Mombasa governor Abdulswammad Shariff Nassir has called for the implementation of the open skies policy to enable international flights to land directly in Mombasa.
Nassir says this will accelerate growth of the tourism sector in the region as more international tourists will be coming to the island.
“We are pushing for the open sky policy so that Mombasa can have access to 320 cities in the world,” Nassir said
Mombasa is one of the coastal counties depending on the tourism industry to generate revenue and source of employment for thousands of residents.
The industry suffered a blow due to the coronavirus pandemic which led to the suspension of travel, therefore crippling the sector.
Governor Nassir, however, noted that he has held meetings with players in the industry to strategize on how the business will stay afloat, saying that easing restrictions and introducing incentives among other interventions will help attract global flights land at the Mombasa International Airport.
Stakeholders want more scheduled flights to Mombasa but the challenge facing some of the operators include frustrations in applying for licenses.
Some of the airlines that used to travel to Mombasa directly include Qatar Airways, KLM Royal Dutch, and Emirates among others.
“We need to improve international tourism and by bringing these airlines then it directly translates to foreign exchange and opportunists for our people. This will be a game changer,” Nassir added
Kenya’s tourism sector is set for a significant boost following the unveiling of nine regional tourism circuits by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.
Launched as part of the broader Tembea Kenya initiative, the circuits aim to diversify Kenya’s tourism offerings and promote lesser-known attractions, targeting both domestic and international tourists.
These circuits, covering all 47 counties, mark a renewed effort to reimagine the country’s tourism landscape and present Kenya as a destination that offers a wide array of experiences ranging from adventure and culture to eco-tourism and wellness.
The launch event, held in Kisumu County, was graced by Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Rebecca Miano, who underscored the importance of the circuits in reinvigorating Kenya’s tourism industry.
Miano emphasized that these circuits would provide travelers with holistic and immersive experiences, taking them on a journey through Kenya’s diverse attractions. She highlighted the initiative’s focus on aligning with global travel trends, while emphasizing conservation and sustainability.
The circuits are designed to cater to various niche markets, including adventure, sports, cultural tourism, eco-tourism, and wellness tourism, offering something for every type of traveler.
The nine tourism circuits span different regions: the Nairobi Circuit, Central Kenya Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Northern Circuit, Western Circuit, Southern Circuit, North Rift Circuit, South Rift Circuit, and Eastern Circuit.
Each circuit showcases unique features from the respective regions, ranging from Nairobi’s urban culture to the beaches and marine life of the Coastal Circuit, the desert landscapes in the Northern Circuit, and the rich cultural heritage of the Western Circuit.
This regional approach is expected to encourage travelers to explore Kenya in a more immersive way, highlighting attractions that were previously overlooked or underdeveloped.
One of the core goals of the Tembea Kenya initiative is to stimulate domestic tourism by encouraging Kenyans to explore the beauty and diversity of their own country. To achieve this, Miano announced plans for targeted marketing campaigns to promote the circuits among local travelers.
She urged Kenyans to savor the diverse experiences their home regions have to offer, and revealed that the Ministry will be launching a nationwide photo contest, inviting citizens to share images that capture the essence of their regions. The initiative not only promotes tourism but also encourages pride in local culture and heritage.
The unveiling of the nine circuits coincided with Kenya Tourism Week celebrations, which took place in Kisumu County. As part of the celebrations, various events and activities were organized to highlight the unique tourist attractions of the region, including visits to Ndeere Island and tree planting at Kajulu Hills.
Cultural showcases, such as fashion shows and street art displays, also took center stage. The involvement of local youth was a key element of the celebrations, with hackathons and other programs providing platforms for young people to demonstrate their innovation and creativity in promoting tourism.
Narok County Governor, Patrick Ole Ntutu, who chairs the Council of Governors’ Tourism and Wildlife Committee, expressed strong support for the new circuits.
He called for increased government investment in the tourism sector, pointing out that tourism, if properly developed, has the potential to become the largest contributor to Kenya’s GDP and a major source of employment, particularly for the youth.
Ntutu emphasized the immense potential of the tourism sector in driving economic growth across counties, and he pledged to advocate for greater prioritization of tourism at the county level.
According to Ntutu, the new circuits provide an opportunity for counties to harness their unique attractions and contribute to the national economy.
Youth engagement and participation were key themes at the event, as evidenced by the tourism excellence awards that were presented. Categories like Start-up Company of the Year, Conservation Champion of the Year, Travel Content Creator of the Year, Peace Advocate, and Community Impact Award recognized the contributions of individuals and organizations making a positive impact in tourism and conservation.
The youth-driven hackathon also garnered attention, producing an innovative technology-based solution for conference packaging, which could further enhance Kenya’s tourism sector.
Principal Secretary for Tourism, John Ololtuaa, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with county governments to enhance the competitiveness of tourism destinations across all regions.
He noted that the circuits would enable the Ministry to focus efforts on increasing bed nights, lengthening visitor stays, encouraging repeat visits, and ultimately improving the overall visitor experience.
By collaborating with counties, the Ministry aims to address any existing gaps in infrastructure and services, ensuring the growth of tourism nationwide.
Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO, June Chepkemei, emphasized that the KTB would play a key role in marketing the circuits to highlight Kenya’s diverse attractions. She pointed out that promoting tourism in all counties would drive inclusive growth and solidify Kenya’s position as a must-visit destination for both local and international travelers.
Chepkemei highlighted that by showcasing the unique offerings of every region, the circuits will spread tourism benefits more evenly, helping to uplift local economies and create opportunities for communities across the country.
The unveiling of the nine tourism circuits marks a major milestone in Kenya’s tourism strategy, offering travelers new, exciting, and diverse experiences.
By promoting regional tourism and focusing on emerging travel trends, Kenya is poised to enhance its reputation as a top global destination while boosting domestic travel. The circuits have energized the tourism sector, with county governments, local communities, and youth actively participating in shaping the future of Kenya’s tourism industry.
As the Kenya Tourism Week celebrations come to a close, it is clear that the country’s tourism landscape is set to enter a dynamic new phase, with the circuits playing a crucial role in driving sustainable growth and enhancing the visitor experience.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 18 – As we approach World Tourism Day, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the role Travel Management Companies (TMCs) play in fostering justice and peace.
TMCs Roundtable at KATA Offices: Industry leaders tackle travel sector challenges, brainstorm innovative solutions/ Photo Credits: Bryan Obala
This year’s theme encourages a deep and thoughtful examination of tourism’s impact on various global issues.
For Kenya, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, this reflection is especially pertinent. As the Managing Director of Hemingways Travel, I am excited to explore how these organizations can drive positive change by addressing migration, social equity, climate justice, diplomacy, and cultural preservation.
Kenya’s tourism sector is a significant economic driver, but it also brings complex challenges.
The influx of visitors can impact local communities in various ways, necessitating a focus on equitable benefit distribution.
Travel agencies should prioritize supporting local businesses, fostering fair employment opportunities, and advocating for policies that safeguard vulnerable populations.
By promoting local engagement and ensuring that tourism revenues are channeled back into the communities that host travelers, they can help bridge the gap between tourists and residents, fostering a more inclusive and equitable tourism model.
Hemingways has been at the forefront of supporting rugby in Kenya and has partnered with some institutions in assisting less privileged members of the society in Kenya with food and basic commodities.
As a TMC we have been championing carbon emission reduction by ensuring our clients have adequate information of the carbon generated on all of their travel activities together with possible offset mechanisms.
Furthermore, addressing migration issues is critical. In Kenya, migration from rural to urban areas can strain infrastructure and resources.
TMCs can contribute to easing these pressures by developing tourism initiatives in less-visited regions, thereby distributing economic benefits more evenly and supporting rural development.
Encouraging travel to diverse destinations helps balance the influx of visitors and stimulates growth in underrepresented areas.
Climate change poses a significant threat to Kenya, with its impacts felt through extreme weather events and environmental degradation.
We play a crucial role in promoting sustainability within the tourism industry.
By advocating for and implementing eco-friendly practices, supporting conservation projects, and educating travelers about responsible behaviors, these entities can contribute to climate justice.
We must lead by example, incorporating green practices into our operations, such as reducing carbon footprints and supporting sustainable transportation options.
Collaborating with local conservation organizations to create eco-tourism experiences allows travelers to directly contribute to environmental protection.
By making sustainability a core aspect of our business, travel services can help set a benchmark for the industry and drive meaningful progress toward climate justice.
Furthermore, addressing migration issues is critical. In Kenya, migration from rural to urban areas can strain infrastructure and resources.
TMCs can contribute to easing these pressures by developing tourism initiatives in less-visited regions, thereby distributing economic benefits more evenly and supporting rural development.
Encouraging travel to diverse destinations helps balance the influx of visitors and stimulates growth in underrepresented areas.
Climate change poses a significant threat to Kenya, with its impacts felt through extreme weather events and environmental degradation.
We play a crucial role in promoting sustainability within the tourism industry.
By advocating for and implementing eco-friendly practices, supporting conservation projects, and educating travelers about responsible behaviors, these entities can contribute to climate justice.
We must lead by example, incorporating green practices into our operations, such as reducing carbon footprints and supporting sustainable transportation options.
Collaborating with local conservation organizations to create eco-tourism experiences allows travelers to directly contribute to environmental protection.
By making sustainability a core aspect of our business, travel services can help set a benchmark for the industry and drive meaningful progress toward climate justice.
Travel businesses have a key role in developing tourism that celebrates and preserves local traditions rather than commodifying them.
We should work closely with local communities to create tourism initiatives that highlight and protect their cultural heritage.
This includes supporting traditional festivals, crafts, and indigenous practices.
By promoting authentic experiences and educating travelers about the importance of cultural preservation, we can contribute positively to the safeguarding of Kenya’s cultural richness.
In anticipation of World Tourism Day, it is crucial for TMCs to reaffirm our commitment to justice and peace through the following actions:
Promote Inclusive Tourism: Ensure that tourism benefits are shared fairly among local communities. Support local enterprises, create equitable job opportunities, and advocate for inclusive policies.
Champion Sustainability: Adopt and promote eco-friendly practices across our operations. Encourage clients to choose sustainable travel options and engage in conservation efforts.
Foster Diplomacy: Use tourism as a platform for cultural exchange and international understanding.
Facilitate respectful and meaningful interactions between travelers and local communities.
Preserve Cultural Heritage: Collaborate with local communities to develop tourism that respects and celebrates their cultural heritage.
Educate travelers on the importance of cultural preservation.
As World Tourism Day approaches, let us embrace this opportunity to reflect on and enhance our role in promoting justice and peace.
By addressing migration, social equity, climate justice, diplomacy, and cultural preservation, travel management companies can lead the way in creating a tourism industry that benefits all stakeholders and contributes positively to Kenya and the broader global community.
Together, we can harness the power of tourism to foster a more just and peaceful world.
Hemingways Travel Managing Director, Joseph Kithitu
Though better known for her iconic safaris and exquisite beach experiences, Kenya has huge untapped niche tourism potential awaiting exploration. Niche tourism—a preserve of adventure seekers looking for distinct experiences and enthusiasts of a range of thrills and penchants—presents an opportunity that Kenya’s tourism should consider veering into more intentionally. But which are Kenya’s most viable niche tourism offerings? Let’s consider six of the many.
Cultural tourism can draw from Kenya’s vast traditional heritage with her close to 50 people groups. This form of tourism feeds off the curiosity of visitors desirous of immersions built around unique time-garlanded antiquity of such people as Waswahili or the Maa communities. That is not to say each community does not have its distinctive allures tenable for cultural tourism. Far from it! The best way of embellishing this particular niche of tourism is to include homestays and cultural tours.
On eco-cum-conservation tourism, Kenya’s noteworthy biodiversity and keen commitment to conservation offer a reasonable foundation for eco-tourism. This niche enchants eco-conscious travellers who have a lot to sample in Kenya.
Adventure and sports tourism offers a low-hanging option for Kenya. Beyond our famed world-class athletes, marathoners and long-distance runners especially, Kenya is ripe for mountaineering, scuba diving, bird-watching, rock climbing, kite surfing and water rafting and more.
Kenya’s culinary diversity is excellent fodder for gastronomy tourism with her wide variety of flavourful dishes. Tourists can explore local food markets, take cooking classes and enjoy food tours that showcase Kenyan cuisine, from traditional delights to modern fusion dishes.
Kenya’s credentials as a travel hub with relatively good weather all year round makes for a perfect wellness and relaxation haven. From relaxation retreats to medical tourism, Kenya has what it takes to grow the wellness tourism niche.
Bird-watching tourism, is a rich niche tourism option for Kenya, courtesy of our diverse ecosystems that include wetlands, forests and grasslands where a wide variety of bird species dwell. Developing bird-watching trails, offering guided tours and promoting bird festivals can easily attract bird enthusiasts from around the world.
For niche tourism to thrive and attract good numbers, we need a strategic partnership with the private sector and feasible business models.
Private sector players are well placed to invest in accommodation facilities that are in sync with specific adventures tourists attracted by different niches would appreciate. For instance, hikers and bird-watchers are more likely to embrace camping sites with tented accommodation as opposed to tourists seeking medical tourism. This reality calls for thoughtfully designed facilities and experiences that offer entrepreneurs opportunities for investments. Transport is yet another area that the private sector can invest in to offer appropriate modes of moving tourists to their destination, be it in luxury vehicles of rugged carriages. Besides, for certain niche tourism experiences we need investors to set up such facilities as yoga studios, spas, botanical gardens, nature trails and so on.
It is one thing setting up niche tourism products but quite another telling the world what Kenya has on offer. Therefore, the private sector has its work cut out in marketing and branding so that tourists in all corners of the earth get the necessary information packaged captivatingly for uptake.
By virtue of its unique natural landscapes, cultural charm, and diverse tourism experiences, Africa has become a hot tourist destination for Chinese tourists. In recent years, there has been a continuous increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting the continent.
Surging bookings for African trips
Data from Chinese online travel service platform Ctrip show that from February to August this year, the number of Chinese tourists traveling to Africa has increased by about 1.2 times compared to the same period last year.
Statistics from Fliggy, another major online travel service platform in China, indicate that the booking volume for flights to Africa this year has nearly doubled compared to the same period last year, with flights to Egypt and Kenya experiencing the fastest growth rates of 236 percent and 167 percent, respectively.
An executive from Chinese online travel agency LY.com said that the average number of tourists traveling to Egypt per month between January and August this year increased by 200 percent compared to the same period last year.
In the past decade, the African tourism market has gradually become familiar to Chinese tourists, said Li Peng, an executive in charge of outbound long-haul business at Tuniu.com, also an online travel service provider in China.
The Chinese Lunar New Year holiday as well as winter and summer vacations are peak seasons for outbound travel, with a significant increase in demand for small-group and customized tours, according to Li Peng.
Li Mengran, the media and public relations manager of Beijing-based travel agency U-tour, said that the company’s services for tours of African destinations have seen a year-on-year increase of 30 percent to 35 percent in reservations. The summer vacation and September-October period have specifically seen increases, as they are the best times to witness the great animal migration in Africa.
The most visited African countries by Chinese tourists currently include Egypt, South Africa, Morocco, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Mauritius, and Ghana, according to statistics from Ctrip.
Unique, diverse tourism experiences
“The allure of African tourism lies mainly in the experiences of returning to nature and seeking adventure,” said Li Peng.
According to Li Peng, the main attractions in the Northern African region are cultural and historical sites and desert landscapes. Eastern Africa is characterized by its wild natural environment and natural wonders. The highlight of Southern Africa tourism experiences is high-quality leisure travel.
Tourists can explore ancient sites or enjoy their vacations at beach resorts in Egypt, immerse themselves in the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Morocco, visit the Sahara Desert, and feast their eyes on the South African’s rich and varied natural beauty, Li Peng said.
Watching the awe-inspiring animal migration in Kenya and Tanzania is one of the most popular activities among Chinese tourists, Li Peng noted.
Chinese tourists’ tourism experiences in Africa have become more diverse and immersive, said Li Mengran, pointing out in addition to the traditional destinations of South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt, tourists are traveling to more countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Seychelles, and Mauritius.
The average duration of Chinese tourists’ visits to Africa has extended from 8-10 days to 14-18 days, allowing them to not only explore deep into national parks but also try activities like wild camping, yacht trips, and dune bashing, Li Mengran said.
During this summer, China Tourism Group (CTG), a large travel company in the country, organized a trip to Tanzania for Chinese tourists, who witnessed the great migration of animals in the Serengeti Plain, admired the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, visited the clove flower sea of Zanzibar Island, and also learned about the culture of local tribes.
Promising prospects
Although the cost of African tourism is relatively high, Africa is increasingly becoming a must-visit destination for more Chinese tourists, said Yang Jingsong, director of the international research institute of the China Tourism Academy.
Travel agencies are introducing a variety of themed travel products and convenient services, which are gaining favor among Chinese tourists, Yang said. It is believed that tourism exchanges and cooperation between China and Africa will yield more fruitful results, he added.
The deepening tourism exchanges and cooperation between China and Africa will foster the development of diverse, personalized, and high-quality tourism products and services catering to travelers eager to explore Africa, said Li Peng.
With the steady development of China-Africa cooperation, Africa will attract the attention of more Chinese tourists, said Han Jie, president of China Youth Travel Service (CYTS) Aoyou Technology Development Co., Ltd.
Qin Jing, vice president of Ctrip, said that China and Africa are highly complementary in tourism, with Africa holding strong appeal for Chinese tourists.
She believes that tourism cooperation between China and Africa will reach new heights, contributing to economic and trade exchanges, people-to-people and cultural exchanges and development for both sides.
The 2024 program of the World Travel Awards (WTA) has already showcased an exciting year for the global travel and tourism industry. With a series of prestigious events held across different regions, the WTA continues to honour the best in the business, from airlines and hotels to destinations and tour operators. As the year progresses, anticipation builds for one of the most highly awaited ceremonies—the Africa Gala Ceremony, scheduled for October at the Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani Beach, Kenya.
This upcoming gala is set to showcase the finest achievements in Africa’s tourism sector, further solidifying the continent’s place on the world travel map.
Progress in 2024: A Year of Milestones
The year kicked off with great momentum for the World Travel Awards, as various regional ceremonies took place in key global destinations. Each event brought the industry’s top players together, spotlighting their achievements, innovation, and resilience in a time of gradual recovery from the global pandemic and other economic challenges.
• Middle East Gala Ceremony: Held in Dubai, this event highlighted the region’s luxury offerings and booming tourism development, particularly in hospitality and airlines.
• European Gala Ceremony: Europe, one of the most competitive travel markets, saw a celebration of its world-renowned cultural and historical attractions. Destinations like France, Italy, and Spain took top honours for their hospitality excellence and sustainable tourism initiatives.
• Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony: This region’s ceremony underscored the growing influence of Asia and Oceania in global tourism, with emerging markets and innovation in travel technology taking centre stage.
As these events unfolded, the travel industry continued to recover, with greater emphasis on sustainability, immersive travel experiences, and cultural authenticity
Anticipating the Africa Gala Ceremony in Kenya
Now, all attention turns toward the Africa Gala Ceremony, which will be held on October 18, 2024, at the stunning Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani Beach, Kenya. Diani Beach, located along Kenya’s southern coastline, is a haven for sun-seekers, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts alike. This location—known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and tropical ambiance—sets the stage for a memorable event that celebrates the very best of African travel and tourism.
Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort: The Perfect Host
Set along Diani’s world-famous white sands and turquoise waters, the Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort is an exquisite choice for the Africa Gala Ceremony. The luxury resort, known for its eco-friendly design and exceptional service, boasts a golf course, lush gardens, and an array of leisure activities that reflect the serene charm of Kenya’s coast. This makes it an ideal setting for recognizing the continent’s finest tourism brands and experiences.
The resort will host top industry leaders, VIP guests, and media from across Africa and beyond, offering a perfect blend of business and pleasure, where networking and celebration will take place against a backdrop of tropical splendour.
What to Expect at the Ceremony
The Africa Gala Ceremony promises to be an unforgettable evening, with over 100 categories of awards that recognize the excellence of tourism businesses across the continent. These awards will cover everything from Africa’s Leading Airline to Africa’s Leading Hotel, Leading Tourist Attraction, and Leading Safari Destination.
Some highlights we can expect:
1. Honouring Industry Leaders: The event will recognize leading travel companies, airlines, hotels, and tour operators who have demonstrated innovation, resilience, and dedication to delivering exceptional travel experiences. There will be special focus on African tourism brands that have not only recovered but thrived in the post-pandemic era.
2. Focus on Sustainability: Many of the nominees this year have placed sustainability at the forefront of their operations. From eco-friendly lodges in Kenya’s Maasai Mara to sustainable tourism practices in South Africa’s winelands, the awards will highlight initiatives that protect the environment and support local communities.
3. Spotlight on Africa’s Hidden Gems: While popular destinations like Cape Town, Marrakech, and Zanzibar are always in the limelight, this year’s awards will also bring attention to lesser-known African travel spots that offer unique experiences. Expect nominations from up-and-coming destinations like São Tomé and Príncipe, Malawi, and Rwanda.
4. Exclusive Performances and Cultural Showcases: The gala will feature Kenyan cultural performances, blending traditional African music and dance with modern entertainment. This will give international guests a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Kenya and the wider region.
Why the Africa Gala Ceremony Matters
The Africa Gala Ceremony is more than just an award night; it is a celebration of Africa’s tourism resurgence. In recent years, Africa has emerged as one of the fastest-growing travel destinations globally, driven by its natural wonders, wildlife safaris, and rich cultural diversity. From luxury resorts in Mauritius to wildlife adventures in Botswana, Africa’s tourism landscape is more diverse than ever.
This year’s ceremony is expected to build on the growing trend of sustainable and immersive travel. As more travellers seek eco-conscious and community-driven experiences, African destinations have risen to the challenge by offering authentic and responsible tourism options. The event will amplify these efforts, bringing attention to Africa’s capacity to provide world-class travel while maintaining cultural integrity and environmental stewardship.
The 2024 Africa Gala Ceremony at Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani Beach, Kenya, will be a defining moment for Africa’s travel and tourism industry. As the World Travel Awards continues to recognize and reward excellence across the globe, this ceremony will honour the African sector’s brightest stars. Whether it’s a luxurious beach resort, an airline excelling in customer service, or a safari lodge promoting conservation, the event will spotlight the best of what Africa has to offer.
With its breathtaking setting and a lineup of deserving nominees, the Africa Gala Ceremony promises to be a night of celebration, collaboration, and inspiration for the future of African tourism.
The United Nations agency focused on tourism, UNWTO says that despite the growth of tourism in Africa, connectivity—the ease with which people can travel between locations—remains a challenge.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 7th Edition of the 2024 Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF), the UNWTO Regional Director for Africa, Elcia Grandcourt, said that the organisation is working with stakeholders to simplify visa entry requirements, leverage innovative systems to digitalise visa procedures, and advocate for a single, unified air transport market.
She emphasised, “Despite the growth, connectivity has been identified as a key issue that needs to be addressed to fully unlock Africa’s tourism potential. This was reiterated by Ministers of Tourism at the 67th Regional Commission Meeting for Africa, held in Zambia in July. Enhancing connectivity for seamless travel will not only attract more international tourists but also boost intra-regional tourism, a crucial element for the continent’s tourism growth.”
Grandcourt further stated, “UNWTO remains committed to addressing this issue and will continue working closely with national administrations of member states, regional and international organizations, as well as public and private sector stakeholders.”
Botswana’s Vice President, Slumber Tsogwane said the country is investing in developing its tourism sector, proudly touting Botswana’s beef as the best in the world.
He said, “Tourism in Botswana is a major contributor to the national economy, which is why the government has reviewed its Tourism Policy and developed a National Tourism Strategy and Master Plan to provide a framework for sector growth.”
He concluded by inviting participants to experience Botswana’s unique offerings, stating, “I trust you will have a chance to taste our beef, which is unparalleled globally, experience our cultural diversity, and take home our crafts as memories of Botswana.”
Kwakye Donkor Chief Executive Officer of Africa Tourism Partners (ATP), the organizers of the forum, reaffirmed ATP’s commitment to helping African nations unlock their tourism potential.
Director of Trade in Services, Investment, IPR & Digital Trade at AfCFTA, Emily Mburu-Ndoria encouraged countries to implement mechanisms to capitalize on tourism and outlined AfCFTA’s ongoing support initiatives.
The Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) is a key Pan-African platform that brings together leaders from Africa’s travel, tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors.
The forum focuses on sharing insights, developing strategies to boost intra-African travel, and fostering networking opportunities. It also aims to strengthen the global brand of “Destination Africa” and promote tourism growth across the continent.
The Ministry of Tourism is devising a new strategy to increase international tourist arrivals to five million by 2027.
It seeks to achieve this through a Tembea Kenya, which will soon be launched, to boost the number from the current about 2 million arrivals yearly.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano spoke while hosting tourism players at an event in Nairobi yesterday.
“This happens mainly through participation in local and international events, campaigns, policy advocacy, and in creating innovative tourism products and experiences,” Miano said.
“During my interaction with the tourism sector stakeholders this afternoon, I made a commitment to build strong linkages with the private sector and to make the tourism industry the number one contributor of foreign exchange earnings and job creation,” she said.
In the first half of this year, Kenya generated 142.5 billion shillings in tourism revenue during the first, assisted by a significant rise in visitor numbers, according to the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB).
This represents an increase from 1.06 billion dollars in the same period last year, the KTB reported.
The KTB said that Kenya welcomed 1.03 million international visitors, marking a 21.3 percent increase from 847,810 visitors during the same period in 2023.
Domestic tourism also saw growth, with 2.25 million bed nights recorded, about a 10 percent increase from 2.06 million bed nights in the previous year.
The Seychelles Tourism Department, in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), hosted a two-and-a-half-day consultative workshop starting on Tuesday, 20th August, to evaluate the cruise tourism sector in Seychelles. The workshop aimed to assess the cost-benefit aspects and strategic potential of this growing industry.
Following a situational analysis conducted by UNECA in April 2024, the delegation returned to present their preliminary findings and report, with the workshop serving as a platform for key stakeholders to engage, provide insights, and contribute valuable feedback.
Leading the inaugural discussions were UNECA’s Professor Pius Odunga, Ms. Carine Rukera, and Dr. Geoffrey Manyara alongside Mr. Paul Lebon, Director General for Destination Planning and Development within the Seychelles Tourism Department, who officially opened the event.
The workshop focused on evaluating the current state of the cruise tourism sector, including infrastructure, services, and market trends. Participants explored the challenges and opportunities within the sector, focusing on environmental, social, and economic impacts.
Additionally, participants got the opportunity to work on enhancing collaboration among government agencies, local businesses, and communities. The workshop also sought to develop actionable recommendations and a strategic plan to guide sustainable growth in the sector.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Rukera highlighted the importance of understanding both the financial benefits and costs associated with cruise operations. She stated, “As we engage with all of you present in these few days, it will be imperative to understand financial benefits and costs associated with cruise operations to be able to grab the sector’s overall impact on the Seychelles economy and local economies.”
Ms. Rukera also reaffirmed UNECA’s strong commitment to collaborating with the government of Seychelles to achieve sustainable development and fully capitalise on the opportunities presented by cruise tourism. She acknowledged the crucial role of the participants’ dedication and expertise in advancing actionable strategies and recommendations for optimising the economic impact of cruise tourism.
Mr. Lebon, in his opening reflections, clarified that the workshop, at this stage, is not intended for validation but is open to suggestions and recommendations.
As part of the workshop’s primary objectives, he highlighted the importance of assessing the current state of the cruise tourism industry in Seychelles, including infrastructure, services, and market trends.
He acknowledged the relevance of risks, such as environmental, social, and economic challenges, and noted the persistent concern of piracy in the Indian Ocean. He indicated that while the situation is currently under control, it remains a potentially volatile point.
The first day of the workshop featured keynote presentations on global trends, sustainability practices, and relevant case studies, followed by panel discussions with government officials, industry leaders, environmentalists, and community representatives. The second day was dedicated to strategic planning, with breakout sessions on infrastructure development, environmental management, marketing strategies, and community engagement.
The workshop concluded with a plenary session where outcomes from the breakout sessions were presented and discussed to prioritise actions and plan the way forward. The consultants are anticipated to return during the fourth quarter of the year to conduct the validation process and present the final report.
Given the global nature of the cruise industry, where destinations like Seychelles have limited bargaining power, UNECA is working on strategies to improve the financial outcomes for Seychelles.
Dubai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and embracing innovation has been a key factor behind its transformation into a city at the forefront of the global economy.
The city’s long-term wider approach to leveraging the latest advancements not only enhances the experience for residents and visitors but also boosts the economy by attracting more businesses and investors.
Recognizing the importance of leveraging technology to shape the future of travel and hospitality, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has consistently spearheaded initiatives to raise the bar across multiple sectors, while strategies are in place to improve tourism services with new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR).
DET has also nurtured innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability to create new pathways for growth, aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure.
Proactively adapting its offering to align with emerging global trends, and to cater to the diverse demands of residents and international travellers, the city’s tourism and hospitality sectors are utilising innovation to ensure that Dubai continues to elevate standards across the tourism ecosystem – from streamlined visa processes and airport smart gates to hotel check-in via smartphone apps and digital platforms showcasing the best of Dubai’s offerings.
This dynamic approach, combined with Dubai’s commitment to excellence and continuous collaboration between the government and private sectors, has been the catalyst for rapid change across the emirate, with world-class infrastructure and exceptional service at all touchpoints contributing towards enhancing the guest experience.
With global travellers eager for novel experiences, this fusion of innovation allows tourists to seamlessly connect with both traditional and modern elements of the emirate’s diverse offering and has contributed towards further highlighting the emirate’s position as a must-visit destination. Dubai’s growing popularity is evident in the steady growth in visitors – from January to June 2024, Dubai welcomed 9.31 million international visitors, an increase of 9 per cent compared to the same period in 2023.
Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “Inspired by the visionary leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and guided by the objectives of the D33 Agenda, Dubai is committed to advancing with distinctive world-class infrastructure, experiences, and attractions. Dubai’s unwavering dedication to exceeding expectations is demonstrated through the seamless integration of technology into our industry.
This unique synergy of innovation and technological excellence is a testament to our strong commitment to progress and is instrumental in making Dubai the best city to visit, live and work in, aligned with the goals of the D33 Agenda. The emirate continues collaborating with key stakeholders and global partners to spearhead technology-driven tourism, ensuring a future where innovation enriches every visitor’s experience.”
