Two thirds of travellers say sustainability is key in leisure tourism decision

Egypt ranked 4th for sustainability performance compared to competing destinations, report by Bain & Company finds

The market for sustainable tourism is set to boom, with two-thirds of travellers saying sustainability is an important factor when choosing leisure holidays, a new survey showed.

The focus on green travel comes as tourism is bouncing back strongly from the coronavirus pandemic, with the sector expected to reach $17 trillion by 2027, compared with $11 trillion before the pandemic that damaged the industry, a July report by Bain & Company said.

About 64 per cent of the survey respondents said that sustainability considerations influence their choices.

The report said 66 per cent are willing to pay extra for more sustainable offerings and 57 per cent would recommend a holiday destination based on sustainability considerations.

Looking ahead, 73 per cent of consumers surveyed expect sustainability to become more important over the next five years.

“The uptake in sustainable tourism is driven by an appetite to travel sustainably and make more responsible choices,” Karim Henain, partner at Bain & Company Middle East, said.

Bain has developed a framework defining the components of sustainable tourism: environmental impact (eco-friendly transport and accommodation), social responsibility (diversity, equity, and inclusion standards), and community engagement (contract with locals), he said.

The global travel and tourism industry is facing increasing pressure from environmental campaigners to reduce its carbon emissions given concerns about the impact of billions of passengers who are expected to take to the skies in the coming years.

The Bain study aimed to better understand the behaviour and preferences of travellers interested in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) as a destination. The research covered consumers from Germany, Italy, France, the UK, Saudi Arabia and China.

The research found that there is a “significant opportunity” among the “sustainability enthusiasts” segment of travellers interested in visiting the Mena region.

Bain defined sustainability enthusiasts as those who consider sustainability “extremely important,” both in their daily life and when travelling for leisure.

Sustainability enthusiasts were found in all markets surveyed, but their demographics varied by country, the report said.

For example, those from China and Saudi Arabia were mainly highly educated millennials, whereas their European peers were almost equally spread across age groups, income and education levels.

Sustainability enthusiasts represent an important market of untapped growth for the green travel and tourism industry, according to Bain.

For example, compared to other survey respondents, they are four times more likely to consider sustainability aspects as “extremely important” when choosing a holiday destination and seven times more likely to recommend a holiday destination driven by sustainability.

They are also 1.6 times more willing to pay for more sustainable choices, at a premium of 15 to 20 percentage points compared to non-enthusiasts, the Bain study showed.

“While we recognize that there is a ‘say versus do’ gap in terms of what consumers actually choose and how much more they are willing to pay for more sustainable choices, sustainability enthusiasts remain a significant segment that countries can tackle through different sustainability offerings,” the report said.

Egypt has launched several initiatives to improve the sustainability performance of its travel and tourism sector.

The North African tourism-dependent country aims to provide continuous support to eco-certified tourism establishments and businesses, increase sectoral awareness of sustainable operations and reduce the negative impact of harmful tourism development and practices.

Overall, Greece ranked first as the holiday destination perceived to be most sustainable, while Egypt ranked fourth.

However, the perception of Egypt significantly improved among sustainability enthusiasts, who ranked it second after Greece.

“Egypt has a significant opportunity to develop its sustainable tourism industry. If developed and positioned well, this will allow Egypt to tap into new tourist segments, expand the network of promoters for tourism in Egypt, and get a higher share of wallet,” the report said.

“A concerted effort and mobilisation from all players in the tourism ecosystem in Egypt is required to capitalise on this opportunity.”

Source: The National News

DER Touristik and Lufthansa Group Partner to Expand Sustainable Aviation Fuel Usage in Tourism

In order to meet the challenges in the area of climate and environmental protection, DER Touristik and the Lufthansa Group are expanding their cooperation: As part of a strategic partnership, DER Touristik is the first major tour operator to purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from the Lufthansa Group.
This consists of biogenic residues such as used cooking oils and reduces CO₂ emissions by around 80 percent compared to conventional kerosene. With the SAF it has purchased, DER Touristik will offer its guests more climate-friendly air travel using SAF at no extra charge. The costs for the SAF are covered by the tour operator.

Specifically, DER Touristik uses the SAF purchased from the Lufthansa Group to improve the carbon footprint of selected products. These tours will be presented in the DERTOUR Magalog – a mixture of magazine and catalog – to be published in September 2023 with the title “Conscious Travel”. For example, an SAF share of 20 percent will be fed into the flight system for the Lufthansa flights of the 2024 round trips presented in the Magalog. This will reduce the passenger’s individual flight-related CO₂ emissions. These round trips include two individual DERTOUR trips to Ireland, where guests travel locally by public transportation, as well as five guided small-group trips to Albena on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, Menorca, Andalusia, Madeira, and Lisbon and Porto. By the end of 2024, selected Lufthansa Group flights booked in addition to one of the sustainably certified hotels in the new DERTOUR Magalog will also feed 20 percent SAF into the flight system at DER Touristik’s expense. In addition, REWE Reisen in Germany and Billa Reisen in Austria will each put together two more sustainable vacation offers with Lufthansa Group flights in Europe in the fall of 2023.

As part of the strategic partnership between DER Touristik and the Lufthansa Group, various other measures are also planned that will sensitize vacationers and travel agency experts to the topic of SAF and make it tangible for them, including an expert study trip to Ireland for travel agencies. Last spring, the Lufthansa Group and DER Touristik had already jointly launched more sustainable travel offers in an initial test run.

A crucial key to more sustainable flying

“We are very pleased to have DER Touristik as a cooperation partner at our side who is committed to the sustainable transformation of the travel industry, who is breaking new ground together with us and who is sensitizing its customers to forward-looking travel offers,” says Frank Naeve, Senior Vice President Global Markets & Stations Lufthansa Group. “With our airlines, we want to connect people, cultures and economies in the most sustainable way possible, reduce the environmental impact of flying and use required resources as efficiently as possible. The use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a crucial key to more sustainable flying in this regard.”

“Our goal is to make tourism more climate-friendly and reduce emissions from vacation travel. A key lever in this is flying,” explains Dr. Ingo Burmester, CEO DER Touristik Central Europe. “At the same time, we are investing in the shift toward a lower-emission airline industry with our commitment. As a tour operator and flight broker, we see it as our responsibility to get involved in this area. As an industry, we can only achieve change by joining forces and standing shoulder to shoulder with long-standing, trustworthy partners such as the Lufthansa Group.”

The Lufthansa Group has set itself ambitious climate protection goals and aims to achieve a neutral CO₂ balance by 2050. Already by 2030, the Lufthansa Group wants to halve its net CO₂ emissions compared to 2019 through reduction and compensation measures. The reduction target until 2030 was validated by the independent Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in August 2022. The Lufthansa Group was the first airline group in Europe with a science-based CO₂ reduction target in line with the goals of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. For effective climate protection, the Lufthansa Group is focusing in particular on accelerated fleet modernization, the use of SAF, the continuous optimization of flight operations, and offers for its private travelers and corporate customers to make a flight or the transport of cargo more sustainable. In addition, the Lufthansa Group has been actively supporting global climate and weather research for many years.

Source: breakingtravelnews

Hero Dubai Desert Classic achieves GEO Certified Tournament status

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has become the first golf event in the Middle East and first within the DP World Tour Rolex Series to achieve GEO Certified Tournament status, demonstrating the event’s leadership among sustainable golf events.

The distinction is awarded and assured by the international non-profit GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, and is based on the strength of commitment, breadth and depth of action, and range of tangible measured impacts across a broad sustainability agenda.

Obtaining GEO Certified status has become a notable achievement showcased by many of the world’s most renowned golf venues and events.

Commenting on the achievement, Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic said: ‘We are delighted that the Dubai Desert Classic is the first golf event in the Middle East to achieve this important distinction, and milestone. It speaks to our strong dedication to tackling priority environmental and social issues, as we strive to deliver meaningful net positive impacts through the event. With the wide reach that the tournament has, we hope this achievement will help to raise awareness and inspire other events, businesses, and individuals across the region and beyond.”

Meanwhile, Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said the Dubai Desert Classic’s certification is a laudable achievement.

‘With 2023 being the Year of Sustainability in the UAE, and as the country prepares to host COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, the Dubai Desert Classic’s certification is a laudable achievement and a meaningful step towards achieving the wider, national Net Zero objectives,” Al Khaja said.

“We congratulate them on their inspiring commitment to resource efficiency and climate action. This accomplishment sets an exceptional example of sustainable best practice within such high-profile global mass events, further reinforcing the city’s position as an international events hub in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033 launched by our visionary leadership to further consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the top three global cities.”

The criteria for the certification of tournaments spans a range of priority sustainability themes and action areas; supported by detailed best practices; which are in turn weighted and scored.

A minimum number of points are required to achieve certification. These are verified by an accredited, third party and expert verifier, who visits during event week to observe practices, projects, and other activations on site.

A verifier report is then submitted to the GEO Certification Ltd team, a subsidiary of the GEO Foundation. If the criteria are met, certification is then awarded accompanied by key Continual Improvement Points.

Meanwhile, Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said the Dubai Desert Classic’s certification is a laudable achievement.

‘With 2023 being the Year of Sustainability in the UAE, and as the country prepares to host COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, the Dubai Desert Classic’s certification is a laudable achievement and a meaningful step towards achieving the wider, national Net Zero objectives,” Al Khaja said.

“We congratulate them on their inspiring commitment to resource efficiency and climate action. This accomplishment sets an exceptional example of sustainable best practice within such high-profile global mass events, further reinforcing the city’s position as an international events hub in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033 launched by our visionary leadership to further consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the top three global cities.”

The criteria for the certification of tournaments spans a range of priority sustainability themes and action areas; supported by detailed best practices; which are in turn weighted and scored.

A minimum number of points are required to achieve certification. These are verified by an accredited, third party and expert verifier, who visits during event week to observe practices, projects, and other activations on site.

A verifier report is then submitted to the GEO Certification Ltd team, a subsidiary of the GEO Foundation. If the criteria are met, certification is then awarded accompanied by key Continual Improvement Points.

Andrew Lynch, Head of Sustainability for the European Tour group, said: ‘It is wonderful to see events across the DP World Tour schedule leaning into sustainability in this way. Making it integral to the way they are planned, staged, and promoted. It aligns fully with our own Green Drive strategy, and leadership actions we are taking across our own operations and our owned and staged events. We encourage all of our valued tournament promoters to join the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in making their tournaments a true showcase for sustainability.”

Source: khaleejtimes

Kenyans Urged to Embrace Local Tourism to Boost Revenue

Nairobi — The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is urging Kenyans to embrace domestic travel, explore new experiences, and contribute to the growth of the local tourism industry.

The call comes as the “You Deserve A Holiday” campaign has so far sold 108,963 bed nights, generating Sh1.1 billion since it was launched a year ago.

Speaking during the domestic activation drive held at Sigona Golf Club, KTB Chairperson Francis Gichaba emphasized the importance of domestic tourism in supporting local communities and economies.

He noted that while the campaign has already achieved significant milestones, there is still much potential to explore.

“We have seen communities and towns which have come up because of domestic tourism,” said Gichaba.

“This is indeed a transformative phenomenon and speaks of the potential for further growth. We are creating new destinations through the ‘You Deserve A Holiday’ campaign as we encourage Kenyans to explore their own backyard.”

Since its launch in June 2022, the “You Deserve A Holiday” campaign has successfully partnered with over 20 industry stakeholders, including tour operators, airlines, and hoteliers.

These collaborations have resulted in comprehensive travel packages designed to offer seamless experiences for domestic travellers.

The campaign aims to penetrate potential areas within the domestic market and sustain long-term demand for domestic travel through joint marketing initiatives, such as golf tour series, mall activations, corporate visits, church activations, and media promotions.

The campaign has been to various destinations in the country including Nairobi, Machakos, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret through the Magical Kenya golf Tour.

On their part, travel trade partners have shown their commitment to promoting domestic travel and enhancing the overall tourism experience.

Jambojet Ag. Head of Sales and Marketing, Cynthia Otoro expressed enthusiasm about the growing trend of local travel stating:

“It is encouraging to see that people are embracing more local travel more and more. Through this campaign, we’ve uncovered places that people have never known existed,” she said.

“We are proud to be part of the tourism and travel ecosystem as we are able to provide and give access to the hotels, tour operators, and other stakeholders involved in creating memorable travel experiences.”

The campaign is set to continue its activation drives, with upcoming events in Nyeri and Mombasa.

Source: Capital Business

Dubai’s DET hosts year’s first ‘City Briefing’, key tourism milestones highlighted

The event, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, highlighted the crucial role assigned to the city’s tourism sector in driving the success of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) held its first ‘City Briefing’ of the year on June 15.

Hosted for stakeholders and partners, the event was attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and more than 1,200 top executives from across the tourism ecosystem including aviation, travel, hospitality and retail sectors.

Attendees were given the opportunity to gain in-depth insights into the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which was launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the top three global cities.

The event, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, highlighted the crucial role assigned to the city’s tourism sector in ensuring the success of the 10-year agenda.

Highlights of DET’s briefing

In addition to the focus on the D33 Agenda, the latest data and industry outlook for 2023 and beyond were also shared by DET at the ‘City Briefing’ which was presided over by Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of DET.

Almarri said: “The Dubai Economic Agenda, D33 is a bold and ambitious plan developed under the visionary leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to create a legacy that will be celebrated by future generations, as we foster a climate of innovation, sustainability and inclusivity to pave the way for a future where Dubai stands proudly among the world’s top three premier destinations. With great optimism for 2023 and beyond, we will press on with determination and a renewed focus on delivering exceptional experiences for our visitors from around the world.”

Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, also presented an overview of the industry and shared valuable insights into visitor trends and marketing strategies to the gathering.

He stressed the importance of collaboration with stakeholders and partners to ensure Dubai remains the preferred destination for global travellers and highlighted the various global campaigns that have successfully showcased the diversity of Dubai’s offering, further reinforcing its position as a must-visit destination.

He said that DET’s continuous efforts to promote Dubai across its international markets was directly responsible for driving 57 per cent of the total visitation of 14.4 million international visitors in 2022, generating millions of prospective travellers for the future, especially an anticipated substantial increase in travellers from 2023 to 2025.

These marketing activities, he said, have further influenced 11 million individuals to plan their Dubai trips and also inspired six million people to add Dubai to their ‘bucket list’ of destinations to visit between this year and 2025.

Dubai tourism and hospitality performance showcased

Dubai’s tourism sector delivered a robust performance, for the fourth successive month this year, welcoming 6.02 million international visitors from January-April, an 18 per cent year-on-year increase, compared to 5.10 million visitors during the same four-month period in 2022.

Dubai’s hotel sector reflected an average occupancy of 80 per cent during the January-April period this year, among the highest in the world, exceeding the 76 per cent level achieved by city hotels during the corresponding period in 2022 and nearly matching the pre-pandemic 83 per cent occupancy in 2019.

According to a STR Global Hotel Monitoring Update, Dubai ranked first in occupancy, with a rate of 79.9 per cent, only 2.9 percentage points below the pre-pandemic levels of 82.7 per cent, placing it ahead of other global destinations like London, New York, Los Angeles and Paris. The report also revealed that Dubai ranked first in Gross Operating Profit per Available Room (GOPAR), with a rate of U$145 (Dhs530), just 9 per cent below pre-pandemic levels, followed by Paris ($113) and Singapore ($102) respectively.

Hotel supply reached 148,949 rooms in 814 hotel establishments at the end of April 2023, a 26 per cent growth over the pre-pandemic figures of 118,449 rooms in 722 hotel establishments at the end of April 2019. Moreover, the average length of stay by guests has increased by 13 per cent to four nights compared to 3.5 nights in 2019, indicating Dubai’s appeal as a destination for longer-stay travellers.

According to data from industry expert Amadeus, search and booking volumes for Dubai remained steady from September 2021 to April 2023, with searches and bookings to Dubai during January to April 2023 nearing pre-pandemic levels and especially close to the high numbers seen during the Expo and pre-World Cup 2022 period.

Kids Go Free summer campaign to drive tourism

Kazim discussed the ‘Kids Go Free’ campaign, which aims to encourage families and global travellers to choose Dubai as their summer vacation destination. Hotels, entertainment centres and attractions are participating in this citywide initiative, offering families and children the opportunity to enjoy memorable experiences at attractive discounts and also free of cost for kids all summer.

Kazim provided insights into the extensive in-market activities carried out by DET’s overseas offices and over 3,000 global partners including travel trade and airline partnerships for leisure tourism, international roadshows and familiarisation trips for the travel trade and global media.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, discussed leveraging festivals and events to increase visitation and reinforcing Dubai’s position as an international hub for leisure and business events and the MICE industry. He presented the diverse festivals and events sector in Dubai that are a part of the Retail Calendar including the iconic Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Food Festival, as well as the upcoming Dubai Summer Surprises, Eid in Dubai-Eid Al Adha celebrations, and the second edition of the Dubai Esports and Games festival, in addition to retail offers and promotions that residents and visitors can avail themselves of this summer in Dubai.

Stakeholders and partners attending also shared their milestones and positive outlook for the emirate’s plans to drive tourism and the ‘D33’ agenda.

Source: Gulf Business

Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa Lead Efforts to Attract Chinese Tourists and Revitalize Tourism Sectors

Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa are taking the lead among African nations in revitalizing their tourism markets following the pandemic.

With a keen focus on capturing the attention of Chinese travelers, these countries are strategically positioning themselves to attract visitors from China. By tapping into the growing interest of Chinese tourists in exploring Africa’s rich landscapes, wildlife, and cultural offerings, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa aim to revitalize their tourism sectors and drive post-pandemic recovery.

According to finance.yahoo.com, The three countries, along with Egypt, were among the first popular destinations for Chinese visitors after the Asian giant relaxed two-year-old pandemic rules to allow its citizens to travel for tourism in February.

All three countries have been implementing long-term strategies — including resuming direct flights to China, relaxed e-visa requirements, direct marketing in China through embassies and travel agents — and investing heavily to woo Chinese tourists.

Kenya is expanding its focus to reach more Chinese tourists by marketing through travel agents, partnerships with airlines and tour operators and social media platforms, according to John Chirchir, acting chief executive of Kenya Tourism Board. There’s a particular focus on WeChat, Mafengwo, Weibo, and Douyin, the China-based sister video channel to TikTok.

Chirchir said Kenya recorded 8,000 arrivals between January and April this year compared to just under 6,000 for the same period last year.

In 2022, Kenya earned $2.13 billion in income from tourism after a surge in visitors as COVID restrictions eased around the world, according to the tourism board. The ministry has forecast Kenya could recover to 2019 tourism numbers by 2024.

Similarly, South Africa has targeted job growth with the resumption of Chinese tourist activities in the country, said Nomasonto Ndlovu, chief operations officer of South Africa Tourism. She told Semafor Africa that with additional direct flights resuming from China to Johannesburg, for example, the country projects to receive around 8,000 Chinese tourists per month later this year. This would bring it back to 2019 levels when South Africa received 94,000 visitors from China.

African tourist markets are focused on the vast Chinese markets as part of a wider effort to overcome difficult economic environments. Jobs and foreign exchange earnings have yet to recover after the global pandemic, and many countries are grappling with extended economic downturns exacerbated by the fallout from Russian invasion of Ukraine. Although tourism usually accounts for less than 10% of GDP in most of the larger African economies, aside from Tanzania (17%), it punches above its weight as a contributor to foreign exchange earnings.

Local travel companies are taking it upon themselves to promote their countries on the ground in China rather than just hope for visitors. “That makes it possible to cast the net wider as we showcase Kenya’s tourist attractions,” said Darlene Anjimbi, a tour manager at Kenya China Travels and Tours.

Much of the long-term tourism business in Africa has traditionally targeted Europeans and North Americans in terms of everything from the types of entertainment offered to familiar languages and cuisine at hotels and on tours — and they still dominate in visitor numbers. In Kenya for instance, travelers from the United States alone accounted for over 12% of international visitors last year.

Source: atqnews

Mastercard Partners With Dubai to Accelerate Economic Growth in ‘Digital City’ Initiative

The Department of Economy and Tourism of Dubai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mastercard, with an aim to further accelerate economic growth in the region – in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. 

The new ‘Digital City’ partnership between the global payments leader Mastercard and the economy and tourism authority in Dubai enables the city to utilise the company’s multi-rail payments network and data-driven digital commerce technology.

The MoU will lead to the development and implementation of a multi-year digital partnership programme in Dubai. The programme will focus on four key areas:

  • Trade and exports growth: The collaboration aims to enable new international trade opportunities for businesses by leveraging Mastercard’s expertise in secure and efficient payment transactions.
  • Developing SMEs: The partnership will prioritise the growth of SMEs by providing them with digital tools, resources, and mentorship to foster innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability.
  • Attracting and developing talent: Dubai and Mastercard will also work together to attract and nurture Emirati and global talents in the digital sector, supporting the development of a skilled workforce.
  • Growing the tourism ecosystem: An aim to enhance the tourism industry in Dubai by improving visitor experiences to become a top-three global destination for visitors in business as well as leisure.

This partnership also falls in line with Mastercard’s vision of powering economies and empowering people, as well as building a sustainable world where everyone prospers.

‘Driving inclusive and sustainable development’

Hadi Badri, CEO of Dubai Economic Development Corporation at DET, and J.K. Khalil, cluster general manager of MENA East at Mastercard signed the MoU.

J.K. Khalil said: “At Mastercard, we recognise the limitless potential of partnerships in driving inclusive and sustainable development, and we are forging meaningful collaborations to accelerate digital transformation across the globe. Mastercard has a proven track record of supporting governments in digitising public services, empowering small businesses, fostering talent and fuelling tourism.

“We are delighted to enter the region’s first digital city partnership with the Department of Economy and Tourism as we harness the power of our advanced technology to help translate Dubai’s ambitious vision to reality. We are proud to build on our 35-year legacy in the market as we usher in a new chapter to support the UAE’s exemplary growth story.”

‘Unlock the city’s potential in line with the D33 Agenda’

Hadi Badri also discussed the significance of the partnership for the region. Badri said: “This Digital City partnership with Mastercard, a renowned global brand, comes at a pivotal time, as we are focused on delivering the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033, driven under the guidance of our visionary leadership to further reinforce the city’s central position in the global economy.

“Through this strategic alliance, we are partnering with a global connector of digital payments to further strengthen Dubai’s position as the world’s most connected city.

“Mastercard has a track record of successful partnerships with companies across a broad range of sectors and segments, and this initiative also signifies a new paradigm of economic collaboration at the city level. Through this partnership, Mastercard will mobilise its global resources and extensive experience as a global digital leader to unlock the city’s potential in line with the D33 Agenda.”

Source: The Fintech Times

Zambia, Kenya partner to promote outbound tourism

In a bid to promote African continental travel, a high delegation led by Zambia’s minister for Tourism, Rodney Malindi Sikumba, had a high-level engagement recently with the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) to discuss and establish a strategic partnership to promote outbound tourism from Kenya to Zambia’s tourism destinations.

The two countries aim to tap into each other’s tourism markets, a vital source for tourism influx, boosting both nations’ economies and fostering cultural exchange.

Dr Joseph Kithitu, KATA Chairperson, expressed the association’s enthusiasm for growing the travel trade and emphasised the readiness of KATA members to sell Zambia.

He stressed the need to create a business case for Zambia’s travel trade and develop a salable product out of the partnership.

 “Today, we should focus on the commercialisation of this partnership on a B2B and B2C level and capitalise on the visa-free access between our countries to promote outbound tourism flows into Zambia and vice versa. The market is ripe, ready, and can pay,” he said.

Kenya and Zambia have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on tourism, one of them touching on cooperation between the training institute of tourism in Zambia and that in Kenya.

While both countries are big on wildlife, there are other elements that can make them complimentary to each other in terms of product offerings.

For instance, the fact that Kenya has a big national park right in the middle of the city is a learning lesson for Zambia on how to enhance their national park in Lusaka. Zambia has 20 national parks with the largest being Kafue and it’s the second largest in Africa.

They also have the iconic Victoria Falls, which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and hosts one of the largest mammals (bat) migration at the Kasanga national park.

This partnership is a step in the actualisation of the MOUs and will encompass various collaborative areas, such as knowledge exchange, familiarisation visits, and encouraging tourist flows between Kenya and Zambia.

Additionally, both parties will share their respective calendars of events to facilitate stakeholder engagement and foster regional cooperation in the spirit of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.

“This partnership between Kenya Association of Travel Agents and their counterparts in Zambia is a step towards the private sector growing the tourism industry, and my ministry is rallying support behind these initiatives,” said Sikumba.

The minister further highlighted the importance of marketing and packaging Africa, coordinating the travel trade with suppliers, and establishing homegrown solutions.

“Through this partnership, Kenya’s travel trade will be trained on tourism offerings in Zambia. KATA will also provide capacity building for Zambia’s travel trade to enable them to sell the Kenyan tourism product,” noted Agnes Mucuha, KATA

Source: PD

Sustainable travel in Dubai: Eco-friendly

Dubai, a city known for its opulence and luxury, is increasingly embracing sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives. In recent years, the city has made significant strides in promoting green practices in various sectors, including tourism. In this article, we’ll highlight Dubai’s commitment to sustainability by showcasing eco-friendly hotels, attractions, and initiatives that allow travellers to enjoy the city while minimizing their environmental impact during their Dubai holiday

Green accommodation: Eco-friendly hotels in Dubai
Several hotels in Dubai have adopted eco-friendly practices and sustainable designs, offering travellers comfortable stays without compromising on environmental responsibility.

Jumeirah Creekside hotel: A green oasis
The Jumeirah Creekside Hotel has been awarded the Green Globe Certification for its commitment to sustainability. The hotel features energy-efficient lighting, water- saving devices, and a robust recycling programme. Additionally, the hotel’s lush garden surroundings provide a green oasis, creating a serene atmosphere for guests.

JA ocean view hotel: Sustainability by the sea
Located along The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence, the JA Ocean View Hotel is another recipient of the Green Globe Certification. The hotel focuses on energy conservation, waste management, and community engagement to promote sustainable practices. Guests can enjoy stunning sea views while appreciating the hotel’s eco-friendly ethos.

Environmentally conscious attractions
Dubai offers several attractions that showcase the city’s commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation.

Dubai safari park: Wildlife conservation and education
Dubai Safari Park, a 119-hectare wildlife reserve, is home to over 2,500 animals from around the world. The Park focuses on conservation, education, and sustainable practices, such as using solar power for its facilities and implementing extensive recycling programs. Visitors can learn about wildlife conservation while enjoying close encounters with the park’s diverse inhabitants.

The green planet: An urban rainforest experiences
The Green Planet, an indoor tropical rainforest in the heart of Dubai, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the importance of biodiversity and environmental conservation. The facility features a four-storey living ecosystem, complete with over 3,000 plants and animals, and uses sustainable technologies such as energy-efficient lighting and climate control systems.

Sustainable initiatives: Dubai’s eco-friendly efforts
The city of Dubai has implemented various initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices.

Solar power: Harnessing the desert sun
Dubai is investing heavily in renewable energy, with ambitious plans to generate 75% of its power from clean sources by 2050. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, one of the largest solar projects in the world, is a testament to the city’s commitment to harnessing the power of the desert sun.

Public transportation: cleaner, greener travel
Dubai’s public transportation network, including the Dubai Metro and eco-friendly buses, offers travellers a more sustainable way to explore the city. The metro system is entirely electric, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while the buses run on compressed natural gas, a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels.

Dubai holidays: Exploring the city responsibly
When planning your Dubai holidays, consider incorporating eco-friendly hotels and attractions into your itinerary. By choosing to support sustainable initiatives and businesses, you can enjoy the city’s many wonders while minimizing your environmental impact. From green accommodations to environmentally conscious attractions, Dubai offers a range of options for the responsible traveler, ensuring a memorable and eco-friendly experience in this dynamic city.

SOURCE: Traveldailynews  

WTTC G20 Public-Private Dialogue shines light on Travel & Tourism opportunities

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) gathered leading Travel & Tourism stakeholders and G20 Ministers in a Public-Private Dialogue in Goa to address the sector’s vast potential and challenges.

Joined by India’s Minister of Tourism, the Hon. G. Kishan Reddy, and UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO commended India’s Ministry of Tourism for its leadership during India’s G20 Presidency and highlighted Travel & Tourism’s substantial contribution not only to the global economy but to employment.

Currently representing 9.2% of the world’s GDP and supporting one in every 11 jobs globally, the sector is experiencing remarkable growth, outpacing the global economy by growing twice as fast.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “It is proven where governments and the private sector work together in Travel & Tourism the economy is stronger, jobs are created, and people get to enjoy and understand other cultures. Together, businesses and governments can build back a better, stronger, and more resilient sector. Governments also heard first-hand the value of having streamlined visa processes, digital borders, and a strong focus on sustainability. We need each other to achieve this”.

During her address, Simpson emphasised the opportunities for investors, governments, and society to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through collaboration.

India’s impressive expansion in Travel & Tourism was praised as a prime example.

The sector is projected to contribute over INR 16.5TN to India’s economy this year, create 1.6MN new jobs, to reach a total employment figure of nearly 40MN people.

By the end of the decade, Travel & Tourism is forecast to contribute approximately 7% of India’s economy.

During the dialogue, Simpson addressed three key challenges facing the industry.

  1. Visa backlogs pose a significant obstacle, with excessive waiting times ranging from 200 days to a year for certain destinations. Investment in digital visas and biometrics, exemplified by Dubai Airport’s “smart gates”, is a successful example of technology streamlining travel processes
  2. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) plays a vital role in reducing carbon emissions, with the potential to cut emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. However, current production levels fall short and WTTC called on all G20 countries to conduct feasibility studies on SAF, to further facilitate decarbonisation
  3. Staff shortages resulting from the pandemic continue to be a challenge. Collaborative efforts between governments and the private sector, along with enhanced training programs and targeted support for women, young people, and high-wage jobs will be crucial in addressing this issue
    Simpson also highlighted the groundbreaking environmental and social research conducted by WTTC in collaboration with Saudi-based Sustainable Global Tourism Center.

This research offers comprehensive insights into the sector’s environmental and social impact, tracking data on wages, age groups, and gender, the research aims to drive progress towards the SDGs.

Simpson also underscored the potential of young people as a talent pool. With 65% of Indians under 35 years old, India’s G20 presidency recognises the need to address youth unemployment and create opportunities for this demographic.

New data from WTTC and the Sustainable Global Tourism Center also reveals that the sector experienced a 27.6% growth in youth employment between 2010 and 2019.

Despite dropping in 2020 to almost the same level it was a decade before in 2010, sector youth employment appears to be rebounding quickly.

The data also shows that Travel & Tourism’s share of youth employment has grown since 2010, from 6.4% in 2010 to 8.2% in 2021.

WTTC’s latest research highlights the importance for high-quality jobs that provide dignity in their work, to make the sector an attractive industry for young people to develop their long-term careers.

SOURCE: Traveldailynews