Beyond the Headlines: Delving Deeper into the Kenya-Jordan Tourism Partnership

The news of a strengthening tourism partnership between Kenya and Jordan, marked by the high-level visit of Jordanian Minister of Tourism Makram Mustafa Queisi, presents an exciting opportunity for both nations. Here’s a deeper dive into the key points and potential implications:

Strategic Collaboration: The presence of prominent figures like Kenyan Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua and Jordanian Minister Queisi underscores the strategic importance placed on this partnership. It signifies a shared vision for leveraging each other’s strengths to enhance the tourism experience for both countries.

Shared Prosperity: The emphasis on “mutual growth” and “enriching experiences” suggests a collaborative approach that benefits both tourism industries. This could involve joint marketing campaigns, exchange programs for tourism professionals, and development of multi-destination itineraries combining the unique offerings of both nations.

Cultural Tapestry: Sharing “cultural treasures” opens doors for deeper cultural exchange and understanding. Imagine Kenyan tourists immersing themselves in the ancient wonders of Petra, while Jordanian visitors get a taste of vibrant Maasai traditions. This cross-cultural exposure can broaden perspectives and foster respect for diverse ways of life.

Nature’s Canvas: Both Kenya and Jordan boast breathtaking natural landscapes. Kenya’s savannas teeming with wildlife and Jordan’s dramatic Wadi Rum desert offer contrasting yet equally captivating experiences. Exchanging expertise in conservation and sustainable tourism practices can benefit both countries’ natural treasures.

Bridging Continents: Tourism serves as a bridge between people and nations. This partnership has the potential to promote global understanding and appreciation for different cultures and environments. It can foster connections between individuals, creating lasting memories and friendships beyond borders.

Looking Ahead: While specific details of the partnership are yet to be unveiled, the potential for positive impact is undeniable. Increased tourist flow, knowledge exchange, and cultural understanding can all contribute to the economic and social well-being of both Kenya and Jordan.

 Source: Vipasho   

Celebrating Collaboration: KATA’s Perspective on the Visit of Jordanian Minister of Tourism

Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) warmly received a special invitation to a dinner in honor of the official visit by Jordanian Minister of Tourism, Makram Mustafa Queisi. Among the esteemed attendees were Dr. Joseph Kithitu, Chairperson of KATA, and CEO Nicanor Sabula, alongside John Chirchir, CEO of Kenya Tourism Board (KTB).

The visit of Jordanian Minister of Tourism presents an exciting opportunity for both Kenya and Jordan. The emphasis on “mutual growth” and “enriching experiences” suggests a collaborative approach that benefits both tourism industries. This could involve joint marketing campaigns, exchange programs for tourism professionals, and the development of multi-destination itineraries combining the unique offerings of both nations.

At its core, tourism serves as a bridge between people and nations. This partnership has the potential to promote global understanding and appreciation for different cultures and environments. By fostering connections between individuals, it creates lasting memories and friendships beyond borders. KATA is committed to ensuring mutual collaboration between Kenya and Jordan, facilitating seamless travel policies and enhancing the partnership between the two nations.

In celebrating this collaboration, KATA looks forward to the shared prosperity and cultural exchange that will enrich the travel experiences of visitors from both Kenya and Jordan.

Join us in Discovering the Beauty, Culture, and History of Ethiopia.

Ethiopia’s rich history is on full display during “Tir”,(“Tir” is the fifth month in the Ethiopian Calendar, which similarly hits upon January in the Gregorian Month.) with traditional weddings taking place throughout the month. Harvesting festivities abound, and horse riders flourish in their displays of skill. The diverse regions of Ethiopia each contribute their unique cultural elements – from the densely forested West to the shining camels of the East, the South resonates with the melodic songs of elephants, and the Northern mountains echo with tales of times past. The sun graces the land from dawn to dusk, illuminating the landscapes that are teeming with life. The coffee fields are abuzz with activity as farmers diligently pick the beans, a testament to Ethiopia’s status as the birthplace of coffee.

The water towers of Ethiopia proudly stand as symbols of the country’s strength and resilience, their significance deeply ingrained in the nation’s history. Ethiopia, often called as the Land of Origins, welcomes you to explore its wonders, where every cup of coffee brewed holds the timeless story of the boy Kalid.

ET-Holidays, your guide on this enchanting journey through Ethiopia, is excitingly inviting all nature lovers with a special flight package and arrangements. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the magic that Tir 2016 has to offer. Pack your bags, and let Ethiopia unfold its wonders before you.

For more information ,please contact Ethiopian Holiday Team or Nairobi office on the below address.

Website:  https://www.ethiopianholidays.com

Email : nbocto@ethiopianairlines.com/nbosr@ethiopianairlines.com

Tel: 0701 223970/ 0723 786649 / 0701223493

Dubai Is Officially Over The Pandemic, Tourism Hits New Record.

Dubai saw 17 million visitors in 2023, the emirate’s best-ever year for tourism and the first year ahead of pre-pandemic numbers. The news was shared in a brief tweet by the city’s crown prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed.

The prince wrote: “The city is at the forefront of the global tourism sector, with one of the world’s highest hotel occupancy rates.”

Before Covid-19 struck, the emirate had set out to reach 20 million travelers by 2020, and it managed to hit 16.73 million for 2019. We don’t yet have a set goal for tourism in 2024.

In 2023, occupancy levels averaged 77.4% for the year across Dubai’s 800-plus hotels and 150,000 rooms. Further information such as source markets, average rooms rates and revenues are yet to be released by Dubai Tourism.

The most up-to-date data we have on source markets goes up to October 2023 but the rest of the year is likely to have followed similar trends. India was the top source market with 1.9 million visitors at that time, followed by the UK with 954,000 and nearby Saudi Arabia with 930,000.

In the first half of this year, it was Russia boosting Dubai’s tourism sector.

2024 Goals for Dubai Tourism

Dubai Tourism CEO Issam Kazim said in December that the emirate would look to improve its marketing around affordability this year.

Speaking at the Skift Global Forum East 2023, Kazim said: “Affordability comes hand in hand with supply. The perception people have of Dubai is because of specific properties and specific districts. Those are the usual suspects. But you can find amazing affordable options in Dubai.”

He said their lack of recognition is a marketing issue.

“We need people to realize all the supply beyond the usual suspects. It’s a marketing issue, it’s a communication issue.”

Kazim added that Dubai as a destination has matured, moving away from building superlative mega-structures for the sake of image, and more towards becoming a place tourists would want to one day live.

He said: “We created landmark projects. Those got us attention. Once we had the spotlight, we began to showcase the beauty here. There are 200 nationalities here, that’s the true magic of the city.”

“People want to raise their kids here, they want to become global citizens. People don’t become “Dubians,” they retain their culture and they become global citizens. This is a multinational city.”

Source: Skift.

No need to travel abroad as Kenya launches new initiatives to attract tourists.

As part of this visionary endeavor, the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), the country’s marketing agency, revealed that its target is boosting tourist arrivals from West Africa by promoting business and leisure travel.

Acting KTB Chief Executive Officer John Chirchir emphasized the significance of this “West Africa Roadshow” program during a meeting marking the beginning of a series of roadshows in Nigeria and Ghana.

Chirchir highlighted the integral role of the West African market in the strategy to attract tourists, with Nigeria (6%) and Ghana (48%) showing the biggest improvements among Kenya’s potential markets in tourist arrivals in 2023.

With ambitious aspirations, KTB and Kenya Airways are leading over 15 travel trade companies for in-market activations scheduled for Feb. 5-9 in various cities of Nigeria and Ghana, expecting to attract over 400 trade partners.

Chirchir also expressed optimism that the Kenyan traders would engage in business meetings and direct interactions with potential travelers from Lagos, Abuja, and Accra.

He noted that regular flights between African cities, ease in travel restrictions, and the Electronic Travel Authorization will make it easier for visitors to access Kenya.

Speaking passionately during the meeting, Consaga Khisa, chairperson of the West Africa Roadshow, underscored the rationale behind prioritising domestic travel and the importance of partnerships between KTB and the private sector in improving tourism arrivals in Kenya.

“The roadshows will provide an opportunity for the Kenyan trade to engage with about 400 West African travel agents and tour operators, showcase products and service offerings, and forge new partnerships to drive growth,” Khisa said.

Reports from Kenya’s Tourism Research Institute showed that arrivals from Africa accounted for 651,152 visitors, or 40.7 per cent, of total arrivals from January to October 2023. In the competitive landscape of African tourism, neighbouring countries like Rwanda, Benin, The Gambia, and Seychelles have eliminated all visa requirements for African travellers to attract visitors.

 Source: Business Insider.

Kenya has what it takes to become a top medical tourism destination.

Kenya’s healthcare presents a paradox. There is a steady exodus for specialised treatments abroad, at the same time there is an influx of patients seeking Kenya’s specialised skills from the region.

A total of 569 patients were sent abroad for specialised care between 2021 and 2022, with India accounting for most of these referrals. In particular, 462 referrals or four out of every five patients, went to India, accounting for an outstanding 81.2 percent. Singapore, South Africa, and Israel are other markets where Kenyans sought specialised treatment.

The most common treatment sought abroad was open heart surgery (71 patients), followed by stem cell replacements (44) and bone marrow transplants (29). Other notable treatments were kidney transplants (11), liver transplants (21), radiotherapy (26), and arterial switch operations (20). Notably, 19 patients sought medical evaluation for wellness, diagnosis and alternative treatment options, and 17 travelled for chemotherapy.

The wide range of treatments sought highlights the equally diverse needs of people travelling abroad for medical care. Reasons advanced for India as a preferred destination for medical referrals include its perceived professional medical care at more affordable prices when compared to other markets.

While Kenyans seek advanced treatments overseas, Kenya paradoxically enjoys a strong reputation among its East African neighbours, attracting referrals from Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and Ethiopia. Additionally, its expertise draws patients from further afield, with referrals from Nigeria and even the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the Ministry of Health, Kenya gets 3,000 to 5,000 medical tourists from other African countries.

Patients from these countries sought specialised treatment from both public and private hospitals. The Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), for example, received 250 patients from neighbouring countries seeking specialised treatment. Many others were treated in various public and private health facilities.

This demonstrates that Kenya can position itself as a leading regional medical tourism destination in East Africa and beyond, attracting patients from around the world and stimulating growth across multiple sectors. In addition to helping the healthcare sector, the ensuing economic growth would empower communities, generate new employment opportunities, and advance Kenya’s overall development.

The private sector will also play a key role in investing in advancing medical tourism in the country.

As we navigate through 2024, let us accelerate plans for a thriving medical tourism market in Kenya. If successful, a thriving medical tourism market would uplift lives and livelihoods.

Dr Kariuki is the KPMDC CEO.

Source: PD.

Diversity, authenticity, value for money: Report reinforces Dubai’s position as a global gastronomy hub.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: A new report released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has underlined the city’s growing status as a leading destination in the global culinary landscape, with a 61 per cent surge in the amount residents are dining out, and a strong increase in satisfaction with the food scene’s value for money among international visitors.

The second annual Dubai Gastronomy Industry Report was shared with key stakeholders from across the gastronomy ecosystem – including restaurateurs, hoteliers, and key industry specialists. The report supports the industry by providing statistics and trends that both recognise progress and identify key growth areas for the coming year.

Dubai’s gastronomy excellence aligns seamlessly with the city’s broader economic vision outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033 (D33), which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy in the decade up to 2033 and solidify its position among the world’s top three cities for business and leisure. The findings of the report also reflect wider recognition of the city’s gastronomic landscape, with accolades including two restaurants being named in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, 15 in the MENA 50 Best Restaurants and the inclusion of 90 Dubai restaurants in the MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2023, up from 69 in the previous year’s edition.

With Dubai’s dynamic ecosystem currently boasting more than 13,000 restaurants and cafés, key takeaways from the report, which feature surveys of both residents and international visitors, include:

Growing enthusiasm for Dubai’s culinary ecosystem, with 69 per cent of UAE residents rating the city as the world’s leading gastronomy hub;

Dubai scoring second overall worldwide in terms of Restaurant Density;

A 61 per cent year-on-year increase in the average number of dining out occasions compared to 2022, up from 1.8 times per week to 2.9 times per week;

A substantial increase in the proportion of international visitors satisfied with Dubai’s value for money when dining out, up from 54 per cent in 2022 to 66 per cent in 2023;

Dubai Marina, Oud Metha and Downtown Dubai scoring best among Dubai’s dining destinations.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) commented: “As Dubai continues to build on its reputation as a world-class gastronomic destination, there are immense opportunities waiting to be harnessed for progressive and innovative stakeholders. This report explores the vibrant culinary tapestry of Dubai and provides first-hand insights into the city’s remarkable gastronomic journey. The rapid expansion of the industry, and the global recognition it has earned, is a clear indication that the emirate’s gastronomic evolution is not just a trend, but a cultural phenomenon underpinned by the myriad of cuisines and flavours drawn from the cultures of over 200 nationalities that call the city their home.

“We would like to express our gratitude to all those who contribute to shaping the Dubai dining scene – their passion and dedication have been instrumental in making Dubai a global gastronomic hub.”

The report also highlights the significance of three of Dubai’s most popular restaurants attaining MICHELIN green stars, evidencing the city’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, with future plans to further align with UAE Net Zero 2050, the national campaign to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Looking ahead, the 11th annual Dubai Food Festival (DFF) is scheduled to take place from 19 April to 12 May. DFF 2024 will showcase the city’s ever-evolving culinary prowess, as well as the richness, diversity, and innovation of Dubai’s culinary scene through an enhanced lineup of events and activities. The festival will celebrate locally originated concepts, and Emirati and international cuisines, while highlighting Dubai’s capacity to respond to worldwide trends. DFF 2024 will also recognise the contributions of chefs, culinary trailblazers, gourmet influencers, and tastemakers who consistently inspire Dubai’s culinary landscape.

The Dubai Gastronomy Industry Report is produced by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) in line with Dubai’s objective to further its position as a global gastronomy hub. It delivers a calendar of culinary events that highlight the city’s year-round abundance of diverse, authentic, value-based, and experiential culinary experiences.

 Source: Zawya.  

Kenya Elected to Chair UNWTO For Three Years.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 25- Kenya has been elected to chair the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness, solidifying its position as a leader in the global tourism industry.

The announcement was made at the first meeting of the committee held at the UNWTO headquarters in Madrid, Spain.

The Ministry of Tourism said that Kenya won the position after two rounds of voting, defeating strong bids from Thailand and Malta.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua termed the election an historic moment for the country as it puts Kenya in a position of decision making in matters that affect tourism across the globe.

“This vote demonstrates the confidence that UNWTO member states have in Kenya’s leadership and ability to steer the organization’s agenda on tourism competitiveness,” Mutua said.

He added that tourism is a key pillar of the Kenyan economy, noting that chairing the committee would allow synergy with other UNWTO members in shaping policy, building partnerships, and promoting best practices in tourism.

“We shall champion initiatives that will help in the creation of jobs, protecting of the planet as well as driving inclusive growth that can be felt and be impactful within communities,” he added.

UNWTO Executive Director, Special Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Zoritsa Urosevic congratulated Kenya on securing the chair position acknowledging Kenya’s achievements in the tourism sector.

She expressed confidence in the country’s ability to lead the Committee effectively.

“I commend Kenya for its commitment to sustainable tourism development. As one of the important tourism economies in Africa, Kenya will bring valuable experience and expertise that will lead the Committee’s work in enhancing competitiveness and responsible tourism across UNWTO member countries,” Urosevic said.

The Tourism Ministry had appointed Wausi Walya, Public Relations and Corporate Communications Manager at the Kenya Tourism Board to lead the pitch for Kenya as the designated technical officer and appointed focal person for the technical committee by the Ministry. 

Kenya’s successful bid was anchored on its tourism competitiveness pillars such as destination marketing, diversified tourism offerings, sustainable tourism practices, cultural and natural heritage, training, and skills development programs as well as innovations and technology among other strengths.

The country’s infrastructural development strides in areas of roads, airports and hospitality facilities were also highlighted as key enablers which have unlocked growth potential for the sector.

The UNWTO Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness acts as a platform for cooperation between Member States to enhance the competitiveness of their offering, promote innovation, and ensure the sustainable growth of tourism worldwide.

Kenya takes over the chairmanship for three years and will hold the position between 2024 and 2027.

Source: Capital Fm.

Reduce airfares to boost regional tourism, Kenya and Uganda told.

The Kenyan and Ugandan governments have been urged to cut travel barriers, especially air transport, to boost tourism of the two nations.

Uganda Consul General to Kenya Paul Mukumbya said there are a lot of improvements in travel policies between the two countries.

“Right now, a Kenyan can travel to Uganda using a national identity card and a Ugandan can travel to Kenya on just a national ID. That is a very good policy that facilitates travel between the two countries,” he said.

However, despite having the existing policy documents, Mukumbya said there are still a few challenges, especially the cost of air travel.

“You can imagine it is cheaper to travel from Mombasa or Entebbe to Dubai than to travel from Uganda to Kenya, and that is why the two governments need to do more in terms of reduction on taxes on air travel,” he said.

The consul said making regional travel operate like domestic flights will cut cost and grow the number of regional tourists.

Mukumbya said people need to begin looking at air travel not as a luxury, but as a necessity.

“The two governments need to work towards making air travel much more affordable. This will facilitate much more travel within the region,” he said.

This came after the Kenya Coast tourism stakeholders formed an initiative to work with their counterparts in Uganda to improve the sector.

Partnership between the two nations started in 2022 when the first Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference and Fam Trip took place in Mombasa. Mukumbya said the Kenyan Coast has a number of tourism products, including beaches, Fort Jesus, Vasco Da Gama Pillar in Malindi, and others not found in Uganda.

In Uganda, he said, they have completely different products, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and adventure tourism in River Nile.

“We also have the Kampala nightlife, a very interesting product because we are the capital city of nightlife in East Africa, if not in Africa. The products are different and that is why we can work together to promote these products because they can complement one another,” he said.

Mukumbya said Kenya is Uganda’s number one source market for tourists and more Ugandans visit Kenya because it is the number two Kenya’s source market for tourists after the US.

The partnership also intends to give an opportunity to international tourists visiting the two nations to explore and have the experience of the products from both sides on the same itinerary.

“The East African Community has been talking about promoting East Africa as a single tourist destination, but for us, we are going ahead now to practically promote Uganda and Kenya as one tourism destination. And this, we think, is working because there is a lot of interest,” Mukumbya said.

He said they are also working with the private sector, including the Kenya Association of Tour Operators, the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers, the Kenya Coastal Tourism Association and the Kenya Association of Travel Agents.

Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers executive officer Sam Ikwaye said the partnership is important because travel is changing and their over-reliance on the international market is good, but diversification is better.

“It is easier to do business with your neighbour because it will be stronger. Previously, we have suffered travel advisories because of insecurities and turmoil, but if we are trading and exporting so much to Uganda who rely on us for many economic issues, why not add tourism to that bouquet? That is what we are trying to do out of this arrangement,” he said. Ikwaye urged the two governments to give the business community a favourable environment.

“At times, we have seen rivalry that is not meaningful, Kenyan food stopped. Ugandan and Kenyan drivers are not allowed to go to Uganda or Tanzania. Those bilateral and diplomatic challenges or hindrances need to be addressed so we are able to allow business to thrive and so that people benefit when the economy of these regions do well,” he said. Ikwaye said there is so much to benefit than to lose when there i He said Uganda and Rwanda are emerging destinations.

“Uganda and Rwanda are emerging destinations and they are learning from us. They are even benchmarking with us and they are likely to do something even better,” Ikwaye said.

“We have been struggling in Kenya to get incentives and if you look at tax regimes, they do not support business in this country.”

 He said Uganda is investing heavily in infrastructure leading to all the attraction sites and making it accessible and supportive to the tourist industry.s cooperation.

“Uganda has stakeholders that are working together. In Kenya, we have a fragmented approach where you find we have countless associations, each one of them pulling in a different direction.”

Source: The Star.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasizes the role of tourism in Dubai’s economic growth.

DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today visited One&Only One Za’abeel, the first vertical urban resort in Dubai.

During the visit, His Highness highlighted the pivotal role of the tourism sector in Dubai’s economic expansion. He noted the significant growth of the sector in recent years, driven by an increasing number of visitors. Strong partnerships between public and private sectors have been key to Dubai’s success in delivering exceptional tourism services and facilities, he said.

Dubai is shaping a bright future brimming with new possibilities, with initiatives and projects that are opening new horizons of growth, excellence and innovation, His Highness noted. The emirate has charted a unique path for sustainable development with a strong focus on creating an exceptional environment for investors worldwide to harness the vast opportunities emerging from the emirate’s rise as a leading global business and tourist destination. Dubai is expanding its world-class infrastructure to realise the vast growth promise of its various sectors, including tourism. His Highness stated that these efforts are accelerating efforts to achieve the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to make the city one of the world’s top three urban economies.

Accompanying His Highness Sheikh Mohammed during the visit were H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; and Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Managing Director, Investment Corporation of Dubai.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was briefed about One&Only One Za’abeel, the first vertical urban resort in Dubai developed by Kerzner International. The latest addition to Dubai’s hospitality offerings features 229 opulent hotel rooms and suites distributed across 15 floors, as well as diverse services and an array of exceptional dining options crafted by a distinguished team of world-class chefs. The resort also has sports facilities and an infinity pool, the longest in Dubai, stretching 120 metres and soaring 100 metres above ground level.

The opening of the urban resort in early January comes at a time when the emirate’s tourism industry is experiencing significant growth, providing visitors with a wide range of choices. Recent statistics from the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai reveal that by the end of November 2023, the city had a total of 149,680 hotel rooms in 820 establishments. This marks a significant rise from the 145,000 hotel rooms in 794 establishments recorded at the end of November 2022.

Source: Zawya.