DET unveils Dubai, A Whole New You campaign.

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has announced the launch of its latest campaign, ‘Dubai, A Whole New You’, featuring Saif Ali Khan and Sara Ali Khan across Dubai. The campaign video showcases their dynamic relationship blossoming against the backdrop of Dubai’s landscape.

The duo gets competitive at the Real Madrid World theme park, setting the tone for new adventures that Dubai offers including cruising through the waters in a jet car, dining at Krasota and more. Dubai wins them over, as they discover ‘A Whole New You’ in each other.

The campaign aims to bring families together to unwind and rebond in Dubai. Through unique adventures and exciting experiences, the duo take a break from their everyday hustle to reconnect as a family, coming together to tick off items on their bucket list and revelling in all that the city has to offer. It is a showcase of how Indian families can also foster stronger connections with each other when travelling. 

Bader Ali Habib, Regional Head of Proximity Markets, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism stated, “As we launch our new campaign, our steadfast focus remains on enriching Dubai’s tourism offerings for Indian families. Dubai offers an array of captivating experiences spanning art, culture, adventure, gastronomy, as well as retail and outdoor attractions that are second to none. Through this campaign, we reaffirm our commitment to setting global benchmarks in tourism, inviting families across the country to create their own cherished moments in the heart of this vibrant destination.”

Saif Ali Khan expressed his delight, saying, “It has been an absolute honour to collaborate with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism for their inspiring campaign, ‘Dubai, A Whole New You.’ Watching Sara grow beyond a daughter into a co-artist, and now working with her, has been a special experience. Our busy schedules often leave us with limited occasions to explore and enjoy activities together, so to see Dubai through her eyes was terrific. It was a great opportunity for us to truly soak in the best of Dubai, experience its incredible offerings, and spend quality time together.”

“It was amazing to discover Dubai through my abba’s eyes, and of course to take him to cute, Instagrammable spots. I love family vacations, and this one was particularly special as it allowed me to hang out with my dad and take him on fun adventures. I love setting off on short getaways from India, and Dubai has something new and interesting to offer every time I visit, creating memories that will last a lifetime,” added Sara Ali Khan.

Source:  BW Hotelier.

Africa’s action plan for adventure travel.

Adventure tourism has been a growing niche in the travel industry, with the global market valued at over $450 billion and projected to reach $2.6 trillion by 2033, according to a recent report by Allied Market Research. And although, as Wild Expeditions’ Chris Roche points out, people usually equate adventure travel with kayaking in a North American river or hiking to Machu Picchu, Africa is starting to position itself as a new and different type of adventure tourism destination.

“Adventure is in the eye of the beholder,” said Peter Allison, sales and marketing manager at Natural Selection. He explains that for many people merely touching ground on the African continent is a pulse-raiser. But he adds that Africa is no longer a “one-trick pony” promoting only wildlife experiences.

Kenya is embracing this shift wholeheartedly. The Kenya Tourism Board has established a National Adventure Tourism Products Club, bringing together public- and private-sector stakeholders to package and promote new adventure offerings. June Chepkemei, CEO of the tourism board, said the resilience and growth potential of adventure travel is key in supporting local economies.

In a recent webinar organized by the Africa Travel and Tourism Association, James Savage of Savage Wilderness said Kenya’s diverse adventure portfolio now includes things like paddleboarding with dolphins, camel safaris and even heli-biking on Mount Kenya. The country is also gaining traction as a destination for professional mountain bike racing, with events like the Safari Gravel Race in Naivasha’s Hell’s Gate National Park drawing international competitors.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Western Cape is also making its mark in the adventure space. According to South African Tourism, the province attracted 85% of all adventure tourists visiting the country in 2023. Wesgro, the region’s official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency, commented that the Western Cape is “ideally positioned in the adventure tourism market due to its growing emphasis on sustainability and the promotion of harmony between humans and nature.”

Low-impact thrills

Although the continent has long featured adventure activities such as bungee jumping and whitewater rafting in places like Victoria Falls, Africa is also developing activities “for those seeking a thrill but with fewer bruises,” according to Allison. He mentions activities like exploring the ancient dunes of the Skeleton Coast from Shipwreck Lodge in Namibia, snorkeling under a waterfall at the GweGwe Beach Lodge in South Africa and learning how to make fire with sticks, zebra dung and sand from the bushmen in places like Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Roche agrees, saying there has been a shift from pure adrenaline activities to “soft adventure.” This includes experiences like tracking lions on foot, sleeping out on an island in the Okavango Delta or spending a day immersed in local rural culture. “Travelers want to be able to immerse themselves in local culture and really understand what it’s like to be a rural person in Africa, living with the wildlife and the challenges that brings. We also see an increased demand in destinations like Madagascar and Ethiopia, which offer less typical safari adventures that are far more physically active, more remote, less scripted and just entirely different,” he said.

Spreading the tourism wealth

This reimagining of adventure tourism is having a positive impact on rural communities across Africa.

“The rise of adventure tourism across Southern Africa represents a significant opportunity for sustainable economic growth and regional cooperation,” said Natalia Rosa, project lead with the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance. “By diversifying our tourism offerings beyond traditional safaris, we’re not only attracting a new segment of travelers but also spreading the benefits of tourism to more communities across the SADC region. This shift towards adventure and experiential travel aligns perfectly with our goals of promoting responsible tourism and fostering deeper connections between visitors and our diverse cultures and landscapes.”

Allison said revenue from adventure tourism has enabled Natural Selection to undertake programs that help community development and conservation efforts, programs like the Ele Express in northern Botswana. In a joint effort with local organizations, Natural Selection was able to purchase minibuses to deliver children safely to school, easing the real risk of kids being trampled by elephants on their walk. It is a program that has since been expanded to help transport the elderly as well as pregnant women.

“The impact is not just job creation, it is locals also understanding the importance of tourism and why it has to be protected,” said Nomkhosi Tshabalala, marketing manager for the Kruger Lowveld tourism group in South Africa.

Adventure tourism is “low-hanging fruit” for communities, said Johan Radcliffe of Dirty Boots, a South African tour company. “There are many rural areas that are offering walking tours, kayaking trips and many more such activities. These operations are low in capital set-up fees, and rural areas are the perfect location for activities such as these.”

For Roche, it’s the right time for Africa to focus on diversifying safari product beyond its core construct (game drives with a guide). Why? “Because it provides a mitigation to overtourism in a couple of key locations. Because it will ensure the positive impacts of tourism are felt farther afield and have good outcomes for less well-known ecosystems and species. And because a one-dimensional approach is limited and has an inherent risk to market change,” he said.

Tips for travel advisors

For travel agents looking to tap into this evolving market, adventure specialists in Africa have the following advice:

1. Prioritize safety: Look for operators with a proven safety record, comprehensive insurance and a transparent approach to safety discussions. “Are they proud of their safety record? Are they happy to discuss their measures with you? No cavalier operator will be in business more than a few years,” Natural Selection’s Allison said.

2. Download the right apps: Jessi Sunkel, executive director of the South African Adventure Industry Association, said travel consultants should advise clients to download the Secura Traveller app which offers immediate help wherever they are in South Africa.

3. Verify credentials: Ensure guides have proper certifications and operators have necessary licenses and accreditations and ask for proof, said Sunkel. A great resource is 101 Adventures. This is a list of companies that are complying with high standard regulations created by industry experts. Radcliffe of Dirty Boots emphasizes the importance of checking for proper certifications and insurance. He also recommends agents familiarize themselves with the various adventure tourism associations and governing bodies in each country.

4. Check digital presence: Research an operator’s online presence and reviews for insights into their reputation and safety record, said Kruger Lowveld’s Tshabalala.

5. Stay informed: Use resources like government travel advisories, local news and official tourism websites for the latest information. “An easy start is your government travel advisory, but the problem with those is they throw a blanket over whole nations — saying don’t go to Namibia because there might be yellow fever in neighboring Zambia is akin to blacklisting Alaska because of violence in Mexico,” Allison said. “If you make the effort, local news coverage is a good source – if it’s not panicked you probably don’t need to be either.”

Source: Travel Weekly.  

More tourists visiting Kenya but spending less.

In Summary

•The strong arrivals has been pegged on the visa openness which came with the introduction of the Electronic Tourist Authorization (eTA) at the beginning of the year.

•This, TRI acting chief executive David Gitonga yesterday said, has eased the visa application process, making it seamless for tourists.

Tourists at a beach hotel in Watamu /
Image: ALPHONCE GAR

Recovery in global tourism industry coupled with a strong marketing campaign saw Kenya record a 21.2 per cent jump in international arrivals in the year to June.

Foreign visitors in the half-year period totaled 1,027, 630, data by the Tourism Research Institute (TRI) shows, compared to the 847, 719 in the same period in 2023.

Even so, tourism sector earnings during the period dropped 7.1 per cent to Sh142.5 billion, compared to Sh153.4 billion recorded last year.

This reflects reduced spending by tourists in the wake of inflation which wiped out gains that came with the higher visitor numbers.

The strong arrivals has however been pegged on the visa openness following the introduction of the Electronic Tourist Authorization (eTA) at the beginning of the year.

This, TRI acting chief executive David Gitonga said has eased the visa application process, making it seamless.

“In addition, improvements in air connectivity through introduction of new routes and more frequencies by major airlines has led to growth,” Gitonga said.

June registered the highest number of visitors (192,343) or 19 per cent of the total arrivals . January and February also registered notable figures each at 18 per cent of the total visitors, or 181,527 and 183,645, respectively.

These numbers have surpassed pre-covid levels by 11 per cent where arrivals were 925,927 in January to June 2019.

The US continued to dominate as Kenya’s top international tourists source with 134,901 Americans visiting Kenya.

It was followed by Uganda (103,680), Tanzania (91,889), the UK (70,593), with India closing the top five list with 50,510 visitors to Kenya.

Holiday or leisure was the main purpose of visiting accounting for 44 per cent (454,639) of the total arrivals.

Those visiting friends and relatives totaled 246,437 (24%), while those that were in the country for business and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) totaled 247,684, which was 24 of the total arrivals.

A total of 48,121 were on transit, education (11,761), religion (7,355), medical (5,344) seeking employment (3,932), while 2,357 visited Kenya for sports.

The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was the main entry point, registering 693,046 arrivals, followed by Moi International Airport (Mombasa) with 87,041 arrivals.

Other entry points with significant numbers were Busia (81,067), Namanga (60,46) and Malaba (22,851).

The half-year performance puts the country on course of hitting its 2024 target of surpassing the two-million mark.

“We are projecting to hit 2.45million this year. The second half of the year yields more due to peak season of wildebeest migration July to September and high season of November, December,” Gitonga told the Star.

Earnings are expected to hit Sh359.1 billion this year and then Sh396.1 billion next year.

Last year, total arrivals were 2,086,600, the Economic Survey 2024 indicates, with earnings of Sh353 billion.

Source:   The Star  

Paris Olympics: A Promising Future for Kenya’s Sports Tourism.

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), the official tourism marketing agency for Kenya, has set its sights on capitalizing on the upcoming Paris Olympics to propel the nation’s sports tourism industry.

This strategic move leverages the global spotlight on Kenya‘s powerhouse athletes and coincides perfectly with Kenya’s peak tourist season, creating a unique opportunity to showcase the country’s multifaceted offerings.

John Ololtuaa, Principal Secretary in the State Department of Tourism, underscored the significance of sports personalities in his statement released in Nairobi.

He highlighted their role as “national icons and global ambassadors” who can effectively project Kenya‘s potential as a premier sports tourism destination during the Olympics.

Aligning with Peak Season for Maximum Impact

The Paris Olympics conveniently overlap with Kenya’s peak tourist season, which stretches from June to October.

This period coincides with the awe-inspiring wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, a natural spectacle dubbed one of the “Twin Migrations” alongside the humpback whale migration in Watamu.

KTB aims to leverage this perfect timing to entice Olympic visitors to extend their stay and experience these iconic Kenyan wonders.

Kenya boasts a rich tapestry of tourism experiences beyond wildlife safaris.

From pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs to breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultural encounters, the country offers something for every traveler.

KTB’s strategic plan leverages the Olympics to showcase this full spectrum of attractions to the global audience expected at the Games.

Kenya: A Powerhouse in African Sports Tourism

Kenya arrives at the Paris Olympics with an impressive pedigree, holding the distinction of being Africa’s most decorated Olympic nation with over 100 medals to its credit.

This stellar track record, coupled with the presence of renowned Kenyan athletes like Brigid Kosgei and Eliud Kipchoge, is certain to generate significant international interest in the country’s sporting scene.

The influx of athletes, officials, and fans for the Olympics presents a lucrative opportunity for Kenya’s tourism sector.

KTB’s proactive approach capitalizes on this potential by promoting sports tourism experiences that cater to this specific audience.

Envisioning Kenya’s Sports Tourism Landscape

While details of KTB’s specific plans haven’t been unveiled yet, potential strategies could involve:

Package deals: Curated itineraries combining Olympic events with wildlife safaris, cultural excursions, or beach getaways.

Training camps: Offering world-class training facilities at high altitude locations like Iten and Kaptagat, renowned for nurturing Kenyan champions, to international athletes.

Experiences with sporting legends: Organizing exclusive opportunities for tourists to interact with or train alongside Kenyan sporting heroes.

A Win-Win Situation: Boosting Tourism and National Image

KTB’s focus on sports tourism is a strategic move with the potential to deliver significant benefits for Kenya. Here’s a breakdown of the potential gains:

Increased tourist arrivals: By effectively leveraging the Olympics, KTB can attract a broader range of tourists interested in sports, adventure, and cultural experiences.

Diversification of the tourism sector: Sports tourism presents a valuable avenue for diversification, lessening dependence on traditional wildlife safaris and creating a more resilient tourism industry.

Enhanced national image: The global spotlight on Kenyan athletes during the Olympics serves as a powerful platform to showcase the country’s beauty, hospitality, and sporting prowess, boosting Kenya’s international image.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for Kenyan Sports Tourism

The Kenya Tourism Board’s strategic focus on sports tourism holds immense promise for the nation’s tourism industry.

By capitalizing on the upcoming Paris Olympics and the country’s legacy of sporting excellence, KTB has the potential to attract a new wave of visitors eager to experience the magic of Kenya.

This strategic approach not only promises economic benefits but also contributes to strengthening Kenya’s position as a global sporting powerhouse and a world-class tourist destination.

Source: ATTA.   

The attractive investment prospects offered by Zambia’s burgeoning tourism industry.

The attractive investment prospects offered by Zambia’s burgeoning tourism industry have been brought to the fore at the 67th meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa in Livingstone.

Taking place from July 22 to 24, the meeting saw the launch of a new set of investment guidelines for the southern African country. The “Tourism Doing Business – Investing in Zambia” guidelines highlighted five key competitive advantages offered by the country, including rich natural resources and wildlife, cultural diversity and peace, a strategic location in the heart of Africa, a conducive business environment, and attractive business incentives.

“Investment in Zambia is an increasingly attractive prospect for individuals, businesses and governments seeking opportunities. With its abundant natural resources, favourable business environment and commitment to economic diversification, Zambia offers a range of investment possibilities across various sectors,” said Zambia’s Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba.

The guidelines were compiled through a collaboration between UN Tourism, Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism, the Zambia Tourism Agency and the Zambia Development Agency.

Attractive business environment and incentives

In the World Bank’s 2019 Ease of Doing Business report (now discontinued), Zambia was ranked the eighth-easiest African country to do business in and first for ease of obtaining credit. Investment attractiveness is further strengthened through the country’s 16 investment promotion and protection agreements, which particularly emphasise investments in the tourism sector.

“The country has developed a robust set of frameworks and initiatives, which include tax relaxation measures, incentives and favourable policy schemes, creating a conducive environment for investors.

These efforts have facilitated foreign direct investments (FDIs) and positioned Zambia as an interesting destination where tourism can flourish and thrive,” said Elcia Grandcourt, UN Tourism Regional Director for Africa.

Between 2018 and 2023, greenfield FDI announcements in the tourism sector totalled US$239.4 million. The investment has poured into the development of new hotels and resorts in Lusaka and tourist hubs such as Livingstone; national parks such as Luangwa and Kafue; adventure tourism offerings such as white-water rafting and bungee jumping; and cultural attractions including museums, cultural centres and cuisine.

The country now features global hotel brands such as Radisson, Anantara, Intercontinental, Sarovar, Marriot, Hilton, Protea, Tsogo Sun and Holiday Inn, amongst others.

“This influx of reputable hotel chains underscores Zambia’s emergence as a premier destination on the international tourism map, offering visitors unparalleled luxury and comfort amidst its breathtaking natural landscapes,” said Sikumba.

The investment guidelines showcase 10 tourism investment opportunities, including lodges and hotels, a golf course, a convention centre and a football stadium. The opportunities are situated in Lusaka, Kasaba Bay, Livingstone, Kafue National Park and South Luangwa National Park.

Strategic positioning for cross-border trade and tourism

Sharing a border with nine countries, Zambia offers access to a range of regional markets including the Common Market for East and Southern Africa, the Southern African Development Community and the wider African Continental Free Trade Area. From a tourism perspective, the location serves as a central hub for multi-destination travel experiences.

In 2022 and 2023, the country improved its destination attractiveness by expanding its visa waiver list to over 100 countries. Advancements in the formalisation of a KAZA Univisa – which will allow single-visa access to the five countries sharing the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (the others being Angola, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe) – are also bolstering the country’s tourism proposition.

Vision to be amongst top five destinations

Building upon the positive trajectory observed in recent years, the country’s economic outlook continues to show promise with projected growth rates of 4.7% in 2024 and 4.8% in 2025, according to national government estimates.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema stressed that government had placed tourism at the heart of economic policies, through strategic documents and programmes such as the 2018-2038 Tourism Master Plan, the eighth National Development Plan and the new investment guidelines.

“The vision for the tourism sector is to ensure that Zambia ranks among the most visited holiday destinations in Africa and is a regional conference hub with a high quality, diversified and sustainable tourism industry that is a major contributor to economic and social well-being,” said Hichilema, stating the aim is to be among the top five tourist destinations of choice in the sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

The country welcomed a record 1.39 million international visitors in 2023, exceeding the 2019 figure of 1.26m.

Infrastructure development is set to be further enhanced through the $100m set aside for the Green, Resilient and Transformational Tourism Development Project in Zambia’s 2024 National Budget. The money has been allocated for the development of tourism infrastructure at Kasaba Bay, Liuwa National Park and the source of the Zambezi River, and the improvement of air and road connectivity to the south-west tourism circuit of Liuwa, SiomaNgwezi, Livingstone and Kafue National Parks. An additional $30m has been earmarked for the development of other infrastructure, marketing, wildlife management and development of new tourism projects.

The investment guidelines highlight that in addition to the centrepiece Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the country boasts 21 national parks and 36 game management areas, playing host to the Big Five and over 1 800 other mammal species. In total, protected areas span 22.4m hectares, representing 30% of the country’s total land mass.

The country is culturally rich, featuring over 70 different tribes, which the investment guidelines state “offers significant potential to introduce innovative products and services that resonate with and benefit local communities while appealing to wider audiences”.

Source:Tourism Update.

Dubai Tourism unveils unique experiences.

Dubai’s Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has announced the launch of a new set of initiatives aimed at creating unforgettable local experiences for visitors and ensuring repeat visitations.

The end-to-end ‘Only in Dubai’ set of initiatives are part of ongoing efforts to further strengthen Dubai’s tourism offerings and build upon the key pillars of Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2022-2025.

The revised strategy has set a target of welcoming 25 million visitors annually by 2025, and make Dubai the most visited city in the world.

“While our world-class propositions and experiences showcase the diversity of the destination offerings and provide segment-based preferences for tourists, we are working closely with our partners and stakeholders to curate, create and deliver personalised end-to-end experiences,” said Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

Dubai Tourism will develop the end-to-end ‘Only in Dubai’ experiences with the help of the emirate’s agile and responsive ecosystem, featuring collaborations with partners in creating specialised programmes, activations and authentic one-of-a-kind experiences.

Source: Khaleej Times.

Tourism agency (KTB) bets on adventure travel to grow numbers.

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is banking on public-private partnerships to grow Kenya’s adventure tourism opportunities. KTB Chief Executive June Chepkemei says adventure tourism has demonstrated resilience and potential to attract more visitors to the country due to its adaptability and broad economic benefits that support local communities.

“Recent statistics point to the growth of adventure travel with its resilience and ability to support local economies, especially as countries rebuild following the global travel rebound from Covid-19,” she noted.

She highlighted multi-faceted adventure experiences that include eco-friendly safaris, birding, hiking, and water sports among others. “Besides other attractions, the country is long known for such as beach and wildlife, there are hidden gems that we can creatively promote through off-the-beaten-track locations during off-peak seasons. This would go a long way in spreading out visitors and revenues for broader benefits to our economy and communities,” she explained.

Chepkemei made the remarks during the inaugural meeting of the Kenya Adventure Tourism Product Club which was established by the board as a platform for collaboration in packaging and promoting Kenya’s adventure tourism offering.

Through the Kenya Adventure Tourism Product Club, KTB has identified various tourism leaders who will work closely with the board in showcasing Kenya’s adventure tourism experiences to Kenyans and the world. The club members are drawn from private and public sectors cutting across diverse experiences from running and kite surfing, mountain climbing, trekking, canyoning and abseiling.

The global adventure tourism market, valued at over $450 billion (Sh58 trillion), offers tremendous potential for destinations, especially as the tourism sector fully rebounds globally.

Source: Standard Media

Kenya banks on continental chairmanship to drive MICE industry.

Kenyatta International Convention Centre CEO James Mwaura has been elected chairperson of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) –African Chapter for a two-year term following a competitive process.

This is the first time Kenya has won the position.

ICCA is an international body which represents the world’s leading suppliers in handling, transporting and accommodating international meetings and events.

It comprises of 1,100-member companies and organizations across the world and specializes in the international association’s meetings sector in 100 countries.

The African chapter has about 50 members and plays a pivotal role in developing and growing the local meetings and events industry and enhancing the global competitiveness of the continent.

As the new chair, Mwaura will work with his colleagues in the ICCA Africa chapter to position Africa as a prime business conferencing destination and showcase the potential of the continent to host big events.

Africa has a great deal of potential in the meetings and conference business and his efforts will be dedicated in helping Chapter members exploit this potential to increase the number of meetings that Africa hosts, KICC saidn in a statement on Thursday.

Kenya expects to gain from the position through the strategic influence Mwaura will have in hosting of rotational conferences.

Mwaura expressed his gratitude to the Africa Chapter members for believing and voting for him.

Commenting on his new role, Mwaura said he will use the influential post to further position Kenya as an attractive destination for conference tourism also known as Meetings, Incentives, Travel, Conferences and Exhibition (MICE) Tourism.

“Key will be to showcase Kenya and the continent’s capabilities to host large conferences and events.  Africa is ready to do business with the world. With the right in-country partnerships, member countries can host major events and as ICCA Africa Chapter, we will work to ensure we raise this profile,” said Mwaura.

He further commits to deliver on his promises to grow the Chapter.

“I will push for strategic Chapter involvement that provide valuable business and learning opportunities for Africa, develope initiatives that foster greater participation and networking among Africa Chapter members, as well as mobilise new members to the chapter,” Mwaura said.

The post will enable Kenya gain access to valuable industry data, research, and insights that can inform the country’s MICE strategic decisions.

It will also give the country increased global visibility and recognition through strategic business speaking opportunities in international ICCA forums.

Mwaura has further committed to leverage on the position to influence the growth and development of Kenya’s meetings and conventions industry on a global scale.

“Kenya will possess the potential to successfully secure leads for conventions to be held within the country,” Mwaura added.

Further, the position will give Kenya an upper hand in collaborating with teams of experienced professionals and support from ICCA’s resources and infrastructure. 

Some of the objectives of the African Chapter as the voice of Africa in the global meetings world include increasing Africa’s market share of the global meetings industry.

It is also focused on extracting more business between countries on the continent, growing and nurturing the people within the industry and creating a positive image about Africa as a unique and inspiring destination for international meetings and events.

 Source: The Star.  

Unlocking East Africa’s potential as a premier medical tourism destination

East Africa’s healthcare sector has been on a transformative journey, driven by a decentralized government system and expanding infrastructure. The region is poised to become a top destination for medical tourism, tapping into its potential to offer world-class healthcare services to both local and international patients.

In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Rashid Khalani, CEO of Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, discussed the advancements, opportunities, challenges, and collaborative efforts needed to unlock East Africa’s potential as a premier medical tourism destination. Khalani highlighted the strengths and opportunities that Kenya and the region possess in becoming a hub for medical tourism. He emphasized Kenya’s liberal visa regime, political and economic stability, excellent infrastructure, and investments in human resource capacity within the healthcare sector as key factors that position the country for success in medical tourism.

The CEO underlined the importance of quality healthcare services over just infrastructure, emphasizing the significance of skilled professionals and advanced technology in delivering superior patient care. When discussing the economic impact of medical tourism, Khalani pointed out that while there is no documented study on the exact figures, the potential for revenue generation in the industry is substantial.

Citing examples from countries like India, Turkey, and Dubai, where medical tourism contributes tens of billions of dollars to the economy, Khalani believes that East Africa, particularly Nairobi, could similarly benefit from this lucrative market. He estimated that the region could attract hundreds of millions of dollars annually through medical tourism, given the right investments and strategies.

However, Khalani acknowledged the challenges hindering East Africa’s path to becoming a top medical tourism destination, with a key focus on the lack of a robust manufacturing base for medical supplies and equipment. He emphasized the importance of building sustainable supply chains and investing in local manufacturing to reduce costs and enhance the region’s competitiveness in the global medical tourism market.

Khalani also stressed the need for ongoing investments in human resource capacity, particularly in subspecialized training for medical professionals, to elevate the quality of healthcare services and meet the diverse needs of patients seeking treatment in the region. Collaboration among East African governments was identified as a crucial component in advancing the medical tourism agenda. Khalani called for countries in the region to work together on joint manufacturing projects for medical devices and equipment, creating a tax-friendly environment to facilitate the seamless movement of goods and people across borders.

By pooling resources and expertise, East African countries could enhance their collective capacity and attractiveness as a medical tourism destination. Reflecting on the current state of infrastructure in East Africa, Khalani acknowledged progress but noted that significant development efforts are still required. While individual healthcare institutions like the Aga Khan University Hospital have made substantial investments in technology and quality enhancements, there is a broader need for infrastructure development across the region to support the growth of medical tourism. Khalani’s insights shed light on the journey ahead for East Africa as it strives to establish itself as a premier destination for medical tourism.

By addressing challenges, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing investments in healthcare infrastructure and human capital, the region can unlock its full potential and offer world-class healthcare services to a global clientele.

Source:   CNBC Africa.   

Read more articles on Kenya’s medical Tourism: Business Dailyhttps://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/opinion-analysis/columnists/how-kenya-can-unlock-its-medical-tourism-potential–4667234

Tourism boom as wildebeest migration roars.

It is all systems go for this year’s wildebeest migration at the Maasai Mara National Reserve as hotels experience up to 95 percent bookings.

A spot check by The Standard has revealed that investors are hopeful of reaping big from the phenomenon after devastating floods that wreaked havoc on some camps and lodges along rivers.

The peak season runs from July to September every year when millions of wildebeests spectacularly cross from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya.

The spectacle attracts thousands of international and local tourists who book hotels and camps around the game reserve for the golden chance to watch the world’s eighth wonder.

The animals have to crisscross the Mara River several times in different spots where crocodiles prey on them.

This forms one of the highlights of the migration as the animals fight to cross the river in one piece.

Women selling beads at the Sekenani gate – the main entrance to the Mara- and artists are also reaping huge from foreign and local tourists.

“We are already reaping the fruits of the high season, as tourists have increased in number.

‘‘I now sell beads worth between Sh7,000 and Sh15,000 a day,” said Nayiarei Noonkipa.

The management of the reserve said they are expecting more than 100,000 tourists to witness the migration this year, which is to start by mid-July.

Mara Chief Park Warden Stephen Minis, on Saturday, said the number of tourists had increased tremendously in the past few weeks, and according to hotels inside and outside the reserve they are recording booming business.

Sarova Mara Camp General Manager Jane Kiragu is upbeat that the bookings were impressive despite challenges the tourism industry was facing locally following heavy rains that swept some tented camps and persistent demonstrations against the government.

Speaking to The Standard over the weekend, Kiragu said the hotel has 75 tents entry-level tents, 20 deluxe tents, 20 club tents and family tents, which are two-bedroomed, all fully booked for the next three months.

Kiragu said the experience in the hotel for their clients will be different as they are upscaling their tourism products and improving their tents to give their clients the experience of a lifetime.

“In Sarova, we are 95 per cent fully booked, and we are expecting more visitors.

‘‘We are currently trying to improve club tents, which are the hotel’s high-end tents, and the experience is quite different,” said Kiragu.

She said the difference is in the high-end tents since the hotel has introduced a private dining area dubbed ‘Olchani’ with a great experience in a woody area overlooking a little lake beside it, an open fireplace, a private heated swimming pool and a Jacuzzi.

According to their bookings, they have clients from all over Europe, with citizens of Spain, Britain, Germany, Dubai, India, and domestic market travellers.

Source: Standard Media.