A coalition of 13 countries has announced plans to introduce new taxes on luxury air travel, marking one of the boldest attempts yet to raise climate financing from high-emitting sectors. The initiative targets private jets as well as first- and business-class tickets, and has quickly gathered support from African nations that say the world’s wealthiest travellers should contribute more significantly to global climate action.
Djibouti, Nigeria and South Sudan became the latest countries to join the coalition last week, expanding a group that already includes Kenya, Benin and Sierra Leone in Africa, along with France, Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda. Brazil, Fiji and Vanuatu have joined as observer states. Although the group spans several regions, most of its members come from the Global South — a point observers say underscores the urgent need for developing nations to secure new sources of climate finance as they continue to face disproportionate climate impacts.
The proposed taxes would apply to premium commercial travel and private aviation, a sector known for its exceptionally high emissions per passenger. Supporters argue that the levies would bring long-overdue fairness to climate funding by drawing revenue from travellers with the largest carbon footprints, rather than from ordinary passengers or struggling national economies.
The proposal stems from a broader global push under the Sevilla Platform for Action, launched earlier this year, and is receiving backing from the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force, co-chaired by Kenya, France and Barbados. The Task Force is also working closely with technical teams from the European Commission to shape the policy framework. Environmental groups have welcomed the development, with activists describing private jet users as “binge polluters” who have for too long escaped meaningful taxation.
However, not everyone is convinced. The International Air Transport Association has criticised the plan, arguing that airlines are already investing heavily in cleaner aircraft, sustainable fuels and carbon-offsetting programmes. France, despite being an early supporter of the broader coalition, has clarified that it does not intend to raise its own existing “solidarity tax” on air tickets, even as it encourages other countries to consider similar measures ahead of global climate negotiations.
Despite the criticism, momentum for the luxury air travel tax appears to be growing, particularly among nations most vulnerable to climate change and most in need of predictable financing. For them, the initiative represents not just an environmental intervention but a matter of economic fairness — a bid to ensure the world’s highest emitters finally pay a proportionate share of the costs of a warming planet.
Kenya’s travel sector is in the middle of a quiet but unmistakable evolution — and at the heart of that shift is the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA). What was once viewed as a modest administrator of industry standards has, over the past few years, grown into one of the most influential players shaping how the country buys, sells, regulates, and experiences travel.
With rising global travel regulations, escalating operational expenses, and online booking platforms eating into traditional market share, many agents say the timing couldn’t be better. A field that once felt fragmented now increasingly operates like a united front — and KATA is the thread stitching it together.
The Agents’ Secret Weapon
To understand KATA’s transformation, you only need to listen to the people on the ground.
A Nairobi-based agent still remembers the day she nearly closed shop in 2022. A major corporate client had abruptly shifted all travel bookings to an online portal. “We were staring at collapse,” she recalls. “KATA sat with us, helped us rethink our model, guided us through compliance, and even supported discussions with suppliers. They didn’t just advise — they fought for us.”
Hers is not an isolated tale. Across the country, many describe KATA as their “secret weapon” — not because it shields them from competition, but because it levels the playing field in an increasingly complex market.
Partnerships with IATA, AESATA, and tourism boards in Uganda, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai have given Kenya a louder voice in global aviation and travel conversations. Suddenly, decisions about commissions, airline policies, and distribution models, once made far from the continent, now include Kenyan input.
The growing trust is reflected in numbers. Since 2021, KATA’s membership has jumped by 76%. In practical terms, it means agents who once worked in silos now stand under a shared umbrella with access to advocacy, data, protection, and influence. A decade ago, that would have sounded almost far-fetched.
Building Skills and Strengthening the Next Generation
If advocacy is KATA’s shield, capacity building is its engine.
Walk into a KATA training session, and the energy is different. It’s not just about compliance anymore. It’s about preparing Kenyan agencies for a marketplace that moves as fast as its technology.
During a recent Student Symposium at Kenya Utalii College, more than 150 students squeezed into a hall, many perched at the edges of chairs or leaning against walls. As panelists unpacked everything from New Distribution Capability (NDC) to digital travel behaviour, pens flew across notebooks. You could almost see the next generation taking shape in real time.
KATA’s training menu keeps widening: GDS operations, tax matters, destination marketing, cybersecurity, modern retailing, data protection — the list grows with every new disruption in the global travel ecosystem. Agents say the sessions give them confidence in a world where customers now compare prices across five platforms before making a booking.
The association’s Future Leaders Programme is equally notable. Since 2019, more than 90% of its interns have landed roles in travel, tourism, or aviation. In an industry where “getting in” is half the battle, KATA is quietly building a pipeline of young professionals who are digitally native, globally aware, and prepared for a tougher, faster marketplace.
A Fuel Partnership That Redefines Value for Agents
In 2025, a year marked by rising costs, one partnership stood out for its simplicity and immediate value: KATA’s collaboration with Rubis Energy.
Through personalised fuel cards offering KES 4 per litre discounts, travel agencies — many of which spend heavily on transport for visa runs, corporate errands, and airport transfers — are seeing savings they can feel.
A mid-sized Mombasa agency says the programme trimmed its monthly fuel bill by more than 15%. “In this economy, that is not pocket change,” the owner notes.
What elevates the partnership is the extra layer: road safety and fuel-efficiency training. For businesses often operating on thin margins, these savings are not theoretical — they are the difference between breathing room and strain. It is a textbook example of KATA’s shift toward offering tangible, everyday value.
Advocacy Wins and Policy Influence
KATA’s growing assertiveness in policy circles is one of the clearest signs of its evolution.
When IATA proposed a Frequent Remittance Cycle — a move that would have placed immense pressure on agents’ cash flows — KATA rallied the region and blocked it. The association also pushed back against attempts to fragment the Agency Programme Joint Council (APJC), preserving East Africa’s bargaining power.
These may sound technical, but for travel agents, such decisions make the difference between profitability and vulnerability.
The appointment of KATA CEO Nicanor Sabula to the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) Board marked another milestone. For the first time in years, travel agents gained a formal, influential seat at the table where national tourism policies are shaped. The message was clear: travel agents are no longer spectators — they are stakeholders.
Growing Airline Partnerships
KATA’s influence now extends into the airline world, where consistency and relationship management matter.
Airlines, both legacy carriers and newer entrants, are engaging more openly with the association — a shift that agents say has improved everything from dispute resolution to commercial negotiations. The association has pushed for fairer commissions, better GDS access, and the removal of barriers that once left agents operating at a disadvantage.
As one travel manager put it, “If you walk into a negotiation alone, you’re a small business. If you walk in with KATA behind you, you represent an entire industry.”
Environmental Stewardship and Social Impact
In recent years, KATA has woven environmental and social responsibility into its identity.
Through the KATA Cares initiative, members planted over 1,000 mangrove seedlings along the coast — a small but symbolic gesture toward sustaining the ecosystems that make Kenya a global tourism magnet.
The association also continues to mentor students, support internships, and open doors for young graduates who would otherwise struggle to find their footing in the industry. Many credit these programmes with helping them earn their first paycheck in tourism.
A Powerhouse Reborn
Pull the threads together — the advocacy wins, the partnerships, the training initiatives, the airline engagements, the environmental commitments — and a new picture of KATA emerges.
Not just an association. Not just an industry voice.But a stabilising force at a time when travel, globally, feels unpredictable and fast-moving.
As Kenya navigates shifting traveller expectations and global market headwinds, KATA’s leadership is offering something rare: clarity in uncertainty. And as the industry enters a new era shaped by technology, consumer behaviour, and economic realities, one thing is increasingly evident:
KATA has stepped up — and the industry is stepping forward with it.
Saudi Arabia is making significant strides towards its Vision 2030 objectives by introducing electric air taxis, a move set to revolutionize the country’s tourism and transportation sectors. In partnership with Archer Aviation, the kingdom aims to connect key tourist destinations, such as the Red Sea resorts, with urban hubs through sustainable, high-tech air travel. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of modernizing its aviation infrastructure, enhancing tourist experiences, and reducing environmental impact, marking a bold step toward a future of advanced air mobility.
Saudi Arabia Partners with Archer Aviation for Electric Air Taxi Development as Part of Vision 2030 Plan
Saudi Arabia is stepping up its efforts to revolutionise air travel, with Archer Aviation joining forces with The Helicopter Company and Red Sea Global to develop and test air taxi services across the kingdom. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the Saudi government’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to modernise the country’s aviation, tourism, and infrastructure sectors. The collaboration focuses on introducing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to improve connectivity, particularly between airports, city centres, and resort destinations.
The initial phase of the project will see Archer’s eVTOL aircraft, named ‘Midnight’, flying between airports and high-profile tourist destinations along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. These services will aim to offer quicker, more sustainable travel options, supporting the kingdom’s ambition to position itself as a global leader in advanced air mobility (AAM). The partnership also emphasises the importance of integrating new technologies with the broader goals of the Saudi government to diversify transport systems and enhance the tourist experience.
A Visionary Project for Saudi Arabia’s Aviation and Tourism Sectors
The launch of air taxi services in Saudi Arabia is an ambitious initiative that aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 objectives to expand and modernise the tourism and aviation industries. This partnership between Archer, The Helicopter Company, and Red Sea Global will initially focus on connecting airports with the kingdom’s renowned resort destinations along the Red Sea. The air taxi services will be aimed at improving both local and international travel experiences by providing fast, efficient, and eco-friendly transportation options.
In order to ensure the smooth rollout of this transformative project, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is working closely with the involved companies to establish a controlled testing environment for these new aircraft operations. The initial phase will involve the deployment of a small fleet of eVTOL aircraft, and following successful trials, it is anticipated that these services will be expanded to other regions across Saudi Arabia. Regulatory approvals and pilot training programmes are already underway, setting the stage for a seamless integration of eVTOL services into the kingdom’s aviation landscape.
Strategic Partnerships and Global Collaboration
In addition to Archer’s collaboration with Saudi entities, the kingdom has also entered into partnerships with other leading players in the air taxi sector. Joby Aviation, a US-based eVTOL developer, has signed an agreement with Red Sea Global and The Helicopter Company to launch a similar air taxi pilot programme. This deal includes the potential deployment of up to 200 aircraft, with a valuation of approximately $1 billion, aiming to create a nationwide air taxi network.
Saudi Arabia has also established a major partnership with China’s Ehang, which plans to introduce its own electric air taxis to the kingdom. The collaboration with Ehang is scheduled to begin in late 2025, further diversifying the country’s efforts to innovate and modernise its transport systems.
These partnerships represent a concerted effort by Saudi Arabia to build a sustainable, efficient, and advanced air mobility system that will not only cater to tourists but also enhance the nation’s overall transport infrastructure. The kingdom’s commitment to these initiatives is further supported by the government’s extensive investment in mega-projects such as Neom, Qiddiya, Amaala, and the Red Sea Project. All these developments are designed to drive growth in the tourism sector and boost the nation’s global competitiveness.
Regulatory Framework and Infrastructure Development
A key component of Saudi Arabia’s air taxi initiative is the development of a robust regulatory framework to support the operations of eVTOL aircraft. GACA released its Advanced Air Mobility Roadmap in 2024, which outlines the regulatory guidelines and standards necessary for integrating new technologies like eVTOLs into the national airspace. This roadmap will provide the foundation for safe, efficient, and sustainable air taxi operations across the country.
To further support these services, Saudi authorities are also working on the construction of vertiports—dedicated facilities designed to handle the takeoff, landing, and maintenance of eVTOL aircraft. These vertiports will be strategically located near major airports, tourist destinations, and urban hubs to ensure smooth and effective air taxi operations.
Focus on High-End Tourism and Future Expansion
While the initial deployments of air taxis will target high-end tourism destinations, such as luxury resorts along the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision includes expanding the use of eVTOL aircraft for broader public transportation purposes. As part of this vision, the government plans to integrate eVTOL services with existing transport infrastructure, providing seamless connections between different modes of travel.
Saudi Arabia’s strategic focus on urban transport and tourism, combined with the introduction of air taxis, will not only enhance connectivity within the kingdom but also offer a unique and eco-friendly solution for tourists seeking more convenient ways to explore the country. These efforts are poised to position Saudi Arabia as a leader in the future of air mobility, with a strong emphasis on sustainable technologies and cutting-edge transportation solutions.
The Road to 2030 and Beyond
The partnerships with Archer Aviation, Joby Aviation, and Ehang are integral to Saudi Arabia’s ambition to be at the forefront of advanced air mobility. These initiatives are expected to play a pivotal role in the country’s tourism growth and its vision of becoming a global hub for innovation, technology, and sustainable development. By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to have fully integrated air taxis into its transportation network, contributing to its broader goals of improving urban mobility, enhancing tourism, and reducing environmental impact.
With ongoing pilot testing, regulatory developments, and infrastructure planning, Saudi Arabia is taking significant steps towards transforming its aviation landscape and paving the way for a new era of air travel. As the kingdom continues to invest in these cutting-edge technologies, the future of air taxis in Saudi Arabia looks increasingly promising, with the potential to revolutionise the way people travel both within the country and internationally.
Dubai airport’s record-breaking performance signals booming travel demand and cements the airport’s standing as a global giant.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has just crossed a major travel milestone, recording 70.1 million passengers from January to September this year and setting a new benchmark for global aviation. The surge reflects Dubai’s continued rise as both a destination and one of the world’s busiest transit hubs. For Indian travellers, this is especially significant: India has consistently been DXB’s largest source market, and the airport remains a familiar gateway for holidays, business trips, and long-haul connections. As travel demand climbs and DXB pushes close to peak capacity, its record-breaking numbers reveal not only how vital the airport is to global mobility but also what passengers can expect in the months ahead.
Why This Milestone Matters
DXB’s soaring footfall shows just how central the airport has become in post-pandemic travel recovery. It handled over 92 million passengers last year, and with 70 million already logged this year, the airport appears on track for another record-breaking run. The growth also underscores Dubai’s strong tourism pull: its hotels, events, beaches, shopping districts, and mega-developments continue to draw steady global interest.
Dubai’s record traffic at DXB is also tied to the push to expand its second airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, commonly known as DWC (Dubai World Central). With DXB already operating close to capacity, Dubai is developing DWC into a much larger, next-generation hub that will eventually handle far more passengers than DXB. The long-term plan includes multiple runways, hundreds of gates, and enough space to support future growth in global travel. The recent surge at DXB highlights why this expansion is necessary.
A Key Hub for Indian Travellers
India remains DXB’s biggest market, with millions flying from Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and beyond. The airport serves as a primary gateway for onward travel to Europe, the US, Africa, and the Middle East. With demand rising, Indian travellers can expect more full flights, busier terminals, and potentially higher fares during peak periods. Booking early, especially for holiday seasons, can make a noticeable difference.
Why DXB Stands Out
DXB’s popularity is also related to what it offers travellers:
Seamless transit experience, with some of the fastest immigration queues globally.
A shopping destination in itself, featuring luxury brands, Middle Eastern perfumes, electronics, and duty-free deals.
World-class lounges, including Emirates’ massive flagship lounge for its premium flyers.
Relaxation options such as spas, family zones, quiet areas, and even in-terminal hotels.
A foodie hub, with everything from grab-and-go counters to international restaurants.
The airport’s facilities make long layovers not just bearable but enjoyable.
Dubai As A Destination In Its Own Right
Many Indian travellers treat Dubai as a standalone holiday spot. With visa-on-arrival options for certain categories and frequent flights, it’s easily accessible for quick trips. From Burj Khalifa and Desert Safaris to Dubai Mall, Old Dubai, and new theme parks, the city’s offerings keep expanding, which adds to the demand funnelled through DXB.
DXB’s record-breaking performance signals booming travel demand and cements the airport’s standing as a global giant. For Indian travellers, it means better connectivity, more choices, and continued convenience, but also busier terminals and the need to plan ahead. Whether flying through or staying in Dubai, the gateway is set for another strong travel year.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has officially become the busiest airport in the world in 2025, overtaking Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) for the first time. The achievement marks a defining moment in global aviation and reflects Dubai’s long-term investment in innovation, connectivity, and passenger experience.
Speaking at the TOURISE Summit in Riyadh, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said the future of aviation is no longer defined solely by size or scale but by emotion and experience. “The future of travel isn’t just about moving people faster, it’s about how they feel along the way,” he noted. “From biometric boarding to frictionless terminals, we’re creating airports where speed, culture, and comfort converge.”
Record-Breaking Passenger Capacity
In November 2025, DXB offered approximately 5.29 million available seats, a five percent increase year-on-year, compared to Atlanta’s 5.12 million seats, giving Dubai a two percent lead. This is especially remarkable given that DXB operates no domestic flights. The milestone reflects Dubai’s continued investment in expanding its aviation infrastructure and global route networks. Emirates and flydubai, its flagship carriers, have both grown their fleets significantly, including the addition of thirteen Airbus A350 aircraft this year.
The Factors Behind Dubai’s Rise
Dubai’s strategic position between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas continues to make it the ideal global connector. With its streamlined operations, open skies policy, and integrated airport-airline ecosystem, DXB serves as a natural hub for the world’s major air routes. By contrast, Atlanta has faced operational challenges in recent months, including staff shortages and air traffic constraints linked to the US government shutdown, limiting its overall capacity.
A Vision Beyond the Horizon
Dubai Airports’ growth is far from over. Plans are already in motion for the gradual transfer of operations to Dubai World Central (DWC), the emirate’s next-generation mega-airport. With five runways and capacity for 260 million passengers a year, DWC will take Dubai’s connectivity to new heights.
As Griffiths explained, the goal is not merely expansion but transformation. “We’re in the hospitality business, not just the infrastructure business,” he said. “We want airports that people actually enjoy being in.”
Boosting Global Tourism
Dubai’s ascension to the top slot sends a strong signal to the global tourism industry. Increased seat capacity means more routes, greater connectivity, and stronger flows of international visitors. For travellers, it offers a richer range of destinations and smoother journeys. For the wider region, it reinforces the Gulf’s growing role as the centre of gravity for global aviation and tourism.
A Defining Moment for Global Travel
Beyond Dubai and Atlanta, other major hubs such as Istanbul, Delhi, and London Heathrow are also expanding rapidly, reflecting a broader reshaping of global air networks. Yet Dubai’s rise captures a unique combination of ambition, vision, and delivery.
In 2025, the world’s busiest airport is not just a place of transit but a statement of intent. DXB’s success embodies the future of travel, where technology, design, and emotion combine to make every journey memorable.
In the most significant route expansion for Kenya this year, Emirates has announced the launch of a third daily service to Nairobi, a move expected to unlock stronger inbound tourism, expand travel options for global visitors and enhance connectivity between Africa and the rest of the world. The additional frequency strengthens Nairobi’s position as a key gateway and provides travellers greater flexibility, capacity and access during a period of rising demand.
A Boost for Travellers Seeking Easier Access to Kenya
The new service brings major convenience for international tourists eager to explore Kenya’s landscapes, wildlife reserves and cultural attractions. Travel analysts note that Kenya’s tourism sector has been experiencing a strong resurgence, and improved air access is a critical factor in sustaining this momentum. Emirates’ expanded schedule is expected to support tour operators, safari lodges and coastal resorts by ensuring a steadier flow of arrivals throughout the year.
Emirates Strengthens Its Commitment to East Africa’s Travel Market
This third daily service underscores Emirates’ long-term strategy in East Africa and reflects rising travel demand from Europe, Asia and the Middle East into Kenya. The airline’s commitment to increasing capacity demonstrates confidence in the region’s potential. By reinforcing its presence in Kenya, Emirates also supports the aviation infrastructure that underpins the broader visitor economy.
Travel businesses across Kenya anticipate that the additional flight will bring positive ripple effects, especially for destinations beyond Nairobi. The service is therefore viewed as a catalyst for regional tourism development.
Air Connectivity Seen as Key to Sustaining Tourism Recovery
Kenya’s tourism authorities have identified enhanced international flight access as essential to maintaining the country’s recovery trajectory. With global travel nearing pre-pandemic levels, airlines are re-evaluating growth opportunities, and Kenya has emerged as one of Africa’s most stable and attractive options. Additional daily flights not only address current demand but also prepare the market for future growth.
Better Schedules Create More Options for Travel Planning
The new flight timings offered by Emirates are expected to simplify travel planning for visitors connecting from long-haul destinations. Flexible arrival and departure options enable tourists to optimise their itineraries, whether they are heading straight to safari parks, business meetings or coastal retreats. Airlines increasingly recognise the importance of convenient scheduling as travellers prioritise seamless journeys. Kenya’s hospitality sector stands to gain from this shift, as improved scheduling aligns better with hotel check-in times, safari transfer windows and domestic flight connections.
A Positive Signal for Kenya’s Tourism Economy
Tourism leaders believe the introduction of the third daily service sends a strong message about Kenya’s rising global appeal. It highlights the country’s successful efforts to position itself as a premier travel destination supported by reliable international carriers. As visitor numbers grow, so too does the potential for new investments in lodges, resorts, transportation and tourism infrastructure. Emirates’ expansion is widely viewed as a vote of confidence in Kenya’s tourism strategy and its ongoing plans to enhance service quality and diversify travel offerings.
Looking Ahead as Kenya Welcomes More Global Travellers
The launch of Emirates’ third daily Nairobi service marks a strategic milestone for Kenya’s aviation and tourism landscape. Stronger air links are expected to energise the visitor economy, broaden market reach and encourage travellers from across the world to experience Kenya’s rich natural and cultural heritage. As global travel continues to recover, the increased connectivity positions Kenya to capture a larger share of the international tourism market while offering visitors more efficient and enjoyable journeys.
The Annual Kenya Travel Industry Business Awards (KeTIBA), an initiative of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), continues to position itself as a premier platform for recognizing excellence and outstanding achievements within Kenya’s travel and tourism sector. Through the awards, KATA seeks to promote innovation, professionalism, and service excellence among travel agents and their suppliers, including airlines, hotels, technology providers, and other industry partners.
Award Concept and Process
KeTIBA’s selection process is conducted through a secure online portal hosted on the official KeTIBA website and supervised by a reputable audit firm to ensure transparency and integrity. The awards unfold in three phases—Self-Nomination, Industry Voting, and Public Voting—each playing a key role in ensuring that the final results genuinely reflect both industry and public sentiment.
The Self-Nomination stage invites eligible individuals and organizations to submit entries highlighting their contributions to the sector. This year’s diversity of submissions reflects the award’s expanding reach and the growing interest in being recognized through a unified, credible national platform.
After the nomination phase, KATA collaborated with platform providers to create individual online accounts for all registered voters. Secure login credentials were issued to travel agents and suppliers, granting them access to the peer voting portal for the Industry Voting stage. Peer-to-peer voting took place between October 21 and November 1, 2025, with participants evaluating their peers based on credibility, service quality, professionalism, innovation, and overall impact on Kenya’s travel industry.
Next is the Public Voting phase, scheduled to run until November 30, 2025. During this period, the general public will be invited to cast their votes through the KeTIBA portal. This stage enhances inclusivity by enabling customers and stakeholders to endorse the brands and organizations that have made a meaningful impact on their travel experiences.
The KeTIBA 2025 awards process will conclude with a Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on December 5, 2025, at Emara Ole Sereni in Nairobi. A final audit will validate the results before the ceremony, where KATA will announce the winners and celebrate distinguished achievements within Kenya’s travel industry. The event will also provide a platform for networking, collaboration, and reflecting on the sector’s progress and future potential.
KeTIBA 2025 is audited by Ronalds LLP and sponsored by Jambojet, NCBA Insurance, South African Airways, Skyward Airlines, and Flightlink.
When Kiambu Governor H.E. Dr. Kimani Wamatangi announced that Kiambu is the only county in Kenya with a dedicated maternity ward for elephants, I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or to marvel. Either the Governor has a natural sense of humour, or our travel agents and tour operators are sitting on a goldmine they have yet to fully tap.
Beyond the humour, one thing is certain: Kiambu County is a living agricultural expo. From its enormous dairy cows to thriving pig farms and impressive poultry enterprises, the county’s agricultural capacity is unmistakable. But on this particular day, the spotlight shifted entirely to the refined experiences of tea, coffee, and a surprisingly elegant resort life.
I joined Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) members and other industry stakeholders on a familiarization trip, organized by the Kiambu County Board of Tourism, to sample the county’s growing agritourism potential firsthand.
Decoding the Tea Mystery: Two Leaves and a Bud
After a product presentation on screens at the Kiambu County offices and a swift flag-off, we departed for live experiences in Karirana, an hour from Kiambu Town, where acres of lush tea plantations stretch across the hillsides.
Our first stop was the Karirana Tea Factory. I must admit I had long assumed tea leaves were simply dried and crushed! I was totally wrong. We were taken through the entire tea processing journey, including the specialty purple tea grown uniquely in Kenya. The instructors emphasized the plucking technique, “two leaves and a bud”, and suddenly, a simple cup of tea felt like a complex science experiment.
In the factory, words like withering, oxidation, drying, and grading dominated the conversation. It takes about 18 hours of precise biology, physics, and chemistry to transform a freshly plucked green leaf into the black or brown tea we buy off the shelf. It was an eye-opening deep dive!
The Ridge Cabin Experience: From Plantation to Paradise
From the factory floor, we proceeded to the stunning Ridge Cabin Resort for a tour and lunch. The entrance immediately sets a tone of elegance. What was once a 25-acre tea plantation has been thoughtfully evolved into an expansive resort. It now boasts more than 160 rooms and charming wooden cabins, with balconies where guests can actually pluck tea right from their room.
With a dam offering boat rides and sighting beautiful fish, alongside conference facilities for up to 500 delegates, it is an impressive venue by any standard. Lunch was served beside a heated swimming pool, framed by the rolling tea fields and Kiambu’s unmistakable greenery. It was a moment where the lines between industrial farming and luxury leisure blurred into a perfect offering.
Coffee’s Shared Story: The Second Brew
Our final destination was Karunguru Coffee Farm. Here, we sampled coffee berries, walked through the farm, and toured the factory, discovering that the coffee value-addition process had striking similarities to tea production. Yet, even with all the explanations, some experiences simply must be lived rather than described. The taste of the fresh brew at the source is an unparalleled sensory connection.
Tapping Into Immersive Tourism
Kiambu has clearly taken the lead, and Kenya, as an agricultural nation, should be packaging such experiences more deliberately. The truth is, tourism is shifting. Today’s travellers demand more than a scenic view; they crave immersion, cultural connection, and hands-on activity.
This trip just birthed the vibrant promise of agritourism. Travel agents would do well to package these agricultural and cultural encounters now. This niche is vibrant, underutilized, and poised to redefine how we present Kenya to the world. And if Kiambu is truly the county where elephants come to give birth, then we should all be ready to watch this new, exciting form of tourism be born there, too!
For more than a decade, Nucore has quietly become a backbone of Kenya’s travel technology landscape. As a trusted member of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), the company has supported over 100 travel agencies, from small independents to large Travel Management Companies (TMCs) , with digital tools designed to streamline operations and enhance business performance.
At the heart of Nucore’s offering is its flagship system, TRAACS, an enterprise platform built specifically for travel agencies. The software helps automate complex back-office functions such as multi-currency accounting, BSP reconciliation, and GDS incentive tracking, while offering advanced financial analytics that improve decision-making. TRAACS also integrates customer relationship management (CRM), lead management, and virtual payment tools, giving travel business owners real-time visibility and control over their operations , even on the move.
Recognizing the growing role of technology in shaping modern tourism, Nucore has expanded its solutions beyond agency systems to support Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and tour operators. Its integrated approach connects itinerary planning, quotation management, and financial systems within one unified platform, helping businesses deliver better traveler experiences while maintaining operational efficiency.
“Our goal has always been to make enterprise-grade technology accessible to every segment of the travel industry,” said Nucore’s Ram Prasad. “Whether it’s a startup agency or a major corporate travel firm, we ensure each can harness digital tools to scale efficiently, stay compliant, and remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven market.”
With flexible business models and continuous innovation in areas like AI-driven analytics, Nucore is helping Kenyan travel companies keep pace with global standards of automation and data intelligence.
As Kenya’s travel and tourism sector continues its digital transformation, Nucore’s technology continues to empower agents to focus on what matters most, serving their customers, growing their businesses, and building a smarter, more connected travel industry for the future.
TAAG Angola Airlines has signed a lease agreement with Avolon Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a move that promises to enhance the airline’s long-haul flight capabilities and improve travel options for passengers traveling to and from Angola.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will be a key addition to TAAG Angola Airlines’ efforts to modernize and diversify its aircraft lineup. This lease deal marks a significant step in TAAG’s ongoing expansion, underscoring its strategic commitment to improving its passenger experience and increasing its global presence in the competitive aviation industry.
A Strategic Move to Boost TAAG’s Long-Haul Capabilities
The lease of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner by TAAG Angola Airlines comes at a time when the airline is focused on extending its global reach, especially to key international destinations. This is an important consideration for the airline as it looks to increase its competitiveness in the global travel market while simultaneously meeting the growing demand for international travel.
The Dreamliner is renowned for its advanced engineering, offering a combination of environmental efficiency and passenger comfort. The aircraft’s larger windows, quieter cabins, and reduced jet lag capabilities are all features that will enhance the travel experience for passengers on both business and leisure journeys.
Improving the Passenger Experience: Comfort and Sustainability
Passengers flying aboard the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will enjoy a significant upgrade in terms of comfort. The cabin features also include larger windows, allowing travelers to enjoy sweeping views of the world below, enhancing the overall in-flight experience.
Additionally, the Dreamliner’s fuel-efficient engines contribute to lower carbon emissions, making it one of the most environmentally friendly aircraft in operation today. This focus on sustainability will not only help TAAG meet international environmental standards but will also appeal to the growing segment of environmentally conscious travelers who seek greener travel options.
Strengthening Angola’s Global Travel Connections
This strategic lease deal with Avolon is particularly important for TAAG Angola Airlines as it enhances the airline’s ability to connect Angola to major international hubs. For travelers, this means greater ease of access to Angola, whether for business, tourism, or family visits.
With Angola being an emerging destination for both tourism and business, TAAG’s ability to offer direct, high-quality flights to major cities around the world is a vital part of the country’s broader strategy to improve its international presence. The introduction of the Dreamliner will undoubtedly play a role in attracting more visitors to Angola, bolstering the country’s tourism sector, and opening up greater economic opportunities for local businesses by enhancing Angola’s accessibility on the global travel map.
A Look to the Future: What Travelers Can Expect
For travelers seeking seamless, comfortable, and environmentally responsible air travel, the introduction of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner into TAAG’s fleet will set a new standard. As Angola continues to rise as a key travel and business destination, the addition of this state-of-the-art aircraft will offer enhanced connectivity, making it easier than ever for international travelers to explore the vibrant culture, rich history, and growing business opportunities in Angola.
A Promising Outlook for the Airline and Angola’s Tourism Industry
TAAG Angola Airlines’ new lease agreement for the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is more than just an upgrade to the airline’s fleet—it’s a game-changer for travelers looking to explore Angola and beyond. For visitors, the Dreamliner promises more comfort and less environmental impact, making travel to and from Angola more accessible and enjoyable than ever before.
With this exciting new development, TAAG Angola Airlines is paving the way for more travelers to explore Angola, whether for business, leisure, or family purposes. For travelers looking for comfort, convenience, and environmental responsibility, the Dreamliner offers a glimpse into the future of air travel from Angola.
