On Friday, May 30, 2025, the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) hosted a Gala Dinner and Accreditation Award Ceremony at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort in Mombasa, honouring top tourism enterprises within Kenya’s Coastal Circuit for their outstanding service, professionalism, and compliance.
The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) was represented at the prestigious event by Coast Executive Officer Joan Wande, who joined government officials and industry leaders in recognizing the efforts of accredited tourism operators.
KATA extended its heartfelt congratulations to all the award recipients and commended TRA for organizing an impactful event that reinforces the importance of quality assurance in tourism.
The association reiterated its commitment to working closely with TRA and other stakeholders to raise service standards, support sustainable tourism, and strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness as a world-class destination.
Earlier the same day in Nairobi, KATA members, including Moses Ochieng of Vista Voyage Travel, paid a courtesy call to Uganda’s High Commissioner to Kenya, H.E. Ambassador Paul Mukumbya.
The visit focused on reviewing progress since last year’s successful Kenya-Uganda Familiarization Trip and exploring further collaboration in regional tourism promotion and training. KATA continues to reaffirm its commitment to cross-border partnerships that elevate professional standards and enhance East Africa’s tourism competitiveness.
With just two weeks to go, anticipation is building for the Kenya Association of Travel Agents’ (KATA) 45th Annual Convention, set to take place from June 26 to 28, 2025, at the PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa. This event is one of the most awaited gatherings on Kenya’s travel and tourism calendar, and this year promises to be bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever.
Themed “Going Further, Together,” the convention will bring together over 350 delegates from across Kenya and beyond. This marks a notable increase from last year’s attendance and reflects growing confidence in the industry’s future. Attendees will include travel agents, airline representatives, tourism suppliers, government officials, and international stakeholders united by a shared commitment to advancing Kenya’s travel sector.
KATA Chairman Dr. Joseph Kithitu and CEO Nicanor Sabula emphasized the importance of the gathering, noting that the convention serves as a dynamic platform for conversations that shape the future of the travel value chain. Sabula described the event as not only a professional milestone but a celebration of the travel industry’s resilience and potential, with the Kenyan coast as its perfect backdrop.
KATA Chairman Dr. Joseph KithituKATA CEO Nicanor Sabula
The event’s program will feature insightful panels, keynote addresses, and targeted networking sessions. Discussions will cover topics such as regional connectivity, sustainable tourism, the digital evolution of travel, and the policy shifts impacting the sector. An exhibition area has also been included this year, offering a stage for travel technology providers and tourism innovators to showcase solutions that are redefining the travel experience.
Exhibition, Panel discussion and Networking Moments captured in 2024 AGM
Adding to the excitement are two signature evening events. On June 27, delegates will gather for the KTB Magical Kenya Dinner, with a dress code inspired by the Kenyan flag. The following night, the Cultural Gala Dinner will spotlight Swahili heritage and traditions, with guests encouraged to wear Swahili Kanga attire in celebration of coastal culture.
The convention will also highlight KATA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, which have become a powerful example of sustainable tourism in action. Earlier this year, KATA spearheaded a successful mangrove restoration exercise along Tudor Creek in Mikindani, Mombasa, where more than 1,000 mangrove seedlings were planted in partnership with local community members and key tourism stakeholders.
KATA Coast Members and Local Community at a past CSR Activity
Speaking at the event, KATA CEO Nicanor Sabula stressed the vital connection between tourism and the environment, noting that the health of the environment directly impacts the industry’s growth and sustainability. He reaffirmed KATA’s commitment to environmental conservation, announcing that the association aims to plant over 20,000 mangrove trees in the next two years.
During the upcoming convention, KATA will continue to raise awareness and funds for its CSR programs through raffle ticket sales. These proceeds will go directly toward expanding similar projects and ensuring that travel and tourism growth is anchored in environmental and social responsibility.
As the countdown to June 26 continues, the travel industry is abuzz with anticipation. The KATA Annual Convention is more than an event, it is a movement, a space for inspiration, action, and connection. All eyes now turn to Mombasa, where the future of travel in Kenya will once again take center stage.
For more details on KATA AGM & Convention, visit the KATA website here.
In an exciting development for travellers, Tanzanian regional airline Flightlink has unveiled a new direct flight route from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Zanzibar, effective 1st July 2025. The move marks a bold step in expanding regional air connectivity and offers a much-anticipated link between Kenya’s bustling capital and Tanzania’s idyllic spice island.
Whether you are a local resident seeking a seamless weekend getaway or an international visitor looking to pair a Nairobi safari with a beachside escape, Flightlink’s new route brings Zanzibar within easy reach. With daily departures and well-timed flight schedules, travellers can now transition effortlessly from cityscape to seascape.
From JKIA to Paradise
This new service is set to redefine regional travel convenience. By operating out of JKIA — Kenya’s busiest international hub, Flightlink ensures that passengers arriving from Europe, Asia, and the Americas can connect directly to Zanzibar without the need for complex domestic transfers.
Flightlink’s Captain Afzal Kermeli with KATA CEO Nicanor Sabula
“Zanzibar is a dream destination, and now it’s just a short, direct flight away from Nairobi,” said Captain Afzal Kermeli from Flightlink. “We’re excited to give Kenyan travellers and international visitors alike a faster, easier, and more comfortable way to experience the magic of Tanzania’s coast.”
The JKIA-Zanzibar flights will be operated using modern ATR 72-500 aircraft, offering a smooth and spacious travel experience. Each passenger will enjoy a generous 23kg baggage allowance, perfect for both vacationers and business travellers. Flightlink’s regional booking systems are also tailored to support travel agents and tour operators in planning seamless East African itineraries.
A Gateway to More Adventures
This expansion into Kenya marks a milestone for Flightlink, a carrier with over 20 years of experience across Tanzanian skies. The airline is best known for its connectivity to Serengeti, Dar es Salaam, and Arusha, and now, with Nairobi added to its network, Flightlink is making cross-border travel simpler and smarter.
In addition to the Nairobi–Zanzibar route, Flightlink will also launch flights between Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and Arusha. This second route is designed to serve safari-goers, offering early morning departures and return flights that align with popular tour schedules.
As demand for intra-African travel continues to rise, Flightlink’s new routes signal a growing commitment to unlocking regional tourism potential and making East Africa more accessible than ever.
Bookings Now Open
Travellers and agents can book flights or learn more at www.flightlink.co.tz or book with their KATA certified Agent Here. Trade partners interested in collaboration opportunities may contact the Kenya office via marketing.kenya@flightlink.co.tz.
According to Emirates Group’s dnata Travel – the travel division of the air services company – Eid Al Adha bookings are up 15 per cent compared to last year, reflecting a strong appetite for outbound travel during key public holidays. It added that travel demand during the Eid break is 30 per cent higher than regular periods.
Top destinations among UAE travellers this Eid include Turkey, Thailand and Japan, according to Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure at dnata Travel. “Eid continues to be one of the busiest travel periods in the UAE, and this year is no exception. We’re seeing consistent year-on-year growth, driven by travellers who are increasingly strategic about planning their holidays,” said Meerah.
Short-haul travel
Meerah also said the most booked destinations include Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Azerbaijan, all reachable within a four- to six-hour flight from the UAE.
“The data shows a clear preference for short-haul travel during Eid, with most trips averaging around four days,” she said.
“Travellers are being intentional – choosing destinations that offer convenience and value now while planning longer, more in-depth holidays for the summer season from July onward,” Meerah stated.
Some long-haul travel
While short-haul escapes remain the most popular, dnata also said there is strong demand for longer-haul destinations such as Italy, France and Spain in the West, Thailand and Japan in the East.
Trip duration trends show that travellers book around four days for nearby getaways and up to six days for more distant holidays, depending on the destination.
Last-minute deals
dnata Travel said they’ve launched a range of curated Eid holiday packages that combine value and flexibility for families, couples, and solo travellers alike to cater to the high demand. Travellers are encouraged to book early, as limited availability and rising demand are expected to drive bookings over the coming days.
Here are a few deals:
Sri Lanka from Dh2,730 per person – return airfare, 3-night stay at Avani Kalutara Resort with daily breakfast
Thailand from Dh2,810 per person – return airfare, 3-night stay at Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi with daily breakfast
Turkey from Dh2,990 per person – return airfare, 3-night stay at Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus with daily breakfast
Maldives from Dh4,090 per person – return airfare, 3-night stay at Kuramathi Maldives with daily breakfast and return speedboat transfers
Mauritius from Dh6,270 per person – return airfare, 3-night stay at The Westin Mauritius Turtle Bay Resort and Spa with daily breakfast and dinner
Kenya Airways (KQ, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta) plans to invest in mid-life fleet upgrades and fuel-efficiency retrofits while expanding its cargo operations following a financial turnaround in the 2024 financial year, according to acting chief financial officer Mary Mwenga.
Rather than chase expensive fleet renewals, Kenya Airways is opting for fiscal prudence, she explained in an interview with Nairobi-based business news provider Soko Directory. It will also be looking for more flexible lease terms that align with seasonal demand.
“It’s about matching capacity to market reality,” she said. “We’ve become very deliberate in how we structure our operations – the goal is agility without overexposure.”
According to the ch-aviation Commercial Aviation Aircraft Data module, the operating leases of at least four of Kenya Airways’ fleet of nine leased B737-800s are ending in 2026, three more in 2027, one in 2028, and one in 2030. In its widebody fleet, three of its nine B787-8s are leased, with the contracts of two expiring in 2027.
Currently, four of the airline’s Boeing aircraft remain in maintenance, three B787-8s and one B737. The airline has blamed a shortage of maintenance slots and supply chain shortages affecting the availability of engines and spare parts.
The regional fleet of E190s is being phased out, with nine of the 15 of them AOG at present.
Positive shift
The national carrier posted an after-tax profit of KES5.4 billion shillings (USD41.8 million) in the 2024 fiscal year, reversing a loss of KES22.6 billion (USD175 million) the year before. The profit marks a 124% improvement and signals a shift driven by its multi-year restructuring plan, labelled Project Kifaru.
The airline saw total revenue grow 6% to KES188 billion (USD1.45 billion), driven by a 4% rise in passenger traffic and a 25% jump in cargo tonnage. Mwenga said Kenya Airways aims to capitalise on this cargo momentum, especially in high-margin segments like perishables.
“This wasn’t luck. It was strategy, discipline, and execution,” she commented. “Project Kifaru has guided us through cost discipline, smarter route planning, digitisation, and operational sustainability. FY24 is the first real glimpse of its impact.”
She said that operational efficiencies, digital transformations, and strategic alliances – particularly with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines – have underpinned the turnaround. Maintenance and catering costs declined as the airline embraced strategic outsourcing and artificial intelligence-powered systems.
Kenya Airways has also strengthened its balance sheet by reducing debt, improving its debt-to-equity ratio through positive cash flow and renegotiating foreign debt terms. Revenue growth in cargo and pro-active forex and fuel hedging have helped mitigate currency risks and stabilise cash flow. “This year, our fuel hedging strategies saved us millions, and our working capital management ensured we didn’t need to go hunting for liquidity,” she disclosed.
Looking forward, she said that Kenya Airways plans to deepen its cargo strategy, expand AI-driven route planning, and pursue flexible leasing arrangements tailored to seasonal demand.
Planning a summer trip to Europe? If Germany’s your gateway, there’s a big visa rule change coming.
From July 1, travellers applying for a Schengen visa through Germany will no longer be able to appeal if their application is rejected. That’s because Germany’s Federal Foreign Office is scrapping the remonstration process worldwide – a procedure that previously let rejected applicants ask for a second look.
What’s changing?
Until now, anyone whose visa was denied could submit a free written appeal within 30 days – known as a remonstration. But following a successful trial run last year, German authorities are now ending this system permanently.
Instead of appealing, rejected applicants will now need to submit a brand-new visa application if they want to try again.
Why the change?
According to German officials, the goal is to speed up visa processing times and improve efficiency. By removing the remonstration stage, visa staff have been able to focus on handling new applications – resulting in faster turnaround and more approvals overall.
What does this mean for travellers?
If you’re applying through a German consulate after July 1, it’s more important than ever to get your application right the first time. Missing documents or unclear travel plans could mean starting the process from scratch.
But there are still options.
Travellers can apply for a Schengen visa through any member country – not just Germany – as long as they meet the rules: typically, that means entering through or spending the most time in the country you apply through.
Reminder: What is a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa allows non-EU citizens to travel freely for up to 90 days in a 180-day period across the Schengen Area, which includes 27 European countries such as Germany, France, Italy and Spain.
Final boarding call for appeals
Germany’s visa shift might be a change in routine, but it’s not a dead end for travellers. Just make sure your documents are in order and plan ahead – especially if Germany is your chosen gateway to Europe.
It’s out with the old red tape, and in with a fresh stamp of approval – if you play your paperwork right. The question is: will other EU countries start adopting similar policies?
ASKY Airlines Kenya has announced a transformative partnership with the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), aimed at increasing women’s participation in the aviation industry across the continent. The partnership was unveiled as part of ASKY’s 15th anniversary celebrations, marking the occasion with a legacy initiative that seeks to empower the next generation of female aviators, engineers, and industry leaders.
Despite significant growth in the global aviation industry, women remain drastically underrepresented, particularly in technical and leadership roles. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), women make up just 4.1% of pilots, less than 3% of aircraft maintenance engineers, and under 10% of airline executives in Africa.
“Through this partnership, we aim to change that narrative by addressing the structural and cultural barriers that limit women’s access to careers in aviation,” said a spokesperson for ASKY Airlines Kenya. “This is not just a corporate social responsibility effort — it’s an investment in the future of the industry.”
The ASKY–FAWE partnership focuses on five strategic objectives designed to foster gender inclusion and build capacity for women in aviation-related fields, particularly aeronautics:
Promoting Gender Inclusion: The program will spotlight success stories of women in aviation while identifying and addressing the barriers they face, from gender bias to limited access to technical education.
Mentorship Initiatives: Female students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses in Sub-Saharan Africa will be connected with established professionals in aviation, opening doors to guidance, networks, and career pathways.
Policy Advocacy: The partnership will facilitate dialogue with governments, industry regulators, and educational stakeholders to develop policies that create a more inclusive aviation ecosystem.
Capacity Building: FAWE and ASKY will work closely with universities, aviation schools, and technical training institutions to support curriculum development and access for female learners.
Industry Collaboration: By encouraging partnerships among airlines, aerospace manufacturers, and aviation institutions, the initiative seeks to create more internships, scholarships, and job placements for women.
This alliance is seen as a game-changer for aviation in Africa, offering an unprecedented platform to engage stakeholders across the education and aviation sectors in a unified push for gender parity.
FAWE Executive Director, Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo, emphasized the importance of the initiative: “For Africa to truly unlock its economic potential, we must ensure that women are fully included in high-growth sectors like aviation. This partnership with ASKY Airlines allows us to drive structural change through education, mentorship, and opportunity.”
As ASKY Airlines celebrates 15 years of excellence in connecting Africa, this initiative will serve as a cornerstone for the airline’s enduring impact, one that not only opens the skies to more African women but also redefines what inclusive growth in the aviation sector can look like.
The first phase of the program is expected to launch later this year, with pilot activities in Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, and Togo, key markets in ASKY’s pan-African network.
The Karibu-KiliFair 2025, East Africa’s largest tourism fair, is set to take place from June 6–8 at the Prisons Grounds in Arusha Region, bringing together tourism stakeholders from across the globe to showcase Tanzania as a premier destination for both leisure and business travel.
Briefing the media over the weekend, Managing Director of KiliFair Promotions Mr Dominic Shoo, described the Karibu-KiliFair (KKF) as East Africa’s flagship tourism expo, born from the merger of two major tourism fairs in Tanzania.
This year’s event is expected to host over 500 exhibitors from 13 countries, more than 800 registered travel agents from 40+ countries and attract approximately 15,000 tourism and travel enthusiasts.
“Karibu-KiliFair is once again the undisputed largest and most important tourism expo in Sub-Saharan Africa,” said Mr Shoo.
“Our theme, ‘Where Business Meets Wildlife’, continues to set us apart globally. Tanzania remains a top MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) destination, one of the few places where business events seamlessly blend with iconic wildlife experiences.”
He said that the fair consistently delivers a powerful marketing platform not only for Arusha and Kilimanjaro but for Tanzania as a whole.
Co-Managing Director Mr Tom Kunkler praised the Tanzanian government, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, for prioritising the tourism sector through the development of new attractions, national parks and investor incentives.
He said that Tanzania remains a globally recognised destination for nature-based tourism, a highly competitive market segment in East Africa. Representing the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), Principal Conservation Officer – Tourism, Ms Eunice Msangi, applauded KiliFair Promotions for its commitment to promoting Tanzania’s tourism sector.
“We invite all stakeholders and members of the public to attend Karibu-KiliFair 2025 to learn more about conservation and tourism. TANAPA will be there to showcase our national parks, share investment opportunities and provide detailed information about all protected areas,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of CRDB Bank, Mr Emmanuel Kafui, Zonal Business Manager for the Northern Zone, reiterated the bank’s support for the tourism sector.
“As tourism continues to grow rapidly, CRDB Bank is committed to supporting clients in the sector,” he said.
“We offer tent loans for accommodation facilities ranging from 1m/- to 500m/-, with no collateral required.”
The Kenya Embassy in Southeast Asia has issued a new travel advisory with important updates for Kenyan citizens planning to visit the Royal Kingdom of Cambodia.
The advisory, announced on May 29 by the embassy in Bangkok, explains new entry protocols that encourage Kenyans across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam, to take note of the changes.
According to information from the Royal Government of Cambodia, the country has lifted all COVID-19-related health restrictions for travellers.“We write to convey the following information from the Royal Cambodia Government on travellers to the Kingdom of Cambodia;
“All health requirements related to COVID-19, including testing, quarantine, and other associated measures have been vacated,” the notice indicated.
This means that incoming visitors will no longer be required to undergo testing, quarantine, or comply with any other pandemic-related health measures.
Update on Visa application through the Embassy
Additionally, Kenyans travelling to Cambodia have been advised to apply for their visas through the government’s official online e-Visa platform at https://www.evisa.gov.kh.
Further, travellers can now complete Cambodia’s e-arrival card either before departure or upon arrival at any international border checkpoint within the country.
According to the embassy, the digitised form helps speed up immigration procedures and enhances traveller convenience.
“Travellers may conveniently apply for a visa to enter the Kingdom of Cambodia through the online e-Visa system of the government at https://www.evisa.gov.kh.
“Travellers may complete the e-arrival card either prior to or upon arrival at an international border checkpoint of Cambodia,” added the notice.
Moreover, the Kenyan Embassy in Bangkok has encouraged all Kenyan nationals in the region to familiarise themselves with the new updates and share the information with fellow travellers.
“The Embassy requests that the information be shared with all Kenyans in Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam for reference in case you are travelling to Cambodia,” stated the embassy.
US New Visa Regulations
The US is among the latest countries to enforce new visa rules affecting Kenyans.
The American government has stepped up its screening of visa applicants by checking social media posts for any content that criticises the United States or Israel.
This move, ordered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aims to prevent certain students, including Kenyans, from entering the country.
The directive specifically targets students who previously held visas between October 7, 2023, and August 31, 2024, and those whose visas have been revoked during this period.
Travel agents and tourism professionals from across Kenya converged at the Sarova Panafric Hotel for the two-day renowned Nairobi Spotlight Event, a key gathering that has been instrumental in fostering connections across the travel industry since its inception in 2005. Among the attendees were Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) members from the Coast and Kisumu regions, who joined their Nairobi counterparts for a day filled with meaningful engagements and market insights.
The event brought together a diverse network of travel and tourism stakeholders, including travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, hotels, and global travel brands, all united by a common goal – to strengthen business ties and explore emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving travel landscape.
Launch of 2025 Nairobi Spotlight at Sarova Panafric
KATA Chairman, Dr. Joseph Kithitu, lauded the efforts of event founder Derek Houston and his dedicated team, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to keeping the Spotlight platform alive and impactful over the past two decades.
Derek Houston
“For 20 years, this event has provided a valuable bridge between international travel brands and the Kenyan travel trade,” Dr. Kithitu said in his remarks. “As we work toward rebuilding and expanding travel, such engagements reaffirm the strength, unity, and resilience of our industry.”
KATA Exhibiting at Nairobi Spotlight
The Nairobi Spotlight Event is part of a larger regional initiative that seeks to connect African travel agents with global tourism suppliers through a series of B2B networking events held in major cities. Attendees at the Nairobi edition had the opportunity to interact with representatives from leading destinations, hotel groups, airline partners, and travel tech companies.
KATA Members
For KATA members, particularly those who travelled from outside the capital, the event was a chance not only to strengthen their professional networks but also to engage with international partners and gain insights into new travel products and services.
“KATA is proud to see our members actively participating in platforms that shape the future of travel,” said KATA Coast region Director, Patrick Kamanga. “This kind of interaction enhances knowledge sharing, fosters innovation, and positions Kenyan travel agents as strategic partners in the global tourism value chain.”
As the travel industry continues to recover and adapt to changing consumer trends and global demands, events like the Nairobi Spotlight serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration, innovation, and continued dialogue within the sector.
With a renewed sense of optimism and a growing focus on regional and international partnerships, the Kenyan travel trade community left the event energized and ready to build on the connections made, a testament to the enduring value of the Spotlight series in shaping the future of tourism in the region.
