Travel Agents News – Page 5 – Kenya Association of Travel Agents

Travel & Tourism in Kenya Injected KES 1TN to the national economy last year.

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) has today revealed a record-breaking year for Travel & Tourism in Kenya, contributing KES1TN to the national economy in 2023.

Sector jobs grew 6% to reach a record 1.55MN, accounting for one in 13 jobs across the country.

While domestic visitor spending reached more than KES 466BN last year, almost 15% over the previous peak and setting a new record, spending by overseas visitors continued to trail the highpoint of 1999 to reach just KES 266BN.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said; “The recovery of Kenya’s Travel & Tourism sector is a testament to its resilience. Achieving record-breaking growth across economic contribution, jobs, and domestic visitor spending highlights the sector’s vital role in the nation’s economy.

“Although international visitor spending is currently lagging behind its high point, the future of Travel & Tourism in Kenya looks strong, with substantial opportunities for growth and development over the next decade.”

What Does This Year Look Like?

According to the global tourism body’s latest research, Travel & Tourism’s contribution to Kenya’s economy is forecast to grow 9% year-on-year to reach almost KES 1.15TN.

Jobs supported by the sector are projected to reach more than 1.6MN, representing almost 8% of jobs in Kenya.

Domestic visitor spending is expected to continue driving the sector to reach KES 521BN, but spending by travellers from overseas is forecast to remain below the previous high to reach KES 289.5BN.

What Does the Next Decade Look Like?

With the right government support, WTTC is forecasting that the sector could grow its annual GDP contribution to KES 1.7TN by 2034, representing 7.4% of Kenya’s economy, and could potentially employ more than 2.2MN people across the country.

See all the data in our Kenya Travel & Tourism Economic Impact Report on the WTTC Research Hub.

Source: Breaking Travel News.

Sector jobs grew 6% to reach a record 1.55MN, accounting for one in 13 jobs across the country.

What Does This Year Look Like?

According to the global tourism body’s latest research, Travel & Tourism’s contribution to Kenya’s economy is forecast to grow 9% year-on-year to reach almost KES 1.15TN.

Jobs supported by the sector are projected to reach more than 1.6MN, representing almost 8% of jobs in Kenya.

Domestic visitor spending is expected to continue driving the sector to reach KES 521BN, but spending by travellers from overseas is forecast to remain below the previous high to reach KES 289.5BN.

What Does the Next Decade Look Like?

See all the data in our Kenya Travel & Tourism Economic Impact Report on the WTTC Research Hub.

Source: Breaking Travel News.

Kenya Waves ETA Fees for Ghana Citizens

The Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, June 19, informed its citizens that it had reached a deal with the Kenyan Government to scrap Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fees.

Since January 2024, Ghanaians have been paying Ksh3,870 (USD30) ETA fees to enter Kenya despite Kenyans being exempted from visa requirements while travelling to Ghana.

The ETA fee was introduced by President William Ruto’s administration after he waved visa requirements for all global citizens.

Ghanaian government had raised complaints considering that the two countries had a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in immigration.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration wishes to inform the public that Kenya in recognition of the existing visa-free regime agreement between Kenya and Ghana has informed that Ghanaian travellers will now be issued an ETA on gratis upon application for travel to Kenya,” the statement read in part

“In that regard, Ghanaians intending to travel to Kenya are to submit their ETA application through www.etakenya.go.ke for approval prior to their departure.”

Kenya has been in the recent past waving ETA fees for countries that had previous visa-free agreements with.

In February, Ruto’s administration waived ETA fees for seven countries that had signed a visa-free agreement with Kenya between September 2022 and December 2023.

These countries included; Comoros, The Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mozambique, San Marino and South Africa.

The countries joined 7 East African Community (EAC) that had been previously exempted from the ETA fees.

Before President Ruto abolished visa requirements, citizens from 51 countries were able to jet into Kenya by the power of their passports.

The National Government has not issued a statement about whether the 51 countries in future will all be exempted from paying ETA fees.

Source: Kenyans.

Kenya optimistic to receive increase of Chinese tourists

The number of Chinese tourists bounding for Kenya may triple over the next few years, following a surge in arrivals to the East African country last year, according to the tourism authority in Kenya.

Kenya’s tourism sector, a pillar industry, sees a huge opportunity in the Chinese market, and the country will intensify cooperation with industry players in China to tap the potential, June Chepkemei, the chief executive officer of the Kenya Tourism Board, said on Wednesday.

Tourism arrivals from China last year exceeded 52,000, a 161 percent growth compared with 2022, she said.

“China was the most improved tourism source market in 2023. Majority of the tourists come for leisure holidays followed by business and conferences,” she said at a tourism promotion event in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, which was held in collaboration with the Chinese city of Zhengzhou.

“Kenya Tourism Board is keen to collaborate with many stakeholders like media, governmental bodies, private sector partners like China based tour operators, online travel agencies, corporates and airlines to market Kenya,” Chepkemei said, adding that Kenya sees a huge opportunity in large number of Chinese outbound tourism and aims to attract 150,000 tourists annually.

Chinese tourists restarted to travel overseas in January last year, with the lifting of overseas travel restrictions by the government. Outbound travel from China was largely halted for three years, to prevent transmission of the virus, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kenya, she said is the home of human origin hence people from across the globe are welcome to visit the east African country, to experience the thrill of adventure, enjoy authentic cultural immersive experiences and view teeming and diverse wildlife.

This is in addition to enjoying pristine beaches with warm waters, welcoming and hospitable Kenyans as well as enjoy Nairobi – the best city to visit in year 2024 according to Lonely Planet.

On Wednesday, the Kenya Tourism Board expressed an intention to partner with Zhengzhou Radio and Television station to market Kenya as a tourist destination to Chinese.

“Media plays a very key role in amplifying destination marketing. We are keen to leverage Kenya’s and China’s vibrant media landscapes to keep the tourism narratives alive, telling experiential stories to inspire travel,” Chepkemei said.

She said Kenya Tourism Board is happy to share video content of Kenya’s tourism experiences with Zhengzhou Radio and Television Station. The content will showcase Kenya to Chinese people, aimed at sparking or keeping alive the interest and desire to visit MagicalKenya, an all year-round destination.

To further woo Chinese travelers to Kenya, on May 10, the Kenya Tourism Board in partnership with the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, launched China-Kenya Tourism Service Platform, aimed at linking Chinese travelers with the Kenyan tourism market.

Towards the end of last year, the board also held roadshows in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to market Kenya as a year-round destination among Chinese tourists. ‘

The shows involved business-to-business sessions between travel trade officials from Kenya and tour operators from China.

The Kenyan tour operators got an opportunity to reconnect with their counterparts in China and got clear understanding of the tourists’ interests and preferences.

Source: China Daily.

Kenya Airways Enhances African Connectivity with New Maputo Flights

Kenya Airways resumed its direct flights between Nairobi and Maputo, offering three weekly flights on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This relaunch provides a convenient travel option for passengers originating from Kenya and serves as a vital connection point for travelers from other African cities via Nairobi.

The expansion will allow Kenya Airways to improve intra-Africa connectivity, which is crucial for driving economic growth, enhancing trading opportunities, and expanding businesses across local and intercontinental economies. This new route supplements KQ’s current service to Nampula, Mozambique, strengthening its regional footprint.

“Today’s launch is a tangible testament to KQ’s remarkable progress and the exciting future ahead. As we unveil our 45th destination -Maputo – we mark a major milestone in our network expansion journey,” says the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Allan Kilavuka.

In addition to Maputo, this expansion aligns with Kenya Airways’ broader network strategy for 2024, which includes more frequent flights to popular destinations such as New York, Paris, Lagos, Accra, and Freetown.

“Aviation is critical to boosting national GDPs by creating jobs and fostering economic activity. The increased intra-African travel will act as a catalyst for economic development across the continent. Our passion lies in fostering connections across the continent, making trade and travel between our nations more accessible than ever before,” Allan Kilavuka further added.

Speaking at the same event, Julius Thairu, Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, noted that KQ’s expansion is linked to KQ’s mission of propelling Africa’s prosperity by connecting its people, markets and cultures. “The demand for air travel is soaring, and we’re determined to meet it by expanding our reach and fostering connections between Africa’s rich cultures and thriving economies. Adding Maputo to our network strengthens ties between Kenya and Mozambique, opening doors for increased trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.” he said.

Maputo, besides being a major trade hub for southern Africa, captivates visitors with its blend of history and culture. Portuguese colonial influences are visible in its architecture, while lively markets and a thriving art scene showcase contemporary Mozambican life. Whether you’re looking for relaxation on pristine beaches or exploration in museums, Maputo offers an unforgettable experience.

The three weekly scheduled flights are as follows:

Route	Day	Flight No.	Departure Time	Arrival Time
Nairobi to Maputo	Wed, Fri, Sun	KQ740	0950hrs (local)	1300hrs (local)
Maputo to Nairobi	Wed, Fri, Sun	KQ741	1350hrs (local)	1845hrs (local)

Source: Travel and Tourworld.

MICE industry has bounced back

South Africa’s MICE industry has bounced back from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Gary Koetser, CEO of Century City Conference Centre and Hotels in Cape Town.

In an interview with Tourism Update, Koetser said the MICE industry “took a hell of a knock during COVID”, and that there was much talk at the time that conferencing would never be the same again.

However, in retrospect, there were many positives for MICE that came out of COVID, Koetser believes.

One of these positives was that people realised the critical need for in-person meetings and interactions.

‘Doing unbelievably well’

Koetser said that, in fact, the MICE industry was doing unbelievably well, and he provided the following stats from Century City to prove his point:

Average size of conferences has increased by 26% in Q1 of 2024 compared with Q1 of 2023.

Revenues have grown by 24% in the Conference Centre when comparing Q1 of 2024 with Q1 of 2023.

Delegates attending conferences have a longer length of stay. The average length of stay from conference delegates is 15% longer than other market segments such as traditional corporate and leisure guests. They stay for the conference and then have either added on days to their itinerary for other meetings or leisure.

11 International conferences are already secured for the next 12 months compared with six in the previous year. These conferences will bring over 6 000 delegates to Century City and amount to approximately R40 million (€2m) in revenue for the local economy.

Booking pace is up 15% this year compared with last year for the next six months (July-December), and forecasted to be 21% up on revenue compared with the same period last year.

R15 million (€758 660) investment into a new venue, The Verve, and refurbishment of the Conference Centre, which commenced in July 2023 and was fully completed in March 2024.

“Some hotels can host up to 300 delegates, maybe 350 at a push, and then the Cape Town International Convention Centre can accommodate the larger conferences from 1 500 delegates upwards. Therefore our Conference Centre was purpose-built for conferences between 350 and 1 200 delegates,” said Koetser.

He added that the Conference Centre was driving occupancy into the six or seven surrounding hotels, which are all within walking distance of the Conference Centre as well as foot traffic into the numerous restaurants in the area. Shopping at the neighbouring shopping centre Canal Walk was also very popular with conference attendees.

‘Confercation

Koetser said Century City had coined a new phrase – ‘confercation’ – (conferencing with vacation), similar to the ‘bleisure’ trend, and that it seemed to be increasingly popular.

“We’re also seeing an increase in, and it is something that we are promoting, bringing your partner with you when you come to Cape Town for a conference. And this is something we’ll be promoting soon, partners staying for free when traveling with their spouse to a conference.”

He also said that Century City was seeing a longer average length of stay for delegates conferencing at the Centre due to Cape Town being an attractive city for both business and leisure.

SME involvement

Century City Conference Centre is currently busy with numerous initiatives to involve SMEs in the MICE sector.

“We’re creating an art gallery within our Centre, all comprising young, up-and-coming previously disadvantaged artists to showcase their various pieces of art. There’s a story of them as the artist and their background, and then a story about the actual piece of art that they are displaying.”

Century City Conference Centre has also approached other SMEs to showcase their products at the property. For example, the women in the townships who are making beaded bangles and bags.

“We’re going to give them space in the Conference Centre, almost creating a ‘mini arts and craft market’ where conference attendees can go and buy from these small entrepreneurs that are making unbelievable products from recycled materials,” said Koetser.

Its food and menus also add to the African experience in the Centre, such as a Bo-Kaap Cape Malay-type menu or a traditional South African braai menu.

‘Share sustainability ideas’

Koetser highlighted that, in addition to large corporations and associations asking for Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment scorecards or safety and security measures before they could do business, they are now also asking to see data from a sustainability point of view.

“We’ve partnered with a company that provides software to measure our sustainability efforts so that we can hold ourselves accountable in terms of showing impact month-on-month, year-on-year”.

“We also make sure that we use the right suppliers that use sustainable materials and that our solar panels are working optimally. A significant contributor to our sustainability efforts is the dual plumbing system throughout our Conference Centre and Hotels. This allows the use of effluent water for toilet flushing, irrigation and potable water for taps and showers.”

He added that there is pressure on the MICE industry to improve its sustainability initiatives and that many corporations shouldn’t use it as a competitive advantage but rather share ideas and initiatives which will benefit the industry as a whole in the future.

“I think the catchphrase for sustainability going forward is going to be accountability, but also transparency,” Koetser concluded.

Source: Tourism Update.

African airlines headed for 100 million passengers milestone

African airlines are likely to cross the 100 million passengers mark for the first time in 2025, on the back of an aggressive push to open new routes and increased frequencies by local carriers.

The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) projects the passenger numbers will reach 98 million by close of the year 2024 – a 15% rise compared to 2023 figures and more than the highest ever figure of 95 million, recorded in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Despite ongoing post-pandemic hurdles, the airline sector sustained its recovery momentum this year, witnessing a resurgence in passenger demand…signifying a strong recovery for the industry,” said AFRAA in latest industry report.

From the smallest to the largest, Africa’s airline operators are almost all increasing routes and frequency, mostly concentrated within the continent. The trend expected to boost Intra-Africa connectivity.

According to AFRAA, Intra-Africa connectivity surged across regions, with major hubs such as Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Abidjan, and Lome witnessing a notable uptick in connectivity.

Ethiopian Airline is leading local carriers in regional expansion as it eyes a 30% growth in passenger numbers by mid 2024.

Among the airline’s latest route expansion include start of three-weekly services to Maun, its second destination in the Republic of Botswana after Gaborone this June.

In May, the airline launched another thrice weekly passenger services to Freetown, Sierra Leone via Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

“Ethiopian Airlines, committed to its Pan-African roots, continues to connect every part of Africa and beyond,” Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Mesfin Tasew said during the launch of Maun route.

Ethiopian Airline which champions a vast intra-Africa network operating to more than 60 destinations in the continent, airlifted about 13.9 million passengers in the year ending June 2023.

Over the past year, the airline has also launched to new international routes including London Gatwick, resumed schedules to destinations like Madrid and Bangui, and increased frequencies on existing routes like Addis Ababa-Seoul.

Kenya Airways is also strengthening its network in the continent with plans to begin a new route connecting Nairobi directly to Maputo, Mozambique starting June 14, 2024. The national carrier cited the expansion as due to growing demand for travel between East and Southern Africa.

“The demand for air travel is soaring, and we’re determined to meet it by expanding our reach and fostering connections between Africa’s rich cultures and thriving economies,” said Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Julius Thairu in a statement.

In Northern Africa, Royal Air Maroc has announced the launch of three new air routes – regional and international linking Casablanca to Naples, Manchester and Abuja from 22 June 2024 – as part of the carriers development plan to open up air routes in several promising markets.

“The launch of these routes aims to strengthen our continental positioning in favour of the African Diaspora, particularly in Nigeria,” said Royal Air Maroc Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hamid Addou.

Other industry reports also point to growing passenger numbers across the continent and regional borders.

In early 2024, data from the Centre for Aviation (CAPA) indicated a significant surge in African air travel, with over two million weekly internal seats being filled in the week starting December 18, 2023, underscoring the growth of intra-African connectivity.

According to CAPA’s data, Ethiopian Airlines emerged as the dominant carrier in the intra-African market, capturing a 14.4% share of capacity in the week beginning January 15, 2024, representing an 11.0% increase from the corresponding week in 2023.

No other airline holds a double-digit share of capacity, with South Africa’s FlySafair being the closest contender at 9.0%, followed by Nigeria’s Air Peace (5.4%), the fast-growing regional carrier Airlink (South Africa) (4.9%), and other major international airlines in the region: EgyptAir (4.4%), Kenya Airways (4.2%), and Royal Air Maroc (3.7%).

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects a 9.1% increase in African airline capacity in 2024, outpacing the 8.5% demand growth defying high operational costs, low consumer spending on air travel, and connectivity issues, that it said hinder the industry’s expansion and performance.

“Despite these headwinds, there is sustained demand for air travel, which should allow the market to deliver a second year of profitability,” according to IATA.

AFRAA’s estimates show that operating revenue for March 2024 amounted to US$1.74 billion, reflecting a growth of 26% from US$1.39 billion in March 2023.

Source: Independent.

Kenya Airways-KATA deal to spur economic growth – Kenya News Agency

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kenya Airways to foster collaboration in their operations.

This strategic collaboration, initiated by travel agents, aims to bolster the national carrier’s market presence and strengthen its competitive position within the industry.

This partnership is expected to bring about significant benefits for both parties, leveraging the expertise and networks of travel agents to drive the growth and innovation of Kenya Airways.

Speaking at the 44th Annual Travel Convention and General Meeting under the theme ‘Make the Connection’ held at Sarova Whitesands, Mombasa, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KATA, Nicanor Sabula, highlighted the substantial impact of recent government policy changes, technological advancements, and the overall growth of the industry.

He noted that these developments are shaping the future of travel, requiring stakeholders to adapt and innovate in response to the evolving landscape.

The meeting brought together more than 300 delegates representing the travel agency community.

“We have invited our colleagues from six of our neighbouring African countries, representing Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, so that we can share knowledge to be able to make the connection alongside growing our Intra- Africa Travel,” Sabula said.

He noted that they had also discussed the contemporary issues emerging in society, including Artificial Intelligence and how it can be used to support businesses.

He highlighted that the industry’s statistics indicate that Kenya has recovered and surpassed the pre-pandemic numbers by approximately 30 per cent. Initially, the recovery was projected to be achieved by 2025; however, by the end of 2023, the sector had already experienced a 30 per cent recovery, demonstrating a faster-than-expected rebound.

Patrick Bucha, Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to broadening the industry’s scope through medical tourism advocacy and exploring unconventional offerings beyond traditional staples.

“This forward-thinking approach underscores the government’s dedication to catering to the evolving needs and preferences of global travelers,” he stated.

He highlighted that a key focus area is developing and marketing Kenya as the “Home of Human Origins,” leveraging our rich heritage and cultural tapestry to offer an immersive journey into the cradle of humanity. Through this initiative, the aim is to captivate visitors with an unparalleled exploration of our nation’s historical and anthropological significance.

Moreover, Bucha noted that the Ministry recognises the private sector’s invaluable role in driving this transformative vision. It is eager to foster close collaborations with the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), harnessing their expertise and insights to craft innovative tourism experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.

The Chairman of KATA, who is also the Managing Director of Hemingways Travel, Joseph Kithitu, highlighted on the importance of leading the change in advocating for a shift in mindset to be able to be embraced as travel advisors by travel agents, as that aligns with the changing landscape and reflects the role they play in the travel industry.

Regarding infrastructure, Kithitu said that the infrastructure development to expand the travel and tourism industries has been steadily progressive. However, he called for the acceleration of this to maximise the benefits that come with it, stimulate growth in the tourism sector, and increase economic benefits for the nations.

The Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways (KQ), Allan Kilavuka, addressed the importance of the collaboration with the Kenyan Travel Advisors, noting that KQ recognises the crucial partnership with the advisors in the aviation industry.

Kilavuka expressed that, in line with the convention’s theme ‘make the connection’ he commits to forging deeper synergies between KQ and KATA to unlock new opportunities to elevate the entire travel ecosystem.

“This recent period has been an eventful chapter for Kenya Airways, marked by significant strides, overcoming challenges, and setting our sights on new horizons. We recorded a full-year operating profit of Sh10.5 billion, a swing of Sh16 billion from a loss of Sh5.6 billion reported in 2022! This remarkable feat speaks volumes about the commitment and diligence of every member of the KQ family,” Kilavuka said.

Source: Kenya News

Brussels Airlines Comeback Flight to Nairobi Marks Renewed Confidence in Kenya

Their return is spurred by Kenya’s burgeoning corporate landscape and revitalized tourism sector. The Belgian national carrier, a member of the esteemed Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance, touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Monday evening carrying a full complement of 288 passengers. The reintroduction of Brussels Airlines’ service to Nairobi expands the Lufthansa Group’s footprint in Sub-Saharan Africa to an impressive 18 destinations. Kenya has now ascended to the position of the group’s second-largest market in terms of flight frequency, with Lufthansa operating five weekly flights, Euro Wings Discover flying six times a week to Mombasa, and the newly inaugurated six weekly flights by Brussels Airlines to Nairobi.

This enhanced connectivity is set to significantly boost passenger transfers for Belgium’s diverse travel industry, catering to charter services, corporate travel, MICE specialists, online travel agencies, and traditional travel agents alike. Brussels Airlines CEO Dorothea von Boxberg expresses her enthusiasm, stating, “We are witnessing a tremendous interest from our home market to explore Kenya. Our inaugural flights to Nairobi are fully booked, a testament to the city’s vibrant allure and its role as the perfect gateway for an unforgettable Kenyan adventure.”

The airline is diligently working to increase its flight frequency to meet the surging demand for both business and leisure travel since the market has responded with great enthusiasm. According to Belgium’s statistical agency Statbel, Belgians embarked on 6.92 million international trips in the third quarter of 2023, marking a 3.8% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2022. Although international travel numbers have not yet reached the pinnacle of 2019, when 7.15 million trips were recorded, the preference for overseas travel remains robust with 64% of Belgians planning to venture abroad for leisure in the next 12 months. Cost and affordability emerge as crucial considerations for 34% of Belgians when planning international trips.

The Kenya Tourism Board is determined to capitalize on these travel trends to bolster visitor numbers and has warmly welcomed the return of Brussels Airlines to Kenya after its prolonged absence. The year-round service is expected to significantly boost arrivals across all seasons. Europe stands as a vital source for Kenya’s tourism industry, accounting for 29% of the market and generating over 572,000 visitors in the previous year, solidifying its position as the second-largest contributor to Kenya’s thriving tourism sector.

In 2023, the number of travellers from Belgium to Kenya surged to 12,960, up from 9,981 the previous year, reflecting a growing appreciation for Kenya as an alluring tourist destination among Belgian travellers. The success of the route is evident even before the inaugural flight, with an impressive 50,000 people already having booked their flights to either visit Nairobi or travel from Nairobi to Brussels since tickets went on sale, as confirmed by airline officials.

Source: Mwakilishi

Charting A New Course for Travel In Climate-Challenged Kenya

Charting A New Course for Travel In Climate-Challenged Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 28 – In recent months, rains have been ravaging Kenya resulting in devastating floods that swept across the country leaving an indelible mark on the country’s landscape and its people.

From the sprawling plains of the Maasai Mara to the bustling streets of Nairobi, the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly hard to ignore. This situation is not unique to Kenya, our neighbours in Tanzania and Burundi have faced a similar situation.

As we grapple with these environmental challenges, we must rethink our approach to travel and tourism in the region. Ecotourism, with its emphasis on sustainability and community benefits, offers a path forward that can help mitigate the impacts of climate change while preserving Kenya’s rich natural heritage.

The recent floods in Kenya are a stark reminder of our vulnerability to climate change. It has resulted in significant challenges for local and urban communities, disrupted wildlife habitats, and destroyed vital tourism infrastructure. Experts warn that such extreme weather patterns are likely to become more common as global temperatures rise. This not only threatens Kenya’s biodiversity but also its tourism industry, which is a significant component of the economy considering it was rated the best performing sector in Kenya, by the government a few months ago.

Ecotourism should be regarded as a critical solution to the challenges affecting tourism sites as a result of the adverse effects of climate change. By focusing on conservation, education, and community engagement, ecotourism ensures that tourism activities do not harm the environment but rather contribute to its preservation. Take, for instance, the Maasai Mara where many establishments were partially or fully submerged. This resulted in disruptions in tourism activities, displaced animals and loss of revenue to the local community managing tourism activities while also protecting wildlife.

How can we address the issue? Tourism operators must integrate sustainable practices into their operations. As industry stakeholders, we need to take the lead in supporting and initiating conservation projects. We have an opportunity to implement green practices, such as minimizing carbon footprints and supporting local conservation projects.

We can encourage travellers to play a significant role in promoting sustainability by making conscious choices. Opting for eco-friendly lodges, reducing plastic use, and participating in conservation activities are just a few ways they can contribute. At Hemingways Travel we have pioneered this by deploying tools that can calculate the carbon emission activities undertaken by the clients. We have also partnered with accredited bodies for carbon credit offset where organizations can offset their credits through payments or participation in activities that generate carbon credits.

Sustainable tourism not only protects the environment but also brings substantial benefits to local communities. It creates jobs, funds education, and healthcare initiatives, and reduces reliance on unsustainable practices such as poaching. For instance, the success of marine conservation efforts in Watamu is largely due to the involvement of local communities in ecotourism activities.

As we navigate the challenges posed by climate change, it is clear that sustainable tourism must be at the heart of our response. By embracing ecotourism, we can protect Kenya’s natural treasures, support local communities, and build a resilient future.

Source: Capital Fm

What a Travel Agent Really Does and Why You Need One.

Planning trips these days can feel like a full-time job: flights to book, an itinerary to perfect, the best restaurants and hotel suites to reserve. Luckily, it literally is a full-time job for many knowledgeable people—and they’ll do all the planning and booking for you.

There are thousands of travel agents and advisors across the world who specialize in virtually every destination and type of trip. And they’re more in demand than ever as people seek authentic, meaningful, and conscientious experiencesin a world of overtourism, air travel hassles, and climate concerns.

But what value can travel agents or advisors add in this interconnected age, when you can text almost any person or company around the world in an instant, and endless startups are replacing personal interaction with AI-formulated answers? They can add a lot.

More than just logistics

These days, the phrase “travel advisor” most commonly refers to a travel agent—a generalist based in the country you live in, who can arrange an itinerary almost anywhere via the local providers they know around the globe. But it’s also worth broadening the way you think about a trip planner to include destination experts—the in-country providers themselves—who create and run trips only in that region and who often work with travelers directly. No matter which kind of travel planner you work with, there are benefits to be had—and they’re not limited to booking flights and hotels. They can usher you into a VIP world of exclusive reservations, singular experiences, and special amenities.

Advisors can also unlock such perks as hotel credits for free breakfasts and late checkouts. These benefits can be valued in hundreds of dollars, depending on the accommodations, without travelers having to play the points and rewards game. Other advisors may have access to airline credits and cabin upgrades.

When things go awry

Advisors can come in handy during your travels, too. They’ll have an extensive support network on the ground to prevent the pitfalls that can hex a trip.

Imagine planning a trip back to Kenya from Dubai and then adverse weather conditions cancel your flight back home, and you’re told at the airport that the next flight would be the next day! A travel advisor would use their knowledge and contacts to get you on a flight the following morning and even arrange a shuttle back to your villa for an extra night. No need to tell you how nightmarish that would be!

A travel advisor will also be able to go a step further when a client has a health emergency while touring any destination in the world. Did you know that a travel advisor secures the traveler a comprehensive insurance policy that allows them to receive any kind of health care while abroad? —and then even assists with claims to cover the medical assistance or procedures if involved?

Unexpected perks

Enlisting the right professional can also improve your travels in ways you may not have imagined. Come in with an open mind, and they’ll broaden it further. Advisors can redirect clients to an alternative destination by getting to the ‘why’ and identifying another similarly amazing destination with those attributes and interests. And they can point them to a time of year when it’s great to go but minus all the crowds.

Advisors can also do a lot of the groundwork to ensure trips are sustainable—an increasing request from travelers—by vetting suppliers and partners. KATA travel agents and advisors are the go-to if you want a hassle-free experience. They are professional travel advisors bound by a members’ Code of Professional Ethics. Time to check them out at our members listing: our-members

How to find the right advisor

Don’t blindly Google your way to a good advisor. First, consider KATA’s network of over 400 travel agents. Each one must meet stringent criteria regarding professionalism, ethics, and credibility before joining. With KATA’s agents, who have been vetted and certified by the association and regulators, you can travel with confidence knowing they are bound by an ethical code of conduct that demands integrity and professionalism in their dealings with clients.

A good agent is well-connected, well-traveled, and always learning. KATA facilitates ongoing education for its members through partnerships with industry experts: kata partnerships These partnerships provide agents with the latest destination knowledge, travel trends, and specialization opportunities to enhance their service.

Ready to book your next unforgettable travel experience? Visit our members list to connect with a KATA-certified professional travel agents today: our-members

Bryan Obala.