Kenya Airways Revamps Its Digital Customer Experience with New High-Speed Booking Platform & Online Self Rebooking Service

Nairobi, 4th September 2024 – Kenya’s national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ) has launched a revamped online booking platform, designed to deliver a faster, more intuitive, and user-friendly experience for its customers.

Building upon the successful launch of a new website last year, these latest developments mark the second phase in the airline’s ongoing commitment to enhance the online customer experience. The new booking engine is estimated to reduce the customers’ flight booking time on the website significantly as a result of faster loading times for page sessions, thus bringing to an end session timeouts and repeated prompts.

“Technology is a key driver in ensuring exceptional customer service. This revamped booking platform delivers a significantly smoother online experience, streamlining everything from flight searches to booking, payment, and check-in for our digital-savvy customers” says Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer (CCCO) at Kenya Airways.

Concurrently, Kenya Airways has introduced a free online self-rebooking service for customers that will now allow KQ customers to rebook themselves seamlessly in case their flight is canceled or rescheduled without calling the contact center. This service gives guests the control to select the flight that is convenient for them based on their schedule. The self-rebooking service is available on this link: https://digital.kenya-airways.com/servicing/self-reaccommodation/retrieve

The new self-rebooking service will streamline the process of re-booking passengers during flight disruptions which was previously manual. By implementing the service KQ will significantly improve its ability to manage disruptions, ensuring that customers are quickly and efficiently re-booked on alternative flights with minimal inconvenience thus enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

“Our goal is to streamline all our processes to ensure efficiency and convenience at all touch points in the customer journey by integrating technologically advanced solutions that give our guests control and allow them to self-service and save time.,” Julius noted. This move demonstrates the airline’s pursuit of innovation to enhance its digital operations and provide a rewarding travel booking experience for every customer.

This is underscored by a series of prestigious awards and nominations including the World Travel Tech Awards 2024 nomination, the e-commerce Leader Travel & Tourism Award (2023), Gold Winner for Best Ticketing Platform (2023 & 2024), Silver Winner for Best Travel & Hospitality e-commerce Website (2024), and Gold Winner for Best in E commerce Travel & Tourism (2021). These accolades recognize the airline’s dedication to e-commerce excellence, solidifying its position as a leader in the travel industry.

Revamped Digital Experience – Press Release (1)Download

World Travel Awards 2024: Celebrating Excellence and Looking Forward to the Africa Gala Ceremony

The 2024 program of the World Travel Awards (WTA) has already showcased an exciting year for the global travel and tourism industry. With a series of prestigious events held across different regions, the WTA continues to honour the best in the business, from airlines and hotels to destinations and tour operators. As the year progresses, anticipation builds for one of the most highly awaited ceremonies—the Africa Gala Ceremony, scheduled for October at the Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani Beach, Kenya.

This upcoming gala is set to showcase the finest achievements in Africa’s tourism sector, further solidifying the continent’s place on the world travel map.

Progress in 2024: A Year of Milestones

The year kicked off with great momentum for the World Travel Awards, as various regional ceremonies took place in key global destinations. Each event brought the industry’s top players together, spotlighting their achievements, innovation, and resilience in a time of gradual recovery from the global pandemic and other economic challenges.

• Middle East Gala Ceremony: Held in Dubai, this event highlighted the region’s luxury offerings and booming tourism development, particularly in hospitality and airlines.

• European Gala Ceremony: Europe, one of the most competitive travel markets, saw a celebration of its world-renowned cultural and historical attractions. Destinations like France, Italy, and Spain took top honours for their hospitality excellence and sustainable tourism initiatives.

• Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony: This region’s ceremony underscored the growing influence of Asia and Oceania in global tourism, with emerging markets and innovation in travel technology taking centre stage.

As these events unfolded, the travel industry continued to recover, with greater emphasis on sustainability, immersive travel experiences, and cultural authenticity

Anticipating the Africa Gala Ceremony in Kenya

Now, all attention turns toward the Africa Gala Ceremony, which will be held on October 18, 2024, at the stunning Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani Beach, Kenya. Diani Beach, located along Kenya’s southern coastline, is a haven for sun-seekers, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts alike. This location—known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and tropical ambiance—sets the stage for a memorable event that celebrates the very best of African travel and tourism.

Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort: The Perfect Host

Set along Diani’s world-famous white sands and turquoise waters, the Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort is an exquisite choice for the Africa Gala Ceremony. The luxury resort, known for its eco-friendly design and exceptional service, boasts a golf course, lush gardens, and an array of leisure activities that reflect the serene charm of Kenya’s coast. This makes it an ideal setting for recognizing the continent’s finest tourism brands and experiences.

The resort will host top industry leaders, VIP guests, and media from across Africa and beyond, offering a perfect blend of business and pleasure, where networking and celebration will take place against a backdrop of tropical splendour.

What to Expect at the Ceremony

The Africa Gala Ceremony promises to be an unforgettable evening, with over 100 categories of awards that recognize the excellence of tourism businesses across the continent. These awards will cover everything from Africa’s Leading Airline to Africa’s Leading Hotel, Leading Tourist Attraction, and Leading Safari Destination.

Some highlights we can expect:

1. Honouring Industry Leaders: The event will recognize leading travel companies, airlines, hotels, and tour operators who have demonstrated innovation, resilience, and dedication to delivering exceptional travel experiences. There will be special focus on African tourism brands that have not only recovered but thrived in the post-pandemic era.

2. Focus on Sustainability: Many of the nominees this year have placed sustainability at the forefront of their operations. From eco-friendly lodges in Kenya’s Maasai Mara to sustainable tourism practices in South Africa’s winelands, the awards will highlight initiatives that protect the environment and support local communities.

3. Spotlight on Africa’s Hidden Gems: While popular destinations like Cape Town, Marrakech, and Zanzibar are always in the limelight, this year’s awards will also bring attention to lesser-known African travel spots that offer unique experiences. Expect nominations from up-and-coming destinations like São Tomé and Príncipe, Malawi, and Rwanda.

4. Exclusive Performances and Cultural Showcases: The gala will feature Kenyan cultural performances, blending traditional African music and dance with modern entertainment. This will give international guests a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Kenya and the wider region.

Why the Africa Gala Ceremony Matters

The Africa Gala Ceremony is more than just an award night; it is a celebration of Africa’s tourism resurgence. In recent years, Africa has emerged as one of the fastest-growing travel destinations globally, driven by its natural wonders, wildlife safaris, and rich cultural diversity. From luxury resorts in Mauritius to wildlife adventures in Botswana, Africa’s tourism landscape is more diverse than ever.

This year’s ceremony is expected to build on the growing trend of sustainable and immersive travel. As more travellers seek eco-conscious and community-driven experiences, African destinations have risen to the challenge by offering authentic and responsible tourism options. The event will amplify these efforts, bringing attention to Africa’s capacity to provide world-class travel while maintaining cultural integrity and environmental stewardship.

The 2024 Africa Gala Ceremony at Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani Beach, Kenya, will be a defining moment for Africa’s travel and tourism industry. As the World Travel Awards continues to recognize and reward excellence across the globe, this ceremony will honour the African sector’s brightest stars. Whether it’s a luxurious beach resort, an airline excelling in customer service, or a safari lodge promoting conservation, the event will spotlight the best of what Africa has to offer.

With its breathtaking setting and a lineup of deserving nominees, the Africa Gala Ceremony promises to be a night of celebration, collaboration, and inspiration for the future of African tourism.

Source:  Breaking Travel News  

New Premium Lounge Enhances Travel Experience at Moi International Airport.

Bosphorus Lounge Opens at Moi International Airport, Elevating Mombasa’s Travel Experience

Bryan Obala

Kata_kenya

On June 6, 2024, the tourism industry in Kenya witnessed a significant milestone with the official opening of the Bosphorus Lounge at Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa. The Kenya Association of Travel Agents was among the private sector representatives present at this landmark event.

Photo courtesy of Bosphorus Lounge: Turkish Ambassador H.E. Subutay Yuksei during the opening ceremony

A New Standard of Luxury

The newly inaugurated Bosphorus Lounge, covering an impressive 10,000 square feet and accommodating up to 150 guests, marks a substantial upgrade to MBA’s facilities. Its design, which beautifully incorporates elements of coastal culture, sets a new benchmark for premium travel experiences in Kenya.

Enhancing the Traveler’s Journey

This world-class lounge is set to transform the pre-flight experience for business class passengers and gold and platinum elite members of various airlines. It offers a range of amenities that rival those found in major international hubs:

  • High-speed Wi-Fi and charging stations
  • Dedicated workspaces
  • Massage lounge
  • Laundry and shower facilities
  • Gourmet dining featuring both Kenyan and international cuisines

Cemal Ulman, Director of Bosphorus Lounge, emphasized the importance of such facilities: “What travelers are looking for is such facilities. It’s not just about the flying but the whole experience right from the airport.”

A Boost for Mombasa’s Tourism

The launch event was graced by several dignitaries, including Turkish Ambassador to Kenya Subutay Yuksei as the chief guest, and Mr. Osman Ali, Mombasa County CEC, representing the Governor.

Ambassador Yuksei highlighted the lounge’s potential impact: “I hope that the opening of this lounge will pave the way for the restarting of direct flights from Turkey to Mombasa. Mombasa is a very important destination to many tourists and travelers, and as Turkey, we are keen on strengthening our bilateral ties with Kenya, especially in trade and tourism.”

Looking Ahead

The opening of the Bosphorus Lounge is more than just an addition to MBA’s facilities; it’s a statement of intent. By providing a premium lounge experience, Mombasa is positioning itself as a serious contender in the international travel market.

Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi called on the government to speed up the implementation of the open sky policy to help boost tourism at the Coast. “When you open the skies, you open the door of opportunities,” he stated.

As Kenya continues to enhance its tourism infrastructure, developments like the Bosphorus Lounge play a crucial role in elevating the country’s appeal as a world-class tourism destination. This new facility not only enhances the travel experience for passengers but also contributes significantly to Kenya’s reputation in the global tourism arena.

IATA and Outpayce help airlines accept account‑to‑account payments

Outpayce, a venture launched in 2023 to improve Amadeus’ travel paymens sector, has partnered with IATA to enable airlines to accept account-to-account (A2A) payments.

Recent regulations in many markets make it possible for merchants to accept payment from consumers using direct, account-to-account transfers. As airlines seek to best meet the needs of travelers and reduce the overall cost of payments, account-to-account payments are becoming very popular, and they represent a new option for travelers to pay for air tickets.

That’s why IATA and Outpayce are partnering so airlines can now accept payments made with IATA Pay through Outpayce’s Xchange Payments Platform (XPP).

IATA Pay is an alternative account-to-account form of payment for travelers to pay for air tickets purchased online by directly debiting their bank account. It leverages the new account-to-account rails and regulations developed by countries around the world such as India (UPI), the Netherlands (Ideal), Brazil (PIX) or Philippines (QR Ph). Currently available in over 30 countries, IATA Pay improves the speed and security of payments, while reducing payment acceptance costs.

When a traveler reaches checkout on an airline’s website the new account-to-account payment service allows them to select their bank or scan a QR code depending on the country. IATA uses the payment and bank details or the QR code’s approval to request a transfer from the passenger’s account and the funds are transferred using the banking rails. IATA settles the funds with the airline the following day.

Juan Antonio Rodriguez, Director Financial Settlement Operations, IATA said: “The trend towards account-to-account payments is gaining more momentum. It provides a seamless experience for passengers and provides an attractive option for airlines to lower the cost of payment acceptance. Through Outpayce, airlines using XPP can begin to accept IATA Pay while still benefiting from XPP’s powerful orchestration, analytics and reporting capabilities.”

Anna Isabel Bengzon, Chief Financial Officer, Philippine Airlines said: “We are pleased to now accept IATA Pay in the Philippines. It will provide our passengers a more convenient and secure way of paying via QR code using their digital wallets, which is highly prevalent in the country, or through their bank accounts. Outpayce’s XPP system helps us to intelligently accept a wide range of payment methods used by travelers across the international markets we serve. Moreover, we can access various payment methods and partners through XPP, with detailed analytics on the performance of payment flows and back-end reconciliation support.”

Jean-Christophe Lacour, SVP and Head of Product Management & Delivery, Outpayce added: “We’re committed to helping travel companies accept the widest possible range of payment methods through a single connection to XPP and IATA Pay represents an interesting new option for the industry. By making it easier for partners to connect to XPP using self-service APIs we intend to broaden this choice even further.”

IATA is one of the first partners to connect to Outpayce’s Xchange Payment Platform using its new self-service APIs, being piloted in 2024. The addition of self-service APIs helps to open XPP, making it easier for any payments or fintech company to connect its services, which increases choice for travel companies and further optimizes payment orchestration.

Source:  Outpayce  

Ethiopian Airlines to Add Dhaka, Bangladesh, to its Expanding Global Network

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s leading carrier, is pleased to announce the commencement of its new six weekly flights to Dhaka, Bangladesh, starting November 1, 2024. The new service will be operated with the state-of-the-art Boeing B787 Dreamliner, offering passengers a comfortable and seamless travel experience.

This new route will further strengthen Ethiopian’s presence in South Asia, providing convenient connections between Bangladesh and key destinations across Africa and beyond. The new flights are scheduled for convenient departures from Addis Ababa and arrivals in Dhaka, facilitating smooth connections and a seamless travel experience.

The flight schedule is as follows: Press Release

Press Release – Ethiopian Airlines to Add Dhaka, Bangladesh, to its Expanding Global NetworkDownload

ALTF 2024: UNWTO Africa collaborating with stakeholders to eliminate travel connectivity barriers.

The United Nations agency focused on tourism, UNWTO says that despite the growth of tourism in Africa, connectivity—the ease with which people can travel between locations—remains a challenge.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 7th Edition of the 2024 Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF), the UNWTO Regional Director for Africa, Elcia Grandcourt, said that the organisation is working with stakeholders to simplify visa entry requirements, leverage innovative systems to digitalise visa procedures, and advocate for a single, unified air transport market.

She emphasised, “Despite the growth, connectivity has been identified as a key issue that needs to be addressed to fully unlock Africa’s tourism potential. This was reiterated by Ministers of Tourism at the 67th Regional Commission Meeting for Africa, held in Zambia in July. Enhancing connectivity for seamless travel will not only attract more international tourists but also boost intra-regional tourism, a crucial element for the continent’s tourism growth.”

Grandcourt further stated, “UNWTO remains committed to addressing this issue and will continue working closely with national administrations of member states, regional and international organizations, as well as public and private sector stakeholders.”

Botswana’s Vice President, Slumber Tsogwane said the country is investing in developing its tourism sector, proudly touting Botswana’s beef as the best in the world.

He said, “Tourism in Botswana is a major contributor to the national economy, which is why the government has reviewed its Tourism Policy and developed a National Tourism Strategy and Master Plan to provide a framework for sector growth.”

He concluded by inviting participants to experience Botswana’s unique offerings, stating, “I trust you will have a chance to taste our beef, which is unparalleled globally, experience our cultural diversity, and take home our crafts as memories of Botswana.”

Kwakye Donkor Chief Executive Officer of Africa Tourism Partners (ATP), the organizers of the forum, reaffirmed ATP’s commitment to helping African nations unlock their tourism potential.

Director of Trade in Services, Investment, IPR & Digital Trade at AfCFTA, Emily Mburu-Ndoria encouraged countries to implement mechanisms to capitalize on tourism and outlined AfCFTA’s ongoing support initiatives.

The Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) is a key Pan-African platform that brings together leaders from Africa’s travel, tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors.

The forum focuses on sharing insights, developing strategies to boost intra-African travel, and fostering networking opportunities. It also aims to strengthen the global brand of “Destination Africa” and promote tourism growth across the continent.

Source: Joy online.

Kenya eyes five million tourist arrivals by 2027

The Ministry of Tourism is devising a new strategy to increase international tourist arrivals to five million by 2027.

It seeks to achieve this through a Tembea Kenya, which will soon be launched, to boost the number from the current about 2 million arrivals yearly.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano spoke while hosting tourism players at an event in Nairobi yesterday.

“This happens mainly through participation in local and international events, campaigns, policy advocacy, and in creating innovative tourism products and experiences,” Miano said.

“During my interaction with the tourism sector stakeholders this afternoon, I made a commitment to build strong linkages with the private sector and to make the tourism industry the number one contributor of foreign exchange earnings and job creation,” she said.

In the first half of this year, Kenya generated 142.5 billion shillings in tourism revenue during the first, assisted by a significant rise in visitor numbers, according to the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB).

This represents an increase from 1.06 billion dollars in the same period last year, the KTB reported.

The KTB said that Kenya welcomed 1.03 million international visitors, marking a 21.3 percent increase from 847,810 visitors during the same period in 2023.

Domestic tourism also saw growth, with 2.25 million bed nights recorded, about a 10 percent increase from 2.06 million bed nights in the previous year.

Source:  Travel News.  

African Airlines’ Passenger Revenue Jump by 8% in Q1 2024 – AFRAA

The world airline industry has maintained its trajectory of recovery during the first quarter of 2024 with a rebound in passenger demand, according to African Airlines Association (AFRAA).

African airlines carried more international traffic during the first quarter of 2024, around 33% of the total traffic. This is a seasonal effect due to the Easter Holiday usually rise during Q1, particularly in March.

The Intra-African traffic represented 30% whereas domestic traffic was 37% during this quarter.

Passenger Revenue in the first quarter 2024 increased by 8% as compared to passenger Revenue in the first quarter 2023.

International traffic is dominated by the intra-African, with 44% in Q1 2024. Outside the continent, Europe is the first destination region of African airlines.

South Africa is the dominant market in terms of domestic traffic in Africa; it recorded 5 routes amongst top 10 in this first quarter 2024. Egypt, Kenya, and Nigeria also have domestic routes among the ten busiest.

The non-domestic traffic is dominating for intra-African traffic especially between Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, representing 40% of the continental traffic.

The ten busiest Intra-African routes are generally within Southern and Northern Africa. Only one Eastern (Nairobi – Entebbe) and Western African route (Accra – Lagos) appeared in the top 10 during the first quarter 2024.

Addis Ababa airport handled around 192 thousand tons of cargo during Q1 2024. Johannesburg and Nairobi followed with 121 thousand and 112 thousand tons, respectively. Two West and East African airports are part of the top 10: Lagos ,Dakar, Nairobi and Entebbe.

During the first quarter of 2024, among the 54 countries in the African continent, 7 Countries have direct flights to more than 20 African countries, an increase compared to the first quarter 2023 where 4 countries had direct flights toward other countries. Ethiopia is leading with direct services to other countries within Africa.

African Airlines Association (AFRAA) estimates that passenger traffic carried by African operators in 2024 will be about 98 million.

The African Airlines Association is a trade association of African airlines, and is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. The primary purpose of AFRAA is to establish and facilitate co-operation between African airlines.

50 airlines comprising of all the major intercontinental African operators and the Association’s members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by all African airlines.

Source: Kenyan Wallstreet.

ASKY to resume flights to Pointe-Noire from October 2, 2024

ASKY Airlines has announced the resumption of flights to Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo, starting from October 2, 2024. After a multi-year suspension, the airline is set to restore this strategic route, underscoring its dedication to bolstering economic growth across Africa and enhancing connectivity between communities on the continent.

Commitment to Economic Development and Connectivity

The reopening of Pointe-Noire aligns with ASKY’s vision to promote economic and social development in Africa by providing efficient and reliable air transport solutions. This new route will facilitate trade, business opportunities, and interpersonal relationships between countries, thereby strengthening regional integration.

With the addition of Pointe-Noire, ASKY Airlines expands its network to 29 destinations in West and Central Africa. Flights will be operated three times a week via Luanda Airport (LAD), offering increased connectivity and flexible travel options for our passengers.

Flight Schedules and Frequencies

Flights to Pointe-Noire will be operated three times per week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) with departure from Lome at 13:00pm for arrival in Pointe-Noire at 19:30pm. The return flights are scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to depart from Pointe-Noire at 07:10am for arrival in Lome at 11:40am. All times are in local time.

These schedules are designed to offer optimal connections with other ASKY destinations, thus facilitating travel across the continent.

Book Now

ASKY invites passengers to book their tickets now to discover or rediscover Pointe-Noire, a dynamic and growing city. Enjoy our superior service and our commitment to your comfort and safety. For more information and to book your tickets, please visit our website at www.flyasky.com or contact our local offices.

Source:Voyages Afriq.  

CONNECTING YOU TO SOUTH AFRICA WITH 37 WEEKLY FLIGHTS

What does South Africa have in common with Kenya? Beautiful beaches, wildlife safaris, buzzing business hubs, unique cultures and stunning tourist attractions. If you are looking for a convenient way to travel to South Africa, then Kenya Airways is your answer. Whether you are a group of friends or a family who want to explore there’s something for you to discover in South Africa.

If you are businessman or are travelling for a work assignment, you have multiple options to choose from the available flights. Kenya Airways has 37 weekly flights to Africa that are conveniently timed to fit in with your schedule.

That’s not it, Kenya Airways flies to two points in South Africa which makes it even more convenient depending on which part of South Africa you want to explore. You can either choose to go to Johannesburg where KQ flies 28 times weekly or Cape Town where KQ flies 9 times weekly.

If you want to explore Southern Africa, KQ also connects the South further by providing service between Cape Town and Victoria Falls with 3 weekly flights and Cape Town to Livingston, 3 times weekly.

With competitive fares coupled with our comfortable aircrafts and African hospitality, Kenya Airways is indeed your airline of choice as you explore the South.