June Chepkemei Appointed New Kenya Tourism Board CEO

June Chepkemei, the former Acting Managing Director at the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB).

Chepkemei will hold the position for the next three years, succeeding John Chirchir who has been at the helm of the tourism board in acting capacity since November 2022.

Her appointment was confirmed via a gazette notice date March 19, 2024. “In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 37(1) of the Tourism Act, 2011, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife appoints June Teclar Chepkemei to be the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Tourism Board,” the notice reads in part.

Chepkemei was appointed Acting KenInvest MD in January 2023 by then Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria.

She was at the time tasked with the responsibility of spearheading strategies to attract and grow investments to Kenya from USD 500 million to USD 10 billion by end of 2023.

In 2022, Chepkemei successfully led Kenya’s team in a fruitful bid to host the 41st International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) world conference slated for 2024.

She was also part of the team that was charged with delivering Technology and Innovation Jamhuri in 2022.

She has served as a member of the Taskforce on the Kenya Media Policy Guidelines, following her appointment by then ICT, Innovation, and Youth Affairs CS in 2021.

Chepkemei was named among the Top 25 Women in Digital 2021 having pioneered the Konza Innovation Ecosystem Initiative that brought together various industry stakeholders to support the commercialization of research, innovation and the development of new solutions and enterprises within Konza Technopolis.

In 2017, June was appointed as the Project Coordinator for a New Institute of Strategic National Importance, Kenya Advance Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), that was developed by the Ministry of ICT & Digital Economy in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MoE).

Before joining Konza, Chepkemei was the Communications Business Partner at Safaricom Limited, after a six year stint in the media industry where she rose through the ranks from an intern to become a Business News Editor.

She holds a Master’s degree in Communications Studies from Moi University, a Bachelor’s Degree in PR & Communications from Moi University, Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Marketing from The Chartered Institute of Marketing of the UK, and an Executive Certificate on Innovation from Stanford Centre For Professional Development.

She is also a Chartered Marketer by the Charted Institute of Marketing (CIM), UK.

Source: Citizen Digital  

Togo and Austria ink direct flight agreement between their capitals.

Togo First) – Austrian Airlines can now serve Lomé directly. Last Thursday, March 14, Togo and Austria signed an agreement to this end. The deal was signed in Lomé, by the Togolese Minister of Transport, Affoh Atcha-Dedji, and the Austrian Ambassador to Togo, Thomas Schlesinger.

Commenting on the deal, Idrissou Ahabout, Managing Director of the National Agency for Civil Aviation of Togo (ANAC), said: “This agreement enables companies like Asky and Ethiopian Airlines to offer direct flights to Austria, from Lomé. It also opens the way for all investors who want to connect Lomé to Vienna to initiate the processes.”

The agreement integrates environmental protection, security, and travelers’ safety.

It will contribute to the government’s ambition to make the airport of Lomé (AIGE) a regional hub.

In October 2022, Asky Airlines, the Lomé-based pan-African airline, opened new flight routes. As a result, the number of passengers at AIGE soared above 630,000 people in the first half of 2023.

It is worth noting that the airport hopes its passenger traffic will reach 1.5 million heads by 2025.

Source: Togo First.

Dubai Tourism CEO on the Power of Bollywood, Indian Visas and Cricket.

Dubai Tourism CEO Issam Kazim joked that Dubai is an Indian city.

Speaking at Skift India Summit 2024 on Wednesday in Gurugram, India, Kazim had a point. Dubai and India are closely linked when it comes to Indians living in Dubai, as well as cultural and travel ties. Much of Dubai’s modern success as a tourism hub grows out the many Indians choosing to stay there.

Since 2015, India has reigned as Dubai’s largest inbound travel market, with around 2.5 million Indians coming into Dubai in 2023. The emirate runs 75 flights a day to and from India, though, according to Kazim, that’s still not enough.

“There is a surge in demand for Dubai from India,” he said. “The culture between India and the UAE is so strong. The historical relationship is so strong. It’s natural for a lot of Emiratis to speak Hindi fluently.”

In February, Dubai introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa for inbound Indian travelers, with visas being one of the best ways Dubai can demonstrate its intent to push travel.

Kazim explained: “We’ve rolled out many visas. We want people here for weekend getaways, sports, tourism. We want people here. We have a lot of visiting friends and relatives travel as well.”

He cited visas as an example of governmental-private sector collaboration.

“The government leads the way and the private sector follows. We have a constant dialogue with the private sector on how we can make their lives smoother,” he said “Visa policies are an example of that.”

Big on Bollywood

In 2022, Dubai Tourism launched a global campaign with Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan to promote the emirate and its travel spots. The video has attracted 10 million views.

According to Kazim, Bollywood stands as a huge travel generator for Dubai, serving as an “organic” way to drive interest.

“Bollywood has done a lot for Dubai,” Kazim said. “It’s more than just SRK (Shah Rukh Khan, India’s biggest movie star) as well. Dubai was always mentioned positively by India, there’s a positive synergy. SRK has that organic energy. There’s no act that he likes Dubai — he genuinely does.”

“Bollywood goes well beyond the boundaries of India,” he said. “Same in Middle East, same in Europe, same in U.S.”

India Premier League

Rumors cropped up earlier this month that the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) could be moved to Dubai in April and May.

IPL was held in the UAE in 2020 across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah as India was badly hit by the pandemic at that time.

Kazim did not confirm the claim, but said: “Dubai has always hosted IPL games, we know the importance of it for the India communities.”

Source: skift.  

Travelport Delivers NDC Content and Servicing for Qatar Airways on Travelport+

LANGLEY UK, Travelport, a global technology company that powers travel bookings for hundreds of thousands of travel suppliers worldwide, and Qatar Airways, one of the world’s leading global airlines, announced today that Qatar’s NDC content and enhanced servicing capabilities are now available in the Travelport+ platform.

Travelport customers can easily search and compare NDC offers from Qatar Airways, as well as service NDC bookings, which includes modifications and cancellations. Travelport+ enables agency customers to access a wide range of rich content, fares, and unique offerings from Qatar Airways all in one place, enhanced by the Content Curation Layer (CCL).

This Travelport+ feature minimizes manual tasks using powerful artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning (ML) capabilities to provide agents and travelers a more modern retailing experience with faster search response times, highly relevant results, and greater accuracy.

“Our NDC collaboration with Travelport ensures that travel agents around the globe can effortlessly shop and book our growing repertoire of NDC offers and provide exceptional service to our customers, including post-ticketing. Qatar Airways has long been committed to bringing our agency partners along on the NDC journey, so we’re pleased to extend our NDC offers to Travelport subscribers,” said Matt Raos, Senior Vice President Global Sales at Qatar Airways.

“Now that Qatar’s NDC content is available on Travelport+, our agency customers will have the ability to view and compare more dynamic offers and ancillaries from Qatar Airways so they can create a more streamlined, personalized experience for travelers,” said Jason Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer, Travel Partners at Travelport. “We’ve built our NDC solution to empower travel agents to operate as modern retailers and provide the level of service that travelers need beyond the point of booking, so that our partners benefit from more upsells and greater loyalty from their customers.”

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About Travelport

Travelport is a global technology company that powers bookings for hundreds of thousands of travel suppliers worldwide. Buyers and sellers of travel are connected by the company’s next generation marketplace, Travelport+, which simplifies how brands connect, upgrades how travel is sold, and enables modern digital retailing. Headquartered in the United Kingdom and operating in more than 165 countries around the world, Travelport is focused on driving innovation that simplifies the complex travel ecosystem.

Media Contacts:

Katie Cline

Senior Director, Global Head of External Communications

katie.cline@travelport.com

Jennifer Blackburn

Senior External Communications Manager

jennifer.blackburn@travelport.com

Beau Avis

External Communications Coordinator

beau.avis@travelport.com

Source: Travelport.

KQ, SAA Delay Pan-African Airline Formation for Recapitalization.

The establishment of a Pan-African Airline, scheduled to take shape this year, has been delayed as the two carriers intended to form the alliance are seeking to recapitalise.

Kenya Airways and South African Airways announced the establishment of the highly anticipated Pan-African Airline Group this year, following the initial proposal of the plan three years ago.

Last year, Kenya Airways disclosed the initiation of the second phase of the partnership framework between the two airlines, a crucial step that would pave the way for the formation of the new aviation group.

Despite the persistence of the plans, the timeline has been adjusted due to the ongoing recapitalisation efforts by both carriers.

“The plans are still on but will be delayed because we are recapitalising this year, and I believe so is SAA,” Allan Kilavuka, CEO of Kenya Airways told Business Day Africa.

To facilitate the recapitalisation, Kenya Airways has extended an invitation to external investors, including existing ones interested in increasing their stake.

This initiative, dubbed “Kifaru 2,” aims to inject fresh capital into the airline’s operations.

The airline is actively working to restructure its balance sheet, leveraging recent improved performance, which included reporting a $6.79 million operating profit in the first half of 2023—its first in six years, marking a 120 percent improvement compared to the same period in 2022.

Similarly, South African Airways has been in pursuit of a strategic investor since resuming operations in 2020 after a period of financial challenges led to a halt. Notably, the carrier received crucial approval for the sale of a 51 percent stake to the Takatso Aviation consortium, the government’s preferred partner.

Led by Harith General Partners, an asset management firm, the consortium is set to acquire a controlling 51 percent stake in SAA Group, injecting $167 million into the carrier’s operating capital.

The strategic partnership framework between Kenya Airways and South African Airways was initially signed in South Africa in November 2021, witnessed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and former President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta.

The collaboration aims to consolidate assets, enhancing connectivity for both passenger traffic and cargo, and providing passengers with more affordable fares and diverse flying route options.

Source: Business Day Africa.

Kenya Airways Resumes Eldoret Flights.

In a bid to bolster its presence in the local market and fortify regional connectivity, Kenya Airways will resume flight services to and from Eldoret, effective March 25th, 2024.

The decision comes as Eldoret, a bustling economic hub in Uasin Gishu County, continues to attract a diverse array of travellers, ranging from business executives to tourists eager to explore the region’s vibrant economy and cultural heritage.

With flights scheduled five days a week, passengers will now conveniently travel between Eldoret and major destinations, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and international connections, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Allan Kilavuka, CEO of Kenya Airways, emphasized the strategic significance of reinstating flights to Eldoret, underlining the airline’s commitment to fostering economic growth and regional integration.

“Our renewed focus on the domestic market reaffirms Kenya Airways’ pivotal role in advancing Africa’s economic prosperity. By connecting Eldoret to our extensive network, we aim to stimulate growth and foster lasting socio-economic development in the region,” Kilavuka stated in a statement on Wednesday.

The revival of Eldoret routes signifies a crucial milestone in Kenya Airways’ recovery journey post-COVID-19. As the airline strives to provide reliable and efficient air travel services, it remains dedicated to supporting the nation’s economic resurgence and promoting connectivity within the continent.

“As Kenya Airways prepares to resume operations to Eldoret, travelers can expect exceptional service, world-class amenities, and the utmost commitment to safety and comfort. The airline remains committed in its mission to connect people, cultures, and markets, contributing to the prosperity and well-being of communities across Africa and beyond,” Kilavuka said.

In a bid to ensure accessibility for all travellers, competitive airfares will be offered for flights to and from Eldoret, aligning with Kenya Airways’ commitment to affordability and inclusivity in air travel.

Source: Citizen Digital

African travel industry leaders to unite at WTM Africa 2024 this April.

The African travel industry is on the brink of a significant resurgence, with leaders and stakeholders gearing up for an event that promises to catalyze growth, foster innovation, and showcase the continent’s vast potential as a travel destination. The World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2024, scheduled to take place from 10 to 12 April 2024 in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa, is set to be a pivotal gathering for professionals across the travel industry. This comprehensive article delves into what makes WTM Africa 2024 not just an event but a milestone in shaping the future of travel on the continent.

The Essence of WTM Africa 2024

WTM Africa has established itself as a leading travel and tourism event, bringing together global brands, African entities, and travel professionals from all over the world to engage in meaningful discussions, forge partnerships, and explore the latest trends shaping the industry. The 2024 edition of WTM Africa aims to build on this legacy, offering a platform for showcasing sustainable tourism practices, innovative technologies, and the diverse cultural and natural heritage that Africa has to offer.

Uniting Industry Leaders

One of the core strengths of WTM Africa 2024 lies in its ability to unite leaders from various facets of the travel industry. From tour operators and travel agents to government officials and tech startups, the event promises a convergence of ideas and expertise that is rare to find elsewhere. This gathering of minds is crucial for addressing some of the pressing challenges facing the industry, including sustainable tourism development, digital transformation, and enhancing connectivity within the continent and beyond.

Spotlight on Sustainable Tourism

Sustainability is set to be a major theme at WTM Africa 2024, reflecting a growing consciousness within the industry about the environmental, social, and economic impacts of travel and tourism. The event will feature discussions on how to balance tourism growth with conservation efforts, support for local communities, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Exhibitors and speakers will share success stories and best practices, offering insights into how sustainable tourism can be a powerful tool for development and conservation in Africa.

Harnessing Digital Innovation

Digital innovation is transforming the travel industry at an unprecedented pace, and WTM Africa 2024 will be a showcase for the latest technological advancements. From artificial intelligence and virtual reality to mobile platforms and blockchain technology, the event will explore how these tools can enhance the travel experience, improve operational efficiency, and create new opportunities for growth. Startups and tech companies will have the opportunity to demonstrate their solutions, highlighting the role of technology in driving the future of travel in Africa.

Cultural and Natural Heritage

Africa’s rich cultural diversity and natural beauty are among its greatest tourism assets. WTM Africa 2024 will celebrate this heritage, offering a platform for destinations to showcase their unique attractions, from world-class wildlife safaris and breathtaking landscapes to vibrant cities and ancient historical sites. The event will also highlight cultural tourism initiatives that provide immersive experiences while supporting local traditions and livelihoods, reinforcing the idea that tourism can be a force for positive cultural exchange.

Boosting Intra-African Connectivity

Improving connectivity within Africa is essential for unlocking the continent’s tourism potential. WTM Africa 2024 will address the challenges and opportunities related to transportation infrastructure, air travel, and visa policies. Discussions will focus on collaborative efforts to enhance regional travel, making it easier for tourists to explore multiple destinations and for businesses to tap into new markets. The event will serve as a catalyst for initiatives aimed at boosting intra-African travel, contributing to economic growth and regional integration.

Empowering Local Communities

The empowerment of local communities through tourism will be a critical topic at WTM Africa 2024. The event will showcase community-based tourism projects that are making a difference by providing income opportunities, preserving local cultures, and promoting social inclusion. By putting a spotlight on these initiatives, WTM Africa aims to inspire further investment in community-led tourism, demonstrating how the industry can contribute to social and economic development across the continent.

Networking and Partnership Opportunities

WTM Africa 2024 is not just about discussions and exhibitions; it is also a prime opportunity for networking and forming new partnerships. The event’s carefully curated schedule includes matchmaking sessions, networking events, and business meetings designed to connect attendees with potential partners, investors, and clients. These interactions are vital for fostering collaboration across the industry, sparking innovation, and driving collective efforts towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for African travel.

WTM Africa 2024 is poised to be a landmark event for the African travel industry, offering a unique blend of inspiration, innovation, and collaboration. By uniting industry leaders, showcasing sustainable tourism practices, exploring digital advancements, and celebrating Africa’s cultural and natural heritage, the event aims to chart a course for the future of travel on the continent. As attendees gather in Cape Town, they will not only witness the potential of the African travel industry but also play a part in shaping its evolution. The journey towards a more connected, sustainable, and vibrant travel ecosystem in Africa continues, and WTM Africa 2024 is a crucial step forward on this path.

Source: Travel and Tour World.

Virgin Atlantic launches codeshare with Kenya Airways

Virgin Atlantic has announced a new codeshare agreement with fellow SkyTeam member Kenya Airways.

The first phase of the arrangement, which launches on Tuesday (19 March), allows Virgin customers to directly book flights on Kenya Airways’ route between London Heathrow and Nairobi.

The codeshare will later be extended to allow Kenya Airways passengers to connect via Heathrow on to Virgin’s services to Caribbean destinations.

Juha Jarvinen, chief commercial officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: “As a fellow member of the SkyTeam alliance, we know our customers will enjoy a seamless travel experience, with more opportunities to earn and spend their miles with increased benefits for our SkyPriority members.”

Virgin Atlantic’s Gold and Silver Flying Club members, as well as Kenya Airways’ Asante Rewards Platinum and Gold members can use SkyPriority services at both Heathrow and Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International airport, including priority check-in, baggage handling and boarding.

Julius Thairu, chief commercial and customer officer at Kenya Airways, called the codeshare with Virgin Atlantic a “transformative partnership”.

“By leveraging our complementary strengths and networks, we aim to enrich the travel experience for our valued customers, offering them greater choice, convenience and connectivity to key destinations in the world,” added Thairu.

Kenyan authorities have made it easier for visitors from the UK and other European countries to enter the country by only requiring travellers to obtain an online travel authorisation rather than applying for a full visa. Although visitors from most countries now have to pay a $30 entry fee.

Source:  Business Travel News.  

The Different Ways to Earn Kenya Airways Asante Rewards Points

In June 2023, over 46 years since its formation, Kenya Airways rolled out Asante Rewards, its much-anticipated loyalty program. Prior to that, Kenya Airways customers were invited to join Air-France-KLM’s Flying Blue frequent flyer program as part of their long-standing partnership.

Asante Rewards was designed with the African market and dynamics in mind. It was created after several years of research and customer feedback to offer loyal passengers more rewards and exclusive benefits. While Asante is not as extensive as programs from other legacy carriers, there are several ways to earn reward points, including flying and non-flying activities. So, let us explore how the loyalty program works.

Earning Asante Reward points

Customers have a chance to earn both reward and tier points. As a SkyTeam member, Kenya Airways allows members to earn points on its own flights or when traveling with some of its alliance partners. Reward points are redeemable for flights and added benefits, while tier points help with progression from one tier to another.

Asante Rewards members can earn points each time they travel on Kenya Airways-operated flights. The carrier breaks it down into three simple steps – fly, earn, and redeem. The more you fly, the faster you move between tiers and unlock additional benefits. Asante members can receive points on all qualifying Kenya Airways fares and products. However, the number of points earned depends on the passenger’s destination, fare type, and travel class.

 The Nairobi-based carrier offers two classes of travel – economy and business, with four booking classes in economy and three in business. Each booking class offers a different percentage of earnings, with Economy Best Buy as the lowest and Business Super Flex as the highest. The highest amount to be earned on domestic flights is 1,000 points at a rate of 200%.

For travel between Kenya and other African countries, passengers can earn up to 8,000 points depending on travel class and the destination. For example, Economy Standard passengers flying to South Africa can earn up to 1,500 points, while Business Super Flex customers flying to Senegal, Liberia, or Sierra Leone can earn as much as 8,000 points.

 Kenya Airways’ intercontinental routes have the highest earnings potential. A passenger flying to or from the US can earn 16,000 Asante Rewards Points when traveling in the most elite class. However, the Kenyan carrier only flies to New York (JFK) in the US.

According to KQ, points will be reflected in a member’s account within 24 hours after a flight. Members are also allowed family pooling to accrue points faster, with each household account taking up to eight members. While children under 18 cannot hold individual accounts, anyone between 2 and 18 years can be enrolled in the household account.

Earning points with partners

Asante Rewards customers have an opportunity to earn through Kenya Airways’ airline and non-airline partners. Just like other loyalty programs, points can also be earned without flying. The carrier has two hotel partners: Pride Inn and Serena Hotels. Both hotels offer a chance to earn points as well as discounts on food, beverages, and accommodation.

Depending on the booking class, members can earn tier points and qualifying flights when traveling with Air France. This includes flights with the AF code operated by Air France, Kenya Airways or SkyTeam carriers (except KLM), and Air France Hop. It also includes Hop flights with airline numbers in the SkyTeam alliance. Frequent flyers can earn a minimum of 500 points for every sector flown.

Similarly, members can earn tier points and qualifying flights on KLM services to and from various destinations. This includes flights with the KL code, operated by KLM, Kenya Airways or other SkyTeam airlines (excluding Air France), and KLM Cityhopper. You can also earn points when traveling on KLM City Hopper flights with flight numbers from other SkyTeam members. Each sector offers at least 500 points.

With the ongoing partnership between the three carriers, customers who were part of other frequent flyer programs were welcomed to enroll in Asante Rewards. Kenya Airways provides status match, allowing Flying Blue members to retain their tier levels.

The various tiers and benefits

The amount of points to be earned also depends on the membership tier. Asante Rewards comprises four tiers: Ruby, Silver, Gold Elite Plus, and Platinum Elite Plus, with Ruby being the lowest. The bonus points have the following percentages:

Ruby: None

Silver Elite: 50%

Gold Elite Plus: 75%

Platinum Elite Plus: 100%

Kenya Airways grants 1,000 enrolment points in the Ruby tier after your first flight. Following that, 20,000 tier points or 15 sectors will be required to qualify for the Silver Tier, 40,000 points or 30 sectors for Gold, and 65,000 points or 60 sectors for Platinum. All sectors are for flights operated by KQ or its SkyTeam partners.

Each tier also provides different benefits, like preferred seating, extra baggage allowance, Sky Priority, elite Plus recognition, priority check-in, priority boarding, and lounge access. However, all members get dedicated phone line service and promotional airline discounts. Furthermore, points in all tiers expire after 24 months of inactivity.

From March 2024, Asante members with at least 7,000 points can redeem them for an award ticket to any domestic destination, while those with at least 9,000 points can acquire a ticket to any international destination. It is important to note that applicable charges, surcharges, and government charges still apply to Kenya Airways award tickets. Additionally, you cannot earn points when traveling with an award ticket.

Source: Simple Flying

KQ To Increase New York Flights To Nine Per Week During Summer

Kenya Airways (KQ) has increased its weekly flights to New York City in the United States from seven to nine in a bid to cater for travel demand and boost tourism during the summer.

In a statement on Thursday night, KQ announced that two additional flights would be introduced beginning June 15, 2024, to September 28, 2024.

The airline noted that the move came following a partnership with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) which will be marked through a roadshow next week in New York, Boston, and Toronto cities in the US.

“KQ has partnered with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) to strategically position Kenya as a tourist destination in North America through a trade roadshow. The roadshow, scheduled to take place from 19th-21st March 2024 in New York, Boston, and Toronto, aims to showcase Kenya and stimulate travel demand for the country,” read the statement.

“To complement the growing appetite for travel to Kenya, Kenya Airways has introduced two (2) additional flights on the New York route between 15th June 2024 to 28th September 2024, covering the summer peak season.”

Kenya Airways said the two new flights introduced would also offer travellers in New York an addition of two trips a day (morning and afternoon) on Thursday and Saturday only.

Similarly, following the introduction of a direct route between New York and Nairobi in 2018, KQ says the new schedule will also provide guests with a ‘unique, convenient same-day arrival flight option where one can depart from Nairobi in the morning and arrive in New York in the afternoon.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife projections, the new move will boost international tourist arrivals by 825,000 annually. In 2023, the ministry says international tourist arrivals into Kenya hit 1.75 million in 2023, up from 1.48 million recorded in 2022.

Source: Citizen Digital