Dubai to host global medical information leaders at major congress in 2027.

Dubai has won its bid to host the 21st World Congress of Medical Informatics – MedInfo – the flagship biennial meeting of the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA).

Dubai will be the first city in the Middle East to host the Congress. The winning bid was led by the Emirates Health Informatics Society and supported by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention and Emirates Health Services, among other key stakeholders.

Dubai’s accessibility and connectivity should provide IMIA with improved reach into new markets in addition to enhancing MedInfo’s appeal to first-time attendees.

Helal Saeed Almarri (pictured), director-general of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, said: “Dubai’s success in bidding for MedInfo 2027 underlines the confidence that international associations across all sectors, including healthcare, have in bringing their major congresses to Dubai, and the powerful platform our city provides for knowledge sharing, professional development, and networking. It also reflects the culture of collaboration in Dubai and the ability of entities across the public and private sectors to come together to showcase the city’s strengths as a meeting destination.”

The pipeline of major conferences and congresses taking place in Dubai over the coming years includes key global medical and healthcare gatherings, with many bids championed by Dubai Business Events, part of DET and the city’s official convention bureau, in collaboration with DHA and Emirates Medical Society (EMA), as well as individual societies under its umbrella including Emirates Health Informatics Society, through its Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has also awarded 70 hotels in Dubai with the ‘Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp’, a new sustainability initiative that seeks to recognise hotels with the highest level of adherence to DET’s 19 ‘Sustainability Requirements’. Dubai claims to be the first city in the region to mandate sustainability criteria for its hotel classification system, and the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp (DST) initiative further reinforces its drive to become a leading sustainable destination.

Dubai has also secured the top spot as the No.1 global destination in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations Awards 2024 for the third consecutive year. The recognition comes as the city marks the first anniversary of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, that aims to further consolidate Dubai’s position as one of the top three global cities for business and leisure, and the best city to visit, live and work in.

Dubai welcomed a record 13.9m visitors from January to October 2023 compared to 13.5m during the corresponding period in 2019. Average hotel occupancy between January to October this year has reached 76%, up from 74% in the same period in 2019.

 Source: CMW.  

A new era for air travel in East Africa.

Ethiopia recently announced the planned construction of a state-of-the-art new airport to accommodate further growth for national carrier Ethiopian Airlines. With a capacity of 100 million passengers p.a., the new facility in Bishoftu, 35 km south of Addis Ababa, would not only be Africa’s largest airport, but also a major player on the global stage.

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD/HAAB) dethroned Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as the region’s leading aviation hub a decade ago. Even with the latest expansion of Terminal 2, the meteoric rise of Ethiopian Airlines since the early 2000s is driving Bole towards a capacity limit beyond which it cannot expand. Hence the need for the new mega airport project.

The competition in the region is set to intensify further by 2026 with the opening of Rwanda’s new Bugesera International Airport. With an initial capacity of 8 million passengers p.a., expanding to 14 million in Phase 2, Bugesera will not only eclipse JKIA in its current state, but also position Rwanda as the next significant aviation hub in East Africa.

Kenya’s missed opportunities and the need to catch up.

JKIA, and Kenya’s aviation sector have experienced a series of setbacks since the disastrous fire in 2013, notably the cancellation of the Terminal 3 project (dubbed the “Greenfield Terminal”) and of the second runway. This essentially handed Ethiopia a decade-long advantage in the race for air supremacy in the region. As I wrote in an article in The Exchange Africa last year, reviving Terminal 3 and the second runway project now is a mere catch-up necessity to prevent JKIA from slipping to the third position in East Africa.

It was therefore a relief to see Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announce that the Government of Kenya intends to relaunch the Terminal 3 project through a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) initiative. “Coincidentally”, this was followed by a confirmation that the government aims to find a strategic investor to inject fresh capital into Kenya Airways by June, which is also the deadline for the PPP tender.

Considering the region’s competitive landscape, it could make sense for Kenya to partner with a major international airline for both JKIA Terminal 3 and Kenya Airways. Ethiopian Airlines and Bole International Airport already go hand in hand as part of a national strategy to build Addis Ababa as Africa’s leading aviation hub, while Bugesera and RwandAir Ltd are set to become the regional tandem spearheads of Qatar Airways, owning 60% and 49% of the airport and the airline respectively. Expect an aggressive expansion drive there as Qatar’s national carrier digs in for a share of Africa’s airspace.

Pursuing a similar model for JKIA Terminal 3 and Kenya Airways would probably make the deal a more compelling value proposition to an international airline partner. It could also give Nairobi a comeback in the battle for regional air supremacy.

A regional battle of titans

With three major airports within a two-hour (±30 minutes) radius of each other, each vying to become the region’s preferred connection hub would likely lead to a massive showdown for direct connections and competitive pricing. Ethiopian, Qatar, and a potential global private-sector player at JKIA, backed by substantial investments, would be locked in a constant battle to establish direct connections across Africa and globally, at competitive fares.

Such competition would not only be beneficial for passengers but also for the countries hosting the hubs. More direct international connections and competitive airfares would enhance accessibility, boosting business, tourism, and investment attractiveness.

The distance between Nairobi and Paris is only slightly longer than London-New York, yet the latter will set you back by less than USD 400, while fares for the former start at USD 800. Once these two routes cost roughly the same, it will be safe to say that competition has effectively reshaped the market.

To get there, Kenya’s government should start by aligning the tender for a PPP at JKIA with the search for a strategic investor in Kenya Airways to favor one international airline getting both, while also getting the second runway back on track.

And if the long-term goal is to eventually restore Nairobi as the region’s leading aviation hub, then start thinking about Terminal 4 and a third and fourth runway already. Or a whole new airport with ample space for expansion.

As Ethiopia forges ahead with its ambitious new airport, the challenge for Kenya and other regional players is to respond with equal vigor and foresight. The skies over East Africa are set for a transformation, promising exciting times ahead for passengers, airlines, and economies alike.

Source: Bauck (Guest writer)

How Fintech is Reinventing Travel Payments.

The travel payments industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rise of fintech, evolving consumer preferences and changing market dynamics.

A 2023 white paper by Mastercard, titled “Embracing a virtual future of B2B travel payments”, explores these transformations and their impact on the sector.

The paper discusses how the pandemic has triggered a reevaluation of business-to-business (B2B) payment practices, the growing prominence of the merchant of record (MoR) payment model, and the increasing adoption of virtual cards.

Traditionally, travel agencies mainly served as intermediaries, transmitting consumer payment details to various service providers in an individual’s travel itinerary. However, the expanding network of suppliers has made this “pass-through” approach riskier and more cumbersome for both agencies and consumers.

To address these risks, an increasing number of travel agencies are shifting to the MoR model where the travel agency collects customer payments for all booked services, authorizes transactions, and then disburses payments to the specific suppliers associated with the booking.

The MoR model not only addresses these challenges but also opens up new opportunities for suppliers, allowing agencies to offer consumers new payment options such as installment methods and buy now, pay later (BNPL) arrangements.

The report notes a significant migration from the pass-through model to the MoR model, with travel agents acting as MoRs posting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 43% from 2020 to 2022, a growth rate that’s more than double than that of the overall online travel agency market of 20% CAGR.

Another trend outlined by the Mastercard white paper is the digitalization of business-to-business (B2B) travel payments, with virtual cards in particular emerging as an appealing payment option. Virtual cards are essentially digital versions of physical payment cards. Virtual card numbers are digitally generated, PCI-compliant and single-use card numbers that are accepted everywhere traditional payment cards are.

According to Mastercard, virtual cards provide a unique, traceable link between booking and associated payments to third-party suppliers. They allow travel agencies and suppliers to easily track and reconcile payments, while offering benefits such as flexible pricing, financing options and card payment guarantees.

This results in a more streamlined payment experience for travel agencies and their customers, as well as travel suppliers. Transactions are also more secure, with Mastercard data revealing that the risk of fraud is 30 times lower when using virtual cards compared to traditional payment cards.

A 2023 infographic produced by Up in the Air, a travel payment consultancy from the Netherlands, depicts a dynamic and diversified B2B travel payment landscape.

This landscape comprises popular payment card schemes such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express; virtual card issuers such as banks; payment technology companies such as Stripe, Nium and Airwallex; as well as travel payment pure players such as Outpayce, a B2B payments business serving the travel industry, Mystifly, an airfare distribution and payments settlement marketplace platform, and iOL Pay, an automated payment acceptance solutions for the hospitality industry.

 Source: Fintech News.

Diversity, authenticity, value for money: Report reinforces Dubai’s position as a global gastronomy hub.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: A new report released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has underlined the city’s growing status as a leading destination in the global culinary landscape, with a 61 per cent surge in the amount residents are dining out, and a strong increase in satisfaction with the food scene’s value for money among international visitors.

The second annual Dubai Gastronomy Industry Report was shared with key stakeholders from across the gastronomy ecosystem – including restaurateurs, hoteliers, and key industry specialists. The report supports the industry by providing statistics and trends that both recognise progress and identify key growth areas for the coming year.

Dubai’s gastronomy excellence aligns seamlessly with the city’s broader economic vision outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033 (D33), which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy in the decade up to 2033 and solidify its position among the world’s top three cities for business and leisure. The findings of the report also reflect wider recognition of the city’s gastronomic landscape, with accolades including two restaurants being named in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, 15 in the MENA 50 Best Restaurants and the inclusion of 90 Dubai restaurants in the MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2023, up from 69 in the previous year’s edition.

With Dubai’s dynamic ecosystem currently boasting more than 13,000 restaurants and cafés, key takeaways from the report, which feature surveys of both residents and international visitors, include:

Growing enthusiasm for Dubai’s culinary ecosystem, with 69 per cent of UAE residents rating the city as the world’s leading gastronomy hub;

Dubai scoring second overall worldwide in terms of Restaurant Density;

A 61 per cent year-on-year increase in the average number of dining out occasions compared to 2022, up from 1.8 times per week to 2.9 times per week;

A substantial increase in the proportion of international visitors satisfied with Dubai’s value for money when dining out, up from 54 per cent in 2022 to 66 per cent in 2023;

Dubai Marina, Oud Metha and Downtown Dubai scoring best among Dubai’s dining destinations.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) commented: “As Dubai continues to build on its reputation as a world-class gastronomic destination, there are immense opportunities waiting to be harnessed for progressive and innovative stakeholders. This report explores the vibrant culinary tapestry of Dubai and provides first-hand insights into the city’s remarkable gastronomic journey. The rapid expansion of the industry, and the global recognition it has earned, is a clear indication that the emirate’s gastronomic evolution is not just a trend, but a cultural phenomenon underpinned by the myriad of cuisines and flavours drawn from the cultures of over 200 nationalities that call the city their home.

“We would like to express our gratitude to all those who contribute to shaping the Dubai dining scene – their passion and dedication have been instrumental in making Dubai a global gastronomic hub.”

The report also highlights the significance of three of Dubai’s most popular restaurants attaining MICHELIN green stars, evidencing the city’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, with future plans to further align with UAE Net Zero 2050, the national campaign to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Looking ahead, the 11th annual Dubai Food Festival (DFF) is scheduled to take place from 19 April to 12 May. DFF 2024 will showcase the city’s ever-evolving culinary prowess, as well as the richness, diversity, and innovation of Dubai’s culinary scene through an enhanced lineup of events and activities. The festival will celebrate locally originated concepts, and Emirati and international cuisines, while highlighting Dubai’s capacity to respond to worldwide trends. DFF 2024 will also recognise the contributions of chefs, culinary trailblazers, gourmet influencers, and tastemakers who consistently inspire Dubai’s culinary landscape.

The Dubai Gastronomy Industry Report is produced by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) in line with Dubai’s objective to further its position as a global gastronomy hub. It delivers a calendar of culinary events that highlight the city’s year-round abundance of diverse, authentic, value-based, and experiential culinary experiences.

 Source: Zawya.  

Ethiopian Skylight Hotel

Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, owned by Ethiopian Airlines, is the most luxurious and the largest hotel in Ethiopia located at the heart of Africa’s diplomatic hub Addis Ababa, just five minutes away from Bole International Airport. With outstanding, international-standard service, the luxurious hotel awaits you for your leisure and business needs. 

A total of 1024 stunning rooms with relaxing and superb designs are suitable for both corporate and leisure travelers. Enjoy spectacular city and/or airport view in all of our rooms.

Comprising 17 food and beverage outlets – Ethiopian Ta’em Cultural Restaurant, Italian, Arabian and Asian Restaurants , TaiChi the biggest Chinese Restaurant in East Africa and All-Day Dining Restaurant heighten your hotel experience. The Lobby Lounge and the Front Lobby are spacious enough for social and business meetings.

The Grand Ballroom which can accommodate 2000 for sitting setup and 4000 for cocktail setup at a time, it can also be divided into 5 individual halls along with spacious foyer area (can accommodate 500-800 guests). is Ideal for big conference, big corporate events and lavish weddings, our venues provide impeccable and world-class service.  3 Day-light meeting rooms and 2 VIP private holding rooms are fit for your corporate meeting demands.

The outstanding facilities of Green Apple Health Club include, Fitness Center, outdoor heated swimming pool, Thai spa and massage, pool bar, mini-golf courses and beauty salon.

ShebaMiles members who provide their membership number can earn miles for eligible stay and spending at Ethiopian Skylight Hotel.

Email:  reservation@ethiopianskylighthotel.com
website:www.ethiopianskylighthotel.com

2. SKYLIGHT IN-TERMINAL HOTEL

Skylight In-Terminal Hotel has 97 tranquil havens in five categories, each featuring modern essentials for a seamless stay. Pick a Skylight Suite for additional space with a living or dining area. Catch up on work or connect with our complimentary Wi-Fi and the fully stocked minibar.
All rooms feature . Rollaway Bed/Cot . Crib . Iron/Ironing Board . In-room Safe . Bathroom Amenities . Hair Dryer . Separate/Walk-in Shower . Flat-screen TV . Mini-Bar . Satellite TV Premium Channels . Bathrobe . Slippers . Phone in Bathroom . Complimentary Coffee/Tea Supplies . Complimentary Bottled Water

reservation@ethiopianskylighthotel.com

MICE Industry Market Size Worth $1237.96 Billion by 2032 – High Infrastructural Investments, Shifting Demographics, Geopolitical Volatilities & Growth Contributors.

The global MICE industry market size is anticipated to grow from USD 760 billion to USD 1237.96 billion in 10 years. The market will experience rapid growth due to the increasing infrastructural investments to support the MICE industry during the forecast period.

The Brainy Insights estimates that the USD 760 billion in 2022 global MICE industry market will reach USD 1237.96 billion in 2032. Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions are what MICE stands for. Within the travel sector, it is a specialized market. The MICE industry is supported by four major components. Every event, such as meetings, conferences, incentives, and exhibitions, brings people from different industries together. The objective is to cultivate alliances, establish connections, encourage innovation, and promote growth. Events connected to business, such as conferences, displays, meetings, and incentives, are planned and executed based on the requirements of the involved parties. MICE is the ultimate business travel, uniting top industry insiders in a tailored, refined setting. MICE events boost the economy and are advantageous to individuals, businesses, and the host towns in addition to themselves. MICE encourage collaboration, education, networking, and the sharing of knowledge. MICE increase productivity by enabling organizers and stakeholders to combine work and leisure successfully. Furthermore, expanding the MICE industry fosters jobs, sustainable regional development, and promoting these locations as popular travel destinations. It increases investment, trade, and foreign exchange production.

Key Insight of the Global MICE Industry Market:

Europe will dominate the market during the forecast period.

The area offers the infrastructure needed to host events of any size, including the appropriate connectivity, meeting spaces, and other facilities. European nations have much potential for tourism because of their beautiful architecture, pristine towns, and generally high standard of living, which attracts MICE sector participants. In addition, geopolitical volatility has led to a rise in the importance of corporate and political gatherings, increasing demand for the MICE sector.

In 2022, the meetings segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 45% and market revenue of 342 billion. The event-type segment is divided into meetings, incentives, conferences, and events. In 2022, the meetings segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 45% and market revenue of 342 billion.

Advancement in market

With its remarkable size and first-rate amenities, the renovated India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) facility at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi has become a landmark. ‘Bharat Mandapam’, the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex, is a prominent feature of the complex, offering all the facilities expected of a major convention centre. Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the new IECC facility, Bharat Mandapam. Its capacity to hold assemblies of up to 7,000 people makes it a prime venue for sizable conventions. The complex has 20 meeting rooms with capacities ranging from 50 to 200 persons, providing a flexible location for different types of events.

Market Dynamics

Driver: Governments are paying more attention to developing the MICE sector.

Previously, due to the predominance of stakeholders from these regions and the availability of the necessary infrastructure to organize these meetings and events, the highest-level and most anticipated events of a significant nature were limited to Europe and North America. But as times have changed, developing nations outside of the regions mentioned earlier—such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, India, Brazil, Indonesia, and others—have become more significant on a global scale due to their contributions to the global economy, workforce, GDP, consumer market, supply chain, and workforce. As a result, in order to attract possibilities to improve the lives of their population, the governments of these nations are increasingly concentrating on growing their MICE sector with the proper attitude and finance. Consequently, the government’s growing emphasis on developing the global MICE industry market will increase due to governments placing a greater emphasis on the MICE sector to draw possibilities and strengthen the economy.

Restraints: MICE is expensive.

Planning large-scale events that garner media coverage and attention worldwide requires significant time and money. Due to the financial strain of major international sporting events and political gatherings on already fragile economies, many nations have recently withdrawn their invitations to host such events. Since these events cast a shadow on the domestic issues of poverty and hunger in many countries, citizens also demonstrated against them. Consequently, the MICE industry’s capital-intensive structure will constrain market expansion.

Opportunities: The rising expenditures on infrastructure.

The correct infrastructure—well-equipped to handle the event, accommodate the participants, have a smooth transit, and be both visually beautiful and comfortable without posing an immediate safety risk—is one of the many elements supporting a strong MICE industry. Acknowledging these concerns, governments have made significant investments in developing MICE centres, including conference halls, meeting rooms, a well-equipped virtual room for screen-based meetings, and other essential amenities. Additionally, they are building stadiums with cutting-edge amenities for athletes to use during sporting events. Improvements are being made to the road and aviation infrastructure for smooth and hassle-free travel. During the projection period, the growth of the MICE business will be supported by all of these factors.

Challenges: The growing adoption of virtual meetings.

The COVID-19 pandemic increased the need for, popularity, and adoption of virtual meetings and events. They are cost-effective, both on the part of the organizers and attendees. Given the expansion of data connectivity and internet penetration globally, it is hassle-free. even the most high-level meetings happened virtually and were live-streamed. Therefore, the growing adoption of virtual infrastructure for MICE will challenge the market’s growth.

Some of the major players operating in the global MICE industry market are:

• American Express Global Business Travel (GBT)

• ATPI Ltd.

• AVIAREPS AG

• BCD Meetings & Events

• Beyond Summits

• Creative Group, Inc.

• CWT Meetings & Events

• FCM Meetings & Events

• ITL World Company (MICEMINDS)

• Maritz

Key Segments covered in the market:

By Event Type

• Meetings

• Incentives

• Conferences

• Events

By Region

• North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)

• Europe (Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)

• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)

• South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America)

• The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)

About the report:

The market is analyzed based on value (USD Billion). All the segments have been analyzed on a worldwide, regional, and country basis. The study includes the analysis of more than 30 countries for each part. The report analyses driving factors, opportunities, restraints, and challenges to gain critical market insight. The study includes Porter’s five forces model, attractiveness analysis, Product analysis, supply and demand analysis, competitor position grid analysis, distribution, and marketing channels analysis.

About The Brainy Insights:

The Brainy Insights is a market research company, aimed at providing actionable insights through data analytics to companies to improve their business acumen. We have a robust forecasting and estimation model to meet the clients’ objectives of high-quality output within a short span of time. We provide both customized (clients’ specific) and syndicate reports. Our repository of syndicate reports is diverse across all the categories and sub-categories across domains. Our customized solutions are tailored to meet the clients’ requirements whether they are looking to expand or planning to launch a new product in the global market.

Source: Globe News Wire.  

Experts Forecast: African Tourism Priorities for 2024

As we bid farewell to 2023 with a symphony of fireworks and festive revelry, the spotlight shines on tourism, proving that it’s not just an industry but a resilient force on the rise.

In 2023, the tourism industry witnessed remarkable growth. Globally, it showcased an impressive resurgence, reclaiming 90 percent of pre-Covid levels by the year’s end.

Also, at the global level, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) opened new offices in Africa and the Americas, apart from the ones opened earlier in Saudi Arabia and in Nara, Japan.

On the African continent, tourism gained momentum in 2023, especially with more countries set to adopt visa-free model for other Africans as championed by Rwanda. With its landmark visa announcement for travellers in 2023, Kenya is free to all Africans from this January, Malawi is in the pipeline, Ghana and South Africa have also removed visa barriers to grow tourism and trade.

In 2024, more countries are expected to follow the positive trend to boost seamless and borderless Africa.

The visa-free African move probably impacted the Africa Visa Openness Report 2023. The report, published by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Union, revealed some laudable policies with more countries opening doors to more Africans.

It highlighted fruitful efforts made at eliminating the hassle of travelling for Africans and thereby enabling the “Africa we Want Agenda”.

Again, African Tourism, for the first time, witnessed the rise of women Ministers of Tourism. Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Sierra Leone all have women Ministers of Tourism. The trend is expected to continue in 2024. But as has been the case in all spheres, resolutions will be the talking point as we plan for the year.

As a public-private venture, we solicited the opinions of experts, policy leaders, and media about how Africa’s tourism sector should take in 2024.

Vera Kamtukule- Malawi’s Minister of Tourism

Malawi’s Tourism industry has had yet another resilient year in 2023. Coming back from the devastating effects of the cyclone Freddy and other economic challenges. Inspite of it all, the sector continued on a steady path and registered a number of achievements that we are proud of. The September Tourism month saw some entities raising their occupancy rates from as low as 30% to as high as 90%. The greatest achievement in the year was therefore the renewed drive on domestic tourism. As we look forward with optimism to 2024; our main areas of focus will remain product development and destination marketing. The 20 year Tourism Investment Master plan will be in its third year in 2024 and we are hopeful that at least 3 projects therein will kick off as we continue in our quest to get as many investors as possible.

Folorunsho Coker, Director General- Nigerian Tourism Development Authority

The growth of Nigerian and African Tourism will be in 2024 Pan African. We must do so much more together with the limited available resources. We only see a little of 5% of the $8 trillion income, others share 95%, whereas we represent 51 countries out of a total of 152 countries in the global tourism economies. There is neither room for politics in Tourism nor Tourism in politics. The Corporate Governance, Human Resources and Infrastructure Development, Events marketing and Single digit funding in a new Tourism Development bank must be our priority. We must open up African Skies and boarders.

Mohammed Hersi- Chairman Diani Hospitality Owners Association, Kenya

We are bullish in Kenya and the region on matters tourism. The abolition of Visa is one major move that is bound to make traveling to Kenya very easy including for our African neighbors as we strive to grow the number from our fellow African countries.

Jon Howell, CEO AviaDev Africa

Sustainable tourism development in Africa is inextricably linked with improving intra-African connectivity. 2023 saw many new regional routes and partnerships and I anticipate more in 2024.

Yoadan Tilahun, CEO, Flawless Events- Ethiopia

I believe Rwanda will continue to dominate as the preferred destination for the events and meetings sector for international organizers. I continue to be surprised by how hard it is to get around the continent so countries who prioritize ease of entry and invest in the right event properties will win in the long run.

Kwakye Donkor CEO, African Tourism Partners

It’s been an incredible year for Africa’s Tourism sector with great wins for visa facilitation in Africa which is expected to give impetus to the intra Africa travels. Nonetheless, as we welcome 2024 with optimism, we need more collaborative efforts to walk the talk in tourism, while carrying the youth along. We need to make intra-African travels, seamless connectivity and borderless Africa a reality.

Nic Sabula – CEO, Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA)

Travel and Tourism in Africa will fully recover to the precovid levels in 2024. Statistics at the close of 2023 are showing an industry that is headed to a full recovery. I am very optimistic that barring any unforeseen eventuality, 2024 numbers will exceed 2019 levels marking an earlier recovery compared to the predicted 2025. Africa is open for business.

Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, CEO, Kaya Management Services, Ghana

“In 2024, Africa’s tourism promises a vibrant tapestry of cultural immersion and breathtaking landscapes. The continent beckons travelers with untold adventures, showcasing its rich heritage and natural wonders. As industry insiders, we anticipate a surge in sustainable tourism, forging a path that harmonizes exploration with conservation for a truly transformative experience.”

Adele Mackenzie, Editor, Tourism Update

There is a clear, strong demand for tourism to Africa from all corners of the globe. If we can increase continental collaboration and align policies we can address barriers to tourism such as visas and increased regional and international air access – including lowering pricing around flights, I believe Africa will not only see great post-COVID recovery but growth beyond the 2019 numbers.

George Ayisi- Head of Sales, Labadi Beach Hotel, Ghana

It has been a great year eventhough we are still in a recovery mood and that is a testament that the market is responding to the demands of this industry. Going forward, I expect that there will be enhanced airlift in Africa and seamless Visa facilitation for a robust growth in the tourism sector.

Lily Ajarova, CEO- Uganda Tourism Board

I believe to a large extent tourism and travel have recovered from the effect of covid 19. There are new trends set that require a lot of innovation and sustainable practices. Uganda is set and working hard to align its tourism offerings to the trends. Important too is improving domestic and regional tourism.

Mike Tavares, CEO, Ojimah

The end of the year is the perfect time to reflect and dream big for the year ahead. May 2024 be an opportunity for African Tourism to start things afresh, choose a more sustainable path forward, understand the need for more perspectives and diversity and lastly, an opportunity to embrace the rebirth of the Tourism era in the continent.

Lebawit Lily Girma, Founder, TourismLens.com

My sense is that 2024 will be a year of growth and opportunity for African tourism. There’s a fresh wave of excitement about experiencing the continent, from western source markets as well as from within the region as more visa restrictions are lifted. Morocco, Egypt and Rwanda are already on luxury travelers’ radars and likely to benefit, but for destinations that heavily rely on safaris there’s an opportunity to tie in major urban cultural events — amid a rise in solo and multigenerational trips — for a more diverse, sustainable tourism offering that travelers are increasingly seeking. Of course there will be challenges, such as air connectivity/cost, and tourists looking more closely than ever at destination safety and regional stability.

Uche Amoge, CCTV Africa

“We will never see a year like 2023 again, it redefined political landscapes in Africa mostly for bad. “Nigeria in particular will suffer the ambush by political contractors for a long time and Africa weeps for her giant”

Andrew kitema

Managing Co-owner – African Adventure Specialists

Visitors from around the world will no longer require a Visa to enter Kenya from January 2024. This was announced by president Ruto on 12 December 2023. This is a bold move from which it will not only see arrivals into Kenya spiral up but also inject the much-needed foreign exchange into the economy.

Manteh Bugunde, The Daily Mail

“Uganda is about losing its position as the Pearl of Africa because of crude oil discovery. It shouldn’t kill tourism, rather learn sustainability from Saudi Arabia and UAE. Tourism is gold”.

Gabe Onah, Chairman, Cross River Carnival Commission

“We have sustained the economy of the state with tourism. Tourism can do more for us if we invest more in it, encourage locals to buy into it, offer tourists opportunity to relax and invest back into our environment”.

Obinna Emelike,

Assistant Editor, Business Day

With Rwanda taking the lead in borderless Africa with its visa-free policy, Kenya joining from this 2024 and Malawi coming up with its ‘Golden Visa’ initiative, I see more African countries offering Visa free to other Africans. This is a starting point to seamless movement, boost to intra-African travels and economic growth. But gaints such as Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt are still shying away from the noble initiative.

Kingsley Uranta

Assistant General Manager- Channels TV,Nigeria

In 2024, I envision Africa’s tourism flourishing as a beacon of original beauty. With strategic development, cutting-edge technology, and powerful marketing, we will unveil the continent’s hidden gems. Embracing its rich culture and warm hospitality, Africa will stand as the last frontier for unparalleled, awe-inspiring experiences, captivating the world.”

Source: Voyages Afriq

Ethiopian Airlines -Ethiopian Aviation University.

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

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

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

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

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

Here is a video from Ethiopian Aviation Academy: https://we.tl/t-6ixUCPdIHJ

Source: https://corporate.ethiopianairlines.com/eaa

Soaring Skies: The Cost of Air Travel in Kenya Takes Flight

By Bryan Obala

Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA)- Media and Communications

The skies over Kenya are witnessing a surge in airfares, prompting concerns among travelers about the escalating costs of flights. As the world grapples with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenya, like other nations, finds itself in the midst of a travel boom, reflecting the global trend that has seen airlines posting record profits.

Kenyan carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) reported substantial financial gains, attributing them to the renewed interest in travel. However, the enthusiasm is met with a harsh reality for passengers facing airfares between 20% and 30% higher than those in 2019, mirroring the European experience. This increase has also affected passengers flying on local airlines – the cost of flying within the country has risen significantly, impacting travelers financially.

The primary culprit behind this surge is the soaring cost of jet fuel, experiencing a staggering 50% increase, reaching a high of Sh309 per liter. This upward trajectory can be attributed to the doubling of Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products to 16%, dealing a significant blow to the middle class, who often prefer air travel over road alternatives.

Amid disrupted supply chains and increased demand, the aviation industry in Kenya struggles to keep pace. Supply chain snarls have led to delays in aircraft deliveries and maintenance, forcing airlines to cut capacity. Like Europe, airlines in Kenya attribute these supply issues as a significant driver of the escalating prices.

Renegade Air, a prominent domestic airline in Kenya serving routes such as Kisumu, Wajir, and Homabay, anticipates a substantial impact on its ticket prices. The airline predicts an approximate increase of Sh500 for a one-way flight, underscoring the harsh reality faced by both airlines and passengers alike.

Traditionally, airlines meticulously consider various factors in determining ticket prices, including the dollar exchange rate, landing fees, navigation charges, and notably, the price of fuel—arguably the primary component shaping ticket costs. The recent surge in fuel tax, triggered by the increase in VAT, prompts an inevitable adjustment in domestic fares, amplifying the economic burden on travelers.

This surge in airfare costs unfolds against the backdrop of a resurging demand for air travel in Kenya. After the aviation industry nearly evaporated in 2020, the pendulum has swung, with demand reaching unprecedented levels in 2023. Airlines, struggling to keep pace with this newfound enthusiasm for travel, find themselves compelled to adjust prices to match the renewed demand. The industry’s drastic downsizing during the pandemic, running at 20% or less of normal operations, has left it ill-prepared for the current surge.

As the festive season approaches, the confluence of factors adds fuel to the fire of rising airfares. In response to this trend, the government’s intervention becomes pivotal. Building capacity by allowing more airline landing rights and facilitating direct flights to destinations like Mombasa could alleviate congestion at major airports, offering a potential reprieve for travelers. Increasing the frequencies for domestic carriers is another strategic move that could contribute to a slight reduction in airfares.

info@katakenya.org

The 3rd East African Regional Tourism Summit Set to Unlock New Vistas in Travel and Tourism in East Africa.

The recent culmination of the 3rd East African Regional Tourism Summit and the 13th Magical Kenya Travel Expo marks a pivotal moment for the travel and tourism industry in East African region. As we reflect on the insights gained and the passionate remarks of the East Africa Community (E.A.C) Deputy Secretary General (Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs) Ms. Annette Ssemuwemba, Dr. Alfred Mutua, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, it becomes evident that there’s a call to action for all stakeholders in the industry.

It was attributed that the quick rebound of the travel and tourism industry from the pangs of covid-19 pandemic was as a result of deliberate diversification of tourism products and the improvements of the challenges facing the industry in the past.

In a dynamic continent where each country boasts unique tourist attractions, the need for collaboration and a unified regional approach cannot be overstated.

This annual regional travel-tourism fair showcasing the region’s diverse offerings is a step towards the right direction in providing opportunity for countries in the region especially Kenya, in consolidating its position as a premier for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions destination in the region and Africa-hence an overall effect in growing and maintaining our global share of the international tourism market. Dr. Mutua emphasized the necessity for East African countries to set aside unproductive rivalries and collaborate in promoting the region’s collective tourism assets.

The Magical Kenya Travel Expo, Kenya’s annual flagship travel fair which brings together tourism stakeholders, partners and media from Kenya’s key source markets in Europe, Africa, Asia and America merger with East Africa Regional Tourism Summit this year was set to create more value and enhance the level of engagement.

The key focus areas to catapult and enhance the region’s visibility and maximization of the economic benefits to bolster travel and tourism trade which featured highly during the summit are:

Connectivity: The Backbone of Regional Tourism

Notably one of the primary challenges facing the East African region is connectivity. Despite the diversity of tourist attractions, the region receives very few direct flights from international destinations. To truly tap into the potential of the tourism industry and maximize economic benefits, there’s a need to focus on strengthening air links. Policies such as Open Skies Agreement (OSA) should be adopted to give our airlines the flexibility to respond to market opportunities. These agreements could empower our airlines to dance to the market’s tune, fostering growth within the East African Community and the broader African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Tech-Forward Tourism

In an era where technology is redefining travel, creating a hassle-free tourist experience is paramount. The new generation of travelers, predominantly Millennials and Gen Z, with their ‘You Only Live Once’ ethos, innovation and technology play a crucial role in attracting these tech-savvy explorers seeking seamless experiences. Therefore, industry players need to adopt innovative solutions that cater to this demographic, ensuring a personalized and convenient travel experience.

Unity and Collaboration for a Visa-Free Continent

In his closing remarks, Dr. Mutua passionately called for a shift in strategy, urging countries to pool resources for marketing and present the region as a unified destination. His proposal for a multifaceted approach involves identifying, mapping, branding, and packaging all the region’s tourist attractions while developing interconnected tourist circuits.

The idea of a visa-free continent is an idea whose time has come; it’s a journey that has commenced and will spread like wildfire in coming days. Simplifying visa processes, ensuring safety, and leveraging technology will be key in achieving this vision.

Forging partnerships from country, regional Associations and state corporations that promote destination marketing for signature events and experiences of the region’s unique propositions should be done in a synchronized manner where incentives are given for those who go out of their way to aggressively market the region’s unique prepositions. This Annual Tourism Expo among other key initiatives that the EAC has embarked on as part of implementing the regional tourism marketing strategy 2021-2025 will surely set up the bloc to exciting vistas.

Source: KATA Media & Communications -Bryan Obala