The enchanting Mumbai awaits! Popular for both leisure and business, Mumbai is a rare gem. Business men/women travel for trade, students for school, families for reconnections or medical assistance, and tourists for the many wonders it has to offer.
From as low as $430 and with 14 weekly flights available between Nairobi and Mumbai, Kenya Airways has made travel easier and convenient. KQ now has two (2) daily flights operating on the Boeing B737-8. This means there is ample capacity for both cargo and passengers.
The best thing is, the flight schedule also allows for seamless onward connections to and from other destinations like Johannesburg (JNB), Lagos (LOS), Monrovia (ROB) and Freetown (FNA)
Flight Schedule:
MUMBAI TO NAIROBI
Day
Flight No
Depart
Arrive
BOM-NBO
Daily
KQ203
02:40
06:35
BOM-NBO
Daily
KQ205
06:45
10:30
NAIROBI TO MUMBAI
Day
Flight No
Depart
Arrive
NBO-BOM
Daily
KQ202
16:45
01:30+1
NBO-BOM
Daily
KQ204
20:50
05:35+1
So next time you want to travel to or from Mumbai, choose comfort, convenience and authentic African hospitality on Kenya Airways.
Kenya Airways has reopened 3 routes this year in a bid to offer customers destinations options.
KQ resumed operations to Mogadishu in February, Eldoret in March and Maputo in June. The three routes are expected to offer KQ guests direct flights to the three destinations, providing travelers with more options and convenience.
Reopening of these routes furthers KQs commitments to connect Africa to the world and the world to Africa. The schedules are conveniently timed for the business traveler as well as the leisure traveler. This means guests travelling to and from these three routes can also travel to the rest of the KQ network via Nairobi.
Guests traveling on this route can expect:
1. Professional & delightful onboard services- The Kenya Airways friendly crew will be at hand to receive guests and ensure a delightful experience while onboard.
2. Ample baggage allowance- Customers’ first bag is free of charge with a provision of up to 23kgs for economy class and 32kgs for business class, with additional space available in the overhead bins for one carry-on bag.
3. Comfortable travel – Kenya Airways will operate the Embraer E190 on this route providing customers with a spacious and comfortable travel experience.
In recent years, the travel industry has faced unprecedented challenges, exposing vulnerabilities. The pandemic was a wake-up call, underscoring the importance of being prepared for unexpected disruptions.
Last month’s CrowdStrike outage, which led to widespread flight cancellations and delays for several major airlines, reminded us of the unpredictability of events that may impact travel. These disruptions can turn a dream vacation into a stressful ordeal and have led me to conclude that every advisor should be offering travel protection to their clients.
As advisors, it’s our responsibility to use our experience to educate clients. We know firsthand that emergency can completely screw up the most carefully planned trip. Travel protection is designed to help clients during unexpected situations, whether a medical emergency, a natural disaster or something bizarre like the CrowdStrike incident.
Offering travel protection can ease these challenges, making an advisor’s job less stressful and helping manage client expectations more effectively. If, for example, a client’s flight is canceled due to weather or technical issues and they miss the first night of their hotel stay, the hotel may not offer a refund. Several advisors sought advice from colleagues on Facebook over this very issue in the aftermath of the CrowdStrike outage.
Without travel protection, the client was responsible for these costs, often leading to frustration and complaints misdirected at advisors. If travel insurance had not been offered, traveler frustration may not be completely misplaced. Some insurance policies cover these costs, diffusing the situation before it escalates. (Be sure to read the fine print! Not all travel insurance policies are the same.)
When a client has adequate travel protection, the burden to resolve issues shifts from advisors to the insurance provider. Whether it’s rebooking flights, covering additional hotel stays or compensating for lost luggage, travel insurance (depending on policy details) takes care of these problems, resulting in fewer stressful phone calls, less time spent negotiating with service providers and a smoother experience for clients.
Ultimately, offering travel protection is about more than just providing a service; it’s about enhancing your professional reputation and protecting your business. When clients see that you’ve gone the extra mile to ensure their trip is covered, it builds trust and confidence in your expertise. By making travel protection a standard part of your service, you not only safeguard your clients’ travel investments but also protect yourself and your business from unnecessary complications.
Clients can’t be forced to take out coverage, but they should understand the risks of traveling without it. If a client decides not to purchase insurance, I require them to sign a waiver acknowledging that insurance was offered and that they declined. This waiver states that the client accepts full responsibility if their travel plans are altered due to unforeseen circumstances.
Here’s the liability waiver I have my client’s sign:
I decline the offer to purchase travel protection/trip insurance through [name of agency]. I understand that I am solely responsible for any cancellation penalties and out-of-pocket expenses incurred. I will also make my own separate travel, medical and any other provisions in the event of an emergency while I am traveling. I also understand that I am not protected from loss in the event of any travel vendor, travel supplier or any travel-related operator defaults. This waiver confirms that I voluntarily decline travel insurance and travel protection insurance for the trip described above. I understand I am solely liable for all airline fees, supplier fees and agency fees that may apply, and I hereby release [name of agency] and its agents from any and all liability related to the trip described above.
Nine times out of 10, after I present my clients with the waiver, they decide to purchase the travel protection.
Strengthen synergies between key tourism players from Uganda and the Kenya coastal region;
address barriers and challenges to the partnership between Uganda and Kenya Coast.
Explore investment opportunities in the tourism sector in Uganda.
Allow participants to experience the tourism products in each of the two destinations so that they are better equipped to promote them.
The Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference is an annual event organized by the Consulate General of Uganda in conjunction with tourism stakeholders in Uganda and the Kenya Coast.
The conference aims to consolidate networks, synergies, and diversity to maximize the tourism potential between Uganda and Kenya’s coastal regions.
The event includes excursions at the Kenya Coast and a family trip to Uganda, as well as business-to-business sessions to enable participants from both countries to meet and interact.
The expected outcomes of the conference include increased tourist arrivals and investments in the tourism sectors, joint tourism packages, and increased traffic on the Entebbe-Mombasa route operated by Uganda Airlines.
it will also help map/ work out a strategy for joint promotion of trade between Uganda and Kenya Coast and enhance awareness about the complementarity between the two destinations and the tourism products they offer.
During a media briefing at the Ministry of foregn affairs in kampala,the Commissioner, Human Resource, Ministry of foregn affairs Mr Herbert Kiguuli and the Consul General of Uganda to Mombasa Ambassador Paul Mukumbya tell the public that the conference shall also assess the progress made in the cooperation between Uganda and Kenya Coast since the last two conferences.
This will provide a platform for B2B networking, learning and information sharing;and also equip the key tourism players from Uganda and the Kenya coastal region with firsthand experiences of key tourism attractions so that they are in a better position.
We are delighted to inform you that the Kenyan Ministry of Transport has granted AirAsia full approval for scheduled flights between Kuala Lumpur and Nairobi. This official clearance allows you to confidently sell tickets to your customers without any concerns. The arrival of AirAsia in Kenya marks a new era of affordable air travel. With its vast network and competitive fares, this low-cost carrier is set to revolutionize the way Kenyans travel.
Discover More Destinations
One of the most exciting benefits is the opportunity to explore new destinations. AirAsia’s extensive network provides access to 35 new destinations across 12 countries, allowing you to cater to a wider range of traveler preferences. Whether your clients dream of the vibrant cities of Southeast Asia, the stunning beaches of Australia, the cultural richness of HongKong, or the business acumen of Singapore AirAsia can take them there.
Reduced Fares and Travel Hours
AirAsia has maintained its position as the world’s leading low-cost airline for an unprecedented 15 consecutive years, winning the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Award in June 2024. Beyond its financial success, AirAsia has been a pioneer in environmental sustainability and affordable travel. Connect your customers to Australia for up to 40% less than traditional flights while enjoying flight times that are over 30% shorter!
All cabin classes
Direct flights to Kuala Lumpur and beyond will be operated by an Airbus A330. Defying expectations, this low-cost carrier offers a premium experience, including all cabin classes typically found on full-service airlines, even flatbed seats. The aircraft configuration is detailed below:
What Next?
1. Do you wish to sell East and Southeast Asia destinations? Register on their booking system by clicking here if you’ve not already
2. Join the exclusive AirAsia System and destinations training for our member travel agents on Friday the 9th of August.
Travelling to and from the Gulf just got easier with Kenya Airways! KQ has partnered with Saudia Airlines (SV) to facilitate seamless travel for guests looking for a convenient option as they explore Jeddah for leisure or business.
With just one ticket, guests can now travel to Jeddah from Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret and Mogadishu with a connection through Dubai. On the other hand, travelers from Jeddah can fly to Nairobi as well as Accra and Entebe via Nairobi. Travelers from other parts of KQ’s Africa network can also enjoy the same seamless connectivity as this partnership provides a gateway into and out of the Gulf region and serves as a critical connection to Africa for the Gulf. This partnership affirms KQs commitment to connecting people, cultures and markets by providing guests with more connectivity options, itinerary flexibilityandaffordable rates.
Eritrea stands as a captivating country in the Horn of Africa, bordered by the vast expanses of the Red Sea. Its strategic geographical position and extensive coastline have historically made it a pivotal player in the trade and cultural exchanges between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. This unique location is reflected in the diverse cultural fabric and linguistic mosaic that characterizes the nation today.
Historical Overview
The roots of Eritrea are deeply entrenched in both its location and its complex colonial history. Having been a convergence point for various civilizations, the region has witnessed an array of influences, from South Arabian to Ottoman Turkish, and eventually the Italian colonization in the 19th century. These layers of history have left a rich cultural and architectural legacy that continues to attract scholars and tourists alike.
Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity
Eritrea is home to a vibrant mix of ethnic groups, each preserving its own language and traditions. The nine recognized ethnic groups contribute to a linguistic landscape that includes Tigrinya, Tigre, and a number of other Afroasiatic languages, with Arabic and English serving as important secondary languages.
Tourism in Eritrea
Despite its political challenges, Eritrea offers an array of attractions for the intrepid traveler. From the mesmerizing architecture of Asmara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the unspoiled islands and coral reefs of the Dahlak Archipelago, the country presents a tapestry of experiences. Eritrea’s tourism sector, though underdeveloped, provides a genuine adventure for those looking to explore one of Africa’s most secluded destinations.
Economic Landscape
Eritrea’s economy faces numerous challenges, reflected in its low ranking on the Index of Economic Freedom. However, it boasts significant potential in sectors like mining and tourism, which remain largely untapped due to geopolitical and internal issues.
Transportation Hubs
The country’s transportation infrastructure is centered around key airports like Asmara International, Massawa International, and Assab International. These facilitate both domestic and limited international travel, connecting Eritrea with neighboring countries and beyond.
Airline Services
The national carrier, Eritrean Airlines, along with other regional airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines and EgyptAir, connect Eritrea to the wider region, offering links despite the challenging economic conditions.
Countries that can visit to Eritrea without Visa:- Kenya, Uganda
Accommodations
Luxury and comfort can be found at Asmara Palace Hotel, the top choice for international visitors, alongside other reputable options like Crystal Hotel and Hotel Asmara Central. These establishments provide quality service and are central to the experience of visiting the capital.
Cultural Significance and Landmarks
Eritrea is renowned for its architectural wonders, like the futuristic Fiat Tagliero Building and the classic Cinema Roma in Asmara, reflecting the Italian modernist influence. The nation’s historical depth is further highlighted by its archaeological sites and over 400 historic churches and monasteries, testament to its rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
Eritrea remains a land of undiscovered beauty and rich history. Its complex past and diverse cultures make it a unique destination for those willing to venture off the beaten path. As the country slowly opens up to the world, its potential for tourism and economic growth continues to expand, promising a brighter future ahead.
Modern Airline Retailing is an active and important initiative for airlines around the world. But though control of the Offer and Order environment is an essential component in a fiercely competitive industry, IATA is aware that not all airlines have the same set of requirements and distribution strategies.
“This is why the Agency Program is still so important,” says Muhammad Albakri, IATA’s SVP for Financial Settlement and Distribution Services. “IATA accredited agents are trusted distribution partners, and our Agency Program allows airlines and agents to come together to solve challenges and ensure this vital channel remains strong.”
Moreover, the Agency Program fits perfectly with the overall objective of giving customers greater choice. The travel agent is still a vital part of the offer to the customer and has become a hub for consolidating the travel experience. Travel agents are also playing an important role in Modern Airline Retailing as IATA continues to see an increase in NDC transactions in the BSP.
“Really, they are travel consultancies now,” says Albakri. “They provide an end-to-end service and are now much more than ticket providers.”
In 2023, the travel and tourism sector contributed 9.1% to global GDP and created 27 million new jobs, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. Airlines are critical to making that happen. And so are travel agents.
In fact, travel agents are still the industry’s strongest distribution channel. The aim, therefore, is to ensure these agents are robust, reliable partners and the process of engagement—whether it is payment or fulfilling passenger requests—is as seamless and cost-effective as possible.
Keeping the program relevant
The most important step was the development of New Generation IATA Settlement Systems (NewGen ISS) approximately five years ago. This introduced different levels of accreditation:
Go Global is for large multinational agents and simplifies BSP participation by having a single agreement and a consolidated financial security and Remittance Holding Capacity.
Go Standard agents are allowed to sell in cash and other forms of payment.
Go Lite agents benefit from not having to furnish financial securities to participate in BSP and are allowed to sell with IATA EasyPay and Credit Cards.
Airlines in turn gained from enhanced risk management and other tools that made the distribution of tickets through travel agents even safer.
“It is not one-size-fits-all anymore,” says Albakri. “Agents can join at an appropriate level of accreditation for their business but still gain from the trust and reach that being accredited brings.”
Supporting the recovery of the industry
After COVID, IATA focused on revamping the accreditation process and streamlining the requirements. The Go Standard agents do not have to go through a financial assessment for the first two years of operation, for example. All told, the changes have resulted in a 50% reduction in accreditation times and a customer satisfaction of 90%.
“We did all this without compromising the risk management criteria,” says Albakri. “In fact, we have enhanced it by adding different compliance reviews, such as PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), as a requirement for agencies selling in credit cards, and more robust real-time monitoring of agency sales. But we can improve further both on continuing to strengthen the risk environment and on improving IATA’s service to travel agents by reducing our processing times.”
The improvements in the accreditation process together with the resilience shown by the Agency Program during the pandemic has led to strong demand and growth in accreditation numbers.
“We have also been more present in events and different meetings where travel agents approached us to know more about the benefits of the program and the requirements to become IATA accredited,” says Albakri. “In addition, IATA has historically entered into promotional agreements with different parties to increase the number of Participants and we are fully committed to continuing with this best practice.”
As a result, the number of travel agent codes in the BSP has increased from 54,341 in 2022 to 58,923 codes in April 2024.
For Albakri, this proves that as long as there continues to be a commercial relationship between airlines and travel agents, the program will continue to be extremely valuable.
“Agents will be even more relevant in the future than they were in the past,” he believes. “The Agency program is at the heart of industry resilience because it is a strong, trusted system for distributing and selling tickets and collecting monies. There is also a very low cost of transaction and IATA will continue to improve the service we provide.”
Imagine landing in a new country and your normal data plan won’t work! You can’t call over the internet, you can’t text, you can’t go online and you can’t even use your phone apps to get a cab. This is the definition of stress for any traveler. Whether you are travelling for business or for leisure, staying connected is important and for this, you need a trusted data solution that can ensure you are able to communicate and you can connect to the internet. Safari Data from Kenya Airways offers just that! Peace of mind and connectivity when travelling.
Safari Data provides over 2200+ Data Roaming plans to travelers at a very low cost, is available in over 180+ countries and the plans are based on per Country as well as Regional plans and Global plans. This means, we have got you covered pretty much everywhere you are travelling. The data plan is only for mobile internet which means users can make calls or send messages through applications like Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Viber, WeChat, etc.
The solution which has been developed in partnership with Roambuddy.world Ltd has been tested and tried over and over guaranteeing you a reliable data partner for all your travels. It is easy to install and is available on eSIM compatible devices allowing users to access the internet via a 3G, 4G, LTE or 5G networks.
With KQ Safari Data you do not need to worry about expensive roaming data charges from your local operator. The data plans are easy to purchase and activate. The data roaming plan currently offers plans starting from 7 day for 1GB plans and 30 day plans for plans with 3GB or more data with the option of getting Global Plans with longer durations up to 365 days with the highest speeds wherever possible (3G/4G/5G) on Kenya Airways supported networks around the world.
So, the next time you are traveling, don’t get stranded by lack of internet access, simply purchase your eSIM data plan on https://www.kqsafaridata.com/ before you travel and stay connected!
Travelport and Emirates have joined forces to deliver New Distribution Capability (NDC) content from the airline and enhanced NDC servicing capabilities on the Travelport+ platform.
With this launch, Travelport’s agency customers will be able to easily view and compare NDC offers and ancillaries from Emirates and create a more streamlined, personalised experience for travellers. It also provides agents the ability to service NDC bookings, which includes modifications and cancellations.
Travelport’s NDC content and servicing solution for Emirates is now available to all agency customers located in Australia, Indonesia, the UAE, and the UK. Access to Emirates NDC solution in Travelport+ will expand to agency customers located in additional countries in the coming weeks.
Adnan Kazim, deputy president and chief commercial officer at Emirates, commented: “The integration of our systems will strengthen the expansion of our reach across the global travel retail community and allow them to offer travellers more choice among our best-in-class products and services.”
“This pivotal NDC milestone with Emirates proves Travelport is at the forefront of modern retailing with our ability to provide the best content and tools that agents require to create superior booking and servicing experiences for their customers,” said Jason Clarke, chief commercial officer, travel partners, Travelport.
