The brief strike at major airports in Kenya which disrupted international and domestic flights on Tuesday night, September 9, and Wednesday, September 10, left passengers stranded and cost agents and airlines millions.
The strike was triggered by objections to the government’s proposal to lease Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to an Indian company. Workers felt that jobs would be lost, and that control of a Kenyan asset would be lost by Kenya.
The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has commended both the Government and the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) for quickly resolving the impasse and agreeing on a return-to-work formula.
However, KATA emphasized that such industrial action, with its far-reaching consequences, should never have been allowed to occur in the first place. The strike’s impact has been devastating, with the travel industry facing significant financial and operational losses.
Preliminary estimates suggest that members of KATA lost over KES200 million (R27,9m) in air ticket sales alone, excluding rebooking fees and the costs incurred by airlines in accommodating passengers who missed their flights.
“When accounting for related services such as accommodation, ground transfers, and travel insurance, the total losses could easily exceed KES500 million (R69,8m). Some international airlines flew back empty, while others have indefinitely cancelled or rescheduled flights, further disrupting operations,” KATA said.
KATA highlighted that the frustration, anxiety, and distress caused to passengers have tarnished the reputation of Nairobi as a regional aviation hub.
“The strike’s impact on Kenya’s already fragile economy cannot be overstated. KATA calls on the Government to take decisive action to ensure that the underlying issues with the workers’ union are permanently resolved, preventing any future disruptions to airport operations. Kenya simply cannot afford another crisis of this magnitude.”
Ethiopian Airlines is delighted to announce the launch of a daily flight service to Port Sudan, Sudan, commencing on October 15, 2024. This strategic expansion further strengthens Ethiopian’s commitment to enhancing connectivity across the African continent and beyond, fostering regional socio-economic growth and facilitating trade and tourism.
The new route will provide seamless travel options for passengers traveling between Ethiopia and Sudan, as well as connecting travelers from across the vast Ethiopian Airlines network to this significant Red Sea port city. The introduction of this service underscores Ethiopian’s dedication to serving the evolving needs of the African market and contributing to the continent’s economic development. By connecting Port Sudan to its extensive global network, Ethiopian Airlines aims to unlock new opportunities for businesses, travelers, and communities, promoting cross-border collaboration and cultural exchange.
The inaugural flight, ET350, will depart from Addis Ababa at 11:00 and arrive in Port Sudan at 12:15. The return flight, ET 351, will leave Port Sudan at 14:15, arriving back in Addis Ababa at 17:30. Both flights will be operated by the state-of-the-art Boeing 737 Max aircraft, ensuring a comfortable and reliable journey.
“We are pleased to connect our Sudanese brothers and sisters from Port Sudan to Addis Ababa, and to the rest of the world using our extensive global network,” says Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “By introducing daily flights to Port Sudan, we are bridging cultures and economies. This expansion is a testament to our unwavering dedication to serve our continent and its people, driving progress and prosperity through the skies.”
With the inclusion of Port Sudan, Ethiopian Airlines expands its network to 66 destinations within Africa. The inauguration of this new route emphasizes Ethiopian Airlines’ dedication to broadening its presence throughout Africa, while simultaneously enhancing connectivity for both business and leisure travelers. Port Sudan, a city strategically situated along the Red Sea, acts as an essential center for commerce and economics in the region. This development offers a gateway to the diverse cultural history and burgeoning economic prospects of Sudan.
Ethiopian Airlines invites passengers to experience the warmth and hospitality of its newest destination, Port Sudan. Book your journey today and be part of the growth story that is Ethiopian Airlines – the New Spirit of Africa.
For detailed flight schedules and bookings, please visit our website.
(https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/et) or contact your local Ethiopian Airlines office.
About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is one of the fastest-growing airlines brand globally and the continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-eight years of successful operations, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and De Havilland Q400.
Ethiopian is also pursuing multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world. Ethiopian has been champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for seven consecutive years among others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has been registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years.
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.
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.
Dubai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and embracing innovation has been a key factor behind its transformation into a city at the forefront of the global economy.
The city’s long-term wider approach to leveraging the latest advancements not only enhances the experience for residents and visitors but also boosts the economy by attracting more businesses and investors.
Recognizing the importance of leveraging technology to shape the future of travel and hospitality, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has consistently spearheaded initiatives to raise the bar across multiple sectors, while strategies are in place to improve tourism services with new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR).
DET has also nurtured innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability to create new pathways for growth, aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure.
Proactively adapting its offering to align with emerging global trends, and to cater to the diverse demands of residents and international travellers, the city’s tourism and hospitality sectors are utilising innovation to ensure that Dubai continues to elevate standards across the tourism ecosystem – from streamlined visa processes and airport smart gates to hotel check-in via smartphone apps and digital platforms showcasing the best of Dubai’s offerings.
This dynamic approach, combined with Dubai’s commitment to excellence and continuous collaboration between the government and private sectors, has been the catalyst for rapid change across the emirate, with world-class infrastructure and exceptional service at all touchpoints contributing towards enhancing the guest experience.
With global travellers eager for novel experiences, this fusion of innovation allows tourists to seamlessly connect with both traditional and modern elements of the emirate’s diverse offering and has contributed towards further highlighting the emirate’s position as a must-visit destination. Dubai’s growing popularity is evident in the steady growth in visitors – from January to June 2024, Dubai welcomed 9.31 million international visitors, an increase of 9 per cent compared to the same period in 2023.
Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “Inspired by the visionary leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and guided by the objectives of the D33 Agenda, Dubai is committed to advancing with distinctive world-class infrastructure, experiences, and attractions. Dubai’s unwavering dedication to exceeding expectations is demonstrated through the seamless integration of technology into our industry.
This unique synergy of innovation and technological excellence is a testament to our strong commitment to progress and is instrumental in making Dubai the best city to visit, live and work in, aligned with the goals of the D33 Agenda. The emirate continues collaborating with key stakeholders and global partners to spearhead technology-driven tourism, ensuring a future where innovation enriches every visitor’s experience.”
Keeping up with the trends and knowing your customers is crucial for any business. To know your customer is to understand their habits and needs.
How do modern travelers book trips in 2024? What are the most critical elements in determining which tour operator to choose? What matters to modern travelers in the process?
With the travel world evolving, many things have changed in the travel industry. Some new trends have emerged, and travelers’ focus, and needs have significantly changed. This transformation has been in the works for quite a while now, and tour operators and destination management companies aren’t left with much choice – they must meet the new demand for digitally transforming their businesses.
Here are the top 4 things modern travelers are looking for when booking a trip.
Master the Art of Online Presence!
The first thing modern travelers will do is conduct thorough online research on the desired destination. Every tour operator or DMC’s goal is for the customer to find them immediately. And that isn’t possible if a company doesn’t have a strong online presence, primarily web based.
Nowadays, modern travelers visit many websites before making a reservation, so it’s critical to ensure your website is unique, relevant, and quickly establishes credibility. With printed catalogs slowly becoming a part of the past, the website is the most common touchpoint any tour operator has with their target customers. It gives your company more credibility, builds your brand, gives you a web-based platform to address your travelers directly, and continuously brings new customers.
According to the Trends Global Survey, 80% of global travelers surveyed feel it’s important to be able to book their trips entirely online, with 86% of Millennials and 83% of Gen Z’s leading the charge. We’re talking about high numbers! Therefore, the web has for sure replaced physical catalogs and even your offices.
Of course, it is important not only to have a presence but also to make it a good one.
Photos, Descriptions, and Video Content – It’s Essential to Stand Out!
Having a user-friendly, clear, and visually attractive web is crucial. Destinations should be clearly listed together with some itineraries to inspire future modern travelers. Three of the most impactful deal breakers for most travelers are bland and unappealing hotel rooms, non-aesthetic food photos, and boring content presentations. There should be short descriptions and authentic photos from trips that will catch the eye.
An example of good practice by one of our clients, Hidden Iceland
More and more travelers are turning to YouTube when planning a trip. Therefore, another great thing is having video content showcasing the destinations and travelers enjoying the journey with your team.
A really cool segment is a 360° tour of a hotel, resort, or even a part of the destination. Aerial videos became very accessible and more affordable with drones – and the videos they make are of fantastic quality. Instead of filming over-produced promo films, capture authentic content – travelers will appreciate it. Be playful and use your imagination – with the modern technology we have on hand, options are numerous!
Introduce your guides and make them relatable. When travelers are scrolling through your website for the first time, meeting the team that may be accompanying them on their trip instills more trust.
Let your staff share their hobbies, favorite destinations, locations, and insights. They are the ones who know the most about each destination; they can share some insights that will attract potential travelers to choose a specific trip. This will also give that personal touch to the otherwise digital experience—and travelers love that!
DMC Amazing Africa is proud to present its team to travelers
Oh, and don’t forget. Travel has shifted to mobile. The new generations of travelers expect to have all the information in the palms of their hands.
In the past years, there has been a significant spike in the number of online bookings done on mobile phones. So, optimizing a website for mobile phones is a must in this day and age.
Shaping Sustainable Wanderlust: Travelers Are Opting for Sustainable Travel Products!
In a recent booking.com survey, over half (53%) of travelers seek accommodations that blend comfort with innovative sustainability features, and 65% want green spaces and plants in their stays.
At the same time, 67% of Gen Z’s surveyed by the Pew Research Center reported expressing a need for climate action, compared to 61% of millennials, 53% of Gen X, and 50% of baby boomers. Ecotourism is thus expected to soar in popularity in the coming years, and sustainable products are the new good-to-have.
Many travelers today increasingly prioritize sustainability in their choices, including the sustainable products they use, but also the food they eat.
“Travel can be a force for good, and travelers themselves are proving to be today’s changemakers, adopting more sustainable travel habits and seeking responsible experiences.”
Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking.com
While not all travelers may prioritize sustainability equally, there is a growing demand for sustainable products within the travel industry. As awareness continues to increase and consumers become more informed about their choices’ environmental and social impact, the demand for sustainable travel options will likely continue growing.
Why is a Dynamic Social Media Presence Non-Negotiable?
Like any other industry in the world, the travel industry cannot survive without being present on social media. Social media platforms are essential for communicating directly with travelers, acquiring new customers, promoting your offer, and, last but not least, advancing Google search results.
Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are the best options for tours and travel businesses. Each offers different formats and targets different demographics.
Facebook is the social media giant. According to Statista, Facebook has more than 3 billion monthly active users. It offers posting photos and videos with short descriptions, and you can also do live streaming.
Since the audience is vast, you can use all it provides to communicate directly with your travelers. Many nowadays use Facebook as a source of information. Post all information and news here, and travelers will appreciate it. Leave the comments section open for any questions your customers might have.
People enjoy reading reviews. Previous customers can rate your agency and post a short review on Facebook, which is a fantastic feature. That way, prospective travelers can read about other people’s experiences traveling with your agency.
Unsurprisingly, YouTube follows strongly – some travelers love watching vlogs because they get real and detailed feedback. Videos are entertaining, educational, and engaging. What better way to imagine yourself in a destination than with a video? Establish your presence there; travelers seek authentic, entertaining, educational, and informative content.
Instagram is one of the most preferred social media channels for Millennials, but not only. Selling products and showcasing offers on Instagram has become a common thing. Modern travelers tend to turn to travel Instagram profiles in search of inspiration.
With its specific framework, Instagram is ideal for tour operators and DMCs. It focuses on beautiful pictures, short videos, and keyword descriptions, while its search relies on hashtags. #travel links to more than 700 million posts. Instagram is here to inspire travelers to explore new destinations.
Your target customers will enjoy watching a live stream from a destination. People are much more responsive there than on Facebook. Travelers are likely to contact you directly if they require any information. Don’t hesitate to ask your travelers to tag the guides or your travel agency in their photos – there is no better promotion than that!
Last but not least, we have come to a platform that has been going strong for the last couple of years. Whereas Instagram targets millennials, TikTok users belong to GenZ and are between 16 and 24 years old.
It is a video-first platform mainly focusing on creating challenges and portraying various hacks and memes. Its content has the potential to go viral within hours of posting. Travelers will turn to TikTok for fun challenges, new recipes from all over the world, insights for different destinations, and travel tips and tricks. Also, Phocuswright research found that 35% of travelers ages 18 to 34 use TikTok to help decide what activities to partake in while traveling.
One example is the term #DestinationDupe, which has taken over social media platforms, especially TikTok. It is a trend that offers reasonably priced substitutes for the world’s most popular travel destinations, urging visitors to choose the less-traveled route. It encourages people to look into unusual possibilities that offer one-of-a-kind experiences and hidden riches, as well as lesser-known jewels, while reducing mass tourism in popular destinations.
Another is set-jetting, a trend in which travelers decide to book a trip to a place they’ve seen in movies or streamed shows.
To sum up, you just have to be creative, aim to inspire rather than sell, and remember — consistency is key!
Blog – a Perfect Way To Showcase Your Tours!
It may seem time-consuming, but having an active blog is a great way to attract new travelers. Having one person designated to write for the blog is great, but that is not crucial. Your guides can write or, even better, your travelers.
Ask a traveler to do a guest section — what better promotion than having first-hand experience written by someone who only recently visited the destination? They can include some beautiful pictures or videos and give the highlights of the journey.
Update your blog regularly, and don’t forget to include direct links to your tours and packages.
It is a perfect place to showcase your offer in a slightly different form. Write travel guides for various destinations. Feel free to include authentic content, share tips and insights, portray local customs, include interviews with locals or your guides, etc. The options are endless and are bound to attract new travelers to book with you.
As mentioned, every traveler starts their research online. When using Google, it is in every tour operator’s best interest to appear in search results. To ensure you are among the first, continuously update your website’s content, mainly your blog.
As the team at Hubspot put it, “SEO writing is the process of writing content to rank on the first page of search engines like Google. This involves researching keywords, writing high-quality content that matches user intent, and optimizing your headers for easy page crawling.”
It is a great marketing technique bound to attract more travelers to your website; just give it some time and don’t give up. Read more on why every travel business should start a blog
Dubai medical tourism is booming, with 691,000 health tourists spending AED1bn ($280m) last year, according to a recent report by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
Dentistry, dermatology and gynecology are among the most popular activities for medical tourists coming to Dubai.
This upsurge is evident in the increased number of tourists seeking medical treatment in Dubai and their significant spending on a range of healthcare services.
Dubai medical tourism
The report reflects the rising global confidence in the quality and excellence of Dubai’s healthcare services across different medical specialties. It also demonstrates the emirate’s competitive advantage as a leading health tourism destination regionally and globally.
Furthermore, the report sheds light on DHA’s collaborative efforts with its strategic partners to accelerate the growth of health tourism.
These endeavours are in alignment with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which strive to double the emirate’s economy and elevate its global standing as the preferred hub for business, investment, and tourism.
As per the report, Dubai welcomed more than 691,000 health tourists from across the world in 2023, with their collective spending on healthcare services exceeding AED1.03bn ($280.5m).
These numbers bettered those of 2022, when international health tourist arrivals topped 674,000, with their spending totalling AED992m ($270m).
Dubai’s indirect revenues from health tourism stood at AED2.3bn ($626m) in 2023. These revenues played a crucial role in elevating Dubai’s overall GDP and further boosting vital sectors.
Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority, emphasised that the rising number of international tourists from every corner of the globe opting for healthcare services in Dubai reflects global trust in the emirate’s healthcare sector.
He highlighted Dubai’s exceptional service quality, conforming to the latest standards of excellence and healthcare.
He also outlined several factors that have significantly bolstered Dubai’s health tourism sector. These include enhancements to the emirate’s healthcare system through incorporating and leveraging cutting-edge technological advancements, ensuring the availability of top-notch medical expertise, and attractive programmes and initiatives designed for international patients.
Furthermore, the competitive pricing provided by healthcare facilities in Dubai and the government’s dedication to advancing the health tourism sector through fruitful partnerships aim to enhance the emirate’s competitiveness in this domain, further solidifying Dubai’s status as a preferred destination for individuals seeking medical treatment and recovery.
Al Ketbi lauded the contributions of the private medical sector in Dubai as a strategic partner to the government sector. He praised their initiatives, facilities, and patient treatment programmes while highlighting their dedication to providing exceptional experiences for international patients in a secure and comfortable environment.
This commitment, he added, is supported by a sustainable and advanced infrastructure tailored to meet patient needs and ensure the highest level of satisfaction.
Al Ketbi reiterated the DHA’s commitment to continually enhance the healthcare system in Dubai to align with the emirate’s tireless development and rapid transformations across the economic, health, and social sectors.
This commitment showcases a visionary strategy aimed at bolstering Dubai’s standing as a pioneering global development model that meets current demands and anticipates future requirements.
Based on information from the Dubai Digital Authority, the report highlighted that 58 per cent of international health tourists were women and 42 per cent were men.
A significant volume of international medical tourists originated from Asia, comprising 33 per cent of the total, followed by Arab countries within the GCC at 28 per cent, and European countries along with the Commonwealth of Independent States at 23 per cent.
Dubai also succeeded in attracting a substantial number of medical tourists from various regions who sought out experts in key specialties, reinforcing its position as a premier destination for specialised healthcare services.
A breakdown of the medical specialisations most sought after by visitors and the region-wise breakup in terms of specialised treatments they sought is as follows:
Top 3 in-demand specialties: Dentistry – 29 per cent, Dermatology – 27 per cent, Gynaecology- 13 per cent
Region-wise demand for dermatology: Asia – 33 per cent, Arab and GCC countries – 28 per cent, Europe – 23 per cent
Region-wise demand for dental services: Arab and GCC countries – 48 per cent, Europe – 20 per cent, Asia – 19 per cent
Region-wise demand for gynaecology services: Asian countries – 49 per cent, European countries – 25 per cent, Arab and GCC countries – 13 per cent
Region-wise demand for orthopaedic surgery: Arab and GCC countries – 30 per cent, Asia – 29 per cent, Europe – 24 per cent
Region-wise demand for plastic surgery: Arab and GCC countries – 43 per cent, Asia – 21 per cent, Europe – 21 per cent
Region-wise demand for ophthalmology services: Asia – 28 per cent, Arab and GCC countries – 27 per cent, Africa – 21 per cent
Region-wise demand for fertility treatments: Asia – 36 per cent, Arab and GCC countries – 22 per cent, Europe – 21 per cent
Region-wise demand for recuperation and recovery treatments: Europe – 35 per cent, Arab and GCC countries – 30 per cent, Asia – 21 per cent
The statistics provided in the report underscore the city’s appeal as a hub for specialized healthcare services, welcoming patients from all over the world seeking quality treatment and care in diverse medical disciplines.
Ethiopian Airlines, the leading aviation group in Africa, is pleased to announce the inauguration of the Silver Lounge, an exclusive facility dedicated to ShebaMiles Silver members. Strategically positioned within the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the Silver Lounge offers a serene and engaging environment where passengers can unwind and enjoy entertainment amenities.
The Silver Lounge, spanning an impressive 810 square meters, is designed to offer a serene oasis for travelers. It features a variety of amenities tailored to meet the needs of diverse clientele, including dining areas with an array of buffets and services, comfortable seating areas for relaxation, a designated smoking room, a delightful kids’ corner for younger guests, ample storage room, and additional facilities to enhance the passenger experience. The lounge’s capacity allows it to accommodate up to 200 guests during peak hours, ensuring a seamless and stress-free travel experience.
“We are pleased to open the doors to this magnificent lounge, which symbolizes our continuous efforts to elevate the standards of hospitality in the skies and on the ground,” said Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group. “The Silver Lounge is more than just a space; it is an embodiment of our vision to further enhance the travel experience of our guests and solidify Addis Ababa as a leading aviation hub in Africa.”
The Silver Lounge is a symbol of the airline’s relentless pursuit of excellence and its unwavering dedication to providing its guests with the highest levels of comfort, convenience, and luxury. The airline’s commitment to providing superior travel experience is further exemplified by the availability of multiple lounges throughout the airport terminals, catering to the diverse needs of its clientele. Passengers holding Cloud Nine, ShebaMiles Platinum, Star Alliance Gold, and Silver memberships have the privilege of accessing these lounges to rejuvenate during their transit through Addis Ababa.
Ethiopian Airlines, a seven-time consecutive recipient of the prestigious Skytrax award, remains steadfast in its dedication to elevating the passenger experience. As the most expansive carrier across the African continent, the airline continues to invest in customer service enhancements, ensuring that its esteemed passengers enjoy the highest standards of hospitality and comfort.
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched the second cycle of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, to recognise hotels in the city with the highest levels of adherence to DET’s ‘19 Sustainability Requirements’, a set of mandatory standards to support the ongoing drive to position Dubai as a leading sustainable tourism destination.
Serving as a validation of a hotel’s dedication to sustainability, and showcasing its eco practices to guests and the global community, the DST Stamp was launched in 2023 and contributes to Dubai’s broader sustainability agenda. It is awarded under a three-tier scheme – gold, silver, and bronze – and validated by a committee of senior industry professionals to ensure integrity and independence. The window for hotels to submit their applications opened today (15 August) and will close on 15 September, with the announcement of the hotels receiving the DST Stamp for 2024 set to be made in January 2025.
Yousuf Lootah, CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance sector at DET, and Head of the DET Environmental Sustainability & Social Responsibility Committee, said: “The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp is more than just an accolade to recognise excellence in sustainability – it is a testament to the support and guidance of our visionary leadership to position Dubai at the forefront of global efforts in sustainable tourism. As we launch the second cycle of the DST Stamp, we invite hotels across Dubai to showcase their commitment to sustainability and contribute to our shared vision for a greener future, aligning with a key goal of the D33 Agenda to transform Dubai into the best city to visit, live and work in. This initiative continues to inspire enhanced collaboration between the government and private sectors in Dubai, further underscoring our resolve to set new standards in environmental stewardship within the hospitality industry.”
The ‘19 Sustainability Requirements’ were introduced in 2019 to guide hotels in implementing eco-friendly practices, and are part of the wider Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) initiative, developed by DET to drive the tourism sector’s transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and sustainable industry model. It is part of DET’s broader commitment to fostering sustainable tourism in Dubai and is aligned with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure.
Encompassing a wide range of criteria that hotels must meet, the ‘19 Sustainability Requirements’ include taking steps to achieve energy and water efficiency, implementing waste management programmes, guest education, and employee training initiatives, all designed to enhance environmental performance and ensure compliance with sustainability standards.
In the first cycle of 2023, the DST Stamp received 278 hotel applications, resulting in 70 winners – 11 gold, 28 silver, and 31 bronze – demonstrating the hospitality sector’s enthusiastic commitment to adopting sustainable practices. Hotels recognised in the first round have highlighted the importance of the initiative, detailing the benefits their participation brought.
Nila Pendarovski, General Manager at Rove Expo City, said: “At Rove Hotels, we’re not just committed to providing exceptional hospitality, we’re also deeply invested in running our operations in a sustainable manner. We were honoured to be part of the first round of the DST Stamp certification process, an initiative we view as crucial to our growth as responsible hoteliers. This process has guided us in refining our operations from A to Z, enabling us to find more sustainable ways to serve our Rovers (guests). We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to participate in this process again, as we continue to champion sustainability in every aspect of our business.”
Luciano Fontana, General Manager, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, added: “Receiving the Gold Tier from the prestigious Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp was a remarkable honour for Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. This recognition reflected our unwavering dedication to sustainable luxury, ensuring that every guest’s experience contributes positively to environmental and social responsibility. We are proud to lead the way in sustainable tourism and look forward to setting new benchmark for excellence in this field.”
Inspired by global objectives such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 2030, and country-wide strategies including the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 initiatives, the DST initiative and DST Stamp align with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, which was extended into 2024. Another key initiative under DST has been the rollout and ongoing development of the Carbon Calculator tool, which measures the carbon footprint within Dubai’s hospitality sector. The tool tracks real-time data for carbon emission sources, allowing hotels to identify and effectively manage their energy consumption.
Additionally, DST complements the citywide ‘Dubai Can’ sustainability movement, which through its ‘Refill for Life’ campaign has seen the reduction in the usage of an equivalent of more than 23 million 500ml single-use plastic water bottles and 11.5 million litres of water dispensed via 50 water fountains located throughout the city. Dubai Can has followed this up with a second initiative, Dubai Reef, the world’s largest marine reef development project, with 20,000 modules set to be deployed across 600 square kilometres of Dubai’s waters by 2027.
Hotels can contact dstsupport@dubaidet.ae for further details about applying for the DST Stamp.
The enchanting Mumbai awaits! Popular for both leisure and business, Mumbai is a rare gem. Business men/women travel for trade, students for school, families for reconnections or medical assistance, and tourists for the many wonders it has to offer.
From as low as $430 and with 14 weekly flights available between Nairobi and Mumbai, Kenya Airways has made travel easier and convenient. KQ now has two (2) daily flights operating on the Boeing B737-8. This means there is ample capacity for both cargo and passengers.
The best thing is, the flight schedule also allows for seamless onward connections to and from other destinations like Johannesburg (JNB), Lagos (LOS), Monrovia (ROB) and Freetown (FNA)
Flight Schedule:
MUMBAI TO NAIROBI
Day
Flight No
Depart
Arrive
BOM-NBO
Daily
KQ203
02:40
06:35
BOM-NBO
Daily
KQ205
06:45
10:30
NAIROBI TO MUMBAI
Day
Flight No
Depart
Arrive
NBO-BOM
Daily
KQ202
16:45
01:30+1
NBO-BOM
Daily
KQ204
20:50
05:35+1
So next time you want to travel to or from Mumbai, choose comfort, convenience and authentic African hospitality on Kenya Airways.
