Kenya has emerged as one of Africa’s leading tourism success stories in the post-COVID era, standing alongside South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Tanzania’s Serengeti as the continent experiences a powerful rebound in wildlife and nature-based travel in 2025.

Across Africa, protected landscapes and national parks are once again drawing record numbers of visitors, signaling not just a recovery from the pandemic years but a deeper shift in global travel preferences toward open spaces, conservation experiences, and sustainable tourism. From the Maasai Mara to Kruger’s savannahs and the Serengeti plains, nature has become the backbone of Africa’s tourism resurgence.

Kenya’s Parks Drive Visitor Growth

In Kenya, national parks and reserves have recorded some of their strongest performances in recent years. According to tourism and wildlife authorities, December 2025 alone saw hundreds of thousands of visitors enter Kenya’s protected areas, with domestic tourism playing a critical role in sustaining growth. The Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, and Nairobi National Park were among the top performers, benefiting from improved access, targeted marketing, and renewed interest in wildlife experiences.

The surge reflects Kenya’s long-term investment in conservation-led tourism, as well as a broader strategy to position the country as a year-round destination rather than a seasonal safari stop. Industry stakeholders say travelers are staying longer, spending more, and increasingly combining wildlife tourism with adventure, cultural, and sports-based experiences.

Kruger and Serengeti Set the Pace

South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park continue to anchor Africa’s tourism recovery. Kruger recorded exceptionally high visitor numbers during the 2025 holiday season, prompting authorities to introduce stricter gate controls and advance online bookings to manage congestion and protect wildlife.

In Tanzania, the Serengeti once again reaffirmed its global appeal, with international and regional tourists drawn by the Great Migration and the park’s reputation as one of the world’s premier wildlife destinations. Together, Kruger and Serengeti have helped restore confidence in long-haul travel to Africa, particularly from Europe, North America, and Asia.

Namibia’s Record Growth Signals a Continental Shift

Namibia has also emerged as a major beneficiary of the post-pandemic tourism boom, recording some of its strongest wildlife tourism growth on record. The country’s focus on eco-tourism, conservation fees, and sustainable park management has increased its appeal among environmentally conscious travelers seeking low-impact, high-value experiences.

Tourism officials across the region say Namibia’s performance highlights a broader trend: travelers are increasingly choosing destinations that demonstrate clear commitments to conservation, community benefit, and environmental stewardship.

Why Nature Tourism Is Leading Africa’s Recovery

Several forces are driving Africa’s tourism resurgence. Domestic and regional travel has grown significantly as Africans explore destinations closer to home. At the same time, international travelers are favoring open landscapes over crowded urban environments, with wildlife tourism offering a sense of space, safety, and exclusivity.

Improved air connectivity, better road infrastructure, and digital booking systems have also made national parks more accessible. Meanwhile, demand for premium and private safari experiences has increased, particularly among families and small groups seeking personalized travel.

Economic Impact Beyond the Parks

The rebound in nature-based tourism is delivering tangible economic benefits. National parks are generating increased revenue for conservation, creating jobs in rural communities, and supporting small businesses across the tourism value chain — from lodges and tour operators to transport providers and artisans.

In Kenya, tourism officials note that wildlife tourism remains a critical pillar of the national economy, helping stabilize foreign exchange earnings and promote regional development beyond major cities.

A Sustainable Path Forward

While the recovery has been strong, experts caution that growth must be carefully managed. Overcrowding, infrastructure pressure, and habitat disruption remain real risks. Governments and tourism boards across Africa are increasingly emphasizing sustainability, capacity controls, and community-inclusive tourism models to protect the very ecosystems driving the boom.

For Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Namibia, the message is clear: Africa’s natural assets are not only recovering — they are redefining the continent’s tourism future.

As 2026 unfolds, wildlife and nature tourism are proving to be Africa’s most resilient and valuable travel segments, placing Kenya firmly among the continent’s leading destinations in a rapidly evolving global tourism landscape.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

When thousands of runners line up on the forested hills of Tinderet in Kenya’s Nandi County, or when football fans pour into London for an English Premier League showdown, they are taking part in the same global phenomenon: sports tourism — one of the fastest-growing forces in international travel.

Once a niche market, sports tourism has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry, driven by fans willing to cross borders, oceans, and continents to experience live sporting moments. From grassroots trail races in East Africa to the world’s most-watched football tournaments, sport is increasingly shaping how, why, and where people travel.

Kenya’s Sporting Heritage Meets Global Opportunity

Kenya’s role in this global movement is both historic and strategic. Long celebrated as the world’s distance-running powerhouse, the country is now repositioning itself as a destination for sports-led travel experiences. Events such as the Magical Kenya Trail Series – Tinderet Edition are designed not only to showcase elite athletic talent but also to draw international visitors into rural regions, combining competition with culture, scenery, and community.

These initiatives reflect a broader ambition: to move sports tourism beyond stadiums and into landscapes, heritage sites, and local economies. For Kenya, the model blends athletic identity with destination branding — a strategy increasingly mirrored across the globe.

A Global Market Driven by Passion and Experience

Worldwide, sports tourism is no longer limited to attending a single match or race. Travelers are seeking immersive experiences — combining live events with sightseeing, gastronomy, history, and adventure.

Football remains the dominant driver. The English Premier League attracts international fans year-round, many planning entire holidays around a single fixture at Old Trafford, Anfield, or the Emirates Stadium. Meanwhile, the FIFA World Cup — set to return in 2026 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada — continues to redefine large-scale travel demand, with millions expected to follow their teams across host cities.

Beyond football, the calendar is packed with global magnets: the Olympic Games, Formula One Grand Prix weekends, tennis Grand Slams, cricket world tournaments, rugby championships, golf majors, and American sports finals. Each event fuels hotel bookings, airline routes, local tours, and extended stays.

The Rise of the Sports Travel Package

For travel agents, this surge represents a shift from ticket sales to experience curation. The most successful sports tourism products are packaged journeys — combining event access with accommodation, transport, guided tours, and cultural add-ons.

In Europe, agents are bundling EPL or Champions League matches with city breaks, stadium tours, and museum visits. In Asia and Australia, cricket tours often include multiple matches across cities, alongside beach or wildlife excursions. Formula One packages now routinely mix race weekends with luxury dining, nightlife, and coastal retreats.

Kenya fits naturally into this model. A long-distance running event can be paired with safari experiences, high-altitude training camps, or cultural tours in the Rift Valley. The appeal lies in contrast: elite sport set against natural beauty and authentic local life.

From Spectator to Participant

A defining trend in sports tourism is the shift from passive spectatorship to active participation. Travelers increasingly want to run, cycle, swim, or train — not just watch. Marathons, trail races, cycling tours, and endurance events are drawing amateur athletes who plan holidays around personal challenges.

This trend aligns closely with Kenya’s strengths. Training camps in Iten, trail races in Nandi, and endurance events across the country offer international athletes the chance to follow in the footsteps of champions — while contributing directly to local economies.

Why Sports Tourism Matters

For destinations, sports tourism offers more than short-term visitor numbers. It delivers year-round travel demand, reaches younger and high-spending demographics, and encourages repeat visits. Unlike traditional leisure travel, sports-led trips are often emotionally driven — fans return again and again, following teams, events, or personal sporting goals.

Governments and tourism boards are taking notice. Around the world, major sporting events are now planned alongside infrastructure upgrades, destination marketing campaigns, and long-term tourism strategies. Kenya’s growing emphasis on sports tourism places it firmly within this global movement.

A Global Game with Local Impact

From village trails in the Rift Valley to iconic stadiums in Europe and the Americas, sports tourism is rewriting the rules of travel. It is no longer just about where people go, but what they feel, support, and experience along the way.

For Kenya and for travel agents worldwide, the message is clear: sport is no longer a side attraction. It is a powerful engine of tourism, capable of connecting local communities to global audiences and turning passion for the game into journeys that cross borders and build lasting memories.

Kenya’s passport has risen to 68th place in the latest 2026 Henley Passport Index, marking a significant improvement from its previous ranking of 73rd in 2025. The rise, although modest in terms of places, underscores Kenya’s growing travel freedom, offering passport holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 69 countries—a key factor in boosting the country’s international standing.

Kenya’s passport has risen to 68th place in the latest 2026 Henley Passport Index, marking a significant improvement from its previous ranking of 73rd in 2025. The rise, although modest in terms of places, underscores Kenya’s growing travel freedom, offering passport holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 69 countries—a key factor in boosting the country’s international standing.

The Henley Passport Index measures the travel freedom of countries by counting how many destinations their passport holders can access without needing a visa. Kenya’s position in the index places it just ahead of Nigeria, which ranks 74th, and only one place behind Tanzania at 69th. Kenya’s improved ranking underscores its competitive edge within East Africa, where it now holds the 10th position, trailing only Seychelles and Mauritius on the continent.

Kenya’s Growing Global Travel Access

Kenya’s rise in the Henley Passport Index marks a positive trend for both its global mobility and tourism industry. The country’s passport now ranks higher than many of its regional peers, offering Kenyan citizens a greater degree of freedom when traveling abroad. This ease of travel can encourage not only tourism but also trade, business opportunities, and cultural exchanges.

For tourists and business travelers, Kenya’s improved passport ranking can simplify travel to a broader range of destinations, from European cities to Asian markets. Access to more countries with visa-free entry means that Kenyans can plan spontaneous trips to new destinations with fewer bureaucratic hurdles, which could lead to increased global travel and cross-border tourism.

Kenya’s Competitive Position in Africa

Kenya’s improvement in the global rankings places it in the 10th spot in Africa, a continent with varied visa access across different nations. Kenya is ahead of Nigeria (ranked 74th) and close behind Tanzania (ranked 69th), emphasizing the country’s strong position in the region despite the challenges of visa restrictions elsewhere.

Kenya’s improved ranking also highlights the tighter visa regimes affecting its neighboring countries. While many African countries face increased visa requirements and restrictions, Kenya’s relatively improved ranking offers a competitive edge within East Africa. This may encourage more regional tourism and cross-border travel, particularly with Tanzania, Uganda, and other East African nations. Kenya’s improved global travel access could also stimulate inbound tourism from countries where visas are required, offering an easier path for international visitors.

However, the passport rankings also underscore the disparities in visa-free access within the African continent. While Kenya has seen significant improvements, countries like Seychelles and Mauritius continue to lead the continent, with Seychelles holding a global rank of 1st and offering access to 154 destinations, while Mauritius ranks 2nd in Africa with 145 destinations accessible without a visa.

The Impact of Kenya’s Improved Passport Ranking on Tourism

Kenya’s passport ranking plays an important role in promoting tourism, which has long been a key pillar of the country’s economy. The tourism sector benefits directly from the enhanced travel freedom, making it easier for tourists from more countries to visit Kenya. As Kenya’s global mobility improves, it becomes more attractive to travelers, especially those from countries that require fewer barriers to entry.

Kenya’s appeal as a tourist destination has grown in recent years, thanks to its diverse landscapes, wildlife safaris, and vibrant culture. The country is home to world-renowned National Parks such as Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo, as well as its stunning Indian Ocean coastline, with destinations like Mombasa and Diani Beach drawing millions of tourists annually.

Moreover, Kenya’s growing position within Africa also helps to reinforce its status as a regional tourism hub, attracting visitors from neighboring East African countries and beyond. With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and iconic wildlife, Kenya continues to offer an unforgettable experience for international travelers.

Business and Trade Benefits from Passport Access

In addition to the positive implications for tourism, Kenya’s improved passport ranking could also have economic benefits in the form of enhanced business travel and trade. Ease of access for Kenyan business travelers opens up more opportunities for international partnerships, especially with key markets in Europe and Asia. With access to more visa-free destinations, Kenyan professionals can participate in more international conferences, trade shows, and networking events, fostering economic growth and opportunities for foreign direct investment.

Kenya’s position as an emerging economy in East Africa makes it an important player in regional and international trade. The country’s improved global mobility can help facilitate smoother and more efficient business travel, enabling Kenyan entrepreneurs to tap into new markets and create stronger cross-border collaborations.

Looking to the Future: What’s Next for Kenya’s Tourism and Travel Mobility?

As Kenya’s passport ranking improves, there is strong potential for continued growth in both tourism and business travel. The country’s efforts to improve travel access reflect broader national goals to position itself as a regional leader in economic and tourism growth. For tourists, the ease of travel to more international destinations can spur more global travel, encouraging tourist spending and creating more opportunities for the local economy.

Looking ahead, Kenya’s tourism industry can expect to benefit from even further enhancements in airport infrastructure, international connectivity, and visa facilitation, which will increase its appeal as a destination for global travelers.

Conclusion: Kenya’s Rising Global Mobility

Kenya’s ascent to 68th place in the Henley Passport Index represents a positive step forward for the country’s tourism, business, and travel sectors. With greater access to 69 countries without the need for a visa, the improvement in Kenya’s global mobility is set to fuel continued growth in tourism and economic opportunities. This shift highlights Kenya’s growing status as a premier African destination, and with continued improvements in its infrastructure and tourism offerings, the country is poised for even greater success on the global stage in the years to come.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

Global travel agents’ bodies – the United Federation of Travel Agents’ Associations (UFTAA) and the World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) -have mounted a strong challenge to a decision by International Air Transport Association (IATA) member airlines to impose globally standardised remittance periods under the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP), warning that the move could drive up ticket prices, weaken competition, and expose the global airline settlement system to competition-law risks. The opposition has garnered early support from national associations, including the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), which has cautioned that the decision overlooks critical local market realities.

The objections follow a recently concluded mail vote by the IATA conference adopting amendments to Resolution 812, Section 6.5.3.7, mandating uniform BSP remittance timelines across all countries. The change dismantles long-standing arrangements under which credit terms were determined locally through joint governance, reflecting domestic banking systems, payment habits, and established commercial practices.

Industry players, including KATA, note that the move to impose uniform remittance terms across all markets fails to adequately take into account local market realities, financial systems, and long-established commercial practices that have enabled the travel trade to operate sustainably within national economies such as Kenya’s. KATA has said the current BSP remittance framework in Kenya has, over time, provided a balanced mechanism that supports both airline settlement security and the viability of travel agencies serving the domestic and international market.

UFTAA said the decision goes far beyond a procedural update. “By centrally dictating credit and remittance terms worldwide, airlines acting collectively through IATA are exercising structural monopoly power over the global airline clearing system,” the federation said in a press release issued last week. It added that the BSP is a “mandatory and indispensable settlement infrastructure” and that unilateral changes to its credit conditions “meet established definitions of abuse of collective dominance.”

Describing the move as a market-wide intervention, UFTAA said, “This decision is not a technical adjustment but a fundamental market intervention,” warning that its effects would ripple across the aviation value chain. According to the federation, shortened and rigid remittance periods would force travel agents to pre-finance airline revenues, significantly increasing liquidity and working-capital costs. “These costs inevitably translate into higher prices, reduced choice, and diminished service resilience for passengers,” it said.

UFTAA also framed the issue as one of economic sovereignty. “Credit terms are a core element of economic policy. Imposing uniform conditions across diverse markets effectively overrides local commercial practices, financial systems, and payment cultures, intervening in national economies without regulatory mandate or democratic legitimacy,” the statement said. The federation noted that “no evidence-based economic justification has been presented to support a one-size-fits-all approach,” adding that there is “no precedent in any other global industry where suppliers collectively dictate credit terms to intermediaries across all markets through a private association.”

Concerns were also raised over governance. “Binding resolutions are adopted exclusively by airlines, while agents—who bear the financial consequences—have no voting rights. Combined with monopoly control over settlement infrastructure, this creates a systemic competition-law risk,” UFTAA said, calling the conduct exceptional and damaging to market fairness and competitive balance.

On their part, WTAAA stated that the decision undermines collaborative governance and exposes a long-standing structural imbalance within the Passenger Agency Programme, where binding resolutions are adopted exclusively by airlines, while agents retain only consultative status. “By depriving national markets of their ability to tailor remittance schedules to local needs, the global alignment decision disregards long-standing local relationships between airlines and agents and ignores the operational realities of diverse business models, including high-volume corporate and tour operator accounts,” said WTAAA Executive Director Otto de Vries.

Commenting on the decision, KATA Chairman Dr. Joseph Kithitu said, “We are disappointed by IATA’s unilateral decision to change a system that has worked well and served the Kenyan market effectively for many years. Any global intervention that overlooks local market conditions risks destabilizing the travel distribution ecosystem, particularly in markets where agencies play a critical role in supporting air travel demand.”

UFTAA has called for the immediate reconsideration of the global remittance decision and urged a return to locally governed payment arrangements that are economically justified and proportionate. It said such a step is necessary to protect competition, market integrity, and the long-term interests of passengers, warning that the consequences of the current approach will be felt far beyond the travel trade.

Kenya Airways has stopped operating flights between Nairobi and Eldoret, ending its return to the route less than two years after relaunching the service.

The national carrier quietly exited the route in late December 2025, with flights no longer available for booking. While Kenya Airways has not issued a formal public statement, industry sources say the decision is part of an ongoing effort to streamline operations and cut costs.

The Nairobi–Eldoret route is one of Kenya’s busiest domestic corridors, linking the capital to the agriculturally rich North Rift region. Kenya Airways resumed flights to Eldoret in March 2024 after nearly a decade away, a move that was widely seen as an attempt to strengthen domestic connectivity following the pandemic.

However, the return has proved short-lived.

Shift to Low-Cost Operations

Sources familiar with the airline’s strategy say Kenya Airways has opted to leave the route to its low-cost subsidiary, Jambojet, which continues to operate flights to Eldoret alongside Skyward Express.

The shift reflects a broader trend in the airline industry, where full-service carriers increasingly rely on budget subsidiaries to serve domestic and price-sensitive routes. Operating such routes under a lower-cost model allows airlines to remain competitive while managing expenses more tightly.

Pressure from Capacity and Costs

Kenya Airways has faced ongoing operational challenges, including aircraft shortages linked to global supply chain disruptions and rising maintenance costs. These pressures have forced the airline to review its route network and focus resources on services that offer stronger returns.

Domestic aviation in Kenya has also been affected by rising fares, driven by strong demand and limited aircraft availability. With fewer operators on some routes, passengers may face higher ticket prices in the short term.

What It Means for Travelers

For travelers to Eldoret, flights remain available through Jambojet and Skyward Express, though reduced competition could affect pricing and scheduling flexibility.

Kenya Airways’ exit highlights the continuing difficulties facing full-service airlines in balancing national connectivity with commercial sustainability. It also underscores the growing role of low-cost carriers in shaping the future of domestic air travel in Kenya.

As the airline continues to restructure, industry watchers say further network adjustments should be expected as Kenya Airways works to stabilise its finances and focus on long-term viability.

Source: businessdailyafrica.com

Dubai is slowly changing the way it hosts music and cultural events. Instead of only late-night concerts in closed venues, the city is seeing more festivals that start in the afternoon and continue into the night, mixing music with food, wellness, and family-friendly activities.

That shift is visible at Barasti Beach, where the Beach Vibe Festival is being held on January 10. The event runs for 12 hours, from 3pm to 3am, and is designed as a relaxed beach experience rather than a typical nightclub-style concert.

Industry professionals said that this reflects a change in how people in Dubai want to spend their time. Many residents and visitors are looking for events that offer more than just music, but a place where families, friends and different age groups can come together.

The festival is organised by Zenith SoundRoom and is headlined by Dutch DJ and producer Maddix, who is performing in the UAE. Along with music, the program includes beach activities, yoga sessions, markets, food stalls and areas for children.

Malik Raihan, founder of Zenith SoundRoom, said the aim was to move away from the usual nightlife model. “Most events in Dubai start very late and are meant only for adults,” he said. “We wanted something that starts during the day and grows into the night, where music, families, food and culture can exist together.”

He said people now prefer events they can attend for a few hours or spend the whole day at. “You can come in the afternoon, enjoy the beach and activities, and stay on as the music builds later in the night,” he said.

Ozman Rahman, a freelance event organiser said Dubai’s music scene has changed over the past decade. “Earlier, most big events were large concerts or luxury club shows. Now, beach-style music and lifestyle events are more popular because they suit Dubai’s tourism and outdoor culture.”

Rahman said crowds have also become more mixed. “You see people who grew up in the 1990s attending because of the music they know, but younger people and families are coming too,” he said. “Many venues are more open now, and concerts are no longer limited to adults only.”

Tour operators also said that music festivals are also driving travel into the UAE. Subair Thekepurathvalappil from Wisefox Tourism said many people are flying to Dubai just to attend concerts. “We see visitors coming from India, China, Pakistan, Russia, and countries in the Caucasus. For many fans, travelling to Europe or the US to watch their favourite artists is difficult or expensive. The UAE is easier because of visa access and good flight connections.”

He added that many visitors stay only a few days. “People come for the concert and combine it with a short holiday,” he said.

Organisers said that the beach venues play a big role in this shift. Raihan said open locations like Barasti Beach feel more natural and social. “Music on the beach changes how people experience events,” he said.

With more international artists choosing Dubai and organisers trying new formats, the city is building a stronger festival culture. Instead of being known only for nightlife or one-off concerts, Dubai is becoming a place where music, culture and lifestyle come together throughout the year.

Source: khaleejtimes

West Africa has taken a major step toward cheaper and more accessible air travel — and the rest of the continent, and beyond, is being urged to take note.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved a region-wide policy to reduce air ticket taxes, removing several charges linked to air transport and cutting passenger and security fees by 25 percent. The move is aimed at lowering the cost of flying in a region long considered one of the most expensive in the world for air travel.

Studies cited by ECOWAS show that passengers in West Africa can face as many as 66 different charges on a single ticket, while airlines pay more than 100 separate fees. As a result, flight costs in the region are up to 85 percent higher than global averages for regional routes and 82 percent higher for international flights.

With the new policy — known as the Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees — ECOWAS estimates that air ticket prices could fall by nearly 40 percent if the savings are passed on to passengers.

Why This Matters Beyond West Africa

The decision has significance far beyond ECOWAS. Across Africa and in other parts of the world, regional air travel remains expensive, fragmented, and underdeveloped — often because of heavy taxation and uncoordinated national policies.

Many regional blocs, including those in East Africa, Southern Africa, and parts of Asia and Latin America, face similar challenges:

• High airport taxes
• Multiple security and passenger charges
• Different rules from one country to another
• Limited coordination between governments

These factors make short regional flights more expensive than long international ones, discouraging travel, trade, and tourism.

What Other Regional Groups Can Learn

ECOWAS’ approach offers a practical roadmap for other regional groupings that have not yet acted.

First, agree at regional level.
One of ECOWAS’ strengths is collective action. By agreeing on a common policy, member states avoid undercutting or contradicting one another. Other blocs, such as the East African Community (EAC), Southern African Development Community (SADC), or COMESA, could follow the same path by adopting binding regional frameworks on aviation charges.

Second, reduce the number of charges.
The ECOWAS study revealed that the sheer number of fees — not just their size — drives up ticket prices. Other regions should conduct similar audits to identify unnecessary or duplicated charges and eliminate them.

Third, ensure laws are aligned nationally.
Although ECOWAS rules are legally binding, member states still need to adjust their national laws. This step is critical. Regional agreements only work if countries follow through at home.

Fourth, protect passengers, not just airlines.
ECOWAS has made it clear that airlines are expected to pass savings on to travelers. Other regions should adopt the same principle, supported by strong oversight to ensure lower taxes actually mean cheaper tickets.

Fifth, monitor implementation.
The creation of a Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism is key. Without monitoring, reforms risk staying on paper. Other regional blocs should establish similar bodies to track compliance and impact.

The Bigger Picture

Affordable air travel is not just about tourism. Cheaper flights improve business links, regional integration, job creation, and emergency connectivity. In Africa, where distances are long and road and rail networks are limited, aviation is often the fastest way to move people and goods.

By cutting air taxes, ECOWAS is betting that increased passenger numbers will compensate for reduced charges — a model that has worked in other parts of the world.

A Moment for Regional Action

As West Africa moves ahead with implementation, pressure is likely to grow on other regions to act. Travelers, airlines, and tourism bodies are watching closely.

If similar reforms are adopted elsewhere, regional travel could finally become affordable for ordinary citizens — not just business elites.

West Africa has shown that lowering the cost of flying is possible. The question now is whether other regional groups are willing to follow.

Source: Travelnews

For decades, Africa has been described as a destination at the edge of global air travel. That story is now changing — and fast. With a bold move to develop Bishoftu International Airport, set to become Africa’s largest airport, Ethiopian Airlines is placing the continent firmly at the centre of the world’s aviation map.

Located near Bishoftu, southeast of Addis Ababa, the new airport is designed to ease pressure on the busy Addis Ababa Bole International Airport while dramatically expanding Ethiopia’s role as a global air transport hub. For Ethiopian Airlines, already the continent’s largest carrier, the project represents both confidence and long-term vision.

A New Gateway Between Continents

When completed, Bishoftu International Airport is expected to handle tens of millions of passengers annually, offering modern terminals, expanded runways, and advanced cargo facilities. More importantly, it will strengthen Ethiopia’s position as a key link between Africa, the United States, Europe, and Asia.

For travelers, this could mean shorter transit times, more direct connections, and greater choice. Instead of relying on traditional hubs in Europe or the Middle East, passengers flying across continents may increasingly pass through Ethiopia — often with smoother connections and competitive fares.

What Travelers Can Expect

Ethiopian Airlines has built its growth on reliability and strategic connectivity. The new airport will give the airline room to add more long-haul routes and increase flight frequencies, particularly to North America, Europe, and Asia.

For travelers heading into Africa, the benefits are even clearer. Improved connections through Bishoftu could open easier access to cities across East, West, and Southern Africa that have long been underserved by direct international flights.

A Shift in Global Aviation Power

Major airports shape global travel patterns. By investing in Bishoftu International Airport, Ethiopia is signaling its intention to join the ranks of the world’s leading aviation hubs.

Aviation analysts say the project could alter established travel flows, challenging long-dominant hubs in Europe and the Gulf region. As global passenger growth increasingly comes from Africa and Asia, such infrastructure investments are seen as critical to staying competitive.

Beyond Runways and Terminals

The impact of Bishoftu International Airport extends beyond aviation. The project is expected to support tourism growth, create thousands of jobs, and strengthen Ethiopia’s role in global trade through expanded cargo handling capacity.

Tourism stakeholders believe easier access will encourage more international visitors to explore Ethiopia and the wider African continent, turning the country into both a destination and a gateway.

A Clear Message to the World

At a time when some countries are raising barriers to travel, Ethiopia’s move sends a different message — one of openness, ambition, and connectivity.

For travelers in the United States, Europe, and Asia, the changes may appear gradual: a new route, a smoother transfer, a shorter journey. But taken together, they mark a deeper shift in global aviation.

Africa is not just opening its doors to the world. Through Bishoftu International Airport, it is helping redraw the world’s travel map.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

How U.S. travel restrictions are sending a warning to the world—and redefining the role of travel agents

The global tourism industry is once again being tested, this time not by a pandemic or economic crisis, but by policy. In 2025, the United States introduced higher visa fees and tighter travel restrictions aimed at strengthening border security and reducing visa overstays. While the measures were designed with domestic priorities in mind, their ripple effects are now being felt far beyond U.S. borders.

International arrivals to the United States have slowed, particularly from Africa, Latin America, Asia, and parts of Europe. For many potential visitors, the cost of a U.S. visa—now among the most expensive globally—combined with longer processing times and additional requirements, has turned travel plans into financial and logistical hurdles. As a result, tourists are increasingly choosing alternative destinations perceived as more affordable and welcoming.

Economic Consequences for the U.S.

Tourism has long been a pillar of the U.S. economy, supporting millions of jobs across airlines, hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, and local transport services. A decline in international visitors not only affects major cities such as New York, Miami, and Los Angeles; it also impacts smaller destinations that rely heavily on foreign tourists.

Industry analysts warn that reduced international travel spending could cost the U.S. tens of billions of dollars in lost revenue over time. While domestic tourism remains strong, it cannot fully replace the economic value of international visitors, who typically stay longer and spend more.

A Global Wake-Up Call

The U.S. experience offers a cautionary lesson for other countries. In a highly competitive global travel market, policy decisions can quickly influence traveler behavior. When visa fees rise sharply or entry rules become complex, tourists tend to redirect their spending to destinations with smoother, more predictable processes.

Countries seeking to grow or protect their tourism sectors must strike a careful balance between security and accessibility. Competitive visa pricing, transparent requirements, and efficient processing systems are increasingly becoming as important as natural attractions or cultural appeal.

The Growing Role of Travel Agents

Amid this complexity, travel agents have emerged as critical intermediaries in the global travel ecosystem.

As visa rules change and costs increase, travelers are turning to professional agents for guidance. Travel agents help clients understand evolving requirements, assess the true cost of travel, prepare accurate documentation, and avoid costly application errors that could result in visa denial.

For destinations affected by restrictive policies, agents also play a strategic role by redirecting travelers toward alternative markets and countries with easier entry conditions. In doing so, they help stabilize demand and protect tourism flows.

At the same time, travel agents serve as a feedback channel between governments and travelers. Through industry associations and tourism boards, agents provide real-time insights into traveler concerns, enabling policymakers to understand how regulations impact demand on the ground.

However, higher visa costs and restrictions also place pressure on agents themselves. Increased uncertainty leads to more cancellations, delayed bookings, and dissatisfied clients—challenges that directly affect agency revenues and trust.

What Countries Can Do Better

To avoid the downturn now facing U.S. inbound tourism, experts recommend several measures for governments worldwide:

• Maintain affordable and competitive visa fees, especially for key tourism markets
• Simplify and digitize visa processes to reduce delays and uncertainty
• Engage travel agents and tour operators when designing or revising travel policies
• Ensure policy transparency, allowing travelers and agents to plan with confidence
• Balance enforcement with economic realities, recognizing tourism’s contribution to national development

As global travel continues its recovery, the message is clear: tourism thrives on openness, clarity, and affordability. Policies that unintentionally discourage visitors risk pushing travelers—and their spending—elsewhere.

For travel agents, the current landscape reinforces their importance as navigators of an increasingly complex travel world. For governments, it is a reminder that in tourism, perception matters as much as policy—and that the cost of closing doors may be higher than anticipated.