Skyward Airlines has announced a major milestone with the addition of a newly refurbished Dash 8-400 turboprop to its fleet, signaling a powerful step forward in its mission to connect East Africa with unmatched efficiency, reliability, and comfort.
The acquisition is more than a fleet expansion, it reflects the airline’s unwavering commitment to regional connectivity and passenger satisfaction. Through De Havilland Canada’s prestigious OEM Certified Refurbishment Program, Skyward Airlines secured a Dash 8-400 that blends proven performance with modern upgrades. Every component has been rigorously inspected, upgraded, and certified to meet the highest international standards, ensuring travelers enjoy the safest and most dependable flights possible.
Designed to carry up to 76 passengers, the Dash 8-400 offers a spacious and comfortable cabin experience, transforming regional travel from a necessity into a pleasure. Its exceptional Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities also open up routes to destinations that larger aircraft cannot reach, from bustling business centers to East Africa’s most pristine tourist gems.
Skyward Airlines emphasized that the aircraft’s advanced fuel efficiency supports both sustainability and affordability. “Our passengers deserve competitive fares without compromising the premium service that defines the Skyward experience,” the airline’s management stated.
This strategic investment is part of Skyward’s broader growth trajectory, positioning the carrier as a leading choice for discerning travelers seeking a balance of adventure and reliability. “We’re not just adding aircraft; we’re expanding possibilities,” the airline noted. “Every decision, from fleet selection to route planning, is guided by one principle, enhancing the travel experience while safely connecting the communities, businesses, and cultures that make East Africa extraordinary.”
The Dash 8-400 is just the beginning. As Skyward Airlines continues to grow its fleet and route network, it remains dedicated to making East Africa more accessible, more connected, and more prosperous, one flight at a time.
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Dubai: For UAE business owners, travel is more than just flights and hotel stays. Face-to-face meetings still seal deals and build trust. A new study has found that Dubai ranks among the top 10 cities worldwide for combining productivity, convenience, and lifestyle.
Credit card provider Capital on Tap analysed 77 global cities on key business travel factors: Wi-Fi speed, hotel availability, dining costs, cultural experiences, and flight times from London.
Why Dubai stands out
Connectivity: 23,607 free Wi-Fi spots and speeds of 265.5 Mbps make Dubai one of the most connected cities in the world.
Accommodation: With 583 hotels, business travellers have no shortage of premium choices.
Lifestyle: While meals (£60) and wine (£12) are pricier, the city offers world-class dining, leisure, and cultural attractions.
Location: A 7-hour flight from London, Dubai is a natural hub for executives meeting partners across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
This mix of luxury, convenience, and global access keeps Dubai attractive for both entrepreneurs and corporate travellers.
How other cities rank
Luxembourg City took the global top spot with high hotel density and plenty of cultural points of interest, plus short flight times from London.
Amsterdam ranked second, offering fast Wi-Fi, strong infrastructure, and nearly 300 landmarks to explore after meetings.
Prague placed third, popular for its affordability, with meals (£34 for two) and wine (£5) costing a fraction of Dubai’s prices.
Booming sector
Global business travel is recovering rapidly. Spending is forecast to hit £1.56 trillion by 2028, with companies increasingly prioritising international meetings and networking.
Alex Miles, Chief Operating Officer at Capital on Tap, said business travellers can stretch budgets further by:
Using cards with no foreign exchange fees
Earning rewards on flights, hotels, and meals
Building loyalty benefits with airlines and hotel groups
For UAE companies expanding internationally, Dubai’s ranking reinforces its role as a global meeting point—offering the balance of productivity and lifestyle today’s business travellers demand.
The Africa MICE Summit 2025 concluded last week at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, drawing more than 2,500 delegates from across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia. The three-day event, held under the theme “Catalyzing Trade and Investment Through Business Events,” highlighted the critical role of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions in driving economic growth and integration on the continent.
L-R Mulemwa Moongwa, MPI Africa Project, Kezy Mukiri, Convenor of the Africa MICE Summit with PS. for Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife Hon. John Ololtuaa
The summit coincided with growing momentum around the African Continental Free Trade Area and underlined how business events can unlock new trade, investment and innovation opportunities.
During the conference, the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) took a strong position on the state of MICE in Kenya and Africa at large. KATA Chief Executive Officer Nicanor Sabula observed that while Kenya has the strategic location, air connectivity and established tourism brand to be a leading hub for business events, growth in infrastructure has been minimal. He noted that this challenge is not unique to Kenya but is evident across the continent, urging governments and industry stakeholders to prioritize long-term investments that can unlock Africa’s full potential.
Sabula stressed that MICE is not simply about hosting events but about building a marketplace for ideas, trade and investment. He explained that business events generate higher yields than traditional leisure tourism and provide year-round activity that sustains jobs and creates opportunities across hospitality, aviation, transport and the creative industries. For Kenya, which already ranks second in Africa for hosting international association conferences, the expansion of MICE capacity represents a crucial pathway to diversification and resilience within the tourism economy.
KATA also underscored the role of travel agents as enablers of the MICE value chain. According to Sabula, agents are more than intermediaries. They are solution providers who coordinate flights, accommodation, transfers and value-added experiences that ensure seamless delegate journeys. He emphasized that agents are the connectors of opportunity and play a central role in ensuring that the benefits of MICE tourism extend well beyond the conference halls.
Looking ahead, KATA has called for accelerated infrastructure investments, stronger regional connectivity, streamlined visa processes and enhanced professional standards for event organizers and travel service providers. Sabula emphasized that business tourism should not be treated as an afterthought but as a strategic driver of trade and transformation.
“The future of Africa’s economic integration and global competitiveness will, in many ways, be built around business events,” he said. “If Kenya and the continent invest deliberately in MICE, we will not only host conferences. We will host the future of trade, ideas and innovation.”
Air travel remains a critical driver of economic growth, tourism, and regional integration. Yet, for many Kenyans and international visitors, the experience is still out of reach for many and at times frustrating.
While the aviation sector has made strides in safety and digital transformation, we must now focus on breaking down barriers that continue to stifle progress.
One of the most pressing issues is the high cost of flying. For many travelers, air travel remains just a dream. Airlines operate under global economic pressures that drive up fares. Rising fuel prices, high taxes, airport fees, and the cost of aircraft maintenance all contribute to this challenge.
These factors, while complex, must be addressed if we want air travel to be accessible to more people and to achieve the targeted five million visitors to Kenya. Governments can play a key role by revisiting tax structures and creating incentives that help airlines lower their operational costs.
The situation is not much better for international travellers. Beyond high fares, they often face visa challenges and limited flight connectivity across the continent. It is easier to fly from Nairobi to Europe than it is to reach some African capitals.
This disconnect slows down not just tourism, but trade and intra-African cooperation. While there have been efforts to open up airspace across the continent, implementation has been slow and inconsistent.
This lack of access is especially damaging to our tourism sector. Take Mombasa, for example. It is a top-tier beach destination, yet it remains underserved by direct international flights.
Most tourists must first land in Nairobi before connecting to the coast. This adds cost, time, and hassle, and ultimately makes Kenya less competitive compared to destinations with more direct access. Opening up Mombasa and other coastal airports to more global routes would be a major boost for the economy and improve the overall travel experience.
Kenya has set an ambitious target of welcoming five million tourists annually, a milestone that will require more than marketing campaigns. To reach this goal, we must reimagine how travellers access and move within our borders. Easier air connectivity will play a central role.
If visitors can enter the country more smoothly, fly directly to major tourist hubs, and enjoy affordable domestic connections, the overall experience will improve and word-of-mouth promotion will do the rest. Air travel must support, not hinder, our national tourism aspirations.
To tackle these issues, we need smart, people-focused policies. Reducing aviation taxes and fees, streamlining visa processes, and investing in airport infrastructure will create a more efficient ecosystem.
Liberalising our skies will encourage competition, reduce fares, and expand route networks. But this must be done responsibly, with measures in place to ensure local carriers can remain competitive.
I have seen the real impact of these barriers on both leisure and corporate travellers. We, as part of the industry, are actively engaging with the government and regional agencies to push for reforms.
We aim to create a travel environment that is affordable, efficient, and welcoming. We are also strengthening our partnerships with international travel associations to raise Kenya’s visibility as a travel hub.
The issue of high airfare in East Africa is particularly urgent. Compared to regions such as Southeast Asia, our fares are among the highest in the world. This is largely due to limited airline competition and costly regulatory environments. Learning from low-cost carrier models elsewhere can offer valuable lessons.
Governments can reduce taxes while local airlines explore route sharing and better fleet utilisation to bring down prices.
Technology is also changing the way we travel. From online bookings and mobile payments to AI-powered customer service, the traveller experience is evolving fast. These tools make it easier to plan, book, and navigate journeys. Innovation should be at the heart of how we modernise Kenya’s travel industry.
Public-private partnerships will also play a crucial role. By working together, government and the private sector can improve connectivity to underserved regions such as the coast and northern Kenya. These collaborations can bring in investment, create jobs, and promote inclusive growth across the country.
Kenya is ready for a more open skies policy, but it must be implemented thoughtfully. A phased approach with support for local airlines will ensure a healthy balance between global competition and national interests.
To our airline and aviation stakeholders, the message is simple: focus on the traveller. Prioritise affordability, expand connectivity, invest in customer service, and embrace digital tools. These steps will go a long way in transforming the travel experience.
Looking ahead to 2030, I see a Kenya that is deeply connected by air, where travel is not just a luxury but a practical choice for more citizens. Reaching that vision will take bold decisions, smart investment, and strong collaboration. The time to act is now.
Burkina Faso says it has removed visa fees for all African travellers, in an effort to facilitate the movement of people and goods into the country.
“From now on, any citizen from an African country wishing to go to Burkina Faso will not pay any amount to cover visa fees,” said Mahamadou Sana, the country’s security minister, following a cabinet meeting chaired by military leader Capt Ibrahim Traoré on Thursday.
African visitors will, however, be required to submit an online visa application, which will be reviewed for approval, the minister clarified. The West African nation joins countries such as Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya, which have eased travel requirements for African visitors.
Citizens of West African countries can already travel to Burkina Faso without the need for visas; however, this may change in the future because the country has pulled out of the regional bloc, Ecowas, along with its neighbours, Mali and Niger, which are also under military rule.
Capt Traoré, a young soldier who seized power in a 2022 coup, portrays himself as a champion of Pan-Africanism, while often criticising the West and colonialism.
He is admired on the continent for his charismatic leadership. His popularity has been fuelled through social media, including many misleading posts intended to bolster his revolutionary image.
But Capt Traoré has also faced criticism for his authoritarian style of governance, his handling of dissent and the ongoing Islamist insurgency.
Despite promises by Capt Traoré’s military government to improve security and seek new partnerships with Russia, the situation remains dire with frequent attacks.
The scrapping of visa fees for the continent’s nationals reflects Burkina Faso’s attachment to Pan-Africanist ideals and promotes regional integration, a statement from the junta’s information service said late on Thursday.
“This free visa system for African nationals will also help promote tourism and Burkinabe culture, and improve Burkina Faso’s visibility abroad,” it added.
Several African countries have tried to ease travel requirements for visitors from elsewhere on the continent in recent years, with studies showing it is often easier for citizens of Western countries to visit.
The move to facilitate travel within the continent is also being pushed by the African Union (AU).
Earlier this year, Ghana said all African passport holders would now be able to visit without needing a visa.
In October 2024, Uber introduced Uber Safari in Cape Town, South Africa, through a partnership with Aquila Private Game Reserve. The limited-edition product offered riders seamless access to one of Africa’s most iconic experiences without the need to go through a travel agent or tour operator. Running until January 2025, the service was priced at a flat fee of $200 for up to four passengers and included transport from Cape Town, a welcome drink and lunch at Aquila, and a guided game drive led by professional rangers. Guests also had time to explore the reserve’s grounds before returning to the city, with reservations made directly in the Uber app up to 90 days in advance.
Disrupting Traditional Safari Bookings
This launch caught the attention of Africa’s travel industry, particularly in East Africa, where safaris remain the backbone of travel and tourism economies. Traditionally, safari packages are arranged by travel agents, tour operators, or hotels, often bundled with accommodation and additional activities. By integrating bookings into a global “taxi” platform, Uber bypasses these intermediaries and introduces a new, disruptive, and highly accessible booking channel. The success of the initiative, initially confined to Cape Town, could set the stage for expansion into Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, where safari demand is far greater.
While the model may broaden access and attract new audiences, industry voices caution that introducing the Uber-style app-based transport model into safari destinations must be carefully managed. Such models risk undermining the role of professional safari guides, lowering established safety and service standards, and potentially disrupting conservation and park management systems that rely on regulated operations. More subtly, they also risk diluting the unique, world-class visitor experience that makes destinations like Kenya a premier safari hub.
The Case for Regulation
These concerns point to the need for clear regulatory oversight. Safari tourism is unlike ordinary transport. It is bound up with conservation, community livelihoods, and the integrity of national heritage. Regulators will need to ensure that technology-driven entrants meet the same licensing, safety, and guiding requirements as traditional operators. Contributions to park fees and conservation levies must remain intact, and visitor safety must be guaranteed through adequate insurance and emergency response measures. Without this, the playing field could tilt unfairly toward large platforms while weakening local operators and the conservation funding that sustains Africa’s wildlife.
Technology undoubtedly has a role to play in enhancing the sector. Digital booking platforms, electronic permits, and cashless park payments are already improving efficiency and accessibility. But as stakeholders note, innovation should not come at the expense of professionalism, conservation ethics, and heritage protection. The safari experience is more than just transport. It is about skilled guiding, responsible practices, and creating memorable journeys that reflect Africa’s unique wilderness story.
Implications for East Africa
If Uber Safari extends to Nairobi, Arusha, or Kampala, the implications will be profound. East Africa’s safari product is largely built on multi-day, high-value experiences that sustain airlines, lodges, camps, and community conservancies. A quick-turn, app-based approach would need careful alignment with this ecosystem. Industry experts suggest that the healthiest path forward would be collaboration rather than disruption. For example, requiring platforms like Uber to partner with licensed local operators, thereby ensuring compliance while still leveraging the reach of digital technology.
A Balancing Act Ahead
Uber Safari is an intriguing experiment that combines modern convenience with Africa’s timeless wildlife experiences. Its affordability and simplicity will no doubt appeal to a new segment of travelers. But its arrival breathes life into an urgent reality for African tourism. Regulators and industry stakeholders must adapt quickly. The challenge is to embrace technology while safeguarding professionalism, conservation, and cultural heritage. Only by striking this balance can Africa continue to deliver the world-class safari experiences that have made it a global leader in wildlife tourism.
Africa has emerged as the fastest-growing region for global tourism in the early months of 2025, posting a twelve percent increase in international arrivals for the first half. The increase is a product of the continent’s sustained efforts to enhance international appeal, including improved air and land connectivity, the rollout of new and refurbished tourism infrastructure, and an expanding portfolio of authentic and varied experiences. Both North Africa and Sub-Saharan markets are demonstrating robust performance, thus creating extensive opportunities for the wider industry, for local enterprises, and for travellers making well-informed choices.
Destinations such as Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa remain central to the growth narrative, drawing international visitors primarily for their rich cultural, historical, and geographical assets. The uptick in arrivals bolsters not only the tourism economy but also peripheral commercial networks, benefitting hospitality, accommodation, transport, and artisan sectors as revenue circulates regionally.
Tourism Growth in North and Sub-Saharan Africa
In North Africa, tourism surged by roughly 14%, with Morocco at the forefront, reporting a remarkable 19% rise in overseas visitors. Its rich cultural tapestry, diverse geology, and historically resonant cities like Marrakech and Fez reinforce the country’s magnetic appeal to global travellers. Egypt, likewise, continues to mesmerise visitors with monumental vestiges of antiquity—including the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor Temple, and the necropolis of the Valley of the Kings—effectively inscribing the region on the itineraries of history and adventure seekers alike.
Sub-Saharan Africa recorded comparable momentum, as Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania registered substantive gains due to their acclaimed safari circuits, diverse ecosystems, and captivating coastlines. South Africa’s Kruger National Park, renowned for biodiverse fauna and sweeping vistas, no longer serves solely domestic constituencies but a steadily rising global cohort. Tanzania, in turn, professionalises high-altitude ascents and examines wilderness tourism at Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti National Park, respectively, reliably translating natural majesty into tourism-led economic expansion.
The upsurge in international receipts at both North and Sub-Saharan African sites can be traced to correlating inputs: enhanced flight networks, relaxed visa regimes, and mounting curiosity for the continent’s pre- and post-colonial icons and ecosystems. National tourism agencies are aligning marketing initiatives to broaden appeal for primarily Asian and Middle Eastern emerging outbound markets.
Incremental Growth in Regional and Intercontinental Air Capacity
Predominant in Africa’s experience is the sustained enlargement of air capability and consequent route development. Provisional IATA data indicates that international seat offers to and from the continent climbed to a seven-per-cent year-on-year plateau through the 2025 horizon. Carriers have introduced non-stop services from Europe, the Arabian Peninsula, and South Asian hubs to tier-one corridors such as Khartoum, Pretoria, Nairobi, and Accra, resolving latency in travel times to national tourism sites.
The resultant aircraft volume pulses elevate direct arrivals and indirectly reconfigure value chains downstream of arrival terminals. Incremental aircraft fleet induction spurs opportunities for regional maintenance, lodging, and auxiliary tourism services. Aligned re-structuring of airport tariff regimes and the entry of low-cost and full-service start-ups multiply the continent’s combined proposition, effectively energising the tourism macro-environment and deepening the regional development narrative.
Africa’s Emerging Pull as a Multifaceted Tourism Hub
Africa increasingly presents itself as an expansive, multifaceted tourism hub, captivating travellers eager for tailored, distinctive experiences. Cultural tourism, wildlife safaris, seaside retreats, and adventure excursions each constitute proportionate draws for an expanding international clientele. Varied topographical features—the contrast of arid deserts, verdant rainforests, crystal coastlines, and imposing mountain ranges—collectively furnish a broad palette of options for prospective visitors.
The globally admired Maasai Mara of Kenya, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Uganda, and Kruger National Park of South Africa remain indispensable components of high-end safari circuits. Coastbound inquiries similarly gravitate toward the turquoise waters of Zanzibar and the idyllic beaches of Mauritius, while visitors motivated by heritage frequently turn to the scholarly aura of Mali’s Timbuktu, the architectural marvels of Ethiopia’s Lalibela, and the dynamic cultural scene of Nigeria’s Lagos.
Catalysing Sustainable Tourism Growth
Sustainable development, rather than imminent optionality, occupies a priority position within Africa’s expanding tourism sector. Across national and regional administrations, long-term blueprints increasingly stipulate the embedding of sustainability as an obligatory dimension—evidencing, for instance, the proliferation of environmentally attuned accommodation, the reinvestment of safari revenues into wildlife conservation, and the marketing of responsible comportment among clientele. National and regional administrations regard collective deliberation as indispensable to calibrating an optimal equilibrium of environmental stewardship and equitable regional advancement.
Gabon’s Loango National Park and Kenya’s Maasai Mara offer instructive case studies in how eco-tourism can be harnessed as a vehicle for both conservation and socio-economic benefit. By deliberately pairing eco-sensitive travel operations with conservation objectives, these parks demonstrate how travel can serve as a force for environmental stewardship, while simultaneously granting visitors ethical, close-range exposure to Africa’s renowned biodiversity. Countries that adopt a strategic focus on sustainable tourism are thus safeguarding forests, savannas, and marine resources, while securing a bequest of environmental and cultural capital for coming generations.
Regional travel within Africa, long overshadowed by long-haul arrivals, has displayed a vigorous upward curve as citizens venture into neighbouring nations for both leisure and productive travel. This intensifying intra-regional movement reinscribes economic linkages and expands shared narratives, as Africans themselves constitute a growing and decisive market for neighbouring attractions.
Evidence shows that East, West, and Southern Africa are all registering pronounced expansions, underpinned by the relaxation of visas in key corridors and by competitive, disciplined pricing by both airlines and surface carriers. Cities that have national, continental, and intercontinental esteem—such as Nairobi, Accra, and Cape Town—now serve dual roles as continental gateways and as self-contained, culturally dense target locations for African nationals keen to discover, for instance, Cape Malay history in the Mother City, coastal fashion in Accra, or Nairobi’s burgeoning creative scene.
Conclusion: Africa’s Bright Tourism Future.
A powerful acceleration in African tourism heralds significant economic and social dividends for the continent. Growing volumes of both international and intra-regional arrivals, the expansion of air and ground connectivity, and a deliberate commitment to sustainable tourism practices empower Africa’s travel industry to sustain a robust upward trajectory. As the continent’s tourism inventory multiplies and diversifies, prospective visitors will encounter immersive experiences that authentically present Africa’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultural tapestries, and storied heritage.
The outlook for African tourism remains vigorously bullish, as assorted governments and private stakeholders continually devote capital to elevating infrastructure, visitor services, and brand positioning. With these strategic investments, the industry is positioning itself not merely for immediate gains, but for enduring, transformative success.
In September 2026, Kenya is poised to host the highly anticipated 10th edition of the Aviation Africa Summit. This landmark event is expected to significantly boost Kenya’s role in shaping both the aviation and tourism sectors across Africa, while also placing it under the global spotlight as a leading business hub for aviation and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (M.I.C.E.). This summit will be a gathering point for aviation experts, government representatives, and industry stakeholders, all eager to discuss and influence the future of aviation in Africa.
Impact of the Summit on Kenya’s Aviation and Tourism Industries
Kenya’s selection as the host for the 2026 Aviation Africa Summit marks a significant milestone for the nation, particularly in the aviation and tourism sectors. This decision underscores the country’s rising prominence within Africa’s aviation landscape, positioning Kenya as a regional hub for international aviation and business tourism. It also provides a unique platform to showcase the nation’s growing aviation infrastructure, tourism offerings, and its burgeoning status as a prominent player in M.I.C.E. tourism.
This event will not only bring attention to Kenya’s contributions to aviation innovation and tourism growth, but it will also offer valuable opportunities for high-level discussions that will define the future direction of aviation in Africa. By facilitating such important dialogues, Kenya aims to further establish its standing in the global aviation and tourism markets.
Kenya’s Aviation Sector: Progress and Promise
Kenya’s commitment to enhancing its aviation sector is clearly evident in the ongoing development and expansion of aviation infrastructure. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the country’s main international gateway, is undergoing a significant expansion, which is expected to play a pivotal role in cementing Kenya’s place as a central hub for air travel in East Africa. In addition to upgrading JKIA, improvements are being made to regional aerodromes, boosting both accessibility and efficiency for travelers. These initiatives are set to provide the foundation for Kenya’s growing aviation sector, helping it meet the increasing demand for air travel, both for business and leisure.
The broader aviation market in Africa is also experiencing rapid growth. IATA forecasts a continued rise in air traffic across Africa, with an annual growth rate of 4.2% projected through 2043. As one of the leading aviation markets on the continent, Kenya is well-positioned to benefit from this surge, with its improved aviation infrastructure and growing air connectivity attracting more travelers from across the world.
Boosting Kenya’s M.I.C.E. Sector
The M.I.C.E. tourism sector in Kenya has witnessed impressive growth in recent years. The 2024 Tourism Performance Report reveals that M.I.C.E. tourism accounted for 27% of total tourist arrivals in 2024, up from 24% in the previous year. This upward trajectory reflects Kenya’s increasing appeal as a destination for major business events, international conferences, and corporate gatherings.
Nairobi, in particular, has earned recognition as a leading business travel destination in Africa, further solidifying Kenya’s position within the global M.I.C.E. industry. Hosting the 2026 Aviation Africa Summit will further bolster Kenya’s reputation as an ideal venue for large-scale business events, drawing international investors and business leaders to explore opportunities in aviation and tourism. As such, this summit serves as a critical opportunity for Kenya to highlight its credentials as a world-class destination for international conferences and business meetings.
Direct Flight Routes to Enhance Connectivity
To complement the expansion of its aviation infrastructure, Kenya has introduced new direct flight routes that are expected to improve international connectivity and meet the rising demand for travel. New direct flights have been launched between Nairobi and Luanda (the capital of Angola), as well as a direct route between Nairobi and London Gatwick, offering more options for global travelers to reach Kenya.
This increase in connectivity comes as part of a broader trend of improving air links across Africa. IATA has highlighted the importance of expanding international routes as part of efforts to stimulate growth in Africa’s aviation industry. These new connections will significantly benefit business and leisure travelers, reducing travel times and improving overall convenience. Moreover, these enhancements will contribute to the economic development of Kenya and the East African region, reinforcing Kenya’s position as a key player in the global aviation market.
Impact of the Aviation Africa Summit on Regional and Global Aviation
The Aviation Africa Summit will be an important platform for addressing critical issues such as aviation safety, regulatory harmonization, and sustainable aviation practices across Africa. By bringing together industry professionals, policymakers, and business leaders, the summit will foster collaborative solutions to challenges that currently hinder aviation development in the region.
Hosting this prestigious event will not only elevate Kenya’s own aviation sector but will also provide an opportunity to advance discussions on the future of aviation across Africa. By engaging in dialogue on regulatory alignment, air safety standards, and sustainability, the summit will shape the next chapter of aviation in Africa. The outcomes of these discussions will likely have long-term benefits for the aviation industry across the continent, driving innovation and improvements in infrastructure.
Furthermore, the Aviation Africa Summit will increase Kenya’s visibility on the global stage, bringing international attention to the country as an emerging destination for business and tourism. As Kenya continues to develop its aviation sector, it will attract increased international investment and tourism, generating substantial economic benefits for the country.
The Rising Influence of Kenya in Global Tourism
The 2026 Aviation Africa Summit will mark a pivotal moment in Kenya’s ascent as a key player in both the aviation and tourism industries. By hosting this event, Kenya will not only highlight its aviation infrastructure but also solidify its position as a business hub for international investors and tourism professionals. The summit will attract leaders and stakeholders from the aviation industry, as well as key players in the tourism and business sectors.
Kenya’s continued improvements in aviation connectivity, such as new direct flight routes and expanded airport capacity, will make the country even more accessible to global travelers, further boosting tourism and business growth. The nation is becoming a crucial stop on the global aviation map, with new investments in infrastructure and aviation services helping to cement its status as a leading hub in East Africa.
Transforming the Global Travel Industry
The hosting of the 2026 Aviation Africa Summit in Kenya will have far-reaching implications for the global travel industry. The expanded aviation connectivity, coupled with Kenya’s improved tourism offerings, will make the country an increasingly attractive destination for both business and leisure travelers.
With new flight routes and enhanced infrastructure, travelers will find it easier to visit not just Kenya, but also the wider East African region. This will increase tourism flows and generate economic activity in various sectors linked to tourism and aviation. Kenya’s growing influence will be felt throughout Africa and beyond, as it becomes an important hub for international trade and business tourism.
Additionally, as the aviation industry continues to evolve, discussions at the summit are expected to lead to more sustainable aviation practices. Solutions to issues like regulatory challenges and safety standards will likely emerge from these discussions, resulting in safer, more efficient, and more sustainable air travel across Africa.
Kenya at the Forefront of Africa’s Aviation and Tourism Transformation
The decision to host the 2026 Aviation Africa Summit in Kenya signals a new chapter for both the aviation and tourism industries in Africa. As the country continues to upgrade its aviation infrastructure, connectivity, and tourism offerings, the summit will showcase its growing influence on the global stage. For Kenya, this event is an opportunity to solidify its role as a key player in both aviation and tourism, attracting international attention and investment that will benefit the nation for years to come.
Ultimately, the Aviation Africa Summit will not only shape the future of aviation in Africa but will also drive economic growth and tourism development in Kenya and across the continent. With Kenya at the center of this transformation, the global travel industry will witness a new era of aviation growth, business opportunities, and sustainable tourism practices.
Kenya’s hospitality sector is experiencing a surge in visitors, with restaurants and hotels capitalizing on the ongoing football activities in the country.
Tourism PS John Ololtuaa says that the industry is harnessing this momentum to boost patronage and enhance its offerings. “Our hotels, restaurants, and travel operators are experiencing increased numbers. It is gratifying to see visitors take time to explore our national parks, cultural sites, and scenic regions such as Maasai Mara, Mount Kenya, and Mombasa, among other destinations, after engaging with the football events,” Ololtuaa said.
This comes on the back of the recent partnership between the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), which aims to harness football’s universal appeal to promote Kenya as a vibrant, diverse, and dynamic tourism destination.
The strategic alliance seeks to amplify Kenya’s brand both regionally and internationally through the popularity of the National Team, Harambee Stars.
PS Ololtuaa observes that the partnership comes at an opportune time amid growing regional and international buzz around football, noting this would continue as Kenya and the region prepare to host the AFCON in 2027.
“We are very happy because Harambee Stars have been making us proud, their performance on the pitch not only rallies huge fan support but also amplifies Kenya’s brand internationally,” said Ololtuaa. “This partnership is opening new avenues for domestic and regional markets to discover Kenya’s rich cultural and natural attractions, which are now being showcased alongside football excitement.”
Ololtuaa was speaking during a co-branded jersey handover event under the KTB-FKF partnership, which included a digital fan engagement component designed to deepen interaction with football followers while amplifying Kenya’s tourism narrative. The digital initiative encouraged fans across domestic and regional markets to engage with content around Harambee Stars, bolstering excitement and visibility for Kenya as a destination beyond football.
KTB’s strategic approach is aimed at deepening the synergy between sports and tourism as a dual driver of growth, recognizing football as a unifying force that connects communities and builds Kenya’s profile on regional and international stages. This initiative aligns with efforts to diversify source markets and extend the average length of visitor stays by integrating sports with Kenya’s rich cultural and natural attractions.
The recent immersive excursion by the Angola national football team to Nairobi National Park exemplifies this strategy in action, where players, officials, and media personnel took time off the pitch to explore Kenya’s renowned wildlife and landscapes in a tour facilitated by KTB.
The PS noted that besides the hospitality sector, the country’s retail and entertainment venues have also benefited as match days and fan activations create opportunities for visitors and locals to engage in cultural and leisure experiences.
He urged stakeholders within the hospitality and travel sectors to seize this momentum, noting: “Our collective efforts in hosting visitors, promoting attractions and celebrating our national teams will strengthen Kenya’s position as a premier sports tourism destination.”
Remember when planning a work trip felt like a second job? Finding the right venue, plotting meetings and navigating new cities could take hours, if not days. Now, AI tools are making that grind redundant, allowing professionals to streamline schedules, find their way and execute trips with efficiency that once seemed impossible.
Why AI is becoming essential for modern travelers
More and more, travelers are leaning on AI to take the guesswork out of getting from point A to B. From finding the fastest route through a new city to suggesting the right restaurant for a client lunch, these tools are becoming indispensable. Business travelers, in particular, are embracing them like a secret weapon, letting AI handle scheduling, directions and even meeting arrangements so they can focus on more important tasks.
Booking.com’s latest Global AI Sentiment Report paints a clear picture of a world increasingly reliant on AI for travel. Nearly 9 in 10 consumers say they want to use AI tools for planning their trips, while 24% trust AI assistants more than travel bloggers, who garner just 19% confidence. With AI capable of recommending activities, mapping routes and even managing bookings, travelers are embracing digital help at every step.
The July report found that 67% have already used AI in some aspect of travel, with nearly all using it to plan or book trips (98%) or while on the go (96%). Most commonly, AI helps with researching destinations and best travel times (38%), finding local cultural activities (37%) and recommending restaurants (36%).
Using AI to plan multicity business trips and smart layovers
There are various AI tools you can use to kickstart your plans. Hopper, for example, uses machine learning to analyze historical fare data and predict when ticket prices will rise or fall. Just enter your destination and travel dates and set alerts, and its AI will notify you of the best time to book—especially handy if you can be flexible, unlocking potential savings.
Skyscanner is another go-to. Enter your origin, destination and dates, and its AI scans thousands of airlines, routes and prices. Swap nearby airports, adjust your dates or explore multicity options to save even more. Its layover suggestions let you either reach your destination quickly or grab some productive work time midjourney.
If you’ve ever wished for a personal travel assistant who can help with flights, layovers and hotel options, Skyscanner’s chatbots—available across platforms like Facebook Messenger, Skype and Amazon Alexa—are as close as it gets.
Since launch, they’ve surpassed one million unique traveler interactions, offering AI-powered guidance on finding the best flights, alternative routes and nearby airports. While not a traditional chatbot on the Skyscanner website or mobile app, these bots let users interact via messaging or voice, helping them search and explore travel options in a more conversational way. Once the bot helps you identify your ideal flight, it always directs you to the Skyscanner website or app to complete the booking. This means you get the convenience of a conversational AI to narrow down options, but all final selections, price comparisons and bookings happen on Skyscanner’s main platform.
Midtrip, it doesn’t just sit there: It can give advice on layovers, shuttle options, airport services and even local tips to make the journey smoother. And when it’s time to share your experience, the chatbot can even help you draft reviews for flights or hotels.
Chatbots like ChatGPT and Copilot are other useful digital companions to consider on your travels. Ask them to compare airlines, check flexible dates or find faster, cheaper routes. Refine prompts with instructions like, “Show flights with layovers under three hours” or “Get me there in time for a morning meeting.” They can also handle the smaller details like finding airport workspaces, shuttles, baggage rules and perks. For busy executives, these tools make flying cheaper, faster and stress-free, so you can focus on work, not tabs.
Study: Over half of global travelers would let AI book their trips
A recent survey by Talker Research shows younger Americans in particular are increasingly turning to AI, including ChatGPT, to plan study getaways. Among 2,000 respondents evenly split by generation, only 29% of millennials and 33% of Gen Z reported never using AI for trip planning, compared with 70% of baby boomers who stick to traditional methods.
According to Accenture, AI is becoming an essential part of the travel toolkit not just in the U.S, but globally. Among 18,000 respondents across 14 countries, over half said they would let AI manage their bookings, while frequent generative AI users are increasingly turning to it first for discovering destinations.
Using AI to optimize travel schedules around meetings
Why waste a layover in a boring terminal? AI mapping tools can plot your day so you crush your meetings and explore the city at the same time. It can identify shortcuts, suggest nearby attractions and even flag hidden gems, letting you make the most of every spare hour without stressing about travel logistics.
Take MindTrip: Enter your destination, travel dates and priorities, and it instantly maps out a full itinerary from flights, hotels and restaurants to personalized cultural experiences. For busy executives, it’s a lifesaver: the platform can suggest the perfect nearby gallery or café to prep for a meeting, sneak in a bit of leisure, or simply stretch your legs. A tight schedule suddenly feels manageable.
What makes it even smarter? You can chat with MindTrip’s chatbot to refine your plans in real time so you can swap activities, adjust meeting times or explore hidden gems, all through a conversational interface. Teams can collaborate too, planning flights, hotels and meetings together, while the platform tracks bookings and divides expenses.
The real advantage comes when you let these tools learn your habits. They start to anticipate your preferred airlines, optimal meeting times and even the best workspaces in unfamiliar cities. That means less time fretting over logistics and more time focusing on the purpose of your trip. Treat AI as your unseen travel assistant, and suddenly, business trips feel less like a grind and more like a well-oiled operation.
