First Batch of Foreigners Under Visa-Free Policy Land At JKIA.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 5 – The first batch of foreigners on Electronic Travel Authorization under visa-free policy in Kenya have landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. According to Immigrations Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, over 5,000 ETA applications have been received. In the meantime, the government has made some amendments to the Citizen and Immigration Regulation, 2023, to support the implementation of a visa-free regime.

In a special Gazette notice issued by Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, the word ‘Visa’ has been replaced with an ‘Electronic Travel Authorization’.An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system will be established to facilitate pre-screening of all travelers intending to enter the country. “Each person intending to travel into the country shall apply to the Director for Electronic Travel Authorization through the electronic portal and be in possession of the Authorization before embarkment,” the Gazette notice reads.

“An application under sub-regulation (1) shall be in Form 22 as set out in the First Schedule and shall include biographical information, travel itinerary and any other information relating to the application that the Director may require.” Carriers arriving in Kenya will not be allowed to onboard a passenger who does not have a valid ETA. “Subject to regulation 16 B (3), any carrier or agent in command who contravenes regulation 16 C shall be liable to pay an administrative penalty of Ten Thousand United States Dollars,” it added.

President William Ruto, during the 60th Jamhuri Day Celebration in December last month, announced that the country will adopt a free-visa regime for all international visitors starting January 1, 2024. “It is with great pleasure, as President of this extraordinary country, to make a historic announcement of the decision of the Government of Kenya. Kenya will be a visa-free country,” Ruto said earlier.

Source: Capital Fm

Kenya and Zimbabwe drive African tourism boom in South Africa

South Africa welcomed 5.8 million visitors from other African countries between January and November 2023, marking 75.5% of all tourist arrivals, compared to the same period in 2022.

Of the 5.8 million visitors, 1.9 million were from Zimbabwe, with those from Kenya totalling 37,414.

Statistics South Africa published the recent international arrival figures for January to November 2023.

“I am so pleased by these numbers from the rest of the African continent. We view the region as very significant and important. Kenya’s remarkable performance can be attributed to the strategic decision by government to simplify the visa regime earlier this year as well as targeted and effective insights-driven marketing campaigns,” said Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille.

“Overall, through focused marketing, various collaborations and leveraging various strategic opportunities by the Department of Tourism, South African Tourism and the broader tourism sector, we have been able to achieve these very impressive results on the continent.”

Tourist arrivals from Americas

According to StatsSA, international tourist arrivals from January to November 2023 totalled 7.6 million, representing a 51.8% increase compared with the same period in 2022.

South Africa registered at least 411,254 tourist arrivals from the Americas between January and November this year, reflecting a 44.1% growth compared to the same period in 2022.

The United States of America contributed the most, with 320,948 arrivals, marking a 39.5% increase compared to the same period in 2022.

“The US remains a top international source market for South Africa and has been recording robust steady growth in arrivals in 2023. Based on our December projections we anticipate recording our 2019 pre-pandemic arrivals well ahead of the forecasted recovery mooted for the 2024/2025 financial year,” said De Lille.

“We are proud of the work done by the team working collaboratively alongside our stakeholders in the public and private sector to deliver exciting consumer and trade-facing projects to drive brand affinity and distribution channel initiatives to reignite this market.”

During the first 11 months of 2023, South Africa recorded 182,497 arrivals from Asia, with India leading the way with 73,037 tourists, closely followed by China, with 34,669 arrivals.

“It is evident that our country remains attractive and that more can be unlocked with more policy and regulation revisions. I am committed to working with all partners and government colleagues to unlock barriers such as visa regulations, safety concerns and limited air access and air lift, so that we can grow our sector and meaningfully contribute to our country’s economy,” said De Lille.

“Our country offers unique and undeniable breath-taking landscapes and tourism products and experiences. We also thank all the South Africans for their continuous hospitality and extending a warm welcome to all our visitors. Here’s to South Africa’s sustained charm, attractiveness and relentless tourism growth.”

Source: Citizen

AI and Biometric Technology: Key to Faster and Secure Air Travel?

In recent years, the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and biometric technology has ushered in a new era of efficiency and convenience within air travel.

Airports worldwide have slowly embraced these innovations, streamlining check-in processes, enhancing security measures, and ultimately providing passengers with smoother and faster journeys.

AI-Enhanced Security Screening

Gone are the days of long queues at security checkpoints. AI-powered scanners and detectors equipped with advanced algorithms now swiftly identify prohibited items and potential security threats.

These systems analyze X-ray images to detect anomalies, reducing the need for manual inspections and significantly expediting the screening process.

Biometric data, such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, has become a cornerstone of airport security.

Passengers can seamlessly move through checkpoints by presenting their faces or fingerprints, eliminating the hassle of repeatedly presenting boarding passes and identification.

For instance, Changi Airport in Singapore has implemented facial recognition technology, allowing passengers to breeze swiftly through immigration and boarding procedures.

Efficient Check-in Procedures

AI-driven check-in kiosks and mobile applications have simplified the initial stages of travel. Passengers can complete the check-in process autonomously, select seats, and even drop off baggage without extensive interaction with airline staff. Moreover, AI algorithms predict and manage peak travel times, optimizing staff allocation and reducing wait times at counters.

Biometric authentication plays a pivotal role in expediting check-in. Some airports have introduced biometric boarding gates that match passengers’ facial or iris scans with their flight information, enabling a seamless boarding experience.

Source: Eturbo News.

Global air travel will finally surpass pre-Covid levels in 2024, experts say.

Global air travel volume is expected to finally exceed pre-Covid-19 levels in 2024 as the Asia-Pacific region makes a full recovery, said industry observers. Driven by sustained demand, this could make 2024 a banner year for airline profits.

The industry made a dramatic recovery in 2022 and 2023, bouncing back from record pandemic-era losses to near-2019 levels.

However, persistent supply issues and thin profit margins are among the obstacles to aviation’s strong showing.

Full global recovery

Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines (AAPA) director-general Subhas Menon said: “In 2024, air travel recovery will be complete.”

The International Air Transport Association (Iata) forecasts that in 2024, airlines will make US$25.7 billion (S$34 billion) in profits, on the back of a record US$964 billion in revenue.

It expects all regions to hit pre-pandemic passenger levels by end-2023 – except for the Asia-Pacific, where full recovery is anticipated in early 2024.

For 2023, global revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) are expected to be 38.4 per cent higher than in 2022, but still 4.8 per cent short compared with 2019.

Defined as kilometres travelled by paying passengers, this is a key indicator of passenger demand and airline performance. Iata expects RPK to grow 9.8 per cent in 2024, rising to 4.5 per cent above 2019 levels.

All this is based on a projected 4.7 billion air passengers in 2024, 9 per cent more than the 4.5 billion in 2019.

Promising demand

The strong performance in 2023 bodes well for the coming year, said observers.

Mr Manfred Seah, chief financial officer at aviation gateway services provider Sats, said: “The global passenger travel recovery is encouraging, despite the continuing macroeconomic uncertainties and current geopolitical situation.”

AAPA’s Mr Menon highlighted a trend of discretionary spending going to services such as food and beverage, entertainment and tourism, rather than material goods. He believes this will continue in 2024.

Mr Bertrand Saillet, managing director for travel management company FCM Travel Asia, noted that rising demand has pushed up airfares in Asia. For the year to date, economy-class fares in the region are up 21 per cent, while business-class fares are 17 per cent higher compared with 2019.

FCM Travel Asia also saw more bookings for corporate travel in November 2023 compared with a year ago, and expects travel demand to continue to grow in 2024.

Economic resilience, too, should continue. Mr. Andrew Matters, Iata’s director for policy and economics, highlighted the International Monetary Fund’s projections for global gross domestic product growth of 3 per cent in 2024 and “robust” labour markets, with unemployment rates in many countries at or near record lows.

“I think it’s very clear that there’s pent-up demand, people want to travel,” he said. Strong labour markets mean that “not only do people want to fly, they have also got the means to fly”.

Source: Straits Times

Kenya Airways and South African Airways Expand Partnership to include South America on Codeshare

Nairobi, 28th December 2023 – Kenya’s national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ), has announced an expansion of its codeshare partnership with South African Airways (SAA) to include direct flights from South Africa to South America. Starting this month, customers will now experience a seamless travel journey to Sao Paulo, Brazil, via Johannesburg on one ticket, as KQ codeshares on the recently reintroduced South Africa Airways flight to Sao Paulo (GRU). This collaboration establishes unparalleled connectivity, offering the most direct flight option from this region, contrasting with current routes that often involve transits through the Middle East, Europe, or North America.

The strategic partnership, built on a shared commitment to enhancing connectivity and elevating the passenger experience, unites the strengths of two leading African airlines. Focused on flexibility, convenience, and traveler choice, this alliance provides a superior option for those journeying between Africa and South America. Notably, the South Africa-South America link through this collaboration stands out as the most direct, reducing the overall carbon footprint and contributing to sustainability in air travel.

Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer at Kenya Airways, expressed the excitement surrounding this strategic move, stating, “Customers will now enjoy expanded strategic cooperation, offering enhanced connectivity and a superior joint offering. Together, we are dedicated to providing passengers with unmatched travel options, world-class services, and an expanded global reach.”

This partnership ensures seamless onward connectivity, enabling customers to experience an integrated travel journey from Kenya Airways’ network to South African Airways’ South American network, all under one ticket. Travelers will benefit from simplified logistics, reduced layover times, and an enhanced overall travel experience from Kenya to Brazil.

With this collaboration, Kenya Airways and South African Airways are redefining air travel, offering customers the most direct route, a stark contrast to the current options that often involve extended layovers in the Middle East, Europe, or North America.

 Source: Corporate Kenya Airways

Travel & Tourism in Africa: A Sector with Untapped Potential

The Travel & Tourism sector in Africa is poised for significant growth in the coming years, with the potential to contribute an additional US$168 billion to the continent’s economy over the next decade. This is according to a new report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and VFS Global, which highlights the sector’s potential to create jobs, drive economic development, and promote cross-cultural collaboration.

The report, titled “Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in Africa,” outlines three key policy areas that could unlock annualized growth of 6.5% for the sector, reaching a contribution of more than US$350 billion to the regional economy. These policy areas include:

Improving air infrastructure: Africa needs better air connectivity within the continent to make it easier for travelers to reach its diverse destinations.

Visa facilitation: Simplifying visa processes will encourage more travelers to visit Africa by reducing the time and hassle involved in obtaining a visa.

Tourism marketing: Africa needs to invest in marketing campaigns to promote its wealth of destinations and attract more visitors from around the world.

The report also highlights the opportunities for the sector to adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing its carbon footprint through low-carbon energy adoption and enhancing water efficiency. These practices will not only help to protect the environment but also make the sector more attractive to environmentally conscious travelers.

Speaking at the launch of the report in Kigali, Rwanda, WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector has witnessed an extraordinary transformation. In just two decades, it has more than doubled in value, significantly contributing to the continent’s economy.

Growth potential for Travel & Tourism in Africa is massive. It has already more than doubled since 2000, and with the right policies could unlock an additional US$168 billion in the next decade.

Africa needs simplified visa processes, better air connectivity within the continent, and marketing campaigns to highlight the wealth of destinations in this breathtaking continent.

Zubin Karkaria, Founder & CEO of VFS Global, said: “We are excited to partner with WTTC to uncover the extensive opportunities that Travel & Tourism offers in Africa.

Having established our presence in Africa since 2005 we are today the trusted partner of 38 governments who we serve across 55 cities in 35 countries in Africa. VFS Global recognises the tremendous potential of Africa and remains deeply committed to supporting the continuing development of travel and tourism to and from the continent.

This report not only highlights the diverse prospects for economic growth, sustainable tourism, and cross-cultural collaboration but also provides valuable insights for governments to formulate policies and offers businesses a well-defined roadmap for expansion in this thriving market.

The report concludes that Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector has the potential to become a major driver of economic growth and job creation in the coming years. With the right policies in place, the sector can help to unlock the continent’s full potential and create a brighter future for its people.

Source:Tourism News Africa.

African countries are more open now than ever before – 10 key milestones

Africa’s openness based on visa-free travel has seen significant improvements in recent years as nations work towards enhancing regional integration and fostering economic and cultural ties. Several initiatives and agreements have been initiated to help facilitate a more integrated society.

While progress is evident, challenges such as security concerns and administrative bottlenecks still impede seamless travel. This has however done little to halt Africa’s success, regardless of the degree of becoming a more open continent.

Africa’s progress with its openness policies was highlighted in the recently published 2023 Africa Visa Openness Report, by the African Development Bank. The report states that “After years of fluctuation, most recently, because of the drastic brakes on mobility imposed to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2023 Africa’s countries recorded their highest average Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI) score measured to date.”

The study highlights the positive improvements that have occurred over the last 12 months, and below are some of the most prominent.

10 key milestones listed on the AfDB’s report

  • Citizens of at least one other nation are now granted visa-free entrance into 48 out of 54 countries.
  • Only four countries experienced a reduction in the number of countries that granted visas.
  • 35 countries maintained the same level of access.
  • At least 10 other countries can visit 33 of the 54 nations, without a visa.
  • Citizens of other nations in Africa can now enter 4 African other African states without a visa, up from 3 the year prior.
  • Citizens of at least one other African nation are eligible for a visa upon arrival in 30 nations.
  • Citizens of no fewer than 35 African nations are eligible for a visa upon arrival in 12 countries. “The same 12 countries only require a visa ahead of travel from the citizens of nine African countries.”
  • More than half of the continent still needs to apply for visas in advance of travel to 30 nations.
  • Citizens of at least one other nation on the continent are required by 44 countries to get a visa before arrival.
  • 24 nations make travel easier by providing e-visas.

Source: Business Insider

What’s On African Airlines’ Christmas Lists In 2023?

African airlines made international headlines on several occasions this year with big aircraft orders, brand transformations, and many African firsts. Undoubtedly, the continent has a lot of potential to have a sustainable and robust aviation sector, but an equal measure of challenges, which will most likely persist for years to come.

However, there are numerous issues that airline operators hope can be addressed in the short term to create a more manageable operating environment. Following industry trends and conversations with various stakeholders, we can predict what African airlines will have on their Christmas wishlist this year. In the last quarter, we have seen many carriers launching exciting festive campaigns, surprising customers with gifts, and ultimately spreading the festive cheer. But what do the airlines want as we head into the new year?

Liberalization of the African skies

Liberalization of the African skies is possible through the full implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). This concept has been widely discussed in general conversations, university classes, and almost every major aviation conference. Various airlines and stakeholders will be hoping for less talk and more action regarding the implementation of SAATM.

Open skies in Africa will significantly enhance intra-continental travel, allowing new entrants and existing airlines to access new markets, improve their schedules, offer new routes, and ultimately make air travel more accessible. Beyond just aviation, many sectors stand to benefit from liberalization, as seen in other markets like Europe and North America. It will stimulate economic growth – raising the GDP of many African countries and improving the welfare of general citizens, in line with the African Union Agenda 2063.

Airlines will be able to fly more frequently, and if countries grant each other more fifth freedom rights, they will be able to transport more passengers between various city pairs and make several routes more profitable. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), trade opportunities will increase, allowing African airlines to carry more people and goods between countries. While full liberalization will not happen immediately, African airlines will keep it on the list.

Stronger partnerships

Many African airlines have understood the importance of partnerships and continue to explore more opportunities to pool their resources and knowledge to stimulate growth. This year, we saw some landmark agreements between African and non-African carriers, like Airlink’s interline partnership with Etihad in March, Kenya Airways’ interline agreement with Emirates in June, Lufthansa’s codeshare agreement with South African Airways in August.

We’ve also seen African carriers coming together for codeshares and technical support, like Royal Air Maroc and Air Senegal recently, as well as Air Algerie and Mauritania Airlines in May, allowing for cooperation in maintenance, training, catering, sales, and product supply. Over the years, Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with the Togolese, Zambian, and Malawian governments to set up national carriers in the respective countries.

While some African carriers prefer to remain isolated and attempt to grow independently, others wish to form stronger partnerships in 2024. Kenya Airways and SAA have been in talks to form a pan-African airline group to scale up and become more competitive internationally. Kenya Airways CEO Alan Kilavuka has been advocating for consolidation among African airlines to ensure growth. Speaking to Richard Quest on CNN, Kilavuka said,

“What I have been championing since taking this role is consolidation in the African airline industry. We need to come together as African airlines to develop more scale and grow from forty-odd aircraft to double or triple that number. Africa is a large continent, so together with reducing costs and consolidation of the airline industry, those two things will definitely help to alleviate the problem and make us more viable.”

Stronger partnerships between African airlines and private entities will also be at the top of the wishlist for some carriers. The South African government has been negotiating a semi-privatization deal for the SAA, which will see a private equity partner, Takatso Consortium, acquire a 51% stake in the national carrier. The deal was conditionally approved by the Competition Tribunal in July, and the Public Enterprises Minister expects it to go through by the end of the year or early next year. The latter is now the more sensible option.

Better governance

This Christmas, African airlines wish for better governance as they have been severely impacted by poor political and economic decisions. They hope for fewer conflicts, more robust economies, the release of blocked funds, and more considerate decision-making at a governmental level regarding aviation.

Fewer conflicts and airspace closures

Firstly, political instability cost airlines a lot this year. We saw two major airspace closures, coups, unexpected curfews, outbreaks of violence, and other undesirable incidents that affected airline operations. This started with the closure of Sudanese airspace in April, followed by Niger’s airspace closure in August, and a temporary closure of Gabon’s airspace a few weeks later. In August as well, violence in Tripoli forced a temporary closure of Mitiga Airport.

These incidents caused significant losses for airlines as they had to remove aircraft from certain airports, suspend services to several destinations, and re-route flights to avoid the no-fly zones. As such, African airlines would appreciate a much more stable political environment in 2024.

More robust economies

Many airlines in Africa have been operating for years without making a profit, with those not in a position to rely on government bailouts effectively shutting down. One of the most pressing challenges is the continued depreciation of African economies. Globally, high inflation was among the major economic challenges in 2022.

While the peak period has passed, inflation remains significantly high in many African countries, resulting in high costs for airlines and consumers. In big economies like Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, the local currency has significantly depreciated against the US Dollar over the last year, weighing down airlines operating in these regions. Speaking in an interview with Simple Flying earlier this month, CEO of South Africa’s LIFT, Jonathan Ayache, said,

“For South Africa, specifically, we’re operating in a market where we generate our revenue in Rands (ZAR), but our key costs are driven by the dollar (US$). So, it’s been really challenging this past year because the Rand has weakened significantly.”

Lower costs and reduced taxes

While African airlines can benefit from liberalization, partnerships, and political stability, reduction of costs will be among the top on this year’s wishlist. The cost of operating an airline in Africa is much higher than in any other region. In 2023, the price of jet fuel in Africa, as well as airport taxes and user charges, remained significantly higher than the industry average.

Releasing of blocked funds

Another major challenge that continues to slow down the development of the African aviation industry is the issue of blocked funds. In a media briefing this month, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) stated that about $1.9 billion remains trapped in Africa, accounting for about 75% of funds blocked globally.

Nigeria continues to top the list with over $792 million as of October 2023. Many airlines, both African and non-African, hope to repatriate some funds from Nigeria and other African countries next year. More specifically, Nigerian carriers like Air Peace wish to receive over $15 million owed to them by the government.

Better infrastructure and MRO facilities

The lack of sufficient air transport infrastructure has also hindered the growth of Africa’s aviation industry. As of 2021, several African countries ranked well below the 100 mark in the global air transport infrastructure ranking, especially in the western and central parts of the continent. While improvements have been made post-pandemic, African airlines will surely hope for faster progress in 2024.

Regarding expenses, African carriers also face excessively high maintenance costs. Additionally, the lack of adequate Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in many countries forces airlines to keep aircraft out of service for more extended periods as equipment is sent overseas. In September, Air Peace reported that 15 aircraft were stuck abroad due to Nigeria’s lack of adequate maintenance facilities.

Full return to pre-pandemic levels

One of the last crucial items on African airlines’ Christmas lists will be a full return to pre-pandemic levels. While passenger traffic has exceeded 2019 levels in many parts of the world and even other parts of Africa, several countries are still recovering. Many of the challenges still faced today have affected the restoration of traffic to pre-pandemic levels. While passenger traffic in other regions like Northern and Eastern Africa has exceeded pre-pandemic levels, Southern Africa continues to lag behind, with full recovery expected in 2024/25.

As mentioned earlier, many impediments faced by African carriers will most likely not go away immediately. However, stakeholders will continue addressing these issues to achieve the ultimate goal of maximizing the potential of air transport and ensuring a sustainable operating environment.

Source: Simple Flying.

Africa shines in the 2023 Telegraph Travel Awards

Nearly 30,000 readers who took part in a comprehensive survey conducted via The Telegraph’s global travel news platform have placed South Africa ahead of all other global destinations for 2023.

The southern African country snatched the coveted title of most-favored global country destination to dethrone long-standing favorite, New Zealand.

Participants rated the country’s remarkable accessibility from the UK and the US as a significant plus for the country, praising South Africa’s accessibility thanks to direct flights to both Johannesburg and Cape Town. Also important to travelers from Europe was minimal jet lag thanks to near-identical time zones.
Besides accessibility, voters cited a plethora of features, including the breathtaking landscapes of the Drakensberg /uKhahlamba mountain range and Motlatse Canyon, the captivating wildlife of Kruger National Park and the nation’s vibrant cultural tapestry.

The allure of African travel extended beyond South Africa, with Botswana and Kenya also making it into the top 10 list.

Despite requiring a change of flights for travelers, Botswana’s safari convenience and the mesmerizing Okavango Delta garnered it a loyal following.

Meanwhile, Kenya, a renowned safari hub, showcased its resilience as a preferred travel destination by consistently making the top 10 list.

Beyond the favorite country category, Cape Town, fondly known as the “Mother City”, stood tall as the world’s best city for travel.

Readers were drawn to its year-round favorable weather, its iconic Table Mountain and the city’s luxurious hospitality sector nestled among pristine beaches.

The awards and recognition come at a time when South Africa’s tourism and travel market is witnessing a major rebound after the Covid-19 pandemic and an increase in overall tourism numbers.

Kgomotso Ramothea, a communications and marketing lead for South African Tourism in charge of the UK and Ireland, said the accolades are a testament to the remarkable experiences South Africa offers its visitors.

“They underscore the unwavering dedication of our vibrant tourism industry,” she said.

Tourism data from the South African Department of Tourism reveals 303,848 arrivals from the UK and Ireland in 2022.

Arrivals from the two countries in the first quarter of 2023, January to May, increased by more than 50 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Source: The Star

Kenya Tourism Board Targets African American Tourists.

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is actively reaching out to African American travelers, aiming to provide them with immersive cultural experiences and adventure.

The Ag CEO of KTB, John Chirchir, highlighted Kenya’s unique appeal as a destination that combines cultural richness with biodiversity.

Chirchir expressed his enthusiasm about including the African American segment which represents 13% of the US population and ranks as Kenya’s third-best performing tourism market.

According to Chirchir, KTB’s goal is to “capture their interest, encouraging them to establish not only a connection with their African heritage but also with Kenya’s prominent role in global conservation efforts.”

During a recent familiarization tour, travel advisors and influencers explored Nairobi, the Maasai Mara, and the Kenyan coast, gaining destination knowledge, and providing valuable marketing insights.

Personalities like Gbenga Akinnagbe, Angelique Miles, Bevy Smith, and Iesha Reed participated in the week-long trip, leveraging their influence to reshape perceptions about Kenya and Africa.

Chirchir emphasized the importance of using influencers to present a diverse and rich image of Kenya, countering stereotypes perpetuated by foreign media.

According to KTB, Kenya aims to showcase its cultural wealth to a broader audience by using cultural festivals aligning with the preferences of culturally inclined global travelers.

Source: Citizen Digital