Dubai Calendar kicks off 2024 with an eclectic line up of activities across the entire city.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai Calendar, the official listing platform for events in the city, is providing Dubai residents and tourists with a plethora of things to do to kickstart 2024, across live music, entertainment, community, and sports.

Key events in January include the ever-popular Quoz Arts Festival, the annual Dubai Desert Classic, Michael McIntyre’s comedy performance and a much-anticipated return to the Emirates from superstar, Ed Sheeran.

Here are Dubai Calendar’s top picks of upcoming and ongoing events this January:

COMMUNITY AND CULTURE

Dubai Shopping Festival will continue until 14 January, providing retail lovers with an array of deals, fun and surprises across malls and shopping destinations in Dubai.

The much-loved Quoz Arts Fest will make its return delighting creative enthusiasts at Alserkal Avenue from 27-28 January marking its 11th edition. Packed with curated workshops, exhibitions, and live musical performances – Quoz Arts Fest has all ages covered with an array of activities targeted at children, as well as four-legged friends with the event billed as dog-friendly.

Celebrate the world of literature at the annual Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the region’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word. Set to take place from 31 January to 6 February at the Intercontinental Dubai Festival City, book lovers of all ages can connect with their favourite authors, partake in literary debates, and join engaging workshops.

SPORTS FOR ALL

Dubai Marathon 2024, one of the region’s biggest annual athletic events, will take place on 7 January offering a run with a view as participants pass landmarks including Madinat Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab. With two options depending on skill level between 42km, 10km or a family-friendly 4km, participants are encouraged to sign up in advance for the landmark event.

Golf fans unite as the legendary World No. 2, Rory Mcllory, is set to showcase his skills on the greens at Dubai Creek Resort from 11-14 January for Dubai Invitational. With more than 60 professionals playing with 60 amateur golfers to win incredible prizes, spectators should keep their eyes peeled for other top players, business leaders and celebrities.

The Sevens Stadium is gearing up to host the HSBC Sevens Challenger Series from 12-14 January, welcoming rugby players from across the globe to compete to win a spot in the coveted HSBC SVNS Series.

Rory Mcllroy will make his second Dubai based golfing appearance for 2024 at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, where he makes his bid to become the first four-time winner of the event. A packed line up with World Top 20 players including Tommy Fleetwood and Tyrell Hatton among other stars, the series will run alongside a host of family-friendly activities as well as an array of food trucks at the prestigious Majlis Course in Emirates Golf Club.

The 21 January is ideal for those looking to tick off a bucket list style run with the Burj2Burj which marks its inaugural edition and welcomes runners to race the 21.1km from Burj Al Arab to Burj Khalifa.

The inaugural Dubai Challenge Cup 2024 will see Wuhan Three Towns, Al-Ahli Saudi, Zamalek, and Raja Club Athletic compete in ‘The Challenge of Champions’ event at Al Maktoum Stadium from 26-28 January. The hotly anticipated football event will see stars including Roberto Firmino, Allan Saint-Maximin, Ahmed Abou El Fotouhm Shikabala and play in the tournament.

Hankook 24H, the grueling endurance race and the second largest 24-hour race grid in the world, will see petrolheads gather at Dubai Autodrome from 27-28 January. With a packed bill of international drivers, the event will see premium brands including Porsche, Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz compete to take the coveted chequered flag.

ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENTS ACROSS THE CITY

Tunes DXB celebrates local and regional talent at key destinations across Dubai including Al Khawaneej Walk, Al Seef, Box Park, Bluewaters, Dubai Festival City Mall, Last Exit Al Khawaneej and DxBike, located next to Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City and more from 5-14 January. Inclusive of rock, pop and Bollywood – Tunes DXB has events for all music tastes.

Cinephiles can rejoice at the Al Marmoom: Film in the Desert Festival held by Dubai Culture for its third edition from 12-21 January at Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve. The 10-day film event will provide a platform for works from regional and local directors, as well as an array of family-friendly activities.

Kids hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite PAW Patrol characters can head to Festival Bay at Dubai Festival City Mall for PAW Patrol Fest from 12-28 January for a show inspired by the popular series.

Enjoy a captivating performance from Arabic hitmaker, Majed Al Mohandis who will be performing at Coca-Cola Arena on 12 January with his setlist set to include crowd favourites such as Ana Wayyak, Ensaa and Eateni Waqtan.

Following a sold-out tour across the world, Michael McIntyre, the brilliant British comic is set to have audiences roaring at Coca Cola Arena on 13 January. Expected to sell out, fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early to avoid disappointment.

K-pop music continues to take over the world with their latest event in Dubai set to bring music lovers together for the night at Coca-Cola Arena for KPOP OVERDOSE. Electrifying performances can be expected from a trio of superstars – Chanyeol, Xiumin and Chen on 14 January.

Ed Sheeran, the English singer, songwriter is gearing up to make his return to Dubai for two nights at The Sevens Stadium as part of his ‘+ – = ÷ x’ Mathematics Tour. With the second night of his show sold out already, fans can still purchase tickets for his performance on 19 January.

Take a nostalgic trip back to the 90s with Saudi Arabian icon, Khalid Abdelrahman on 19 January for an electrifying night of Arabic classics including Ahat, Sarihini and Tedhkar at the Coca-Cola Arena.

Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi is set to blow audiences away with performances at Dubai Opera from 19-21 January. With the legendary pianist selling out of the venue four times, fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Billed as the one of the world’s most beloved children’s stories, Le Petit Prince will ensue at Dubai Opera from 25-28 January. Based around a pilot who meets a young boy from another planet, the performance is packed with music and dance in stunning staging.

Marvel Universe is a phenomenon that has popularity across the entire globe – fans are set to come together for a one-of-a-kind show at Coca-Cola Arena from 25 January – 4 February. Expect favourite characters including Iron Man, Black Panther, Spider Man and more who will transport guests to another dimension with an immersive video projection, and special effects.

Head to Bla Bla Dubai to enjoy live performances from pop rock group, OneRepublic, on 25 January as part of their Artificial Paradise world tour. Fans can expect top songs including Counting Stars, Apologise and I Lived as part of the set.

Enjoy the cooler climes in January and head to Expo City for Break The Block, a union of incredible musicians including a DJ set by Nightmares on Wax, Shadi Megallaa and more on 26 January.

Dubai Calendar allows residents and tourists to discover upcoming events and purchase tickets quickly and securely through Dubai Calendar’s website and the mobile application’s purchasing platform. For more information about all events taking place across Dubai, please visit:  www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-events-calendar.

About Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)

With the ultimate vision of making Dubai the world’s leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy and consolidate its position among the top three global cities over the next decade.

Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai’s diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle and outstanding quality of life, overall.

DET is the principal authority for planning, supervising, developing and marketing Dubai’s business and tourism sectors. It is also responsible for licensing and classifying all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. The DET portfolio includes Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), Dubai Business Licence Corporation (DBLC), Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), Dubai SME, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT).

Source: Zawya.  

Experts Forecast: African Tourism Priorities for 2024

As we bid farewell to 2023 with a symphony of fireworks and festive revelry, the spotlight shines on tourism, proving that it’s not just an industry but a resilient force on the rise.

In 2023, the tourism industry witnessed remarkable growth. Globally, it showcased an impressive resurgence, reclaiming 90 percent of pre-Covid levels by the year’s end.

Also, at the global level, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) opened new offices in Africa and the Americas, apart from the ones opened earlier in Saudi Arabia and in Nara, Japan.

On the African continent, tourism gained momentum in 2023, especially with more countries set to adopt visa-free model for other Africans as championed by Rwanda. With its landmark visa announcement for travellers in 2023, Kenya is free to all Africans from this January, Malawi is in the pipeline, Ghana and South Africa have also removed visa barriers to grow tourism and trade.

In 2024, more countries are expected to follow the positive trend to boost seamless and borderless Africa.

The visa-free African move probably impacted the Africa Visa Openness Report 2023. The report, published by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Union, revealed some laudable policies with more countries opening doors to more Africans.

It highlighted fruitful efforts made at eliminating the hassle of travelling for Africans and thereby enabling the “Africa we Want Agenda”.

Again, African Tourism, for the first time, witnessed the rise of women Ministers of Tourism. Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Sierra Leone all have women Ministers of Tourism. The trend is expected to continue in 2024. But as has been the case in all spheres, resolutions will be the talking point as we plan for the year.

As a public-private venture, we solicited the opinions of experts, policy leaders, and media about how Africa’s tourism sector should take in 2024.

Vera Kamtukule- Malawi’s Minister of Tourism

Malawi’s Tourism industry has had yet another resilient year in 2023. Coming back from the devastating effects of the cyclone Freddy and other economic challenges. Inspite of it all, the sector continued on a steady path and registered a number of achievements that we are proud of. The September Tourism month saw some entities raising their occupancy rates from as low as 30% to as high as 90%. The greatest achievement in the year was therefore the renewed drive on domestic tourism. As we look forward with optimism to 2024; our main areas of focus will remain product development and destination marketing. The 20 year Tourism Investment Master plan will be in its third year in 2024 and we are hopeful that at least 3 projects therein will kick off as we continue in our quest to get as many investors as possible.

Folorunsho Coker, Director General- Nigerian Tourism Development Authority

The growth of Nigerian and African Tourism will be in 2024 Pan African. We must do so much more together with the limited available resources. We only see a little of 5% of the $8 trillion income, others share 95%, whereas we represent 51 countries out of a total of 152 countries in the global tourism economies. There is neither room for politics in Tourism nor Tourism in politics. The Corporate Governance, Human Resources and Infrastructure Development, Events marketing and Single digit funding in a new Tourism Development bank must be our priority. We must open up African Skies and boarders.

Mohammed Hersi- Chairman Diani Hospitality Owners Association, Kenya

We are bullish in Kenya and the region on matters tourism. The abolition of Visa is one major move that is bound to make traveling to Kenya very easy including for our African neighbors as we strive to grow the number from our fellow African countries.

Jon Howell, CEO AviaDev Africa

Sustainable tourism development in Africa is inextricably linked with improving intra-African connectivity. 2023 saw many new regional routes and partnerships and I anticipate more in 2024.

Yoadan Tilahun, CEO, Flawless Events- Ethiopia

I believe Rwanda will continue to dominate as the preferred destination for the events and meetings sector for international organizers. I continue to be surprised by how hard it is to get around the continent so countries who prioritize ease of entry and invest in the right event properties will win in the long run.

Kwakye Donkor CEO, African Tourism Partners

It’s been an incredible year for Africa’s Tourism sector with great wins for visa facilitation in Africa which is expected to give impetus to the intra Africa travels. Nonetheless, as we welcome 2024 with optimism, we need more collaborative efforts to walk the talk in tourism, while carrying the youth along. We need to make intra-African travels, seamless connectivity and borderless Africa a reality.

Nic Sabula – CEO, Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA)

Travel and Tourism in Africa will fully recover to the precovid levels in 2024. Statistics at the close of 2023 are showing an industry that is headed to a full recovery. I am very optimistic that barring any unforeseen eventuality, 2024 numbers will exceed 2019 levels marking an earlier recovery compared to the predicted 2025. Africa is open for business.

Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, CEO, Kaya Management Services, Ghana

“In 2024, Africa’s tourism promises a vibrant tapestry of cultural immersion and breathtaking landscapes. The continent beckons travelers with untold adventures, showcasing its rich heritage and natural wonders. As industry insiders, we anticipate a surge in sustainable tourism, forging a path that harmonizes exploration with conservation for a truly transformative experience.”

Adele Mackenzie, Editor, Tourism Update

There is a clear, strong demand for tourism to Africa from all corners of the globe. If we can increase continental collaboration and align policies we can address barriers to tourism such as visas and increased regional and international air access – including lowering pricing around flights, I believe Africa will not only see great post-COVID recovery but growth beyond the 2019 numbers.

George Ayisi- Head of Sales, Labadi Beach Hotel, Ghana

It has been a great year eventhough we are still in a recovery mood and that is a testament that the market is responding to the demands of this industry. Going forward, I expect that there will be enhanced airlift in Africa and seamless Visa facilitation for a robust growth in the tourism sector.

Lily Ajarova, CEO- Uganda Tourism Board

I believe to a large extent tourism and travel have recovered from the effect of covid 19. There are new trends set that require a lot of innovation and sustainable practices. Uganda is set and working hard to align its tourism offerings to the trends. Important too is improving domestic and regional tourism.

Mike Tavares, CEO, Ojimah

The end of the year is the perfect time to reflect and dream big for the year ahead. May 2024 be an opportunity for African Tourism to start things afresh, choose a more sustainable path forward, understand the need for more perspectives and diversity and lastly, an opportunity to embrace the rebirth of the Tourism era in the continent.

Lebawit Lily Girma, Founder, TourismLens.com

My sense is that 2024 will be a year of growth and opportunity for African tourism. There’s a fresh wave of excitement about experiencing the continent, from western source markets as well as from within the region as more visa restrictions are lifted. Morocco, Egypt and Rwanda are already on luxury travelers’ radars and likely to benefit, but for destinations that heavily rely on safaris there’s an opportunity to tie in major urban cultural events — amid a rise in solo and multigenerational trips — for a more diverse, sustainable tourism offering that travelers are increasingly seeking. Of course there will be challenges, such as air connectivity/cost, and tourists looking more closely than ever at destination safety and regional stability.

Uche Amoge, CCTV Africa

“We will never see a year like 2023 again, it redefined political landscapes in Africa mostly for bad. “Nigeria in particular will suffer the ambush by political contractors for a long time and Africa weeps for her giant”

Andrew kitema

Managing Co-owner – African Adventure Specialists

Visitors from around the world will no longer require a Visa to enter Kenya from January 2024. This was announced by president Ruto on 12 December 2023. This is a bold move from which it will not only see arrivals into Kenya spiral up but also inject the much-needed foreign exchange into the economy.

Manteh Bugunde, The Daily Mail

“Uganda is about losing its position as the Pearl of Africa because of crude oil discovery. It shouldn’t kill tourism, rather learn sustainability from Saudi Arabia and UAE. Tourism is gold”.

Gabe Onah, Chairman, Cross River Carnival Commission

“We have sustained the economy of the state with tourism. Tourism can do more for us if we invest more in it, encourage locals to buy into it, offer tourists opportunity to relax and invest back into our environment”.

Obinna Emelike,

Assistant Editor, Business Day

With Rwanda taking the lead in borderless Africa with its visa-free policy, Kenya joining from this 2024 and Malawi coming up with its ‘Golden Visa’ initiative, I see more African countries offering Visa free to other Africans. This is a starting point to seamless movement, boost to intra-African travels and economic growth. But gaints such as Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt are still shying away from the noble initiative.

Kingsley Uranta

Assistant General Manager- Channels TV,Nigeria

In 2024, I envision Africa’s tourism flourishing as a beacon of original beauty. With strategic development, cutting-edge technology, and powerful marketing, we will unveil the continent’s hidden gems. Embracing its rich culture and warm hospitality, Africa will stand as the last frontier for unparalleled, awe-inspiring experiences, captivating the world.”

Source: Voyages Afriq

First Batch of Foreigners Under Visa-Free Policy Land At JKIA.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 5 – The first batch of foreigners on Electronic Travel Authorization under visa-free policy in Kenya have landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. According to Immigrations Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, over 5,000 ETA applications have been received. In the meantime, the government has made some amendments to the Citizen and Immigration Regulation, 2023, to support the implementation of a visa-free regime.

In a special Gazette notice issued by Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, the word ‘Visa’ has been replaced with an ‘Electronic Travel Authorization’.An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system will be established to facilitate pre-screening of all travelers intending to enter the country. “Each person intending to travel into the country shall apply to the Director for Electronic Travel Authorization through the electronic portal and be in possession of the Authorization before embarkment,” the Gazette notice reads.

“An application under sub-regulation (1) shall be in Form 22 as set out in the First Schedule and shall include biographical information, travel itinerary and any other information relating to the application that the Director may require.” Carriers arriving in Kenya will not be allowed to onboard a passenger who does not have a valid ETA. “Subject to regulation 16 B (3), any carrier or agent in command who contravenes regulation 16 C shall be liable to pay an administrative penalty of Ten Thousand United States Dollars,” it added.

President William Ruto, during the 60th Jamhuri Day Celebration in December last month, announced that the country will adopt a free-visa regime for all international visitors starting January 1, 2024. “It is with great pleasure, as President of this extraordinary country, to make a historic announcement of the decision of the Government of Kenya. Kenya will be a visa-free country,” Ruto said earlier.

Source: Capital Fm

Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorization goes live.

Kenya’s new Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system has been launched following President William Ruto’s directive that the nation will grant visa-free access to travelers from all countries from January.

On January 4, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority said all travellers to the country (apart from citizens of East Africa Community partner states) must now have an eTA before being allowed to enter.

The eTA falls under proposed amendments to The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act.

On the website www.etakenya.go.ke, the listed application requirements for all travellers are:

  • Valid passport for at least six months after the planned date of arrival into Kenya with at least one blank page.
  • Selfie or passport-type photo.
  • Contact information, email address and phone number.
  • Details of arrival and departure itinerary.
  • Accommodation booking confirmation.
  • Credit card, debit card, Apple pay or other means of payment.
  • All travellers also need to pay a US$30 processing fee.

Additional requirements based on residence, citizenship, travel history and purpose of visit may be required for some travellers. These include an overview of financial assets, flight tickets or medical information.   

Business visitors will require an invitation letter and copy of company registration, while family visits require an invitation letter and ID, passport or entry permit of the family member being visited.

The standard processing time is three working days, although this will vary depending on the type of eTA and country of citizenship. “Applicants wishing a faster turnaround should apply for premium service,” according to the website.

 Source: Tourism Update.

Embracing Sustainable Practices in the Hospitality Industry in Africa

The hospitality industry in Africa is experiencing a shift towards sustainability, driven by a growing awareness of environmental conservation and responsible tourism. Countries in Africa are investing more in sustainable hospitality practices to preserve their natural resources and attract conscientious travelers. This shift is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the long-term success of the industry.

Several African countries have made significant strides in integrating sustainable practices into their hospitality industry. For example, Kenya has been a pioneer in sustainable tourism with eco-lodges like Segera Retreat in Laikipia, which combines luxury with conservation efforts, and the Fairmont Mara Safari Club that employs solar power and rainwater harvesting. Tanzania is also making progress with properties like the Mantis Nungwi Resort in Zanzibar, which focuses on sustainable seafood and community engagement. Moreover, Mozambique has seen the rise of eco-friendly resorts such as Guludo Beach Lodge, which supports local communities and wildlife conservation.

These examples highlight the diverse approaches to sustainability within the African hospitality industry. The concept of sustainable tourism goes beyond environmental conservation and extends to the socio-economic development of local communities. Many African hotels and lodges prioritize hiring locally, supporting local businesses, and engaging in community projects to ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably.

Furthermore, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has been instrumental in promoting sustainable growth and development in the travel and tourism industry across Africa. The organization works with governments, businesses, and other stakeholders to advocate for sustainable practices and policies that support the industry’s long-term viability.

In addition to environmental and socio-economic aspects, sustainability in the hospitality industry also encompasses cultural preservation. Many African destinations and accommodations are embracing and promoting local traditions and heritage, offering authentic experiences to visitors while preserving the cultural identity of the communities.

As the demand for sustainable travel experiences continues to rise globally, African countries are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. By investing in sustainable hospitality practices, African destinations can differentiate themselves in the competitive tourism market, appeal to environmentally conscious travelers, and safeguard their natural and cultural assets for future generations.

In conclusion, the hospitality industry in Africa is undergoing a transformation towards sustainability, with a focus on environmental conservation, community empowerment, and cultural preservation. The integration of sustainable practices not only benefits the environment and local communities but also enhances the overall appeal of African destinations to conscientious travelers. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential for stakeholders to collaborate and prioritize sustainability to ensure a thriving and responsible tourism sector in Africa.

Source: Tourism News Africa.

Kenya Tourism Board Targets African American Tourists.

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is actively reaching out to African American travelers, aiming to provide them with immersive cultural experiences and adventure.

The Ag CEO of KTB, John Chirchir, highlighted Kenya’s unique appeal as a destination that combines cultural richness with biodiversity.

Chirchir expressed his enthusiasm about including the African American segment which represents 13% of the US population and ranks as Kenya’s third-best performing tourism market.

According to Chirchir, KTB’s goal is to “capture their interest, encouraging them to establish not only a connection with their African heritage but also with Kenya’s prominent role in global conservation efforts.”

During a recent familiarization tour, travel advisors and influencers explored Nairobi, the Maasai Mara, and the Kenyan coast, gaining destination knowledge, and providing valuable marketing insights.

Personalities like Gbenga Akinnagbe, Angelique Miles, Bevy Smith, and Iesha Reed participated in the week-long trip, leveraging their influence to reshape perceptions about Kenya and Africa.

Chirchir emphasized the importance of using influencers to present a diverse and rich image of Kenya, countering stereotypes perpetuated by foreign media.

According to KTB, Kenya aims to showcase its cultural wealth to a broader audience by using cultural festivals aligning with the preferences of culturally inclined global travelers.

Source: Citizen Digital

Travel & Tourism to Kenya: World Tourism Network Speaks Out

Beginning January 1, 2024, travelers entering Kenya won’t require a visa, according to a Tuesday announcement from Kenya’s President William Ruto.

Kenya Visa Policy to become a new global trend.

With this move Kenya is taking a lead in the world, what the World Tourism Network sees as an emerging trend that should be advocated and supported by the global travel and tourism industry.

According to Ruto, Kenyan authorities have created a digital platform that guarantees every guest will obtain an electronic travel permit before arriving, obviating the necessity for a visa application.

“It will no longer be required for anyone, anywhere in the world, to bear the burden of obtaining a visa to visit Kenya,” he declared during a celebration honoring the nation’s 60th anniversary of breaking away from the United Kingdom.

Travel without Visa

Ruto has made a strong case for travel without a visa. He declared in late October that Kenya, the fourth nation on the continent, will provide visa-free entrance to all citizens of Africa by the end of 2023.

Following Minister of Tourism and Wildlife Alfred Mutua’s announcement in November at the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit in Rwanda that Kenya was considering doing away with visa requirements for travelers from outside of Africa, the country has decided to grant all visitors visa-free travel entrance.

Kenya’s Secretary of Tourism

Hon. Alfred Mutua may soon become a tourism hero like Kenya’s former Minister Najib Balala when he was honored as a hero by WTN at the World Travel Market London in 2021.

Kenya Secretary of Tourism Alfred Mutua had a successful career in the media and public relations. He is best known for his role as a television news anchor and journalist, working for Kenya Television Network (KTN) and later Citizen TV. His media career helped him gain recognition and popularity before he ventured into politics.

For many years a fellow African Country, Seychelles had kept up the concept of visa-free entry for all. Former minister St. Ange always said his country was welcoming to everyone and was an enemy with no country.

Kenya is setting a positive global example able to welcome visitors without putting stumbling blocks up. This will be an economic opportunity only a few countries in the world had so far.

World Tourism Network comments

World Tourism Network chairman Juergen Steinmetz said: “Congratulations Kenya for this move. It’s an eye-opener not only for Kenya but for every country to take a good look at.

In a digital world of AI, countries should be able to balance security concerns with fast electronic research data, to make tourism more accessible to anyone.

Apply for a Kenya e-visa.

The procedure of application has now been modified and simplified to a user-friendly mode that takes three simple steps. The E-Visa portal now has its dedicated website: www.evisa.go.ke. Visa approval is being done real time.

Source: Eturbo News

Less than one week to go for the second edition of Skift Global Forum East and annual Dubai Tourism Summit

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: — The countdown is on to the second edition of Skift Global Forum East (SGFE). The leading travel conference of Skift, and the annual Dubai Tourism Summit organized by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), will be held at Atlantis the Royal from 12-14 December 2023. The three-part event will also feature DET’s bi-annual ‘City Briefing’ for industry stakeholders.

The Skift Global Forum East, the MENA extension of the renowned Skift Global Forum, promises to deliver incisive and inspiring insights into the future of the travel industry, exploring key innovations in marketing, strategy, and technology. The Dubai Tourism Summit, the world-class thought leadership program launched by DET during the inaugural Skift Global Forum East last year, is a networking platform for industry stakeholders to share their ideas, strategies, and best practices. The ‘City Briefing’ event brings together DET’s stakeholders and partners from across the aviation, travel, hospitality, and retail sectors to discuss the latest developments and future outlook for the industry.

Skift Global Forum East 2023 is set to attract an influential assembly of travel and tourism leaders, including CEOs, change makers, thought leaders and innovators from renowned influencers in global travel including Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Airports, Google, Global Hotel Alliance, Accor, Emirates, Emaar Hospitality Group and more.

Key discussion topics will include the future of travel, air capacity challenges, the post-pandemic Chinese travelers, filmmaking to market destinations and how AI is shaping the future of travel, with a particular focus on the dynamic Middle East region. The Forum will also enable pertinent conversations around global consumer shifts, how destinations can build capacity and expand hospitality, the future of demographics, sustainability, and macroeconomic trends impacting the industry.

The forum kicks off with an opening night reception on 12 December 2023 at Cloud 22, Atlantis the Royal, providing attendees with an evening of networking and hospitality, allowing them to connect with like-minded industry leaders.

Source: Zawya

Global tourism is set to end 2023 with a bang.

International tourism is on track to recover to almost 90% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said.

According to the latest data from the UNWTO, an estimated 975 million tourists travelled internationally between January and September 2023, an increase of 38% on the same months in 2022.

The newest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer also shows:

World destinations welcomed 22% more international tourists in the third quarter of 2023 compared with the same period last year, reflecting a strong Northern hemisphere summer season.

International tourist arrivals hit 91% of pre-pandemic levels in the third quarter, reaching 92% in July, the best month so far since the start of pandemic.

Overall, tourism recovered to 87% of pre-pandemic levels in January-September 2023. That puts the sector on course to recover almost 90% by the end of the year.

International tourism receipts could reach US$1.4 trillion in 2023, about 93% of the US$1.5 trillion earned by destinations in 2019.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The latest UNWTO data shows that international tourism has almost completely recovered from the unprecedented crisis of COVID-19, with many destinations reaching or even exceeding pre-pandemic arrivals and receipts. This is critical for destinations, businesses, and communities where the sector is a major lifeline.”

The Middle East, Europe, and Africa lead recovery

The Middle East continues to lead the recovery by regions in relative terms, with arrivals 20% above pre-pandemic levels in the nine months through September 2023. The Middle East remains the only world region to surpass 2019 levels in this period. Visa facilitation measures, the development of new destinations, investments in new tourism-related projects and the hosting of large events, help underpin this remarkable performance.

Europe, the world’s largest destination region, welcomed 550 million international tourists over the period, 56% of the global total. That represents 94% of pre-pandemic levels. The rebound was supported by robust intra-regional demand as well as strong demand from the US.

Africa recovered 92% of pre-pandemic visitors in this nine-month period, and arrivals in the Americas reached 88% of 2019 numbers over this period, as the region benefited from strong US demand to Caribbean destinations.

Asia and the Pacific reached 62% of pre-pandemic levels over this period due to slower reopening to international travel. However, performance among subregions is mixed, with South Asia recovering 95% of pre-pandemic levels but North-East Asia only about 50%.

Tourism spending is strong.

Strong demand for outbound travel was reported by several large source markets in this period, with many exceeding 2019 levels. Germany and the US spent 13% and 11% more respectively on outbound travel than in the same nine months of 2019, while Italy spent 16% more through August.

The sustained recovery is also reflected in the performance of industry indicators. Drawing on data from IATA, the UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker details a strong recovery in air passenger numbers and tourist accommodation occupancy levels.

Against this backdrop, international tourism is well on track to fully recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024 despite economic challenges such as high inflation and weaker global output, as well as important geopolitical tensions and conflicts.

Source: Tourism update

Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Morocco ranked Africa’s top tourism performers 2023.

The end of a civil war in Ethiopia, Tanzania’s president featuring in a historical tourism documentary and rising infrastructure and marketing investments in Morocco have bolstered the three countries’ tourism rankings on the continent, according to a new report.

The three countries were ranked as Africa’s top tourism performers in 2023 after exceeding their pre-pandemic arrival numbers by the highest margins.

“Africa recovered 92% of pre-crisis arrivals (in) this seven-month period, with Ethiopia, Tanzania and Morocco by far exceeding their respective pre-pandemic levels in January-July 2023,” according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Barometer.

The Barometer ranked Ethiopia as the top African Tourism performer, having exceeded its pre-pandemic visitor numbers by 28% a year after ending its civil war in the Tigray region, following a peace deal.

In June Ethiopia’s Tourism ministry announced that more than 770,000 tourists visited Ethiopia nine months after a peace agreement was signed in Pretoria to end the two-year war in the northern part of the country.

“The number of international and national tourist inflows has been increasing every quarter in this year on completion of major tourism attraction projects and work to promote Ethiopian tourism destinations worldwide,” said Ethiopia’s Minister of Tourism, Ambassador Nasise Chali.

The Ethiopian National Museum has been listed by the ministry as among the places that have experienced a high tourist flow which was also bolstered by domestic tourists. More than 8.9 million citizens have visited tourist attractions in the quarter of the year, according to the ministry.

In yet another indicator of Ethiopia’s rise to the top of the African tourism league, Ethiopian Airlines made a triumphant return to the top of the African aviation scene in October.

The largest airline in Africa reclaimed the prestigious title of ‘Africa’s Leading Airline’ at the 2023 World Travel Awards for Africa and the Indian Ocean regions at an event held in Dubai.

Ethiopian Airlines held the title for three consecutive years from 2018 before losing it to Kenya Airways in 2021.

Tanzania came second in the rankings after surpassing pre-pandemic arrival numbers by 19% on the back of increased tourism investments, including a government-produced documentary – ‘The Royal Tour’ – featuring President Samia Suluhu.

Tanzania’s National Bureau of Statistics affirmed the rise in arrival numbers with data for the period between January and August showing international visitor numbers increased by 25.7% to 1,131,286 compared to a similar period in 2022.

During the eight-month period, the majority of arrivals came from the United States of America with 84,541 visitors, followed by France (72,009), Germany (57,798), United Kingdom (51,505) and Italy (51,056).

The majority of African arrivals came from Kenya with 128,753, followed by Burundi (69,505), Zambia (38,394), Rwanda (37,269) and Uganda (28,594).

Tanzania’s role in tourism growth was recognized this October by UNWTO when the country was made a member of the organization’s council responsible for developing global tourism strategies and plans, as well as the UNWTO’s vice-chair.

Morocco was ranked third best performer, exceeding its pre-pandemic arrival numbers by 15% over the review period.

According to the tourism observatory, Morocco’s tourism sector saw a 92% increase in tourist arrivals during the first half of 2023, surpassing figures from the previous year.

Approximately 6.5 million tourists visited the country, with France and Spain leading the way with 75% and 180% increases respectively. The UK, Italy, and the US also contributed significantly to the surge.

In early March, the Moroccan Government announced plans to spend US$580 million until 2026 on marketing, developing new tourist attractions, upgrading existing hotels, building new ones, and training more people to work in the tourism sector.

The country aims to attract 17.5 million tourists by 2026, which is an increase from 11 million last year and more than 13 million visitors the country had before the pandemic.

The higher performance of these three countries made Africa among the world’s fastest recovering tourism markets, with UNWTO Barometer data recording its recovery to pre-crisis visitor levels as higher than the Americas (87%), or Asia and the Pacific (61%).

The Middle East led the recovery by region, with levels currently 20% above pre-pandemic levels, followed by Europe, which reached 94% of pre-pandemic levels.

“International tourism is well on track to fully recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024 despite economic challenges and uncertainty derived from certain geopolitical tensions and conflicts,” according to the UNWTO tourism Barometer.

According to the UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker, international air capacity and passenger demand have recovered to about 84% of pre-pandemic levels as of June 2023.

Additionally, hotel bookings have doubled in the period of January to August 2023 compared to the same period last year. In August 2023, global occupancy rates in accommodation establishments reached 70%, slightly higher than the 66% rate in August 2022.

Source: Independent