Air travel survey: Flight times and length drive booking choices

October 29, 2024

A recent BCD survey found that business travelers prioritize flight departure time, arrival time, and length when it comes to booking air travel. Convenience, flexibility and price also rank as top priorities. The survey, from August 2024, gathered insights from over 1,300 business travelers who took to the skies in the past 12 months.

Convenience is key

When it comes to air travel, convenience is a top priority. From seat selection to checked baggage, many travelers are willing to pay for extra comfort and flexibility. In fact, nearly half of those surveyed are opting for fully or partially refundable tickets, allowing them to manage unpredictable travel plans without stress. Priority boarding, fast-tracked security, and extra legroom also rank high among add-ons that business travelers are happy to splurge on. Negotiate for these amenities in your supplier conversations.

What influences flight choices?

No surprise here. Price is a major influence on flight selection, with 51% of travelers agreeing it affects their decisions. Four out of 10 travelers prioritize finding the cheapest flight available, even if it comes at the cost of fewer flexible options. The balancing act between comfort and cost continues to challenge corporate travelers, something to keep in mind when shaping travel policies.

But what stands out even more is how the time of departure, flight duration, and employer policy impact decisions. In fact, 71% of respondents cite scheduling as the most important factor, highlighting the need for policies that align with both traveler preferences and corporate goals. While some situations are unavoidable or out of anyone’s control, employers can improve the employee experience by making adjustments to their travel policy.

“A travel policy has the potential to drastically influence employee wellbeing and satisfaction,” said Teri Miller, executive vice president, Global Client Team at BCD. “Adding ancillaries covered by the company like priority boarding or lounge access can make traveling for work more enjoyable and less stressful for employees. Allowing a flexible schedule, work from home or time off after a business trip can also help your employees adjust after returning home.”

Class and duration: A snapshot of business travel

The majority of travelers use air travel for trips between two and six days. For short-haul flights under six hours, 88% of travelers opt for economy class. Business class, while more luxurious, is typically reserved for long-haul flights, with three out of 10 travelers choosing this option for extended trips. The survey’s data around service classes can offer valuable insights for organizations seeking to optimize both traveler comfort and cost-efficiency.

A sustainable approach?

Sustainability is a growing concern in the travel industry, but may not always be top-of-mind for business travelers. While 66% of respondents opt for direct flights (which are both convenient and eco-friendly), few actively choose flights based on carbon emissions, and only 16% are trying to fly less. With two-thirds of respondents admitting they rarely or never consider sustainability if it raises costs, there’s clearly room for improvement.

Olivia Ruggles Brise Vice President of Sustainability BCD

“From our last buyer survey on travel policy, we saw that nearly a quarter of buyers rank making their policy more sustainable as a top priority,” said Olivia Ruggles-Brise, vice president of Sustainability at BCD. “However, this research shows that travelers themselves are not prioritizing sustainability in the same way. Travel managers can influence their travelers’ behavior through encouraging or mandating sustainable measures, which often go hand in hand with traveler wellness. Direct flights, for instance, are more sustainable and less stressful for travelers. Though they may come at a higher cost, direct flights result in less emissions than indirect or stopover flights. On the other hand, while business class is better for traveler comfort, it may not be the most sustainable option. Prioritizing only trips that are vital and choosing business class for those trips can strike a balance, benefiting both traveler wellness and sustainability.”

Addressing traveler challenges and wellbeing

Nearly 70% of travelers report being satisfied with their company’s travel policy and preferred suppliers. However, challenges remain. From booking user-unfriendly tools to low-cost airlines that impact comfort, corporate travelers face frustrations that can hinder productivity. Travelers also experience physical discomfort, especially with overnight flights and long-haul drives immediately after landing. Employers have an opportunity to enhance traveler wellbeing by addressing these pain points.

Offering benefits like priority boarding, lounge access, and flexible post-trip schedules can improve the overall travel experience, boosting morale and productivity.

By understanding travelers’ needs and preferences, businesses can adapt their travel programs, ensuring a balance between cost control, traveler care and sustainable practices for the future. BCD’s Program Managers can help customers review their current travel policy, and our consulting division Advito also specializes in assessing, benchmarking and rewriting policies. Once updates are in place, it’s crucial to have a communications strategy that engages and educates travelers. Advito’s Engage experts can help craft a communication strategy that uses cutting-edge marketing tactics to ensure travelers are getting the message.

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Kenya’s Push for Lower Tourism Taxes and New Increased Marketing

As the festive season approaches, Kenya’s tourism stakeholders are urging the government to consider tax reductions to make the country more competitive in the regional tourism landscape. This call for action comes as Kenya aims to capture more international tourist interest and position itself as an attractive destination among its East African neighbors, particularly Tanzania and South Africa.

At a recent event hosted by Tamarind Tree Hotel, General Manager John Musau advocated for a reduction in levies on tourism services, notably game drives, which are central to Kenya’s safari appeal. Musau highlighted that by reducing taxes on these services, Kenya could enhance its appeal to international visitors and offer more affordable travel experiences. This could help Kenya compete more effectively with neighboring countries known for their strong tourism offerings, such as Tanzania and South Africa.

The Need for a Competitive Edge in the Tourism Market

In today’s competitive travel landscape, where destinations are vying to attract more international tourists, the cost of travel services plays a critical role. For Kenya, lowering taxes on experiences like safaris and game drives can help position the country as a more budget-friendly choice without compromising the quality of its offerings. According to Musau, this tax reduction is vital to helping Kenya achieve its target of 3 million tourist arrivals by the end of 2024 and 5 million in the coming years.

Kenya’s tourism industry saw remarkable growth in 2023, welcoming 2 million arrivals. To maintain and increase this momentum, the tourism sector needs to remain accessible and attractive. Musau believes that a well-considered tax policy would support this objective, creating a favorable climate for tourists who may be deterred by high service costs.

Increased Marketing Budget: A Strategy for Greater Visibility

Besides tax reductions, Musau also stressed the importance of increased marketing funds for the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB). With a larger budget, KTB could implement more robust and far-reaching campaigns to promote Kenya on a global scale. This would allow the country to reach a wider audience of potential travelers, showcasing the variety and richness of Kenya’s attractions, from the famous Maasai Mara and coastal beaches to lesser-known gems.

An increased marketing budget would enable KTB to participate in more international tourism events, advertise Kenya’s tourism offerings, and launch digital campaigns to reach younger audiences who rely heavily on social media when choosing travel destinations. This is particularly important as the global tourism industry grows increasingly digital, with social media playing a significant role in inspiring travel decisions.

Aiming for 3 Million Tourists by 2024: Kenya’s Ambitious Target

Kenya has set an ambitious target to increase its tourist arrivals to 3 million by the end of 2024. The country’s tourism growth in 2023, with a recorded 2 million arrivals, indicates a strong upward trend. However, reaching the 2024 goal will require strategic adjustments, including making Kenya’s offerings more accessible and appealing through price reductions and improved visibility.

The goal to welcome 5 million visitors within the next few years further underscores the urgency to address these competitive challenges. Musau’s call for lower taxes and increased marketing investment reflects the determination within Kenya’s tourism sector to keep pace with regional competitors and meet the demands of today’s global travelers.

How a Competitive Tourism Sector Benefits Travelers

For travelers, lower taxes on services like safaris and game drives translate into more affordable and appealing travel options. Kenya’s famed wildlife tours, known for offering some of the world’s most iconic safari experiences, would become more accessible to a broader audience, from budget-conscious backpackers to families looking for meaningful travel experiences. Reduced travel costs also provide travelers with more flexibility to explore other activities, such as beach resorts along Kenya’s coast, cultural visits to Maasai communities, and hiking in the country’s scenic highlands.

Additionally, the increase in KTB’s marketing budget would enable Kenya to showcase these diverse experiences on a global scale. Enhanced promotional efforts could attract travelers from various backgrounds and demographics, expanding the country’s reach beyond traditional markets. This visibility not only makes Kenya a recognizable name in global tourism but also invites travelers to discover the country’s full range of attractions, from adventure tourism to eco-travel and cultural heritage sites.

The Global Impact of Kenya’s Tourism Strategy

Kenya’s call for lower tourism taxes and increased marketing funding has broader implications for the global travel industry. As more countries compete to attract international tourists, affordability and effective promotion have become key factors in decision-making for travelers. By investing in these areas, Kenya could influence other destinations to consider similar strategies, potentially creating a ripple effect within the East African region and beyond.

For instance, Tanzania and South Africa, Kenya’s closest competitors in the safari market, may also consider revising their pricing structures to retain their market shares. This regional competition could ultimately benefit travelers, as countries strive to provide better and more affordable experiences. The international travel industry may also witness a trend toward cost-efficient travel experiences that cater to the budget needs of today’s travelers without compromising on quality.

Kenya’s Positioning within East African Tourism

Lower taxes and a stronger marketing presence could reinforce Kenya’s position as a top choice in East African tourism, particularly for safari-goers. The country’s diverse offerings, from world-renowned wildlife reserves like the Maasai Mara to luxury beach resorts, make it uniquely suited to benefit from increased tourist interest. By establishing a competitive edge, Kenya can attract travelers who may otherwise choose other safari destinations in East Africa, supporting its goal to reach and surpass the 3 million tourist mark by 2024.

Challenges Ahead for Kenya’s Tourism Sector

Despite the potential benefits, Kenya’s tourism industry faces challenges that must be addressed to ensure the success of this strategy. The call for lower taxes, while favorable for tourists, may raise concerns over revenue for local governments and the national treasury. Balancing affordable travel experiences with sustainable revenue generation will be essential in implementing these changes effectively. Additionally, coordination among tourism stakeholders, local governments, and national policymakers will be crucial to ensure that this strategy benefits both the economy and the local communities involved in tourism.

Final Thoughts: A Win-Win for Travelers and Kenya’s Tourism Industry

As Kenya works toward its 2024 and long-term tourism goals, stakeholders in the industry hope that a combination of lower taxes and more prominent marketing will make the country a highly competitive destination for travelers worldwide. With this strategic approach, travelers will have more affordable access to Kenya’s stunning wildlife, rich culture, and iconic landscapes, while Kenya stands to gain increased international visibility and a robust economic boost from tourism.

Kenya’s push for competitive tax policies and enhanced marketing illustrates how countries can adapt to meet the evolving preferences of global travelers. For tourists looking to explore Africa, this initiative may open doors to more accessible and memorable experiences, from game drives to coastal escapes. Kenya’s approach could very well inspire other destinations to evaluate their strategies, setting a new benchmark for travel affordability and appeal in the tourism sector.

Source: Travel and Tour World

Dubai ‘now year-round destination’

By Lisa James

08/11/2024

Home » Dubai ‘now year-round destination’

Dubai has now firmly established itself as a year-round destination, with demand for the summer months increasing over the past two years, according to the destination’s tourism department.

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism Senior Vice-President of International Operations Hoor Al Khaja said the UK is the largest source market for Dubai within western Europe. Between January and September this year, 922,000 Brits visited Dubai, an increase of 12% year-on-year.

Speaking at World Travel Market in London, Hoor said: “We’re seeing very healthy demand for Dubai, in growing numbers and we’re increasingly seeing that it’s becoming a year-round destination.”

She said demand for the summer months has increased since COVID – and particularly since around 2022.

“There is a lot more awareness about what there is to do in the summer. It’s very family friendly, very safe with air-conditioned spaces. It is an interesting mix of people coming in for the summer. Historically we were targeting our messaging towards families, but it is a very popular summer destination for couples as well,” she said.

“Demand is increasing, but unlike mature tourism cities, our supply keeps increasing too.”

New developments include the Real Madrid World theme park, which opened in April, while the new Jumeirah property, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, is due to open by February 2025.

Hoor said 25% of visitors to Dubai are repeat visitors to Dubai, and the Department is running a stopover campaign in the second quarter of 2025, in collaboration with Emirates. The campaign will feature a ‘global celebrity who resonates in the UK’, she added.

Recent figures from flight data analysts Cirium showed a record number of seats on flights departing the UK in the third quarter of this year, with Dubai the most popular destination.

Source: Travel Gossip

Tourists exempted from declaring IMEI numbers upon arrival

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 8 – The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has exempted tourists from declaring the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of their gadgets upon arrival, aiming to maintain seamless entry for visitors while enhancing tax compliance.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano emphasized Kenya’s role as a gateway to East Africa and its positioning as a regional hub for tourism and business, underscoring the need for easy accessibility.

“KRA has announced that tourists will NOT be required to declare their gadgets’ IMEI numbers upon arrival. Kenya’s strategic location as the gateway to East Africa positions it as a regional hub for tourism and business and must therefore remain easily accessible,” said Miano in a Friday statement.

Miano noted her collaboration with relevant authorities to prioritize a smooth, welcoming experience for visitors to Magical Kenya.

This exemption comes after KRA’s November 6 directive, which requires passengers entering Kenya to declare their mobile phones, including IMEI numbers, as a new tax compliance measure starting January 1, 2025.

The regulation aims to strengthen tax compliance and reinforce Kenya’s mobile device market integrity.

The directive will require all importers and assemblers to submit detailed entries—such as model descriptions, quantities, and IMEI numbers of mobile devices—through KRA’s Customs portal. Compliance will also include obtaining permits from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).

KRA has advised importers and stakeholders to familiarize themselves with these requirements to ensure compliance and a smooth importation process.

Source: Capital FM

Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba back for 2025 editions!

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Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba back for 2025 editions!

Johannesburg, South Africa – Mark your calendars for the 2025 editions of the  African continent’s trade events designed to elevate the African continent’s leisure tourism and business events industry.

South African Tourism-owned Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba are back in 2025 and are set to enhance business connections and networking opportunities. These Pan Africa shows will once again offer robust agendas featuring a diverse range of exhibitors, insightful workshops, and keynote presentations from industry leaders and experts, providing opportunities for global tourism professionals to connect, collaborate, and create lasting value and economic impact.

Meetings Africa, the continent’s premier business events trade show, is set to take place from the 24th to the 26th  of February at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, Gauteng province, in partnership with the Gauteng Tourism Authority and Johannesburg Tourism Company.

Africa’s Travel Indaba will take place from the 12th to the 15th   of May at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban in partnership with Durban Tourism and Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission.

Meetings Africa focuses on highlighting the African business events products and promoting closer collaboration for the continent sector’s growth. The show will again feature a dedicated educational programme that unites and builds partnerships, driving the business events sector forward. By connecting the best of the African business events industry with relevant buyers from across the globe, Meetings Africa creates an environment conducive to transacting and building quality connections.

Meetings Africa 2025 will commence with a Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) on 24 February 2025, providing a platform for professionals to forge new partnerships, explore collaborative ventures, and gain invaluable insights from industry experts. This exclusive prelude sets the stage for the main event, ensuring attendees maximise their networking potential.

Under the theme, “Africa’s Success Built on Quality Connections”, Meetings Africa emphasises the importance of forging strong, meaningful relationships in driving the continent’s economic progress and industry innovation. The trade show will also provide a platform to showcase Africa’s leading and diverse business event offerings to decision-makers from key source markets worldwide.

Reflecting on Meetings Africa’s Success of 2024:

  • 382 exhibitors representing 22 African countries displayed the diverse and dynamic nature of the continent’s tourism landscape.
  • 371 international and local buyers were in attendance, with a total of 3,480 delegates engaged in the event, underscoring its significance in the global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) calendar.
  • Over 8,150 meetings were conducted between buyers and exhibitors, highlighting the event’s role in creating substantial business opportunities.
  • The airline pavilion featured nine airlines, emphasising the critical role of aviation in connecting the continent.
  • 25 SMMEs (Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises) displayed their innovative solutions, demonstrating Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit.
  • 179 members of the media provided extensive coverage, amplifying the event’s reach and impact.
  • In total, 63 countries were represented.

“Meetings Africa 2025 is not just a trade show; it’s a catalyst for business success,” said Minister of Tourism,  Patricia de Lille. “We look forward to welcoming exhibitors and buyers from our continent and from  around the world to South Africa.”

“Meetings Africa 2024 has had a significant impact on South Africa’s economy, contributing R420 million to the GDP and creating over 770 jobs. The event showcased the strength of South Africa’s business events industry as a key driver of economic growth, generating R27 million in national tax revenue and providing significant business opportunities for exhibitors. Beyond economic gains, Meetings Africa emphasised sustainable practices and supported small local businesses, provided great networking opportunities for exhibitors from the rest of the continent, further elevating South Africa’s profile as an attractive and appealing destination for global conferences and events,” Minister de Lille added.

Africa’s Travel Indaba focuses on showcasing the African continent’s leisure tourism products and promoting partnerships geared towards advancing the continent’s growth. Africa’s Travel Indaba will also lead with a Business Opportunity Networking Day featuring industry and business experts and leaders sharing knowledge. 

The 2024 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba hosted 9280 registered delegates, marking an incredible 7% increase when compared to 2023. No less than 24,000 meetings were held between exhibitors and buyers.  Additionally, the event featured over 1200 exhibitors who displayed an impressive array of African tourism products and experiences.

The economic activities triggered by Africa’s Travel Indaba, from event infrastructure to accommodation establishments, restaurants, and shuttle services, were significant.

The direct economic impact on the city was no less than R226 million, with a spillover effect contributing an additional R333 million. The overall contribution to the city’s GDP exceeded R500 million, indicating significant economic benefits and over 1 000 jobs created, especially for the youth.

“For Africa’s Travel Indaba we look forward to working with all our partners to showcase the city of Durban and the greater Kwa Zulu-Natal province once again and, indeed, the rest of our country. Given the continent’s wide variety of tourism products and experiences, Africa’s Travel Indaba showcases a wide variety of exhibitors and continues to be the best Pan Africa leisure global trade show for all our buyers, exhibitors, media and other stakeholders,” Minister de Lille said.

Looking forward to 2025, both Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba, will be tailored to  provide immersive experiences and provide excellent value for exhibitors, buyers and media alike.

By connecting the best of the African leisure and business events industry with relevant buyers from across the globe, both Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba create an environment conducive to transacting and building quality connections.

  • Meetings Africa Dates:

24 February 2025: Business Opportunities Networking Day (BONDay)

25 – 26 February 2025: Exhibition Days

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

  • Africa’s Travel Indaba Dates:

12 May 2025: Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay)

13 -15 May 2025: Exhibition Days

Venue: Durban International Convention Centre

More announcements will be made on www.southafrica.net

Source: ATTA

12 Days to AirAsia’s Inaugural Flight

As AirAsia’s inaugural flight to Nairobi approaches, excitement is reaching a fever pitch, and for good reasons! Kenya is not only the first African country that AirAsia will fly to, but also the gateway to a groundbreaking connection between the continents of Africa and Asia.

To commemorate this historic event, AirAsia is launching a massive week-long sale, offering unbeatable deals on flights to a wide range of destinations.

AirAsia BIG SALE is back !

Booking period:  now until 10th November 2024.

Travel period: 21st April to 28th March

Log on to your agency portal account here and BOOK NOW!

Click here for a fly-thru connections list for your reference.

Our Kenyan office, the first in Africa, is now open for business. Visit us Monday to Saturday for tailored assistance.

You can also reach us at +254 113 000 333 or reservations@airasiaafrica.com for more information.

Happy selling!

New Coast Tourism Circuit Launched to Boost Visitor Numbers

A new Coast Tourism circuit in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has been launched.

The initiative intends to create a robust National, County governments and private sector strategy to increase the number of tourists. It will involve rigorous marketing of available destinations both locally and internationally, besides creating more appealing packages.

During the launch CS Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano said the move will involve rigorous marketing and resources mobilisation by all stakeholders. “We want to be more organized, we are going to address issues and come up with a unified work plan, “said CS Miano. She said the country had been hard hit by COVID 19 leading to low numbers of visitors.

The CS said the industry has since recovered and the ministry is targeting 2.5 m visitors in 2024. The target is to reach 3 million by 2026 and 5 million by the year 2027. “Tourism is the biggest earner of foreign currency, we want to train our youths to become goodwill ambassadors, their innovation and creativity will drive the industry growth, “said the CS.

The CS later paid a courtesy call to Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Shariff Nassir CS Miano said the partnership with Mombasa was very crucial as the county was a top tourism destination. “We look forward to having a robust interaction and have results through an increase in the number of tourists, “said Miano.

The Governor said the county intends to put up more development at Mama Ngina park and urged the national government to revert it to county management. He said the new partnership will increase the number of tourists visiting Mombasa as a top destination. He said the newly launched circuit will bring together teams from different counties to come up with a unified strategy.

Transforming Air Travel Accessibility In East Africa

Amidst the sun-kissed shores of Mombasa, Kenya, the 19th Meeting of the East African Community (EAC) Sectoral Council on Transport, Communications, and Meteorology is in full swing, with a pivotal focus on liberalizing the Upper Airspace and driving down airfares across the region.

The agenda spans discussions on the status of crucial regional initiatives encompassing railways, roads, maritime, communications, and meteorology sub-sectors.

In a momentous address during the inaugural session on Tuesday, Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, the EAC Deputy Secretary General overseeing Infrastructure, Productive, Social, and Political Sectors, underscored the Community’s strides towards a harmonized airspace.

The completion of Phase One marks a landmark achievement, paving the way for the interoperability of air navigation systems within the region.

Embracing the liberalization of air transport services within the EAC heralds a new era where national carriers can traverse the region with enhanced freedom.

However, despite the potential advantages of air travel in East Africa, exorbitant airfares pose a formidable barrier, with routes like Nairobi to Entebbe, Nairobi to Kigali, and Nairobi to Dar es Salaam ranking among the costliest globally per seat.

The financial turbulence of high airfares

A staggering 43% of air ticket prices in the EAC are attributed to regulatory charges, taxes, landing fees, and other levies, with regulatory fees alone accounting for up to 24% of the total cost.

The prohibitive pricing not only dissuades potential travelers but also hampers economic growth, contributing to the region’s high cost of conducting business.

Insights gleaned from a study by the African Development Bank underscore the deterrent effect of elevated ticket prices, dissuading nearly 30% of prospective air passengers in the region.

Experts advocate for the removal of tariffs to potentially reduce air transport costs to below $100 per route, fostering increased connectivity and economic vitality

Quantitative analyses reveal the transformative power of liberalization, with projections indicating a 9% reduction in average fares and a substantial 41% uptick in flight frequencies, stimulating heightened passenger demand.

The envisioned liberalization among EAC member states holds the promise of generating over 46,000 jobs and injecting a significant US$202.1 million annually into the GDP.

Hon. Ariik, standing in for EAC Secretary General Hon. Veronica Nduva, emphasizes the urgency of advancing the remaining phases to fully liberalize the air transport sector.

Acknowledging ongoing infrastructure enhancements at various airports, including international hubs in Hoima, Dodoma, Bugesera, Melchior Ndadaye, Juba, and N’djili, he champions South Sudan’s strides in aviation legislation as a model for regional progress

While applauding the momentum towards reduced airfares, Hon. Ariik advocates for broader participation in the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to streamline intra-continental travel.

With only three regional countries currently part of SAATM, he calls upon all nations to expedite their inclusion in this pivotal initiative, poised to revolutionize air travel dynamics across the continent.

Source: Newslex Point

Passenger survey highlights need for convenience and technology

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Wednesday 30th October 2024 — 4 min read

IATA released the results of its 2024 Global Passenger Survey, revealing that travelers continue to prioritize convenience and speed. For a smoother travel experience, they are eager to use biometric identification and complete some travel processes before reaching the airport.

web travelers-walking-with-luggage-at-airport - Credit: Credit izusek iStock - 1477131540

“Passengers want flexibility and transparency when planning and booking travel, plus speed and convenience at the airport. More are embracing biometrics, digital wallets, and off-airport processes to make it happen,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety, and Security.

Planning, Booking and Payment

  • 68% said proximity to the airport was their top priority when selecting their departure airport, followed by minimizing total travel time ( 33% ) and getting the best ticket price ( 25% ).
  • 71% said they book travel online or via a mobile app, with 53% preferring to use the airline’s website / app and only 16% preferring human interaction.
  • 32% said they wanted to have all travel information consolidated in one place during the pre-travel process.
  • 79% prefer to pay for travel with a credit or debit card, followed by digital wallets at 20%, and instant payment solutions, such as IATA Pay, at 7%.
  • Convenience was the main reason passengers chose a particular payment method ( 70% ), followed by benefits ( 39% ) and security ( 33% ).

Passengers prioritize convenience in the planning, booking, and payment phase of travel. For this convenience, they may accept some higher costs, and they are increasingly willing to use technologies, such as digital wallets. IATA’s Modern Airline Retailing initiative is helping airlines to deliver greater customer centricity based on the foundational work of New Distribution Capability and the conversion to Offers and Orders. The Airline Retailing Maturity Index supports airlines in their distribution and payment transformation.

“Technology continues to change the way people plan, book and pay for travel. Travelers expect the same conveniences when shopping for travel that they get in any other online shopping experience. That means simplicity, clarity, and with options to meet their preferences while keeping their data secure. The industry is stepping up to meet the demand for greater customer centricity through IATA’s Modern Airline Retailing initiative. Passengers will experience its positive impact progressively in the very near future,” said Muhammad Albakri, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Financial Settlement and Distribution Services.

Airport

  • 70% said they want to reach their boarding gate in 30 minutes or less when traveling with just a carry-on; 74% expect it to take no longer than 45 minutes with a checked bag.
  • 85% said they are willing to share immigration data i.e. passport, visa with authorities before departure to speed up airport process. And 89% are interested in a trusted traveler program to expedite security screening.
  • 45% said immigration procedures should be completed before reaching the airport, and 36% feel the same about check-in. Additionally, 70% of passengers said they’d be more likely to check-in a bag if they could do so in advance.
  • 46% of travelers experienced airport processes using biometric identification. The highest usage is seen at entry and exit immigration checkpoints ( 43% ). 84% of users were satisfied. And 75% prefer using biometrics over traditional passports and boarding passes.
  • 50% said they are concerned about data protection and 39% would be more open to biometric solutions if assured of their data’s security.

IATA’s One ID initiative is helping the industry to respond to traveler desires for faster processes and less hassle on the way to their aircraft, securely powered by biometrics and digital identity.

“The clear message from travelers is that they expect to board their planes faster with technology and smarter processes beginning well before they reach the airport. And the good news is that we are making this happen. Already travelers can arrive at the airport ready to fly with admissibility checks completed. And biometrics and digital identity can deliver a paperless experience once at the airport. That’s great for passengers. Importantly, the greater efficiency will help airport infrastructure to better cope with the growth in passenger numbers, helping to make the business case for adopting these new technologies and processes even more compelling,” said Careen.

Digital solutions are preferred by younger generations

Under-25s are considerably more proactive in using technology to improve their travel but want assurances on security.

  • 51% would choose digital wallets for payment, far above the global average of 20%.
  • 90% expressed interest in using a smartphone with a digital wallet, passport, and loyalty cards for booking, payment, and airport navigation, surpassing the global average of 77%.
  • 48% prefer biometrics over traditional passports and boarding passes, compared with 43% of those aged 56-75.
  • 50% of under-25s would be more open to biometric solutions if assured of data security, versus the global average of 39%.

Draft continental strategy on free movement developed

Free Movement of Persons is an integral part of the African integration and along with the African Passport is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063.

Pursuant to this goal of integration, in January 2018 the Protocol to the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community relating to free movement of persons, right of residence and right of establishment was adopted by the AU Assembly. This was followed in March 2018 with the Agreement Establishing the African Free Trade Area, the Protocol on Trade in Goods, the Protocol on Trade in Services and the Protocol on Rules and Procedures on the Settlement of Disputes.

As a follow up to this, the African Union (AU) and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) have developed a draft joint continental strategy to accelerate the Right of Entry for the Protocol to the treaty establishing the African Economic Communities relating to the Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment. The strategy aims to ensure that RECs and Member States popularise and promote the adopted African Passport as one of the key mechanisms through which free movement of persons will be realised.

The implementation of the Protocol will evolve through three phases namely, right of entry, right of residence and right of establishment and the introduction of the African passport adopted during the February 2019 AU Summit, will act as a major catalyst for the Protocol especially the right of entry, according to AU Commissioner for Political Affairs Ms. Minata Samate Cessouma.

33 Member States have so far signed the protocol, and 4 ratifications have been deposited by Rwanda, Niger, Mali and Sao Tome and Principe. Technical specifications of the African Passport were also developed in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), RECs and Member States.