Non-Kenyan residents travelling to Kenya for less than 12 months may soon be required to register their travel health insurance under the Social Health Authority (SHA), following a recent development.

This comes after Principal Secretaries for Medical Services and Immigration and Citizen Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga and Dr. Belio Kipsang, met on Thursday, May 8, to deliberate on the matter.

In a statement released after the meeting, the PSs stated that the discussion was in line with President William Ruto’s directive.

“Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, today paid a courtesy call on the Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services, Dr. Belio Kipsang, to deliberate on the implementation of the Mandatory Inbound Travel Health Insurance under the Social Health Authority,” read part of the statement.

The two held a consultative meeting at Dr. Kipsang’s Nairobi office, focusing on how their respective departments can collaborate to operationalise the Presidential directive requiring non-Kenyans staying in Kenya for less than twelve months to possess valid travel health insurance. Also in attendance was the Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth.

The development comes as the government seeks to enhance the uptake of insurance under the Social Health Authority (SHA), launched in October last year as part of efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage.

In November, the government directed the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) to compile a list of competent insurance companies that could offer the mandatory travel health insurance cover to individuals entering the country.

In a letter to the IRA Chief Executive Officer, Godfrey Kiptum, then Principal Secretary for Medical Services Harry Kimtai, noted that the selected companies would provide travel health insurance cover for all short-term visitors to Kenya.

“The purpose of this letter, therefore, is to request you to urgently provide us with a list of licensed or approved inbound travel health insurance products or providers for the purposes of undertaking a restricted tendering process,” read part of the letter.

“Providers listed will then be issued with a request for proposal with the appropriate specifications.”

This means that any insurance company seeking to offer the new travel health insurance product must apply to the IRA for registration as a provider.

“In this regard, the Ministry of Health has commenced the process of establishing the necessary administrative framework for the implementation of the policy and legal requirements,” Kimtai stated.

Source: Kenyans.co.ke

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have proposed a special ‘PAMOJA Visa’ to facilitate cross-border travel during the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which the three countries are set to co-host in August.

Described as a special multiple-entry pass, the PAMOJA Visa is part of a wider set of cross-border facilitation measures being discussed by the East African co-hosts. The aim is to enable smooth movement for players, officials, fans, and media personnel attending the month-long tournament across the three nations.

According to a statement issued on Friday by Juney Karisa, Head of Public Communications at Kenya’s Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, the PAMOJA Visa stands out among the key proposals supporting tournament operations.

“The three nations also discussed cross-border facilitation measures to ensure the smooth movement of players, officials, and fans. Among the proposals is the introduction of a ‘PAMOJA Visa’ or a special multiple-entry pass to guarantee regional mobility and coordinate a unified security framework,” the statement read.

The visa proposal was presented during a high-level virtual interministerial meeting chaired by CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba. The meeting also covered updates on logistical preparations, including venue selection and infrastructure readiness.

If approved, the PAMOJA Visa would apply primarily to visitors from outside the East African region – such as CAF officials, football fans, international journalists, and national team delegations. It is expected to streamline travel by reducing bureaucratic delays and enhancing the overall experience for CHAN 2025 attendees.

East African nationals, however, may not require the visa. Citizens of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and other East African Community (EAC) member states already benefit from existing protocols that allow free movement across borders using national IDs or passports.

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, reaffirmed Kenya’s readiness to meet CAF standards in both infrastructure and planning.

“We have already paid the hosting rights for CHAN. Our earmarked venues meet the required standards and are ready to support the extensive logistical operations needed for such a world-class event,” he said.

“We have brought together multidisciplinary teams within our organising committees to adhere to CAF’s guidelines, just as we successfully did during the CHAN draws. Kenya is committed to working closely with CAF to deliver a stellar and memorable tournament experience,” he added.

Mvurya’s remarks were echoed by his counterparts Hon. Peter Ogwang of Uganda and Hon. Hamisi Mwinjuma of Tanzania, who reiterated their countries’ joint commitment to delivering a smooth and united edition of the tournament.

CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba welcomed the regional cooperation and called for swift finalisation of key logistics.

“The confirmation of venues and logistics will enable our advance teams to commence on-the-ground preparations for the August championship. CAF is fully committed to supporting Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in turning this historic joint bid into a resounding success,” he said.

Source: The Eastleigh Voice

A surge in solo travellers, particularly those flocking to affordable hostels in Asia, is reshaping the travel industry, according to Hostelworld’s CEO Gary Morrison.The industry has historically focused on couples, often overlooking the needs and desires of individual adventurers, he said.

The shift is fuelled by a rise in “solo by circumstance” travel, where individuals find themselves alone due to life changes like relocation or relationship breakups, rather than a deliberate choice to travel solo, he said.“To a large extent, the travel industry has been kind of closed off to solo travellers and it doesn’t really cater to them,” Mr Morrison said.“Every single hotel room is for two people.“I think, in the longer term, other parts of the travel industry will start catering to solo travellers – which is, to stop charging them for two-person rooms.”

Hostelworld, which is a platform for hostels around the world, has been involved in the social side of travel through its chat room app which launched after the Covid pandemic.It works by connecting people who have booked into hostels in a particular destination, allowing them to co-ordinate plans or find like-minded people staying in the same place.Bookings data from the platform show the proportion of solo travellers had risen from 57 per cent in 2021 to 63 per cent in 2024.

Furthermore, young female backpackers have become the fastest-growing group, spurred on by increasing opportunities to group up with others or enhanced safety measures including the availability of female-only hostel dormitories.Mr Morrison said the “vast majority” of European travellers were going to Asia, particularly Thailand, because of the appeal of cheaper hostel rooms and living expenses.He admitted that the shift “obviously hurts revenues” for Hostelworld, which last month said its average booking values had dropped from €14.36 (£12.26) in 2023 to €13.21 (£11.28) in 2024.Mr Morrison said the company had set its sights on creating the “world’s largest travel network”.

It does not make money from people using the chat function, but the engagement is seen as driving bookings as people recommend hostel stays, or even make cheap bookings in order to access the feature.

Source: Independent

Last year experienced a rebound in private equity deals in the travel sector, in line with surging travel demand. This was driven mainly by an ongoing recovery of destinations in the Pacific and Asia, as well as a strong performance from large source markets.

In the second quarter of 2024, fourteen private equity deals worth a combined $822.9 million (€724.4m) took place in the European tourism and leisure sector, according to the GlobalData’s Deals Database.

Key European private equity deals in the travel sector in 2024 include Ares Management Corporation and its operating partner EQ Group buying UK commercial property development group Landsec’s entire hotel portfolio, in a deal worth about £400m (€466.7m).

But why are private equity companies investing more in the global travel and tourism sector at the moment?

Post-COVID rebound

During the pandemic, while travel demand lagged, undervalued assets were snapped up by several PE companies, who planned on investing further in them later on.

“PE activity in the travel sector has seen a significant increase, accounting for around 40% of UK travel M&A in 2024, with particularly strong interest in tech-enabled and experiential travel companies,” Andrew Keller, director at Stax Consulting, said.

He continued: “This surge is being driven by the post-Covid rebound in travel demand, combined with ample available capital (“dry powder”), which is drawing firms back into hospitality, tours, and travel agencies. Many PE firms are pursuing buy-and-build strategies, acquiring a core business and then adding bolt-on acquisitions to scale quickly.”

Graham Miller, director of the Nova School of Business & Economics’ Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, said: “The hotel and resorts sector in particular has seen large investment from private equity. Restaurant groups have been acquired and also tour operators have taken on PE investment.”

Dr. René-Ojas Woltering, assistant professor of Real Estate Finance at EHL Hospitality Business School, explained that this recent rebound in PE interest in the travel sector could also be due to better demographic trends and supply factors.

“Several factors drive this optimism. First, favourable demographic trends, notably affluent baby boomers approaching retirement, indicate potentially higher future demand. Simultaneously, supply is highly constrained in top locations due to high costs (land, regulations, inflation), making it expensive to build new hotels, thus favouring acquisition of existing assets,” he said.

He added: “My own research confirms that private equity firms frequently capitalize on market dislocations, such as during the COVID-19 crisis, by actively increasing acquisitions when assets become available at attractive prices.”

Shift in spending towards luxury

The shift in spending towards luxury and wellness experiences, which includes travel, rather than high-end goods, has also created more private equity opportunities in travel. This often includes upgrading hotel facilities and other travel infrastructure to cater to current travellers.

The emergence of relatively more niche destinations, especially across regions like Central Asia and the Nordics, amongst others, also means that new hotels need to be constructed, or existing ones remodeled and renovated, in several cases, to accommodate the higher tourist flow.

Intrepid Travel, which carries more than 4,000 consumers in Iceland, notes this growing trend across the rest of Scandinavia as well.

“Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, we’ll look to try and be similar numbers in each of those countries. We know there’s real big demand for our style of travel here,” James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel, said.

PE companies have been increasingly involved in both new hotel constructions and renovations, as well as in engineering technology, maintenance and operations companies in the travel and hospitality sector.

Although the slowing global economy, as well as higher inflation and interest rates continue to remain concerns, consumers are finding ways to keep travelling, opting for more budget trips and shorter itineraries, among others. This could point to the resilience of the travel sector, while potentially contributing to PE interest in the industry.

“We’re seeing growth in the higher-end premium space because it’s often where luxury travelers are choosing to go on more cost-effective solutions. And equally, we’re seeing our more entry-level type travel experiences grow very strongly as well because they’re very affordable ways for people to get out and see things,” Thornton said.

How do PE companies change their acquisitions?

Private equity companies typically make a number of changes to the companies they invest in or acquire. This is in order to make them more profitable as an income-generating asset for a certain period of time after which they often sell these businesses at a higher price.

These changes can be anything from light remodelling or renovation, to a complete overhaul or restructuring.

Keller said: “PE firms are driving transformation in the travel sector through a combination of operational and strategic initiatives. On the operational side, they are streamlining systems, implementing modern technologies such as dynamic pricing tools and updated booking platforms, and bringing in new leadership to enhance execution.”

He further highlighted that there was a strong focus on targeting high-margin segments such as experiential, luxury and group travel, while also selling or divesting underperforming divisions and assets.

“Additionally, many firms are pursuing buy-and-build growth strategies—acquiring smaller operators or agencies and integrating them under a unified brand to expand market share and operational efficiency,” Keller added.

In several cases, PE firms could have a specific objective in mind while taking over a travel company.

Miller pointed out: “The investment that Intrepid Travel received from Genairgy, which is linked to the Decathlon company, was done with the aim to help Intrepid grow as an impact-led company promoting responsible travel.”

Woltering explained: “Hotels benefit considerably from this process, as private equity provides both capital and operational expertise, resources often unavailable to smaller, independent, or family-run hotel businesses.”

Private equity companies may also choose to refinance and restructure debt to improve cash flow for the travel companies they take over. They may also expand distribution channels by integrating travel technology and bring in new artificial intelligence tools such as agentic AI.

Many PE companies choose to standardise services across multiple properties for maximum cost efficiency too.

What are the challenges faced in this process?

Although private equity capital and expertise can be very welcomed by some travel companies, the overhaul required to turn some of these companies into long-term profit generating assets can be fraught with challenges at times.

Miller noted: “PE firms have a reputation for being very demanding in terms of their objectives and goals.”

Often, balancing cost-cutting and high quality client services can become tricky, especially in a turbulent market environment.

Keller said: “The travel sector faces several challenges that add complexity to investment and operations. Market unpredictability—driven by volatile demand, shifting booking behaviors, and macro shocks such as geopolitical events- complicate forecasting and valuations.”

He added: “At the same time, firms must strike a careful balance between cost-cutting and maintaining service quality; aggressive reductions can negatively impact customer experience and brand reputation. Additionally, navigating increasingly strict regulations and meeting rising expectations around sustainability and ethical practices present further hurdles.”

Finding the right buyers, who can afford to pay premium valuations even in a competitive market, can also be a challenge for PE companies.

For travel companies, one of the biggest problems could be a loss of brand identity, as rapid changes in branding, management and pricing could all significantly alter a business.

Several PE companies also focus on short-term or immediate profitability, which could put added pressure on these travel companies, and compromise long-term sustainability and customer loyalty.

A clash in ideology and strategies between the original owners of a travel company and PE companies could further complicate such a process.

Miller pointed out: “Always the challenge for investment is aligning objectives and timeframes. If the original owners of the company are still involved then they will not want to lose control, but the investment will be needed to allow them to achieve something they could not otherwise.

“The investors have their own reasons and are less interested in the history, or even long-term future of the company. This alignment is crucial to a successful partnership.”

Macroeconomic and financial challenges such as high financing costs in higher interest rate environments could have a negative impact on investment returns, deal-making and refinancing, although it could also increase distressed buying opportunities, according to Woltering.

Labour shortages and regulatory hurdles could be complicated and time-consuming to navigate as well.

Woltering highlighted: “Post-pandemic, many European markets face acute hospitality labor shortages, complicating recruitment, retention, and operational transitions. Private equity firms may encounter resistance from existing employees or unions, particularly if implementing efficiency-focused measures.

“European cities often have stringent regulations, including zoning, planning, and historical preservation rules. These regulations can significantly delay or complicate hotel renovation and repositioning efforts, increasing both time and costs involved in executing a PE firm’s business strategy.”

Source : finance.yahoo.com

Global air passenger demand rose by 3.3 per cent in March – as measured by revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) – compared with the same month in 2024, according to the latest analysis from airlines association IATA.

But IATA said that total capacity (available seat kilometres) “outpaced the demand expansion” at 5.3 per cent in March, leading to a 1.6 percentage point year-on-year fall in the month’s load factor to 80.7 per cent.

On a regional basis, airline demand in Europe rose by 4.4 per cent year-on-year in March while capacity was up by 6.4 per cent, which reduced overall load factor 1.5 points to 79.2 per cent. 

But the North American market saw a 1.1 per cent fall in RPKs in March, despite capacity rising by 3.5 per cent. Although the region’s load factor remained above the global average at 81.4 per cent.

“There remains a lot of speculation around the potential impacts of tariffs and other economic headwinds on travel,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general.

“While the small decline in demand in North America needs to be watched carefully, March numbers continued to show a global pattern of growth for air travel.

“That means the challenges associated with accommodating more people who need to travel – specifically alleviating supply chain problems and ensuring sufficient airport and air traffic management capacity – remain urgent.”

Source : BTN Europe

Boeing has opened an office in Addis Ababa to serve as the company’s administrative hub in the region. 

Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Turkey, Africa, and Central Asia, said the company’s expanded footprint in Africa was a testament to its commitment to the region’s aerospace industry.  

“This office will allow us to work more closely with our more than 60 airline customers on the continent, forge strategic partnerships, enhance safety standards and contribute to the ongoing efforts to expand Africa’s aviation industry, which is a key driver of the region’s economy,” said Ghata-Aura. 

Boeing also has an office in Johannesburg, and has field service representatives stationed with airlines in Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Tanzania and Togo. 

Heading the office will be Henok Teferra Shawl, MD of Boeing Africa.  

“Africa is among the most promising markets in terms of economic and business growth. Being closer to our customers, government stakeholders, and suppliers will enable us to develop solutions that best address the needs of Africa’s aviation sector,” said Shawl. 

According to the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), Boeing collaborates with suppliers in Ethiopia, Morocco, and South Africa, with partnerships valued at around US$40 million (R746,8m).  

Boeing had more than 500 aircraft operated by African carriers – representing nearly 70% of the regional market, said AFRAA. 

Source : South Africa’s Travel News

National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) has named its latest Boeing 737 airliner after a high-ranking Kenyan employee, in what they say is an aeronautical tribute to her “resilience and unwavering” leadership.

Just a day before unveiling the name of their newest B737, Kenya Airways had taken to its official X account to tease the upcoming surprise, asking followers to guess which prominent name would be featured on the new jetliner’s side. The honors ultimately went to Caroline Ndonga, the Burundi Station Manager who KQ say deserves the esteemed distinction since “some names deserve the skies.”

“Say hello to Caroline Ndonga. Not just our Burundi Station Manager, but a force of resilience, safety, and unwavering leadership,” stated the airline.”Today, her name soars on the side of our newest B737, honoring a woman who keeps us grounded while helping us fly higher. Because some names deserve the skies. #ThePrideOfAfrica!”The occasion was marked with what appears to be much pomp and fanfare as the KQ top leadership gathered alongside Ndonga as they paraded the new plane named after her.

Photos shared on X show a beaming Ndonga alongside her colleagues and bosses, as she proudly clutches onto a massive trophy, the name ‘Caroline Ndonga’ appearing majestically on the front part of the plane’s fuselage.The sweet tribute warmed hearts of Kenyans, with many leaving heartfelt reactions, thanking KQ for honoring Ndonga in her lifetime.Popular scholar Dr. John Njenga wrote, “Superb! Well done. Honored in her lifetime.”

Someone else said, “No way we could have known that. To Caro, congratulations. You must be a special person and exceptional one to have a plane named after you. Excellent employee motivation and recognition. Take my flower.”Nairobi lawyer Dennis K. Wambua also reacted, saying, “This is absolutely amazing! Thank you for honouring Caroline Ndonga and giving the good lady her flowers whilst she could smell them.”

As Station Manager at Kenya Airways, Caroline Ndonga is responsible for overseeing all ground handling operations at the station. She has also been tasked with ensuring smooth and efficient service for passengers, cargo, and aircraft where she manages flight operations, coordinates with various teams, and ensures adherence to safety and security standards.

Additionally, she handles customer relations, addresses complaints, and may be involved in emergency response.Ndonga is a seasoned aviation professional with over 16 years of progressive experience at Kenya Airways. 

She has demonstrated consistent leadership, operational excellence, and a deep understanding of airline logistics. She began her career with the airline in March 2005 as a Flight Dispatcher, a role she held for nearly four years.However, in May 2009, she transitioned to the role of Load Controller, where for three years she was responsible for accurate flight weight and balance calculations and load planning.

In April 2012, she was promoted to Supervisor of Operations in Kisumu, before she moved into her role as Station Manager in Burundi.This tribute comes as Kenya Airways continues its efforts to highlight the people behind the scenes, especially those whose dedication keeps the airline flying.

Source : Citizen Digital

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the premier global event for the travel and tourism industry, has attracted over 55,000 professionals from 166 countries, marking a notable 16 percent increase compared to last year’s edition. This event has highlighted more than 2,800 exhibiting companies, with 19 percent hailing from the Middle East and 81 percent from the rest of the globe.

The ATM 2025 was centred around the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” delving into how the future of tourism will further be influenced by connectivity across borders, industries, and communities. This theme was a pivotal element throughout the event, which took place from April 28 to May 1 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

High-profile attendance

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, visited the exhibition and received an overview of this year’s key themes and innovations.

Throughout the four-day event, several distinguished dignitaries and VIPs were present, including His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, who officially inaugurated the event. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, explored the show floor and was briefed on the highlights of the 2025 edition.

Strong community engagement

Danielle Curtis, exhibition director ME at Arabian Travel Market, stated: “My colleagues at RX Global and I are proud to have welcomed a vibrant and engaged community of travel professionals to ATM 2025. This year’s theme has resonated strongly throughout the show floor, emphasising how collaboration across borders and sectors creates new opportunities for inclusive and resilient tourism growth. The outstanding turnout and record-breaking number of exhibitors are clear indicators of ATM’s crucial role in shaping the future of global tourism and connectivity.”

Regional growth and participation

Moreover, growth has been evident across all show verticals, with regional year-on-year increases in several areas: the Middle East (19 percent), Asia (20 percent), Europe (17 percent), and Africa (21 percent). Notably, Asia stands out as the fastest-growing region at ATM 2025, with exhibitor participation soaring by an impressive 20 percent year-on-year. This growth has been driven by enhanced regional connectivity and strengthened ties with international markets.

Beyond the UAE and the broader GCC markets, the top ten registered international markets for ATM 2025 are as follows: India (6 percent), Türkiye (3.2 percent), United Kingdom (3 percent), Egypt (3 percent), United States (2 percent), China (1.5 percent), Sri Lanka (1 percent), Spain (1 percent), Maldives (1 percent), and Pakistan (1 percent).

Rise of ATM Travel Tech

Furthermore, ATM Travel Tech has expanded by over 26 percent this year, showcasing the sector’s growing integration with technology. A newly launched Start-Up and Innovation Zone presented 21 innovative companies redefining travel, accompanied by an immersive VR experience that allowed visitors to explore transformative solutions in the industry.

Hotel sector performance at ATM 2025

The hotel segment at ATM 2025 has witnessed a 12 percent year-on-year growth, with all major international hotel chains represented. The ATM Conference featured over 70 sessions and brought insights from more than 200 esteemed speakers on the Global Stage, Future Stage, and the new Business Events Stage, which is part of IBTM@ATM.

Launch of IBTM@ATM

Additionally, the IBTM@ATM event was officially inaugurated, establishing a dedicated zone for business event professionals. It featured insights from prestigious organisations such as the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), and the World Energy Council, in addition to contributions from tourism and event industry leaders from around the world.

Source : Economy Middle East

The Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism market is expected to grow to $410.9bn by 2032, up from $256.5bn in 2023, according to industry predictions, with popular tourist destinations launching various initiatives to cash in on the rise in demand.International Muslim tourist arrivals in the first half of 2024 were listed at 80 million, according to Crescent Rating, which said the steep rise is set to continue and figures could reach 230 million by 2028.Industry experts say the global Islamic Halal economy, which includes investments as well as tourism among others, is set to reach $7.7 trillion this year, more than double the $3.2 trillion in 2015 and significantly higher than the $5.7 trillion it was valued at in 2021.

What is Halal tourism?

Halal is an Arabic term meaning “permitted” and extends to more than just food.Halal, or Muslim-friendly, tourism would cover everything from halal food, prayer facilities, availability of water in toilets for washing and ablution, gender segregation options, as well as an environment and experience free from “forbidden” acts, including alcohol and gambling.

Why was there a need for halal tourism options?

“Muslim leisure travellers have similar motivations to others. They want to experience the culture of their destination,” Fazal Bahardeen, CEO of Crescent Rating, told Al Jazeera.“The key difference is that they seek to enjoy these experiences without compromising their basic faith-based needs. It’s not just a form of religious tourism.”A report by Crescent Rating predicts that the Muslim travel market is expected to reach $300bn by 2026, serving as “a strategic opportunity for destinations and operators to connect with a growing audience”.

Is the Muslim-friendly tourism market spreading?

AbdulMaalik Tailor, CEO and founder of Halal Tourism Britain, reckons Halal tourism “is an untapped market that has potential”.“Initially, Muslim travellers would only do religious pilgrimages or visit ‘back home’,” he told Al Jazeera. “But as the community grew, especially the younger generations with their surplus spend, it became apparent that their needs had to be catered for.”Bahardeen says many popular tourist destinations are now “recognising this potential and enhancing their offerings to be more inclusive”.

While Malaysia and Thailand are among the most popular destinations, other popular ones include Singapore, United Kingdom, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Thailand.In July last year, Thailand unveiled a halal industry action plan aimed at promoting local products and bolstering industry standards. The country set its hopes on the rising halal industry to help boost to its tourism-reliant economy, which has struggled since the COVID-19 pandemic.

In November, the Hong Kong Tourism Board launched an initiative to “drive development of Muslim-friendly tourism facilities to elevate visitor experiences”.

In a statement sent to Al Jazeera, it said it wanted to “encourage restaurants, hotels, attractions, venues, and other establishments to review their Muslim-friendliness, while promoting the importance of Halal certification among the trade”, sharing a list of hotels, restaurants and attractions that had obtained the required certification.Since 2019, Taiwan has consistently been among destinations ranked highly by Crescent Rating while the Philippines retained its title as an emerging Muslim-friendly destination for the second straight year in 2024.

Last year, the Philippines’s Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the tourism department “recognises the significance and potential of Halal tourism in contributing to the growth and diversity of our tourism industry”.“Catering to the needs of Muslim travellers through development of Halal tourism is crucial in ensuring that we raise our competitiveness in the global tourism market,” she added.

Zanzibar hosted a Halal Tourism Exhibition last year, hoping to attract not only investment but also interest. A Zanzibar tourism official told Al Jazeera that the move will also help boost businesses that were already offering such initiatives.Tailor, of Halal Tourism Britain, said the “increase in non-Muslim countries catering to Halal tourism shows a positive trend in the market’s growth”.

What is contributing to the increase in Halal tourism?

While the rise in Muslim population growth remains a factor that has pushed the demand higher, according to Tailor, another major reason is the rising middle class with disposable income that is wishing to travel more.

“More destinations, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, are becoming aware of the potential and are actively marketing themselves as such to create different experiences,” he said.“We also need to recognise that the age we are living in, the narrative can be told now by Muslim influencers and Muslim brands taking advantage of it too, whilst recognising that non-Muslims who may identify as Halal travellers are increasingly wishing to have the shared experiences.”

Approximately 70 percent of the global Muslim population is aged below 40.Crescent Rating predicts that “by 2034, the Muslim population will experience substantial increases in the middle age groups [21-30 and 31-40], which are key travel demographic segments due to their economic activity and travel propensity”.

Bahardeen says he has been part of the industry for the last 16 years, and “the changes in halal tourism have been profound”.“When we started, it was a niche concept with limited awareness. Today, it is widely recognised across the travel industry, with entire segments dedicated to accommodating Muslim travellers. The level of awareness, innovation, and investment in this sector has evolved significantly.”

Source : Aljazeera

Final preparations are underway for Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, which is expected to break attendance records when it opens next week at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Organisers RX Global, together with strategic partners including the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Emirates, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Al Rais Travel, revealed key details and highlights for the upcoming event during a press briefing in Dubai yesterday.

Record-breaking growth expected

ATM 2025 will showcase over 2,800 exhibiting companies, with 17% from the Middle East and 83% from the rest of the world, and is set to welcome 55,000 attendees from 161 countries. The event has achieved a near 12% year-on-year increase in exhibitor participation, making it the largest edition to date, now spanning 14 halls.

The 32nd edition of ATM will focus on the theme: “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”, exploring how the future of tourism will be shaped by connectivity across borders, industries, and communities. The theme will be reflected across all show verticals, from the ATM Conference programme and ATM Travel Tech to exclusive networking events and the diverse portfolio of global exhibitors showcased.

Strategic partners share industry outlook

Danielle Curtis, exhibition director for the Middle East, Arabian Travel Market, says: “Connectivity is increasingly recognised as the driving force behind the future of travel and tourism. Tourism evolves as the world connects, and now, more than ever, collaboration among key stakeholders, including governments, airlines, travel agencies, hospitality leaders, and local communities, has become essential to shaping a thriving and more sustainable industry.

This year’s show is expected to see notable growth in participation from key regions, including Asia, which is the fastest-growing region at ATM with a projected 20% year-on-year increase in exhibitors, the Middle East, which has increased by over 15%, Europe, up by over 12% and Africa and the Americas, which are growing steadily, reflecting the rising demand across the global tourism industry. Enhanced regional connectivity and stronger links with international markets play a key role.

Surrounded by the world’s fastest-growing travel markets, Dubai is the ideal location to explore the power of connectivity. Renowned for its world-leading aviation sector, a vast array of attractions, and a favourable business environment, Dubai is a global centre for industry leaders to collaborate, innovate, and unlock new opportunities in travel and tourism.

His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), says: “Dubai is proud to continue its long-term strategic collaboration with the internationally renowned Arabian Travel Market (ATM) as its host destination, highlighting our commitment to advancing Dubai’s position as one of the leading global cities for business and leisure, a goal central to the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.

“The success of Dubai’s tourism sector is a testament to visionary leadership and the strength of longstanding public-private partnerships – a model that continues to propel us forward.

“Major events like ATM are pivotal to our tourism strategy, as we look beyond traditional tourism pathways by driving innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and new economic opportunities. This year’s ATM theme resonates with our vision for sustainable growth, reflecting our physical connectivity, as well as the digital and human connections that fuel progress in our industry.

“The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism will be joined by more than 125 stakeholders at ATM 2025, showcasing our dynamic ecosystem and the collaborative spirit that defines our city’s approach to tourism.

Through our robust hosted buyers programme, we will also welcome over 300 buyers from 39 countries to experience Dubai’s unparalleled hospitality first-hand. Together, we look forward to engaging with global leaders and industry experts, exchanging insights, exploring transformative trends, and forming new partnerships that will shape the future of travel and tourism.”

Adnan Kazim, deputy president and chief commercial officer, Emirates, says: “ATM’s theme this year, Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity’ resonates profoundly with Emirates’ growth strategy.

“Since the last edition of ATM, the Emirates story has gained remarkable momentum and demonstrates how a strong business model and the right strategy can take us forward. We’re gearing up for a busy and productive four days at ATM, and we look forward to networking, doing business, meeting with our partners, and forging new relationships.”

New features and innovation zones

New additions to ATM this year include IBTM@ATM, a specialised zone for business events suppliers to showcase their offerings and connect with international buyers through prescheduled appointments and business exchange sessions. As part of IBTM@ATM, a new Business Events Stage will be introduced, where industry experts will outline strategies for growth in business events and corporate travel.

ATM Travel Tech is larger than ever, with an increase of over 26% in the number of products showcased, reflecting the travel industry’s total convergence with technology and innovation, which will also house the new Start-Up and Innovation zone, dedicated to exploring the travel industry’s evolution into a tech-powered sector and its growing role as a driver of innovation.

The zone will showcase the next wave of travel pioneers and feature an immersive VR experience that promises to provide visitors with a new perspective on the possibilities within the industry.

Haitham Mattar, managing director, IHG Hotels & Resorts, says: “We are honoured to continue our longstanding partnership with Arabian Travel Market – a cornerstone event that exemplifies the strength of the travel and hospitality sector in the Middle East.

“With a legacy in the region spanning over six decades, we remain steadfast in our commitment to shaping the future of hospitality by bringing new brands and hotels in high-demand areas, elevating guest experiences and growing responsibly.

“This year’s theme for ATM of ‘connectivity’ aligns seamlessly with IHG’s ambitions – not only in enhancing travel experiences, but also in deepening the digital and human connections that truly define memorable guest journeys and unlock the full potential of travel.

ATM 2025 provides a valuable platform to celebrate our growth, showcase our expanding portfolio, and reinforce the spirit of collaboration that propels the industry forward. We look forward to engaging with our partners and peers as we collectively shape the future of travel and tourism.”

Across three main stages – the Global Stage, Future Stage, and Business Events stage – attendees will have the opportunity to gain insights from over 200 high-profile speakers across more than 70 conference sessions.

The conference programme will cover various topics, including the future of aviation, hospitality trends, climate action initiatives, and the adoption of artificial intelligence across the industry.

Mohamed Al Rais, executive director, Al Rais Travel, says: “At Al Rais Travel, we are proud to play a leading role in connecting global travellers with the rich experiences of our region.

“As the official DMC partner of ATM 2025, this year’s theme – ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity’ – perfectly reflects the industry’s direction. Stronger partnerships and smarter integration are key to building a resilient, innovative, and future-ready tourism sector.

Aligned with Arabian Travel Market’s vision, we bring over four decades of expertise in bridging cultures and delivering seamless, personalised travel solutions. Our presence at ATM reflects our commitment to innovation and collaboration. We’re especially excited about IBTM@ATM, a new platform linking business event suppliers with global buyers.

Together with industry leaders, Al Rais is not just enabling travel – we’re building lasting connections, driving business tourism, and shaping tomorrow’s journeys. With us, the world comes closer, one experience at a time.”

Jonathan Heastie, portfolio director – travel sector, RX Global, concludes: “We’re thrilled with the event’s growth this year and expect it will add even more of the vibrant energy people have come to expect from the ATM experience.

“As a fast-moving, cosmopolitan crossroads, linking high-growth tourism regions with world-class infrastructure and innovation, we’re excited to witness the next chapter of the global travel story as it unfolds next week.”

Source : Biz Community