Travellers from Kenya remain banned from the United Kingdom in the latest update that took effect Thursday evening in a fresh blow for tourism which is currently in its main season.

The UK updated countries on England’s “Red List” amid concerns about the spread of new Covid-19 variants that have now been reported in Kenya.

Britain retained Kenya, whose cases of Covid-19 have been surging by double digits, on the travel ban first placed in April.

The decision deals a fresh blow to the Kenyan hospitality industry, whose tourism season traditionally peaks from July to September, coinciding with the country’s dry season and the world-renowned migration of wildebeest and zebra through Maasai Mara Game Reserve.

Kenya is a popular tourism destination for Britons. The UK has been a top tourism source market for Kenya. In 2019, it emerged fourth in ranking, with tourist visits of 181,484.

The UK has segmented countries into green, amber and red lists, each carrying different degrees of restrictions for arrivals back to Britain.

A British citizen travelling from a Green and Amber List is not required to undergo a mandatory quarantine.

Travellers arriving in the UK from countries on the Red List are denied entry, while returning Britons must submit to 10 days of mandatory quarantine in hotels.

Kenya had earlier protested the ban having relaxed punitive requirements imposed on British citizens, which required them to undergo 14 days of isolation before entering the country.

Kenya had 232,869 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 4,635 deaths, with a positivity rate of 12.9 percent as of Thursday.

British High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Mariott Howe recently urged Nairobi to ensure speedy vaccinations countrywide, a move that would se the lifting of the ban.

She noted that the British government reviews the list often and linked the removal of India, which had high infections, to increased immunisation.

“We are reviewing the list too often, and we hope that Kenya comes out of the list soon. The more vaccines we have, the more genome sequencing we have, the easier it is to get off the red list, and that is why India had an advantage,” she noted.

Kenya on Monday received 880,460 doses of Moderna vaccines in yet another boost to the ongoing vaccination drive that targets to vaccinate 10 million people by the end of the year.

The Moderna doses, donated by the US government, is the second vaccine in Kenya’s programme after AstraZeneca, with at least 1,615,687 people having received at least one jab and 780,377 fully vaccinated by August 22. 

Source: Business Daily

South African Airways has confirmed it will resume commercial passenger operations on September 23 on one domestic and five regional routes following a 21-month hiatus during which it was plucked from bankruptcy protection through a controversial taxpayer-funded ZAR10.5 billion rand (USD683 million) bailout.

Restarting as a significantly smaller airline with a fleet that has shrunk from 44 to just six aircraft and a workforce that has been reduced from 4,000 to 802 employees and five interim executives, SAA will start-off with one domestic return route between Johannesburg O.R. Tambo and Cape Town, as well as regionally from Johannesburg to Accra (Ghana), Kinshasa N’Djili (DRC), Harare Int’l (Zimbabwe), Lusaka (Zambia), and Maputo (Mozambique), interim Chief Executive Officer Thomas Kgokolo said in a statement. SAA will add more destinations to the route network as it ramps up operations in response to market conditions.

Tickets will go on sale on August 26, while Voyager loyalty programme bookings and travel credit voucher redemption will be available from September 6, 2021.

“After months of diligent work, we are delighted that SAA is resuming service, and we look forward to welcoming onboard our loyal passengers and flying the South African flag. We continue to be a safe carrier and adhering to COVID-19 protocols,” Kgokolo said. “There is a profound feeling of enthusiasm within Team SAA as we prepare for takeoff, with one common purpose – to rebuild and sustain a profitable airline that once again takes a leadership role among local, continental, and international airlines.”

SAA’s Board chairperson, John Lamola, believed the airline was restarting with a “formidable business case”, saying the Board, management, and the shareholder representative Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) had been hard at work since the airline exited administration on April 30, 2021.

However, no mention was made of SAA’s announced preferred strategic equity partner, the Takatso Consortium, which is still doing its due diligence of the airline before finalising a partnership that will see the government give up a 51% shareholding of SAA. Takatso, comprising ACMI specialist Global Aviation Operations (GE, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) and asset fund manager Harith General Partners, is to sink another ZAR3 billion (USD195 million) in operational capital into the airline for the first 12 to 36 months of operations, while the state aid will be used to take care of SAA’s historical debt.

In a letter to South Africa’s Politics Web, the consortium underlined that only once its due diligence process has been “finalised and if successful, will the deal be finalised”. It said future capital and planning of SAA would be determined after completing the due diligence exercise.

SAA is returning to a domestic market space that has changed fundamentally since it went into business rescue. Its own state-owned low-cost subsidiary Mango Airlines (JE, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) is in voluntary bankruptcy protection. Its sister airline and regional feeder, South African Express (EXY, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo), is in provisional liquidation. Its former franchise agreement with regional airline Airlink (South Africa) (4Z, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) has been cancelled after SAA withheld about ZAR700 million (USD45.5 million) in unflown revenue from the former secondary route feeder. With no further government pay-outs likely, SAA will be pitched against a clutch of carriers all plying the same trunk routes, including Comair (South Africa)’s Kulula Air brand and British Airways franchise, no-frills carrier FlySafair (FA, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo), newcomer Lift Airlines (GE, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) (wholly-owned by Global Aviation), as well as regional specialists Airlink and CemAir (5Z, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo).

Source: Ch-aviation

Kenya is looking to attract international luxury travelers as part of a strategy to revive the tourism sector and as part of expanding the tourism market basket.

The absence of international tourists coupled with travel restrictions occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in reduced travel globally and travelers with specific preferences which are value for their money.

The government has now set eyes on luxury travelers as it seeks to continue the recovery path of the tourism sector through targeted marketing strategies in several markets.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said that the destination is proving to be attractive to luxury travellers especially with Kenya having unique travel opportunities and new developments in the country.

“Over the years we have been working towards profiling Kenya to niche clients who have specific preferences and needs and that’s the reason we have been diversifying our products to suit each market segment. 

“It is important to mention that Kenya was selected for this trip because we have a unique and iconic tourism product, the wildebeest Migration at the Maasai Mara and luxurious accommodation facilities that suit the needs of the high-net-worth traveler who wants value for their money,” Balala said.

Balala was speaking from the Maasai Mara as he welcomed tourists aboard the inaugural Roar Africa and Emirates Executive Private Jet Safari, (a World-Class Conservation Safari).

He added that he was glad to see travelers re-ignite their love for Kenya, resonating with the current marketing strategy calling on travelers to rediscover Kenya’s magic – Kenya has something for each and every traveler.

“The visit by this high-level delegation is testament to the fact that Kenya is a consideration to the niche luxury traveler who is attracted to specific experiences and offerings. Our goal is to build on this as we work towards expanding into different market segments in the short and long term,” he added.

The trip dubbed the ‘Greatest Safari on Earth’ By Roar Africa and Emirates Airlines, is an extraordinary ‘bucket list’ luxury travel experience designed to preserve and support Africa’s wildlife, wildlife spaces, and communities.

All proceeds from the trip will go towards supporting wildlife conservation efforts in the destinations visited.

The trip delivered 15 guests from the United States (US) in unbridled luxury to four iconic African destinations that offer the ultimate adventure and encounters with environmental educators and conservation change makers.

The 12-day Sh12.5 million ($125,000)-per-person getaway will see the guests tour iconic destinations in Africa including Kenya which was selected thanks to the unique and authentic natural safari experience capped by the annual Great Wildebeest Migration and luxurious accommodation and amenities that suit their needs.

Kenya has in the past prioritized product diversification aimed at positioning the country as the go-to destination for all cadres of travelers.

Through the Magical Kenya Signature Experiences program, the destination has enhanced its diversity in offerings, a move the CS believes is key to the country’s tourism sector.

“The Signature Experiences are lifetime experiences that range from adventure, conservation, heritage, cultural immersion, wellness to alternative safaris, all of which visitors can get to see, visit and experience while in the destination.

“This program will continue to play a big role in attracting international travelers who are keen on authentic experiences. This is in addition to continued publicity and marketing of other tourism products Kenya is well known for like the beaches.” Balala said.

In 2020 Kenya was ranked as Africa’s leading tourist destination by the World Travel Awards (WTA), cementing her position as a preferred travel destination to international travelers.

Luxury travel is growing to become a key segment in the industry with several key developments currently ongoing, expected to boost the sector.

The newly constructed Lamu Port is touted to be a game changer expected to boost cruise tourism as well as improvement of airports and airstrips.

The visit by the travelers comes at a high season for the tourism sector with the annual Twin Migration (Wildebeest Migration and the Humpback Whale Migration) currently ongoing.

Source: The Star

Tourists now prefer a shorter period between booking and traveling to avoid any uncertainties arising from Covid-19 restrictions.

According to a report by the by the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) and Amadeus search agency they want actual travel dates that are not far apart from the booking date.

This has seen booking times down to 16 days in 2021 from 26 days in 2019.

“The constantly changing travel restrictions has affected early bookings and most Kenyans prefer to book close to their departure date,” said KATA.

According to the report, 72 per cent of searches in June had a departure date in either June or July as tourists reduced booking time.

Sixty three percent of international travellers searching for Kenya as a destination in June planned to travel within the next three months which KATA noted was a shorter time compared to the past.

The report however showed a positive trajectory for travel during the course of 2021, with a gradual increase in searches and destination travel demand.

The average daily search activity of Kenyans in June was eight per cent higher than the year-to-date average and in July it was 35 per cent above the 2021 average.

The most searched destination by Kenyans in June 2021 was USA at 30 per cent, Tanzania and UAE 5 per cent, and UK 4 per cent while the most booked destinations were UAE with 15 per cent of total bookings, USA 12 per cent, Tanzania 7 per cent and Ethiopia 6 per cent.

KATA notes that UAE was in the lead due to fewer Covid-19 travel restrictions. 

In East Africa, Tanzania was the leading destination for Kenyans especially for leisure activities. The demand was driven by relaxed Covid-19 border restrictions for Kenyans visiting the country.

Seat capacity among international airlines operating from Kenya was noted to be recovering gradually compared to 2019 volumes, although it is slightly behind the global average.

The capacity to international destinations is currently at 51 per cent whereas globally it is at 63 per cent.

For domestic destinations, the capacity is slightly higher at 86 per cent while globally it is at 91 per cent.

The average daily search activity of international travellers interested in Kenya in June was 10 per cent higher than the year-to-date average, according to KATA.

In July it was already 31 per cent above the 2021 average.

Most searches for travel to Kenya in 2021 originated mainly from USA with 43 per cent of total demand, followed by Germany 8 per cent, UK 7 per cent and Canada 4 per cent.

On the outlook on recovery, travel demand remains significantly below pre-Covid levels owing to international travel restrictions in key markets in Europe, North America and Asia but is steadily rising.

The data presented indicated that Covid-19 related restrictions were a showstopper as 84 per cent of respondents said they won’t travel if there is a chance of quarantine.

Jamel Chandoul Senior Vice President, MEA Amadeus who spoke during the release of the report noted that the sector’s recovery will be driven by rebuilding traveller confidence and trust.

According to the United Nations’ World Travel Organization (UNWTO), it is important for countries to start lifting travel restrictions to significantly improve traveller confidence.

Mohammed Wanyoike, KATA Chairman expressed confidence on the industry making a full recovery sooner rather than later.

“The industry is currently performing at about 40 per cent of the 2019 numbers and this is an indication that the worst is behind us,” he said.

Kenya’s tourism and travel industry took a beating from pandemic, with the Tourism Research Institute indicating over 1.2 million jobs lost.

Source: The Star

COVID-19 is once again affecting the travel industry due to its new and fast-spreading Delta variant. Since today’s travelers must once more decide whether to postpone or cancel their trip, we need to figure out exactly how we’re going to handle postponements and cancelations. Do we just give travelers credits and move everyone over?

Most agents I speak with these days say they’re concerned that they won’t be getting any funding during this second pandemic wave. Funds received during the first wave proved to be very helpful, allowing many people working in the travel industry the buffer needed to temporarily get by.

The most important thing agents are concerned about right now is their future. They wonder what the travel industry outlook is so they can make plans. It’s unfortunate that there are still so many people who will call us to get information and then book their travels online. When people choose to book online, more often than not they’re at a loss when it comes to understanding all of the rules, regulations and even laws they must adhere to before, during and after their travels.

The importance of travel agents should never, ever be underestimated as they represent a one-stop-shop for one’s travel needs. Because the first wave had such an impact on the industry, the question now is – can the industry sustain a second wave? Or are travelers just fed up with adhering to all of the changing rules? I’m finding that some travelers choose not to care anymore and continue to travel because they’ve been locked up for the past year and a half.

I wonder – why does it matter if covid is here in the US or if it’s overseas? It doesn’t make a bit of difference, so we might as well travel and enjoy ourselves while doing so. I just tell my clients to protect themselves according to current CDC recommendations.

So, what can travel agents do to prepare themselves to handle this second wave?

Firstly, you need to be better prepared than you were the first time. You need to make sure you’ve been in contact with all of your clients that have credits or that are interested in traveling. You also need to be on top of all news and information about your clients’ home location and their traveling destination.

Secondly, you need to know what options are available when travelers need to cancel or change their traveling dates. This way when a client asks you to make changes you’re already prepared with the answers. Being proactive is one of the best things agents can do right now. Of course, you should try to save each booking by moving the dates over so you don’t have to lose your booking.

Thirdly, make sure you look into any loans or grants available. If the government happens to offer more loans, grants or funds, make sure you know where to look in case you’re in need of additional financial help.

Lastly, don’t get depressed when listening to the news. There are many sources out there to get the correct information. Your best bet is to visit the CDC website so you can learn true and correct pandemic information first-hand.

Source: Travel Pulse

A new study from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) shows that the South African economy is losing over R180 million every week it remains on the UK’s ‘red list’ for travel.

All UK travellers, regardless of their vaccine status, travelling to countries on the ‘red list’ are required to cover the expensive cost of a 10-day hotel quarantine upon returning to the UK, plus the fees for Covid-19 tests.

Based on 2019 UK visitor numbers and spending, the global tourism body’s research shows these restrictions could represent losses of over R790 million every month. This equates to more than R26 million every day.

“The impact the UK’s traffic light system imposes on ‘red list’ countries is not only damaging the Travel and Tourism sector, but also economies around the world,” said Virginia Messina, senior vice president of the WTTC.

“Our data shows that every day South Africa remains on the UK’s ‘red list’, the country faces losing millions of dollars, effectively delaying the global socio-economic recovery.”

Messina said that the pandemic has also cost hundreds of thousands of jobs in South Africa, pushing more people into poverty. This makes it crucial to restart safe international travel and reduce mobility restrictions, she said.

More than half of all adults have been fully vaccinated in the UK, which significantly reduces the risk of any citizens travelling abroad, the WTTC said.

While the vaccine rollout has picked up the pace, the figure is considerably lower in South Africa.

Therefore, it is critical for the South African government to continue ramping up the vaccination programme to restart international travel and enable economic recovery, Messina said.

The WTTC’s annual Economic Impact Report (EIR) report shows that in 2019, South Africa was among the most popular destinations for UK travellers, accounting for 7% of international visitor spending, representing R9.4 billion.

The EIR also reveals the effect COVID-19 had on South Africa’s economy, with the Travel and Tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy falling from 363 billion (6.9%) in 2019 to just R182 billion (3.7%) in 2020.

International visitor spending also plummeted by 66%, from more than R134 billion in 2019 to just R46 billion in 2020.

South African restrictions

While South Africa has mostly kept its borders open to international tourists since easing its first hard lockdown in mid-2020, other countries have not reciprocated. South Africans still face strict travel restrictions.

This also impacts travellers who are dissuaded from visiting South Africa because of their difficulties returning to their own countries.

A mapping tool developed by travel website Skyscanner shows that as of 19 August, South Africa has 84 ‘major restrictions’ from other countries in place. This is up from around 60 major restrictions before the third Covid wave hit.

These countries have suspended travel, may be closed to entry, or may only be possible if you are a citizen/meet strict entrance requirements.

By comparison, there are currently 27 moderate restrictions for South Africa, where travel is possible, but only if travellers meet certain entry requirements, including taking Covid-19 tests.

Source: Business Tech

Dubai: Saudi Arabia will use the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel Pass to confirm pre-departure COVID-19 test results for departing and arriving passengers from September 30.

Eventually, this acceptance will be expanded to vaccine certification, said IATA in a statement.

Travel Pass is a personal secure digital wallet solution that helps travellers understand travel requirements and present their verified travel health credentials (vaccine or test certificates) to meet COVID-19 entry restrictions. More than 80 airlines have announced trials of the IATA Travel Pass and the app is accepted for entry by a number of governments including Singapore and Panama.

Travellers to and from Saudi Arabia will have the choice of using either the Travel Pass or Tawakkalna, the country’s national health app, owned and developed by Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). The country’s flagship carrier Saudia has been a trial partner in the development of the Travel Pass.

“Work is progressing with General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and Tawakkalna for IATA Travel Pass to be a vehicle for pre-arrival clearance for KSA,” said IATA.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s acceptance of IATA Travel Pass will demonstrate how digital solutions can effectively manage both COVID-19 vaccine and test certificates,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director-General.

Travellers to Saudi Arabia intending to use the digit platform should check with the airline they are travelling with for eligibility to use the Travel Pass.

“We are committed to drive the adoption of digital health certificates and restore international air travel,” said Abdulaziz Al Duailej, President of the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA).

Source: Gulf News

Nairobians are the verge of experiencing flying taxis after the national carrier and Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer signed an agreement that would spearhead this innovation in the market.

The taxis are expected to cut travel time from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the city centre to six minutes.

The Brazilian company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kenya Airways last week, through the national carrier’s newly established subsidiary Fahari Aviation, to establish Electric Vertical Aircraft (EVA) starting 2025.

Fahari is Kenya Airways wing that deals with drones and has already opened unmanned aerial vehicles school to train interested Kenyans.

EVAs carry a load of 250 kilograms at 400km per hour with a range of 250km. The aircraft is completely autonomous as it does not require any human pilot intervention as it flies under the control of automatic systems such as radar, lidar and 12 camera sensors.

But according to the company, EVA will begin as a manned aircraft (with one pilot).

EVA is ideally suited as an urban air mobility aircraft bringing all traditional aviation travellers closer to their final destination efficiently and comfortably.

The new partnership is also anchored on the need to introduce zero-emission electric planes in the transport sector in Kenya.

Andre Stein, CEO of Embraer’s Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Solutions unit, said the introduction of flying taxis would provide an alternative mode of transportation for passengers pressed for time.

This collaboration, he said, aims at developing operational models for the wide accessibility of Urban Air Mobility to support Fahari Aviation’s key markets.

In addition, the partnership will establish” a foundation of concepts and procedures to safely scale EVA throughout the country in the coming years”.

EVA will support Fahari Aviation, the Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) division of Kenya Airways that promotes safe and secure UAS usage in the region, in establishing its UAM network and collaborate on the required Urban Air Traffic Management (UATM) procedures and UAM operating environment.

This partnership will also allow Fahari Aviation to support Eva’s aircraft and product development process which will help guide the integration of UAM with Kenya Airways’ overall operations.

“We are thrilled to partner with Kenya Airways to provide new forms of air mobility throughout the region for both people and goods. The creation of disruptive and widely accessible Urban Air Mobility solutions will help democratise mobility by making it more accessible, affordable and giving communities more options,” said Mr Stein.

He said the partnership will foster long-term mobility strategies throughout the country and region.

“With our aircraft and aerospace services backing and Kenya Airways’ innovative approach to air mobility, we are enthusiastic about opening this region to more sustainable and community-friendly air access for all,” he said.

Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways chief executive officer said Fahari Aviation is at the forefront of exploring advanced technologies, with a key focus in aviation, starting with drones.

“With this partnership, we look to develop innovative air mobility solutions for our clients in Kenya and throughout the region,” said Mr Kilavuka.

The partnership will deliver a robust strategy to provide Fahari Aviation’s passengers with a sustainable, accessible, and affordable transportation option.

Source: Business Daily

Embraer’s Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions signed a memorandum of understanding with Kenya Airways PLC, through its fully owned subsidiary Fahari Aviation. According to a news release from Embraer, the collaboration aims to develop operational models for the wide accessibility of urban air mobility (UAM). In addition, the partnership aims to establish concepts and procedures to safely scale electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Eve will support Fahari Aviation in establishing its UAM network and collaborate on the required urban air traffic management (UATM) procedures and UAM operating environment.

The partnership also will allow Fahari Aviation to support Eve’s aircraft and product development process, which will help guide the integration of UAM with Kenya Airways’ overall operations.

“We are thrilled to partner with Kenya Airways to provide new forms of air mobility throughout the region for both people and goods. The creation of disruptive and widely accessible urban air mobility solutions will help democratize mobility by making it more accessible, affordable and giving communities more options. This partnership will foster long-term mobility strategies throughout the country and region. With our aircraft and aerospace services backing and Kenya Airways’ innovative approach to air mobility, we are enthusiastic about opening this region to more sustainable and community-friendly air access for all,” said Andre Stein, president & CEO of Eve.

“Partnerships are vital in mapping out the future of our airline, something which the global crisis has reinforced. Innovation is a critical element of our long-term sustainability. Fahari Aviation is at the forefront of exploring advanced technologies, with a key focus in aviation, starting with drone technology. With this partnership, we look to develop innovative air mobility solutions for our clients in Kenya and throughout the region,” stated Allan Kilavuka, group managing director and CEO of Kenya Airways.

Source: Aviation Pros