The attractive investment prospects offered by Zambia’s burgeoning tourism industry.

The attractive investment prospects offered by Zambia’s burgeoning tourism industry have been brought to the fore at the 67th meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa in Livingstone.

Taking place from July 22 to 24, the meeting saw the launch of a new set of investment guidelines for the southern African country. The “Tourism Doing Business – Investing in Zambia” guidelines highlighted five key competitive advantages offered by the country, including rich natural resources and wildlife, cultural diversity and peace, a strategic location in the heart of Africa, a conducive business environment, and attractive business incentives.

“Investment in Zambia is an increasingly attractive prospect for individuals, businesses and governments seeking opportunities. With its abundant natural resources, favourable business environment and commitment to economic diversification, Zambia offers a range of investment possibilities across various sectors,” said Zambia’s Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba.

The guidelines were compiled through a collaboration between UN Tourism, Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism, the Zambia Tourism Agency and the Zambia Development Agency.

Attractive business environment and incentives

In the World Bank’s 2019 Ease of Doing Business report (now discontinued), Zambia was ranked the eighth-easiest African country to do business in and first for ease of obtaining credit. Investment attractiveness is further strengthened through the country’s 16 investment promotion and protection agreements, which particularly emphasise investments in the tourism sector.

“The country has developed a robust set of frameworks and initiatives, which include tax relaxation measures, incentives and favourable policy schemes, creating a conducive environment for investors.

These efforts have facilitated foreign direct investments (FDIs) and positioned Zambia as an interesting destination where tourism can flourish and thrive,” said Elcia Grandcourt, UN Tourism Regional Director for Africa.

Between 2018 and 2023, greenfield FDI announcements in the tourism sector totalled US$239.4 million. The investment has poured into the development of new hotels and resorts in Lusaka and tourist hubs such as Livingstone; national parks such as Luangwa and Kafue; adventure tourism offerings such as white-water rafting and bungee jumping; and cultural attractions including museums, cultural centres and cuisine.

The country now features global hotel brands such as Radisson, Anantara, Intercontinental, Sarovar, Marriot, Hilton, Protea, Tsogo Sun and Holiday Inn, amongst others.

“This influx of reputable hotel chains underscores Zambia’s emergence as a premier destination on the international tourism map, offering visitors unparalleled luxury and comfort amidst its breathtaking natural landscapes,” said Sikumba.

The investment guidelines showcase 10 tourism investment opportunities, including lodges and hotels, a golf course, a convention centre and a football stadium. The opportunities are situated in Lusaka, Kasaba Bay, Livingstone, Kafue National Park and South Luangwa National Park.

Strategic positioning for cross-border trade and tourism

Sharing a border with nine countries, Zambia offers access to a range of regional markets including the Common Market for East and Southern Africa, the Southern African Development Community and the wider African Continental Free Trade Area. From a tourism perspective, the location serves as a central hub for multi-destination travel experiences.

In 2022 and 2023, the country improved its destination attractiveness by expanding its visa waiver list to over 100 countries. Advancements in the formalisation of a KAZA Univisa – which will allow single-visa access to the five countries sharing the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (the others being Angola, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe) – are also bolstering the country’s tourism proposition.

Vision to be amongst top five destinations

Building upon the positive trajectory observed in recent years, the country’s economic outlook continues to show promise with projected growth rates of 4.7% in 2024 and 4.8% in 2025, according to national government estimates.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema stressed that government had placed tourism at the heart of economic policies, through strategic documents and programmes such as the 2018-2038 Tourism Master Plan, the eighth National Development Plan and the new investment guidelines.

“The vision for the tourism sector is to ensure that Zambia ranks among the most visited holiday destinations in Africa and is a regional conference hub with a high quality, diversified and sustainable tourism industry that is a major contributor to economic and social well-being,” said Hichilema, stating the aim is to be among the top five tourist destinations of choice in the sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

The country welcomed a record 1.39 million international visitors in 2023, exceeding the 2019 figure of 1.26m.

Infrastructure development is set to be further enhanced through the $100m set aside for the Green, Resilient and Transformational Tourism Development Project in Zambia’s 2024 National Budget. The money has been allocated for the development of tourism infrastructure at Kasaba Bay, Liuwa National Park and the source of the Zambezi River, and the improvement of air and road connectivity to the south-west tourism circuit of Liuwa, SiomaNgwezi, Livingstone and Kafue National Parks. An additional $30m has been earmarked for the development of other infrastructure, marketing, wildlife management and development of new tourism projects.

The investment guidelines highlight that in addition to the centrepiece Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the country boasts 21 national parks and 36 game management areas, playing host to the Big Five and over 1 800 other mammal species. In total, protected areas span 22.4m hectares, representing 30% of the country’s total land mass.

The country is culturally rich, featuring over 70 different tribes, which the investment guidelines state “offers significant potential to introduce innovative products and services that resonate with and benefit local communities while appealing to wider audiences”.

Source:Tourism Update.

Dubai Tourism unveils unique experiences.

Dubai’s Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has announced the launch of a new set of initiatives aimed at creating unforgettable local experiences for visitors and ensuring repeat visitations.

The end-to-end ‘Only in Dubai’ set of initiatives are part of ongoing efforts to further strengthen Dubai’s tourism offerings and build upon the key pillars of Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2022-2025.

The revised strategy has set a target of welcoming 25 million visitors annually by 2025, and make Dubai the most visited city in the world.

“While our world-class propositions and experiences showcase the diversity of the destination offerings and provide segment-based preferences for tourists, we are working closely with our partners and stakeholders to curate, create and deliver personalised end-to-end experiences,” said Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

Dubai Tourism will develop the end-to-end ‘Only in Dubai’ experiences with the help of the emirate’s agile and responsive ecosystem, featuring collaborations with partners in creating specialised programmes, activations and authentic one-of-a-kind experiences.

Source: Khaleej Times.

Discover the Beauty and Potential of Eldoret with Kenya Airways

Renowned as the home of champions with beautiful lush highlands, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, Eldoret is now the 44th Kenya Airways destination. Kenya Airways recently relaunched its flight services to and from Eldoret effective March 25th, 2024.

Driven by its mission “To propel Africa’s prosperity by connecting its people, cultures, and markets.” Kenya Airways reintroduced its flights to connect Eldoret to the world and the world to Eldoret for tourism, trade, sports and culture. With 6 weekly flights, the schedule is perfect for sportsmen and sportswomen coming to train from abroad who want a seamless connection, for the business community who want to travel to explore opportunities, for students traveling to study, for family and friends traveling as well as tourists who want to explore the regions hidden wonders.

The service was first introduced with 5 weekly flights and in June, Kenya Airways responded to market demand and increased the flights to 6 weekly flights to provide customers with flexible travel options. The flights also offer seamless connectivity for international travel to and from other KQ destinations across the world. Guests travelling to and from Eldoret will also be eligible to earn Asante Reward points every time they fly with Kenya Airways.

New Schedule:

Food Tourism is Dubai’s Next Sector to Watch, Here’s Why

Dubai is more than just big malls and shiny hotels, and its maturing restaurant sector proves that.

Earlier this month, the third edition of Dubai’s Michelin Guide was announced, a lavish, government-sponsored affair constructed to show the world Dubai means business when it comes to food. It was held at the One&Only One Za’abeel — a government-owned five-star hotel.

In fact, the entirety of Michelin in Dubai is effectively a government project. Dubai Tourism brought the Michelin Guide to the city in 2022 as the emirate sought to tap into gastronomic tourism for the first time.

For this year’s Guide, 106 restaurants made the list, with 15 having one-star distinctions and four restaurants given two stars. Dubai is yet to have its first three Michelin-star restaurant.

These 106 restaurants now serve as neat marketing tools for Dubai Tourism as it looks for new ways to pull travelers into the city.

In the UNWTO’s Second Global Report on Gastronomy Tourism, it suggested that food tourism should be placed “as a horizontal layer of … destination marketing and product development strategies instead of a vertical one.” Ideally, the report suggests that food experiences should be integrated within other experiences, and not “treat[ed] as a standalone product.”

Globally, Skift data In 2019 showed 98% of US respondents traveled for food, 42% of those did so for food as the main purpose of their trips.

Gastronomic tourism is one of Dubai’s newest branches of travel, and one the city is immensely focused on nailing. For years, luxury hotels and high-end shopping got all the attention of travelers. Dubai restaurants have recently been featured on Netflix as well.

Dubai boasts around 13,000 restaurants, and this year was declared by Time Out as the ninth-best city in the world for eating. Dubai Tourism’s own Gastronomy Report puts Dubai as the global capital of food (obviously) but the data set was 2,000 people already living in Dubai.

A Different Marketing Approach

Importantly, while Michelin itself tends to shine a light on high-end venues, Dubai’s focus on gastronomic tourism as a whole shows the city maturing and moving away from its reliance on promoting only luxury hotels and malls to tourists.

In the words of tourism CEO Issam Kazim, “Dubai is a victim of its own success.” The emirate pushed hard in the 2000s and early 2010s to build some of the most spectacular modern monuments in the world: The Burj Al Arab, the Burj Khalifa, and the Atlantis to name a few.

At Skift India Summit 2024, Kazim said: “We are a victim of our own success to a degree. The Burj Al Arab made us a sought-after destination, but people thought they couldn’t afford it. Yes, Dubai caters to high-end, but that doesn’t mean we don’t cater to all budgets.”

However, these locations led many to label Dubai as an unaffordable, overly-luxurious destination. In 2024, a wave of hip, new restaurants are changing the face of the city, showing tourists and locals the culture without breaking the bank.

Local restaurant company EATX is one such firm looking to showcase Dubai through its food spots. EATX Chief Operating Officer Nick Comaty told Skift: “I used to work in Miami, in New York and in Europe for a bit, but I think Dubai is the most competitive in terms of restaurants.”

“A lot of people who aren’t familiar with Dubai or moving here for the first time or visiting for the first time just have a surface-level idea but restaurants now are a lot more nuanced. Dubai itself is a multi-ethnic city. A few years ago, many people would just go to the malls in Dubai and think they’ve done everything. Now, restaurants are adding in so many new experiences into the city.”

A “Vegas Flair” in Dubai

According to Comaty, Dubai is a mixture of many major US cities when it comes to its food scene, including the “Vegas flair” you may find on the Strip.

He said: “Food is a driver for Dubai nowadays, people come here for the restaurants. It’s a mix of New York, Miami, and Vegas. Dubai has that fast pace, it has things happening all the time like New York; then it has the beaches of Miami; and then there’s that Vegas flair in terms of entertainment.”

A New Image

Comaty reflected: “In many ways, Dubai is already a gastronomic tourism destination. Dubai is in the top ten globally when it comes to dining. Hopefully one day it will be top three.”

“Dubai has multiple layers and that’s what people need to know. It’s not only the bling bling city. The rapid maturing of restaurants is helping change that image.”

Source: Skift.

With 14 Weekly Flights to Choose From, You Can Fly To Dubai At Your Convenience With Kenya Airways

Shopping. Beaches. Food. Dessert drives. Water Adventures. Culture. Architecture. Business…the allure of Dubai is unending, and Kenya Airways has made travel to Dubai convenient for customers by providing 14 weekly flights.

Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, the Kenya Airways flight schedule is conveniently crafted to get you there on time. If you prefer a night flight to get you there on time to start your activities early morning or if you prefer a morning flight to ensure you settle and catch up with your appointments in the afternoon, KQ has a wide variety of flights for you to choose at competitive fares.

In response to demand from guests, Kenya Airways has flights to Dubai from two cities in Kenya i.e. Nairobi and Mombasa providing guests with the option to depart from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi or Moi International Airport, Mombasa. With 11 weekly flights from Nairobi to Dubai and 3 weekly flights from Mombasa to Dubai, Kenya Airways offers direct flights to ensure guests' needs are catered to.

That’s not it. KQ ensures an elevated customer experience and satisfaction by using the Airbus A332 & Boeing B737 on this route which are renowned for space and increased passenger comfort. The choice of aircraft also ensures that guests traveling for business or trade have enough baggage capacity.

Why choose Kenya Airways as your travel partner of choice? Kenya Airways promises unmatched professional hospitality with an African touch from friendly crew and gives guests a chance to earn redeemable Asante Reward points every time they choose Kenya Airways.

Book Now

Air Seychelles, Air Austral launch interline agreement for Seychelles-Reunion travel

Air Seychelles and Air Austral have established an interline agreement, specifically a Special Prorate Agreement (SPA), allowing customers to travel between Seychelles and Reunion via Mauritius on a single ticket. This agreement follows Air Austral’s decision to cancel their nonstop route between the two islands, prompting discussions with Air Seychelles to maintain service continuity.

Air Seychelles currently operates between Seychelles and Mauritius three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays offering passengers a range of dates to plan their holidays and connections.

Example of a one-way trip from Seychelles to Reunion via Mauritius

• Departure from Seychelles at 9.30am hrs arriving into Mauritius at 12.05pm

• Departure from Mauritius at 2.45pm hrs arriving into Reunion at 3.30pm

Example of a one-way trip from Reunion to Seychelles via Mauritius

• Departure from Reunion at 1.15pm hrs arriving into Mauritius at 2pm

• Departure from Mauritius at 5.05pm hrs arriving into Seychelles at 7.40pm

“Air Austral is pleased with this partnership with Air Seychelles. It was important for us to be able to offer an alternative travel to the Seychelles to our passengers. It’s a destination we know is particularly appreciated by the Reunion islanders and which we hope to be able to resume, as soon as the financial and operational situation will allow it, in agreement with our authorities.” Said Joseph Brema, Chairman of the Management Board of Air Austral.

“It is a pleasure for Air Seychelles to be able to intervene and offer an alternative bridge between Seychelles and Reunion at a time when it was most needed. We look forward to a long and fruitful cooperation,” shares Sandy Benoiton, chief executive of Air Seychelles.

Customers’ baggage will also be checked in to their final destination.

Source: Zawya.  

Dubai Destinations campaign launches new phase celebrating summer season

DUBAI: A new phase of the Dubai Destinations campaign is inviting residents and visitors to create unforgettable memories this summer by exploring Dubai’s vibrant offerings and discovering a wide range of captivating experiences and activities.

A celebration of the city’s unique appeal across all seasons, the Dubai Destinations campaign seeks to spotlight the city’s top-rated attractions, with an emphasis on the unique experiences that set the emirate apart as one of the world’s most captivating destinations. The collaborative campaign, implemented by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), harnesses the power of storytelling to further raise the city’s profile as a leading global destination.

The latest phase of the campaign will capture the essence of Dubai as a unique summer destination by focusing on beach destinations, waterparks, indoor activities, and luxurious hotel pools, highlighting the city’s diverse range of experiences that cater to the tastes and interests of people of all ages and nationalities.

The current season of the Dubai Destinations campaign also brings together a wide range of public and private sector stakeholders to showcase the emirate’s various exciting experiences.

Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, said, “This phase of the Dubai Destinations campaign aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to transform the emirate into the world’s best city to live and visit. By showcasing Dubai’s vibrant summer offerings, we are not only highlighting its unique charm but also reaffirming our commitment to raising Dubai’s profile as a city that offers unparalleled experiences for both residents and tourists.

With the support of government entities, industry stakeholders from the public and private sectors, and the creative media community, the campaign will shed light on unique destinations, hidden gems, and exciting activities that make Dubai one of the world’s most popular destinations. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can experience the beauty, excitement, and warmth that define Dubai, fostering a deeper connection with the city and its offerings.”

Through engaging and interactive content, the campaign will spotlight Dubai’s stunning beaches and water activities, featuring popular spots such as Dubai Ladies Club, Bluwaters, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, The Beach, Jumeirah, Al Mamzar Park, and the unique Night Beach experience.

For those seeking indoor adventures, the campaign will highlight attractions like Ski Dubai, Aya Universe, Chaos Karts, and an array of shopping malls including Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, and Mirdif City Centre. Visitors can also enjoy unique experiences at Deep Dive Dubai, various sports courts, theme parks such as IMG Worlds of Adventure and LEGOLAND, Air Maniax, indoor skydiving at iFly Dubai, The Green Planet, and KidZania.

Dubai’s famous waterparks will also be featured prominently, including LEGOLAND Water Park at Dubai Parks and Resorts, Wild Wadi, and Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm.

The campaign will also highlight Dubai’s luxurious hotel pools, from infinity pools and rooftop pools to private pools and those with breathtaking views, offering the perfect retreat from the summer heat.

Upcoming Dubai Destinations guides, set to be released by Brand Dubai during the campaign, will help people discover many attractions in the emirate covering exciting summer and weekend activities, seaside dining options, and other businesses running exciting programmes during the season. From top-rated summer camps for children to thrilling water activities, enchanting staycations and indoor hotspots, these guides serve as unique resources for exploring the best of Dubai during the summer season.

Furthermore, the campaign will spotlight unique homegrown businesses from the ‘Proudly from Dubai’ network, an initiative launched by Brand Dubai to highlight the success stories of businesses born and initiated in Dubai.

Brand Dubai will also be partnering with several content creators and influencers to develop videos and promotional content that highlight the top activities, experiences and events in the city and where to find them. The latest phase of the Dubai Destinations campaign, which coincides with Dubai Summer Surprises, is being rolled out over digital, broadcast, print and outdoor media to ensure it reaches large sections of local and international audiences.

Source:  Zawya.  

Dubai Emerges as a World-Class Destination for Luxury Yachts

In recent years Dubai has commanded attention for its spectacular architecture, vibrant economy, and allure for luxury travelers. It’s hard to believe that not too long ago this innovative city was a small trading port; now it is a state-of-the-art maritime center as well as a world-class destination and home base for yacht owners. Over the past decade Dubai has strategically developed its amenities and services with the aim of creating a thriving nautical ecosystem. For foreign-flagged craft the introduction to the area begins with a seamless arrival experience.

Today there are 22 marinas and more than 3,600 berths for boats, including many for superyachts, megayachts, and gigayachts. To accommodate these vessels an array of modern maintenance and repair facilities has opened, along with technical support, specialty marine stores, and, notably, marina-based health and wellness centers that cater to yacht guests and crews.

The warm weather and safe, tranquil seas here, especially from October to April, provide extraordinarily pleasurable cruising conditions, all complemented by Dubai’s land-based attractions. The city is known for its scenic coastline, luxe hotels, cultural fare, and award-winning restaurants. Cruise-in, dock-and-dine opportunities are a new trend, offering the possibility to moor for a few hours while enjoying fine dining at a resort or hotel, a spa treatment, or the amenities of a beach club.

Luxe and well-equipped marinas abound. Among the newest and most popular are the following: 

Dubai Harbour, which opened in 2020 with space for 700 vessels, is in the heart of Dubai, with easy access to tourist attractions and encompassing cafes, shops, VIP lounges, and the Dubai Harbour Yacht Club.

Nakheel Marinas Dubai Islands was launched in 2023 along the city’s north coast, offering easy cruising to the open sea; it can accommodate 13 superyachts at a time.

Luxurious and picturesque P & O Marinas has a total of 1,200 wet berths and 600 dry berths and includes well-known Mina Rashid, which can host a range of pleasure craft, plus superyachts between 25 and 160 meters.

Located on the prestigious Jumeirah Bay Island, along a promenade that resembles a Mediterranean village, Bulgari Marina & Yacht Club is a superyacht anchorage that includes berths for vessels from 10 to 40 meters as well as dock-and-dine services.

Also noteworthy are Bay Marina, Dubai’s first dedicated superyacht marina, with berths for vessels up to 160 meters; Palm View Marina, located on the Dubai Harbour seafront, which boasts a lively shoreside walkway; and Nakheel Marinas on Palm Jumeirah, which welcomes a range of sailing vessels with 261 berths in two marinas plus luxury yacht services.

Dubai’s busy winter-season calendar is filled with international events that appeal to yacht owners and other high-end travelers. The Dubai Desert Classic, Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships, Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, Emirates Dubai 7s rugby, and Dubai World Cup horse racing are just a few of the must-see tournaments for sports aficionados. On the cultural scene, there are Art Dubai, Dubai Watch Week, DIFC Art Nights, and World Art Dubai. High-profile maritime expositions that showcase the latest in yacht design, technology, and luxury include the Dubai International Boat Show, which celebrated its 30th anniversary earlier this year, and the three-day Gulf Superyacht Summit 2024, coming in November.

As Dubai has grown as a world-class yachting destination, the city has also focused on sustainability of its rich marine environment through collaborations and green marina initiatives with the aim of promoting responsible yachting and protecting the ocean’s biodiversity. Ensuring the health of the seas is a crucial element in maintaining Dubai’s importance to the luxury yachting community now and for generations to come.

Source: Robb Report.

Uganda Airlines Launches Direct London Flights

Uganda Airlines is gearing up to launch direct flights to London, significantly boosting connectivity between Uganda and the UK. This exciting development promises to enhance economic, cultural, and social ties between the two nations.

The announcement follows a series of strategic meetings held in London by a delegation led by Uganda Airlines CEO, Ms. Jenifer Bamuturaki. From June 11th to 15th, 2024, the team met with UK aviation authorities, business communities, and the Ugandan diaspora in preparation for the highly anticipated launch.

Securing coveted landing and departure slots at London Heathrow Airport marks a major milestone for Uganda Airlines. This achievement follows the acquisition of two Airbus A330-800 Neo aircraft in 2020 and 2021, specifically to service this route. While the wait for the inaugural flight continues, it’s attributed to finalizing certification processes with the UKCAA and EASA.

The demand for a direct Entebbe-London route is undeniable. In 2019 alone, over 84,000 passengers flew between these two cities, making Entebbe the second-largest unserved African market for London flights. This high volume underscores the potential success of the new route.

This expansion into the European market aligns with Uganda Airlines’ broader strategy for international growth. Just last year, the airline launched direct flights to Mumbai, India, and several destinations in West Africa. The London route will be their 13th destination and a significant step towards positioning Uganda Airlines as a major player in African aviation.

The benefits of this new route extend far beyond convenience for Ugandan travelers. It’s expected to attract tourists and business travelers, injecting a much-needed boost to Uganda’s tourism and economic sectors.

As Uganda Airlines prepares for this historic launch, anticipation is high. Direct flights between Entebbe and London promise a new era of connectivity, opening doors to a wealth of opportunities for travelers. With continued expansion and a commitment to excellence, the future of Ugandan aviation appears to be soaring.

Source: Nile Post.

Kenya backs to UN tourism growth agenda

In Summary

•Kenya was elected to chair the UN Tourism’s Committee on Tourism Competitiveness until 2027 earlier this year, after defeating strong bids from Thailand and Malta.

•UN Tourism Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili has called for more cooperation within the regions, including joint meetings.

Kenya has committed to supporting the UN Tourism’s growth and sustainability agenda aimed at promoting tourism as a leading economic activity. Tourism is the world’s fifth export earning category as of the close of 2022.

The 121st session of the UN Tourism Executive Council was held in Barcelona, Spain, and chaired by Saudi Arabia Minister for Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb.

Kenya called for enhanced collaboration and resource mobilization to strengthen the organization, amidst the global economic strains.

“Global tourism is recovering fully from the effects of the pandemic and many destinations are getting past the mark of the pre – Covid era. The world is alive to the gains of the tourism sector and Kenya is aligned to tap in other global trends” Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, who sent a delegation to Barcelona, said.

He said Kenya is committed to working closely with the UN Tourism and member states, to ensure tourism continues to be a key economic driver.

Mutua urged member states to explore innovative ways to raise funds and partner with other UN agencies such as the UN-Habitat and the private sector.

He said Kenya would leverage on the various programmes of UN Tourism in various areas including capacity building, community-based tourism, artificial intelligence, innovation, education, product promotion among others.

The CS further highlighted the need to regularize the election cycle and address non-compliance of membership fees as key to providing predictable budgeting and financing, that allows the UN Tourism to effectively execute its core functions of supporting regional workshops and initiatives.

As chair of the Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness until 2027, Kenya aims to steer other members into leveraging global data, research, case studies and partnerships to enhance global policies, as well as its own tourism policies and strategies.

The country also seeks to ensure the interests and needs of African and developing countries are represented amidst the voices of more established tourism markets on the global stage.

Kenya was elected to chair the UN Tourism’s Committee on Tourism Competitiveness until 2027 earlier this year, after two rounds of voting, defeating strong bids from Thailand and Malta.

UN Tourism Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili made a call for more cooperation within the regions, including joint meetings.

The Americas and Africa will meet in 2024 and Kenya will be part of the Africa talks slated for July 2024 in Zambia.

Source:  The-star.