Kenya Airways Joins Forces with African Airlines to Revolutionize Intra-Continental Travel and Unleash Monumental Savings for Passengers Across Africa.

KQ JFK

Bryan Obala

Kata_kenya

Kenya Airways partners with African airlines to revolutionize intra-continental travel, delivering monumental savings and enhancing air travel accessibility across Africa.

Kenya Airways Ltd., commonly referred to as Kenya Airways, serves as the national airline and flag carrier of Kenya. Established in 1977 following the dissolution of East African Airways, the airline has its main headquarters in Embakasi, Nairobi. Its primary hub is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, facilitating both domestic and international operations.

Kenya Airways has voiced its support for the consolidation of African airlines, emphasizing that such a move could significantly reduce the cost of air travel within the continent. The airline’s CEO, Allan Kilavuka, highlighted the potential financial benefits of merging national carriers, especially for African countries that struggle to maintain a profitable fleet size. According to Kilavuka, a fleet of at least 50 aircraft is necessary for commercial airlines to achieve sustainable profitability, a target many African carriers find difficult to reach.

By merging, African countries could create regional aviation hubs, streamline operations, and eliminate redundant costs. These savings could then be passed on to passengers, making air travel more affordable and accessible within Africa.

Kilavuka also pointed out that the slow progress in implementing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which was introduced in 2018 to liberalize air travel across the continent, has negatively impacted seat occupancy rates for national airlines. He believes that accelerating the adoption of this initiative would further enhance the viability of African carriers and increase the demand for air travel across the region.

Source:   Travel and Tour World

Africa and Americas Unite at Landmark Summit to Plan Shared Tourism Future.

Tourism leaders from both Africa and the Americas have jointly committed to working together to make the sector a pillar of collective sustainable and inclusive development across both continents.

The “Punta Cana Declaration” was adopted at the conclusion of the very first joint meeting of UN Tourism’s Regional Commissions for Africa and the Americas and followed two days of shared dialogue around the key themes of education and investments into the sector. Recognizing the historic ties between the two regions, as well their unique and complementary cultures, the Summit served as a landmark platform for strengthened cooperation, capitalizing on innovation, education, investments and creative industries for the future development of tourism.

This summit offers a unique platform to forge connections and build bridges between Africa and the Americas, create strategic cross-regional partnerships, foster South-South cooperation projects, all for the benefit of the tourism sector of the two regions

Welcoming around 200 high-level participants among them 14 Ministers, representing 27 countries (15 from the Americas and 12 from Africa), UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “This summit offers a unique platform to forge connections and build bridges between Africa and the Americas, create strategic cross-regional partnerships, foster South-South cooperation projects, all for the benefit of the tourism sector of the two regions.”

Joining the UN Tourism leadership in welcoming delegates and encouraging the building of bridges between the two regions were David Collado, Minister of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Dominican Republic, Chair of the Regional Commission for the Americas, and Auxillia Mnangagwa, Patron for Tourism in Zimbabwe, the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona said: “Africa and the Americas are endowed with rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and profound historical connections. Yet, we recognize that due to multiple challenges—such as limited connectivity, regulatory and administrative barriers, and a lack of mutual market awareness—our cross-tourism relationship is not as strong as it could and should be.

Our goal today is to address these challenges head-on, fostering collaboration that will drive economic development, promote cultural exchange, and encourage sustainable practices benefiting all our communities.”

The Punta Cana Declaration

As a clear signal of South-South cooperation, the Punta Cana Declaration set out a set of shared commitments for the development of tourism as a driver of inclusive development. Through the Declaration, tourism leaders from both regions recognize the important need to “intensify joint efforts to promote sustainable development” through tourism, with a firm focus on “strategic investments, education, innovation and the creative industries”.. Embodying the spirit of the landmark Punta Cana Summit, the Declaration also emphasizes the importance of tourism as a tool for the preservation of shared and unique culture and heritage.

The signatories of the Declaration signalled their intention to “redouble their efforts”, most notably in the following areas:

Strategic investments: To strengthen public-private partnerships, stimulate investments into the sector, and prioritize investments through effective policymaking. Also, to boost connectivity between the two regions, both in terms of improved air links as well as strengthened cultural exchange.

Skills development and training: To prioritize investment in tourism education and training, to expand access to online and offline learning and to promote the use of innovation and new digital skills to enhance the knowledge of the tourism workforce.

Innovation: To support competitions for start-up enterprises and entrepreneurs in both regions, , to better support MSMEs, including in rural communities, and to promote innovative solutions focused on sustainability and climate action.

Creative industries: To promote the role of the cultural and creative industries in the tourism sector, including through funding for projects with the potential to attract tourists and grow new and diverse destinations and cultural routes, and to ensure the benefits the sector delivers are focused on social and inclusive development.

Inter-regional cooperation: To support market analysis and other research to identify potential areas of shared growth and opportunity, to develop shared strategies for tourism development, including through digital media, new products and international tourism trade fairs.

Investments and Education: “Building a better tomorrow, today”

In line with UN Tourism’s wider focus on investments in tourism, the Summit brought together public and private sector leaders, alongside key representatives of financial institutions to assess the current landscape and trends and outlook for Africa and the Americas.

The high-level speakers noted the huge potential for joint investment initiatives between the two regions, emphasizing the growing role of public and private banks. The Summit also focused on the vital importance of investments for driving the green transition of tourism in both Africa and the Americas, most notably in infrastructure and in the hotel sector.

Alongside innovation, the Summit also placed the spotlight on education and training, noting the urgent need for skilled workers in both regions. With the focus on “Young Talents Leading the Transformation, tourism leaders recognized the need for joint capacity-building initiatives, curriculum development, and partnerships between academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and governmental bodies.

Source:    UNWTO

Kenya Airways Operates First Flight Under European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Certification.

On 13th September 2024, Kenya Airways successfully operated its first flight fully staffed by accredited crew under the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Flight KQ554 from Nairobi to Kinshasa, today, marked this significant milestone for the airline, joining a select group of African carriers that have achieved this prestigious certification.

The crew are part of a 71 Kenya Airways personnel who have completed rigorous training to obtain the EASA Attestation Certificate, demonstrating their proficiency in managing safety and service functions on European registered aircraft.

“We are proud to have a significant portion of our cabin crew successfully complete the EASA training program, demonstrating their proficiency in meeting the rigorous requirements of this internationally respected certification,” the Chief Operating Officer, George Kamal, stated. “This accomplishment exemplifies Kenya Airways’ leadership in the African aviation industry and our preparedness to match international standards.”

The EASA Certification equips the KQ team to effectively manage safety and service operations on European registered aircraft during ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) operations. This reinforces the airline’s commitment to providing world-class aviation services and adhering to the highest international safety standards. “This milestone places our cabin crew in an advantageous position, benchmarked against global standards, and showcases our operational excellence,” notes Pauline Kihara, Head of In-Flight Services and Catering. “By aligning with one of the best regulatory frameworks in the world, we not only enhance the capabilities of our cabin crew but also strengthen the confidence of our passengers in the safety and quality of our services.”

The addition of EASA certification marks a new chapter in the history of Kenya Airways as the airline continues to strive to meet and exceed global standards. It also highlights the airline’s success in aligning ACMI operations with its regulations and standardizing cabin services. EASA compliance reaffirms Kenya Airways’ longstanding commitment to passenger safety and solidifies its position as a leading and innovative airline on the global stage.

AirAsia X executives visit KATA after opening the first sales office in Africa.

Bryan Obala

Kata_kenya

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) is delighted to announce a courtesy visit from the Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia X Mr. Benyamin Ismail and the Group Chief Commercial Officer of AirAsia Group Mr. Paul Carroll. The high-level delegation met with KATA board members to discuss the recent opening of AirAsia’s inaugural sales office in Africa, the upcoming inaugural flight to Nairobi on November 15, and the exciting opportunities available for travel agents to partner with the airline.

During the meeting, AirAsia executives expressed their enthusiasm for the African market and highlighted the potential for significant growth in the coming years. They emphasized the airline’s commitment to providing affordable fares and exceptional customer service, making it an attractive option for both leisure and business travelers.

KATA board of directors welcomed AirAsia’s expansion into Africa and expressed their support for the airline’s initiatives. They discussed the potential benefits of partnering with AirAsia, including increased revenue streams, access to new markets, and opportunities for professional development.

The meeting also focused on the support that travel agents can provide to AirAsia in promoting its services and attracting customers. KATA pledged its commitment to working closely with the airline to ensure a successful launch and ongoing partnership.

As AirAsia prepares for its inaugural flight to Nairobi, the airline’s presence in Africa is expected to have a significant impact on the continent’s tourism industry. With its affordable fares and extensive network, AirAsia is poised to become a major player in the African aviation market.

We see potential in this partnership and believe AirAsia‘s entry into the Kenyan market will create opportunities for our members, including new revenue streams and professional development, opening access to 150 underserved destinations and enhance connectivity. Air Asia will operate 4 flights a week and target 150,000 passengers annually.
Others present were Allenie Caccam Business Growth Head and Siew Lee Group Head of Sales and Distribution.

Ethiopian Airlines -Ethiopian Aviation University

Ethiopian Aviation University calls for international applicants for a cabin crew training program.

Our Basic Cabin Crew Training provides the perfect foundation, where training will be provided on airplane mock-up devices by expert instructors with an emphasis on safety and customer service. Get ready to take off for an exciting journey through the skies! Begin your aviation journey today!

Application Deadline: 31, October 2024

Apply Now: eau.edu.et

Email: etauinfo@ethiopianairlines.com | eaainfo@ethiopianairlines.com

Ethiopian Aviation Academy (EAA) is the largest and most modern aviation academy in Africa recognized as ICAO Regional Training Center of Excellence. To train aviation professionals from classrooms to full flight simulator training, EAA offers leading industry standard training for pilots, aircraft technicians, cabin attendants and ground services staff both for initial and recurrent students. The Leadership & Career Development Center is also training thousands in Management and Leadership Skills.

Our cabin crew training simulates real-time scenarios with training aircraft designed for emergency drills and service trainings. Our pilot training school uses light aircraft for its basic training with dedicated simulators. Full flight simulators of all fleets Ethiopian operates are available for flight training. Virtual Maintenance Trainers (VMTs) and various workshops feature our aircraft maintenance training. Beyond these, our academy develops standard training packages including e-learning and virtual classroom trainings. Trainee services include a trainee’s cafeteria, dormitories, an administration complex and a plush new auditorium. The academy plans to take in 4,000 students a year in its training programs.

In line with the rapid growth of Ethiopian Airlines Group, Ethiopian Aviation Academy has been upgraded to Ethiopian Aviation University, which will enable it to provide a broader range of educational programs and increase the level of expertise in the Aviation Industry. The University has been accredited by the Ethiopian Higher Education Relevance and Quality Agency (HERQA), to offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various aviation and hospitality fields.

Ethiopian Aviation University has been accredited by Ethiopian Higher Education Relevance and Quality Agency to offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various aviation and hospitality fields.

Currently, the University offers various aviation courses such as BSc in Aeronautical Engineering, Aviation Maintenance Engineering, Aviation Management & Operations, BA in Tourism & Hospitality Management, MSc in Data Science, MBA in Aviation Management. The University also offers Diploma and Certificate Programs in Aircraft Maintenance Technician, Pilot Training, Cabin Crew and Commercial Training, Leadership & Career Development, Catering Training in addition to ICAO and Online Courses.  Ethiopian also owns training facilities in other regional cities of the country including in Hawassa, Dire-Dawa, Bahir-Dar and Mekelle.

          Link to website https://corporate.ethiopianairlines.com/eaa

About Ethiopian

 Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is one of the fastest-growing airlines brand globally and the continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-eight years of successful operations, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and De Havilland Q400.

 Ethiopian is also pursuing multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world. Ethiopian has been champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for seven consecutive years among others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has been registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years.

For more at: www.ethiopianairlines.com

Contact us on nbores@ethiopianairlines.com/nbocto@ethiopianairlines.com

+254 701 223 493 , 0701 223 970, +254 723 786 649,

Bruce House, Ground Floor, Muindi Mbingu Street, P.O. Box 42901 – 00100,Nairobi, Kenya,

Travelport’s renewed distribution agreement with Delta Air Lines confirms NDC integration

LANGLEY UK – Travelport, a global technology company that powers travel bookings for hundreds of thousands of travel suppliers worldwide, announced it has signed a multi-year renewal agreement with Delta Air Lines, including NDC content. The top U.S. airline is collaborating with Travelport on the integration of its NDC solution into Travelport+ to support Delta’s selling and servicing transformation.

“We value our long-term partnership with Travelport and are pleased to extend our full content agreement, as well as make Delta’s NDC technology solution available to all of Travelport’s agency customers,” said Jeff Lobl, Managing Director, Distribution Strategy and Agency Sales Programs at Delta Air Lines. “Together, we aim to create value by ensuring customers are presented with the best options to fit their needs for a better, more personalized shopping experience.”

To help agencies solve challenges with comparing NDC offers alongside traditional content, Travelport recently debuted its Content Curation Layer (CCL). Travelport’s CCL uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning (ML) to sift through aggregated, multi-source content and return the right range of accurate, highly intuitive search results that are normalized and easier for agents and travelers to understand. CCL is the latest enhancement to the Travelport+ platform, simplifying the delivery of retail-ready content from partners like Delta and presenting tailored options to agency customers and the end-traveler.

“Our renewed agreement with Delta underscores our shared commitment to modernizing travel retail for agents and travelers with a seamless, personalized shopping and servicing experience,” said Damian Hickey, Global Head of Travel Partners at Travelport. “As we prepare for the future delivery of Delta’s NDC content, our ability to deliver multi-source content in a retail-ready way ensures that agents and travelers will be able to easily shop and compare all of Delta’s product offerings in one place.”

Source: Travel Daily News.  

To learn more, read Travelport’s full press release 

Travelport press release – Delta renewal NDC_FINAL (2)Download

Dubai Calendar unveils exciting line-up of events for October 2024

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai Calendar, the city’s official event listings platform, has unveiled a diverse range of events for October 2024, showcasing thrilling sports competitions, captivating live performances, and engaging community activities. October promises a month filled with unforgettable experiences for all, including shows by global music icons and thrilling athletic performances that will have everyone on the edge of their seat. From the legendary British band Kasabian to the Grammy Award winner Calvin Harris, and the dazzling performance of Cinderella on Ice, prepare for a month filled with excitement and entertainment like never before!

Below are Dubai Calendar’s top picks of upcoming events for October:

COMMUNITY

Global Village

Date: 16 October – 11 May

Location: Global Village

About: Global Village is reopening its gates for its 29th season. Featuring 26 pavilions with 3,500 displays from countries near and far, visitors can pick up traditional handicrafts and snacks from more than 200 eateries. Highlights include mesmerising fire-breathing performances, star-studded concerts, and exhilarating stunt shows, ensuring there is something exciting for everyone.

Gault and Millau Culinary Innovators

Date: 24 – 26 October

Location: ICD Brookfield Place

About: Prepare for an extraordinary culinary experience as Dubai’s talented chefs unite for Gault&Millau’s inaugural Culinary Innovators showcase. This unique event, a first of its kind in the UAE, brings together 12 of Dubai’s most acclaimed chefs for a spectacular three-night pop-up.

SPORTS

Dubai Basketball Club

Date: 22 September – 31 May

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: Grab your seats as Dubai’s new basketball team begins its 2024/5 season. Get courtside as Dubai Basketball takes on reigning ABA League champions Crvena Zvezda (Red Star) from Serbia. Led by renowned Head Coach Jurica Golemac, Dubai’s roster includes players from across the world, including the United States and the Philippines.

Dubai Muscle Show

Date: 25-27 October

Location: Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai

About: Join the latest edition of the Dubai Muscle Show, the Middle East’s leading fitness and bodybuilding platform. Highlights include the Dubai Muscle Classic with the FMG International’s first women’s contest, intense boxing and Muay Thai matches, and inspiring talks with bodybuilding legends.

Dubai Active

Date: 25-27 October

Location: Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai

About: Start the Dubai Fitness Challenge with Dubai Active. Enjoy workouts with celebrity trainers, watch boxing and MMA, and explore more than 400 brands.

Cancer Awareness Cycle or Walk

Date: 26 October

Location: Meydan Cycle Track

About: Put your best foot forward for the latest edition of Cycle or Walk For Life and plan a family day out. This community event aims to bring people together to spread awareness about cancer while enjoying live entertainment by local bands, dance groups, motivational speakers, a kids’ zone and festive food stalls.

Plus500 City Half Marathon

Date: 27 October

Location: Gate Village, Dubai International Financial Centre

About: Experience stunning views at the Plus500 City Half Marathon racing through Downtown Dubai’s iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Emirates Towers. Choose between 21km, 10km, or 5km routes, and enjoy a scenic run with friends and family.

Dubai Fitness Challenge

Date: 26 October – 24 November

Location: Citywide

About: Get ready for the 2024 Dubai Fitness Challenge. Complete 30 minutes of daily activity for 30 days with free classes and events in yoga, cycling, high-intensity interval training, and more. Join the fun and get fit!

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Cinderella on Ice

Date: 4-6 October

Location: Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

About: Enjoy a dazzling performance of Cinderella on Ice with stunning skating and thrilling manoeuvres by the Imperial Ice Stars. Book your tickets now for this enchanting retelling of the classic tale.

Tamer Ashour and Elissa live

Date: 11 October

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: Get ready for a night of Arabic music as Lebanese sensation Elissa and Egyptian composer Tamer Ashour light up the stage at Coca-Cola Arena. Elissa, dubbed the ‘Queen of Emotions’, promises a captivating performance as she entertains fans with endless hits like Baddy Doub and Betghib Betrouh. Meanwhile, Ashour will mesmerise with favourites including Zikrayat Kaddab, Ekhtarna Leh, Thania Wahda, and Enta Ekhtart.

Umm Kulthum & The Golden Era

Date: 12-13 October

Location: Dubai Opera

About: Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring melodies of the late Egyptian singer, Umm Kulthum, in an unforgettable show at Dubai Opera. The evening promises to be a true spectacle where her celebrated performances will unfold on stage, enhanced by a live orchestra. Watch the digital and real worlds merge in an elevated ambience during this show.

Kasabian live

Date: 13 October

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: Get ready to rock with legendary British band Kasabian at Coca-Cola Arena. Watch them belt out their top songs such as Fire, Club Foot, and L.S.F.

L.A. Dance Project – Romeo & Juliet Suite

Date: 17-18 October

Location: Dubai Opera

About: Dance meets cinema and theatre in a captivating adaptation of Shakespeare’s iconic Romeo & Juliet. This innovative ballet brings the Bard’s tragic love story to life in a contemporary setting.

Eric Prydz HOLO live

Date: 18 October

Location: Expo City Arena

About: Swedish DJ Eric Prydz is bringing his sensational show HOLO to Dubai for the first time. This show will headline technological and musical innovation that merges music and 3D holographic projections for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Tyga live

Date: 19 October

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: It will be an evening filled with beats as globally-acclaimed rapper Tyga performs live at Coca-Cola Arena. The American star gained popularity for his repertoire of hits and celebrated collaborations with international names like Drake and Justin Bieber. Hear him belt out chart-topping singles like Taste, Swish, and The Motto.

Romesh Ranganathan live

Date: 25 October

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: Romesh Ranganathan’s 2022 show in Dubai was a sold-out success, so grab your tickets early for his upcoming performance. The stand-up comedy star gained popularity thanks to stints on numerous TV shows like The Apprentice: You’re Fired!, Play to the Whistle, and A League of Their Own.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor live

Date: 26 October

Location: Dubai Opera

About: Get ready for an evening that pops with Sophie Ellis-Bexter at Dubai Opera. The singer, songwriter and pop icon of the 2000s will perform her greatest hits including Murder on the Dance Floor and Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love).

KT Tunstall live

Date: 26 October

Location: The Tent, Bla Bla Dubai

About: Dubai fans have the chance to catch Scottish musician KT Tunstall live at Bla Bla Dubai. On the night, you can expect to hear her perform hits like Suddenly I See, Hold On, and 1000 Years.

Calvin Harris live

Date: 26 October

Location: Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience

About: Get a taste of Ibiza right here in Dubai as Grammy Award winner Calvin Harris marks the opening concert at Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience. Get ready to dance to hits like Summer, Feel So Close, and How Deep Is Your Love, while a special guest appearance by Tyson O’Brien makes it an unforgettable experience.

DJ Liu x Barasti

Date: 26 October

Location: Barasti Beach

About: It’s raining beats at Barasti as DJ Liu brings his epic set of deep house and future house music straight from Tomorrowland to Dubai. This electronic music star has been making waves in the international circuit and will now spin top tunes at the beachfront destination.

Dubai Calendar allows residents and tourists to discover all the events, festivals and experiences Dubai has to offer. For more information, please visit: www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-events-calendar.

-Ends-

About Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)

With the ultimate vision of making Dubai the world’s leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy and consolidate its position among the top three global cities over the next decade.

Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai’s diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle and outstanding quality of life, overall.

DET is the principal authority for planning, supervising, developing and marketing Dubai’s business and tourism sectors. It is also responsible for licensing and classifying all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. The DET portfolio includes Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), Dubai Business Licence Corporation (DBLC), Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), Dubai SME, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT).

About Dubai Calendar

Dubai Calendar, the official listings platform for events in the city, is managed by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an entity of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). A free resource online and via a dedicated mobile app, Dubai Calendar is the city’s go-to guide that allows residents and tourists to discover all the events, festivals and experiences Dubai has to offer, from arts, culture and education to food, sports and shopping. With more than 1,200 events per year, and new listings added every week, Dubai Calendar is an all-access pass to ‘what’s on’ in Dubai. For more information about events taking place across Dubai, please visit: www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-events-calendar.

Source:   Zawya.

Kenya introduces digital nomad work permit and visa-free travel to boost tourism

President William Ruto announced plans to attract digital nomads to Kenya during the 2024 Magical Kenya Travel Expo.

According to the Head of State, the newly implemented Digital Nomad Work Permit enables remote workers from all over the world to live and work in Kenya, enriching their lives with the country’s breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture.

The President was speaking at the Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, where he emphasised Kenya’s growing reputation as a top global tourism destination.

He stated that by creating a welcoming environment for digital nomads, the government hopes to establish Kenya as a hub for remote work while also boosting the tourism industry.

“Digital nomads can experience the wonders of Magical Kenya every day while contributing to local economies,” President Ruto stated.

“This initiative not only enhances our appeal as a destination but also fosters a vibrant ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship.”

President Ruto also announced a visa-free policy for visitors from select countries, allowing tourists and business travellers to explore Kenya without the hassle of visa applications.

This policy aligns with Kenya’s broader strategy to welcome people from around the world, encouraging tourism and cultural exchange.

Additionally, the President introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) specifically for transit passengers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

This allows travellers with layovers to step out of the airport and explore Kenya, enhancing their travel experience and encouraging longer stays in the country. T

The eTA caters to both transit and long-connection travellers, enabling them to immerse themselves in the local culture and attractions during their time in Nairobi.

These initiatives come amid a resurgence in Kenya’s tourism sector, which generated Ksh 352 billion in revenue in 2023 from over 2 million visitors.

With an ambitious goal of attracting 5 million tourists per year by 2027, the government understands the significance of appealing to a modern audience that values work-life balance and unique travel experiences.

The Magical Kenya Travel Expo, now in its 14th year, provides an important platform for connecting local businesses with international markets and fostering partnerships that promote long-term growth in the tourism industry.

The event highlights Kenya’s distinct offerings, emphasizing its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, which appeal to both digital nomads and travelers.

Source: Citizen

Qantas launches historic Airbus A380 flights to Johannesburg and expands African connections with Airlink Codeshare

Qantas has made history with the launch of its inaugural Airbus A380 flight (QF63) between Sydney and Johannesburg, marking the first time the Superjumbo (VH-OQH today) has operated between Australia and Africa. The new route will run up to six times per week, adding 130,000 seats annually and reintroducing First Class and an expanded Premium Economy offering. The A380 also features an upper deck lounge for First and Business passengers.

In addition to the capacity boost, Qantas has announced a codeshare partnership with Johannesburg-based Airlink, offering seamless connections to nine South African destinations, including Cape Town and Durban, with plans to expand further into southern Africa.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace highlighted the airline’s long history of flying to South Africa and emphasised the importance of the additional capacity and enhanced connectivity for tourism, business, and trade between the two continents. Fares for the new flights and codeshare connections are available for booking now, with travel beginning in late October 2024.

Source:   Aviation24

Kenya signs tourist security MOU, targets 5M visitors by 2027

Kenya’s Ministry of Interior has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Tourism to enhance tourist security. The agreement, signed by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, aims to improve cooperation with the National Police Service.

The MoU will provide resources to the Tourism Police Unit through the Tourism Fund, ensuring the safety and well-being of both local and foreign visitors. Kindiki stated that this collaboration would help expand the sector and create more job opportunities.

The government aims to increase annual foreign tourist arrivals from 2 million to 5 million by 2027 and 10 million by 2032. Kenya generated Sh142.5 billion in tourism revenue in the first half of 2024, with international visitors increasing by 21.3% compared to 2023.

Tourism CS Miano highlighted the ministry’s commitment to strengthening links with the private sector, aiming to make tourism the country’s leading foreign exchange earner and job creator. Domestic tourism also saw growth, with a 10% increase in bed nights recorded compared to the previous year.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by senior government officials, including Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Kenya Police Service Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.

Read more

Source: AllAfrica