Cruise holidays are increasingly becoming popular in Kenya. Over the years cruise holiday bookings have gone up locally. In the period 2017-2018, Kenya recorded 4,747 tourists cruising in from the United Kingdom, United States of America and Canada. 6 ships docked at the Mombasa dock between October 2017 and March 2018.

It is for this reason that the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) in collaboration with Holiday Bazaar conducted training on selling cruise holidays for her members (travel agents).

In attendance were key sales and marketing personnel from Crystal Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Celebrity Cruises.

Sessions focused on understanding cruising, advantage of selling a cruise, product knowledge on ships, knowledge on personalized cruises among others.

Speaking during the workshop Mr. Nicanor Sabula CEO at KATA opined that players in the industry do not engage is cruise selling because of the perceived technicality of booking cruise holidays. He however noted that there are clients who are curious and seek out information on cruise tourism.

Ms Helen Beck of Crystal Cruises disputed a general perception that claims that cruise lines contribute highly to pollution. “Every cruise line has a very strong sustainable environmental program, which includes a water filtration system on board, garbage separation just to mention a few.” She further said.

Other benefits of cruise ship tourism according to Ms. Thaybz Khan from Royal Caribbean Cruises include value for money because in a cruise ship accommodation, meals and entertainment activities for the whole family are guaranteed.

“In a cruise trip, a traveller gets accommodation, dining and entertainment activities for the whole family,” she said.

 She added that cruise ship tourism, being a multi-generational type of holiday, accords each traveller an unforgettable experience regardless of age.  

Ms Khan further said that cruising allows one to see more than one destination with the convenience of one vessel. This reduces the challenge of unpacking and packing when you are doing more than one destination.

Cruising, she added, offers a safe and secure environment where children are kept busy and entertained while they engage in other recreational activities that include swimming.

With a budget and travel details, Ms Khan stated, a cruise holiday is easy to book. Some key destinations for the cruising market include Europe, the Mediterranean, Dubai, the Caribbean, Barcelona and a rising trend around the Indian Ocean to islands like Seychelles, Zanzibar and Mauritius.

“We are seeing a rise in visits to exotic islands along the Indian Ocean like Seychelles, Mauritius, Zanzibar and Lamu. These sites are especially attractive to travellers from other continents who would normally never visit this part of the world. They now get to see it in one go,” cruise tourism expert Ms. Nishma Shah of Holiday Bazaar reiterated.

Kenya is constructing a Ksh 350 million cruise terminal at the port of Mombasa that is set to be completed in November. This is expected to increase cruise ship tourism as more of them will be received at the port. Kenya is the second major African destination for cruise ships after Egypt.

Air travel was considered a preserve for the rich but since the launch of the low-cost carriers (LCC) in the country this notion has changed. Low cost carriers control an estimated 25% of the global aviation market according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The rise of low cost carriers in Kenya has revolutionised travel, brought affordable air transport within economic reach of a large part of the Kenya population and the market for air travel has massively expanded. This is largely because these LCCs operate a model that features low fares, fewer in-flight frills, and an online booking all which keep costs lower than the traditional airlines.

According to a World Bank Group book, “Ready for Takeoff?” the LCC model could help catalyse air transport in the world’s less developed countries especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

A number of low cost domestic operators of varying sizes fly within Kenya, destinations are mostly around the coast and the popular national parks where a lot of tourists like to visit. This has seen an increased number of people move away from bus stops and now prefer to use low cost carriers to move to their favourite destinations. Examples of these LCCs in the country include Jambojet, Silverstone Air, Skyward Express and Fly 540 aviation.

Jambojet, a subsidiary of Kenya Airways began operations in April of 2014 and by 2019 it had flown over 3 million passengers with more than a million being first time fliers.  Silverstone air began its operations in 2017 and offers flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi which is its main operation base.

Studies show that LCCs not only boost the aviation industry but also have broad positive effects on employment, gross domestic product (GDP), tourism, productivity and trade.

The role of LCC’s in the growth of air travel in Kenya is one of the topics that will be discussed in-depth during the 2019 KATA convention to be held at Enashipai Spa and Resort on the 27^th  and 28^th of September.

Industry captains will get a chance to discuss and debate trends, patterns and drivers of local air travel and why low-cost carriers hold the future for growth of the industry.

The fight against ivory trade picked up momentum after Kenya joined 32 other countries calling for the total ban on the trade.

The 32 countries that include Nigeria, Chad, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Uganda are calling for the listing of the African Elephant from Appendix 11 to Appendix 1 that advocates for the total ban on ivory trade through a campaign dubbed the Ivory Trade is a rip off.

The campaign that is a partnership between the Government, Kenya Airways and Kenya Airports Authority was officially launched on July 31, 2019 by Kenya’s First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and activated on August 1, 2019 by the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Najib Balala.

Speaking during the activation, Mr. Balala urged industry players in the government and private sector to collectively fight against wildlife trafficking.

“This war against wildlife trafficking cannot be fought alone, we call upon all the relevant agencies, in government, private sectors and other communities to support this noble cause.” He said.

The campaign, he further said, hopes to sensitise the public and raise awareness on wildlife trade and trafficking.

The team pledged to each play their part in ensuring the success of the campaign and bringing an end to the ivory trade.

Kenya Airways CEO Sebastian Mikosz said that during the campaign, the national carrier will produce branded boarding passes with codes which once scanned will direct customers to Ministry of Tourism’s website where customers using the airline and its partners can get all information to support wildlife protection.

KAA Chairman Mr. Isaac Awuondo stated that KAA would not relent on the illegal ivory trade adding that  KAA was the first Airport in Africa to sign the United Buckingham Palace Declaration – an international initiative – that commits players in international transport supply chain, mainly airports, airlines, logistics and shipping companies, to collaborate in the fight against the wildlife trafficking.

On their part, KWS has enhanced surveillance in all entry and exit points. KWS will also run an exhibition in August to sensitise the travelling public on illegal wildlife trafficking.

Kenya has been at the forefront for years in the fight to curb the scourge. Heavy jail terms and penalties for people found guilty of the crime has acted as a deterrent. In July 1989, retired president Daniel Arap Moi ignited a pile of 12 tonnes of elephant tusks and helped change global policy on ivory exports.

Shortly after, the trade was banned under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. This recent move in this fight is the biggest one as it incorporates some big names on the travel and tourism sector and other countries as well.

Air travellers who have been inconvenienced by airlines can now lodge their complaints with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

KCAA launched a platform to address the complaints by air travellers who experience lost luggage, overbookings flight delays and cancellations and fail to get any resolution from the airlines.

KCAA Director General Capt. Gilbert Kibe said that as the industry regulator, the authority will pursue unresolved complaints raised by air travellers.

“In the unfortunate event that passengers suffer considerable delays, overbookings, luggage loss or flight cancellations, we want the consumers to be rest assured that we have in place a system for redress that ensures compliance with the laid down code of practice, ensuring that the quality and value of services provided meet consumer expectations,” he said.

The aviation regulator requires that the passengers are informed of any planned cancellations or long-term delays anticipated at least 12 hours before the scheduled flight by the airlines and ground handling agents.

Mr Kibe avers that the airlines should also have a means of communication for emergencies and provide alternative solutions and compensation in cases of denied boarding, flight delays or cancellations and lost, damaged or delayed luggage.

“We, therefore intend to ensure consumers are fully aware of their rights from the point of the ticket purchase in order to ensure that all aviation consumers are accorded the best services and value from the service providers within the aviation industry,” he pointed out.

The aviation consumer protection rules, he further said, demand that airlines provide documents on insurance, compensation and complaint assistance on request from the travellers.

Starting June 1, 2019, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) mandated all travel agencies to provide passenger contact information when booking air tickets.

As part of IATA Resolution 830d, travel agents booking air tickets through IATA’s Passenger Agency Program “must actively ask each passenger whether they wish to have their contact details (mobile number and/or email) provided to airlines participating in the itinerary.” According to IATA, the rule is being implemented in order to help contact the passenger “in an operational disruption” and so that airlines are “able to advise passengers of irregular flight operations and disruptions.

By Kenya Association of Travel Agents

The announcement by government of plans to launch direct flights between Kenya and Jamaica has been received with mixed reaction by travel agents.

This announcement was made following bilateral talks held between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Jamaican counterpart during his three-day state visit to Jamaica this week. President Kenyatta said this would deepen commercial ties as well as strengthen partnership between the two countries.

“This move by the two Governments is timely as passengers will be able to travel well without the issue of Transit Visa in the USA. It will ease the many connections passengers have to endure to reach the Caribbean Island,” said Ms Lilian Mutumira from Africa Bliss Travel Ltd.

Good Hope Travel Managing Director Patrick Ngotho also lauded the move citing that travel agents will now be able to capitalize on the opportunity since Jamaica is a good holiday destination.

 “Jamaica has always been a mystical place, I personally would love to go on holiday to Jamaica and look forward to adding this as a destination once the flights open up the two countries,” says Patrick Maina from Deans Travel Centre.

Mr Peter Bogecho from Zakale Expeditions said that the direct flights will go a long way in helping both markets through tourism and accessibility with reduced travel hassles.

However, the news was not welcomed by all as some travel agents felt that the idea is not viable since Jamaica is an expensive destination.

Mr Jayant Acharya of Acharya Travels observed that this was not a feasible move as it raises questions on sustainability of Jamaica-Kenya market. He further expressed doubt that the cost of air ticket and flying time would be compatible to the Kenya Airways product range.

Ms Julie Dabaly of Carlson Wagonlit Travel pointed out that Kenya’s national carrier Kenya Airways has too many problems that will not be resolved by flying to Jamaica.

“Kenya Airways should first get out of the red before adding to such a far-away destination. Jamaica is a beautiful destination but expensive,” she added.

By Kenya Association of Travel Agents

Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) on Friday hosted a breakfast meeting for its members at the Trademark Hotel in Village Market Nairobi that was sponsored by Amadeus.

Top on the agenda at the meeting was IATA’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) and the New Generation IATA Settlement Scheme NEWGEN ISS that is set to be introduced in Kenya this year.  KATA members got to interact with both organisations while learning about the new trends in the travel market today.

In his opening remarks, KATA Chairman Mr. Mohammed Wanyoike reminded members that Kenya is expected to migrate to the New Generation of IATA Settlement Systems in October this year.

The program, that has already been rolled out in several countries in the world including neighbouring Uganda and Tanzania was launched by IATA to deliver faster, safer and more cost effective and relevant financial settlement services and solutions to airlines and travel agents that rely on the IATA Settlement Systems (ISS).

“We need to prepare adequately for this transition in order to make the migration seamless. That is why KATA CEO Mr Nicanor Sabula and I will travel to learn more from Nigeria, who are already on NewGen ISS. We hope to bring back valuable lessons from this trip,” the Board Chairman said.

The Chairman further notified members of the Annual KATA Convention to be held in September this year.

He welcomed the members and urged them to turn up for the two-day event which will have a lot of learning forums.

Also speaking during the event was Amadeus Managing Director, East Africa Mr Mathieu Dutrisac who took the KATA members through a session on New Distribution Capability Program (NDC).

NDC was launched by IATA as a communication protocol for the travel industry. NDC is a travel industry- supported program that enhances the capability of communications between airlines and agents.

Mr Dutrisac noted that a lot has to be done to realise the full potential of NDC but assured the travel agents that the program will drive the travel industry forward.

KATA CEO Mr Sabula unpacked NewGen ISS for the travel agents explaining the process in full detail.

He informed the members of the forthcoming NewGen ISS training that is scheduled to be held on July 29 jointly with IATA and urged all members to attend.

The Kenya Tourism Board on Wednesday evening treated select Kenyans to the very first premiere of the Lion King in Africa at the Century IMAX Cinema at Garden City in Nairobi.

The event that was preceded by a cocktail was attended by dignitaries in the public and private sector including the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Mr Joe Mucheru, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Mr Joe Okudo, Kenya Tourism Board Chairman Mr Jimi Kariuki and the CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board Ms Betty Radier.

Mr Mucheru said that the Kenyan government is committed towards supporting the movie industry. With proper support, he said, Kenya can have its own movies that can be aired worldwide.

Also speaking during the event, Mr Kariuki emphasised on the need to position Kenya as the hub of tourism in the region.

The movie, he added, showcased Kenya’s beauty as a tourist site and also as a filming destination.

“KTB will work closely with the Disney Film Crew to support them in identifying the various scenes that inspired the movie. The movie has already been aired to audiences in France, US and the UK recently and is airing for the first time in Africa today. This will go a long way in raising the profile as well as amplifying the brand equity of Kenya,” he said.

Kenyans online got excited on seeing the Brand Kenya logo on ‘The Lion King’ backdrop banner during the London premiere of the film lauding the effort to place Kenya on the global map.

According to the National Geographic, the much-anticipated film was inspired by the Hell’s Gate National Park in the Great Rift Valley, Naivasha, Kenya which is known for its scenic sights, wildlife, rock climbing, cycling and the home of the real ‘Pride Rock’ in the film.

The movie officially premieres in the country on July 19.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) on Thursday afternoon held a meeting with the Mombasa Travel Agents, an event that was sponsored by Kenya Airways.

The meeting that was largely attended by registered members of KATA was held to discuss various issues affecting the travel industry. The meeting was then followed by an Iftar Dinner held at the Shehnai Restaurant in Mombasa Town.

Speaking during the event, KATA Chairman Mr. Mohammed Wanyoike updated the members on the ongoing process on the transition to New Generation of IATA Settlement Systems better known as NewGen ISS.

NewGen ISS is a program launched by IATA to deliver faster and effective financial settlement services to airlines and travel agents that rely on the IATA Settlement Systems (ISS).

He pointed out that Kenya is expected to transition in the fourth quarter of the year and would take lessons from countries who are ahead with the process.

“We will engage with colleagues in Africa who are already using NewGen ISS so as to understand the system better. Countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, Mauritius and Rwanda are already using the system,” he said.

Being a new process, he said, challenges are to be expected during the transition. He however assured that trainings on the process have been conducted adding that more trainings will follow.

Kenya Airways Area Manager Ms. Rose Kiseli addressed the KATA agents and assured them of continued partnership and collaboration.

She also assured that the airliner was improving its services including instant feedback where customers can give real time feedback inflight.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has given the official announcement of the KATA Annual Convention set to take place on 27^th – 28^th September 2019 at the Enashipai Resort and SPA in Naivasha.

The association anticipates bigger and better 2^nd convention themed, “Travel in Transition: Re-imagining Kenya’s Future Travel industry”.

The KATA annual Convention is a forum where the travel industry in Kenya convenes for two days of knowledge, inspiration and networking. It is where travel professionals learn how to stay a step ahead and develop and grow their businesses through expert educational sessions. With constant changes in the industry coupled with the potential volatility of today’s world, we are bringing together travel’s most influential executives to discuss the industry’s pressing questions.

Last year, KATA hosted a well-attended convention at the same venue with over 100 owners, directors, CEOs and senior management of travel agencies drawn from KATA membership. The event also attracted participation from the travel industry suppliers and stakeholders.

The KATA Convention is a “Must Attend” for every travel industry professional!  In an interview with the Weekly Travel News, the KATA Advocacy and Industry Relations Manager Ms. Caroline Rwenji mentioned thst the association has lined up eminent speakers both local and international who will grace the convention.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) will this week be sending its officials to the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents (NANTA) on a familiarisation tour of the operations of the Nigerian travel.

The officials Chief Executive Officer Mr Nicanor Sabula and Hon. Treasurer Dr Joseph Kithitu are expected to meet with the executive members of NANTA and also visit a few travel agents to understand the impact of their migration to the New IATA settlement System (NEWGEN). They are also expected to discuss future opportunities for collaboration between the two Associations.

Kenya will on October 16, 2019 migrate from Resolution 818g to the NewGen ISS Passenger Sales Agency Rules under Resolution 812. The NewGen Programme will create more flexible, secure and customer centric BSP for both travel agents and airlines.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has been at the forefront in informing and educating its members on the new system.

KATA has this year reached out through industry meetings in various parts of the country in a bid to have the members informed on the transition.

The program has already been rolled out in several countries in the world including neighbouring Uganda and Tanzania and is expected to deliver faster, safer and more cost effective and relevant financial settlement services and solutions to airlines and travel agents that rely on the IATA Settlement Systems (ISS).