Qantas has made history with the launch of its inaugural Airbus A380 flight (QF63) between Sydney and Johannesburg, marking the first time the Superjumbo (VH-OQH today) has operated between Australia and Africa. The new route will run up to six times per week, adding 130,000 seats annually and reintroducing First Class and an expanded Premium Economy offering. The A380 also features an upper deck lounge for First and Business passengers.
In addition to the capacity boost, Qantas has announced a codeshare partnership with Johannesburg-based Airlink, offering seamless connections to nine South African destinations, including Cape Town and Durban, with plans to expand further into southern Africa.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace highlighted the airline’s long history of flying to South Africa and emphasised the importance of the additional capacity and enhanced connectivity for tourism, business, and trade between the two continents. Fares for the new flights and codeshare connections are available for booking now, with travel beginning in late October 2024.
Infrastructure development and visa policy review have been identified as indices that can boost travel and tourism across Africa.
The experts, who were panelists during discussion on how Africa’s tourism sector can be developed, at the 20th Akwaaba African Travel Markets, held at Eko Hotels and Suits, Lagos, said there must be deliberate efforts to develop community tourism as well as ease stringent visa policy on the continent.
Setting the tone for the discussion, Akinbulejo Onabolu, head, Enterprise segment, MTN Nigeria, in a presentation listed issues such as digital divide and limited Internet access, limited transportation, inadequate facilities and lack of basic amenities such as good roads, water, electricity as those beseting tourism on the continent.
According to Onabolu, “Technology plays a vital role in addressing the many challenges,” adding that good marketing and promotion of tourists’ products, sustainability initiatives and good payment platforms and solutions will turn the sector around.
Also speaking, Bayo Omomowo, head, Information Technology, MoMo PSB, MTN, also stressed the need for seamless payment platforms for tourists at any location on the continent, saying ‘technology will enhance tourism discovery’.
Ahmed Naaman of Dodo Travels in Ghana and Davidson Mugisha from Rwanda, spoke in the same direction by urging African governments to ease visa rules and policy.
“Visa issuance is a major issue for the past 20 years, for tourists. There is need to lower.exorbitant visa processing fees and review some policies”, Naaman said
Edi Lawani, Chief Executive Officer, Kuruku Nigeria, called for concerted efforts to promote the sector.
He wants stakeholders to prevail on government to make policies that would in turn create enabling environment for the sector to thrive.
“We are only scratching the surface, we need to engage government’, he said.
Adama Bah of the Gambia tourism decried lack of implementation of some good policies by African governments, saying the continent can convene World Travel Market if it gets its acts together.
“We have a problem of lack of or partial implementation of Blueprints in Africa, otherwise, if we get the support of African Union, we will ensure we have a Pan African Travel market because our biggest asset is our culture. Also, government must support the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises “, Bah said.
Akwaaba Travel Market has become the largest gathering of tourism stakeholders in West Africa, promoting the rich tourism potentials in Nigeria, the West Africa and the entire African continent
For the past 20 years, the organisers have brought the world together for the travel and tourism exhibition fair and the 20th edition equally witnessed several high-profile newcomers making their debut
Also the #JollofRiceWar returned at the opening featuring 10 chefs who prepared different delicacies of Jollof Rice to satisfy the culinary cravings of the participants.
Omowunmi Olatunbosun, Head of SME Segments, Enterprise Business in her presentation said the MTN was committed to promoting tourism in Africa with its digital solutions.
“We will be working together with ecosystem if partners to drive productivity and desire to improve businesses. Our desire is to enable businesses to become more productive.
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
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
Experience a new level of luxury when you fly to Dubai or Democratic Republic of Congo on the Airbus A330. Synonymous with comfort, relaxation and class, the Airbus A 330-300 is perfect for anyone looking for enhanced comfort as they travel. Guests can also enjoy our newly upgraded In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) selection featuring movies, shows and games. Kenya Airways has deployed this luxurious aircraft on the daily flights to and from Dubai as well as to Kinshasa, five times a week. It has a capacity of 46 business class flatbed seats for those who prefer tranquility and luxury and 203 economy class seats. The wide body provides ample space for belly cargo as well as overhead space.
Enjoy elevated comfort on your next flight to Dubai or Kinshasa with the Airbus A330-300.
We were honored to welcome the Malaysian High Commissioner, Amb. Ruzami Mohamad, for a recent courtesy visit, where we discussed some thrilling developments in the world of travel. As part of this meeting, the High Commissioner confirmed the exciting news that AirAsia is expanding its wings to Nairobi, with the introduction of a new direct flight from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur. This new route is a game-changer for Kenyan travelers and our member agents, offering numerous opportunities for expanding travel options and services.
From left to right: KATA Board Director Said Tahir, CEO Nicanor Sabula, Honorary Secretary Margaret Gitonga presenting the KATA Travel Agents Directory to Malaysian High Commissioner to Kenya Ruzami Mohamad, KATA Vice Chairman Hamisi Hassan, and AirAsia representatives from Kenya. Photo credits: Bryan Obala.
Gateway to Asia Pacific
The launch of this direct flight doesn’t just reduce travel time and cost—it opens a door to a world of possibilities. Kuala Lumpur, a vibrant city known for its rich culture, towering skyscrapers, and world-class shopping, is now just a short journey away from Nairobi. But that’s not all. Kuala Lumpur serves as a key hub in Asia, connecting travelers to over 23 countries through AirAsia’s extensive network. This means that your clients can explore destinations like Thailand, Japan, South Korea, China, and beyond with ease, all from a single gateway.
Why This Matters to Our Members
The new route means more than just a new destination—it’s an opportunity to offer more diverse travel packages at competitive prices. With Kuala Lumpur as a starting point, your clients can now enjoy multi-destinations itineraries that are cost-effective and time-efficient. A flight that took over 19 hours is now going to be 9 hours, saving most of the travelers valuable time to maximize their leisure and business travel.
With Kuala Lumpur emerging as a financial and technological hub, your clients can now take advantage of more convenient travel for business meetings, conferences, and collaborations across Asia Pacific. This opens doors to new markets, expanding business travel services that our members can offer to corporate clients.
As always, KATA remains dedicated to ensuring that our members can capitalize on new opportunities and deliver exceptional experiences to travelers. We’re excited to see how this new direct route will help foster deeper connections between Kenya and Asia, and ultimately, drive growth in the travel industry.
Together with the Malaysian High Commission and AirAsia, we are excited to bring this new chapter in travel to life for all Kenyans. Get ready to help your clients explore Asia’s hidden gems, and let’s create unforgettable travel experiences!
The brief strike at major airports in Kenya which disrupted international and domestic flights on Tuesday night, September 9, and Wednesday, September 10, left passengers stranded and cost agents and airlines millions.
The strike was triggered by objections to the government’s proposal to lease Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to an Indian company. Workers felt that jobs would be lost, and that control of a Kenyan asset would be lost by Kenya.
The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has commended both the Government and the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) for quickly resolving the impasse and agreeing on a return-to-work formula.
However, KATA emphasized that such industrial action, with its far-reaching consequences, should never have been allowed to occur in the first place. The strike’s impact has been devastating, with the travel industry facing significant financial and operational losses.
Preliminary estimates suggest that members of KATA lost over KES200 million (R27,9m) in air ticket sales alone, excluding rebooking fees and the costs incurred by airlines in accommodating passengers who missed their flights.
“When accounting for related services such as accommodation, ground transfers, and travel insurance, the total losses could easily exceed KES500 million (R69,8m). Some international airlines flew back empty, while others have indefinitely cancelled or rescheduled flights, further disrupting operations,” KATA said.
KATA highlighted that the frustration, anxiety, and distress caused to passengers have tarnished the reputation of Nairobi as a regional aviation hub.
“The strike’s impact on Kenya’s already fragile economy cannot be overstated. KATA calls on the Government to take decisive action to ensure that the underlying issues with the workers’ union are permanently resolved, preventing any future disruptions to airport operations. Kenya simply cannot afford another crisis of this magnitude.”
Ethiopian Airlines is delighted to announce the launch of a daily flight service to Port Sudan, Sudan, commencing on October 15, 2024. This strategic expansion further strengthens Ethiopian’s commitment to enhancing connectivity across the African continent and beyond, fostering regional socio-economic growth and facilitating trade and tourism.
The new route will provide seamless travel options for passengers traveling between Ethiopia and Sudan, as well as connecting travelers from across the vast Ethiopian Airlines network to this significant Red Sea port city. The introduction of this service underscores Ethiopian’s dedication to serving the evolving needs of the African market and contributing to the continent’s economic development. By connecting Port Sudan to its extensive global network, Ethiopian Airlines aims to unlock new opportunities for businesses, travelers, and communities, promoting cross-border collaboration and cultural exchange.
The inaugural flight, ET350, will depart from Addis Ababa at 11:00 and arrive in Port Sudan at 12:15. The return flight, ET 351, will leave Port Sudan at 14:15, arriving back in Addis Ababa at 17:30. Both flights will be operated by the state-of-the-art Boeing 737 Max aircraft, ensuring a comfortable and reliable journey.
“We are pleased to connect our Sudanese brothers and sisters from Port Sudan to Addis Ababa, and to the rest of the world using our extensive global network,” says Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “By introducing daily flights to Port Sudan, we are bridging cultures and economies. This expansion is a testament to our unwavering dedication to serve our continent and its people, driving progress and prosperity through the skies.”
With the inclusion of Port Sudan, Ethiopian Airlines expands its network to 66 destinations within Africa. The inauguration of this new route emphasizes Ethiopian Airlines’ dedication to broadening its presence throughout Africa, while simultaneously enhancing connectivity for both business and leisure travelers. Port Sudan, a city strategically situated along the Red Sea, acts as an essential center for commerce and economics in the region. This development offers a gateway to the diverse cultural history and burgeoning economic prospects of Sudan.
Ethiopian Airlines invites passengers to experience the warmth and hospitality of its newest destination, Port Sudan. Book your journey today and be part of the growth story that is Ethiopian Airlines – the New Spirit of Africa.
For detailed flight schedules and bookings, please visit our website.
(https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/et) or contact your local Ethiopian Airlines office.
About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is one of the fastest-growing airlines brand globally and the continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-eight years of successful operations, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and De Havilland Q400.
Ethiopian is also pursuing multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world. Ethiopian has been champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for seven consecutive years among others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has been registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years.
Outpayce, a venture launched in 2023 to improve Amadeus’ travel paymens sector, has partnered with IATA to enable airlines to accept account-to-account (A2A) payments.
Recent regulations in many markets make it possible for merchants to accept payment from consumers using direct, account-to-account transfers. As airlines seek to best meet the needs of travelers and reduce the overall cost of payments, account-to-account payments are becoming very popular, and they represent a new option for travelers to pay for air tickets.
That’s why IATA and Outpayce are partnering so airlines can now accept payments made with IATA Pay through Outpayce’s Xchange Payments Platform (XPP).
IATA Pay is an alternative account-to-account form of payment for travelers to pay for air tickets purchased online by directly debiting their bank account. It leverages the new account-to-account rails and regulations developed by countries around the world such as India (UPI), the Netherlands (Ideal), Brazil (PIX) or Philippines (QR Ph). Currently available in over 30 countries, IATA Pay improves the speed and security of payments, while reducing payment acceptance costs.
When a traveler reaches checkout on an airline’s website the new account-to-account payment service allows them to select their bank or scan a QR code depending on the country. IATA uses the payment and bank details or the QR code’s approval to request a transfer from the passenger’s account and the funds are transferred using the banking rails. IATA settles the funds with the airline the following day.
Juan Antonio Rodriguez, Director Financial Settlement Operations, IATA said: “The trend towards account-to-account payments is gaining more momentum. It provides a seamless experience for passengers and provides an attractive option for airlines to lower the cost of payment acceptance. Through Outpayce, airlines using XPP can begin to accept IATA Pay while still benefiting from XPP’s powerful orchestration, analytics and reporting capabilities.”
Anna Isabel Bengzon, Chief Financial Officer, Philippine Airlines said: “We are pleased to now accept IATA Pay in the Philippines. It will provide our passengers a more convenient and secure way of paying via QR code using their digital wallets, which is highly prevalent in the country, or through their bank accounts. Outpayce’s XPP system helps us to intelligently accept a wide range of payment methods used by travelers across the international markets we serve. Moreover, we can access various payment methods and partners through XPP, with detailed analytics on the performance of payment flows and back-end reconciliation support.”
Jean-Christophe Lacour, SVP and Head of Product Management & Delivery, Outpayce added: “We’re committed to helping travel companies accept the widest possible range of payment methods through a single connection to XPP and IATA Pay represents an interesting new option for the industry. By making it easier for partners to connect to XPP using self-service APIs we intend to broaden this choice even further.”
IATA is one of the first partners to connect to Outpayce’s Xchange Payment Platform using its new self-service APIs, being piloted in 2024. The addition of self-service APIs helps to open XPP, making it easier for any payments or fintech company to connect its services, which increases choice for travel companies and further optimizes payment orchestration.
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.
