools that used to be the preserve of larger firms. And technology, even basic CRM and payment systems, is making agents faster and more reliable.

Yes, there are still bumps. Visas, inconsistent infrastructure and some stubborn rules keep popping up. But the energy among agents is pragmatic. They are not dreaming big and vague. They are making lists, exchanging contacts and following up on leads.

What this means for travellers is reassuring. Instead of piecing together a trip across several agents, a growing number of agencies can now sell a week in East Africa or a combined city-and-beach holiday with one booking, clear transfers and local support. That’s the real shift: agents moving from ticket-sellers to travel advisors.

Through associations like KATA, TASOTA and AESATA, and the big expos like MKTE and ATF, travel agents are quietly stitching the continent together. It’s practical work. It won’t make headlines every day. But for a traveller who wants to cross borders without the hassle, it already makes a world of difference.

^{By Felix Wakiuru}

Dubai is set to record one of the world’s strongest performances in international visitor arrivals during the final quarter of 2025, securing a spot among the top three global travel destinations, alongside Tokyo and London, according to the latest data from ForwardKeys, a travel analytics company under Amadeus, Emarat Al Youm reported.

The report, based on forward bookings, indicates a 6 per cent increase in international arrivals to Dubai compared with the same period last year, reinforcing the city’s position as a global tourism, leisure, and business hub.ForwardKeys noted that Dubai continues to attract a growing share of global travelers, accounting for approximately 2.2 per cent of all international tourist arrivals expected worldwide during the last three months of the year.

The analysis shows that India and the United Kingdom remain Dubai’s largest source markets, while China has made a notable comeback, registering a 34 per cent year-on-year growth in bookings and rejoining the list of the city’s top ten visitor markets.

Germany also posted a 9 per cent increase, reflecting the expanding reach of Dubai’s tourism appeal across both European and Asian markets.

The surge in demand coincides with the winter travel season, which traditionally brings peak visitor numbers to Dubai. The city’s advanced infrastructure, diverse entertainment offerings, and world-class events continue to solidify its standing as a premier global travel destination.

According to ForwardKeys, leisure travelers make up the largest segment of incoming visitors, with long-stay bookings on the rise. While short stays (1–5 nights) still dominate, representing 46 per cnet of all reservations, extended stays of 14 nights or more are projected to grow by 9 per cent, signaling an emerging trend toward longer vacations.

Michael Yeomans, Head of Travel Intelligence at Amadeus, said the data reaffirms Dubai’s evolution from a regional transit hub into a leading global tourism powerhouse.

“It’s clear that sustained investments in infrastructure, hospitality, and visitor experiences are paying off,” he said. “We expect robust demand for Dubai this winter season.”

Yeomans added that Dubai’s ability to attract diverse tourism markets and cater to both short- and long-stay travelers reinforces its growing global influence in the travel and hospitality sector.

Industry executives noted that hotels and resorts across Dubai are seeing record booking levels, with some reporting up to a 30 per cent increase in confirmed reservations compared with last year, driven by the winter holidays, Christmas, and New Year celebrations.

Source : Gulfnews.com

A bold campaign to break down visa barriers and unite Africa set off from Accra on Monday, August 18, 2025, embarking on a record 40,000-kilometre journey across 39 African countries.

The initiative—called the Trans African Tourism & Unity Campaign—will span 163 days, carrying a message that Africa must move faster toward becoming a continent without borders. Its central goal is to push for a visa-free Africa by 2030, a milestone that aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision of a united and prosperous continent.

Endorsed by the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the journey will be led by Ras Mubarak, a former Ghanaian legislator and long-time Pan-African advocate.

“This is about unlocking Africa’s potential in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange,” Mubarak said. “History will honour leaders who act decisively to unite Africa. A visa-free Africa by 2030 is not just a dream—it is a necessity.”

The campaign made its first stop in Lomé, Togo, on August 18, before continuing through Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Congo-Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic.

The route will also cover Chad, Niger, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso—before returning to Ghana.

Along the way, campaigners will hold meetings with African heads of government, deliver letters advocating for visa-free policies, host press briefings, and organise cultural showcases.

Organisers say tourism is at the heart of the initiative—not only as a driver of economic growth, but also as a bridge for cultural exchange, youth empowerment, and cross-border collaboration.

“A visa-free Africa opens doors for our people to travel, learn, and trade with one another,” Mubarak said. “It is a movement to reclaim Africa’s narrative through open borders and shared prosperity.”

As Mubarak put it: “By fostering a visa-free Africa, we pave the way for a stronger, more connected continent for future generations.”

Source : BusinessNews.ng

The 3rd Association of Eastern and Southern Africa Travel Agents (AESATA) Conference transformed Harare into a vibrant meeting point for Africa’s travel and tourism leaders, blending business, culture and collaboration under one roof.

The Rainbow Towers Hotel and Conference Centre in Harare came alive from October 2 to 3, 2025, as the 3rd Association of Eastern and Southern Africa Travel Agents (AESATA) Conference unfolded in a vibrant celebration of tourism, trade and continental unity.

Under the theme “Connect, Collaborate, Co-create,” the event drew over 170 delegates from 17 countries, transforming Zimbabwe’s capital into a hub of conversation, colour and collaboration. Airlines, travel agents, tourism boards and trade partners filled the halls, eager to explore opportunities shaping the future of African travel.

The conference was officially opened by Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, whose presence underscored the nation’s growing prominence as a preferred destination for meetings and conferences. Her remarks set an inspiring tone for two days of engagement that blended insight, innovation and African hospitality.

From the opening session, delegates were immersed in thought-provoking discussions on the trends redefining travel. Panels examined cross-border collaboration, aviation connectivity, digital transformation and the rising importance of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector. Industry heavyweights from the Airline Association of Southern Africa to IATA shared expertise on building stronger, interconnected travel ecosystems.

The energy in the rooms was palpable. Between sessions, delegates networked over local cuisine and explored exhibitions showcasing new technologies and tourism products. Each conversation echoed the event’s theme, connecting people, collaborating across borders and co-creating a stronger African travel industry.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) delegation stood out among the participants, actively engaging in business forums and strategic dialogues. For KATA members, the Harare conference was more than an industry gathering; it was a gateway to new partnerships, digital innovation insights and firsthand exposure to continental market trends. Many agents left with tangible opportunities for collaboration, especially in airline partnerships, destination marketing and technology integration.

As the first day drew to a close, the evening turned elegant with a Black Tie African Style Gala Dinner held at The Meikles Hotel. Delegates traded formal discussions for laughter, dance and cultural showcases that celebrated Africa’s diversity and warmth. The camaraderie was evident, competitors at home, collaborators abroad.

The second day maintained its momentum with discussions on airline distribution, regional policy and Africa’s tourism potential. Speakers urged delegates to harness collective strength to unlock intra-African travel and position the continent competitively on the global stage.

When the final session concluded with a symbolic handover ceremony from Zimbabwe’s Association of Travel Agents to Zambia’s, it marked not just the close of an event but the continuation of a movement. AESATA’s growth, now encompassing national associations from 13 countries, was clear; its vision of a unified, digitally empowered and self-sustaining African travel community is taking shape.

An excursion to Victoria Falls capped the conference, offering delegates a firsthand taste of Zimbabwe’s natural splendor. Laughter, selfies and networking flowed freely as new friendships turned into partnerships.

By the end of the conference, one thing was certain. AESATA 2025 was more than a meeting; it was a statement of confidence in Africa’s tourism future. Zimbabwe had not only hosted the continent’s finest but also reminded the world that the spirit of collaboration and creativity continues to define Africa’s travel industry.

RwandAir will launch a new Zanzibar and Mombasa route starting on 1 December 2025, just ahead of the December holiday season. The service will link Kigali with two of East Africa’s most popular coastal destinations, giving travelers greater access to beaches, marine life and leisure facilities.

Flights will operate four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, using a Boeing B737. The route marks RwandAir’s return to Mombasa, where it last flew in 2019, and introduces Zanzibar as a new destination for the carrier. With this addition, RwandAir now serves three destinations in Tanzania and two in Kenya.

RwandAir says the expansion is part of its wider strategy to strengthen Kigali as a regional hub and to open up opportunities for tourism, trade and closer ties across East Africa. The airline was recently named Best African Regional Airline by Skytrax, a recognition that the carrier says underscores its focus on improving regional connectivity and the passenger experience.

Under the new schedule, flight WB 444 will depart Kigali at 9:50 a.m., arrive in Zanzibar at 12:50 p.m., make a brief stop, depart Zanzibar at 1:40 p.m. and arrive in Mombasa at 2:35 p.m. The return sector, flight WB 445, will leave Mombasa at 5:10 p.m., arrive in Zanzibar at 6:05 p.m., depart Zanzibar at 7:00 p.m. and arrive in Kigali at 8:00 p.m.

The timings are designed to suit both weekend getaways and longer holidays, offering seamless connections between Rwanda and the East African coast. RwandAir currently operates a fleet of 13 aircraft and serves more than 140 destinations through direct services and codeshare agreements, connecting Africa with the rest of the world from its hub in Kigali.

Passengers are advised to check the airline’s website or contact travel agents here for bookings and the latest travel information.

Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced the introduction of additional flight frequencies to Kisumu for a limited period, in a move aimed at meeting increased passenger demand and supporting travel within the region.

The extra capacity will be available until 19th October, offering travelers more flexibility and convenience when flying between Nairobi and Kisumu. The decision follows a notable surge in demand for air travel to the lakeside city, driven by business activities, conferences, and leisure tourism.

The added flights are designed to ease congestion during the busy travel period and ensure that customers continue to enjoy reliable, on-time service. The additional frequencies are expected to benefit both business and leisure travelers, as Kisumu remains a key economic hub in western Kenya.

Kisumu’s growing appeal as a tourism destination, owing to its scenic Lake Victoria views and expanding hospitality sector, has also contributed to the rising travel numbers.

Kenya Airways, continues to review its routes to align capacity with demand. The airline reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing global connectivity and supporting Kenya’s economic growth through efficient air transport services.

The temporary schedule adjustment underscores KQ’s flexibility in responding to market needs and its focus on improving the overall travel experience for its passengers.

If you only pick one headline experience in Dubai this season, make it the Museum of the Future. The stainless-steel torus draped in glowing Arabic calligraphy looks like it has dropped in from another planet, and the inside is even better. You move through a sequence of story-led worlds that reimagine space travel, sustainability, health, and everyday life. It is not a display of gadgets, it is a choose-your-own-adventure where you touch, listen, and play your way through tomorrow.

Start with the space chapter, a crowd favorite. The OSS Hope experience simulates a mission beyond Earth, complete with launch, station life, and a look at how deep-space science can solve problems back home. From there, you descend to floors that explore climate and ecology, future wellness, and hands-on tech, each with interactive installations, soundscapes, and guides who keep the story moving. Plan two to three unrushed hours so you can wander, replay moments, and take the photos you will want to show off later.

The building itself is a destination. Designed as a ring of light with an open void at its center, the façade carries poetry in calligraphy that doubles as windows, flooding the interiors with patterned daylight. It is one of the most striking pieces of architecture in the region and a guaranteed showstopper at sunset when the script begins to glow. Architectural Digest

Practical bits that make your visit smooth. The museum sits next to Jumeirah Emirates Towers on Sheikh Zayed Road, so it is easy to reach by car or Metro. Tickets are timed, and every guest needs one, even those eligible for free entry. Opening hours are generally from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the sweet spot for photos is late afternoon into early evening. If you like a plan, book ahead and arrive a little early to explore the lobby and the shop before your slot.

Why it belongs on your Dubai list. It is thrilling, beautifully designed, and surprisingly human. You leave with great pictures, yes, but also with a sense of optimism and a few new ideas buzzing in your head. For families, it is a rare win where teens, little ones, and grandparents are equally engaged. For couples and solo travelers, it is an immersive, reflective break between beach mornings and city nights. Book your slot, bring your curiosity, and let Dubai show you what the future might feel like.

Kenya Airways has announced a series of network adjustments ahead of the peak travel period to add capacity on high-demand routes and streamline operations. The changes, which take effect from mid-October into early January, include extra frequencies to Mauritius, Comoros, Zanzibar, New York, and Kigali, alongside a temporary suspension of services to Mogadishu.

Kenya Airways said the moves are aimed at matching supply with seasonal demand while maintaining schedule reliability and operational efficiency.

Route-by-Route Updates

Mauritius (MRU):
Flights continue at 9 times weekly, with no reduction in frequency.

Comoros (HAH):
The airline currently operates 4 flights per week between Nairobi and Comoros.

Zanzibar (ZNZ):
Kenya Airways maintains 14 weekly flights to Zanzibar, ensuring daily connectivity and flexibility for travelers.

New York (JFK):
Operations have been reduced from daily to 4 flights per week.

Kigali (KGL):
The Nairobi–Kigali route operates 17 times weekly, reinforcing Kenya Airways’ strong regional presence.

London Gatwick (LGW):
Additional capacity introduced with 3 weekly flights starting 2nd July 2025.

Route Suspension

Maputo (MPM):
Effective 25th September 2025, Kenya Airways suspended all flights to and from Maputo. The airline said the decision was made to optimize aircraft utilization on routes demonstrating stronger performance.

(Note: Flights to Mogadishu were suspended in 2024 and remain paused.)

Kenya Airways reiterated its commitment to align flying with demand, safeguard the punctuality of its schedule, and uphold the safety of customers and crew. Passengers with existing bookings on affected routes will be notified of options, including rebooking on alternative flights where available.

Source : travelnews.co.za

Earlier this week at Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2025, Esayas Woldemariam Hailu, Chief Executive Officer of ASKY, used his keynote to put youth skills and the future of work at the center of Africa’s tourism agenda. He underscored that the continent’s nature, culture, and wildlife give tourism a bright runway for growth, and that the sector can translate this potential into jobs and enterprise if it invests in people and modernizes how companies work. The seminar’s focus matched that message, examining how African travel and hospitality can build a future-ready workforce and adopt corporate cultures that attract and retain Gen Z talent.

ASKY positioned its own actions as part of the solution. The airline already runs pathways for students and recent graduates to gain experience across operational and service functions, giving young people a first step into aviation and travel careers. By opening structured entry points and on-the-job learning, ASKY aims to shorten the distance between school and salaried work for West and Central African youth.

The carrier has also begun building partnerships that widen access for underrepresented groups. In June, ASKY’s Kenya office announced a collaboration with the Forum for African Women Educationalists to encourage women to pursue technical and leadership careers in aviation. The initiative is framed as a long-term pipeline effort, from awareness and mentorship to scholarships and internships, and it reflects a broader push for inclusive corporate cultures that value diversity, wellness, and flexibility.

Capacity building will require more training seats and regional infrastructure. ASKY has previously explored a joint aviation academy model with Ethiopian Airlines that would prepare pilots, maintenance technicians, cabin crew, and ground staff for a fast-growing market. That concept, inspired by Ethiopian’s established training campus, would add badly needed instruction capacity in West Africa and could become a hub for standardized skills development.

The timing is urgent. Global forecasts show travel and tourism creating millions of jobs over the next decade, and Africa’s growth potential is especially strong. WTTC analysis projects sustained expansion in the sector and signals a looming talent shortfall if training does not keep pace with demand. That is why the seminar’s themes went beyond classroom skills to include clear career pathways, leadership development, and better working conditions that help young professionals stay and grow.

Speakers and participants converged on several priorities. First, equip youth with the full toolkit: digital know-how, languages, customer care, and the soft skills that define service excellence. Second, scale innovative training through public private partnerships, vocational colleges, and entrepreneurship programs that turn ideas into bankable micro and small enterprises. Third, adopt people practices that Gen Z expects, from fair scheduling and wellness support to meaningful feedback and skills recognition that travels across borders. Fourth, keep the post-pandemic realities in view, including hybrid work where roles allow and digital collaboration that connects teams across countries. These are not abstract ideals. They are the day-to-day conditions that determine whether a young hire becomes a long-term leader.

For ASKY, the path forward is practical. Continue opening doors for students and graduates through internships and rotational placements. Expand partnerships that bring more women into technical and commercial tracks. Advocate for regional frameworks that harmonize certifications so talent can move more easily across markets. Pair skills with opportunity by linking training cohorts to real vacancies and by supporting youth-led startups in the travel value chain, from digital platforms to creative economy services that enrich the visitor experience.

The airline’s message at MKTE 2025 was simple and credible. Africa’s tourism can grow faster and employ more people if the ecosystem invests in young talent and if companies evolve toward inclusive, learning-focused cultures. ASKY intends to keep doing both, while working with governments, educators, and industry bodies to make sure the continent has the trained people it needs to welcome the next generation of travelers.