Rwanda Looks to Dubai to Strengthen Luxury Hospitality

Rwanda is seeking to pick from Dubai’s experiences to energise the local high end hospitality sector.

President Paul Kagame on Friday hosted at Village Urugwiro Mohammed Al Shaibani, Managing Director of the Investment Corporation of Dubai and Chair of Kerzner International.

The two held, “a discussion on strengthening partnerships that are contributing to Rwanda’s growing luxury hospitality and eco-tourism sectors,” according to the Rwandan Presidency.

Established in 2006, the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) is the principal investment arm of the Government of Dubai.

This investment corporation seeks to invest in attractive opportunities to achieve appropriate risk-adjusted returns over the long-term across a range of asset classes, sectors and geographies.

Currently the ICD boasts of 61Companies and has a footprint in 6 Continents, and 87 Countries.

ICD is involved with Banking & Finance Services,Transportation, Oil & Gas,Industrial, Hospitality & Leisure, Real Estate & Construction and also Retail & Other Holdings.

Meanwhile, the Investment Corporation of Dubai reported revenue of Dh267.4 billion for the year ended December 31, 2022, a 58 per cent increase compared to the year-ago period.

A significant surge in travel and tourism activities as well as a jump in oil and gas revenues helped the group post a net profit of Dh36.1 billion for the period. Net profit attributable to the equity holder was Dh29.8 billion.

Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Managing Director, Investment Corporation of Dubai, said, “With the strong momentum in the Dubai economy, the ICD group was able to further deploy its operational capacity in an agile manner and benefited both from a scale effect and a strong discipline on costs, producing its best ever performance.”

The group’s balance-sheet ended the year in a very favourable position, with improved asset quality, liquidity and leverage and a record equity base.

“Overall, the group emerges resilient and stronger than ever from a volatile period marked by geopolitical conflicts and rising interest rates.”

The Investment Corporation has airlines such as Emirates and flyDubai under its portfolio, along with top lenders such as Emirates NBD, Commercial Bank of Dubai and Dubai Islamic Bank.

Source: Taarifa

ATM 2024 to explore how entrepreneurship is empowering innovation in the Middle East’s travel industry

Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the Middle East’s leading event for inbound and outbound travel and tourism professionals, has unveiled its next theme: ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship.’ The 31 st edition of the show will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Monday 6 to Thursday 9 May 2024.

Over the last 15 years, the travel and tourism industry has secured only 1 percent of total funding for startups across all industries, according to analysis from McKinsey. This is despite the fact that the sector accounted for more than 10 percent of global GDP in 2019. With exhibitors from the fields of aviation, accommodation, hospitality, attractions, technology and more, ATM 2024 will explore how innovators in the travel and tourism space are working to attract greater levels of funding to further increase the sector’s overall contribution to global GDP.

The 31 st edition of ATM will once again host policymakers, industry leaders and travel professionals from across the Middle East and beyond, encouraging them to forge new relationships, exchange knowledge and identify innovations with the potential to reshape the future of global travel and tourism. From startups to established brands, the upcoming show will highlight how innovators are enhancing customer experiences, driving efficiencies and accelerating progress towards a net-zero future for the industry.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market, said: “The Middle East’s travel and tourism sector has demonstrated impressive resilience and growth in recent years, but we must continue to innovate and adapt in order to achieve the industry’s long-term goals. Thanks to ATM 2024’s theme, ‘Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’, we have a golden opportunity to showcase expert insights, cutting-edge technologies and commercial opportunities with the potential to completely reshape the sector.”

Building on ATM 2023’s theme of ‘Working Towards Net Zero’, environmentally responsible travel will represent a key focus during the show’s upcoming edition. Informed by the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), which will take place in Dubai later this year, ATM 2024 will explore how innovation can be leveraged to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by building a greener travel and tourism sector for future generations.

More than 40,000 travel trade professionals, including 30,000 visitors, attended the 30th edition of ATM in May 2023, setting a new show record. The exhibition attracted more than 2,100 exhibitors and representatives from over 155 countries, providing a global platform for the unveiling of ATM’s net-zero pledge.

ATM 2024 will empower the global travel and tourism community to harness entrepreneurism, helping to catalyse innovation, increase revenues and maximise sustainability over the long term. The UAE aims to attract $150 billion in foreign investment by 2030, making it the perfect environment for these activities. With an emphasis on technological innovation, the nation plans to strengthen its position as an international hub for start-ups – a focus that looks set to benefit entrepreneurs operating in the region’s travel and tourism sector. By exploring the ways in which an entrepreneurial mindset can lead to positive change within the industry, ATM 2024 will enable attendees to identify strategies for growth across a range of key industry verticals.

“As a global leader in innovation, the UAE offers the perfect environment in which to explore these trends and identify new avenues for growth,” Curtis added. “Following the record-breaking levels of attendance witnessed during ATM 2023, my colleagues and I cannot wait to welcome the global travel community to Dubai once again next year.”

Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.

Source: Traveldaily News

Dubai’s Department of Economy & Tourism Roadshow – East Africa

Dubai is bringing its magic to East Africa with an exclusive event hosted by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET). The Dubai Tourism Roadshow in East Africa is set to be a spectacular showcase of the Emirate’s products and services in the travel and medical sectors. With over 20 participating companies from the tourism and hospitality industry, including airlines, hotels, destination management companies, entertainment providers, and hospitals, this event promises to be a game-changer for both business professionals and travelers in East Africa.

Connecting East Africa to Dubai’s Unique Offerings

Dubai has long been a sought-after destination for travelers from all corners of the globe. Its awe-inspiring skyline, luxurious hotels, world-class shopping, and diverse culinary experiences make it a dream destination for tourists. However, this event aims to go beyond just showcasing Dubai’s glitzy attractions. It’s about establishing meaningful connections between East Africa and Dubai, with a focus on two key sectors: tourism and healthcare.

Dubai’s Diverse Participation

One of the highlights of the Dubai Tourism Roadshow is the diverse range of participants from Dubai’s vibrant tourism and hospitality industry. Airlines, hotels, destination management companies, entertainment providers, and hospitals have all come together to showcase their offerings.

For those looking to explore Dubai’s breathtaking landscapes, there are airlines offering special deals on flights to Dubai. The event is also an opportunity to discover the city’s luxurious accommodations, with a variety of hotels participating, each offering unique experiences to suit different budgets and preferences.

Destination management companies will be on hand to help East African travelers craft their dream Dubai experience, from desert safaris to city tours, ensuring every moment in Dubai is unforgettable. Entertainment providers will also be showcasing their offerings, from world-class performances to family-friendly attractions.

A Unique Focus on Healthcare

Beyond the glitz and glamour, Dubai has gained recognition as a medical tourism hub. The Dubai Tourism Roadshow is also shedding light on the city’s healthcare sector. Hospitals from Dubai will be present to discuss the cutting-edge medical treatments and services available, attracting patients from East Africa seeking world-class healthcare.

Dubai has invested heavily in its healthcare infrastructure, and it’s evident in the presence of hospitals that are at the forefront of medical innovation. This event presents an excellent opportunity for medical professionals and healthcare institutions in East Africa to explore potential collaborations and partnerships.

Dubai Raffle Prizes and Giveaways

To add an extra layer of excitement to the event, Dubai’s partners are offering fantastic raffle prizes and giveaways. Attendees have the chance to win flights, accommodation, activities, and much more in Dubai. These enticing rewards underscore Dubai’s commitment to making dreams come true for East African travelers.

Networking Opportunities

In addition to exploring the offerings of participating companies, attendees can take advantage of the networking lunch with Dubai stakeholders. This is a chance to connect with industry experts, share ideas, and establish valuable contacts. Whether you’re in the travel and tourism business or the healthcare sector, the networking opportunities at the Dubai Tourism Roadshow can open doors to new collaborations and ventures.

Join DET in Nairobi, Kenya

The Dubai Tourism Roadshow in East Africa is an event that promises to bridge the gap between East Africa and the dazzling world of Dubai. If you’re a travel professional looking to offer your clients unique Dubai experiences or a healthcare professional interested in exploring Dubai’s cutting-edge medical services, this event is not to be missed.

Join us in Nairobi, Kenya, on September 29, 2023, for an unforgettable day of discovery, networking, and exciting giveaways. Dubai is ready to welcome East Africa with open arms, and the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism is here to make the connection happen. Book your spot today and be a part of this remarkable journey. Dubai awaits you!

Kenya to leverage MICE as it targets bigger revenue share from tourism mix

Kenya is targeting a bigger share of revenue from Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), a lucrative part of the tourism mix across the globe.

The Cabinet Secretary, Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, Peninah Malonza, says that the Government will spearhead bids to host at least 10 regional and international conventions in Kenya every year, and adds that the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, KICC, a premier event location, will play a key role in this drive.

The CS observes that the 2022 International Congress and Convention Association Destination Performance Index report reveals that Kenya ranked second in Africa as an ideal location for hosting association meetings.

The MICE sector is an important contributor to the Kenyan economy. According to Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the tourism sector, including MICE, contributed 8.8 percent to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product in 2019. Furthermore, the MICE sector grew by 5.5 percent in 2019, generating Sh115 billion (approximately USD 1.05 billion) in revenue.

The global MICE market, which involves travel for business-oriented purposes, was valued at USD 876.42 billion in 2022 and is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate of 7.5 percent from 2023 to 2030. MICE is a niche of the travel and tourism industry.

Ms Malonza explains that goal of MICE is to provide an enhanced, customised hospitality setting that brings together top professionals from various industries.

She notes that the market is benefiting from an increase in the number of companies worldwide that offer MICE services. This is contributing to the sector’s growth.

Says the CS: “Kenya aims to leverage its distinctive attributes to maintain a substantial portion of the market share in the industry. Improved destination management, with the assistance of KICC, which has been entrusted with the responsibility, can facilitate the achievement of this goal.”

Since its inception on September 11, 1973, KICC has been the preferred venue for meetings and conventions in East and Central Africa, and in fact gave birth to Kenya’s MICE industry. Through it, Kenya has hosted numerous high-profile conventions, personalities, signature events and even signed treaties and made declarations – KICC recently hosted the Africa Climate Summit that attracted more than 12,000 regional and international delegates and several heads of state, among other dignitaries.

Ms Malonza says her ministry is grateful to President William Ruto for spearheading the bid to host this important global conference in Kenya.

Such conferences and events are the surest way of raising Kenya’s profile and positioning it as a preferred destination for MICE.

The CS further notes that KICC is the only purpose-built convention centre in East Africa. KICC was designed by Norwegian architec, Karl Henrik Nostvik, in 1967.

The design structure combined the understanding of traditions, aspirations and environment of the people of Kenya with the needs of modern conference organisers in terms of space, administration and auxiliary services and requirements.

The Convention Centre and the Conference tourism sector in Kenya has undergone various milestones and memorable events have taken place at the KICC since 1973, 50 golden years later.

After its recent refurbishment, KICC is primed for bigger meetings in its next 50 years.

Source: Business Daily

Niger reopens its airspace after almost a month’s closure

The military regime that emerged from a coup in Niger decided on Monday to reopen its airspace to commercial flights, which had been closed since 6 August, according to the official Niger News Agency (ANP).

“The airspace of the Republic of Niger is open to all national and international commercial flights”, said a spokesman for the Ministry of Transport, quoted by the ANP, adding that ground services had also resumed.

“Airspace is still closed to all operational military flights and other special flights, which are only authorised subject to prior authorisation from the competent authorities”, he added.

On 6 August, Niger announced the closure of its airspace “in view of the threat of intervention from neighbouring countries”, as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) threatened military intervention to restore the elected president Mohamed Bazoum, who was overthrown by a coup d’état on 26 July.

Niger’s land and air borders were closed by the military the day after they took power, then reopened with five neighbouring countries on 2 August: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali and Chad.

However, some flights with special authorisations were able to continue to serve Niamey airport, the country’s capital.

Niger continues to suffer from the sanctions imposed on the country by ECOWAS to bring the ruling military to heel. 

The UN has warned that regional sanctions and the closure of borders are “greatly affecting Niger’s supply of vital food and medical supplies”

Source: Africa News

DRC nationals to visit Kenya visa free

Nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo will from now visit Kenya without a visa, Nairobi announced on Friday.

The new policy, Kenya says is part of continuing legal shift to accommodate the DRC’s admission into the East African Community.

A noticed issued last week to all diplomatic missions abroad as well as Kenya’s regional administrative heads had alerted officials of the imminent change in policy. It said the visa waiver will be effective from September 01.

“The government of Kenya has removed Democratic Republic of Congo from Category 2 to category 1 of the visa regulations in compliance with the East Africa Community Regulations of free movement of persons within the member states,” said the circular dated August 25.

“In this regard, Kenya has waived visa requirements for all nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo effective September 1, 2023.”

The DRC became the seventh member of the EAC last year in May.

And though it has yet to ascend to some of the protocols including that on free movement and the customs union, Kinshasa had generally used bilateral agreements with current member states on visa. Kenyans, under that arrangement, do not need visas to the DRC.

The Congolese authorities have been waiting a long time for this measure. A few months ago, Christophe Lutundula spoke of the importance of facilitating the movement of people and goods in the EAC bloc.

The Congolese Foreign Minister argued that most of the goods coming from the Indian Ocean pass through the port of Mombasa in Kenya. He also added that, in addition to the port of Mombasa, goods also pass through Dar Es Salam in Tanzania.

The Congolese authorities nevertheless said that they expected the Congo and its citizens, as members of the East African community, should now benefit from the same customs facilities due to members of the East African community.

According to the minister, who spoke weeks before this decision, the DRC has every reason to seek regional integration and to succeed in its integration into the East African bloc, since 5 of the 9 neighbouring countries (Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and South Sudan) are in the East and belong to the East African Community.

This is why, as soon as he came to power in January 2019, President Félix Tshisekedi focused his diplomatic strategy on his eastern neighbours, “the most integrated bloc in Africa”, as the Congolese president used to say.

Source: The East African

Flydubai launches flights to Mombasa

Low-cost carrier Flydubai next year will begin service between Dubai and Mombasa, Kenya, the carrier announced.

The service will begin on Jan. 17 and will operate four times per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Emirates also will codeshare on the route, enabling further connections out of Dubai, according to Flydubai.

The Mombasa route will be Flydubai’s 11th in its African network, where the carrier sees “a lot of potential,” according to Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith. “Dubai has seen steady growth in investment from Africa since Expo 2020, with more than 26,000 African companies registered with Dubai Chamber,” he said in a statement. “Our direct flights to Mombasa from January and our growing operations in Africa will further support free flows of trade and tourism between the [United Arab Emirates] and the East African markets.”

Other African destinations in Flydubai’s network include Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Alexandria, Egypt; Asmara, Eritrea; Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar in Tanzania; Djibouti; Entebbe, Uganda; Hargeisa (Somaliland) and Mogadishu in Somalia; and Juba, South Sudan.

Source: BTN

Public-private initiative to fix limiting factors on Africa’s aviation

Africa accounts for 18% of the global population, but just 2.1% of air transport activities including cargo trade.

Infrastructure constraints, high costs, lack of connectivity, regulatory impediments, slow adoption of global standards and skills shortages affect the customer experience and are all contributory factors to African airlines’ viability and sustainability. The continent’s carriers suffered cumulative losses of $3.5bn in two years from 2020, decimated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates further losses of $213mn in 2023.

Obviously, a huge gap exists between Africa’s demand and supply. IATA points out that the continent can benefit from the connectivity, jobs and growth that aviation enables if that gap is closed.
Recently, the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) announced that it is joining ‘Focus Africa’, an IATA initiative, which is aimed at strengthening aviation’s contribution to Africa’s economic and social development and improve connectivity, safety and reliability for passengers and shippers.

This initiative will align private and public stakeholders to deliver measurable progress in six areas.
Under Focus Africa, private and public stakeholders are committed to delivering measurable improvements in six critical areas – safety, infrastructure, connectivity, finance and distribution, sustainability, and skills development.

“AFRAA strengthens the Focus Africa coalition as we work to increase aviation’s role in Africa’s development. This has enormous promise. The continent is home to the world’s most rapidly growing population but accounts for just 2% of air passenger and cargo transport activity.

“The road to realising aviation’s potential will be long. But with the strong partnerships committed to Focus Africa, we can, and we will realise the needed change,” said Kamil al-Awadhi, IATA’s regional vice-president (Africa and the Middle East).

“The tasks for Focus Africa are not new. Work is already underway as part of the work of IATA and other stakeholders in Africa. But after the financial trauma that the pandemic brought to African aviation, we are at a unique time of rebuilding. By launching Focus Africa now, we can ensure that the recovery from Covid-19 moves aviation to an even better place than we were in 2019,” al-Awadhi added.

Sustainably connecting the African continent internally and to global markets with air transport is critical for bringing people together and creating economic and social development opportunities.

It will also support the realisation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) for Africa of lifting 50mn people out of poverty by 2030.

In particular, trade and tourism rely on aviation and have immense unrealised potential to create jobs, alleviate poverty, and generate prosperity across the continent.

Africa has a solid foundation to support the case for improving aviation’s contribution to its development. Pre-Covid aviation supported 7.7mn jobs and $63bn in economic activity in Africa. Projections are for demand to triple over the next two decades.

In Africa, IATA has identified six critical focus areas that will make a positive difference for the continent’s aviation in particular and economy in general.

“The limiting factors on Africa’s aviation sector are fixable. The potential for growth is clear. And the economic boost that a more successful African aviation sector will deliver has been witnessed in many economies already. With Focus Africa, stakeholders are uniting to deliver on six critical focus areas that will make a positive difference. We will measure success and need to hold each other accountable for the results,” noted Willie Walsh, IATA director general.

Undoubtedly, Africa continues the path to recovery from the Covid-19 crisis. Air cargo is 31.4% over 2019 levels and air travel is 93% of 2019 levels. Full recovery for air travel is expected in 2024.

Source: Gulf-times

Togo’s ASKY Adds Nairobi Boeing 737 Flights

ASKY has added Nairobi, its latest destination after Luanda. Both routes are brand-new. ASKY overnights its entire fleet at outstations, and Nairobi and Luanda are no exception.

ASKY Airlines is not a big operator. According to ch-aviation, the Togo-based strategic partner of Ethiopian Airlines has just 12 aircraft: eight Boeing 737-800s and four 737-700s. Two used MAX 8s are reportedly coming. Despite the small fleet, ASKY is a highly coordinated hub and spoke airline, serving 27 destinations from its Lomé hub this August-October.

Jambo, Nairobi!

ASKY will inaugurate Lomé to Nairobi on October 1st. The Kenyan capital will be served three weekly non-stop in both directions using the two-class, 154-seat 737-800. Entirely timed to connect behind and beyond Lomé, Lagos and Accra will be especially well demanded for transit passengers.

Some 2,517 miles (4,050 km) apart, the new route is scheduled as follows:

  • Lomé to Nairobi: KP78, 12:40-21:25 (5h 45m)
  • Nairobi to Lomé: KP79, 09:05-11:40 (5h 35m)

Interestingly, when writing on August 12th, Nairobi passengers cannot connect to Ethiopian’s non-stop services from Lomé to Newark or Washington Dulles. (JFK has reverted to operating via Abidjan.) For now, flying via Addis Ababa is seemingly the only way with Ethiopian, with (funnily enough) Nairobi-Addis-Lomé-Newark/Dulles available.

It follows Luanda launch

ASKY began Luanda on August 2nd. Served three weekly, the 1,322-mile (2,128 km) route to the Angolan capital is, like Nairobi, non-stop in both directions using the 737-800. Alas, the inbound flight reportedly only had 55 passengers.

  • Lomé to Luanda: KP76 14:25-19:00
  • Luanda to Lomé: KP77, 08:00-10:35

Hang on: why remain overnight?

You might wonder why the operating aircraft remains overnight in Kenya and Angola. It is to drive connectivity, with ASKY’s entire fleet remaining overnight at outstations (i.e., not at Lomé). It incurs high costs from overnighting crew and conducting maintenance at destinations.

It results from only having one wave of flights a day, comprising one departure bank and one arrival bank. It means that ASKY barely uses some of its aircraft, with the implications of such low utilization clear.

The carrier generally only operates two roundtrip flights per aircraft in 24 hours, even on its shortest routes. It is almost unthinkable. However, one solution (to add a second wave) comes with various other considerations, costs, and problems.

60,000+ Luanda passengers

Like the carrier’s other routes, Nairobi and Luanda are timed for passengers to transit across West and Central Africa. Based on where they can connect, booking data shows that Luanda is a market of 60,000+ roundtrip passengers for ASKY, based on 2019, with around 165 passengers a day. Not many.

Being Africa, most people previously flew far out of their way from Luanda to West and Central Africa. Booking data indicates that most did so via Addis Ababa, Casablanca, or Johannesburg. Now there is a quicker, more logical transfer point to reach the regions.

Source: Simple Flying

Diversity ‘is key to Dubai’s all-season tourism appeal’

Dubai has evolved into an ‘all-season’ tourism destination with offerings that cater to a diverse group of travellers even during summer months, says a senior official.

Having welcomed a record 8.55 million international visitors from January to June 2023, a top official says the city’s appeal as a tourism destination is strong even in the summer months.

Dubai is riding on a wave of diversity to strengthen its appeal as an all-season tourist spot, including the summer months, Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), told Khaleej Times in an interview.

He said the city’s multifaceted character appeals to tourists with various preferences and means.

“Dubai’s rich offering makes even luxury travel affordable, with a host of options for budget-conscious travellers ranging from discounted stays at luxury hotels to fine dining experiences.

“In fact, Dubai provides mid-range hotels that match the service and amenities of many prominent full-service hotels around the globe, further enhancing the destination’s appeal for those in search of value for money during their stay, without compromising on the quality of the overall experience,” said Kazim.

The first half of 2023 marked the industry’s best ever first half performance.

“People are drawn to Dubai due to a combination of its unique and cosmopolitan lifestyle, its high level of safety, the ease of access to the city, doing business and navigating daily life in Dubai, and the city’s commitment to security, both in terms of personal safety and financial stability,” said Kazim.

As a summer destination, the emirate offers leisure options from culture and cuisine to entertainment, beach activities and family-oriented experiences.

“During the summer months, the focus of tourism shifts towards indoor and water-centric attractions, the city’s climate-controlled landmarks, and numerous malls. Families can enjoy activities such as indoor theme parks, while waterparks and water-sports offer refreshing aquatic fun. Additionally, the exciting culinary journey across a multitude of restaurants in the city enhances the experience,” Dubai tourism body’s CEO said.

The city’s ‘kids go free’ campaign has garnered “significant attention” from families and children.

Source: TradeArabia News Service